Activities of Xabier BENITO ZILUAGA related to 2018/0247(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III)
Amendments (14)
Amendment 14 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) provides that any European state which respects the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and commits to promote these values, may apply to become a member of the Union. A European State which has applied to join the Union can become a member only when it has been confirmed that it meets the membership criteria established at the Copenhagen European Council in June 1993 (the ‘Copenhagen criteria’) and provided that the Union has the capacity to integrate the new member. The Copenhagen criteria relate to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, the existence of a functioning marke, socially just economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union, and the ability to assume not only the rights but also the obligations under the Treaties, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary ufor social and economic convergence within the Union.
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The enlargement process is built on established criteria and fair and rigorous conditionality. Each beneficiary is assessed on the basis of its own merits. The assessment of progress achieved and the identification of shortcomings aim to provide incentives and guidance to the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to pursue the necessary far-reaching reforms. For the prospect of enlargement to become a reality, a firm commitment to the principle of the 'fundamentals first'15 remains essential. Progression towards accession depends on each applicant's respect for the Union's values and its capacity to undertake the necessary reforms to align its political, institutional, legal, administframework of coexistence and cooperation between European countries, so that true collaborativeon and economic systems with the rules, standards, policies and practices in the Union. _________________ 15 The 'fundamentals first' approach links rule of law and fundamental rights with the two other crucial areas of the accession process: economic governance – strengthened focus on economic development and improved competitiveness – and the strengthening of democratic institutions and public administration reform. Each of the three fundamentvergence can be possible with recognition of the diversity of social and economic models and policies that provide mutual benefits and thereby foster sustainable development, mechanisms alleviating externals is of crucial importance for the reform processes in the candidate countries and potential candidates and addresses key concerns of the citizensmbalances (whether deficits or surpluses), a complementary and cooperative international division of labour, the distribution of wealth and production.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Union should provide support to the transition towards accession for the benefit of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I, based on the experience of its Member States. This cooperation should focus in particular on the sharing of experience acquired by the Member States in the reform processes that are compatible with true convergence, the prevention of new economic crises and mechanisms for responding to economic cycles and measures abandoning the failed structural adjustment policies.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Enhanced strategic and operational cooperation between the Union and the beneficiaries listed in Annex I on security is pivotal to addressing effectively and efficiently security and terrorism threatfinancial and tax-related crimes.
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) It is essential to further step up cooperation on migration including border management, ensuring access to international protection, sharing relevant information, strengthening the development benefits of migration, facilitating legal and labour migration, facilitating the creation of safe routes and preparing rescue operations to respond to the humanitarian crisis at the borders, enhancing border control and pursuing our effort in the fight against irregular migration, trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling.
Amendment 22 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) It is in the Union's interest to assist the beneficiaries listed in Annex I in their efforts to reform with a view to Union membership. Assistance should be managed with a strong focus on results and with incentives for those who demonstrate their commitment to reform through efficient implementation of pre- accession assistance and progress towards meetthe processes of improvement that lead to an accession process that goes hand-in-hand with true convergence and the development of a complementary and cooperative economy for the EU framework that is socially and economically inclusive withing the membership criteriacandidate country.
Amendment 26 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1
Article 3 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of IPA III shall be to support the beneficiaries listed in Annex I in adopting and implementing the political, institutional, legal, administrative, social and economic reforms required by those beneficiaries to comply with Unionthe values and to progressively align to Union rules, standards, policies and practices with a view to Union membership, thereby contributing to their stability, security and pof cooperation, complementarity and true convergence as principles leading to integration within a mutually beneficial and supportive Eurosperityan framework.
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) To strengthen the rule of law, democracy, the respect of human rights, fundamental rights and international law, civil society and security as well as improve migration management including border managementthe integration of migrants;
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) To reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms, decoupled from adjustment policies, and good governance at all levels;
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) To strengthen economic and social development including through increased connectivity and regional development, agriculture and rural development and social and employment policies, to reinforce environmental protection, increase resilience to climate change, while making strides to prevent it or mitigate its effects, accelerate the shift towards a low- carbon economy and develop the digital economy and society.
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) Strengthening economic governance: Interventions shall aim at supporting participation in the economic reform programme (ERP) process and systematic cooperation with international financial institutions on fundamentals of economic policy. Enhancing the capacity to strengthen macroeconomic stability and supporting progress toward with a view to fostering genuine convergence and building an economy that works for society, encouraging investments coupled with a shift in the production model towards the widespread use of renewable energies and job creation, as well as bmecoming a functioning market economy with the capacity to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the Unhanisms for attenuating economic cycles and strengthening social cohesion;.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point k
Annex II – paragraph 1 – point k
(k) Improving the private-sector environment and competitivenessthe viability, economic stability and social utility of enterprises, including smart specialisation, as key drivers of growth, job creation and cohesion. Priority shall be given to projects which improve the business environment.
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point 2
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point 2
2. Readiness of enlargement countries on public administration reform (source: European Commission), in terms of strengthening their public sector, limiting unjustified privatisations or outsourcing, reducing red tape and making them more efficient in solving their citizens' concerns.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point 4
Annex IV – paragraph 1 – point 4
4. Composite indicator on the readiness of candidate countries and potential candidates on fundamental areas of the economic criteria (functioning market economy and competitiveness) (source European Commissionstrengthening of investment, increasing the proportion of wages in national income and reducing social and energy poverty).