Thursday, 7 July 2011 - Strasbourg

Explanation of vote:

Report Geoffrey Van Orden

Pino Arlacchi (S&D ), in writing . − I voted in favour of this report because I value its aim to find a synergy between the various dimensions of mine action, with a special focus on humanitarian and development aspects.

This report condemns the fact that, since the elimination of the EU’s dedicated budget line in 2007, the EU has not had an instrument able to respond coherently to mine action priorities. It is essential to restore a more dedicated approach by establishing a budget line managed by one lead directorate. The Commission, moreover, should take into account the specific needs of individual countries and acknowledges that in some areas of the world the existence of landmines has become a structural issue. I would like to underline that efforts should be concentrated on sustaining the development of greater local capacity, meant as training for local personnel on a structured and professional basis, and use of military units, specifically trained for humanitarian demining in post conflict situations.

[source: www.europarl.europa.eu]