Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2012-03-29-Speech-4-019-000"
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"en.20120329.3.4-019-000"2
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"Mr President, Commissioner, in its proposal for a regulation covering all the Structural Funds, the Commission has earmarked a budget of EUR 2.5 billion for a future food aid scheme for the most needy for 2014-2020, despite fierce opposition from a minority of Member States within the Council. This is a brave decision by the Commission and one which is in line with the wishes of the European Parliament, but, more importantly, with those of most of our fellow citizens. This is at a time when, with the worsening of the social crisis, increasing numbers throughout Europe are calling upon help from food banks.
It is a brave decision, but it is not enough. At present, the food aid programme for the most deprived is worth EUR 500 million per year. By proposing a budget of EUR 2.5 billion over seven years, the Commission has consciously reduced this budget by EUR 1 billion, even though the demand is continuously increasing.
In addition, we know nothing of the Commission’s intentions in terms of how the future programme will be introduced. If the funds are allocated within the framework of the European Social Fund, it will be difficult to continue buying food on the agricultural markets to distribute it to the most deprived because of the way in which the social fund is managed, especially since this practice has been condemned by the European Court of Justice. However, if no solution is found, the food banks will find themselves in a situation that they have managed to avoid until now.
What do you actually intend to do?
I, for one, believe it is necessary to maintain a decent budget for this programme and to ensure that each and every one of us, especially the most deprived, has the right to healthy food at an affordable price. Lastly, I believe an effective safety net is needed, as is a strong framework directive on a minimum income."@en1
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