Decisions can no longer be postponed

A “radical change” in EU’s energy policy “to meet the Union’s three main goals”; supply security, fight against climate change and competitiveness. The European Parliament takes a stand at the plenary session held in Strasburg from 2-5 February. Among the various issues tackled relations between family and work, protection of small and medium enterprises, textile and car industry crisis, Guantamano closure, fight against paedophile -pornography, initial reception centres for immigrants.Energy safety, renewable sources. The report on energy, signed by the MEP Anne Laperrouze, received a broad consensus. “The European Union imports 50% of the energy that it consumes and this proportion could rise to 70% by 2030” the French representative explained. The report advocates projects such as “Nabucco” and “South stream”, calling on a “regasification” in the Union, a focus on “infrastructural investments” and common energy network, “anti-crisis plans”, promote energy saving and use of renewable sources. The report stresses the significance of nuclear energy, currently produced in 15 Member States and used by an even larger number, and which accounts for one third of the electricity demand in the European Union. The report presses for a common nuclear project, research investments, safer nuclear plants and final disposal of radioactive wastes. Flexible working- hours and pre-school facilities. The European Parliament called for a review of work-life balanced policies. The Parliament approved a resolution “on a new directive to reconcile rights and guarantee professional and private life”. Even if the resolution was approved with 358 votes in favour, 271 against and 23 abstentions, all the political groups agreed on the shared guidelines. Flexible work-hours for parents, “good-quality care services for dependent persons, pre-school facilities fit for family needs, pension schemes “which keep into account time dedicated to the family”- The directive should, furthermore, include leave arrangements and tax policies. The approved text highlights that “employment rate for women with dependent children is of only 62.4% as compared with 91.45% for men”; whereas 76.5% of part-time workers are women. During the session various MEPs expressed fears that the Czech Presidency’s proposal for childcare as a fully-fledged “alternative” to a professional career is geared towards the “traditional division of labour between man and woman”.Child protection: “grooming” a crime. The report on intensifying the fight against paedophile pornography received a unanimous consensus. The text signed by the Italian MEP Roberta Angelilli, passed with 591 votes in favour, 2 against and 6 abstentions. A series of recommendation on the fight against sexual exploitation of children was addressed to the Council. They called for “grooming”- the action of soliciting children for sexual purposes on the Internet- to be criminalised. “Pornographic Internet websites must be disconnected”, as well as ” prevent their online payment systems”. The report calls for common rules on child sex tourism and sanctions on sex crime against children.Immigration, closure of unfit reception centres. “Unacceptable detention conditions due to poor sanitary systems, promiscuity and inadequate structures”. Denounced French MEP Martine Roure in her report that passed with a majority vote. The Parliament calls for the “closure of centres that do not comply to the enforced law”. The position emerged after the visits of the Committee on Civil Liberties to many initial reception centres in France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Poland, Malta, Greece, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Cyprus. “Fundamental rights, such as the right to live in dignity, protection of family life, access to heath care and the right to appeal must be guaranteed at all times”. Member States must monitor the situation and provide reports each year to be reviewed.