126. Considers it particularly important that the EU should make a serious effort to tackle trafficking in persons, which is a constantly growing problem, that trafficking must be combated both outside and inside the EU and that a gender analysis should be made of all proposals for measures; considers that the EU and Member States should particularly tackle demand for services from victims of trafficking in persons by introducing penalties, educational measures and campaigns to raise awareness; considers that, since trafficking in persons for sexual purposes constitutes the bulk of this crime in absolute terms (79% according to UN data ...[+++]), the relationship between demand for the purchase of such services and trafficking in persons must be made clear and recognised and that, if demand for the purchase of sexual services is controlled, trafficking in persons will also be reduced;

117. Considers it particularly important that the EU should make a serious effort to tackle trafficking in persons, which is a constantly growing problem, that trafficking must be combated both outside and inside the EU and that a gender analysis should be made of all proposals for measures; considers that the EU and Member States should particularly tackle demand for services from victims of trafficking in persons by introducing penalties, educational measures and campaigns to raise awareness; considers that, since trafficking in persons for sexual purposes constitutes the bulk of this crime in absolute terms (79% according to UN data ...[+++]), the relationship between demand for the purchase of such services and trafficking in persons must be made clear and recognised and that, if demand for the purchase of sexual services is controlled, trafficking in persons will also be reduced;

(c) Co-operation with external service providers: where for reasons relating to the local situation of the consular post it is not appropriate to equip the consular office for capturing/collecting biometric identifiers or to organise co-location or a Common Application Centre, a Member State or several Member States jointly may co-operate with an external service provider for the reception of visa applications (including biometric identifiers).

71. Recalls that, over the course of previous years, it has asked in several resolutions for steps to be taken towards the establishment of a European common diplomacy; points out that the draft Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe provides for the creation of a European external action service under the authority of the future Union Minister for Foreign Affairs; therefore considers it essential that diplomats from the Member States should be closely involved with the nascent Community service by means of temporary secondment to the Commission's external service;

- having regard to the Commission communication of 8 April 1998 on the multiannual plan to allocate external service resources (SEC(1998) 1261 ),

Over the summer, with a Revenue Canada ruling making potentially all Foreign Service allowances taxable, with the excellent cooperation from the Treasury Board Secretariat, we were able to revamp the structure of Foreign Service benefits to avoid the severe financial consequences this tax ruling would have had on our members.