Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-04-28-Speech-4-044"
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"en.20050428.6.4-044"2
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".
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I should like to begin by thanking all those whose valuable remarks helped to improve the quality of my report. Ladies and gentlemen, your interest in this issue, which has been apparent from the amendments you have tabled and the numerous debates and conversations that have taken place, has made it clear that the subject of my report is of great importance to many of you. It is worth mentioning that this report did not simply involve data collection and the analysis of statistics; it also drew on my personal experience. I have managed medium-sized enterprises for the last 15 years, and learnt at grass roots level what conditions are required for the sustainable growth and development of such enterprises. The internal market must become a single economic entity and a driving force for the economy, and this will only happen when all the Member States fully implement the directives concerning the internal market and all the others aimed at improving its operation. A situation in which certain countries move forward by transposing and implementing directives, whilst others drag their feet, is simply unacceptable. The success of the internal market is closely bound up with cooperation between countries, and a concerted effort is the only way of achieving the results we all long for. With this in mind, the European Council suggested a 1.5% limit for the transposition deficit of directives to apply to all Member States. Research contained in the report concerning transposition of the directives by individual Member States, and in particular by the new ones, is surprisingly encouraging. At the beginning of November 2004, the lowest deficit concerning transposition of directives was 2.1%. This was actually recorded in the new Member States, and contrasts with the average for the Union as a whole, namely 5%. Information returned a month later, at the end of November 2004, showed failure to comply in the new Member States had fallen to 1.8%, and the average for the whole Union had fallen to 3.6%. The statistics quoted clearly indicate that the situation regarding transposition is improving. This improvement came about after just one month of effort and commitment. Only when all the countries have transposed and implemented the directives will it be possible to lift the remaining barriers to the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital without delay, thus making the internal market a reality. This is why I am making the following proposals. Firstly, the special procedure introduced by the Commission for dealing with cases of infringement of Community provisions applicable to the new Member States that failed to undertake transposition should become standard for all, and apply to all Member States. Secondly, the so-called Internal Market Scoreboard should be upgraded to become an official European Council document. It should be recognised as the main point of reference regarding the status of transposition in conjunction with data on the state of transposition of directives made available by all the Member States and updated regularly. Thirdly, the Scoreboard should be used to name and shame all Member States lagging behind in the transposition process. Fourthly, proper financial support for the out-of-court conflict resolution instrument from SOLVIT must be ensured, as that method of dealing with problems has already proved a success. In addition to transposition and implementation of directives, account should also be taken of the additional factors contributing to the development of the internal market, and consequently to the growth of the European economy. In this connection, it is essential for the new Member States to invest more in research and development, as their investment is currently below the European average. These new Member States should also create an environment that is more conducive to links between research institutions and business. As a citizen and former entrepreneur from one of the new Member States I am also aware of the need to create a more effective system of education and training. In addition, more information on how the Union works and on its legislation should be made available in the new Member States. A survey of entrepreneurs confirmed this view. In many of the new Member States, the education system is out of date. Students are taught subjects and trades that are not appropriate to the needs of the market. It is important to bear in mind that the better society is educated and informed, the better the quality of work provided will be. Simplification of current Union legislation is called for too. This will promote the development of businesses, trade and services, and stimulate the growth of the European economy. The services directive is also essential to the proper functioning of the internal market. In the context of the economies of both old and new Member States, a good services directive will amount to an opportunity to reduce unemployment and regional disparities. It will lead to the creation of new jobs and to greater competitiveness, as well as to higher quality services and more opportunities for consumers to exercise their right to choose. It is therefore best to rid ourselves of the emotions and fears generated by this directive from the outset. What is actually needed is constructive action to ensure that the most appropriate version of this directive comes into force at the optimum moment for us all. As I conclude, I should like to thank Mrs Kallenbach for her involvement and for the draft amendment she has tabled. Nonetheless, I propose that her amendment be rejected, because discussion of the services directive is ongoing and we do not yet know what form the directive will eventually take. Ladies and gentlemen, I trust that the solutions and suggestions I have proposed will meet with your approval."@en1
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