Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-04-12-Speech-2-052"
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"en.20050412.7.2-052"2
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".
Mr President, Commissioner, we are discussing the Millennium Development Goals which are the very heart, the guiding principle and goal of the EU’s development policy. Central to these goals is the elimination of poverty. The rapporteur is right to emphasise three areas where the European Union should really do better: delivering on promises, closer policy coordination, and the more efficient deployment of resources. I am pleased that the Commissioner afforded ample consideration to this in his speech. Indeed, the pledge to set aside 0.7% of the GDP for development aid is as yet being met by only five Member States. Both policy coordination and our assistance to developing countries in developing their local and regional economies lack credibility if we, at the same time, sabotage these via our agricultural and trade policy. I am pleased that this is a major consideration for the Commissioner. Thirdly, as regards the efficient deployment of resources, we can achieve much more if we work more efficiently and make more use of the possible ‘quick wins’, such as the distribution of mosquito nets in the fight against malaria.
I should also like to stress a few items of importance, which are also covered in the report. As regards the importance of education for girls, it cannot be emphasised enough that girls and women often suffer disproportionately from hunger and other problems, of which the lack of access to education is certainly one. Moreover, research shows that the education of girls has a positive bearing on the whole of society, including the fight against poverty as such.
Secondly, it is important to diversify the cultivation of products and attain a firm foothold for small and medium-sized enterprises, with a view to creating a stable economy. Thirdly, there is the need for what is termed special and differential treatment of poor countries, which will also be an important consideration for the WTO. Fourthly, the availability of, and access to, basic health care, on which any health policy depends. Finally, there is a need for the reinforcement of capacities on all fronts.
In short, there is much to be done and fortunately, Europe does do a great deal. As the largest donor, Europe faces a huge challenge, as the Commissioner already stated, if it is to be the largest player in terms of vision, coherence and decisiveness."@en1
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