Nieuws van de afdeling

12 October 2005

‘Market working’ in health care system will lead to European interference

The new system of health insurance will probably encounter resistance from Brussels, according to SP Euro-MP Erik Meijer: “The system finds itself in a grey area between state and market, and experience teaches us that the EU prefers to get rid of the public element as rapidly as possible.” Mr Meijer has put a question on the matter to the European Commission, asking to what extent the health care system conflicts with European rules.

7 October 2005

European resistance to Port Services Directive

On Wednesday the SP invited a number of representatives of southern European harbour workers, including fitters, employees of piloting services and transport unions. During the meeting, which was chaired by SP Euro-MP Erik Meijer, it was once again obvious that there is virtual unanimity against the new Port Services Directive presented by the Commission at the end of last year.

7 October 2005

Van Velzen takes action against dolphin hunt

Saturday 8 October is the international day of action against Japanese dolphin hunting. Protests against the annual slaughter of dolphins and whales, organised by a coalition of animal protection groups, are to take place outside more than twenty Japanese embassies and consulates. SP Member of Parliament Krista van Velzen will participate in one such action at the doors of the Japanese embassy in The Hague.

6 October 2005

Economic cooperation with rich countries does not help poor

"If we don't ask the cat to feed the mice instead of eating them, why should economic cooperation with the world's richest countries be a suitable instrument for helping the world's poor and powerless?" SP Senator Tiny Kox put this question this week to Donald J. Johnston, Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) during the autumn session of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

5 October 2005

Break off talks if Turkey reneges on promises

“Negotiations between the EU and Turkey should be broken off immediately if Turkey fails to hold to ongoing agreements,” says SP Member of Parliament Harry van Bommel. Mr Van Bommel was responsing to the decision of the EU summit in Luxembourg to begin accession negotiations with the country. In a few months we will see the first litmus test, as Turkey must by then have withdrawn ships and aeroplanes from Cyprus. “If that doesn't happen, the SP will demand that negotiations be halted,” Van Bommel says.

4 October 2005

Opening of negotiations with Croatia raises questions

SP Member of Parliament Harry van Bommel has asked Secretary of State for European Affairs Atzo Nicolaï for clarifcation regarding the decision to begin accession negotiations with Croatia. Mr Van Bommel said: “It appears that Austria has given up its opposition to Turkey's accession in exchange for a start being made on accession negotiations with Croatia. This looks like a political parlour game.”

International