Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-04-20-Speech-2-077"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20040420.5.2-077"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:translated text |
".
Mr President, I have listened carefully to Mr Rack’s presentation of his splendid report. I should like to say that we are working to improve safety on European roads. Mr Rack himself pointed this out in the course of his presentation at second reading. In particular, we are focusing on an aspect that came to the forefront following the terrible accidents in the Alps in 1999 and 2001.
I would like to recall briefly the adoption of the first rail package. A debate on the second package is due to take place tomorrow. The second package will allow a truly European railway to be developed at last. I could remind the House also of the adoption and implementation of the single European sky. This will allow management of European air space to be modernised. As is the case in the railway sector, European air space will be integrated. Both air and rail spaces will become genuinely European. Measures on maritime safety have been adopted too. Some were debated this very morning. In addition, the Galileo project was conceived, undertaken and finally launched. As a result, Europe is now at the cutting edge of technology and able to compete at all levels with other leaders in this most technologically advanced area of the space sector. Further, the Trans-European networks have been reviewed. This involved an inordinate amount of joint work. I trust final adoption will take place the day after tomorrow. I have referred to some of the flagship ventures. Nonetheless, others are also worthy of mention, such as support for passengers’ rights. In the air, maritime, and rail transport sectors measures have been developed to improve both safety and security. Operational agencies have been created to protect all forms of transport. Social legislation has been taken forward. I could also refer to the adoption of a wide range of other proposals, not to mention international agreements concerning the maritime and air sectors for example. An effort has been made to foster cooperation with all our neighbours both in the Mediterranean area and throughout Europe and Asia.
Mr President, despite the movement and noise around the House, I would not like to miss this opportunity of expressing my thanks for all the work done jointly. I believe we can be reasonably pleased with ourselves. We certainly have not wasted time. Further, we have contributed to the creation of a more balanced Europe. Today’s Europe is better developed, it provides a better service for its citizens and it plays a more prominent role in the world.
I would remind the House that yet another fatal accident took place last week. It happened in the Baregg tunnel in Switzerland. Once again, attention has focused on fires in tunnels. They are perceived as one of the most dangerous incidents possible, and must be dealt with. In 2002 the Commission forwarded a proposal for a directive laying down a series of minimum safety requirements for tunnels. This proposal aimed to prevent accidents of type mentioned, or at least to minimise their consequences. Parliament had previously adopted a number of resolutions on the subject, and it also supported this draft directive.
I should mention that the Council responded very positively. In addition, I have to say that these proposals are in line with the initiatives regarding the transport sector put forward for the European regional area within the framework of the United Nations.
Parliament has been very supportive throughout. The same is true of the Council. I should emphasise that it is thanks to support from both quarters that full agreement has at last been reached by all three institutions, after discussions lasting 15 months. Consequently, this text will soon see the light of day. Parliament is to vote on it tomorrow.
Parliament has undertaken a thorough study of the Commission’s proposal. It tabled 78 very detailed amendments at first reading. This demonstrates Parliament’s noteworthy dedication and depth of knowledge. Most of the amendments have been incorporated into the revised proposal presented by the Commission. The Council did likewise in its common position on 26 February last.
I am grateful to Mr Rack and to the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism for studying this very technical text in such depth. They are to be commended also for their efficiency throughout and for maintaining such a constructive approach. The engineers responsible for safety in tunnels in the Member States have a great deal of work to do to implement the agreement in all tunnels across the Union. Of course, the Member States also need to make an effort to improve safety in tunnels, which are such vulnerable points of the road network.
I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr Rack once again. I would also like to thank Mr Markov. I have not yet replied to him, but I would like to congratulate him on the work done regarding driving time, safety and controls. Good controls are essential. Otherwise, the limits will not be observed. Any number of statements can be made, but they will never be implemented unless the controls are in place.
The honourable Member will be aware of the effort we made regarding digital tachometers. We shall be writing to him in the near future to inform him of the decisions taken. As a result of these decisions some countries will begin to fit this type of tachometers in July of this year.
Mr Cocilovo is also to be congratulated on his achievements, as I mentioned just now. In general, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to take the opportunity provided by this debate to thank all members of the Committee on Transport. I am most grateful for the outstanding cooperation we have developed over these years. It has made it possible to adopt a series of key measures designed to move the European Union’s transport sector forward. Allow me to mention a few of these achievements. They concern safer and more competitive transport, taking account of the environment promoting sustainable development and making the internal market a reality. Transport is playing its part to promote growth and the well being of the citizens of Europe."@en1
|
| lpv:unclassifiedMetadata |
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples