Resources for growth

Green light for the 2011 Budget, and proposals to modify common legislations on maternity leave, creation of EU diplomatic service, minimum European income. In Strasbourg, from October 18 to 21, the Assembly’s plenary session went on smoothly, notwithstanding relevant issues on the agenda. Previous works by Parliamentary commissions paved the way for the agreement. Budget, ahead with negotiations. The Parliament approved next year’s budget, in line with the multiannual financial framework and agreed on a total of 130 billion Euros in payments and 143 billions Euros commitments, in line with the numbers set by the Commission. The Council (represented by the 27 Member States) will now begin the negotiation phase and if an agreement is reached, the final budget will be approved in mid-November. MEPs insisted accounting documents include adequate funding for regional development, research, innovation, and education, infrastructures and energy networks. Popular Polish speaker Sidonia Jedrzejewska and German green Helga Trüpel , call for “necessary funding” to start a new European External Action Service, and investments to “increase competition in the EU to overcome the crisis”. The Parliament asked other European Institutions to immediately start debating on financial long-term perspectives, for a better future policy planning. The economic crisis and difficult national budgets prevented increases in community funds. Budget 2011 is also important for the Parliament’s new increased power as Budget authority next to the Council. Maternity leave for moms and dads. The European Parliament voted in favour of extending the maternity leave from 14 to 20 weeks with full pay. The Assembly also introduced paternity leave (of at least two weeks). The resolution was adopted by 390 in favour, 192 against and 59 abstentions. Rapporteur Edite Estrela explained that the project “wants to lay down minimum rules at EU level”, while Member States (that will now address the issue with the Council, where strong resistance is expected) “are free to introduce or keep maternity leaves that are more favourable to workers” that those laid down in directives”. “Maternity cannot be regarded as a burden on social security systems, it is an investment in our future”. The text also includes amendments to ban dismissal of pregnant workers; women are entitled to return to their jobs or to “equivalent posts, with the same pay, professional category and duties as before their maternity leave”. More power and accountability. “We must defend maternity as the first step in overcoming the demographic crisis in Europe””: Jerzy Buzek , president of the EU Parliament, commented during his mid-term speech. “Buzek addressed eight points in his speech: economic crisis, European solidarity, energy and environmental policy, foreign policy (the Assembly approved the External Action Service, “that will truly represent the European interests worldwide”) human rights, women rights, enforcement of the Lisbon Treaty and the budget. “After World War II the spirit of cooperation and solidarity enabled a 60-year period of peace. We must work for a strong and open society and always keep in mind that democracy and peace can never be given for granted”. This is why we must always refuse populism that undermines the basis of our co-existence”. On European human rights the president stated: “I am aware that there are 735 human rights advocates in front of me, and more than 500 million more behind me.” On institutional reforms: “The Lisbon Treaty doubled the Parliament’s legislative powers” “increasing its commitment and accountability”. The Polish politician also commented on the need to “strengthen the community method and avoid falling into temptation” allowing National governments to run the European Union.”