It may seem a long way from Constitutional Affairs to the Environment Committee, but protecting nature, health and consumers is not only one of the EU's noblest tasks but also part of his biography, says Jo Leinen, the newly elected ENVI chair.

The Interview: More needs to be done to stop global warming - Jo Leinen (Extended version)

of the Committee on the Environment,   Public Health and Food Safety.

In what way is the committee   going to change under your leadership?

I've been committed to environmental   protection for many years now,

and I very much look forward   to chairing this influential committee.

The European Parliament has always   led the way in consumer protection,

health protection   and environmental protection,

and therefore it will be particularly   interesting to lead this committee.

Isn't this a bit much   for just one person?

We have to set priorities. First we will   have to address climate change.

At the UN Climate Change Conference   in Copenhagen

the EU will have to show it is leading   the way and stirring others into action.

We must demonstrate that we still believe   in the stabilisation of climate change.

Swine flu and other transboundary   diseases are equally important.

We cannot neglect one problem in favour   of another. There's a lot to be done.

At the end of 2008 the climate and   energy package was signed off.

The media hailed it as a success   for the Commission and the EU.

However, many people   would have liked to go much further.

It was a satisfactory compromise   for the 27 Member States,

but it wasn't a satisfactory solution to   the challenges posed by climate change.

It was stipulated at the time   that more efforts would be made

if the US and other countries   were prepared to cooperate.

Things have changed for the better   since the election of Barack Obama.

I therefore remain hopeful that further   and better measures will be taken.

Has Europe lost its leading role   regarding climate change?

No, but the Americans   are starting to catch up.

That's a good thing. The area of new   technologies is dynamic and competitive,

and of course   we cannot afford to fall behind.

When you look at China's efforts   regarding electric vehicles

it becomes clear   that Europe mustn't stand still.

How do you plan to go about   your new role?

Will you as committee chairman   take the initiative

and not mince your words   where necessary?

I'm known for speaking my mind   and being frank.

The committee will support me   in parliamentary debates

and in negotiations with the Council   and the Commission.

We will fight for climate protection goals

and we will be openly critical   about any signs of negligence

or, even worse,   any attempts to reverse things.

is used as an excuse   to pull out of certain responsibilities.

We have to be careful and   mustn't allow any signs of fatigue.

On the contrary, we have to be   vigilant and work even harder

because the current measures   are insufficient.

But is there a real risk   that efforts might slacken?

Of course. Huge sums of money   are being channelled into areas

which benefit the traditional industries   and banks, rather than the environment.

We can't say:   'There isn't any money left.'

'Unfortunately, we can't save our climate   and the future of our grandchildren

because we had to save a few big banks   and some traditional enterprises.'

Apart from climate change,   health is also on your agenda.

When it comes to swine flu,   Europe is not speaking with one voice.

Countries are taking their own measures.

France, for example,   has spent millions

on providing its citizens   with a vaccine.

At European level   nothing has been done.

The problem is that health policy   is still a national competence.

However, with the Lisbon Treaty   it will become a European matter.

We will have a contractual basis...   -You are a constitutional expert of course.

Yes, and I welcome the progress in this   area because our citizens expect this.

Nobody would understand it   if we had an epidemic or a pandemic

and preventive measures   stopped at the borders.

infectious diseases   don't stop at national borders,

and that's why this relatively small EU of   27 countries needs a common policy.

Another important piece of legislation   is the pharmaceutical package.

but if you have to see a doctor   or go to hospital in another EU country,

Costs may not be reimbursed and you   may have to wait for an operation.

The rules of the common market   should also apply to the health sector.

All EU citizens should have   the same rights.

The European Health Insurance Card   ensures that the EU citizen can benefit

from the added value of European   cooperation in the case of emergencies.

They enjoy the same rights   as the local citizens

and their health insurance   will reimburse any costs incurred abroad.

What are your main objectives   in this area for the next years?

Food adulteration is a big problem   which cannot be tolerated.

Cheese isn't necessarily cheese   these days.

but the consumer has a right to know   that products are real and authentic.

The same applies to   additives in foodstuffs.

There are all kinds of novel food products

which, apart from natural ingredients,   contain many other substances.

The ingredients should   at least be listed on the label.

Consumers should be informed   or even be warned

about high sugar or fat contents   for example.

Another, even more serious, matter   are poisonous substances in foodstuffs.

People buying food in Europe   must be able to feel certain

that the products   are fit for consumption.