Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-09-03-Speech-2-140"
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"en.20020903.6.2-140"2
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"Mr President, in recent weeks we have witnessed a terrible natural disaster in Central Europe which has led to damage the scope of which is almost beyond comprehension. Both Member States and candidate countries have been affected. Particularly in this six-month period as we face enlargement, it has almost symbolic significance in reminding us that the Member States and the candidate countries have a common destiny and share the same problems which we shall do better to solve through joint efforts.
I should like to thank the European Parliament for this opportunity on behalf of the Council to express deep sympathy with the victims of the disaster. Many millions of people are affected. Some have lost relatives, and many their homes. The material destruction will make itself felt in everyday life for a long time to come. We must all do our utmost to help. It is important, especially in the light of the importance of enlargement for the European Community, that the EU, which is also a community of values and of solidarity, should help deal with the extensive damage. That was also emphasised in the letter received on 21 August by the President of the European Parliament and the Heads of Government of the Member States from the President of the Commission, Mr Prodi, Chancellor Schröder and Chancellor Schüssel. The Presidency was closely involved in the deliberations which led to the letter’s being sent.
I should also like, on behalf of the Council, to thank the European Parliament and the President of the European Parliament for the commitment and good will which Parliament has shown in ensuring a rapid and effective response on the part of the Community.
The Commission is, in the same way, to be commended for the considerable vigour it has shown in regard to this difficult matter. The Commission deserves praise for the fact that the EU has quickly been able to take the initiative regarding decisions that will benefit the affected regions in Germany and Austria, as well as in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as candidate countries. A number of actions have already been set in motion, and it will be possible to make a start on others in the very near future.
It is my understanding that there is broad support within the Council for making flexible use of existing instruments such as Structural Funds, agricultural aid and Trans-European networks, as well as for making exemptions and more rapid procedures available to the affected areas when it comes to state aid and invitations to tender. The Council had a first opportunity to discuss the Commission’s statement at a meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee on 29 August. The Commission proposes, for example, that an EU disaster fund be established of which it will be possible to make use in connection with the floods in Central Europe and future disasters. I should like most gratefully to thank the Commission for the proposal, which is being debated by the Council.
I am pleased to note that there was political backing for setting up the fund at the informal meeting of foreign ministers in Elsinore last weekend. That is a good starting point for the intense discussions between the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament over the next few weeks. The matter will be put on the agenda of the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council to be held between 30 September and 1 October when we shall take stock of the matter and, if possible, arrive at some practical decisions.
The Danish Presidency is very keen that the Community should play its part in solving the problems created for our fellow citizens, both in existing and future Member States, by the severe flooding. We must act quickly and effectively, and we look forward to constructive cooperation with the European Parliament on this important matter which cannot help but affect many of Parliament’s rules and procedures."@en1
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