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Home arrow newsitems arrow French Minister Lefebvre to EuroFora: E. coli ao. Alerts need Updated+Careful Info for EU Consumers

French Minister Lefebvre to EuroFora: E. coli ao. Alerts need Updated+Careful Info for EU Consumers

Written by ACM
Tuesday, 07 June 2011
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Questioned by "EuroFora" on the on-going Food poisoning E. coli bacterium deadly outbreak, which suddenly bombarded Germany with strange, never seen before, Genetically altered bacteria provoking grave Health disorders, (custitis, internal hemorragy, etc), whose origin and cause still remains a Mystery, with hypothesis changing each Day, while errors cost Hundreds of Millions € to several EU Countries' Agriculture, French Minister for Consumers and Trade, Frederic Lefebvre, stressed that, in such cases, Infos provided to EU Consumer should be regularly updated each Day and even Hour, while also being "very careful", as he said.


Lefebvre had just inaugurated the "European Consumers' Centre" at Kehl (Germany) near Strasbourg, together with other French and German Politicians and Officials, including his President, experienced EU Parliament's Budget Committee's Chairman, MEP Alain Lamassoure, former Minister for EU affairs, which gave them an occasion to speak about the information which needs to be disseminated and made available vis a vis EU Citizens, among whom about 700.000 take the initiative to contact the ECC's website each year (according to the latest 2010 data).     

   
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Timely, the event occured the same Day (Monday evening) that EU Parliament hosted a "Trialogue" between MEPs, EU Commission and EU Council's Member States, trying up to Midnight to find an agreement on a New EU Directive on Services, focused this time mainly on "On-Line Commerce", and at the eve of the 1st Public Debate on the E. coli outbreak, due on Tuesday, (at the same time that competent EU Ministers are to meet at nearby Luxembourg).
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- "In such an area, the Method we want is that of a Perfect Coordination and Sharing of Infos at a European level, while also ensuring, naturally, that this ameliorates Consumers' Information, and that info is regularly updated.  Because in such issues, each Day, even Hours, the situation may change : (In such kind of Urgencies) there are moments on which we might not know yet what to say, there are others when a rumour heads towards one direction, while at another moment, this might prove to be false, needing to start exploring another track, etc. Therefore, we must be very Careful",  replied  to "EuroFora" Minister Lefebvre.


But, in general, - "I clearly made a Distinction between the European Consumers Center's action, and the Topical issue that you raised", he observed  in reply to "EuroFora"s question on the "E.coli outbreak.


 - "Because ,  even if  its (ECC's) spirit, method and voluntarism in coordination, in working together, is exemplary in Europe, nevertheless,  we must not confuse between differend (various) competenses (jurisdictions) : When we have to do with Security Alerts, the ECC is not destinated to play the role of the (f.ex. Health, Food, etc.) Public Authorities which manage the Urgencies", he warned.


- Nevertheless, "I'd like to pay homage to ECC's Method, which can be useful also in  issues such as  (Sanitary, Food or other) Alerts", Lefebvre ensured in conclusion.
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+ For ECC's President, the experienced MEP Alain Lamassoure, Chairman of the powerful EU Parliament's Budgets Committee, and former Minister for EU affairs, in this, as also in other affairs,   - "We must clearly distinguish between the Expertise level, and the level of Information", as he said :


 - "F.ex., in a case such as that of the Icelandic Volcano's Ashes, it's not for the European Consumers' Center to say wheher these Volcano's Ashes were really dangerous for Airplanes, or not. But, once it was found that there was a number of passengers blocked who received financial compensation, then, ECC's role and that of the whole network, was to provide the same level of Informations to all passengers, helping them to have the same level of financial compensation", he pointed out.


- Now, "the same goes when there is  a problem of Health Security", as with E. coli today : "It's not for the European Consumers' Centre to say whether a Bacterie comes from Soja, or Concumbers, or anything else. But, once that we shall have  the Analysis' Results, then, the Network must be set up and ensure that all EU Consumers have a possibility to be informed in equaly good conditions", he concluded.
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    For Martine Merigau, ECC's sympathetic and active Director, (honoured today with the distinction of "Chevalier de la Republique", by decision of French President Sarkozy, through his former Head of staff and now Minister Lefebvre : Comp. Merigau's previous statements to "EuroFora"s co-founder also on various other EU Consumers issues in the Past, f.ex. on Airplanes, etc), among various other ECC's "Projects" currently prepares is also that to create a kind of "On-line Mediator" who might provide accurate and updated info to EU Consumers and other interested parties potentially 24/24, 7/7, etc.


    But, at least for the moment, the distinction made by Minister Lefebvre and MEP Lamassoure, in reply to "EuroFora"s question on the current Health/Food Alert about a Genetically Altered E. coli Bacteria, (which, apparently, stems from earlier than March 2011, since a contaminated set with a Date limit of April 2011 was reportedly found at the Home of one of the Victims in Germany), has not yet reached the level of an ECC-related EU Consumers' Info, because; curiously, still until today, no clear results appeared, neither at the European Consumers Center at Kehl, nor at EU Parliament in Strasbourg, neither at EU Ministers' meeting in Luxembourg, while Berlin's German Government Authorities are reportedly still searching to find out the truth about the origin and what has caused this new type of spreading deadly bacteria, who obviously cought the whole EU by surprise...

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(NDLR : DraftNews, as already sent to "EuroFora"s Susbcribers/Donors. A more complete and accurate Final Public Version is due asap).


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3 EU Parliament votes to boost EuroGroup !

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After EuroZone Paris Summit's succes, Sarkozy calls to "think anew how to re-construct Europe !

"EuroZone and EU Institutional debates pave the way to 2009 discussions on EU Future, including Enlargment, Turkey etc. ?


23 October 2008

After EU Parliament strongly suppported in 3 successive Votes this week in Strasbourg French EU Chairmanship's move to boost Euro-Group at EU's core, while ideas on EU Institutional problems are awaited on December, "it's an open Question now" if this may lead to a debate on EU's Future, or not, told us French President, Nicolas Sarkozy''s Spokesman, Pierre-Jerome Henin.

MEPs voted on Thursday fresh Funds to support EuroGroup, after adopting on Wednesday a Resolution asking a "further Evolution" to "the 1st ever meeting of Heads of State and of Government of the Euro-Zone, taking decisions in that capacity", while earlier this week a Report asked "a stronger Institutional setting" for "EuroGroup", extended from "competitiveness/industry" to "environment, employment and education", with "increased powers for Political decision-making", according to a text drafted by French MEP Francoise Beres and German MEP Werner Langen, "10 Years after the creation of Euro" (1999 - 2009).

- Brussels' subsequent "EU Council ..(simply)..ratified the measures decided by EuroGroup on October 12" in Paris, which "were necessary to contain the current Financial Crisis", Resolution observes, expressing also support to the new process succesfully initiated by Sarkozy and due to be completed by agreements with USA and other countries at a Global level.

From now on, it's between two differend but parallel moves : EU's delay, and EuroZone's acceleration, that Enlargement and particularly Turkey's controversial EU bid, will have to search its way :

Indeed, EU's 27 expect a "Roadmap on how to deal with the Irish problem" on Lisbon Treaty ratification after December, risking to pass even 2009 Elections and next Commission with the old Nice Treaty of 2000, out-dated and unfit even for 2004's Enlargement...

On the contrary, EU's core launches a real "Economic Governance for EuroZone at the highest level of Heads of State/Government" of the 15, which started in Paris on October 12 and was strongly supported this week in Strasbourg by Sarkozy and EU Parliament.
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- "It's a good idea, to launch such a debate ("on EU's Future") in EU Parliament in view of 2009 Euro-Election : Perhaps some MEPs will seize an opportunity", told us mainstream French MEP Alain Lamassoure, former EU Minister and EU Spokesman for France's governing party UMP.

- "All MEPs' debates on such EU Councils are also part of the larger debate on Europe's future : Now with EuroZone, and even more when, on December, Irish Prime Minister is due to table proposals in Strasbourg on how to deal with EU Treaty's ratification", replied earlier to our question EU Parliament's Press Director and Spokesman, Jaume Duch.
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Sarkozy has formally anounced his intention to open EU Debates on Economy, Identity/Enlargement (i.e. mainly Turkey), etc. both linked to a popular Political view of Europe, since his Historic speeches on EU in Strasbourg, on February and July 2007, when he stressed that "Europe needs a New Renaissance". At the beginning of the French EU Presidency, on July 2008, replying to a MEP, he suggested that EU Parliament takes an active part in Debates on EU's Future.

- Now, in 2008, "Crisis are an opportunity to re-think how to re-construct Europe", Sarkozy stressed. At any case, the Historic 1st EuroZone Summit of Heads of State/Government, which started replying to the Financial crisis,"is a Turning Point : After that, Europe cannot be governed as before, but differently" : People "like a Europe with Strong Will".

- "We must make the System move !", "Europe needs Innovation" and free political debates. EU "Elections are in a few Months", Sarkozy warned.

He invited EU Parliament to fully play its role as "the Democratic Heart of the Europe we want : United, Independent and Voluntarist, because the World needs Europe's voice".

- "It's no more possible for Euro-Zone to continue without an Economic Government" at the Highest Level of Heads of State/Government, who provide "Democratic Legitimity" and can take important decisions, he announced, strongly supported by EU Parliament's Economic Committee which just voted to boost the "Institutional" aspects of "EuroGroup".

Plasticity offered by the current absence of a special Treaty on EuroZone's Institutions "made it easy to adapt the organization of the 1st Summit with imagination, to efficiently meet urgent needs", he observed, on the occasion of Brittish Prime Minister's exceptionnal presence at the greatest part of EuroGroup's Paris Summit.

- "In EuroZone we have the same Bank, the same Money, and, thus, a same duty for Unity" : "By bringing together EuroGroup's 15 members States we suceeded to find a solution and prepare a Giant Plan of 1.800 Billion euros", Sarkozy reminded of Paris' 1st Historic EuroZone's Summit.

Afterwards, Brussels' EU Council followed the move, and USA's Paulson II Plan was inspired from that. "Europe must promote the idea of Global Economy's Refoundation", he stressed.

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- "I was frankly astonished when I found, at the EU, a rigid system, where any New Idea was seen from the outset as a sacrilege, while, on the contrary, Europe needs Innovation !", he described.

F.ex. ,"'When we first spoke about the "Union for the Mediterranean", it was misunderstood as something extraordinary.. When later we had the Russia -Georgia crisis, it seemed against EU's custom to act "in the middle of August", instead of staying a passive spectator ! And when, in front of the Financial ciris, we gathered the 1st EuroZone Summit of the "15", some thought of it as a lese-majesté", he denounced.
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On Geo-Political Principles :
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- But, by moving resolutely, "EU obtained the ...withdrawal of Occupation Troops in 2 Months !", reminded Sarkozy, observing that Russia "fulfilled its commitments", in the Georgian crisis, where a "disroportionate reaction" from Moscow followed a "totally inappropriate action" from Tbilisi's troops. "It would be crazy to reply by military means : EU should not become accomplice of another Cold War, imposed by lack of cool heads".. as he said.

In future, "the creation of a common European Economic Area with EU and Russia, would also obtain a raprochment on our Human Rights and Democratic Values", added Sarkozy, in a statement which should logically be applied, a fortiori, to controversial EU "candidate" Turkey..

Particularly when, the same week that EU Parliament voted 2009 EU Funds for Turkey's controversial EU bid, ECHR took a series of judgements condemning Turkey for grave Violations of Human Rights, such as : Torture, death of a political prisoner in unclear circumstances followed by failure to conduct a proper Investigation, "enforced Disappearance" of a youngster aged 17, Killing of a sepherd with Tank Shells, persecuting Journalists for articles on "Missing" People, even a former President of Human Rights' Association, (etc)

- "We (EU) can defend our ideas on respect of Sovereignity and territorial Integrity, on Human Rights and other differences ... without confrontation", Sarkozy stressed, on the occasion of Russian/Georgian conflict, reminding that : "we were only 2 steps from catastroph", when a Peace agreement brokered in Moscow prevented, at the last minute, Russian troops' advance towards Tbilisi.

An EU Parliament Resolution adopted Wednesday in Strasbourg on the occasion of Russia - Georgia conflict, outlines a set of Principle which apply elsewhere too, (particularly when EU Rapporteur for Russia and Turkey is one and same person ; Dutch MEP Ria Oomen-Ruijtanen !)

Clearly rejecting any "military solution to the conflicts", MEPs "condemn ..all those who resorted to force and violence". They denounce a "disproportionate military action", "as well as (an) unilateral decision to recognise the independence" of brekaway regions, "calling.. to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of the concerned country, "and the inviolability of its borders recognised by all EU Member States". They warn that "EU must review its policy towards" a 3rd Country, "should .(it)...not comply with its commitments", and "stress that the withdrawal of.... troops from the areas ....is an essential additional step".

EU Parliament "calls for the safe and quick return of refugees, (accepted by Russian President Medvedev) accompanied by the deployment of EU observers on the ground", and "regrets ...that ..EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) is not allowed to enter the ...breakaway regions". Moreover, "It's important to ensure that persons and NGOs ..engaged in defending human and civil rights can operate". "Until ...all remaining issues (are) resolved..., and notably the continuing ...Military presence", "relations with the EU ..cannot be fully normalised", MEPS warned.

As nobody likes to be accused to practice "Double Standards", this should be regarded as "Principles" applicable to any Third Country at EU's Neighborhood.. No ?

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On Economy :

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- "When Financial crisis shook US and EU's Banks, without result from the 1st (American) Paulsen plan, it was the common reply of the 1st EuroZone's Summit, involving some 1800 Billion euros, which started a positive move in the markets, soon strengthened by the follow-up of the US Paulson 2 Plan, noted Sarkozy.

- "Europe should not be only on the defensive, but, if necessary, know also how to take an offensive", he said, brushing away hesitationsto act on Economy: - "I'm for a refondation of Capitaliism, but against Speculators, who betray its values" : "Lack of Rules was profitable to speculators, Not to businessmen !" We must make sure to prevent any such crisis in future". "We, the rest of the World, cannot continue to bear the deficits of the 1st World power without saying anything !", the French President said, applauded by EU Parliament. All this needs "a New Global Governance", on which EU Parliament must debate. That's why "we proposed together with USA, several Summits from mid-November", to which G-8, enlarged to China, India a.o. countries, should participate. UNO's SG; Ban Ki Moon, the IMF, etc.

Financial crisis lowered shares' prices even for healthy companies, sometimes to 1/3 of their initial price, so that strangers might buy EU industries for only a portion of their real value, and Europeans may wake up one day with their main industries sold out to foreigners !

That's one of the reasons for which EU should debate about creating "Golden Shares" for States to jointly take Strategic participations to help European Industries until the end of the Crisis, particularly against distording competition, he suggested, pointing at USA's 35 billion $ plan for American Car Industry."We shall struggle for Europe to be able to build Airplanes, Ships, Trains, Cars, because we need a strong Industry", he concluded.

"F.ex. as we did back in 2004, when as Finance Minister, we bought Alsthom's shares for 800.000 euros, and, after restructuring, we sold them for 2 Millions : Help a company and make money is not so bad"...

As for the UK, "when Ireland announced that it would guarantee only Irish Banks, London City emptied from liquidities in 24 hours : It's the EU which helped to restore the situation, Not the UK alone !", reminded Sarkozy to nationalist British MEP Nigel Farage.

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On the contrary, in a last-minute attempt for the EU to catch-up with its Institutional delay "before the European Elections" of June 2009, MEPs simply voted a call for a "set of proposals" to be made for the "Irish public opinion" at the end of the year...

- "As long as Lisbon Treaty is not ratified by all 27 EU Member States, there is an unanimous decision to stop Enlargement, reminded Wednesday in Strasbourg the French Minister for EU affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet..

Added to an indirect but clear warning that, without Lisbon Treaty, all 27 EU Member Countries may not have a Commissioner in the 2009 resuffle, MEPS in the Constitutional/Foreign affairs Committees applauded hoping that this might motivate their Irish friends..

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