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Pluralism
“For me Art and Culture are not only measurable
economical factors. In the first place they lead to progress and growing
consciousness of the people. They are mental food, inspire the fantasy,
and finish barriers. The unlimited freedom of the art is the admonisher
and guardian of a democratic and pluralistic society”
This is also a principal objective of the European
Union.
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Responsibility
“In the committees and
delegacies I strive for concrete subjects and try to achieve changes.”
Education:
Basic and on-going education
Media:
Unlimited access to new media and technologies
for all
Sport:
Cope with excessive commercialisation, sport for
all, fight against doping
Youth:
Exchange, Communication, Consciousness for a united
Europe
Elderly:
Quality of life, Dignity, a Europe for all ages |
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Equal opportunity
Since 1957 equal opportunities for men and women has been laid down in the
EU-treaty. Today it has only partly been realised. On the average, women
in the EU get paid 30% less than men for the same work.
Therefore, gender mainstreaming is a focus point of my work in the committee
on women rights and equal opportunities. It means: Equal opportunities
for women and men from the start – and as such the sex – must
be included and implemented in all aspects of the society. Effectively
this means amongst others: Same payment for the same work, the same career
chances, equal representation in key positions and political functions.”
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Chances
In the coming years, the European Union will be expanded
with 12 countries. The EU-enlargement is not an adventure. It is being thoroughly
prepared and has a solid foundation. The trade between the EU and the candidate
countries from Middle and Eastern Europe accounts for 50 to 70% of their
foreign trade. Over the last couple of years the trade balance between the
candidate countries and the EU shows a surplus in favour of the EU, which
is bigger than the financial support these countries received out of public
means. “However, there is more.
The east expansion offers a unique historical opportunity to extend peace
and stability to all of Europe and it opens new, great chances for all.
As member of the delegations to the joint parliamentary committees for
Hungary and Romania I’m actively involved in these developments.”
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Community
At present, the European Union is a community of 15 member states and is
being shaped and stamped by 370 million people. Every five years, the people
elect the European Parliament. In the parliament work 626 delegates, of
which 21 come from Austria (7 SPE). It is the biggest multinational parliament
in the world. Together with the Council of Ministers and the European Committee
it forms one of the three political pillars of the EU. The competence of
the parliament has continuously been expanded. The members are also responsible
for the political verification and democratic control of the European Committee.
They have direct influence on legal decisions and furtherance programs,
which are realised in all of the European Union.
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Visions
Objectives of the European Union:
“These are prerequisites to achieve
social security, a healthy environment and justice on our continent”
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