Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2003-09-02-Speech-2-014"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2003-09-02"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Cohesion policy2
dcterms:Language	"fr"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20030902.1.2-014"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2003-09-02-Speech-2-0152
lpv:speaker	lp:Alain Esclopé2
lpv:spokenAs	vice-chair; Delegation to the EU-Romania Joint Parliamentary Committee (2002-02-07--2004-07-19)3 member; EDD (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 member; Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism (2002-01-17--2004-07-19)3 substitute; Committee on Culture, Youth, Education, the Media and Sport (2002-01-17--2004-07-19)3 unknown; Chasse, Pêche, Nature, Traditions (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate Mr Pomés Ruiz for producing such a clear report. It highlights the need to take account of the territorial dimension of cohesion policy, over and above the purely economic and social aspects. This policy must be founded on the principle of solidarity, in order to reduce the disparities between regions, and to establish the principle of the equality of European citizens, regardless of where they live. Moreover, we should provide our fellow citizens with equal access to high-quality public services, which are the very social fabric of the regions of Europe. We should also recognise the special character, the quality of life and natural resources of the people of structurally disadvantaged regions, together with their heritage and their know-how. I agree with the rapporteur that it would be a mistake to concentrate all our financial support on the new Member States, and to neglect the currently eligible areas. We must remember that enlargement will increase regional disparities. I welcome the proposal to supplement Article 158 of the EC Treaty. This will mean that more account will be taken of the structural handicaps of islands, mountain regions and sparsely populated areas, in proportion to the severity of the difficulties experienced. These regions were sidelined under previous programmes. It is essential that they are now recognised in terms of accessibility, communication, infrastructure, financing and access to public services. This is vital if an exodus to the cities and the ageing of the population is to be prevented. The Endelave declaration was signed during a fact-finding visit made by the Group for a Europe of Democracies and Diversities to this location, an island of 183 inhabitants in central Denmark. This declaration addresses the specific situation of small European islands, which can function perfectly well. It seeks to allow the people of these small islands to access good-quality services, such as ferries, doctors, veterinary surgeons, schools, ministers, home-helps and libraries, as long as financial support is provided in the spirit of solidarity. Lastly, in the name of the principle of subsidiarity, I feel I must highlight the importance of increasing the involvement of Member States and their decentralised authorities in cohesion policy. These bodies are closer to, and more aware of, the reality on the ground in their region."@en1

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