Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-06-12-Speech-1-159"
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"en.20060612.20.1-159"2
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".
Mr President, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Seeber on his work. My congratulations to him.
In this House today we have described underground sources of water as a key natural resource. We have to protect them against contamination. Now, conversely, we are discussing ways of protecting ourselves against the destructive effects of water as an element, or in other words against floods. Here I must emphasise the need for close cooperation on this among the Member States and countries outside the European Union. Obviously we cannot disregard the principles of subsidiarity and flexibility. I do think, however, that some standardisation both as regards legislation and the principles governing crisis management in the event of floods, and as regards ensuring full compatibility of life-saving equipment, is necessary. This will make rapid and coordinated help possible, which is very important in the basins of rivers that flow through more than one country.
The rapporteur rightly puts great emphasis on avoiding floods and the need for protection and an early-warning system. In addition, the inhabitants of threatened areas need to be properly prepared, both through education in schools and by smoothly functioning civil defence systems. In Poland, where this year we experienced flood damage both in the Podkarpackie region and in Malopolska, the Volunteer Fire Brigade have played a very important role in rescue operations for many years, and I would like to use this opportunity to thank them publicly for that.
I would like to add my voice to those who regard the careless use of farmland as having a negative effect on the threat of floods, along with the careless felling of forests, the siting of residential areas in flood plains and so on. We should note that only a proportion of natural disasters, including floods, are caused by natural forces beyond human control. However, a significant number of these disasters, which often cause loss of life, injuries and huge material damage, are the result of human irresponsibility or indifference. Let us therefore be wise before the event and minimise our losses. The directive we are now debating aims to help with this, and let us hope it will be effective."@en1
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