Activities of Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital D

D. in particular, strongly encouraged by a number of statements on US nuclear policy made by the then President-elect Barack Obama, in which he underlined that the United States will seek a world in which there are no nuclear weapons,4 and will work with Russia to take US and Russian ballistic missiles off hair-trigger alert, and dramatically reduce the stockpiles of US nuclear weapons and material~~5, 1 Arms Control Today 2008 Presidential Q&A: President-elect Barack Obama, http://www.armscontrol.org/2008election. 2 Remarks of Senator Barack Obama: a New Beginning, Chicago, IL, 2 October 2007.~~ ; warmly welcoming the intention of President Obama to finalise US ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear -Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT),

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital D b (new)

Db. underscoring the need for close coordination and cooperation between the European Union and its main strategic partners, including in particular the United States and Russia, with a view to reviving and strengthening the non- proliferation regime,

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital H

H. ~~recogn~~emphasising that moving towards the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons will require bold political leadership and a number of progressive, consecutive steps, which would be facilitated within a framework agreement such as that proposed by the Model Nuclear Weapons Convention, incorporating, reinforcing, linking and building onstrengthening the NPT as the cornerstone of the global non- proliferation regime is of vital importance, and recognising that bold political leadership and a number of progressive, consecutive steps are urgently needed in order to reaffirm the validity of the NPT and to reinforce the agreements, treaties and agencies that make up the existing proliferation and disarmament regime, including in~~ter alia the NPT,~~ particular the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency,

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point a

(a) review and update Council Common Position 2005/329/PESC of 25 April 2005 relating to the 2005 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, to be endorsed at the December 2009 European Council meeting, in preparation for a successful outcome at the 2010 NPT Review Conference;

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point b

(b) e~~ndorse~~spouse the aim of eventual total nuclear disarmament as contained in the Model Nuclear Weapons Convention and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol in its Common Position for the 2010 NTP Review Conference, ~~so that the governments of all Member States c~~and promote their adoption in the course of negotiations;

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point d

(d) deepen its dialogue with the new US administration ~~and all~~, Russia and other nuclear- weapons powers, with a view to ~~pursu~~significantly strengthening the NPT as well as promoting a common agenda aimed at the creation of a nuclear- weapons-free world; in particular, support US and Russian steps to substantially reduce their nuclear weapons as agreed in START I and in SORT; press for ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty and renewal of the START agreement;

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2324(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 – point e d (new)

(ed) develop, in cooperation with its partners, concrete proposals to bring the production, use and reprocessing of all nuclear fuel under multilateral control, building on the most promising initiatives for the multilateralisation of the nuclear fuel cycle, in particular the IAEA nuclear fuel bank; support moves to strengthen the mandate of the IAEA and ensure that its resources are adequate for the vital role which that institution plays in making nuclear activities secure;

2009/02/20
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Underlines that the EU must use the CFSP to fight for the common interests of its citizens, including their right to live in peace and security in a clean environment and to have diversified access to vital resources such as energy;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Believes that the coming months provide a unique opportunity for the EU to work out a new transatlantic agenda with the incoming US administration, covering strategic issues of common concern, such as a new global order, the financial crisis, the establishment of a deep and comprehensive transatlantic market, climate change, energy security, the situation in the Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan, the fight against terrorism and organised crime, non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament, and the Millennium Development Goals;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Considers in fact that there is particular scope for the renewal of transatlantic cooperation on nuclear non- proliferation; welcomes the announcement by the President-elect of the USA that he will take the ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) forward, which would help restore trust in the non-proliferation regime; equally welcomes the Council’s decision to financially support an IAEA nuclear fuel bank and believes that such multilateral nuclear approaches could contribute positively to reviving the Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT); calls on the Council to contribute positively and proactively to the preparations for the next NPT review conference in 2010, in close cooperation with its international partners, in particular the United States and Russia, in order to avoid a repetition of the debacle that was the 2005 review conference;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Believes that the CFSP should continue to focus on the promotion of human rights, regional security, the fight against terrorism, non- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and eventual general disarmament, climate change and energy security, since these issues directly relate to the concerns of European citizens;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Recalls that the consolidation of the post-status Kosovo is essential for the achievement of stability in the Western Balkans; calls for the rapid and full deployment of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) throughout that country, and urges the Council to maintain a continuous dialogue with the United nNations Mission in Kosovo so as to ensure a clear ~~and swift~~working relationship and a smooth handover between the two missions;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Is opposed to a premature disengagement on the part of the international community from Bosnia and Herzegovina; believes that no date, not even an indicative one, should be fixed for the closure of the office of the High Representative and the withdrawal of EUFOR Althea, since such closure and withdrawal can only take place once Bosnia and Herzegovina finally becomes a stable, well-functioning State;deleted

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that the recent crisis in the South Caucasus has clearly demonstrated the need for a strong EU presence in its eastern neighbourhood; therefore supports the idea of establishing an enhanced partnership with our eastern neighbours covering essentially three areas – a comprehensive and deep free trade area, visa liberalisation leading to visa-free travel and cooperation in all aspects of security, especially energy security; takes the view that this partnership should be matched by a doubling of EU financial assistance and by a strong political dimension of which EURONEST, the joint parliamentary assembly comprising Members of the European Parliament and of the parliaments of the neighbourhood, should be an integral part; is of the opinion that this Eastern Partnership should in due time be included in an enhanced Black Sea Cooperation of the EU (Union for the Black Sea), to include Turkey and Russia, which aims to create an area of peace, security, stability and respect for territorial integrity;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Is of the opinion that the EU should closely monitor, and ~~prepare contingency plans for~~commit itself to contributing to the resolution of, other potential conflicts in this part of the EUuropean neighbourhood; emphasises in this respect that close cooperation with Turkey should be established;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Believes that the EU’s partnership with Russia must be based on a coherent strategy and a clear commitment by both sides to acting in full respect for international law; in line with the European Council Presidency conclusions of 1 September and 15-16 October 2008, underlines that Russia must comply with the commitments it entered into under the agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008; is convinced, therefore, that ~~there can be no normalisation of relations until~~ Russia must allows international observers to monitor the situation in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and must fully compl~~ies~~y with the terms of the 6-point plan;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Stresses that European security and the CFSP cannot be seen in isolation from the wider European security architecture, which includes NATO, the OSCE and international arrangements such as the ABM (Anti-Ballistic Missile) and CFE (Conventional Armed Forces in Europe) Treaties; considers that the revision of the ESS should take account of relevant developments in the wider security environment, and asks the Council to adopt an open-minded and constructive attitude towards possible talks between the EU, the United States, Russia and non-EU OSCE member states aimed at renewing transatlantic consensus on security, taking the Helsinki agreements as a basis; believes that a moratorium on the deployment of any new weapons systems in Europe would be helpful in this respect;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2241(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is satisfied with the progress achieved at the EUROMED Ministerial Summit in Marseilles in further defining the institutional framework of the Union for the Mediterranean; is of the opinion that peace and security concerns in the Mediterranean region cannot be pursued in isolation and that, in order to be successful, the fight against terrorism and illegal migration should be integrated into the Union’s broader range of development and cooperation policies; calls on the Commission and the Council to include a significant and appropriate role for Turkey in the Union for the Mediterranean;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Regrets that Russia’s disproportionate response to the outbreak of violence in the Caucasus and the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent stat~~Considers that the violent escalation of the hitherto frozen conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the subsequent recognition of the independence of these provinces by Russia, underscores the urgent need to invest in durable political solutions for such conflicts in our neighbourhood; reiterates its view that there cannot be a military solution to the conflicts in the Caucasus and its firm condemnation of all those who resorted to violence during the conflict; emphasises tha~~ve plunged the West’s relationship with Russia into a crisis; notes with concern that this violation of international law has severely damaged the Euro-Atlantic partnership with Russia~~t the further development of Europe's strategic partnership with Russia needs to include a significant dialogue on security, based on the stated commitment of both parties to their shared values, respect for international law and territorial integrity, and commitment to and obligations under the Helsinki charter;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Stresses that the security dimension of EU-Russia relations and the role of the CFSP and ESDP, cannot be seen in isolation from the wider European security architecture, which includes NATO, the OSCE and international arrangements such as the ABM and CFE Treaties; considers relevant developments in this wider security structure should be addressed in dialogue with both Russia and the United States and asks the Council to take an open and constructive attitude towards possible talks between the EU, the United States, Russia and non- EU OSCE member states to renew cross- Atlantic consensus on security, taking the Helsinki agreements as a basis; believes that a moratorium on the deployment of any new weapons systems in Europe would be helpful in this respect;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Notes that the European Union took concerted action ~~on the Russian challenge;~~to mediate between Russia and Georgia and points out that the rapid reaction and unity of the European Union, which led to the signing of a ceasefire agreement, has demonstrated its capacity for crisis management and common action; commends the EU Presidency for its positive role in maintaining a common European approach;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

~~15. Notes the concerns expressed by the Baltic states and requests that NATO draw up specific plans for their defence;~~deleted

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Considers that a ~~dialogue should be re- established with Russia on~~strengthened security dialogue with Russia should include regional security, energy, missile defence, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, limitation of armed forces and space policy;

2008/12/17
Committee: AFET

2008/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)

Fa. whereas in several instances during recent years the EU and the USA have had differences on the role and implementation of these values;

2009/01/30
Committee: AFET

2008/2199(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas it is in the interests of both partners, the EU and the US, to shape the international environment together and to confront in unison common threats and challenges in the new scenario of a global, complex and changing world, on the basis of international law and multilateral institutions, in particular the UN system, and to invite other partners to cooperate in this effort,

2009/01/30
Committee: AFET

2008/2137(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

Ea. whereas the final stage of exclusion is when Roma communities create settlements beyond the reach of public administration and of society and therefore receive no governmental or social benefits or services; notes the experience of several Member States that Roma people often come from the Central-European region without any identification documents,

2008/11/27
Committee: EMPL

2008/2137(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas real participation in society and politics is essential for the integration of the Roma, yet, for numerous reasons, the special representation for the Roma's interests is not effective, while the success of Roma civil-society organisations in defending Roma interests depends on the politics of the given moment and while the legitimacy of the representation has often been called into question,

2008/11/27
Committee: EMPL

2008/2137(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. CObserves that, whereas the improvement of the social and economic situation of the Roma was a significant consideration in the enlargement process, progress has generally been limited; calls on the Member States and the Commission to review previous and existing programmes and initiatives and evaluate their results; considers that the European Union has a duty to coordinate instruments of social inclusion better and more closely and that this should help to combat poverty, promote Roma access to better, lasting and worthy employment, pave the way for efforts to render social inclusion and protection systems more effective, and be a means of analysing political experience and mutual learning;

2008/11/27
Committee: EMPL

2008/2137(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission, by means of a coherent political strategy, with high- level coordination, to assess specifically the impact of the objectives and instruments of each of its sectoral policies on the Roma; calls on the Commission to ask Member States, in reports on integrated indicators and on the open method of coordination for social inclusion, to devote attention to changing the situation of Roma; calls on the Commission to regularly assess changes in the education, employment, social, health and housing situation;

2008/11/27
Committee: EMPL

2008/2137(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Calls on the Commission to assess specifically the impact of the objectives and instruments of each of its sectoral policies on the Roma, along with developing a coherent political strategy and achieving a high level of coordination; calls on the Commission to ask Member States, in reports on integrated indicators and on the open method of coordination for social inclusion, to devote attention to changing the situation of Roma; calls on the Commission to regularly assess changes in the education, employment, social, health and housing situation;

2008/11/27
Committee: EMPL

2008/2104(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that the new agreement should review the goals, means and policies which define EU relations with Russia in a pragmatic manner which nevertheless promotes the rule of law, human rights, dialogue, and mutual interests;

2008/06/27
Committee: INTA

2008/2104(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Believes that the future Russian accession to the WTO will significantly influence EU-Russia economic relations and should lead to deeper economic integration between them, within the framework of the Common Economic Space; calls on the Commission to consider the negotiation of a possible free trade agreement following Russia's accession to the WTO; calls for any trade agreement with Russia to incorporate social and environmental clauses;

2008/06/27
Committee: INTA

2008/2104(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Urges the Russian Government and the relevant institutions to improve the investment climate, ensure and increase competition in the economy, eliminate technical barriers, and promote law enforcement; urges the Russian Government to further streamline, standardise and automate its customs procedures and to levy customs duties in a predictable and non-arbitrary manner; stresses the importance of implementing trademark protection, copyright and patent laws to secure intellectual property rights as well as to prepare rules for their application; considers that EU negotiators must see this as a base from which further progress can be made, particularly with regard to the ratification and enforcement of core International Labour Organization standards;

2008/06/27
Committee: INTA

2008/2104(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B

B. whereas Russia’s ~~massiv~~disproportionate counter- attack, triggered by the Georgian troops entering South Ossetia, extended to the other Georgian territories with the ~~massive~~ use of armour and air power, as well as the unprovoked ~~massive~~ military action in Abkhazia, including attacks and occupation of Georgian seaports, followed by the recognition of the two breakaway enclaves, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, puts a question mark on ~~the viability of the idea of building together with Russia a common space of security in Europe~~Russia’s readiness to build together with the EU a common space of security in Europe; whereas the further development of Europe’s strategic partnership with Russia needs to include a significant dialogue on security, based on the commitments of both partners to their shared values, respect for international law and territorial integrity and commitment to and obligations under the Helsinki Charter,

2009/02/26
Committee: AFET

2008/2104(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K

K. whereas, in terms of energy security, relations between the EU and Russia offer great potential for positive and constructive mutual interdependence, provided that the partnership is based on the principle of non-discrimination and fair treatment, and on equal market conditions, whereas a secure energy relationship between the EU and Russia equally rests on transparency of energy trade in transit countries, which is a common challenge for the EU, Russia and the countries concerned,

2009/02/26
Committee: AFET

2008/2104(INI)

Proposal for a recommendation
Recital L

L. whereas the Brussels European Council of 15-16 June 2006 recommended that the negotiation of the European Energy Charter Transit Protocol be concluded, that ratification of the ECT by all signatories to the Charter be secured and that the Commission be invited, especially in view of the recent gas crisis, to set out elements for an agreement with Russia on energy within the framework of the successor to the PCA,

2009/02/26
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Observes with concern that profiling is widely applied while significant questions remain with regard to definition, legal standards, and safeguards; stresses the need for adequate democratic scrutiny of investigative practices and data- processing procedures in order to ensure full compliance with national, European and international legal obligations; notes that doubts about the value of ethnic profiling have been raised even from within law- enforcement services;

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2008/2020(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Marek SIWIEC, Libor ROUČEK, Justas Vincas PALECKIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Stresses that close international cooperation is indispensable in the fight against terrorism and serious crime; emphasises that such cooperation needs to be in line with international law as well as European norms and values; considers that the EU should avoid investigative approaches that could unnecessarily harm diplomatic relations, hamper such international cooperation ~~in the fight against terrorism and serious crime,~~ or damage its image in the world and its credibility as a promotor of international law; believes that European standards for equal treatment, non-discrimination and legal protection should continue to set an example;

2008/12/11
Committee: AFET

2008/2003(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)

43a. Is of the view that the U.S. plan to establish an anti-missile system in Europe at this time may hamper international disarmament efforts; expresses its concerns about Russia's suspension of implementation of its obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which has caused worries about the strategic balance in Europe; stresses that both issues affect the security of all European countries and should not therefore be the subject of purely bilateral discussions between the U.S. and individual European countries; calls on the Council and the Member States to establish, together with NATO, a framework designed to include as many European countries as possible in the debate; invites the Council and NATO to evaluate estimated future nuclear threats from certain countries and the danger of a new arms race in Europe and to propose an adequate multilateral response to them, with the possibility of including the proposed U.S. anti-missile system in the NATO framework;

2008/03/17
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the internal dimension of the Enlargement Strategy ~~directly~~ affects the Union's ability to pursue its policy objectives ~~and to achieve an ever closer Union,~~ as laid down in the Treaties,

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Reaffirms its firm commitment to the countries with which it has started membership negotiations and to the countries which have been given clear membership prospects, with the understanding that full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria ~~and compatibility with~~is imperative and that the Union's integration capacity must be ful~~filled before these countries can join the Union~~ly taken into account;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that this ability not only has institutional and financial implications but also involves ~~sufficient~~the need to ensure a high level of political, social and economic cohesion within the Union;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Therefore takes the view that every enlargement must be followed by adequate consolidation and political concentration, that is to say, by a serious reassessment of the Union's policies and means in order to ensure consensus around such policies and to focus on objectives which respond to the expectations of our citizens and which guarantee the viability of the Union as a political project;deleted

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes in this respect the launch, within the framework of the EU, of the Union for the Mediterranean as a positive step in our relations with the southern neighbours; believes that this new development strengthens the argument in favour of specific contractual multilateral relations with our eastern neighbours, which, compared to their southern partners, have clear European ambitions and perspectives; recalls that, as a first step, these relations shcould translate themselves into the establishment of a Free Trade Area, to be followed by closer relations along the lines of a European Economic Area Plus (EEA +), of a European Commonwealth or of specific regional cooperation frameworks~~, for example in the Black Sea area~~;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Reiterates the importance of devising a more sophisticated and comprehensive EU strategy for the Black Sea region, that goes beyond the current synergy initiative; is of the opinion that the challenges for regional cooperation around the Black Sea merit a parallel initiative for the establishment of a Union for the Black Sea, which should include the EU, Turkey and all Black Sea littoral states as equal partners, while seeking the full involvement of Russia; believes that such a multilateral framework would not only offer the countries involved the possibility of strengthening their relations with the EU and benefiting from cooperation across a wide variety of policy fields, but would also allow the European Union to play a more active role in finding peaceful solutions to the region's conflicts, thus contributing positively to security in the region;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Believes at the same time that countries which enjoy clear membership prospects but still have considerable ground to cover before they can attain the political, economic and social conditions necessary to achieve candidate status, could usefully benefit from an incremental approach in their EU integration process and that this approach could involve, besides increased assistance and cooperation measures, voluntary participation in arrangements similar to the above bilateral or multilateral framework as an intermediate step towards full membership;deleted

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Welcomes ~~in this context~~ the Commission Communication on the Western Balkans of 5 March 2008 (COM(2008)0127), which outlines a range of measures for supporting the countries in the region in their efforts towards EU integration and for deepening our relations with them, whether in the areas of trade, energy, education and/or research, as a significant step towards fulfilling the European Union's 2003 Thessaloniki commitments; believes that such measures should include also the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia and calls on all Member States to overcome their reservations in this respect;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Is pleased to record considerable progress achieved since the last Progress Report, published by the Commission in November 2007; welcomes in particular the adoption of the Law on the Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Council of Prosecutors as well as the Law on the Committee for Inter-Community Relations and the decision on the final appointment to the Judicial Council;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. AWelcomes the continued efforts in the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia isare increasingly emphasising recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work, such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday days, and the agreement reached on the choice of 45 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Congratulates the country on the renewed political consensus on the accession of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the EU and applauds the creation of a National Council for EU Integration, which aims to achieve cross-party support for EU- related reforms and is chaired by the opposition leader; trusts that this body will help to maintain the momentum of reform;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Commends the commitment of the leaders of the major political parties represented in the Parliament to continue to work towards achieving progress on the remaining issues on which there are differences, such as the use of languages and the social package for the victims of the 2001 conflict;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Welcomes the encouraging results which have been achieved in the fight against corruption and organised crime;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Welcomes the progress made in respect of economic reforms; however, urges the government to address the issue of high unemployment;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the 2005 Law on the Use of Community Flags allows ~~communities’ national symbols be placed on and near local government offices~~a minority community which is in a majority within a municipality to use its flag; notes that disquiet arose following the Constitutional Court judgment of 24 October 2007 on the use of national community symbols by local authorities, which gave the impression that, contrary to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, use of the ~~flag depicting the~~state flag of Albania~~n eagle~~ would no longer be allowed, and welcomes the government’s interpretation that the Constitutional Court judgment on national symbols does not mean that flags at local government offices, including Albanian symbols, must be removed; calls on all parties to discuss this issue in the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and international standards;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability; trusts that there will be further consultations in order to achieve a consensus;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty Int~~Notes that, on 7 November 2007, a large police operation took place around the village of Brodec, north of Tetovo, with the aim of apprehending a number of alleged criminals, including those who had escaped from the Dubrava prison in Kosovo in July 2007; notes that six members of the so-called "Brodec gang" were killed during the opernation~~al to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo di~~, that a further 13 individuals from the village were detained by the Ministry of Interior and that light and heavy weaponry was found in Brodec that included heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles; acknowledges that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional and effective manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties and that the composition of the police forces involved was ethnically mixed;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes the fact that the government has publicly stated that it will rebuild the mosque and other infrastructure damaged in the police operation in Brodec; expresses concern about some reports that detainees may have been subjected to maltreatment on being arrested; calls on the Ombudsman to fully investigate the situation;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed~~Welcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to people contacts, between the fFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece~~, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process~~; regrets, however, that since the adoption of Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find a mutually acceptable solution to the differences that have arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to resolve the issue; reiterates that in no circumstances should the name issue become an obstacle to membership of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mac~~cession to the European Union;~~ edonia of international organisations, as provided for in the Interim Accord of 1995;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Welcomes the active participation of the country in the establishment of the Regional Cooperation Council and its constructive position on the Kosovo status process; expresses serious concern over the delay on the technical demarcation of the border with Kosovo; welcomes the good cooperation with Kosovo in trade, customs and police matters maintaining at same time good neighbourly relations with Serbia;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b (new). Commends the country for its cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), notably its participation in the EU mission ALTHEA and its willingness to contribute to the development of the ESDP capabilities and future EU-led civilian and military crisis management missions; pays tribute to the soldiers of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who participated in ALTHEA mission and who lost their lives in a tragic crash of a helicopter outside Skopje in January 2008; expresses deepest condolences to their families;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)

16c (new). Welcomes the entry into force of the visa facilitation and readmission agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; supports the intention of the European Commission to launch a dialogue on visa liberalisation with the objective of establishing a road map with an ultimate aim of a visa free regime; commends the introduction of passports with biometric security features, the establishment of the National visa information system and the Visa Center, the implementation of the Integrated Border Management system;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Strongly believes that European Union can make an impact and conduct a genuine, effective and credible CFSP only if it ~~speak~~clearly defines wit~~h one voice, has the appropriate instruments at its disposal~~s common objectives, provides itself with the appropriate instruments, in such a way as to ensure consistency between objectives and means, speaks with one voice and enjoys the strong democratic legitimacy afforded by the European Parliament's scrutiny; at the same time, considers that the key objectives of the CFSP can only be attained if the European Parliament itself speaks with a common voice and, in this respect, encourages a clearer delimitation of competences between its specialised bodies dealing with the CFSP, from a thematic and geographic perspective;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to commit themselves to consult~~ing~~ their EU partners and the High Representative before adopting strategic decisions in the area of foreign policy, particularly in multilateral organisations, ~~which may~~in order that their positions with respect to strategic decisions are at least coherent, convergent and compatible and do not affect the coherence and cohesion of the EU's external action ~~and may~~or undermine the EU's credibility as a global player vis-à-vis third countries;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. While recognising progress in the structure of the report, especially the inclusion of more forward-looking planning alongside the description of activities carried out in the previous year, invites the Council~~, where appropriate,~~ to take into account for the next annual report the resolutions and/or recommendations adopted by Parliament;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recognises that considerable progress has been achieved in relations between the Council and Parliament, especially through the establishment of new and more flexible channels of communication an; considers, however that Parliament has to adopt a firmer position towards the issues discussed, which should be systematically dealt with in the Council; points out that progress has also been achieved through the increased contacts between the institutions, including regular exchanges of views with the High Representative and more frequent appearances by EU Special Representatives as well as other senior officials before Parliament, however, considers that there is room for further progress, particularly with regard to the timing of such appearances, which should also reflect the agenda of Parliament and its competent bodies;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Proposes that priority be given in 2008 to a limited number of subjects which better relate to the concerns of European citizens and to their expectations as regards the role to be played by the Union in international affairs; takes the view that those subjects are: security through cooperation and development, including energy security, climate change, ~~migration management, human rights and civil liberties~~the development of stability in the neighbouring regions, challenges stemming from economic and social cleavages with a potential negative impact on global security and stability, including the management of global terrorism and global organised crime, and also migration management, and that they complement the priorities and objectives pursued by the Community's external action; in this context, welcomes the report by the Commission and the High Representative to the Council on climate change and international security;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase in 2008; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy policy among EU Member States; deplores the ~~use of energy by third parties as a political instrument and the~~ uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests of the EU as a whole and of other Member States; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double- hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field; regrets in this connection the lack of any response from the Council and the Commission to Parliament's above- mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates that strengthening global governance, international institutions and the value of international law remains a vital interest for the Union's external action; underlines in this regard the crucial role to be played by the United Nations in support of effective multilateralism, and stresses that the Union must stand united while urging its partners to pursue the development and consolidation of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as a common basis for a prosperous and secure world; reaffirms its commitment to the UN Millennium Goals, in particular the global fight against poverty;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Asks those permanent members of the UN Security Council that are EU Member States to cooperate more closely with EU Member States that are not permanent members;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Insists on the need for the effective implementation of human rights clauses and of non-proliferation and counter- terrorism provisions ~~and the inclusion of an energy security clause~~ in agreements with third countries, in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's external policies;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is of the view that the Union's enlargement process remains a key issue for 2008 and that it should be based on the Union's capacity to integrate new Member States (taking account of the impact of enlargement on its institutions, its financial resources and its capacity to pursue its political objectives);deleted

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

~~17.~~ Considers that stability in the Western Balkans should be the top priority for the EU in 2008, in line with the Council's view as set out in its Annual Report for 2006; therefore attaches the utmost importance to the redoubling of efforts to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU, including the introduction of a visa-free regime, the stepping-up of regional cooperation in areas such as trade, transport, energy, and the participation of Western Balkans countries in Community programmes; believes that the~~se step~~ stronger emphasis on economic and social issues which this involves would facilitate and underpin those countries' preparations for EU accession, in line with the Thessaloniki Agenda;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Is of the view that, given the current situation in Serbia following Kosovo's declaration of independence, dialogue with Belgrade should be based on concrete assistance and cooperation measures, and that particular emphasis should be placed on strengthening ties with all democratic parties and civil society in areas of common interest; considers that the EU should develop adequate policies and initiate appropriate processes in order to integrate Kosovo in the international legal order and to avoid the self-imposed isolation of Serbia in relation to the European legal order;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

~~22.~~ Believes in this context that the Union should focus its attention on developing economic cooperation, political stability and democracy in the three key regional cooperation areas, namely the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Recommends that new multilateral structures for dialogue and cooperation with our southern and eastern neighbours should be created, and that an EU- Mediterranean Union and an EU-Black Sea Union could give our neighbours a chance of being involved as partners in a wide range of important policies such as economic and social development, security, migration, energy, the environment, etc; is convinced that, besides improving coordination of EU policies with those of our neighbours, this would also enhance regional cooperation between our neighbours; believes that Turkey as a candidate country should play an important role in both communities, and that Russia should be invited to cooperate with the EU within the EU-Black Sea Union; underlines that this initiative does not affect any present or future enlargement process;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Recommends that political and economic relations with China and ASEAN be deepened in 2008, on condition that substantial progress be made in the field of democracy and human rights, maintaining a constructive dialogue with the authorities in this connection, a fortiori in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics; asks China to develop a forward-looking comprehensive approach to the reconstruction of the country, with enhanced respect for its different peoples and its cultural traditions; recognises ASEAN’s growing role as a force for regional stability and prosperity; believes that the EU and ASEAN have great potential for increased cooperation based in part on ASEAN's progress with regard to regional integration and in the fields of democracy and human rights;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46

46. Invites the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to organise meetings with chairpersons of the relevant Committee and Subcommittees and inter- parliamentary delegations on emerging crises or international security events, building on the current practice of informal joint meetings between members of the PSC and the chairpersons of Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and of its Security and Defence and Human Rights Subcommittees;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2217(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Véronique DE KEYSER, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Reaffirms the precedence of ODIHR election observation missions in the OSCE area, where the EU does not as a rule deploy election observation missions; commends the ODIHR for the quality of its work and its adherence to high standards of transparency and independence; expresses its concern about statements and actions of some OSCE participating States that call into question the ODIHR’s mandate and undermine the effectiveness of its missions; calls on OSCE participating States and on the European Council to uphold the ODIHR’s position as the principal election-monitoring body in the OSCE area;

2008/03/07
Committee: AFET

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

1a. having regard to the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed at Lisbon, 13 December 2007,

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D

D. whereas, in TDI investigations, a balance has too often failed to be attained among taking timely action when unfair trade is injuring EU industry, the need to maintain the quality and thoroughness of Commission investigations and the maintenance of transparency and opportunity for all interested parties to contribute,deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas the main task of TDIs is to protect the interests of producers and employees against impairment caused by dumping, illegal subsidies or sudden rises in imports,

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E

E. whereas, anti-dumping is a very specific and narrowly focused instrument tackling anticompetitive practices; whereas antidumping is not designed to tackle labour and environmental standards and to apply such standards that would hardly be in line with current WTO regulation,deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

~~F. whereas in many occasions EU companies that adapt to the challenges of globalization and benefit from global supply chains will be strengthened and generate jobs and wealth in the EU,~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

~~7. Believes that European competition law in many aspects could serve as inspiration for a future reform of the trade defence instruments;~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

~~8. Takes the view that a reformed Community antidumping system should only address anti-competitive actions that are likely to significantly hamper the ordinary course of trade;~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Urges the Commission to revise its standards of initiation for new TDI investigations and ensure that the complaining industry provides prima facie evidence that all the AD basic requirements (dumping, injury, causal link) have been met and that measures are not overly and clearly against community interest;deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13. Calls on the Commission to take into serious consideration the position of European importers, wholesalers and retailers in TDI investigations;~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

~~14. Calls on Commission and the Member States to take into account the impact of TDI measures on consumers, by assessing their consequences in terms of price level, quality, availability and choice;~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)

Corien WORTMANN-KOOL, Erika MANN, Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Kader ARIF, Francisco ASSIS, Carlos CARNERO GONZÁLEZ, Françoise CASTEX, Harlem DÉSIR, Elisa FERREIRA, Ignasi GUARDANS CAMBÓ, Pia Elda LOCATELLI, Marusya LYUBCHEVA, Eugenijus MALDEIKIS, Helmuth MARKOV, Jan Tadeusz MASIEL, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Vural ÖGER, Gianluca SUSTA

2007/2198(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

~~21. Urges the Commission to improve transparency and promote accessibility to TDIs in particular with regard to the functioning of the Anti-Dumping Committee;~~deleted

2008/03/26
Committee: INTA

2007/2198(INI)