Emotion moments at EU Parliament's Closing Session of the 2014-2019 Legislature
Moments of emotion during the last session
Closing session of the 2014-2019 legislature at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
from 15 to 18 April 2019
Article by Patrick Bracker
(NDLR: Opinions express Writers' Views, but Not necessarily those of "Eurofora". Translations provided herewith in English + French this time)
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Beyond the parliamentary work to complete the 2014-2019 mandate, this last session proved to be full of emotions, presences and ruptures.
At the beginning of the session, however, the Chamber was only 50% full, with many activities taking place in the back of the house. However, these absences are not significant, in the sense that all these internal movements most often correspond to the working or organizational meetings that take place in the rooms adjoining the Chamber, where each political group has its own intensely used reserved premises.
The preparation of dossiers is carried out in an organized manner and ends in plenary with the interventions of all the political groups, without requiring all parliamentarians to meet in the Chamber at the same time, except, of course, during the votes where they are all present. This method can be considered as an intelligent optimization of the work of the European Parliament.
As the week progressed on Tuesday, we were reassured at voting time, as the plenary was de facto filled with more than 90% of MEPs present.
For this last session, it is conceivable that the deputies and their teams were tidying up their offices while at the same time returning the working materials allocated to them with some final administrative formalities, no doubt.
Another aspect of parliamentary dynamics has been expressed in friendships that have developed over a time scale ranging from 5 years to over 30 years. Indeed, links have been forged within political groups, but also between political groups, and European hierarchies, including the Commission and the Council, since it is not uncommon for a Member of the European Parliament to assume high-level functions in the institutions.
A natural extension of the bonds of friendship with EU staff, transport or communication logistics, interpreters, bailiffs, journalists. The interpersonal skills allowed greetings and farewells, good cakes or friendly breakfasts, congratulations, even good luck wishes to each other, and perhaps for some, reunions. In any case, the positive dimension was required, which corresponds to the general state of mind of the house. All these relational dynamics are also a sign of Europe's good health.
Many heavyweights in the European Parliament have gradually announced their withdrawal from the next European elections, which are more or less old, from 10 to 20 years of presence, and some of them more than 30 years of in-depth European work! Continuity and transmission are also some of the determining factors for the good progress of the files... this confers a solid structure that is very useful for the continuation of the following legislatures.
In the stands there were many visitors from all over Europe. Many high school students attended the debates, with the spontaneous emotion of discovering the institution and its functioning. Certainly the Union's Visitors' Service does a great and effective job of raising awareness of European values among young and not-so-young visitors alike!
It is often a unique opportunity, sometimes amusing and sometimes surprising, to meet the institution's visiting audiences. Most of the time, the encounters are made in a real sympathy and empathy, the people who come are happy to be there; in this particular atmosphere, there is a specificity of the European construction: at the service of citizens, there is something positive, dynamic, convivial at the heart of the European project !
I will add to this the dimension of citizens' happiness beyond the flags: indeed, the European Union and the other institutions cover societal construction values that go beyond the national or regional framework. Each floor at local, regional and national levels represents a part of the construction. From this architectural perspective, there is in principle a functional complementarity between the levels, all based on a foundation of values and their concrete implementation.
In short: one can love one's city, one's region, one's country, but the finality remains the development of the human being, his blossoming and his emancipation towards more universal values such as freedom, respect and love.
Europe is there to remind nations of these realities when they turn away from the foundation of the values chosen together! All the great Europeans I have met over the past forty years have defended this essential aspect of construction.
It would be good to remember this, especially in current international issues that are not always well treated in terms of objectivity by one or the other. It will be recalled here that all too often in past centuries, and the previous one in particular, nations and "princes" of this world had forgotten these realities of human development and the values that enable progress. We had seen the pitiful results of their sinister designs and decisions.
The European construction has made real progress possible de facto and constitutes a serious safeguard to prevent these humans from falling back into their darkest and most often murderous ways, a large number suffering for the interests of a few..." The beast is still prowling"...
Even if not everything is perfect in recent developments, there is a significant difference with other autocratic, dictatorial or limited forms of the decision-making chain in other socio-economic areas. In view of this, Europe and its components represent a factor of hope and progress for human development, both at the level of the human person and at the level of communities.
However, the European construction does not seem to find a serious echo to its societal exemplarity in the other geographical spheres from which some prefer to benefit or even fight it, rather than to develop evolutionary systems similar to them... It would be good to understand its meaning in the interest of Europeans, European citizens and the European project, but also to avoid possible internal regressions, and influence peddling from outside minimizing our core values....
Behind the scenes of the parliament, the distant, yet so close, memory of the Warsaw Ghetto of the 1940s was recalled, and many MEPs wore the yellow flower in commemoration of April 19, 1943. I put this flower in a buttonhole on my jacket, and answered the interview of the Polish television which organized the "Remember together". Beyond the commemoration of suffering and repression there are also the acts of resistance by the resistance fighters of the Ghetto which is recalled.
The meeting with the Latvian Prime Minister provided an opportunity for an enthusiastic discussion on the future of Europe, and the dialogue with MEPs was very positive. At the end of the meeting, Mr Krisjanis Karins was applauded at length by the deputies. One could also feel a testimony from members of parliament with one of their former colleagues since the Prime Minister had served almost 10 years in parliament and left good memories for his colleagues.
Many members wished the future MEPs who will take over after the May 2019 votes a good continuation. They also thanked the staff of the Union, the interpreters, the bailiffs for their support, performance and quality of work, with a clear awareness of the value of these supports. President Tajani, President Juncker, or the Commissioners were also grateful to the Union's officials and staff.
One future issue to be resolved will be the relationship between three components of the Union: the Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament, since it has been proven that cases are regularly blocked at Council level. This situation can be embarrassing insofar as the majorities voted on are not respected by the Heads of State, which raises questions about the democratic value of the Union.
The meeting of the EPP pan-European working group, organised by Lukas Mandl, focused on a theme linking the present, the past and the immediate future, the title being: "Looking Back and forth: the European Parliament 2014-2024. Achievements and further duties " After the brilliant introduction given by Dr Paul Rübig, Lukas Mandl moderated the general discussion with interventions from MEP Michaela Sojdrova, MEP Heinz Becker and Christian Zoll. Some relevant questions from the audience, coming from Bernt Posselt or from our guest diplomat Vladimir Chernega and the Austrian youth representative, were echoed and answered appropriately and constructively by the speakers.
As always, this meeting took place in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Unfortunately, the one-hour working time is too short. Indeed, after the appetite was whetted, we would often like to continue sharing, but we already had to leave for our respective schedules in the house. That being said, our meetings provide food for thought during the in-depth discussions by the committees and the EPP Group on the main themes dealt with. Congratulations for this continuity and the sharing brought by the participants, faithful to the activities. I wonder who could be awarded this new pan-European loyalty award, among others that were distributed, sometimes with humor!
Here too, within our pan-European unity, the emotion was palpable, not only for the renewal of the parliament but also because Dr Paul Rübig, who has been present since 1996, is not standing for re-election. We will miss him and his team, I think of Thomas and Stefan. However, we can be sure that Dr Rübig will come back to us on many occasions and will continue his action for the good of Europe, of the Austrian and European citizens. Good luck to him and to all of you
After taking appropriate photos, and having a coffee with some colleagues from the ECHR and the Council of Europe present to prolong the discussion, we went back to our internal or external occupations.
Among the usual activities of presenting works of art that reflect European realities was the exhibition sponsored by Deputy Raffaele Fitto, Vice-President of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group, on Salento, the peninsula at the southeast end of the Apulia region in Italy.
Entitled "De finibus terrae, Xylella landscapes", this photographic exhibition shows the devastating effects of the Sylella bacterium on olive trees. The paintings on display of this landscape metamorphosis were impressive. Of course this opens up an in-depth reflection at European level; we see here that the presentations of these realities, added by the creativity of the artists Bruna Rotunno and Fabian Albertini, help raise awareness among Europeans of the need to find solutions for the future in the face of a problem that may be more global.
A scientific exhibition joined the debate held in the Chamber on "Horizon Europe" for which, as part of the EU's next long-term budget (2021-2027), the European Commission is proposing a €100 billion budget for research and innovation. The dynamics of scientific research in Croatia "Croatian innovations", sponsored by MP Davor Skrlec of the Green Group. The paintings presented in the space of the "Flowered Floor" showed Croatian-inspired achievements in various scientific fields such as: cycling or electric cars, crash detection or early warning systems for mopeds, the Echo smart system for air purification, the Ronna robotic neurotic navigation or the teddy smart toy bear, as well as other highly specialized information detection, monitoring or diagnostic systems, such as the RLC23 level crossing protection system or advanced research in the pharmaceutical field.
Another exhibition, which shows European creativity, already ancient, but very present nowadays due to sociological, war or accidental events, showed us the magnificent models of Chambord Castle and the spiral staircase, these extraordinary architectural achievements, at a time when architecture was full of meaning and quality. The presentation paintings reminded us of the times when humanism, art and construction worked in harmony thanks to the great artists of Europe sponsored by the rulers. Nowadays, with regard to current constructions, we can wonder about the place of these elements in harmony with the development of societies: nature, construction, the relationship between humans and societies or institutions... Extensive program of course. With the central question: which value base, in the service of whom or what.
In short, a mandate for technical progress, with progress on a few dossiers of general interest but also options to be reviewed, and problems to be solved, in particular the report of the trialogue at decision-making level, would have to be corrected in the next legislatures. However, we can be sure that the next term will be honored by the constructive attitudes of the newcomers, since we can already anticipate a significant rotation of members of parliament, which we felt with the emotions expressed during this closing session of the 14-19 term!
The foundation of values established by the European Union and the Council of Europe will certainly represent paths to be followed but also relevant safeguards in the future prospects of construction in view of the current challenges. A solid shield against barbarism and slavery of all kinds!
Good luck to the next ones by keeping the human state of mind and progress for the benefit of Europeans and their families first and foremost! We will be there to ensure that.
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Session de clôture de la législature 2014-2019 au Parlement européen à Strasbourg
du 15 au 18 avril 2019
Moments d’émotions lors de la dernière session
Article de Patrick Bracker
Par-delà les travaux parlementaires de finition du mandat 2014- 2019, cette dernière session s’est révélée remplie d’émotions, de présences et de ruptures.
En début de session pourtant, l‘hémicycle n’était remplie qu’à 50% de présence, de nombreuses activités couvaient dans l’arrière fond de la maison. Ces absences ne sont pourtant pas significatives, dans le sens ou tous ces mouvements intérieurs correspondent le plus souvent aux réunions de travail ou d’organisation qui ont lieu dans les salles connexes à l’Hémicycle, ou chaque groupe politique est doté de locaux réservés intensément utilisés.
La préparation des dossiers est faite de manière organisée et se termine en plénière avec les interventions de tous les groupes politiques, sans nécessiter la réunion dans l’hémicycle de l’ensemble des parlementaires en même temps, hormis, bien entendu lors des votes où ils sont tous présents. L’on peut considérer cette méthode comme une optimisation intelligente des travaux du Parlement Européen.
Au fur et à mesure de l’avancée de la semaine, mardi, l’on était rassuré à l’heure du vote, car la plénière se trouvait de facto remplie à plus de 90 % de présence des députés européens.
Pour cette dernière session l’on conçoit que les députés et leurs équipes rangeaient leurs bureaux tout en s’affairant à rendre les matériels de travail qui leur était attribué avec quelques dernières formalités administratives, sans doute.
Un autre aspect de la dynamique parlementaire s’est exprimé dans les amitiés qui se sont développés sur une échelle de temps allant de 5 ans à plus de 30 ans. En effet des liens se sont tissés au sein des groupes politiques, mais aussi entre les groupes politiques, et les hiérarchies européennes, y compris la Commission et le Conseil, puisqu’il n’est pas rare de voir un membre du parlement européen assumer des fonctions de haut niveau dans les institutions.
Un prolongement naturel des liens d’amitiés avec les personnels de l’Union, logistique de transport ou de communication, les interprètes, les huissiers, les journalistes. Le savoir-vivre relationnel autorisait les salutations et les fêtes de départ, de bons gâteaux ou les petits déjeuners amicaux, les congratulations, voire les souhaits de bonne chance aux uns et aux autres, et peut être pour certains, des retrouvailles. En tout état de cause la dimension positive était de mise, ce qui correspond à l’état d’esprit général de la maison. Toutes ces dynamiques relationnelles sont aussi le signe de la bonne santé de l’Europe.
De nombreux poids lourds du Parlement européen ont progressivement annoncé leur retrait des prochaines élections européennes, plus ou moins anciens, de 10 ans à 20 ans de présences, et pour quelques-uns plus de 30 années de travaux européens approfondis! La continuité, la transmission sont aussi quelques facteurs déterminants de la bonne avancée des dossiers… cela confère une solidité de la structure bien utile pour la continuation des législatures suivantes.
Dans les tribunes les visiteurs venant de toute l’Europe étaient très nombreux. Beaucoup de collégiens assistaient aux débats, avec l’émotion spontanée de la découverte de l’institution et de son fonctionnement. Assurément le service visite de l’Union fait un grand travail efficace de la conscientisation des valeurs européennes auprès des jeunes visiteurs et des moins jeunes aussi !
Ce sont souvent des instants inédits, quelques fois amusants et d’autres fois surprenants, de faire la rencontre des publics visiteurs de l’institution. La plupart du temps les rencontres se font dans une sympathie et empathie réelle, les gens qui viennent sont heureux d’être là ; il y a dans cette ambiance particulière, une spécificité de la construction européenne : au service de citoyens, il s’y passe quelque chose de positif, de dynamique, la convivance au cœur du projet européen !
J’y rajouterai la dimension du bonheur des citoyens par-delà les drapeaux : en effet l’Union européenne comme les autres institutions couvrent des valeurs de constructions sociétales qui dépassent le cadre national ou régional. Chaque étage aux échelons locaux, régionaux nationaux représentent une part de la construction. Dans cette perspective architecturale, il existe en principe une complémentarité fonctionnelle entre les échelons, le tout fondé sur un socle de valeurs et de leur mise en œuvre concrète.
En clair : l’on peut aimer sa ville, sa région, son pays, mais la finalité reste le développement de l’être humain, son épanouissement et son émancipation vers les valeurs plus universelles comme la liberté, le respect et l’amour.
L’Europe est là pour rappeler ces réalités aux nations, lorsqu’elles se détournent du socle des valeurs choisies ensemble! Tous les grands européens que j’ai croisés depuis plus de quarante ans ont défendu cet aspect essentiel de la construction.
Il serait bon de s’en souvenir, en particulier dans les dossiers actuels internationaux qui ne sont pas toujours bien traités au niveau de l’objectivité par les uns ou les autres. L’on se rappellera ici que trop souvent dans les siècles passés et le précédent en particulier, les nations et les « princes » de ce monde avaient oubliés ces réalités du développement humain et ces valeurs qui permettent le progrès. L’on avait vu les pitoyables résultats de leurs sinistres desseins et décisions.
La construction européenne a permis de facto un réel progrès et constitue une protection sérieuse pour empêcher ces humains de retomber dans leurs voies les plus sombres et meurtrières, le plus souvent, un grand nombre en souffrance pour les intérêts d’un petit nombre … « La bête rôde toujours »…
Même si tout n’est pas parfait dans les récentes évolutions, l’on constate le différentiel important avec d’autres formes autocratiques, dictatoriales ou limitées de la chaine de décision dans d’autres espaces socio-économiques. Face à cela, l’Europe et ses composantes représentent un facteur d’espoir et de progrès pour le devenir humain, aussi bien à l’échelle de la personne humaine que des collectivités.
Cependant, la construction européenne ne semble pas trouver un écho sérieux à son exemplarité sociétale dans les autres sphères géographiques dont certains préfèrent en bénéficier voire la combattre, plutôt que de développer des systèmes évolutifs ressemblants chez eux... Il serait bon d’en comprendre le sens dans l’intérêt des européens, des citoyens européens et du projet européen, mais aussi pour éviter les régressions internes éventuelles, et le trafic d’influence venant de l’extérieur minimisant notre socle des valeurs…
Dans les coulisses du parlement, se trouvait remémoré le souvenir lointain, mais si proche pourtant, du Ghetto de Varsovie des années 1940, et nombre de députés portaient la fleur jaune en commémoration du 19 avril 1943. J’ai mis cette fleur en boutonnière sur ma veste et répondu à l’interview de la télévision polonaise qui organisait le « Remember together » Par-delà la commémoration de la souffrance et de la répression il y a aussi, les actes de la résistance par les résistants du Ghetto qui est rappelé.
La rencontre avec le premier ministre Letton a permis une discussion enthousiaste sur l’avenir de l’Europe, le dialogue avec les députés s’est avéré très positif. A l’issue de la réunion Monsieur Krisjanis Karins, a été longuement applaudi par les députés. L’on pouvait également ressentir un témoignage des membres du parlement avec un de leurs anciens collègues puisque le 1er ministre avait siégé près de 10 ans au parlement et laissé de bons souvenirs à ses collègues.
Nombre de membres ont souhaité une bonne continuation aux futurs députés qui prendront le relais après les votes de mai 2019. Ils ont aussi remercié les personnels de l’Union, les interprètes, les huissiers pour leur soutiens, performances et qualité de travail, en ayant la claire conscience de la valeur de ces supports. Le président Tajani, Le président Juncker, ou les commissaires ont aussi été reconnaissants vers les fonctionnaires et personnels de l’Union.
Une donnée future à régler sera le rapport entre trois composantes de l’Union : la Commission, le Conseil Européen et le Parlement européen, puisqu’il est avéré que des dossiers sont régulièrement bloqués au niveau du Conseil. Cette situation peut se révéler gênante dans la mesure où les majorités votées ne sont pas respectées par les chefs d’états, ce qui interroge au niveau de la valeur démocratique de l’Union.
La réunion du groupe de travail paneuropéen du groupe PPE, organisée par Lukas Mandl a tourné autour d’un thème liant le présent, le passé et le futur immédiat, le titre étant : « Looking Back and forth : the European Parliament 2014-2024. Achievements and further duties » Après l’introduction brillante donnée par Dr Paul Rübig , Lukas a modéré la discussion générale avec les interventions de MEP Michaela Sojdrova, MEP Heinz Becker and Christian Zoll. Quelques questions pertinentes venant de la salle de la part de Bernt Posselt ou de notre invité le diplomate Vladimir Tchernega et du représentant des jeunes autrichiens, ont trouvé un écho et des réponses appropriées et constructives de la part des orateurs.
Comme toujours, cette réunion s’est déroulée dans une atmosphère conviviale et détendue. Hélas, le temps de travail d’une heure représente un temps trop court. En effet après la mise en appétit, l’on aimerait souvent continuer les partages mais il nous fallait déjà partir vers nos emplois de temps respectifs dans la maison. Ceci étant, nos réunions alimentent la réflexion intérieure lors des approfondissements faites par les commissions et le groupe PPE sur les grands thèmes traités. Bravo pour cette continuité et les partages apportés par les participants, fidèles aux activités. Je me demande d’ailleurs à qui l’on pourrait attribuer ce nouveau prix paneuropéen de la fidélité, parmi d’autres qui furent distribués, quelque fois avec humour !
Là aussi au sein de notre unité paneuropéenne, l’émotion était palpable, non seulement en vue du renouvellement du parlement mais aussi parce que le Dr Paul Rübig présent depuis 1996 ne se représente pas. Il nous manquera ainsi que son équipe, je pense à Thomas et à Stefan. Gageons cependant que Dr Rübig reviendra nous voir en de maintes occasions et qu’il continuera son action pour le bien de l’Europe, des citoyens autrichiens et européens. Bon vent à lui et à tous
Après avoir pris des photos de circonstance, et le temps d’un café avec quelques collègues présents de la CEDH et du Conseil de l’Europe pour prolonger la discussion, nous sommes repartis vers nos occupations internes ou externes.
Parmi les habituelles activités de présentation d’œuvres d’art témoignant des réalités européennes, il y avait l’exposition patronnée par le député Raffaele Fitto vice –Président du groupe des conservateurs et réformateurs européens (ECR) concernant le Salento, la péninsule formant l'extrémité sud-est de la région des Pouilles en Italie.
Intitulée « De finibus terrae, Xylella landscapes » cette exposition photographique montre les ravages paysagers causés par la bactérie Sylella qui affecte les oliviers. Les tableaux exposés de cette métamorphose des paysages étaient impressionnants. Bien entendu cela ouvre une réflexion en profondeur au niveau européen, l’on voit ici que les exposés de ces réalités ajouté par la créativité des artistes Bruna Rotunno et Fabian Albertini, aident la prise de conscience en matière de recherche de solutions pour le futur de la part des européens face à un problème qui peut être plus global.
Une exposition scientifique, rejoignait le débat tenu dans l’hémicycle concernant « Horizon Europe » pour lequel, dans le cadre du prochain budget à long terme de l'UE (2021-2027), la Commission européenne propose une enveloppe de 100 milliards d'euros pour la recherche et l'innovation. La dynamique de la recherche scientifique en Croatie « Croatian innovations », parrainée par le député Davor Skrlec du groupe des Verts. Les tableaux présentés dans l’espace du « parquet fleuri » montraient des réalisations d’inspirations croates dans les domaines scientifiques divers comme : le vélo ou la voiture électrique, les systèmes de détection de crash ou d’alerte rapides pour les cyclomoteurs, l’Echo smart system pour la purification de l’air , le Ronna robotic neurotic navigation ou le teddy smart toy bear, ainsi que d’autres systèmes de détection, de monitoring ou de diagnostic de l’information de haute spécialisations, comme le système de protection de passage à niveau type RLC23 voire des recherches poussées dans le domaine pharmaceutique.
Une autre exposition qui montre la créativité européenne déjà ancienne mais très présente de nos jours du fait de faits sociologiques, guerriers ou accidentels, nous faisait voir les magnifiques maquettes du château de Chambord et de l’escalier hélicoïdal, ces extraordinaires réalisations architecturales, à l’époque ou l’architecture se révélait remplie de sens et de qualité. Les tableaux de présentation nous rappelaient les époques ou l’humanisme, l’art et la construction œuvraient en harmonie grâce aux grands artistes d’Europe sponsorisés par les gouvernants. L’on peut s’interroger de nos jours, en regard des constructions actuelles, sur la place de ces éléments en harmonie avec le développement des sociétés : la nature, la construction, la relation entre les humains et les sociétés ou les institutions… Vaste programme évidemment. Avec la question centrale : quel socle de valeurs, au service de qui ou de quoi.
En résumé, une mandature de progrès technique, avec l’avancée sur quelques dossiers d’intérêts généraux mais aussi des options à revoir, et problèmes à régler, en particulier le rapport du trilogue au niveau décisionnel serait à corriger dans les prochaines législatures. Gageons cependant que le prochain mandat serra honoré par les attitudes constructives des nouveaux arrivants, puisque l’on peut d’ores et déjà prévoir une rotation importante des membres du parlement, ce que l’on a ressenti avec les émotions exprimées lors de cette session de clôture du mandat 14-19 !
Le socle de valeurs dégagé par l’Union et le Conseil de l’Europe représenteront à coup sûr des chemins à poursuivre mais aussi des gardes fous pertinents dans les perspectives futures de la construction en regard des enjeux actuels. Un bouclier solide face aux barbaries et aux esclavagismes de toutes sortes!
Bonne chance aux suivants en gardant l’état d’esprit humain et de progrès pour le bien en priorité des européens et de leurs familles! Nous serons là pour y veiller.
***
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An "Eugenic" loophole Amendment, which might expose to Dangers reminiscent of "3rd Reich's" notorious Genetic Abuses, hidden at the last minute inside an otherwise Good, larger Health policy Package scheduled to be voted on Thursday, was strongly denounced by a coalition of MEPs from various Political Groups and Countries, in a Press Conference held this afternoon at EU Parliament in Strasbourg.
Mainly calling to "Select Human Embryos", via "Genetic Counselling" and "pre-implantation" Techniques including "Genetic Tests", in order to "Eradicate Hereditary rare Diseases", it might open ways to Dangerous Practices in Future, they denounced in substance.
But they also made it clear that a much larger Report inside which this Controversial Amendment "No 15" was added in dubious circumstances, officialy destinated to struggle against "Rare Diseases", and drafted by Professor Antonios Trakatellis, was otherwise "an Excellent Report", aiming at a "completely Uncontroversial target" of Health policy on which "all MEPs and Experts are united, believing that Europe should act" to protect People's Health (See "EuroFora"'s earlier News).
The controversy came at a particularly delicate moment for the EU in relation to Citizens, at the eve of June 2009 EU Elections, and shortly before Ireland re-votes for "Lisbon Treaty"..
- Denouncing risks of "an Eugenic demand, very similar to what we had during the 3rd Reich in Germany, but now coming from some Scientisists themselves", German ChristianDemocrat/EPP MEP Dr. Peter Liese stressed that critical MEPs were against "Eugenic" engineering with "Selection of Human Embryos", and anything which might ultimately lead up to to a "Selection of Human Race". It doesn't help to "eradicate" Human Lives, he added.
Several Experts and NGOs expressed "Deep Concern", as f;ex. DR M.C. Cornel of the "European Society of Human Genetics", which stressed, on this occasion, that "the importance of Non-Directiveness in Reproductive issues is a Central characteristic of Human Genetics, after the Atrocities committed in the name of Genetics in the first half or the 20th Century".
- "This is completely Unacceptable", stressed Italian Liberal MEP Vittorio Prodi, on the Controversial Amendment, also because pushes to "eliminate early Human Life", as he noted.
- "This opens a Dangerous Road, rather a Motorway", denounced Danish MEP Mrs Margrette Auken, from the "Greens", observing that various similar attempts were made in the Past "not only in Germany, but also in several other Countries, "even at the 1970ies", "f.ex. on forced Sterilisation of Roma" People, and other criticisable situations f.ex. in the UK, in Sweden, etc. as she said.
+ Other NGOs, as f.ex. "LebenHilfe" from Berlin, added that, among various other Risks, could also be that, by exploiting the pre-implantation Genetic Diagnostics and the Selection of "healthy" Embryos, some may "propagate" several "Eugenic" aims, starting f.ex. by pushing to eradicate Human Livies which might "Cost too much" to preserve, ultimately exposing to dangers reminiscent of the "3rd Reich"'s atrocious abuses.
In consequence, ChristianDemocrats/EPP and "Green" MEPs "decided by Majority to vote against" this Controversial Amendment, anounced to Journalists the 5 MEPs who participated in the Press Conference, representing a wide spectrum, from Liberals to "Greens" and ChristianDemocrats, and from Hungary, Italy, Germany and Danemark up to Ireland (Gay Mitchell), etc.
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Hungarian ChristianDemocrat MEP Laszlo Surjan said "that it was "Suddenly, at the End of the Procedure" in Committee, that "appeared this (Controversial) Amendment, which has nothing to do" with the main purpose of the Report, on which all agreed.
He denounced an "Unhonest" move, and called to "avoid this kind of unacceptable situations". Nobody should "Select People", Surjan stressed.
- "We (MEPs) had No Chance to Discuss" this last-minute Amendment earlier added at a Committee's level, said German MEP Peter Liese
Speaking to "EuroFora", Dr. Liese, the Spokesman of the ChristianDemocrat/EPP Group in EU Parliament, said that MEPs didn't oppose other references of the Report f.ex. on "Genetic Tests", because they were "no proposals" to impose them, while, on the contrary, there was "a Problem" if anyone attempted to "impose" f.ex. this or that Genetic Technique and "Genetic Counselling", etc. to the People on human reproduction.
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The precise Text :
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Controversial parts of Amendment No 15 ask mainly "to lead finally to the Eradication" of "Hereditary" "rare diseases", "through Genetic Counselling .., and ..pre-Implantation Selection of healthy Embryos".
But EU Rapporteur Professor Trakatellis, said to "EuroFora" that fears should be alleviated by Guarantees that all this should be done only "where appropriate", when it's "not contrary to existing National Law", and "always on a Voluntary basis", according to other Parts of the Amendment.
He stressed that the main aim was to allow "a free and informed choice of persons involved", without imposing them anything : - "It's not an obligatory, but advisary" text, he said.
To make that point clear, he was ready, in agreement with many MEPs, to eventually drop at least that part of the controversial Amendment which initially called for "efforts to ..lead finally to the Eradication of those rare diseases" "which are Hereditary".
But, until late Wednesday evening, reportedly together with many other MEPs, he stood by all the rest of the controversial Amendment, (fex. on the "Genetic Counselling" and the "pre-implantation Selection of healthy Embryos"), so that critical MEPs, going from ChristianDemocrats as Dr. Liese, to "Greens" or "Ind/Dem", observed to "EuroFora" that "this was not enough" to close the dangerous loophole.
Particularly since, as Professor Trakatellis noted himself, "this is already allowed to the U.K.", and "other National Legislations would probably follow, sooner or later" in a similar direction. As for a general call to "Eradicate Hereditary rare Diseases", this "should happen, at any case, in practice, de facto", to protect public Health.
On the contrary, "our goal should be to help patients suffering from rare diseases, not to eradicate the patients. In case of genetic disease risk, the decision should not be guided by scenarios" made by politicians. "Perents who may decide to accept a child, even if handicapped or with genetic disease, must be respected and supported with solidarity", critical MEPs stated.
- "Any Pressure" to "a patient or couple (who "should be able to make an informed choice consistent with their own values"),"from health Professionals, Public Health Policies or Governemental Institutions, or Society at large, should be avoided", stresses the "European Society for Human Genetics".
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Each MEP's vote will be registered !
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The Socialist Group requested a "Split vote" on the Amendment 15, first without, and afterwards with the words "lead finally to the Eradication" etc.
But the first "split vote" leaves intact all the other parts of the Controversial Amendment, (i.e. "Genetic Counselling", "Selection of healthy Embryos", etc).
That's why, 3 Groups of MEPs : ChristianDemocrats/EPP, "Greens/EFA", and "Ind/Dem", have asked for "Roll Call Votes", on everything regarding the Controversial Amendment No 15, and on the final outcome of the resulting Report as amended, which will register all the individual positions to be taken by each MEP.
Something which will obviously make each MEP think twice before voting for one or another choice, to be sure that he/she will make the right choice in front of EU Citizens, particularly at these pre-Election times...
Crucial Votes were scheduled between 12 Noon and 1 p.m. local Strasbourg time, in the middle of a long series of various other Reports, and after a long Public Debate on the larger Health policy package, from 9 to 11.50 am.
The specific Report inside which was hidden the controversial Amendment is due to be debated between 11 and 12 am.
So that more last-minute Surprises may not be excluded a priori...
Particularly at the present Historic moment, when even the Institutional Future of the EU depends on the result of a second Referendum on "Lisbon Treaty", later this year, in ...Ireland, a mainly Catholic country, where People are particularly sensitive in such kind of socio-cultural and values issues...
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