7.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 87/1

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MINUTES

(2004/C 87 E/01)

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SITTING

IN THE CHAIR: David W. MARTIN

Vice-President

1.   Resumption of session

The sitting opened at 17.00.

2.   Announcements by the President

On behalf of Parliament, the President paid tribute to the victims of the shipyard accident which occurred in Saint-Nazaire on 15 November, and to the victims of the two terrorist attacks on synagogues perpetrated that same day in Istanbul. He expressed his sympathy and his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Turkish Government.

Parliament observed a minute's silence.

The President announced that Tueday's sitting would begin with a tribute to the Italian soldiers killed in Nasiriya.

3.   Approval of Minutes of previous sitting

Giorgio Lisi had informed the Presidency that he had been present at the sitting of 5 November 2003 but that his name was not on the attendance register.

The Minutes of the previous sitting were approved.

4.   Documents received

The following documents had been received:

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from the Council and Commission: — Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directives 73/239/EEC, 85/611/EEC, 91/675/EEC, 93/6/EEC and 94/19/EC and Directives 2000/12/EC, 2002/83/EC and 2002/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, in order to establish a new financial services committee organisational structure (COM(2003) 659 — C5-0520/2003 — 2003/0263(COD)) referred to responsible: ECON   opinion: AFCO legal basis: Article 47(2) EC — Opinion of the Council on transfer of appropriations 29/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part A — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0522/2003 — 2003/2185(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 34/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 256 — C5-0523/2003 — 2003/2198(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 36/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 257 — C5-0524/2003 — 2003/2199(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for a Council decision adapting the Act of Accession of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, following the reform of the common agricultural policy (COM(2003) 643 — C5-0525/2003 — 2003/0253(CNS)) referred to responsible: AGRI   opinion: BUDG legal basis: Article 2 Accession Treaty, Article 23, Act of Accession — Proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice regarding environmental matters (COM(2003) 625 — C5-0526/2003 — 2003/0249(CNS)) referred to responsible: ENVI   opinion: LIBE, JURI legal basis: Articles 175(1), 300(2), first subparagrah EC — Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1655/2000 concerning the Financial Instrument for the Environment (LIFE) (COM(2003) 667 — C5-0527/2003 — 2003/0260(COD)) referred to responsible: ENVI   opinion: BUDG legal basis: Article 175(1) EC — Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a multiannual programme (2004-2006) for the effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (eLearning Programme) (COM(2003) 699 — C5-0528/2003 — 2002/0303(COD)) referred to responsible: CULT   opinion: BUDG, ITRE, FEMM legal basis: Articles 149(4) and 150(4) EC — Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision Establishing a programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through co-operation with third countries (Erasmus World) (2004-2008) (COM(2003) 694 — C5-0529/2003 — 2002/0165(COD)) referred to responsible: CULT   opinion: AFET, BUDG, EMPL, FEMM legal basis: Article 149 EC — Opinion of the Commission pursuant to Article 251(2), third subparagraph, point (c) of the EC Treaty, on the European Parliament's amendments to the Council's Common Position regarding the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety of third countries aircraft using community airports (COM(2003) 674 — C5-0537/2003 — 2002/0014(COD)) referred to responsible: RETT   opinion: BUDG, LIBE, JURI, ENVI legal basis: Article 80(2) EC — Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the addition of vitamins and minerals and of certain other substances to foods (COM(2003) 671 — C5-0538/2003 — 2003/0262(COD)) referred to responsible: ENVI   opinion: JURI, ITRE legal basis: Article 95 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 35/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 286 — C5-0539/2003 — 2003/2206(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 40/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 282 — C5-0540/2003 — 2003/2208(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 41/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 285 — C5-0541/2003 — 2003/2209(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for transfer of appropriations 37/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (SEC(2003) 284 — C5-0542/2003 — 2003/2207(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Opinion of the Council on transfer of appropriations 28/2003 between Chapters in Section III — Commission — Part B — of the General Budget for the European Union for the financial year 2003 (C5-0543/2003 — C5-0543/2003 — 2003/2186(GBD)) referred to responsible: BUDG legal basis: Article 274 EC — Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2501/2001 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences for the period from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2004 and extending it to 31 December 2005 (COM(2003) 634 — C5-0544/2003 — 2003/0259(ACC)) referred to responsible: DEVE   opinion: ITRE legal basis: Article 133 EC

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from committees: (2.1) reports: — * Report on the Initiative of the Hellenic Republic with a view to adopting a Council Decision determining the minimum indications to be used on signs at external border crossing points (8830/2003 — C5-0253/2003 — 2003/0815(CNS)) — Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Deprez (A5-0366/2003). — Report on the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee — On a Comprehensive EU Policy Against Corruption (COM(2003) 317 — C5-0374/2003 — 2003/2154(INI)) — Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Rutelli (A5-0367/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community action programme to promote active European citizenship (civic participation) (Enhanced cooperation between committees — Rule 162a) (COM(2003) 276 — C5-0321/2003 — 2003/0116(CNS)) — Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Rühle (A5-0368/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision amending decision 2002/834/EC on the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: ‘Integrating and strengthening the European research area’ (2002-2006) (COM(2003) 390 — C5-0349/2003 — 2003/0151(CNS)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Liese (A5-0369/2003). — Second report on the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — European Defence — Industrial and market issues — Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy — (Enhanced cooperation between committees — Rule 162a) (COM(2003) 113 — C5-0212/2003 — 2003/2096(INI)) — Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Queiro (A5-0370/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (COM(2003) 331 — C5-0315/2003 — 2003/0118(CNS)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Frahm (A5-0371/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion, on behalf of the European Community, of the 1998 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution on Persistent Organic Pollutants (COM(2003) 332 — C5-0318/2003 — 2003/0117(CNS)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Frahm (A5-0372/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council framework decision to strengthen the criminal law framework for the enforcement of the law against ship-source pollution (COM(2003) 227 — C5-0244/2003 — 2003/0088(CNS)) — Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Di Lello Finuoli (A5-0373/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation on amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95/EC laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks (COM(2003) 220 — C5-0199/2003 — 2003/0086(COD)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mrs Read (A5-0374/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision on Interoperable Delivery of pan-European eGovernment Services to Public Administrations, Businesses and Citizens (IDABC) (COM(2003) 406 — C5-0310/2003 — 2003/0147(COD)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mrs Read (A5-0375/2003). — Report on the Eighth Report from the Commission on the implementation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Package (COM(2002) 695 — C5-0208/2003 — 2003/2090(INI)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Clegg (A5-0376/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the analysis and cooperation with regard to counterfeit euro coins (13203/2/2003 — C5-0471/2003 — 2003/0158(CNS)) — Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Schmid (A5-0377/2003). — Report on ‘Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours’ (COM(2003) 104 — C5-0110/2003 — 2003/2018(INI)) — Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. Rapporteur: Mrs Napoletano (A5-0378/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision approving the accession of the European Community to the International Plant Protection Convention, as revised and approved by Resolution 12/97 of the Twenty-ninth Session of the FAO Conference in November 1997 (Simplified procedure — Rule 158(1) of the Rules of Procedures) (COM(2003) 470 — C5-0392/2003 — 2003/0178(CNS)) — Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Daul (A5-0379/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 1696/71 on the common organisation of the market in hops (Simplified procedure — Rule 158(1) of the Rules of Procedures) (COM(2003) 562 — C5-0460/2003 — 2003/0216(CNS)) — Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Daul (A5-0380/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council recommendation on cancer screening (COM(2003) 230 — C5-0322/2003 — 2003/0093(CNS)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Mussa (A5-0381/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation introducing, on the occasion of the accession of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, special temporary measures for recruitment of officials of the European Communities (COM(2003) 351 — C5-0287/2003 — 2003/0123(CNS)) — Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market. Rapporteur: Mr Medina Ortega (A5-0382/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 92/81/EEC and Directive 92/82/EEC to introduce special tax arrangements for diesel fuel used for commercial purposes and to align the excise duties on petrol and diesel fuel (COM(2002) 410 — C5-0409/2002 — 2002/0191(CNS)) — Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Kauppi (A5-0383/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a Community action programme for bodies promoting reciprocal understanding of relations between the European Union and certain non-industrialised regions in the world (Enhanced cooperation between committees — Rule 162a) (COM(2003) 280 — C5-0350/2003 — 2003/0110(CNS)) — Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Sacrédeus (A5-0384/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation on enhancing ship and port facility security (COM(2003) 229 — C5-0218/2003 — 2003/0089(COD)) — Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Mrs Miguélez Ramos (A5-0385/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animal and amending Regulation (EEC) No 3508/92 (COM(2002) 729 — C5-0027/2003 — 2002/0297(CNS)) — Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mr Adam (A5-0386/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council directive on shipsource pollution and on the introduction of sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for pollution offences (Enhanced cooperation between committees — Rule 162a) (COM(2003) 92 — C5-0076/2003 — 2003/0037(COD)) — Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Mr Pex (A5-0388/2003). — Report on Investing in research: an action plan for Europe (COM(2003) 226 — C5-0381/2003 — 2003/2148(INI)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Linkohr (A5-0389/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation on amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1080/2000 of 22 May 2000 on support for the United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (OHR) (COM(2003) 389 — C5-0325/2003 — 2003/0143(CNS)) — Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Swoboda (A5-0390/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation on shipments of waste (COM(2003) 379 — C5-0365/2003 — 2003/0139(COD)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Blokland (A5-0391/2003). — * Report on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto in agricultural products and foodstuffs (COM(2003) 014 — C5-0021/2003 — 2003/0002(CNS)) — Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Mrs Auroi (A5-0392/2003). — Report on the Commission report on the evaluation of the activities of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) — 2002/2237(INI)) — Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Mr Bösch (A5-0393/2003). — Report on the follow-up report on Council Directive 75/442/EEC (Waste Framework Directive) (COM(2003) 250 — C5-0409/2003 — 2003/2124(INI)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Blokland (A5-0394/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1734/94 on financial an technical cooperation with the Occupied Territories (Simplified procedure — Rule 158(2) of the Rules of Procedure) (COM(2003) 523 — C5-0403/2003 — 2003/0204(COD)) — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Mr Berenguer Fuster (A5-0395/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision establishing a Community action programme to promote organisations active at European level in the field of equality between men and women (Enhanced cooperation between committees — Rule 162a) (COM(2003) 279 — C5-0261/2003 — 2003/0109(COD)) — Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities. Rapporteur: Mrs Kratsa (A5-0396/2003). — Report on The Stabilisation and Association Process for South East Europe: Second Annual Report (COM(2003) 139 — C5-0211/2003 — 2003/2094(INI)) — Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy. Rapporteur: Mr J.J. Lagendijk (A5-0397/2003). — Report with a proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on the second-generation Schengen information system (SIS II) — 2003/2180(INI)) — Committee on Citizen's Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Mr Coelho (A5-0398/2003). — *** I Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons and their families moving within the Community, and Council Regulation (EEC) No 574/72 fixing the procedure for implementing Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71, in respect of the alignment of rights and the simplification of procedures (COM(2003) 378 — C5-0290/2003 — 2003/0138(COD)) — Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. Rapporteur: Mrs Jensen (A5-0399/2003). (2.2) recommendations for second reading: — *** II Recommendation for second reading on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council directive on setting standards of quality and safety for the donation, procurement, testing, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells (10133/3/2003 — C5-0416/2003 — 2002/0128(COD)) — Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy. Rapporteur: Mr Liese (A5-0387/2003).

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from Members: (3.1) oral questions for Question Time (Rule 43): — from María Avilés Perea, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, to the Commission, on Eurostat (B5-0415/2003). (3.2) oral questions for Question Time (Rule 43): — Purvis John, Flemming Marialiese, Hedkvist Petersen Ewa, Corbett Richard, Nogueira Román Camilo, Moraes Claude, Cushnahan John Walls, Sandbæk Ulla Margrethe, Morgantini Luisa, Poos Jacques F., Dhaene Jan, Boogerd-Quaak Johanna L.A., Pronk Bartho, McKenna Patricia, Kinnock Glenys, Posselt Bernd, Zacharakis Christos, Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou Rodi, Scallon Dana Rosemary, Crowley Brian, Fitzsimons James (Jim), Harbour Malcolm, Hume John, Schroedter Elisabeth, Newton Dunn Bill, Alavanos Alexandros, Ortuondo Larrea Josu, Doyle Avril, Evans Jillian, Karamanou Anna, Sacrédeus Lennart, Folias Christos, Sornosa Martínez María, Jackson Caroline F., Karas Othmar, Medina Ortega Manuel, Gahrton Per, Lage Carlos, Hatzidakis Konstantinos, Ford Glyn, Izquierdo Rojo María, Sjöstedt Jonas, Thors Astrid, Hyland Liam, Ó Neachtain Seán, Dührkop Dührkop Bárbara, Paasilinna Reino, Laguiller Arlette, Trakatellis Antonios, Frahm Pernille, Andrews Niall, Casaca Paulo, Souladakis Ioannis, Patakis Ioannis, Korakas Efstratios, Zorba Myrsini, Rübig Paul, Riis-Jørgensen Karin- Alavanos Alexandros, Turco Maurizio, Martínez Martínez Miguel Angel, Ludford Sarah, Nogueira Román Camilo, Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou Rodi, Ortuondo Larrea Josu, Wyn Eurig, McKenna Patricia, McAvan Linda, Sacrédeus Lennart, Medina Ortega Manuel, Posselt Bernd, Mayol i Raynal Miquel, Ford Glyn, Zacharakis Christos, Izquierdo Rojo María, Sjöstedt Jonas, Crowley Brian, Hyland Liam, Ó Neachtain Seán, Fitzsimons James (Jim), Thors Astrid, Marset Campos Pedro, Andrews Niall, Casaca Paulo, Souladakis Ioannis, Schroedter Elisabeth, Patakis Ioannis, Korakas Efstratios, Alyssandrakis Konstantinos, Trakatellis Antonios (3.3) motions for resolution (Rule 48): — Franz Turchi, on behalf of the UEN Group, on converting nuclear weapons into energy resources (B5-0469/2003) referred to responsible: ITRE — Roberto Felice Bigliardo, Cristiana Muscardini, Sebastiano (Nello) Musumeci, Antonio Mussa, Mauro Nobilia and Franz Turchi, on behalf of the UEN Group, on the proposal to set up a ‘Border Management Agency’ (B5-0470/2003) referred to responsible: LIBE — Mario Borghezio, on compensation from Germany for former Italian military internees (B5-0478/2003) referred to responsible: LIBE   opinion: AFET (3.4) proposals for recommendations (Rule 49): — Alexandros Baltas, on behalf of the PSE Group, on the application of Croatia for accession to the EU (B5-0476/2003) referred to responsible: AFET (3.5) written declarations for entry in the Register (Rule 51): — Caroline Lucas, Ulla Margrethe Sandbæk and Pernille Frahm on the effects of pesticide exposure on residents and others in agricultural areas — 26/2003 — Marco Cappato and Daniel Marc Cohn-Bendit on the World Summit Information Society (WSIS) in Tunisia — 27/2003;

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from the Parliament Delegation to the Conciliation Committee: — *** III Report on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a European Parliament and Council directive on market access to port services (PE-CONS 3670/2003 — C5-0461/2003 — 2001/0047(COD)) Rapporteur: Mr Jarzembowski (A5-0364/2003) — *** III Report on the joint text by the Conciliation Committee for a European Parliament and Council directive on amending Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (PE-CONS 3665/2003 — C5-0435/2003 — 2001/0257(COD)) Rapporteur: Mr Lisi (A5-0365/2003)

5.   Membership of Parliament

Emilia Franziska Müller had been appointed Member of the Government of Bavaria.

Since, pursuant to Rule 8(4) of its Rules of Procedure and Article 6(2) of the Act concerning the election of representatives of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, this office was incompatible with that of Member of the European Parliament, Parliament established, pursuant to Article 12(2), second subparagraph, of the aforementioned Act, that the vacancy would take effect from 6 November 2003.

6.   Verification of credentials

On a proposal from the JURI Committee, Parliament validated the mandates of Cees Bremmer, João Gouveia and Säid El Khadraoui.

7.   Petitions

The following petitions, which had been entered in the register on the dates shown below, had been forwarded to the committee responsible, pursuant to Rule 174(5):

27 October 2003

by Mr Jose Cannizzo (No 1071/2003);

by Mr Cesar Solveira Rodriguez (No 1072/2003);

by Mr Mahrez Chabbi (No 1073/2003);

by Mr Gilles Daulphin (No 1074/2003);

by Mr Guy Maestrucci (No 1075/2003);

by Mr Mensah Adzessi (No 1076/2003);

by Mr Marco Petraroia (No 1077/2003);

by Mrs Laura Fornelli (No 1078/2003);

by Mr Carlo Oldani (Coordinamento Comitati NOtangenziale Parco del Ticino e Parco Agricolo Sud Milano) (No 1079/2003);

by Mr Sindicato Nacional dos Trabalhodores do Sector Ferroviário (No 1080/2003);

by Mrs Ingetraud Müller (Bürgerinitiative Rettet die Marienfelder Feldmark) (and 3 signatories) (No 1081/2003);

by Mr Uwe Engel (and 6 signatories) (No 1082/2003);

by Mr Rasim Zukic (No 1083/2003);

by Herbert and Monika Kollakowski (No 1084/2003);

by Mrs Nicole Krabbe (No 1085/2003);

by Mrs Sabine Hancl (No 1086/2003);

by Mr Fintan McCarthy (Green Party-Comhaontas Glas) (and 2 signatories) (No 1087/2003);

by Mr William Alexander (No 1088/2003);

by Mr John Watts (No 1089/2003);

by Mr Gareth Thomas (No 1090/2003);

by Mr Angel Ariel Mammana (No 1091/2003);

5 November 2003

by Mr Frieder Weinhold (Christlicher Hilfsverein Wismar e.V.) (and 89 signatories) (No 1092/2003);

by Mrs Marion Swatschek (No 1093/2003);

by Mr Wolfgang Gerber (No 1094/2003);

by Mr Karl Heinz Duthel (No 1095/2003);

by Mr Michael Ostafijcuk (No 1096/2003);

by Mr Paul Midwig (No 1097/2003);

by Mr Necip Yilmaz (No 1098/2003);

by Mrs Hilde Ahrens (BIBA 67) (No 1099/2003);

by Mr Franz Rex (No 1100/2003);

by Mr Peter Szutrely (Semmelweis Gesellschaft) (and 2 signatories) (No 1101/2003);

by Mrs Rebecca Rhiannon Byrne (Stainton Grove Action Group) (No 1102/2003);

by Mr Wolfgang Mundstein (No 1103/2003);

by Mr Terence Alan Davis (No 1104/2003);

by Mrs Jayne Fisk (No 1105/2003);

by Mr Guilherme Rodrigues (No 1106/2003);

by Mr Maurice Jones (No 1107/2003);

by Mr Christopher Nelson (No 1108/2003);

by Mr Stuart John Eels (and 6 signatories) (No 1109/2003);

by Mr Peter Peereboom (No 1110/2003);

by Mrs Mahsa Fahimnia (No 1111/2003);

by Mr Özcan Kaldoyo (ACSA-Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac-Association) (No 1112/2003);

by Mr Kyriakou Stathis (No 1113/2003);

by Mr Spyridou Kavvouras Kollias (No 1114/2003);

by Mr Carlos Rodriguez Huray (No 1115/2003);

by Mr Miguel Angel Diez Blanco (No 1116/2003);

by Mr Xan Duro Fernandez (Asociación para a Defensa Ecolóxica de Galiza) (No 1117/2003);

by Mr Fernando Cantos Vinals (No 1118/2003);

by Mrs Dolores Campos (Mujeres de Negro de Valencia — Casa de la Dona) (No 1119/2003);

by Mr Martino Nercellas Mendez (Federación Ecoloxista Galega) (No 1120/2003);

by Mr Stéphan Bellegy (No 1121/2003);

by Mr Michele Giordano (No 1122/2003);

by Mr Vangelis Papachristou (No 1123/2003);

by Mr Gerard Defort (No 1124/2003);

by Mr Antoine Penna (No 1125/2003);

by Mr Michel Marechal (SPESF) (No 1126/2003);

by Mr Marc Augoy Ard (Collectif d'habitants de la SACVL Plateau Nord) (No 1127/2003);

by Mr Hubert Devaux (Les Shih du Val D'Eon) (No 1128/2003);

by Mrs Ulla Britt Perret Lundberg (No 1129/2003);

by Mrs Yvon Marais (Association de Défense des Riverains de la Zac de Ballan-Miré) (No 1130/2003);

by Mr Luc Schneekloth (Pro Niños Pobres Colombia) (No 1131/2003);

by Mrs Elena Magni (No 1132/2003);

by Mr Paolo Sanviti (Centro Prevenzione Crisi Socioculturali) (No 1133/2003);

by Mrs Giovanna Della Torre (Perché non possiamo dirci cristiani?) (No 1134/2003);

by Mr Fabrizio Torsi (No 1135/2003);

by Mr Antonio Agherbino (No 1136/2003);

by Mr Luciano Bruno Venusto (No 1137/2003);

by Mr Cesar Figueiredo (No 1138/2003);

by Mr Francisco José Veiga Trindade Mendes (No 1139/2003);

14 November 2003

by Mrs Edda Witte (Verein der in der DDR geschiedenen Frauen e.V.) (and 2 355 signatories) (No 1140/2003);

by Mr Jacob Büns (No 1141/2003);

by Mr Joachim Adrian von Mitschke-Collande (No 1142/2003);

by Mr Michael Maurer (No 1143/2003);

by Mr Peter Alt (No 1144/2003);

by Mrs Heike Kreutzfeldt (No 1145/2003);

by Mr Josef Gerats (Interessenverband ehemaliger Teilnehmer am antifaschistischen Widerstand, Verfolgter des Naziregimes und Hinterbliebener (IV VdN) e.V.) (No 1146/2003);

by Mr Paulo Jacopino (No 1147/2003);

by Mrs Maria Burgon (and 248 signatories) (No 1148/2003);

by Mr Robert William Henry (AMP — Against More Pylons) (and 4 signatories) (No 1149/2003);

by Mr Gilberto Bini (Ricercatori SPS) (No 1150/2003);

by Mrs Jane Ridsdill (Residents Association) (No 1151/2003);

by Mr Matthew Downey (No 1152/2003);

by Mr Simon Mansell (No 1153/2003);

by Mrs Doina Haasdijk-Vasile (No 1154/2003);

by Mr Constant Verbraeken (No 1155/2003);

by Mr Petros Tatoulis (No 1156/2003);

by Mrs Carmen Ruigomez Guerra (Asociación Centro-Sur) (No 1157/2003);

by Mr Daniel Silberman (No 1158/2003);

by Mr Francisco De Miguel Gimeno (Iniciatiova Ciudadana de Solidaridad y Defensa de los Derechos de Palestina) (No 1159/2003);

by Mr Luis Mayoral Gazquez (No 1160/2003);

by Mr Bernardo Robles Marin (Caralluma — Asociación para la Defensa de la Naturaleza y Alternativa) (No 1161/2003);

by Mrs Marine Lamandé (Association de Défense des Actionnaires Salariés et Retraités de la société Air France (Adasraf)) (No 1162/2003);

by Mr Joel Philipot (No 1163/2003);

by Mr Michel Weiss (No 1164/2003);

by Mr Sebastien Petrucci (No 1165/2003);

by Mrs Veronique Noni (Syndicat National des Techniciens Supérieurs des Services du Ministère chargé de l'Agriculture) (No 1166/2003);

by Mrs Marie Boyer (No 1167/2003);

by Mrs Natualie Luthold (No 1168/2003);

by Mrs Maria Rosita Barone (No 1169/2003);

by Mr Giovanni Panunzio (Telefono Antiplagio) (No 1170/2003);

by Mr Roberto Marcoccio (No 1171/2003);

by Mr Arcangelo Mazza (No 1172/2003);

by Mr Lorenzo Spadon (No 1173/2003);

by Mr Gianfranco Araldi (No 1174/2003);

by Mr Giuseppe Fontana (No 1175/2003);

by Mr Fabio Garuglieri (No 1176/2003);

by Mr Virgilio Rodrigues Brandao (Civitate-Hospis — Associação Pro Direitos Humanos e Imigração) (No 1177/2003).

8.   Transfers of appropriations

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations No 29/2003 (C5-0475/2003) — SEC(2003) 1132).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

FROM:
Chapter A-40 — Management of resources
— Article A-402 — Concours interinstitutionnels
— Item A-4021 — European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO)	NDA	-1 000 000 EUR
Chapter A-45 — Administrative offices
— Article A-451 — Office for the Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements	NDA	-2 000 000 EUR
— Article A-452 — Office for Infrastructure and Logistics (Brussels)	NDA	-5 600 000 EUR
— Article A-453 — Office for Infrastructure and Logistics (Luxembourg)	NDA	-2 300 000 EUR
Chapter A-60 — Staff and administrative expenditure of European Community delegations
— Article A-600 — Staff expenditure of European Community delegations
— Item A-6000 — Salaries, allowances and reimbursement of expenses for officials and temporary staff	NDA	-2 800 000 EUR
TO:
Chapter A-11 — Staff in active employment
— Article A-110 — Officials and temporary staff holding a post provided for in the establishment plans
— Item A-1100 — Basic salaries	NDA	13 700 000 EUR

*

* *

The Committee on Budgets had considered proposal for transfer of appropriations No 30/2003 (C5-0509/2003) — SEC(2003) 1198).

It had authorised the transfer, pursuant to Articles 24(3) and 181(1) of the Financial Regulation of 25 June 2002, in accordance with the following breakdown:

FROM:
Chapter B0-40 — Provisional appropriations
— Item B7-6600 — External cooperation measures	CA	-6 400 000 EUR
— Item B7-8000 — International fisheries agreements	CA	-2 535 050 EUR
Chapter B7-30 — Cooperation with Asian developing countries
— Article B7-300A — Financial and technical cooperation with Asian developing countries — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	-1 000 000 EUR
Chapter B7-31 — Cooperation with Latin American developing countries
— Article B7-310A — Financial and technical cooperation with Latin American developing countries — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	-2 500 000 EUR
Chapter B7-52 — Assistance to partner countries in eastern Europe and central Asia
— Article B7-520 — Assistance to partner countries in eastern Europe and central Asia	PA	-12 070 000 EUR
— Article B7-520A — Assistance to partner countries in eastern Europe and central Asia — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	- 600 000 EUR
— Article B7-528 — Macroeconomic assistance for the partner countries of eastern Europe and central Asia	CA	-11 500 000 EUR
Chapter B7-54 — Cooperation with the countries of the western Balkans
— Article B7-541A — Assistance for the countries of the western Balkans — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	-1 400 000 EUR
Chapter B7-62 — Multisectoral action
— Article B7-620A — Environment in the developing countries, tropical forests and integrating development issues in development cooperation — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	-1 000 000 EUR
Chapter B7-63 — Social infrastructure and services
— Article B7-631 — Social infrastructure and services
— Item B7-6310A — Social infrastructure and services — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	-1 100 000 EUR
Chapter — B7-80 — International fisheries agreements
— Article B7-800 — International fisheries agreements
— Item B7-8000A — International fisheries agreements — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	- 500 000 EUR
— Item B7-8001A — Contributions to international organisations — Expenditure on administrative management	CA	- 264 950 EUR
— Item B7-8002 — Preparatory work for new international fisheries organisations and other non-compulsory contributions to international organisations	CA	- 200 000 EUR
TO:
Chapter B7-43 — Other operations in favour of Mediterranean third countries and the Middle East
— Article B7-432 — Other operations in favour of Middle East developing countries	CA	29 000 000 EUR
	PA	12 070 000 EUR

9.   Order of business

The next item was the order of business.

The final draft agenda for the November II and December I 2003 sittings (PE 337.907/PDOJ) had been distributed and a number of changes had been proposed (Rule 111):

Sittings of 17 to 20 November 2003

—	Monday — no changes

—

Tuesday — request of the PPE-DE Group to include its oral question to the Commission concerning Eurostat (B5-0414/2003) after the Commission's presentation of its legislative and work programme for 2004 (Item 10 of the PDOJ). The following spoke: James E.M. Elles, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, who moved the request, and Freddy Blak on his remarks. Parliament approved the request by EV (93 for, 74 against, 23 abstentions).

—	Wednesday — no changes

—

Thursday Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 50): — request of the ELDR Group to replace the item ‘Aceh’ by an item ‘Georgia’. Parliament rejected the request. — request of the Verts/ALE Group to replace the item ‘Vietnam: freedom of religion’ by an item ‘Georgia’. Parliament rejected the request.

Sittings of 3 and 4 December 2003

—	no changes

*

* *

The order of business was thus established.

10.   One-minute speeches on matters of political importance

Pursuant to Rule 121a, the following Members who wished to draw the attention of Parliament to matters of political importance spoke for one minute:

Ioannis Patakis, Proinsias De Rossa, Philip Claeys, Jules Maaten, Toine Manders, Roberta Angelilli, Sarah Ludford, Geoffrey Van Orden, Neil MacCormick, Pedro Marset Campos, Konstantinos Alyssandrakis, Glenys Kinnock, Jean Lambert, Jean-Charles Marchiani, Astrid Thors, Christos Zacharakis, Giorgos Katiforis, Ioannis Souladakis, Roy Perry, Charles Tannock, Efstratios Korakas on the last speaker's remarks, Bartho Pronk on the remarks by Konstantinos Alyssandrakis, and Gerard Collins.

11.   European Year of People with Disabilities (2003) (statement followed by debate)

Commission statement: European Year of People with Disabilities (2003)

Anna Diamantopoulou (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

Mario Mantovani, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, spoke.

IN THE CHAIR: Ingo FRIEDRICH

Vice-President

The following spoke: Marie-Hélène Gillig, on behalf of the PSE Group, Elizabeth Lynne, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Ilda Figueiredo, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Uma Aaltonen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Bartho Pronk, Barbara Weiler, Efstratios Korakas, Theodorus J.J. Bouwman, Jan Andersson, Ioannis Koukiadis, John Bowis, Claude Moraes, Hans Karlsson, Paulo Casaca and Anna Diamantopoulou.

The debate closed.

12.   Integrating and strengthening the European research area (2002-2006) * (debate)

Report on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 2002/834/EC on the specific programme for research, technological development and demonstration: ‘Integrating and strengthening the European research area’ (2002-2006) [COM(2003) 390 — C5-0349/2003 — 2003/0151(CNS)] — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Rapporteur: Peter Liese (A5-0369/2003)

Philippe Busquin (Member of the Commission) spoke.

Peter Liese introduced the report.

The following spoke: Giuseppe Gargani (draftsman of the opinion of the JURI Committee), Giuseppe Nisticò, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, and David Robert Bowe, on behalf of the PSE Group.

IN THE CHAIR: James L.C. PROVAN

Vice-President

The following spoke: Elly Plooij-van Gorsel, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Gérard Caudron, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Hiltrud Breyer, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Liam Hyland, on behalf of the UEN Group, Johannes (Hans) Blokland, on behalf of the EDD Group, Marco Cappato, Non-attached Member, John Purvis, Eryl Margaret McNally, Astrid Thors, Geneviève Fraisse, Hiltrud Breyer, José Ribeiro e Castro, Marjo Matikainen-Kallström, Carlos Lage, Arlette Laguiller, Luis Berenguer Fuster, Roger Helmer, Marialiese Flemming, Concepció Ferrer, Dana Rosemary Scallon, Francesco Fiori, Peter Liese, Proinsias De Rossa, who disputed the remarks made during the debate concerning the Irish Constitution, Eryl Margaret McNally on the voting order of the amendments to be voted on Wednesday, Astrid Thors on the last remarks made by the rapporteur and Philippe Busquin.

IN THE CHAIR: Gérard ONESTA

Vice-President

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 19.11.2003, Item 16.

13.   Investment in research (debate)

Report on the communication on investing in research: an action plan for Europe [COM(2003) 226 — C5-0381/2003 — 2003/2148(INI)] — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Rapporteur: Rolf Linkohr (A5-0389/2003)

Rolf Linkohr introduced the report.

Philippe Busquin (Member of the Commission) spoke.

The following spoke: Marjo Matikainen-Kallström, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, Eryl Margaret McNally, on behalf of the PSE Group, Elly Plooij-van Gorsel, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Konstantinos Alyssandrakis, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, and Philippe Busquin.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 18.11.2003, Item 14.

14.   Community financial aid to trans-European networks ***I — Pan-European e-government services ***I — Implementation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Package (debate)

Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council regulation amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2236/95 laying down general rules for the granting of Community financial aid in the field of trans-European networks [COM(2003) 220 — C5-0199/2003 — 2003/0086(COD)] — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Rapporteur: Imelda Mary Read (A5-0374/2003)

Report on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council decision on Interoperable Delivery of pan-European e-Government Services to Public Administrations, Businesses and Citizens (IDABC) [COM(2003) 406 — C5-0310/2003 — 2003/0147(COD)] — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Rapporteur: Imelda Mary Read (A5-0375/2003)

Report on the Eighth Report from the Commission on the implementation of the Telecommunications Regulatory Package [COM(2002) 695 — 2003/2090(INI)] — Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy.

Rapporteur: Nicholas Clegg (A5-0376/2003)

Erkki Liikanen (Member of the Commission) spoke.

Imelda Mary Read introduced the reports A5-0374/2003 and A5-0375/2003.

Nicholas Clegg introduced the report (A5-0376/2003).

The following spoke: Malcolm Harbour (draftsman of the opinion of the JURI Committee), Werner Langen, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, and Eryl Margaret McNally, on behalf of the PSE Group.

IN THE CHAIR: Charlotte CEDERSCHIÖLD

Vice-President

The following spoke: Carles-Alfred Gasòliba i Böhm, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Philippe A.R. Herzog, on behalf of the GUE/NGL Group, Danielle Auroi, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Franz Turchi, on behalf of the UEN Group, Paul Rübig, Neena Gill, Ilda Figueiredo, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Marjo Matikainen-Kallström and Erkki Liikanen.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 18.11.2003, Item 11, 12 and 15.

15.   Excise duties on petrol and commercial diesel fuel * (debate)

Report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 92/81/EEC and Directive 92/82/EEC to introduce special tax arrangements for diesel fuel used for commercial purposes and to align the excise duties on petrol and diesel fuel [COM(2002) 410 — C5-0409/2002 — 2002/0191(CNS)] — Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs.

Rapporteur: Piia-Noora Kauppi (A5-0383/2003)

Frits Bolkestein (Member of the Commission) spoke.

Piia-Noora Kauppi introduced the report.

The following spoke: Eija-Riitta Anneli Korhola (draftsman of the opinion of the ENVI Committee), Hans Karlsson (draftsman of the opinion of the ITRE Committee), Brigitte Wenzel-Perillo (draftsman of the opinion of the RETT Committee), Othmar Karas, on behalf of the PPE-DE Group, Harald Ettl, on behalf of the PSE Group, Olle Schmidt, on behalf of the ELDR Group, Pierre Jonckheer, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Johannes (Hans) Blokland, on behalf of the EDD Group, Wolfgang Ilgenfritz, Non-attached Member, Astrid Lulling, Manuel António dos Santos, Frits Bolkestein, Astrid Lulling and Frits Bolkestein.

The debate closed.

Vote: Minutes of 18.11.2003, Item 13.

16.   Membership of Parliament

The competent German authorities had given notice of the appointment of Martin Kastler to replace Emilia Franziska Müller, as Member of Parliament, with effect from 14 November 2003.

The President drew attention to the provisions of Rule 7(5).

17.   Agenda for next sitting

The President referred Members to the document ‘Agenda’ PE 337.907/OJMA.

18.   Closure of sitting

The sitting closed at 22.30.

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