Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-10-22-Speech-3-419"
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"en.20081022.23.3-419"2
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"I would like to thank the honourable Member for having replied to me in my own language. I am tempted myself to reply to you in ancient Greek, having studied it for many years – my mother taught ancient Greek for many years as well, but perhaps I would make some mistakes and risk not being understood by you. Thank you all the same for the gesture.
Mr Botopoulos, I said this myself when I was a member of parliament, having been elected in a constituency that also included many small islands, and so I am well aware of the serious connection problems they face, far from terra firma, particularly during the winter. Since many of these islands are tourist destinations, during the summer there are boats transporting visitors and also the people who live on those islands, who therefore do not have difficulties for two or three months (June, July and August). The problems start in September, and then there is a real risk of feeling isolated.
I believe that the European Commission, not being able to decide directly on the matter – I mentioned this in my speech, we are always mindful of the principle of subsidiarity – can provide support, for example, by cofinancing certain transport systems, without distorting the internal market, to enable these citizens, who are European citizens and who have the same rights to mobility as those living in big cities or on the mainland, specifically to have the right to travel and to receive deliveries, because the issue also concerns the supply of food, as well as water for some islands.
Honourable Member, I share your concern and support it. The European Commission, with its sights set on protecting the rights of all citizens at all times, intends, wherever possible and insofar as provided for by current legislation, to work hard to support those living on the smallest islands, offering practical solutions to the needs of these citizens who do indeed experience unfavourable conditions, particularly during the winter months.
I am available to you and to all Greek MEPs – and not just Greek MEPs, of course – should you wish to discuss any initiatives you want to adopt in order to give practical answers to the citizens of small islands."@en1
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