Parliament to discuss Trans-European Networks and global navigation systems
The European Parliament will include discussions of Trans-European Networks in transport and global navigation satellite systems in its plenary session next week. The session beginning on 11 January 1999 will include discussion of a resolution from the Italian MEP Alessandro Danesin calling for greater use of private sector funding in building major transport links in Europe. Mr Danesin sees the transport networks as a way of promoting competitiveness, stimulating the economy and creating jobs. His draft resolution does however, point out the need for the projects to respect the principle of sustainable development and promote integrated transport. The development of an EU strategy for global navigation satellite systems will be the subject of a debate initiated by the Danish MEP Brigitte Langenhagen on behalf of the Parliament's transport committee. The Commission is calling on the member states to agree by early 1999 on the strategy which the EU should adopt with regard to global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Among other requests, Langenhagen wants the member states to convene a European Space Council at Head of State or Government level to give clear decisions on the strategic, technical and budgetary guidelines, and considers that Council should assess the desirability of holding a World Conference on the issue. She is also calling on the Commission to take all necessary measures to promote international cooperation in the field. The other topics to be included in next week's session at the Parliament are as follows: Motion of censure Clearer rules for electronic signatures Europe's "Great car culture" blamed for air pollution Action to improve the Common Fisheries Policy Tackling over-fishing Statement by Presidency-in-Office of Council - Programme of German Presidency Openness in the EU Better ways of appointing the Commission Culture capitals - no change before 2005 Approval for EU negotiating position on competition policy Yes to Framework Agreement with South Korea Fair trade and labour standards Charging for use of ports Common standards for speedometers Linking the euro to the African franc Agenda 2000 - financing of the CAP No to Commission proposals for cattle farmers Reforming the milk market No to changes to arable crop support system Direct support schemes for farmers.