Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-01-28-Speech-3-178"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2004-01-28"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:The future of the textiles and clothing sector in the enlarged European Union2
dcterms:Language	"pt"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20040128.14.3-178"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2004-01-28-Speech-3-1792
lpv:speaker	lp:Carlos Lage2
lpv:spokenAs	member; PECH (2002-01-17--2004-07-19)3 substitute; Temporary committee on improving safety at sea (2003-11-20--2004-04-21)3 member; Delegation to the EU-Kazakhstan, EU-Kyrgyzstan and EU-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committees and Delegation for relations with Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Mongolia (2002-02-07--2004-07-19)3 vice-chair; PES (2002-01-17--2004-07-19)3 unknown; Partido Socialista (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 substitute; Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy (2002-01-30--2004-07-19)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the industrial revolution in England in the latter part of the eighteenth century started in the textile industry. This sector has a pioneering history, an active present and a future full of challenges and uncertainties. The European textiles industry is today threatened by competition from countries where prices for goods are extremely low and where there are no environmental concerns or constraints. Exploitation of labour, particularly of child labour, reminds us of the wretched conditions that marked our own industrial revolution. Yet the textiles industry continues to survive, modernise and renew itself. It is the point where industry, craft and art converge, and it plays a major role in people’s lifestyles. The neo-liberal dogmas that had previously held back the EU, fearful of a de-industrialised Europe, from adopting an industrial policy, are now obsolete. European decision-makers can now see what is happening and can take a stand in defence of the textile and clothing industry. The Commission communication is therefore most welcome, albeit over-long. We also support the motion for a resolution tabled by Mrs Ferrer, containing the essential elements of a European policy for the sector. Since trade policy falls within the exclusive competence of the EU, it is of vital importance that the Commission does not turn the textiles and clothing sector into a bargaining chip to win concessions in other areas deemed more appealing. To do so would be pitifully short-sighted and ethically reprehensible. On the other hand, the negotiators of the Doha Agenda for development must fight for conditions of access to markets of third countries that are equitable, requiring in particular that they comply with the principle of reciprocity and open up new markets. Portugal, as we all know, is a country in which jobs and economic and social cohesion depend a great deal on the textiles and clothing sector. It is therefore highly sensitive to the downturns and slumps of this industry. Some highly industrialised regions of Portugal are even experiencing economic crisis, as we speak. The Commission must therefore back up its words with action."@en1

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