Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-07-22-Speech-4-041"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20040722.1.4-041"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Barroso, allow me to highlight three matters: respect for national cultural treasures, gender equality and the fight against poverty. I am absolutely delighted that you have pointed out the importance of the multifaceted and rich national, regional, cultural, linguistic and political traditions of the Member States.
The democratic structure of the new Europe requires the trust of its citizens and respect for the principle of subsidiarity. We all know that the citizens of the Member States currently view with apprehension the European project as a process of centralisation being driven by the Community institutions. I call upon you, Mr President-designate, to work for the decentralisation of these institutions. A declaration of the Slovak parliament, adopted as early as January 2002, emphasises in this respect the sovereignty of the Member States of the European Union in cultural and ethical matters.
One thing that has so far failed to become established in the European structure is gender equality. I note with pride that women are performing important jobs in a responsible manner and are bringing to life an inter-generational network of solidarity. When women are fully able to utilise their abilities, they will be able to influence in a positive way both the organisation and the understanding of a society of all citizens. Women give priority to the basic values of the actual human being – truth, justice, love and freedom. They must be encouraged to promote these irreplaceable values in their family and professional lives.
I should also mention the role of women in childcare, in looking after people with disabilities and the elderly, and women refugees, who, despite their own suffering and problems in hopeless situations, get involved in helping people who are suffering even more than they are. Protecting women from every new form of poverty is an essential condition for the real accomplishment of gender equality.
Mr Barroso, even though you did not mention it in your address, you are surely aware of the importance of the fight against poverty, which is a key problem for the Member States. Poverty is a violation of human rights and destroys families. I call upon you to take part actively in celebrating the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October. The slogan of this international day, “Where people are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated”, has often been quoted in the European Parliament. So joining forces in order to ensure that these rights are respected is our sacred duty. Mr President-designate, you have proposed a positive alliance between the Commission and Parliament, so please come and meet those Members who are members of the “Comité Quart Monde Européen”, the oldest cross-party group in the European Parliament and one which has given voice to the hopes of the poorest families in Europe since 1979.
Mr Barroso, on behalf of the Members from the Slovak Republic I wish you every success in your work at the head of the European Commission. Thank you."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples