Activities of Vytautas LANDSBERGIS
Plenary speeches (116)
Presentation by its President of the new Members of the enlarged European Commission
Bi-annual evaluation of the EU Belarus dialogue (vote)
Bi-annual evaluation of the EU Belarus dialogue (vote)
Bi-annual evaluation of the EU Belarus dialogue (vote)
European conscience and totalitarianism (vote)
European conscience and totalitarianism (vote)
European conscience and totalitarianism (debate)
The role of NATO in the security architecture of the EU (A6-0033/2009, Ari Vatanen) (vote)
Situation in Georgia (debate)
Situation in China after the earthquake and before the Olympic Games (vote)
Explanations of vote
Environmental impact of the planned gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea to link up Russia and Germany (debate)
Stabilisation of Afghanistan: challenges for the EU and the international community (debate)
Results of the European Council meeting of 19 and 20 June 2008 in Brussels - Slovenian Presidency's term of office (debate)
Preparation of the EU/Russia summit (26-27 June 2008) (debate)
Deterioration of the situation in Georgia (debate)
2007 progress report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A6-0059/2008, Erik Meijer) (vote)
Proposed hearing of the Commission on crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by totalitarian regimes (8 April 2008) (debate)
Situation in Tibet (debate)
Kosovo (debate)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (vote)
Situation in Iran (continuation of debate)
Situation in Georgia (vote)
Situation in Georgia (vote)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament (vote)
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
A Baltic Sea Strategy for the Northern Dimension (debate)
Moldova (Transnistria), Georgia (South Ossetia) (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Informal summit in Lahti and EU-Russia relations following the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya (debate)
Situation in the Middle East (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Elections in Belarus (debate)
Security of energy supply in the European Union (debate)
Council Question Time
Results of the elections in Palestine and situation in the Middle-East, and the Council's decision not to publish the report on East Jerusalem (vote)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Afghanistan
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Preventing, preparing for and responding to terrorist attacks
EU-Russia Relations
EU-Russia Relations
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Human rights in the world 2004 and the EU's policy
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Foreign policy / Security
Explanations of vote
Voting time
Situation in the Middle East
Voting time
EU-Russia Summit
Result of the referendum and elections in Belarus
Question Time (Commission)
Situation in Georgia
Seizure of hostages and massacre in Beslan and the fight against terrorism
Russian pressure on Eastern Partnership countries and in particular destabilisation of eastern Ukraine (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
EU citizenship for sale (debate)
Outcome of the Vilnius Summit and the future of the Eastern Partnership, in particular as regards Ukraine (RCB7-0557/2013, B7-0557/2013, B7-0558/2013, B7-0559/2013, B7-0564/2013, B7-0567/2013, B7-0568/2013, B7-0569/2013)
Main aspects and basic choices of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy (Article 36 TEU) - Annual report from the Council to the European Parliament on the common foreign and security policy in 2012 (debate)
EU trade policy towards countries of the Eastern Partnership (debate)
EU and Member State measures to tackle the flow of refugees as a result of the conflict in Syria (debate)
Discriminatory customs procedures against Lithuanian trucks at the Russian border (debate)
Programme of activities of the Lithuanian Presidency (debate)
Programme of activities of the Lithuanian Presidency (debate)
Rule of law in Russia
Freedom of press and media in the world - Annual Report on human rights and democracy in the world 2012 and the European Union's policy on the matter - Promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief
New EU-Russia agreement (debate)
Israeli government's decision to expand settlements in the West Bank (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
Situation in Georgia (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Negotiations of the EU-Azerbaijan association agreement (A7-0071/2012 - Anneli Jäätteenmäki) (vote)
Negotiations of the EU-Azerbaijan association agreement - Negotiations of the EU-Armenia association agreement (debate)
Explanations of vote
Enlargement report for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)
Recent political developments in Hungary (debate)
State of the Union (debate)
Ministerial week’s activity at the UN General Assembly, in particular the Middle East peace process and North Africa (debate)
EU-Taiwan trade (debate)
Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh (debate)
Stress tests of nuclear power plants in EU and nuclear safety in EU neighbourhood countries (debate)
Revised Hungarian constitution (debate)
EU-Russia summit (debate)
Azerbaijan (debate)
EU approach towards Iran (debate)
Situation in Belarus (B7-0044/2011) (vote)
Explanations of vote
Implemented reforms and developments in the Republic of Moldova (B7-0572/2010) (vote)
EU action on oil exploration and extraction in Europe (vote)
Situation in Georgia (debate)
EU - Russia Summit on 18 November 2009 in Stockholm (vote)
EU - Russia Summit on 18 November 2009 in Stockholm (vote)
EU-Russia Summit on 18 November 2009 in Stockholm (debate)
Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (debate)
Report of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia (debate)
Preparation of the European Council (29 and 30 October 2009) (debate)
Freedom of information in Italy and other Member States of the European Union (vote)
Situation in Lithuania following the adoption of the law on protection of minors (debate)
Written declarations (3)
Amendments (237)
Amendment 69 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that, if a Member State is the victim of a terrorist attack or of a natural or man-made disaster (when the last formula covers also a foreign state- caused disaster), the Union and the Member States have an obligation to act jointly in a spirit of solidarity to assist it, at the request of its political authorities, and that the Union shall in such cases mobilise all the instruments at its disposal, including the military resources made available by the Member States; recalls also the Union's obligation to mobilise all the instruments at its disposal to prevent terrorist threats in the EU and to protect democratic institutions and the civilian population from any terrorist or foreign state attack;
Amendment 70 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for sufficient flexibilitconsistency as regards the types of attacks and disasters for which the clause may be triggered, to ensure that no significant threats, such as attacks in cyberspace, pandemics, or energy shortages, are overlooked;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to prevent any moral hazard, elaborate grounds and rules stating that some Member States may be tempted to excessively rely lidarity commitment, especially as for rapid response, is not undermined by long speculations the solidarity of others whileat maybe the victim was guilty by alleged under-investing in their own security and disaster response capabilities; emphasises the primary responsibility of Member States for civil protection and security in their territory;
Amendment 77 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that the solidarity clause should be invoked in situations that overwhelm the capacities of the affected Member State or require a multi-sector response involving a number of actors; stresses that solidarity also means the obligation to invest in adequate national capabilitiesalong with its fair presentation;
Amendment 82 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Stresses that the implementation of the solidarity clause should form an integral part of a permanent EU crisis response, crisis management and crisis coordination system, building on the existing sectoral instruments and capabilities and providing for their effective mobilisation to deliver a coordinated multi-sector response when needed; stresses that, in principle, the implementation should notif necessary, may lead to the creation of ad hoc tools;
Amendment 88 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that under the provisions of Article 122(1) TEU the Council may decide on measures to address a difficult economic situation in a spirit of solidarity, in particular if severe difficulties arise in the supply of certain products, notably in the area of energy, especially when a politically motivated measure of blockade was used; stresses the importance of seeing this provision as part of a comprehensive Union solidarity toolbox to address some new major security challenges, such as challenges in the area of energy security and the security of supply of other critical products;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Regrets that despite many calls from international bodies to Russian authorities, no progress was made in investigation of Sergei Magnitsky death, therefore urges Council to impose and implement an EU-wide visa ban on officials responsible for the death of Sergei Magnitsky and to freeze any financial assets they or their immediate family may hold inside the EU;
Amendment 99 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Remains disappointed about the proceedings against M. Khodorkovsky and P. Lebedev, which internationally are portrayed as being of political nature;
Amendment 173 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Remains extremely concerned at the lack of democracy, rule of law, fundamental freedoms and the respect for human rights in Belarus, the only European Neighbourhood country not to fully participate in the Eastern Partnership and the work of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, especially in the aftermath of the presidential elections in December 2010 and the subsequent violent crackdown on protesters and political opposition, including trials of activists 2011 which did not conform to international standards and saw disproportionately harsh sentences handed down; commends the EU's unity in response to the expulsion of EU diplomats from Belarus in February 2012; urges the Union and all of its Member States to remain coherent and consistent in their policies towards Belarus, and to keep up the pressure on the political regime, including through sanctions against enlisted officials, while reaching out to civil society through such tools as enhanced visa facilitation and increased education opportunities;
Amendment 343 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80
Paragraph 80
80. Supports the plans to make further advances in developing rights-based approaches to development cooperation as stated in the EU human rights strategy action plan; emphasises the urgency to do so in the case of children's rights in order to ensure longer-term sustainable progress; notes a need to overview children's rights in a comparison with the principles of human rights, in order to get transparency to what extent those first ones are covered or not by basic human rights;
Amendment 126 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 7
Subheading 7
- the Southern Neighbourhood and: the Middle East and North Africa
Amendment 172 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 8
Subheading 8
- the Eastern Neighbourhood and Russia and Central Asia: from Belarus to Caucasus
Amendment 177 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Calls for greater efforts towards achieving the objectives of the Eastern Partnership, as stated in the Prague Declaration and the Warsaw Summit Conclusions, particularly by pursuing the negotiations on, and conclusions of, Association Agreements with the Eastern Partners, by promoting stability via solution of problem of occupied territories and mobility through mobility partnerships and visa dialogues, by ensuring continued progress in adoption and implementation of reforms, in close association with the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly;
Amendment 184 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Underlines that, whilst the EU-Ukraine Agreement has been initialled and prepared, its signature and ratification can only happen if Ukraine fulfilsdepends on fulfilment of the necessary requirements; this means respect for the rule of law in the form of strengthening the stability, independence and effectiveness of the institutions of Ukraine which guarantee the rule of law, and ofestablishing a truly pluralistic democracy by showing respect for the rights of the opposition and putting an end to persecution of it, thus establishing a truly pluralistic democracymaltreatment of it;
Amendment 188 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Calls on Belarus authorities to release all political prisoners;
Amendment 194 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for continued and strong engagement on the part of the EU in resolving the region's ‘frozen conflicts’, in cooperation with other importantgood-willing regional partners, in particular breaking the deadlock on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and playing a full role in support of any ensuing peace agreement; believes that the Transnistrian question can be a good test-case for the good will of the regional partners;
Amendment 208 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Considers Russia as an important strategic partner, but continues to have concerns regarding Russia's commitment to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights as conditional for the development of relations with its authorities;
Amendment 215 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Believes that Russia understands that it is the sovereign right of countries in the region to choose, free from external interference, the security organisation/arrangements/framework which, in their view, brings greatest security to their citizens;
Amendment 221 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Is concerned about the recent over- militarization of Kaliningrad area what creates ever greater insecurity around in the EU area;
Amendment 226 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Supports the EU's promotion of a regional approach in Central Asia, which is essential to tackling the regional dimension of issues including organised crime, trafficking in drugs, radioactive materials and human beings, terrorism, natural and manmade environmental disasters and management of water resources; calls for such engagement to be differentiated and conditional upon progress in democratisation, human rights, good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, the rule of law and the fight against corruption; therefore the regional approach would not contradict an individual encouragement for more advanced states; notes that the EU cooperation Strategy for Central Asia identifies seven priorities, but provides resources too limited to have an impact in all policy areas; calls therefore for the EU to define priorities better according to the resources available, whilst ensuring that development cooperation is not subordinated to economic, energy or security interests;
Amendment 254 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Takes the view that regular EU-US summits would provide an opportunity to identify common objectives and coordinate strategies on matters of global relevance, including economic governance and developing a common approach towards the emerging powers; considers that the Transatlantic Economic Council and the Transatlantic Legislators‘ Dialogue should include a reflection on strategic engagement by the EU and the US with the BRICS and other relevant emerging countries and on how to foster regulatory convergence with such countries; recalls the need to set up a Transatlantic Political Council as an ad hoc body for systematic, high-level consultation and coordination on foreign and security policy between the EU and the US in parallel with NATO;
Amendment 259 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Notes that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, India and other emerging countries in Asia, both the United States of America and the EU may progressively shift their primaryincrease their attention, political investment and resources to the Pacific; further notes that Asia should have a more important place on the foreign agenda of the European Union and EU Member States; calls therefore for greater coordination of the US and EU policies towards China, India and other emerging countries in Asia in order to avoid a decoupling of approaches to key policies;
Amendment 264 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Believes that the USA as a NATO member is an importantunchangeable partner for the collective security of Europe;
Amendment 269 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Proposes to explore the possibility of closer triangle cooperation, especially economic cooperation, between bothe Americas and the EU with the goal of a common Free Trade Agreement (FTA);
Amendment 80 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the Copenhagen criteria continue to represent a valuablefundamental basis and should remain at the heart of enlargement policy; underlines, however, the need to keep the economic subcriteria up to date in line with recent developments in the sphere of economic governance, while taking due account of their social implications for the candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 119 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Takes the view that strict conditionality requires that the progress of a country is effectively assessed at every stage of the process, and that countries wishing to join the EU should proceed from one stage to the next only once all the conditions are confirmed have been met at each stage; notes, however, certain tendencies to exaggeration, and recommends avoiding requiring of candidate and potential candidate countries higher standards than those applying in the EU; stresses the importance of setting transparent and fair benchmarks throughout the process;
Amendment 131 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that, in order to maintain the credibility of the enlargement process, the EU's integration capacity should be evaluatconsidered at an early stage and should be properly considerreflected in the Commission's ‘opinion’ for each potential candidate state, outlining the major concerns in this regard; is of the view that a comprehensive impact assessment should then follow;
Amendment 261 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly believes that the EU can stillis able to attain great strategic benefits through enlargement policy; emphasises that EU membership represents a stable anchor in the swiftly changing international environment, and that ‘belonging to the club’ continues to offer hope for stability and prosperity, despite the ongoing economic crisis; is of the opinion that enlargement is a long-term strategic concept, which cannot necessarily be measured in terms of short-term balance sheets; considers it important to take due account of its value as representing soft but nevertheless essential power for the EU;
Amendment 276 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Recalls that the process is not concluded with the simple transposition of the acquis, and stresses the importance of effective implementation; considers that in order to maintain the credibility of the accession conditions, existing Member States should also be assessed for their continued compliance with the EU's fundamental values and the fulfilment of their commitments concerning the functioning of democratic institutions and the rule of law; calls on the Commission to work out a detailed proposal for a monitoring mechanism, building on the provisions of Article 7 TEU and Article 258 TFEU;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas unresolved conflicts and problems with still occupied territories are undermining the stability and development of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus region; whereas in its Joint Communication on ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’ the EU stated its ambition to engage more pro-actively in conflict resolution in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas the EU in its relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan respects the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity and in its approach to resolving regional conflicts supports the basic principles of the Helsinki Final Act, i.e. Non-Use of Force, Territorial Integrity, and the Equal Rights and Self- Determination of Peoples;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Azerbaijan Association Agreement, in line with the demands made in the Parliament's Report on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus of 23 April 2010 and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles, is linked to a substantial progress towards the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including confidence-building measures and active incident-prevention on the line of contact, the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their home places and properties and international security guarantees that would include a genuine multinational peacekeeping operation;
Amendment 44 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) incorporate in the Association Agreement clauses and benchmarks on the protection and promotion of human rights which reflect the principles and rights enshrined in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and the highest international and European standards, drawing to the fullest possible extent on Council of Europe and OSCE frameworks; ensure that the negotiations take full account of the need to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of internally displaced persons, and that in fact Azerbaijan does not carry responsibilities about human rights on its territories that were forcibly occupied by neighbouring state;
Amendment 55 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) emphasise in the Association Agreement the importance of guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms, the development of civil society, the rule of law, the continued fight against corruption, political pluralism and the independence of the media and the judiciary, with except of territories over mentioned;
Amendment 77 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) strengthen the European Union's conflict-resolution capacity, inter alia by supporting the efforts of the Minsk Group and other forms of engagement thus clearing the way for the implementation of confidence-building measures, as the Presidents of both Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed;
Amendment 89 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(f b) stress that hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons who fled their homes during or in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war remain displaced and denied their rights, including the right to return, property rights and the right to personal security; those rights should be unconditionally respected and provided without any delay; call to the Commission and Members Sates to continue and extend the EU assistance and financial support to Azerbaijan in dealing with the situation of displaced persons;
Amendment 93 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) emphasise the need to use the Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishing a level playing field for all three countrdemocracies in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 116 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) take the necessary action to incorporate in the Association Agreement provisions enabling Azerbaijan to participate in Community programmes and agencies, as a tool to promote advancing European integration at all levels;
Amendment 122 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(n a) emphasise the vital importance of Azerbaijan in the diversification of the energy supplies and routes of their delivery to Europe, and in this connection commends the efforts of Azerbaijan in promoting such pioneering projects as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and the Baku- Tbilisi-Erzurum pipelines, which played a significant role in the opening-up the resource potential of the Caspian basin to the international markets as well as the fulfilment of the AGRI Project, the first ever Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) transport and delivery system at the Black Sea, together with Georgia and Romania;
Amendment 127 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
(n b) ensure the continued focused attention of the EU to the development of the energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and sustainable support by the EU in political, financial and technological fields;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) encourage the EU negotiating team of Azerbaijan to continue to cooperate with the European Parliament, providing continuous feedback, supported by documentation, on the progress made, in accordance with Article 218(10) TFEU, which states that Parliament must be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the procedure;
Amendment 133 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point r a (new)
(r a) to further encourage a profound level of cooperation with and within the Eastern Partnership, as well as to regularly inform the European Parliament on its progress;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the Armenian authorities have repeatedly stated their willingness to adhere to these values and emphasised Armenia’s European ambitions, but did not show a sufficient will to resolve the armed conflict with Azerbaijan in accord with international law and European standards;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the negotiations on the EU- Armenia Association Agreement, except the frozen war problems, have been progressing at a good pace and providing impetus for internal reform;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Armenia Association Agreement, in line with the demands made in the Parliament’s Report on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus of 23 April 2010 and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles, is linked to a substantial progress towards the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including confidence-building measures and active incident-prevention on the line of contact, the withdrawal of Armenian forces from the all occupied territories of Azerbaijan surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh and their gradual return to Azerbaijani control, the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their home places and properties and international security guarantees that would include a genuine multinational peacekeeping operation;
Amendment 52 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) get clarification of concerns about the status and authorization of The Republic of Armenia Police under Armenian Government, out of accountability to any elected body or ministry when supervising the investigative units of internal affairs bodies;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) ensure that the Association Agreement is consistent with the principles of international law - in particular the non-use of force, free self-determination and territorial integrity - and that the Agreement, once concluded, applies to the whole territory of Armenia;
Amendment 70 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) strengthen the European Union’s conflict-resolution capacity, inter alia by supporting the efforts of the Minsk Group and other forms of engagement thus clearing the way for the implementation of confidence-building measures, as the Presidents of both Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed;
Amendment 74 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) urge Armenia to suggest its formal juridical ally Russian Federation to be positive for any real reconciliation;
Amendment 85 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) emphasise the need to use the achieved Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishnot blocking a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Regrets the fact that some EU partner countries are initiating politicised and falsified trials against persons, thus violating human rights and fundamental norms of the rule of law; is deeply concerned that despite international calls, no measures are being taken in those third countries to ensure and respect the rights of those convicted in politically- motivated cases;
Amendment 160 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Regrets that despite all the calls of the European Parliament and other international institutions, Mikhail Khodorkovsky was sentenced in his second politicized and administratively- motivated trial in Russia, which did not comply with the principles of a fair and independent judicial system, thus strongly violating human rights;
Amendment 214 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52 a. Recalls the tragic case of Sergey Magnitsky who was fighting against high- ranking corruption and was tortured to death by officials; regrets that the case is still not solved and those responsible for Sergey Magnitsky's death have not been punished; urges Russian judicial authorities to resume the investigation by naming and punishing the guilty;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the existing disproportionate reliance on the United States in defence matters, as symbolised by the fact that the US share of all defence spending in the North Atlantic Alliance has risen to 75 %, can no longer be acceptable either for Europe or for the USas well;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges all EU Member States to assume fully their part of the responsibility for peace and security in Europe, its neighbourhood and the wider world; reminds them of their repeated commitments, including in the Treaty and European Council conclusions, to improve their militarydefence capabilities;
Amendment 136 #
2011/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Points out that current research and technology (R&T) efforts will be determining in mastering future technological advances; deplores the fact that only about 1 % of EU countries' overall defence spending goes to R&T, while more than 50 % continues to be spent on personnel, and in particular that for most Member States this is well below 1 %; urges the Member States to exclude R&T from their spending cuts as a matter of priority, and to restore R&T where it became mistakenly closed;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas strengthened relations of European perspective require a clear and proven commitment towards reform with the aim of making tangible progress in fulfilment of predefined benchmarks,
Amendment 170 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the opportunity that negotiations ona way towards association agreements and the very agreement provides to boost reform; stresses that all the components should be linked in order for the EU to deepen its relationship in a holistic and coherent manner; believes that they should therefore include concrete conditions, timetables and performance benchmarks which should be regularly monitored;
Amendment 179 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. States that differentiation should be applied to trade, invites ENP partner countries to move forward on creating the conditions that will allow the establishment of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) and calls oninstructs the EUC to assist them in their reform efforts and to open itsEU internal market accordingly; underlines that the EU should also assess the political, social and environmental circumstances of each country with reference to their participation in the future DCFTA;
Amendment 191 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the reference to Article 49 of the TEU and believeaffirms that all partner countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) have a legitimate right to strive for EU membership; believes that the conclusion of association agreements does not exclude this perspective but can, on the contrary, be an important step towards further European integration;
Amendment 279 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 24 a (new)
Paragraph - 24 a (new)
-24a. Reminds that peaceful resolution of regional military conflicts, including so called frozen ones, is the essential precondition for democracy consolidation, respect of human rights, prosperity and economic growth, thus should be of the highest interest for the EU;
Amendment 290 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the EU should get more involved and play a more active and constructive role in resolution of regional armed conflicts by developing more confidence- building measures, considering new pragmatic and innovative approaches, launching public communication strategies, supporting civic culture and community dialogue and strengthening good- neighbourly relations;
Amendment 297 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists on the need to keep a regional approach and welcomes the decision to appoint an EUSR for the South Caucasus as well as for the Southern Mediterranean Region and also the task force for the Southern Mediterranean; similar task force for the South Caucasus should be considered;
Amendment 301 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the work that international organisations, particularly UN agencies, carry out on the ground in conflict and post-conflict situations and in promoting sustainable development throughout the neighbourhood, notably the long-standing commitment of UNRWA to Palestinian war refugees;
Amendment 314 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the proposal for the new European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) and the increase of funding for the ENP, as requested in its previous resolutions; considers that the distribution of funds should be flexible and adequate for both regions, with an approach that is performance-driven and not geographically driven; emphasises that none of the ENP dimensions (Southern or Northern) should be advantaged in expense of the other; notes that more flexibility and simplification should respect the right of democratic scrutiny and be accompanied by increased supervision of the spending;
Amendment 336 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Insists that the Council should adopt without further delay the legislative proposal to amend Article 23 of the ENPI Regulation presented by the Commission in May 2008 and adopted by Parliament on 8 July 2008, which would make it possible to reinvest funds returned following past operations; recalls that this measure is already considered as a given and is reflected in the proposal for financing the review of the ENP in the 2011-2013 budget;
Amendment 1 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia is an European state with long lasting tradition of Christian culture and successfully building democracy when the Eastern Partnership has created a meaningful political framework for deepening relations, accelerating political association and furthering economic integration between the EU and Georgia, by supporting political and socio- economic reforms and facilitating approximation towards the EU;
Amendment 12 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the negotiations with Georgia on the Association Agreement are progressing swiftly; wherea, nevertheless negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) have not yet begun;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to ensure that the Assocnegotiation Agreement is a comprehensive and forward looking framework for the further development of relations with Georgia in upcoming yearss with Georgia continue at a steady pace;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to take the necessary action to ensure that the negotiations with Georgia continue at a steady paceensure as well that the Association Agreement is a comprehensive and forward looking framework for the further development of relations with Georgia in upcoming years;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) to recognise Georgia as a European state and to base the EU’s commitment and ongoing negotiations with Georgia as a European state on a European perspective, includingalong with Article 49 of the Treaty on the EU, considered as a valuable lever for implementation of reforms and a necessary catalyst for public support for these reforms which could further strengthen Georgia’s commitment to shared values and the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and good governance;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) to strengthen the EU’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia and to ensure the applicability of the agreements, once ithey hasve been concluded, to the whole territory of Georgia; to that end, to continue actively engaging in Russia-Georgia conflict resolution, inter alia by prolonging the mandate of the EUMM after 15 September 2011; to envisage the possibility of the inclusion of international police and peacekeeping components in order to establish genuine conditions for the start of a peace process;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) to trecognise Georgia’sat further regions of Abkhazia and the South Ossetia as occupiedtemporary occupied Georgia’s territories;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) to call on Russia to reconsider its recognition of the independenceseparation of the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, to end the occupation of those Georgian territories and to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the inviolability of its internationally- recognised borders as recognised by international law, the UN charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2133(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) to welcome the policy of constructive unilateralism by Georgia, committing itself to not usinge the force toin restoregaining control over the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as outlined in the speech by President Saakashvili to the EP on 23 November 2010 and call upon Russia to reciprocate the commitment to the non-use of force against Georgia;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic growth of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS group) entails an increased relevance of those countries in foreign policy terms;
Amendment 13 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, with the process of consolidation of strong economic and foreign policy powers such as the BRICS, a multi-polar system has emerged, where global leadership is increasingly shared amongst several countries and regional blocks of countries; whereas such a multi- polar system entails a progressive shiftturned to a new bipolarity (Euro-Atlantic entity versus others led by Russia or China); in global economic power to the BRICS and other emerging economies and furthermay entails a shift of sovereignty and control, in foreign policy terms, from existing powers to emerging powers; whereas the current economic crisis has accelerated the process of transfer of powers from existing to emerging powers;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas without an inclusive new global governance system based on close consultation and cooperation with the BRICS, there will be little incentive for emerged and emerging powers to cooperate and concert action on major global issues with the potential risk of (i) political and economic fragmentation and the emergence of competing world orders and separate regional areas, (ii) the disentanglement of global economic structures and investment flows and (iii) the creation of regional blocks of influence with very limited international coordination and no concerted solution possible for transnational challenges;
Amendment 30 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the eventual consolidation of the economic and political power of the BRICS and other emerging countries as the world's largest economies may not necessarily be associated with the transition from low-income economies to middle-income economies and, thereby, the emergence and consolidation of a large middle class; whereas the lack of a large middle class in such countries would mark the end of the substantial role in world affairs of countries characterised by affluent societies and a stable and moderate political orientation;
Amendment 54 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses how the current economic crisis has demonstrated the interdependence between the emerged powers and the BRICS group and other emerging countries; points out that stable economic growth of the latter is clearly conditional on stable economic growth of the former; emphasises that political and economic ties between emerged and emerging economies are mutually beneficial and believes that further political understanding and coordination with the BRICS group and other emerging countries should thus be pursued by the EU as a matter of priority;
Amendment 63 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that the interdependence between, on the one hand, the emerged powers and, on the other, the BRICS group and other emerging powers maintains a relevant economic dimension, but is essentially political, as both the emerged and the emerging powers share an interest in ensuring an effective system of global governance and in tackling together those global stability and security risks which may curb the global growth potential;
Amendment 71 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly rejects the contention that, in view of the emergence of new economic and foreign policy powers and potential rivals, the West should agree to relinquish its leadership and focus on managing its decline. Contends, rather, that the West and, in particular, the EU should focus on achieving the necessary economies of scale and develop concerted efforts to enable it to interact with the emerging powers constructively and effectively; points out to the need to develop an inclusive system of global governance based on cooperation and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries, as appropriate; points further to the key role of the West and, particularly, the EU in promoting an inclusive system of global governance such as this;
Amendment 85 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the BRICS havegroup has embarked on quasi-permanent coordination of foreign policy by abstaining from the vote on UNSC Resolution 1973 (2011) on Libya (South Africa was not yet part of the BRICS at that time), by deferring the vote on the EU's role in UNGA, and through their coinciding positions on Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as by coordinating their action through the BRICS Leaders' meetings; points out that the BRICS seem to be challenging the current system of international governance; believes that if the EU will duly take into account the new weight, in political and economic terms, of the BRICS and other emerging powers, this may contribute to an orderly reform of global governance without any destabilising effects;
Amendment 106 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that, in light of the increasing relevance of the BRICS and other emerging economies and the looming quasi-multi-polar (if not bipolar) system of governance, the G- 20 is the appropriate forum for consensus building and for a decision-making process which is inclusive and able to foster convergence, including regulatory convergence; takes the view that notwithstanding the increasing relevance of the G-20, the G-7 maintains a key role as a consultative, coordinating and consensus- building forum for the emerged powers with a view to dialogue with the BRICS and other emerging economies, and ahead of G-20 meetings; supports the G-20 parliamentary dimension and believes that it should be further consolidated and involved in the decision-making processes to ensure a reinforced democratic dialogue and scrutiny;
Amendment 129 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance that the overall coordination of EU foreign policy towards the BRICS group and other emerging economies should lie with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; believes that the EU should strive to achieve, under the coordination by the High Representative, a better linking of foreign and security policy with EU sectoral policies, such as development, energy security, trade, access to raw materials and rare earths, climate change and migration, with a view to valorising synergies and ensuring a coherent and systemic foreign policy approach;
Amendment 142 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that the EU should have capacity to adjust and reform its internal governance structures in order to ensure a decision- making process able to reflect its plurality and create consensus; stresses the importance that a coherent foreign policy approach at EU level towards the BRICS and other emerging countries be reflected in the organisation of the EEAS; takes the view that with regard to the BRICS group, in addition to its organisacomposition along geographical and thematic lines, the EEAS should establish an ad hoc coordinating unit to ensure that all individual policies towards BRICS states are compatible from a systemic point of view and that the policy lines adopted are reflected in the EU dialogue with emerged powers such as the USA, Canada and Japan; believes that the EU delegations in BRICS countries and other relevant emerging countries should form a network aimed at providing continuous monitoring and analysis on relations amongst the BRICS group and relevant cross-sensitivities, thus enabling a more systemic approach; believes that the EU should direct its resources to leading the reform process of a global system of governance and of international organisations with a view to ensuring a more inclusive consensus-building and decision-making process at global level;
Amendment 151 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the key, positive role of Parliament's Liaison Office in Washington DC in promoting dialogue and cooperation between Parliament and the US Congress, and believes that, building on this kind of positive experience, the staff of EU Delegations in BRICS countries shcould include Parliament liaison officers in order to foster a greater understanding of the national parliamentary dimension in each of those countries and promote closer cooperation and dialogue between the European Parliament and national parliaments on a bilateral basis; believes that, in addition to its existing delegations for relations with Russia, India, China and South Africa, respectively, a delegation for relations with Brazil should also be considered;
Amendment 22 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas media platforms are essential for the exercise of the right to freedom of expression; whereas the independent press, as a collective manifestation of free expression, is one of the key actors in the media landscape;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas freedom of the press, media, including the freedom of journalist- employee from the censorship imposed by media business companies, the digital sector and journalism in general are considered to be public goods;
Amendment 43 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas journalism appears compromised when TV entertainment business, if out of ethical standards, tries to cover itself under slogans about freedom of expression;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises that governments have the primary responsibility for ensuring or hampering freedom of the press and media, and; in the worst cases they are increasingly resorting to legal pressure, e.g. through the abuse of anti-terrorism or anti-extremism legislation and laws on national security, treason or subversion, in order to restrict press and media freedom;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. DeploreStrongly condemns the fact that many journalists have no access to legal assistance while their profession increasingly finds itself in the front line of the struggle for human rights, whether online or offline;
Amendment 67 #
2011/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that media freedom suffers damage by being totally misinterpreted when journalist (-ism) appears involved or bribed for a slander, defamation and similar means in order to crush political or business opponent;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the efforts to restore, by violating overmentioned principles, the zone of dominating post-soviet influence over the common neighbourhood would be incompatible with aims of Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas the current Partnership and Cooperation Agreement must be valid and effective until the new one is concluded and in force;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point e
Paragraph 1 – point e
(e) stress that the new Agreement will be the logical and necessary step forward for EU-Russia relations, in line with the current PCA and following accession to WTO;
Amendment 79 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) reiterate that modernisation of Russia is a common interest for both parties and that the EU wishes to further promote the process initiated through the Partnership for Modernisation; underline that Russia's policies of exclusively economic modernisation should bemay appear fruitless if not accompanied by political reform;
Amendment 86 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) follow closely Russia's positive internal evolution, if any, especially in democracy, broaden dialogue with Russia's civil society and all major political protagonists, support institution building in Russia and the principles of representative democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 131 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) promote strategic partnership between the EU and Russia in meeting global challenges, such as, inter alia, non- proliferation, counter-terrorism, the peaceful resolution of protracted and new conflicts, the security of energy supply, the Arctic dimension, climate change, poverty reduction;
Amendment 132 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) regrets the lack of good will from Russia to finalize border agreement with EU member state Estonia and to implement the 2008 agreement with EU on withdrawal of troops from Georgian soil;
Amendment 133 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n b (new)
(nb) encourage Russia to not compete destructively EU's plans about getting energy supply from Caspian-Black Sea region (Bulgarian case), to help international community in its efforts to stop destruction and bloodshed of civilians in Syria - those must be the urgent issues of real EU-Russia political dialogue and cooperation;
Amendment 157 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point r
Paragraph 1 – point r
(r) take into due consideration the deep, growing, trustful and irreversible economic interdependence of the two partners, as reciprocal import markets and suppliers of goods, services and energy;
Amendment 174 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point x
Paragraph 1 – point x
(x) take into consideration that considerable investment efforts still have to be carried for Soviet-dated infrastructures of critical importance for the Russian economy and for EU investments; they should be given priority over the offensive militarization;
Amendment 184 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Due to the successive integration of various sectors into the single payment scheme and the ensuing period of adjustment granted to farmers, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the presence of significant individual differences in the level of support per hectare resulting from use of historical references. Therefore direct income support should be more equitably distributed between Member States, by reducing the link to historical references and having regard to the overall context of the Union budget. To ensure a more equal distribution of direct support, while taking account of the differences that still exist in wage levels and input costs, the levels of direct support per hectare should be progressively adjusted. Member States with direct payments below the level of 9a current level of direct payments per hectare below 80 % of the EU average should close one third of the gap between their current level and this level. This convergence should be financed proportionally by all Member States with direct payments above the UnionMember States with a level of direct payments above 80% but below the EU average should close this gap by 10 %. This convergence should be financed proportionally by all Member States with direct payments above the Union average. However, the maximum level of direct payments per hectare in the Member States should not exceed 120% of the EU average. In addition, all payment entitlements activated in 2019 in a Member State or in a region should have a uniform unit value following a convergence towards this value that should take place during the transition period in linear steps. However, in order to avoid disruptive financial consequences for farmers, Member States having used the single payment scheme, and in particular the historical model, should be allowed to partially take historical factors into account when calculating the value of payment entitlements in the first year of application of the new scheme. The debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework for the period starting in 2021 should also focus on the objective of complete convergence through the equal distribution of direct support across the European Union during that period.
Amendment 1418 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 29 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Article 29 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
Farmers complying with the requirements laid down in Article 29(1) of Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards organic farming shall be entitled ipso facto to the payment referred to in this Chaptershall be entitled ipso facto to payment referred to in this Chapter when they fall within the following categories: - farmers which have at least 20 % of forest areas; - farmers with more than 50 % of the eligible agricultural area covered by grassland; - farmers which are 100 % certified as using sustainable farming methods, including of integrated farming.
Amendment 1550 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 30 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. The first paragraph shall not apply to farms: - where the arable land is entirely used for grass production or other herbaceous forage, entirely left fallow, entirely cultivated with crops under water for a significant part of the year or a combination of these, or; - where the arable land of the farmer covers up to 50 hectares and more than 50% of the eligible agricultural area of the holding is covered by permanent crops.
Amendment 1625 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Member States shall ensure the maintenance of the ratio of the land under permanent grassland in relation to the total agricultural area. That obligation shall apply at national or regional level. The reference ratio shall be established as relation between the land under permanent grassland and total agricultural area declared by the farmers in 2014.
Amendment 1643 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 2
Article 31 – paragraph 2
2. Farmers shall be allowed to convert a maximum of 5 % of their reference areas under permanent grassland. That limit shall not appMember States shall ensure that the ratio under this Article shall not decrease to the detriment of land under permanent grassland by more than 10 % relatively into the case of force majeure or exceptional circumstancesratio for the relevant reference year.
Amendment 1667 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 3
Article 31 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 55 laying down rules concerning the increase of reference areas under permanent grassland as laid down in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1, the renewal of permanent grassland, the reconversion of agricultural area into permanent grassland in case the authorised decrease referred to in paragraph 2 is exceeded, as well as the modification of the reference areas under permanent grassland in case of transfer of land. For the purposes of paragraph 2, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 55 laying down rules on maintenance of permanent grassland, in particular to ensure that measures are taken to maintain the ratio, including individual obligations to be respected such as obligation to reconvert areas into permanent grassland where it is established that the ratio of land under permanent grassland is decreasing.
Amendment 1728 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. FWhere the arable land and area covers more than 20 hectares, farmers shall ensure that at least 7 % of their eligible hectares as defined in Article 25(2), excluding areas under permanent grassland and permanent crops, is ecological focus area such as land left fallow, terraces, landscape features, buffer strip like hedges or stone walls, buffer strips, land planted with nitrogen-fixing crops, land cultivated according to environmentally friendly methods and afforested areas as referred to in article 25(2)(b)(ii).
Amendment 1763 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 32 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, the minimum percentage indicated in paragraph 1 is reduced to: - 5% in cases of joint undertakings of groups of farmers putting in place continuous, adjacent ecological focus areas; - 1,5% in the Member States with at least 45% of their total terrestrial area covered by forests or; - 1,5% in the Member States where utilised agricultural area constitute is less than 35% of the total terrestrial area.
Amendment 2046 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 38 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Coupled support may be granted to the following sectors and productions: cereals, oilseeds, protein crops, grain legumes, flax, hemp, rice, nuts, starch potato, milk and milk products, seeds, sheepmeat and goatmeat, pigmeat, beef and veal, olive oil, silk worms, dried fodder, hops, sugar beet, cane and chicory, fruit and vegetables and short rotation coppice.
Amendment 1 #
2011/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The Kaliningrad oblast has an exceptional geographic situation: as a relatively small area completely surrounded byonland by lands of two Member States, it constitutes the only enclave in the EU; its shape and the distribution of its population are such that applying the standard rules on the definition of the border area would artificially divide the enclave, whereby some inhabitants would enjoy facilitations for local border traffic while the majority, including the inhabitants of the city of Kaliningrad, would not. In light of the homogeneous nature of the Kaliningrad oblast, for trade, social and cultural interchange and regional cooperation to be enhanced, a specific exception to Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 should be introduced that would allow the entire Kaliningrad oblast, with the consent of the bordering States, to be considered as a border area.
Amendment 2 #
2011/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Since the objective of this Regulation, namely to provide for amendment to the existing Union rules on local border traffic, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the consenting Member States and can be better achievedinvolved without supervision at Union level, the Union may adopt suggested measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty on European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as also set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective.
Amendment 3 #
2011/0199(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) The present Kaliningrad Oblast was transferred to the Russian Federation by the Soviet Union, which acquired that Central European territory of Königsberg by virtue of the Potsdam Agreement in 1945, to administer it pending the provided Peace Treaty which as yet has not been signed by the Allied victors of the second World War including the Soviet Union or the Russian Federation and Germany.
Amendment 22 #
2010/2299(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that strategic autonomy in security affairs entails, for the EU, the capacity to agree common political objectives and strategic guidelines, to establish strategic partnerships with a wide range of international organisations and trustful states, to collect adequate information and generate joint analyses and assessments, to harness and where necessary pool financial, military, and civilian resources, to plan and run effective crisis management operations across the entire range of the Petersberg tasks, and to frame and implement a common defence policy, laying the first tangible foundations on which to build common defence;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2299(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that strategic autonomyinterest in security affairs entails, for the EU, the capacity to agree common political objectives and strategic guidelines, to establish strategic partnerships with a wide range of international organisations and trustful states, to collect adequate information and generate joint analyses and assessments, to harness and where necessary pool financial, military, and civilian resources, to plan and run effective crisis management operations across the entire range of the Petersberg tasks, and to frame and implement a common defence policy, laying the first tangible foundations on which to build common defence;
Amendment 27 #
2010/2299(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that the new common security and defence policy (CSDP) introduced by the Lisbon Treaty provides a firm political statement of the Union's intention to build up and act as a force for stability in the world and provides a clear legal framework for reinforcing its capacities in pursuing its foreign and security policy through a comprehensive approach drawing upon all the instruments available to the EU and its Member States, to prevent and manage crises and conflicts, and to buildin a name of lasting peace;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of minors and of persons belonging to minorities,
Amendment 37 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas new forms of human rights abuses are occurring in the world, notably in the area of the new information technologies, onsome of them being internet misuse and censorship,
Amendment 148 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Welcomes the work of the UNHRC and stresses its crucial role within the overall UN architecture and its potential to develop a valuable framework for the European Union’s multilateral human rights efforts; notes that this new body has to keep workingwork ever better in order to gain more credibility;
Amendment 155 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that, as the Annual Report points out, EU Member States are in a minority in the UNHRC; calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to take concerted action in developing appropriate alliances with those countries and non-state actors that are continuing to defend the universal and indivisible nature of human rights questioned by certain non-democracies;
Amendment 175 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Reiterates that the EU is opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances including extra-judicial executions; recalls that the EU is the lead donor to civil society organisations which fight against the death penalty; asks the Commission to continue to give priority to the fight against this cruel and inhuman punishment and to keep it as a thematic priority under the EIDHR;
Amendment 222 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Calls urgently for additional EU measures against child labour especially that similar to slavery and calls for the EU to apply more efficiently the instruments at its disposal by incorporating them in human rights dialogues and consultations; calls for the EU to implement effectively the EU Guidelines on the Rights of the Child and to study the possibility of adopting guidelines on combating child labour; recognises the supportive role of EU trade policy in the fight against child labour, notably through the use of GSP+ incentives;
Amendment 227 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Expresses deep concern about children involved in or otherwise affected by armed conflicts; urges the Commission and the Council to strengthen the implementation of the EU Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflicts; welcomes the new UNSC resolution 1882 (2009), which further strengthens the protection of children involved in, and affected by, armed conflict;
Amendment 249 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Acknowledges conclusions in many human rights reports that human rights defenders have been suffering from increasingly strong attacks in various forms, such as attacks on freedom of expression or association, assault on, and murder of, relevant persons, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials and closure of the offices of civil society organisations;
Amendment 254 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Remains vigilant vis-à-vis non-EU governments which use the adoption of controversial laws governing NGOs as a subtlen attempt to silence the human rights movement;
Amendment 266 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Notes that the detention, as well as the release and subsequent deportation, of local human rights defenders in Cuba without the right of return is also a grave human rights violation;
Amendment 274 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Emphasises the importance of human rights clauses together with democracy clauses, in trade policies, partnerships and trade agreements between the EU and third countries; proposes a ‘human rights assessment’ of non-EU countries that engage in trade relations with the EU;
Amendment 314 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68
Paragraph 68
68. Remains deeply concerned that discrimination based on religion or belief still exists in all regions of the world, and that persons belonging to particular religious communities, including religious minorities, continue to be denied their human rights in many countries; condemns the Chinese authorities for the persecution of individuals who practise their religion outside officially sanctioned channels, including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Falun Gong practitioners; consistently and permanently urges the Chinese authorities to refrain from their oppressive policy in Tibet, which might eventually lead to the annihilation of the Tibetan religion and culture;
Amendment 335 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72
Paragraph 72
72. Supports the right of expression and peaceful assembly in Russia as formally but not in life guaranteed by Article 31 of the Russian Constitution; expresses solidarity with the organisers and participants of Strategy-31, the series of civic protests in support of this right which started on 31 July 2009 and take place on Triumfalnaya Square in Moscow on the 31st of every month with 31 days; regrets that so far all of Strategy-31 demonstrations have been refused permission by the authorities on the grounds that other activities had been scheduled to take place in Triumfalnaya Square at the same time; is deeply concerned that on 31 December 2009, among dozens of other peaceful protesters, Russian police detained the Chairperson of the Moscow Helsinki Group, Lyudmila Alexeyeva, who had been awarded Parliament’s Sakharov Prize only a few weeks before her detention;
Amendment 347 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73
Paragraph 73
73. Notes that measures to fight terrorism have resulted in violations of basic human rights in a number of countries around the world, in the form of the application of excessive surveillance measures, illegal detentions and the use of torture as a means of extracting information from suspected terrorists; condemns these violations of human rights and is convinced that civil liberties should not be compromised in the fight against terrorism, as the disruption of normal democratic life in Western societies is precisely what the terrorists are seeking, while in Russia even terminology as "terrorist" or "extremist" goes applied with heavy consequences to opponents of a regime too much arbitrarily;
Amendment 380 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80
Paragraph 80
80. Welcomes the establishment of human rights dialogues with each of the Central Asian states – Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan – in 2008; welcomes the first EU-Uzbek civil society seminar on human rights dialogue in October 2008; regrets that the EU-China human rights dialogues have consistently failed to deliver any improvements as regards specific human rights abuses in China; expresses its disappointment that EU-Russia human rights consultations after they replaced usual dialogue, have not yielded any substantial results, if any; welcomes the launch in 2009 of human rights dialogues with Indonesia, and the holding of the first dialogue meetings with Georgia and Armenia;
Amendment 394 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83
Paragraph 83
83. Recognises that economic, social and cultural rights should be given equal importance to civil and political rights together with a right to live in democracy, to enjoy the access to fair trial, bearing in mind the universality, indivisibility, interdependence and inter- relatedness of all human rights, as confirmed by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna; urges countries around the world to sign up to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR), which was opened for signature on 24 September 2009;
Amendment 203 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the VP/HR to intensify talks with Russia to assure the unconditional fulfilment of all the provisions of the agreement of 2008 between Russia, the European Union and Georgia; takes the view Russia that should, in particular, guarantee full unlimited access of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) to Abkhazia and South Ossetia; underlines the necessity to provide stability in aforementioned Georgian regions;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Point 8
Point 8
8. Regrets the lack of focus in the Commission Communication and Council Conclusions on the CBRN Action Plan on adequately protecting public transport networks and the health of their users, given the many terrorist attacks on transport in recent years and the generally increased risk of CBRN incidents occurring during transport of CBRN materials; calls on the Member States to guarantee pre-exposure protection of first responders to CBRN incidents and post- exposure treatment of victims, in particular against biological pathogens;
Amendment 19 #
2010/2114(INI)
Draft opinion
Point 11
Point 11
11. Calls on the Member States, when drafting requested to have evacuation plans infor a case of a CBRN incident, and while drafting them, to give special attention to the needs of the elderly, children, people under medical care and other such specific groups;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regards inclusiveness and regional ownership as important principles of the EU approach towards the region and sees Turkey and Russia as crucialwished partners in Black Sea regional cooperation, which should be appropriately engaged; believes that the dual role of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece as both littoral States and EU Member States is essential to the success of EU policy in the Black Sea area;
Amendment 74 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the EU can and should play a bigger role in shaping the Black Sea security environment ; calls for an enhanced EU involvement in the regional strategic dialogue, and cooperation with its strategic partners on security issues, as well as in conflict prevention and resolution; believes that the EU, if taking more coherent position, would be able to prevent militant aggressions in the region; calls for cross-border crime and trafficking to be tackled in the Black Sea Strategy, as well as for a further strengthening of cooperation on border and movement management;
Amendment 90 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that a security strategy for the Black Sea region should also incorporate the objectives of improving governance, democratic rule and state capabilities; calls on the Commission to mainstream initiatives on institution-building and democratic governance which are indispensible for any state wishing to develop successfully;
Amendment 105 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the EU's aim of diversifying routes and sources of supply, therefore encourages more direct cooperation without mediator with Black Sea region states in energy sector; reiterates the importance of the Nabucco project and of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) transportation to Europe, in the form of the AGRI project and the development of LNG terminals in Black Sea ports; recalls the need for a common normative framework for promoting a transparent, competitive and rules-based gas market;
Amendment 25 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Islamic Republic of Iran (hereafter referred to as Iran), being one of the most alarming regimes among the world's non-democracies, is facing an array of governance challenges - from power struggles between competing factions within the country’s ruling elites to a crippling social and economic malaise, a problematic regional security environment and rising popular discontent at home - many of which are products of the Iranian regime’s own making,
Amendment 66 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there has been a remarkable deepening of relations between Iran andtoday's non-democratic Iran and democratic Turkey, and whereas Iran is using its state and non-state allies Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, to destabilise the region,
Amendment 75 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that popular discontent and disenchantment with the Iranian government as a result of the grave socio- economic situation combined with an absence of liberty and basic respect for human dignity within Iran represent the main challenge to the regime’sprovision whereby such a regime cannot survivale;
Amendment 83 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that although President Ahmadinejad was elected in 2005 on a platform of social justice and economic populism, Iran’s domestic problems have continued to deteriorate despite burgeoning oil prices; deplores, therefore, Ahmadinejad’s aim of shoring up his political position at home by embracing a radical international agenda with the expectation that a stridently anti-Western, anti-Israel stance will enhance Iran’s leadership position in the Middle East Muslim world;
Amendment 252 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Rejects fiercely the desire expressed by the Iranian leadership to "wipe out" Israel; also fiercely rejects the anti-Semitic rhetoric of the Iranian president, especially his denial of the Holocaust and his underlying agenda of delegitimizing the Israeli state build along with decision of UN; consequently, urges Iran to stay within UN; calls on the EU institutions to safeguard the existence of the Jewish state;
Amendment 280 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its concerns on the remarkable deepening of relations between today's Iran and EU accession candidate Turkey; asks the Council and the Commission to discuss the Turkish attitude towards Iran with their counterparts in Ankara; calls on the Turkish authorities to follow the European approach towards the Iranian nuclear threat; calls on the EU institutions to do their utmost to sever the lines between Teheran and Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas;
Amendment 284 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Issues the strongest warning on Iran's interference in Iraq's policies including attacks, when sometimes IRGC do participate, against Ashraf Camp of Iranian refugees, security to whom should be guaranteed;
Amendment 293 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Council and the Commission to closely attune their policies towards Iran with Washington before this cooperation is ultimately challenged by Iran's eventual attack on Israel or vice versa; disunity in Iranian policies already now can become detrimental;
Amendment 98 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 2 – paragraph 1 - indent 3
Article 2 – paragraph 1 - indent 3
- in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission for fulfilling within the Commission the responsibilities incumbent on it in external relations and for coordinating other aspects of the Union's external action, without prejudice to the normal tasks of the services of the Commission.
Amendment 99 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 2 – paragraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2
2. The EEAS shall assist the President of the Commission, the Commission and the President of the European Council, without prejudice to the mandate of the High Representative.
Amendment 103 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. The EEAS shall extend appropriate support and cooperation to the other institutions and bodies of the Union, as well as to institutions and bodies of Member States.
Amendment 111 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. The High Representative shall designate from among EEAS staff members the chairpersons of Council preparatory bodies that are chaired by a representative of the High Representative, including the chair of the Political and Security Committee, whose candidacy is consulted within the Commission.
Amendment 113 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
2. Each Union delegation shall be led by a Head of Delegation. The Head of Delegation shall have authority over all staff in the delegation, whatever their status, and for all its activities. He/she should assure a broad representation of the national variety of the Union inside of the staff. He/she shall be accountable to the High Representative for the overall management of the work of the delegation and for ensuring the coordination of all actions of the Union. Staff in delegations shall comprise EEAS staff and, where this is appropriate for the implementation of the Union budget and Union policies other than those under the remit of the EEAS, Commission staff.
Amendment 122 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision – amending act
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
6. All appointments in the EEAS shall be based on merit and on the broadest possible geographical basis. The staff of the EEAS shall comprise a meaningfulbalanced presence of nationals from all the Member States. Concrete measures analogous to the Council regulation 401/2004 should be taken to ensure adequate geographical representation in all grades within the EEAS, both in Headquarters and in Delegations.
Amendment 140 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
1. The High Representative, the Council, the Commission and the Member States shall be commonly responsible for implementing this Decision and shall take all measures necessary to do so.
Amendment 141 #
2010/0816(NLE)
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 3
Article 12 – paragraph 3
3. The Council, acting on a proposal from the High Representative, shall review this Decision in the light of experience as soon as possible but no later than the beginning of 2014, in accordance with Article 27 of the TEU.
Amendment 3 #
2009/2230(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 10 #
2009/2230(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the Northern Dimension framework should provide the main fundamentan additional basis for the external aspects of cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region; underlines, in this context, the importance of close cooperation with Norway, Belarus and in particular Russia, the only non-EU country with direct access to the Baltic Sea; specifically notes the status of the Kaliningrad Oblast enclave, which is surrounded by EU Member States;
Amendment 34 #
2009/2230(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the amount of EUR 20 million earmarked in the 2010 EU budget for the Baltic Sea Strategy can be used onlyalso for external action, which effectively means cooperation with Russia;
Amendment 7 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas as a result of the August 2008 war in Georgia, of the EU’s successful intervention to achieve a Ceasefire Agreement and of the great need for further engagement that followed from these developmentsat step, the EU became a significant security actor in the region, through the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission, the launch of a major post-war assistance programme and the start of a fact-finding mission on the causes and course of the war,
Amendment 13 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas 2009 has seen little intensification of Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks mediated by the Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group,
Amendment 32 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the EU needs to play a moren increasingly active political role and develop a strategy to assist the transformation of the South Caucasus into a region of sustainable peace, stability and prosperity and to use fully its potential to contribute to the peaceful solution of the conflicts in the region by combining its soft power with a firm approach;
Amendment 45 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that conflict management and conflict resolution necessitate inter alia the recognition of the rights and legitimate interests of all relevant parties and communities, openness to review perceptions of past events, serious willingness to overcome hatred and fear, preparedness to give up maximalist ambitions, interest in innovative approaches, including to the exercise ofmaking sovereignty choices, and readiness to makdebate real concessions;
Amendment 47 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points to the importance of conflict prevention, including through respect for the rights of all national minorities and internally displaced groups, religious tolerance and efforts to strengthen social and economic cohesion;
Amendment 56 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the responsibility of external actors to use their power and influence in ways that are fully consistent with international law, including human rights law; believes that reduction of the competition between external actors in the region should be pursued, but cannot come at the price of effectivelyvia accepting any actor’s claim to have ‘privileged interests’; is of the opinion that introducing conditions for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the South Caucasus states is unacceptable;
Amendment 71 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Fully supports the Minsk Group Co- chairs’ mediation, the Madrid Principles and the Moscow Declaration; condemns the idea of a military solution and calls on both sides to avoid militant rhetoric; furthermore calls on both sides to show more ambition in the bilateral peace talks and to abandon the tendency to prefer perpetuating the status quo created through military conquests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions; calls on the international community likewise to show courage and political will to overcome the remaining sticking points which hinder an agreement;
Amendment 89 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that interim status for Nagorno- Karabakh could imply interim legitimisation of the de facto authorities there; believes that inter alia in order to raise their credibility with a view to such a prospect, these authorities should rapidly abandon the positions that Nagorno- Karabakh includes all Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani lands and that displaced persons’ right of return cannot even be discussed at the present stage; calls on the Government of Armenia to exercise its influence in this respect and to begin the good-will return from additionally controlled territories, and on the Council and Commission to join this call;
Amendment 110 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the protocols on the establishment of diplomatic relations, border opening and cooperation; calls on both sides to seize this opportunity to mend their relations through ratification and implementation; does not support the introduction of conditions for ratification not mentioned in the protocols, but notes that if implemented, they will have wide- ranging, potentially overall very positive consequences in the region and that they can therefore not be seen in isolation; calls on Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan, to intensify their efforts in the Minsk Co- chairs-led and other talks on the principles for a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict;
Amendment 113 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the Tagliavini Report and supports its main conclusions including those on ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity; supports the EU Monitoring Mission mandate and its implementation of the part which is not blocked by Russia and the de facto authorities of the breakaway regions; the mandate remains valid and for full scale implementation;
Amendment 121 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is seriously concerned about the continued use of ethnic cleansing as a preluden element to the Russian recognition of South Ossetian and Abkhazian statehood; notes with satisfaction that the international community remains united in its rejection of the unilateral declaration of tricky independence of the regions under foreign control; calls on Russia to honour its commitment in the Ceasefire Agreement to withdraw its troops to the positions held before the outbreak of the August 2008 war and to cease its blocking of EUMM access to South Ossetia and Abkhazia;
Amendment 163 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscores the importance of free and fair elections to be held in accordance with international commitments and standards; notes that the last presidential elections held in Armenia in February 2008 were once again violent and that repercussions of the internal crisis in their aftermath are still being felt; takes note of the municipal elections held in a peaceful manner in Azerbaijan on 23 December 2009 and awaits the report of the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities observation delegation thereon; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the local elections scheduled for 30 May 2010 take place in accordance with international standards and that the electoral law is amended accordingly, and reaffirms that securing direct election of mayors is crucial; confirms its and the EU’s position that elections and referenda in breakaway regions under foreign control are illegitimate; defends the political rights of displaced persons;
Amendment 200 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Holds the view that broader cooperation on a regional level and with the EU in sectors such as the economy, transport, energy and environment is essential for the optimal development of the sectors themselves and for ensuring stability in the region, but that cooperation should also embrace the building of human capital in the whole region as a long-term investment; welcomes the fact that all three countries benefit from the EU’s GSP and takes note that all of them qualify for the GSP+ for sustainable development and good governance; notes that regional cooperation in the judicial and police fields and the establishment of integrated border management are essential for further promoting mobility in the region and with the EU; welcomes Georgia for its leading position in fighting corruption and improving the state governance;
Amendment 205 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underscores the importance of building a favourable business climate and the development of the private sector; commends Azerbaijan on its noteworthy economic growth and the reform process, which makes the economy more attractive to foreign investors, and hopes that Azerbaijan will continue and eventually complete its negotiations on accession to the WTO; is of the opinion that Azerbaijan should be involved more actively in the Nabucco project; welcomes the progress in implementing market- economy reforms aiming at liberalisation of the market in Armenia and Georgia; notes however that the economic development of Armenia and Georgia has been affected by the general economic crisis and welcomes the decision at the end of 2009 to provide macrofinancial assistance to the two countries;
Amendment 251 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Takes note of the current EU involvement in conflict resolution processes in the region and believes that the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty justifies a more prominent role for the EU; welcomes the work of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and calls for increased EU action to persuade Russia and the relevant de facto authorities to stop blocking the EUMM from enteringacting in South Ossetia and Abkhazia; calls Russia to use its presence for stopping of South- Ossetian snipers' provocations at the demarcation line with rest of Georgia; considers that the EU now has the opportunity to play a greater role in the solution of the Nagorno- Karabakh conflict and could do so by participating in the negotiations also through the establishment of an EU mandate for the French Co-chair of the Minsk Group, by standing ready to launch reconstruction aid programmes and by supporting civil- society projects that aim to promote reconciliation and contacts between individuals in the region;
Amendment 260 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the High Representative for the Union’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to follow closely the developments in the region and to be actively involved in the conflict resolution processes; acknowledges the work of the Special Representative for the South Caucasus and expresses the firm hope that the High Representative will ensure its continuity and consistency; encourages the Council to consider the possible use of tools from the CSDP to step up its participation in the peace-building and conflict-management processes;
Amendment 294 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Reiterates the significance of people- to-people contacts and mobility programmes, especially aimed at youth; calls on the Council and Commission to make progress towards visa facilitation with the three countries and; welcomes the initialling of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Georgia, deploring the fact that it could not be finalized in 2010;
Amendment 36 #
2009/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas already expressed or eventual claim of certain states to sovereignty on Arctic Ocean spaces, including those of bottom, water or ice, may cause problems or even the conflicts between them, when the new period of quasi colonial redistribution of Polar parts of the globe is to be prevented by efforts of many powers, including the EU,
Amendment 120 #
2009/2214(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes, that the impression given by some observers of a so-called scrambleabout a competition of sovereignties for the Arctic, often symboliwhich was caused by the planting of a Russian flag on the sea floorbed at the North Pole, does not contribute to fostering a constructive understanding and cooperation in the region; stresses that the Arctic States have on should not involve themselveral ocs into disputes about applicastions declared their commitment to resolve possible conflicts of interests according to the principles of international law of international law principles, particularly while trying to resolve possible conflicts of interests by using accomplished facts and declaring that national interests will be defended by all means;
Amendment 29 #
2009/0108(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) To strengthen the solidarity between Member States in the case of a Community Emergency and in particular to support Member States which are exposed to less favourable geographical, geopolitical or geological conditions, Member States should devise specific measures to exercise solidarity, including measures such as commercial agreements between natural gas undertakings, compensation mechanisms, the building of technical junctions, increased gas exports or increased releases from storages. Solidarity measures may be particularly appropriate between Member States for which the Commission recommends the establishment of joint preventive actions plans or emergency plans at regional level.
Amendment 34 #
2009/0108(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) Since gas supplies from third countries are central to the security of gas supply of the Community, the Commission should coordinate the actions with regard to third countries, working with producer and transit countries on arrangements to handle crisis situations and to ensure a stable gas flow to the Community. The Commission should be entitled to deploy a task force to monitor gas flows in crisis situations within and, in consultation with the third countries involved, outside the Community and, where a crisis arises due to difficulties in a third country, to assume a mediation and facilitation role. The Community should find the means to allow the purchase of gas according the changing needs (if diminished) of Member States.
Amendment 47 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that the recent geopolitical developments in the EU's Eastern neighbourhood underscore the importance of developing the ENP further by adapting it better to the needs of the partners, including an enhanced EU involvement in the Black Sea region and an ambitious Eastern Partnership; stresses the need to speed up, in relation to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in particular, the establishment of a free trade zone as soon as partner countries are ready and theat they need to finalise as soon as possible steps towards visa freedom with the EU;
Amendment 60 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Endorses the Economic Recovery and Stability package under the Community budget, which will provide up to EUR 500 million over the years 2008-2010 to rebuild Georgia after a damaging war and to ensure coming home and the reintegration of internally displaced people; underlines that, in order to guarantee that the assistance is allocated to the most urgent needs of Georgia, proper conditionality and monitoring mechanisms should be attached to the EU financing without delay; emphasises that the aid should be targeted to supporting the reform agenda as defined in the ENP action plan and the ENPI programming documents, which remain highly appropriate;
Amendment 61 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that the financial envelope for Belarus needs to be increased and cooperation broadened to cover areas beyond energy, the environment and migration, with a view to pursuing the policy of re-engagement initiated by the Council in September 2008; underlines the need for effective political conditionality and for guarantees that the assistance will have an immediate positive impact on citizens and will not be misused by the authorities even against their political opponents;
Amendment 68 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19, indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 19, indent 3 a (new)
– reconsideration if Russia does need indeed, Europe's financial assistance;
Amendment 21 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Regrets the failure of the UNHRC to take action on many of the world's most urgent human rights situations, partly due to the growing reluctance of numerous UNHRC States who oppose any consideration of country situations on the grounds that this would allegedly politicise the UNHRC; reiterates the view that the UNHRC's duty and ability to address country situations isare central to its authority and credibility;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the growing division of the UNHRC into regional blocs; considers that this "bloc mentality" undermines its ability to deal effectively, impartially and objectively with human rights violations around the world; considers that this "bloc mentality" could be the real cause of the real politicisation and selectivity of the UNHRC; looking ahead to the 2011 review, stresses that, if the situation does not improve, serious consideration should be given to opening up the UNHRC to universal membership, as in the case of the Third Committee of the General Assembly;
Amendment 32 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Expresses strong concern at the fact that the principle of the universality of human rights is being increasingly undermined, as illustrated in particular by the attempts on the part of certain countries to introduce limits to well-recognised human rights, such as freedom of expression, or to interpret human rights against a cultural or traditional background; calls on the EU to remain vigilant vis-à-vis these attempts and to strongly defend the principles of the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights, because if the UN is disunited about human rights as a necessary concomitant of peace, then it lacks any raison d'être, since there is no reason why the world's nations should be united;
Amendment 49 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Calls on the UNHRC to sustain efforts aimed at increasing the accountability of UN Member States in the field of human rights by increasing the efficiency of the UPR, notably by tightening up procedures with a view to avoiding deliberate obstruction or diversionary tactics, which are intended to undermine the very goals of the UN, the UNHRC and the UPR;
Amendment 66 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Welcomes the increasing trend whereby EU Member States intervene in the debates in addition to the EU Presidency; calls on EU Member States to reinforce the EU’s message by putting across "one message, but with manyvariety of voices";
Amendment 68 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Regrets that, partly due to the time and effort needed to reach a common position, the EU has not been able to exercise influence effectively within the wider UN system; calls on the EU, while remaining committed to achieving a common position, to increase its flexibility on minor issues so as to become capable of acting more rapidly and efficiently in negotiations on fundamentals;
Amendment 69 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Regrets the rather defensive attitude adopted by the EU in the UNHRC, in particular its reluctance to put forward resolutions on country situations, as these usually meet with intense resistance from otheparticular countries, as well as its deliberate choice of consensus and its tendency to avoid language that would generate opposition, which in turn results in the conformist acceptance of compromisepositions that do not reflect the EU's preferences, as in the case of the resolutions adopted on Darfur in March 2007 and on the Group of Experts on Darfur in December 2007, which resulted in the Group being disbanded despite the EU having originally pushed for it to be maintained;
Amendment 81 #
2008/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51 – fifth indent
Paragraph 51 – fifth indent
– reaffirm the UNHRC's specific role as a universal human rights forum and its independent complementarity vis-à-vis other UN bodies;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Western Balkans form an undeniable part of Europe, and the best future of all the countries of the region lies in being fully integrated Member States of the European Union,
Amendment 8 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas enlargement has proven to be the European Union's strongest and most effective foreign policy instrument as well as a unique instrument for spreading and cementing democracy, the rule of law and economic prosperity throughout Europe; whereas previous enlargements have served to makebring Europe as a wholeto completion as more prosperous, safer and a more influential actor on the international stage,
Amendment 10 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the prospect of future EU membership is the primary guarantor of stability and the main driver of reforms for the countries of the Western Balkans, a part of Europe which has in the distant and recent past been plagued by wars, ethnic cleansing and authoritarian rule,
Amendment 77 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Points out that these provisions foster impunity for war crimes and trans-national organised crime, and are one of the main causes of the widely criticised yeundesirable but continuing practice of holding trials in absentia; supports the efforts of national prosecutors to circumvent the above legal impediments by means of pragmatic cooperation arrangements, and encourages states in the region to further facilitate their work;
Amendment 86 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Points out that greater efforts are needed on the part of the governments of the region in order to guarantee the sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons, in line with the Sarajevo Declaration issued by the Regional Ministerial Conference on Refugee Returns on 31 January 2005; urges the Commission and the Council to insist that the governments of the region develop and implement programmes for access to housing and social services for returnees, and to strengthen their efforts at combating discrimination against returning minorities, all this being already under way at the stage of candidate status and during the pre-accession process;
Amendment 100 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Despite the current signals of a return to juxtaposition in EU-Russia-US relations, emphasises its view that such a development is not desirable; is convinced that democratic freedoms are the answer to aspirations for people around the world; believes that no country or nation should be excluded from such a visionperspective, because every human being has the right to live in a democracy;
Amendment 116 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is of the view that both NATO and the ESDP should endorse as their long-term and common goal a commitment to building a safer world, for the inhabitants of their member states and in general, and should also actively prevent and react to mass atrocities, aggression on the part of certain states, and regional conflicts which continue to cause much human suffering;
Amendment 129 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists that all democracies should be united in their efforts to build stability and peace, and thus join with all intergovernmental organisations in promoting these goals; regrets profoundly that the doctrine of non-alignment, inherited from the Cold War era, undermines the broader alliance of democracies to the benefit of undemocratic and not yet truly democratic powers; regrets that, in the name of a doctrine of non-alignment, certain Member States opted out of the joint responsibility provided for by the solidarity clause contained in the Treaty of Lisbon;
Amendment 251 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the fact that, at the NATO summit held in Bucharest, the Allies recognised the value that a stronger and more capable European defence brings, and that the Alliance reconfirmed its commitment to continue enlargement; regrets that at the same summit the Allieslack of unity of the Allies resulted in the postponedment of the NATO Membership Action Plan for Georgia and Ukraine, when instead continued support should be given to the democratisation process of Ukraine in the spirit of the Orange Revolution and to the independent course of Georgia; notes that for many European Neighbourhood Policy countries, and with a view to their democratic development, the open-door policy which stems from the very founding principles of the EU is of the utmost importance;
Amendment 261 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is of the view that, should Russia become a free and truly democratic country, an improved cooperation between it and all European, Euro-Atlantic and global structures would be very welcome and should be encouraged; does not exclude the prospect of democratic Russia's membership of such structures one day; therefore invites Russia to return to the path of transforming itself into a true democracy exercising the rule of law, and to root out all practices of using violence as a means of furthering political goals; notes that, should the EU Member States agree to the bilateral security arrangements recently proposed by Russia, this would not only severely weaken the integrity of the security architecture of the EU but would also drive a wedge into the relationship between the EU and the U.S.; considers that the proposed pan-European security structure, excluding as it does the American Allies, is designed to undermine the security interests of the EU;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 6 b (new)
Citation 6 b (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 8 July 2008 on the environmental impact of the planned gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea to link up Russia and Germany2,
Amendment 31 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Russia’s massive counter- attackaction, triggered by the Georgian troops enteringacting in 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, to get parts of them seized to the Russian Federation, puts a question mark on the viability of the idea of building together with Russia a common space of security in Europe,
Amendment 46 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Russian legislation on social security guarantees for military personnel still includes, despite the resolution of the European Parliament on EU-Russia (2004/2170(INI)), a clause about eventual armed actions in the Baltic States – Member States of the EU,
Amendment 76 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas, in terms of energy security, relations between the EU and Russia offer great potential for positive and constructive mutualbilateral partner-like interdependence, provided that thesuch partnership is based on the principle of non-discrimination and fair treatment, and on equal market conditions,
Amendment 83 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the Brussels European Council of 15-16 June 2006 recommended that the negotiation of the European 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 completing the existing and binding PCA or within the framework of the successor to the PCA,
Amendment 111 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point b
Paragraph 1 - point b
b) raise with the Russian Government concerns about the shrinking space for Russia’s civil society and urge it to uphold freedom of expression and association by bringing legislation regulating civil society into line with Russia’s European and international commitments as confidence- building measures, and to take prompt and effective steps to foster a favourable working climate for human rights organisations;
Amendment 138 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point f
Paragraph 1 - point f
f) call on the Russian Government to demonstrate its commitment to resolving, together with Georgia and the EU, in a constructive and lawful manner the ‘modalities of security and stability in Abkhazia and South Ossetia’, as it was agreed in the agreement of 8 August 2008;
Amendment 145 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point g
Paragraph 1 - point g
g) raise concernsdisagree with the Russian government decision to recognise occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia being sovereign states, since these steps undermine the territorial integrity of Georgia, as insisted upon by the relevant UN resolutions, and call into questiondenounce Russia’s role as an impartial moderator in the peace process everywhere in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 152 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point i
Paragraph 1 - point i
i) in accordance with the EU-Russia agreement on facilitation of short-stay visas, request a clear commitment from the Russian authorities to reducing bureaucratic obstacles applied in a non- reciprocal manner with respect to all travellers, such as the need to have an invitation and to register upon arrival; bear in mind that the changes made in Russian visa rules in recent years and its ceasing to issue multiple-entry business visas may have negative consequences for business and commercial links between the EU and Russia especially counterproductive in the recent crisis; also bear in mind Parliament’s view that facilitated travel for Russian passport holders should be limited to Russian residents only; call on the Commission to address this issue urgently;
Amendment 155 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point l a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point l a (new)
la) draw attention to the necessity of truly independent environmental impact assessment before the building of the Nord Stream pipeline will move the shallow Baltic Sea bottom – extremely vulnerable – with lasting poisonous pollution, and to the fact that the consent of coastal Member States is requested for that work as well;
Amendment 157 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point m
Paragraph 1 - point m
m) address with the Russian Government its plans to develop free trade agreements with some countries, which may affect negatively the creation of a common economic space with Russia;
Amendment 159 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point n
Paragraph 1 - point n
n) while welcoming the recent changes, call for further improvements to be made in legislation and law enforcement as regards the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights, in order to increase competitiveness and make the investment climate more attractive by approximating regulatory systems with the highest international standards and norms; urge the Russian authorities, ahead of and preceding Russia’s forthcoming membership of the WTO, to align Part IV of its Civil Code on Intellectual Property Rights and relevant procedural enforcement rules with WTO rules and international agreements, particularly the Agreement on Trade- Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), and to ensure full implementation thereof, so that counterfeiting and piracy can be effectively combated;
Amendment 161 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point o
Paragraph 1 - point o
o) address a number of shipping-related concerns with the Russian Government, including free passage through the Pilawa strait, access for EU shipping to the passage to Asia along the Northern Russian territory, and the potential environmental hazards resulting, among other sources, from the growth of tanker traffic in the Baltic Sea;
Amendment 32 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas this strategy cannot therefore be reduced to a simple negotiating methodology but should involve a debate on consistency with the Union's objectives, covering both the Union's own future and its role in the neighbourhood,
Amendment 43 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Union's Enlargement Strategy should be part of a more diversified array of external relations policies, reconciling the Union's geo- strategic interests with our neighbours'the diverse expectations of the states participating in the EU's neighbourhood policies,
Amendment 90 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
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 must be fulfilled and compatibility with the Union's integration capacity must be fulfilledtually met before these countries can join the Union;
Amendment 137 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls, furthermore, that the economic structure and relevant interests of each new Member State could have an impact on the direction which the Union's policies and budget take and could therefore affect the nature of the Union itself;
Amendment 147 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is also convinced that any new Member State should try to resolve all its purely internal , as well as external, issues, particularly those concerning its territorial and constitutional set-up, before it can join the Union;
Amendment 171 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Warns, therefore, that further enlargement without adequate consolidation within the existing format could lead to a Union of multiple configurations, with core countries moving towards closer integration and others lying at its margins, and that this scenarioat such developments would have seriously detrimental implications for the Union's capacity to act – since it would weaken its institutions, for the stability of some of its Member States – since it would make them more vulnerable to external pressure, and for its credibility as global actor – since it would undermine its already precarious unity in external affairs;
Amendment 179 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes, moreover, that further enlargements should be accompanied by a concerted communication policy involving all EU Institutions and Member States' Governments, designed to explain to our citizens the political, economic and social benefitssignificance of enlargement;
Amendment 210 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Suggests, therefore, that, as regards those eastern neighbours which, in view of their political, economic and social situation and of the Union's current integration capacity, at present do not enjoy recognised membership prospects but at the same time fulfil certain democratic and economic conditions, the Union should establish an area based on common policies covering, in particular, economic and financial issues, trade, energy, transport, environmental issues, the rule of law, justice, security, migration and education; takes the view that these common policies, whilst striving gradually to achieve EU standards and opening the way for closer integration of these countries, should be shaped jointly with the participating countries on the basis of specific decision-making mechanisms, and should be underpinned by adequate financial assistance;
Amendment 230 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes at the same time that countries which enjoy clearrecognised 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;
Amendment 241 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
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; believes that such measures should include also the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia and calls on all Member States as well as Serbia itself to overcome their reservations in this respect;
Amendment 125 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
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 (supposedly, Greek Macedonia);
Amendment 57 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the sustainable reintegration of wartime refugees, especially those wishing to come back to their native places, and points out in this respect the need for the development and timely implementation of housing, employment and social measures for refugees which are commensurate with the challenge;
Amendment 4 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that the EU still lacks a common, comprehensive strategy for promoting an appearance of democracy, and urges all EU institutions and Member States to continue their efforts to make possible the adoption of such a strategy;
Amendment 10 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers, in the light of this, that elections observationed is merely a first step towards democracy and that it needs to be complemented by other, adequately funded activities for the promotion of democracy; therefore requests the maintenance of the budgetary ceiling agreed by the Commission of 25% of EIDHR for EU EOMs;
Amendment 38 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Condemns past examples of practices consisting of a "business as usual" attitude towards countries in respect of which EU EOMs have been severely critical of the electoral process, regrets, on the other hand, that democratic elections are not always desired and exercised to be then legitimated by the EU, and believes that these inconsistencies undermine the fragile ideareveal the lack of a conception of democracy in these countries and the imageundermine the image of the countries in question as well as that of the EU;
Amendment 52 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that the right to elect freely chosen representatives in secret, periodically held genuine elections, on the basis of universal and equal suffrage, is one all citizens should enjoy, that right being also enshrined in all other main international and regional human rights instruments as well as being an essential element of true democracy, to which the European Union is committed in its Treaties,
Amendment 66 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the deployment of EU EOMs is a key element of EU foreign policy, and constitutes in particular, together with election assistance, an essential tool foras a form of electoral support in the context of the EU's promotion of democracy,
Amendment 68 #
2007/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the added value offered by parliamentarians in election observation is incontestable but cannot, on its own, provide a rigorous judgement of an electoral process,
Amendment 21 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Regrets the individual steps taken by several Member States to satisfy their energy needs, which may be beneficial or helpful to themselves but which weaken the united approach and energy policy positions of the Union, and considers that these should not be developed, since they harm the energy security of other Member States and of the European Union as a whole;
Amendment 23 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Notes that the Nord Stream project, if implemented, may cause an environmental disaster due to highly toxic industrial sediments dumped in particular in the Gulf of Finland, as well as a significant volume of post-World War II chemical weaponry dispersed elsewhere along the Baltic seabed, should these be affected by building work; emphasises, therefore, that the project must not enter the sea waters prior to proper research and against the will of the littoral Member States concerned;
Amendment 54 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the lack of provisional institutional structures capable of responding adequately to the environmental and geopolitical security issues associated with this project, and once again calls on the Council to consider the proposal for the creation of the office of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy, who, wearing a "double hat", would act under the authority of the newly created strengthened High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a Vice-President of the Commission;