31 Amendments of Eleni THEOCHAROUS related to 2016/2031(INI)
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to the 21 September 2005 EU declaration pertaining to the full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol by Turkey to all EU Member States,
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the EU Common Position at the 53rd Association Council of 18 May 2015,
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that while the modernisation of the Customs Union will further strengthen the already strong economic ties between Turkey and the European Union (EU), and will keep Turkey economically anchored to the EUthis cannot proceed when Turkey has not fully and effectively implemented the existing Customs Union towards all member states including the Republic of Cyprus; believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and EU Member States, and also contribute to both sides engaging in a positive reform agenda while mitigating political tensions with Ankara on the deteriorating situation of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms in the country;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
C b. whereas Turkey has not proceeded to the full, effective and non- discriminatory implementation of the existing CU towards the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 19 #
2. Notes that the upgrade of the EU-Turkey trade relations forms an essential part of the efforts made by the EU and Turkey to deepen their relations in key areas of joint interest identified at the EU-Turkey Summit of 29 November 2015 and in the EU-Turkey statement of 18 March 2016; states that this is even more important now that the accession talks are stalled despite the significant short- and long-term strategic interests for both the EU as Turkey, such as trade, migration, the fight against terrorism, energy and stability in the neighbourhood;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Regrets that Turkey does not fully fulfil its obligations required by the EU and does not cooperate with the Republic of Cyprus; Calls upon Turkey to respect EU legal order by implementing the existing Custom Union with all member states and thus removing any legal barriers blocking the current procedure.
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas Turkey's refusal to meet its legal obligations towards EU for free trade with all EU Member States, results in inadequate implementation of the existing CU and in serious trade and economic losses for EU;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Takes note of Turkey’s recent rapprochement with Russia and the statements of the Turkish Government regarding the country’s possible accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation; rReiterates that the EU is Turkey’s main trading partner and that two thirds of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States; emphasises that the Customs Union requires Turkey to align its legislation with the acquis communautaire;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that modernising, balancing and widening the CU to include services, public procurement and agriculture would involve benefits for both parties; had Turkey proceeded to the full and effective implementation of the existing CU towards all EU Member States including the Republic of Cyprus, in a non-discriminatory manner;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that modernising, balancing and widening the CU to include services, public procurement and agriculture would involve benefits for both parties; no positive outcome and no legal effectiveness can befall unless Turkey fully implements the CU with all member states, with no discrimination, including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. having regard to the will of the parties to expand and improve trade relations and the decision to launch negotiations to modernise the Customs Union and extend its scope;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the growing geopolitical and economic challenges facing Turkey as a result of instability in its neighbourhood, terrorism and the aftermath of the coup attempt of 15 July 2016; stresses that while the chaos and instability in the Middle East, the Russian annexation of Crimea and intervention in Ukraine, are adversely affecting Turkey’s foreign trade within its neighbourhood, an upgraded Customs Union can help Turkey to overcome the challenges it faces, and contribute to transforming Turkey into a pillar of stability and an engine of growth for its citizens, if the necessary reforms are made by the governmentgiven that Turkey fulfils its obligations towards all EU member states and respects the rule of law;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomNotes the fact that Turkish regulatory alignment with EU standards resulting from the conclusion of the Customs Union has made the country more competitive; believes that the modernisation of the Customs Union would provide an opportunity for Turkey to revisit its growth model and escape from the ‘middle income (country) trap’; welcomnotes the fact that the deepening of the Customs Union will have a positive influence on Turkey’s economic governance and strengthen Turkey’s independent regulatory institutions;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to include political benchmarks in the upgraded Customs Union between Turkey and the EUuncil and the Commission to demand from Turkey to fulfil all its obligations towards all Member States in a non-discriminatory manner before an upgraded Customs Union is finalised that must include political benchmarks on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. CWith respect to the principle of non-discriminatory reciprocity by Turkey, considers that visa-free travel or the creation of a long-term multiple-entry visa for business travellers would have a positive impact on bilateral trade;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Considers that visa-free travel or the creation of a long-term multiple-entry visa for business travellers would have a positive impact on bilateral trade, if Turkey fully cooperates and recognises all member states including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) while recognising Turkey’s strategicimportant role due to its geographical proximity and to its historical, cultural, political and commercial ties with the EU, the development of a new trade framework has to be an integral, albeit specific, part of the EU’s global policy and, in particular, of the principles and objectives of its external action;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that to date Turkey has not fulfilled 7 out of 72 benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap and recalls the need for Turkey to meetfulfil all 72 benchmarks towards all Member States in a non- discriminatory manner before an update of the Customs Union in the field of services can take places considered; considers that the criteria for visa liberalisation should never be bent for political reasons.
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point ii
(ii) the strengthening of trade relations between the EU and Turkey should be set against the background of the common will of the parties to share the set of values and principles laid down in the EU's founding treaties, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights, and to work together to implement them fully and comprehensively; reiterates its deep concern over the severe deterioration of human rights situation, democratic principles and the rule of law in Turkey;
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that to date Turkey has not fulfilled 7 out of 72 benchmarks of the visa liberalisation roadmap and recalls the need for Turkey to meetfulfil all 72 benchmarks and fully respect and recognises all member states, before an update of the Customs Union in the field of services can take place; considers that the criteria for visa liberalisation should never be bent for political reasons.
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7 b. Considers that no progress can result in the CU, unless Turkey officially cooperates with the Cypriot Authorities and fully fulfils its obligations required by the EU. Calls upon Turkey to respect the EU legal order by implementing the existing CY with all member states including the Republic of Cyprus.
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
Paragraph 1 – point a – point iii
(iii) with a view to the start of the negotiations, the economic, social, political and legal conditions under which they possible negotiations are to take place and which, in any case, will determine the effects of those negotiations on citizens' lives, should be specifically and carefully considered; social partners and civil society should be involved in this process;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point v
Paragraph 1 – point a – point v
(v) the agreement on the modernisation of the Customs Union and the strengthening of trade relations between the EU and Turkey will have to be applied fully and, equally to all Member Stateand in a non-discriminatory manner to all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
(vi) the entire negotiating process should be based on the principles of transparency and full access to the proceedings; the Commission shall continue to monitor and report closely the ongoing human rights, social and economic situation in Turkey at every step of this process and in the event of the deterioration of the situation, suspension of the process shall be invoked;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i
(i) a prerequisite for the modernisation of the Customs Union is that Turkey shouldall refrain from adopting any protectionist or restrictive measures, such as the unilateral imposition of customs duties and non-tariff barriers on goods produced in the EU, including goods released for free circulation, or government policies to reduce imports;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
(ia) a prerequisite for launching negotiations for the modernisation of the Customs Union is that Turkey should proceed to the full, effective and non- discriminatory implementation of the existing Customs Union vis a vis all MS, including the Republic of Cyprus;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
Paragraph 1 – point b – point v
(v) it is important to introduce an effective dispute settlement mechanism that is able to ensure the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the CU vis a vis all MS and to operate within a framework of impartiality and legal certainty in keeping withfully implementing the rules and practice of the WTO;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vi
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
Paragraph 1 – point b – point vii
(vii) in relation to the negotiation of trade agreements between the EU and third countries in which Turkey does not participate, methods of involvement that respect the sovereignty and negotiating independence of the EU need to be considered, EU could encourage third countries to start trade negotiations with Turkey;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c – point x
Paragraph 1 – point c – point x