Activities of Jörgen WARBORN related to 2023/0222R(NLE)
Shadow reports (1)
INTERIM REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and timber products to the European Union (FLEGT)
Amendments (8)
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that the full implementation of the VPA will be a long- term process which will require the adoption of a whole set of legislation and adequate administrative capacity and expertise for its implementation and enforcement; recalls that FLEGT licensing can only begin once Côte d’Ivoire has demonstrated the readiness of its TLAS; calls therefore on any measures that can support the reduction of burdensome administrative processes; urges both partners to identify digital possibilities that can simplify the process, for instance paperless solutions such as e-certificates;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the implementation stage requires continued consultations and stakeholder involvement; calls on the Commission and the EU Delegation in Côte d’Ivoire to provide sufficient capacity-building and logistical and technical support in the framework of present and future development cooperation instruments in order to enable Côte d’Ivoire to fulfil the commitments for the implementation of its TLAS and related measures; recommends both partners to leverage digital opportunities where appropriate, such as traceability and block chain technologies that can facilitate the implementation and enforcement of the VPA;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recognises the EU’s Deforestation Regulation that has now entered into force, which should complement FLEGT and other initiatives that address illegal deforestation; urges partners to avoid duplication of these measures and streamline actions so as to maximise the benefits for businesses, citizens and the environment; insists on the need for adequate support mechanisms, in particular to SMEs and smallholder farmers, in the implementation of the Regulation;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls to strengthen the role and participation of the private sector in the VPA implementation and to assist operators, in particular SMEs, in building capacity to ensure better clarity, understanding and compliance with the requirements of the agreement;
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the importance of forest jobs and rural employment in the economy of Côte d’Ivoire that should be taken into account in the implementation of the agreement; in this respect considers that the Commission and the Côte d’Ivoire authorities should conduct an exhaustive assessment on the impact of the VPA on the workers and small producers of the sector who could be affected by the increased logging controls; asks the Commission to promote and support programmes for the reconversion of those workers and producers into other activities;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recognises that the VPA with Côte d’Ivoire as well as those with other countries prove that trade agreements can work without threatening the imposition of sanctions, by including different means of control and cooperation;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Underlines that VPAs provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, made possible with the good cooperation and engagement by the countries concerned; stresses therefore that new VPAs with additional partners should be promoted;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the EU Member States to fully comply with and implement the EU Timber Regulation; and to align with the requirements of the Deforestation;