Gemeinsame Aussprache - Entlastung 2009

Straßburg,

Sehr geehrte Frau Präsidentin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen

Die Europäischen Agenturen stehen permanent im Kreuzfeuer der Kritik - doch andererseits zählen wir auf sie, wenn sich quasi über Nacht Probleme ergeben, die zum Beispiel vermehrte Frontex-Einsätze im Mittelmeer erfordern oder wenn Dioxin in Tierfutter gefunden wird.

Aus diesem Grund bitte ich alle Kolleginnen und Kollegen für die anstehenden Entlastungen um ein gesundes Augenmass und politischen Weitblick.

Der Ausweg aus Meinungen und Vermutungen - und um sich ein übersichtliches Bild der tatsächlichen Agentur-Leistungen machen zu können, ist, sie sachlich auf ihre betriebswirtschaftliche Effizienz zu evaluieren. Dafür setze ich mich seit einiger Zeit sehr ein.

Peijing +15 - UN-Platform for Action of Gender Equality

Strasbourg, 24 February 2010

Mr President,

gender equality is a fundamental principle of the EU. This principle is stated in the treaties, on websites and is happily cited often and in many places.

It should therefore be justified to ask why we are always talking about it. The answer is, quite simply, because equality is not implemented in many areas. I look forward to the day when we no longer need to talk about this and the principle of gender equality has finally been realised in the social sphere.

Amending Budget 1/2010

Strasbourg, 24 February 2010

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen,

´the Treaty of Lisbon strengthens the EU as a whole. It strengthens the involvement of European citizens and it also strengthens the European Parliament. The increase in the status of the European Parliament also brings with it greater legislative obligations. These must be met by each individual Member to the best of his or her knowledge and belief.

In this context, I would also like to mention the slogan of legislative excellence. My 'yes' to the amendment to the Parliamentary budget is conditional. In view of the ever worsening crisis, we need to manage our finances with greater care. However, as parliamentarians, we are also obliged to conduct our legislative work in the best way possible. This dual requirement must be met.

Equality between women and men in the European Union - 2009 (debate)

Strasbourg, 8 February, 2010

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen,

more women have entered the labour market. However, more jobs does not always mean more quality jobs. There are high numbers of women in part-time work and in jobs that have been particularly hard hit by the present crisis.

Approximately 60% of all university graduates are women, and yet, there are barriers effectively stopping women from making the most of their potential.

That is why we have to establish binding minimum standards: EU-wide minimum standards for parental leave, improved child care and improved health care. That is how we can break many gender-based stereotypes and finally achieve the imperative of real equality between the sexes.