Activities of Robert STURDY related to 2011/2113(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on Trade for Change: The EU Trade and Investment Strategy for the Southern Mediterranean following the Arab Spring revolutions PDF (285 KB) DOC (172 KB)
Amendments (9)
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas, thus far, the economies of SMCs have been run by undemocratic leaders to the benefit of the few, often overlooking the needs of the most vulnerable; whereas the fact that many dictators have now been deposed opens up new opportunities to open up the economies of the region and create a true market economy;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the gains of the revolutions of the Arab Spring have not yet been fully consolidated and that the EU must act swiftly to implement its Trade for Change agenda as, aside from the immediate economic benefits, trade is an effective means to consolidate democracy and promote stability, as it helps prevent corruption, facilitates a more equitable distribution of wealth and empowers the general population;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Recognises that the EU must enact a coordinated policy for SMCs, but cautions against a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to the Arab Spring, as although the SMCs have many similarities, they have experienced different forms of repressive government, vary in their levels of economic development and face disparate social and demographic challenges;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that the EU is the biggest consumer market in the world, to which access should only be granted if partner countries are serious about engaging in the bilateral opening of markets, if the benefits of economic reforms are enjoyed by the whole population of the partner country, including the most vulnerable, and if the appropriate political, social and environmental commitments are given and fulfilled;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Indicates that many SMCs have huge economic potential, with some inheriting large quantities of assets and natural resources, that, if managed correctly, provide an opportunity for economic growth and development on both sides of the Mediterranean;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that FTAs are not an end in themselves and that they should serve to benefit each country; Maintains that the trade provisions should be supported by strengthened human rights clauses with improved monitoring and implementing provisions, and an ambitious sustainable development chapter with a central role for civil society, including provisions on corporate social responsibility (CSR) which will strengthen the joint ownership of the process;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the recent involvement of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the Mediterranean region and the extra funds pledged by the EU and several individual EU Member States for the Bank's activities; urges the European Council and the European Parliament to speedily ratify the amendments to the EBRD Agreement which will help the EBRD to be fully operational in the Mediterranean region; considers that the total funds available for EBRD investment in the region should be increased and that SMEs should be major beneficiaries of these investments; encourages SMCs to demonstrate their commitment by applying the principles of democracy, pluralism and market economics so that they may have access to investment according to the Bank's Statute;
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls for the imminent creation of EU Chambers of Commerce with partner countries to serve as a conduit for the promotion of joint trade activities and mutual exchanges between economic partners, including seminars and business fairs; regrets that there are no bilateral EU Chambers of Commerce in the region other than the EU-Israel Chamber of Commerce;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Highlights the need for closer coordination between the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) financing instruments, such as the Neighbourhood Investment Facility, and the different EU and international and regional financial institutions in the region, including the EIB, EBRD and World Bank, so that the maximum effectiveness and coherence are guaranteed; asks the Commission to take the lead in coordinating such efforts;