BETA

549 Amendments of Vincent PEILLON

Amendment 4 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
– having regard to Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, in particular Articles 2 and 21 thereof,
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the European Parliament recommendation of 13 June 2013 on the draft EU guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief,
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 15 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas everyone has the right to respect for all human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, without discrimination on grounds of race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or absence of religious beliefs;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the European Parliament has defined secularism as strict separation between religious and political authority, which implies rejection of any religious interference in the functioning of public institutions and of any public interference in religious affairs, except to uphold the rules governing the preservation of public safety and order (including respect for the freedom of others) and guarantee to all, whether believers, agnostics or atheists, the same freedom of conscience;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas, under Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union, the Union's actions on the international scene shall be guided by the principles that have led to its creation; whereas, under Article 2 of the Treaty, the Union is founded on societies in which pluralism and tolerance prevail;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 23 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas FoRB implies the right of the individual to choose what to believe or not to believe, the right to change or renounce one’s religion and convictions without any constraints, and the right to practise and manifest the religion of one’s choice or refuse to do so, whether individually or in community and whether in private or in public; whereas the manifestation of religion or belief can be expressed in worship, teaching, practice and observance as well as by apostasy and criticism of dogma; whereas FoRB entails the right of believers’ or lay communities to preserve their ethos and to act in accordance with it, and the entitlement for their religious or secular organisations to have recognised legal personality; whereas protecting individuals adhering to any religion or none and effectively addressing violations of FoRB, such as discrimination or legal restrictions based on religion or belief, are primordial conditions to ensure that individuals may enjoy FoRB on an equal basis; whether or not they are believers;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 53 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that religion or belief is an important undeniable pillar of human identity, greatly impacting individuals and societies, and is therefore a reality that must not be neglected or denied in policies but requires proper recognition and addressing, in line with the humanitarian values of the European Union such as those enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of linking up efforts to promote FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience and religion and interphilosophical and inter- and intra- religious dialogues with the prevention of violent extremism on a complementary and mutually reinforcing basis, in particular within neighbouring and other countries with which the EU has special relations;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 108 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament, as well as with other stakeholders; deplores, however, the fact that the Special Envoy’s mandate was not established and consolidated with sufficient human and financial resources;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 113 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Council and the Commission to strengthen the Special Envoy’s institutional mandate and capacity, by earmarking funding and human resources adequate to the Envoy’s duties, developing a systemic institutionalisation of working networks established by the Special Envoy within all relevant EU institutions or establishing the position of the EU Special Representative for FoRB;deleted
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 121 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special Representative should include: (a) effectiveness, coherence and accountability of the EU’s FoRB policy outside the EU; (b) Parliament, the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission with an annual progress report and a comprehensive implementation report on the mandate at the end thereof; (c) the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM); (d) his or her counterparts in third countries and at international organisations, also able to engage with the UN (UNGA, UNHRC, etc.) as well as relevant regional organisations; (e) FoRB and interreligious and intercultural issues and leading consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;deleted enhancing the visibility, providing the European working in close cooperation with being a high-level interlocutor for chairing high-level dialogues on
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 127 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – introductory part
12. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reflect on creating the EU Special Representative for FoRB; considers that the competences and mandate of this Special Representative should include:take broader account of the various interests at stake, including the non-religious and atheist communities.
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point c
(c) working in close cooperation with the Council Working Group on Human Rights (COHOM) and the European External Action Service;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 135 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 – point e
(e) chairingontributing to high-level dialogues on FoRBfreedom of thought, conscience and religion and interreligious and intercultural issues and leadingto consultations with third countries on FoRB issues;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 141 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the term of office of the Special Envoy to be extended to a multi- year term, corresponding to the term of the Commission;deleted
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 150 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Recommends that the title and mandate of the Special Envoy visibly include the promotion of interreligious dialogue and interfaith and interphilosophical cooperation;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Recommends the setting up of a regular advisory working group of Member States’ FoRB institutions and European Parliament representatives together with experts, scholars, and representatives of civil society, including churches and other faith-based and non-confessional organisations, providing advice on FoRB issues to assist the Special Envoy;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 161 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Recommends that the Special Envoy further develop cooperation with counterparts outside the EU, in particular by working in close cooperation with the UN Special Rapporteur on FoRB, as well as exploring the possibility of EU-UN joint annual reporting on discrimination against religious minoritiesand non-confessional minorities, and also against non-believers and persons who change religion or criticise or leave a religion, also formulating common proposals on how to put an end to such acts;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 170 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Urgently calls for the implementation of the EU Guidelines on FoRB to be increased in intensity and effectiveness; notes that further dedicated efforts need to be made by the EU and its Member States to implement more effectively the EU Guidelines and make the EU more influential in advancing FoRB worldwide; calls for special attention to be paid to the persecution of atheists, apostates and non-religious people, as these are poorly or inaccurately documented; stresses that understanding how societies may be shaped and influenced by religions and other beliefs is instrumental to better comprehending the promotion of FoRB in EU foreign policy and international cooperation;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 176 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Commends, in this respect, the efforts made to date by the EEAS and the Commission to provide training on religious and non-confessional literacy to EU officials and national diplomats; stresses, however, the need for broader and more systematic training programmes which would raise awareness of and increase the use of the EU Guidelines among the EU’s and Member States’ officials and diplomats and strengthen cooperation with the Special Envoy; asks for churches and religious communities and associations to be involved in this training process; calls on the Commission and the Council to earmark resources for establishing such training programmes while respecting the principles of pluralism and neutrality;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 181 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to produce EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world, to be communicated to the European Parliament and the Council; notes that the EU Guidelines provide for an evaluation of their implementation by COHOM after a period of three years, and that no such evaluation has been communicated or made public; calls for the evaluation to be made public without delay; considers that the evaluation should highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and provide concrete recommendations on implementation in accordance with a specified timeline and milestones subject to regular annual evaluation; calls for the evaluation to be included in the EU Annual Reports on FoRB in the world;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 209 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for a ban on any funding for the religious activities of religious organisations by virtue of the necessary separation of religious and political authorities, the rejection of any religious interference in the functioning of public institutions and any public interference in religious affairs, except to uphold the rules regarding the safety of believers, atheists, or agnostics and preserve public order;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 210 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
2b. Calls for an effort to ensure transparency in the allocation of funding and to monitor the use thereof by religions and their activities;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 211 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Calls on the Commission to respect the principles of pluralism, neutrality and fairness in allocating funds;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24d. Call for the EIDHR also to be given the means to finance the protection or extraction of free thinkers and human rights activists who are threatened or persecuted in their country of origin;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 218 #

2018/2155(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses that the EU’s policies in the fields of peace, security and conflict prevention and development and cooperation face challenges, for which solutions can be devised with the participation of churches, religious leaders, academics, religious communities and associations or faith-based and non- confessional organisations that are a critical part of civil society; acknowledges the importance of being mindful of the diversity of churches, religious communities and associations and faith- based and non-confessional organisations which perform actual development and humanitarian work for and with communities; calls on the Council and the Commission to incorporate, where relevant, objectives and activities relating to the promotion and protection of FoRB into the programming of funding instruments linked to those policies, namely the EDF, the DCI, the ENI, the IcSP and the IPA;
2018/09/13
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 31 May 2018 on the implementation of the Joint Staff Working Document (SWD(2015)0182) – Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Transforming the Lives of Girls and Women through EU External Relations 2016-2020,
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 36 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that the 20% EU aid target for basic social services is imprecise and does not allow adequate monitoring of expenditure; calls for the quantified targets to be included in the next multiannual financial framework;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 48 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Union and its Member States to devote at least half of their education aid to basic education by 2030;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 52 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Calls also for at least 40% of education aid from the EU and Member States to be directed to LDCs;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 54 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls, lastly, for particular attention to be paid to increasing equality between girls and boys in schooland through education; recalls the objective that 85% of new European Union programmes should have a gender dimensionequality as their primary objective, or as a significant objective, by 2020;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 59 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the need for a more integrated, systematic and effective response to needs for education in emergencies, particularly for girls and marginalised groups, in line with the principle of linking emergency aid, rehabilitation and development;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 65 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Recalls the importance of secondary education and vocational training for the employability of young people; considers that the latter must lead to decent jobs, be geared to the needs of businesses, in coordination with them and, as far as possible, financed by them; notes that the Union’s External Investment Plan could be mobilised for this purpose;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 78 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned about the phenomenon of the ‘brain drain’; calls on thosnotes that some Member States that devote too much of their aid to scholarships and the expenses of students from developing countries to reduce itallocate more than half their aid for education to paying the costs of schooling in their territory; considers that increases in aid for education must reduce this proportion; considers that multiple entry visas would enable these students to update their knowledge and promote circular mobility;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 86 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Notes also the efforts to be made with regard to the recruitment, remuneration, and working conditions and initial and in-service training of teachers, as well as the massive investment needed in school infrastructure, in particular to ensure equal access for girlof teachers; stresses the importance of their initial and continuing training in order to strengthen the effect that the teacher has; calls for Erasmus+ teacher training programmes to be opened up to teachers in partner countries;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 89 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Notes the massive investment which is needed in school infrastructure, particularly with the aim of giving girls equal access;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 93 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the importance of new technologies as a way of improving access to education and improving its quality, particularly for the dissemination of knowledge in general and of curricula in particular, teacher training and the management of establishments; draws attention to the fact that these new technologies must support educational efforts rather than replacing them and lowering standards of teaching;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 95 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the link between education and health; observes that school medicine and health education, in addition to promoting learning, are a way of reaching out to large sections of society; recommends that curricula include sex education in order to warn young people about the risks and consequences they may encounter;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 98 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Encourages States to arrange for young children to receive at least one year of free pre-primary schooling, in accordance with SDG 4.2;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 105 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Reiterates that only an enabling environment makes quality education possible, including nutritional aspects, health and safety, and access to electricity and water, in order to enable pupils to genuinely benefit from school and to increase completion rates, especially in primary education;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 116 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Calls on the Commission and Member States to assign priority to sectoral budget support where possible, with strict criteria, including transparency, and extensive checks, in particular to avoid corruption; recalls that beneficiary third countries undertake to reimburse payments in the event of serious irregularities; advocates involving civil society in the monitoring of financing agreements;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 120 #

2018/2081(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Notes that only one third of aid to education is channelled through multilateral bodies, as against two thirds in the field of health; calls, therefore, on the Commission and Member States to increase their funding of the Global Partnership for Education and the Education Cannot Wait Fund; takes the view that, in its next Strategic Plan for the years after 2020, the Global Partnership should be put in a position to extend its programming period by 3-6 years to facilitate more stable and predictable funding, which is particularly necessary in order to improve national education systems;
2018/09/04
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 12 #

2018/2046(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the Union and its Member States must honour their collective commitment, confirmed in 2015, to raise their ODA to 0,7 % of their GNI by 2030; calls on the Commission and the Member States to present binding timelines for progressive increases towards this level; calls the Member States to exclude the in donor costs out of the ODA calculation; reiterates the commitment made by the Commission to dedicate at least 20% of its total ODA to human development and social inclusion; calls for an increased allocation of its 2019 ODA to health, education and social protection, in order to reach its commitment by the end of the current MFF; stresses in particular the need to promote and protect sexual and reproductive health and rights, thereby countering the Global Gag Rule which was reinstated by the United States government;
2018/07/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 49 #

2018/2046(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Underscores the importance of pilot projects and preparatory actions; asks for continued support for on-going and new pilot projects and preparatory actions;
2018/07/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 100 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Recital 25
(25) Cooperation in the area of financial services between the Union and OCTs should tackle tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance in order to contribute to building a safer, sounder, more transparent financial system that is essential to enhance global financial stability and to underpin sustainable growth. Efforts in that area should focus on convergence with internationally agreed standards and approximation of OCTs' legislation with Union acquis on financial services. Adequate attention should be paid to strengthening administrative capacity of OCTs' authorities, including in the area of supervision.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 103 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. The general objective of this Decision is to promote the economic and social development of the OCTs and to establish close economic relations between them and the Union as a whole. The association shall pursue this general objective by the enhancing the OCTs’ competitiveness, improving social standards, strengthening the OCTs’ resilience, reducing their economic and environmental vulnerability and the promoting of cooperation between them and other partners.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 106 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(a a) the promotion of a high quality social model;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 107 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. To this end, the Union and the OCTs may exchange information and best practices or establish any other form of close cooperation and coordination with other partners in the context of the OCTs’ participation in regional and international organisations, where appropriate by means of international agreements, in order to contribute to the smooth integration of the OCTs to their respective geographical environments.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 108 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point b a (new)
(b a) OCT organisations, such as the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA);
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 109 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 13 – paragraph 5
5. The dialogue with Greenland shall, in particular, strengthen the Union's strategy in each region concerned and provide the basis for broad cooperation and dialogue in areas concerning, inter alia, energy, climate change and environment, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, sustainable management of natural resources, including raw materials and fish stocks, maritime transport, research and innovation, as well as the Arctic dimension of those issuessocial issues, good governance in the tax area and the fight against organised crime.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 113 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) an OCTs-EU forum for dialogue (the ‘OCT-EU Forum’), shall meet annually to bring together OCTs' authorities, representatives of the Member States and the Commission. Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the EIB, and representatives of the outermost regions and neighbouring ACP and non-ACP States shall, where appropriate, be associated with the OCTs- EU Forum;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 114 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) the promotion of sustainable resource use and resource efficiency, and encouragement to the decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradationtowards the achievement of a low carbon economy based on just transition strategies; and;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 115 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(e a) addressing issues linked to land degradation, including rising sea-levels and soil contamination,
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 119 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) contributing to partners countries' efforts to pursue their commitments on climate change in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 120 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the support to the OCTs in defining and implementing education and vocational training policies. and
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 121 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 33 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) the support of the participation and access of the OCTs to the Erasmus+ program, by fostering and increasing the mobility of its potential beneficiaries, from and to, the OCTs;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 122 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 38 – title
38 Performing, fine and digital arts
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 123 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 38 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of performing fine and digital arts may concern:
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 124 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 42 a (new)
Article 42 a Negotiation of trade agreements with third countries Where a trade negotiation with third countries cause or threaten to cause serious injuries to sensitive sectors of OCTs, the Commission shall carry out an impact assessment, taking into consideration the cumulative impact of trade agreements on OCTs economies. When completed, the Commission shall forward the results of this assessment to the European Parliament, the Council and the governmental and local authorities of the OCTs before the conclusion of the international agreements in question.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 125 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 53 – paragraph 2
2. Trade-related cooperation shall aim to support the ultimate objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and, the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. It may also extend to cooperation on other trade related multilateral environmental agreements, such as the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 127 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 70 – paragraph 1
The Union and the OCTs shall make their best endeavours to ensure that internationally agreed standards for regulation and supervision in the financial services sector and for the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance are implemented and applied in their territory. Such internationally agreed standards are, inter alia, the Basel Committee’s ‘Core Principle for Effective Banking Supervision’, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors’ ‘Insurance Core Principles’, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions’ ‘Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation’, the OECD’s ‘Agreement on exchange of information on tax matters’, the G20 ‘Statement on Transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes’, the Financial Stability Board’s ‘Key Attributes of Effective Resolution Regimes for Financial Institutions.
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 128 #

2018/0244(CNS)

Proposal for a decision
Article 75 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) be implemented with due regard to the OCTs respective demographic, geographical, social and cultural characteristics, as well as their specific potential;
2018/11/23
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 444 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
(13) Pursuant to the Sustainable Development Goals, this Regulation should contribute to reinforced monitoring and reporting with a focus on results, covering outputs, outcomes and impacts in partner countries benefiting from the Union's external financial assistance. In particular, as agreed in the Consensus, actions under this Regulation are expected toshould contribute at least 20% of the Official Development Assistance funded under this Regulation to social inclusion and human development, including gender equality and women's empowermentwith a focus on basic social services, in particular health and education, taking into account gender equality and women's empowerment as a horizontal issue. 10 % of official development aid financed under this Regulation is devoted to education, with the aim of increasing this figure to 15 % in 2030.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 451 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 a (new)
(13a) Children and youth are essential agents of change and contributors to the realisation of Agenda 2030, as recognised in the European Consensus on Development and Art. 3 of the Treaty on European Union. The Union's external action under this regulation will give particular attention to their rights and empowerment and will contribute to the realisation of their potential as key agents of change by investing in human development and social inclusion.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 457 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 b (new)
(13b) In line with existing commitments in EU Gender Action Plan II, at least 85% of ODA-funded programmes should have gender equality as a principal or significant objective. In addition, 20% of all Official Development Assistance under this regulation should have gender equality as a principal objective. These commitments will be reflected through specific objectives under all pillars of the instrument.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 460 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13 c (new)
(13c) Under this regulation, we will give particular attention to the rights and empowerment of children and youth, in particular girls and young women, and will contribute to the realisation of their potential as key agents of change by investing in human development and social inclusion.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 473 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
(17) This Regulation should reflect the need to focus on strategic priorities, both geographically – the European Neighbourhood and Africa, as well as countries that are fragile and most in need, but also thematically – security, migration, climate change and environmental degradation, and human rights.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 506 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 26 a (new)
(26a) The Union and its Member States should foster the participation of civil society organisations (CSOs) and local authorities (LAs) in contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including in the sectors of democracy, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, climate action and environmental protection, social justice and as providers of basic social services to populations most in need. They should recognise the multiple roles played by CSOs and LAs, the latter as promoters of a territorial approach to development, including decentralisation processes, participation, oversight and accountability. The Union and its Member States should promote civil society space and further enhance their support for CSOs’ and LAs’ capacity building in order to strengthen their voice in the sustainable development process and advance political, social and economic dialogue, including through civil society facilities programmes.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 511 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
(28) Reflecting the importance of tackling climate change, protecting the environment and fight nature loss, in line with the Union commitments to implement the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this Regulation should contribute to mainstream climate and environmental action in the Union policies and to the achievement of an overall target of 250 % of the Union budget expenditures supporting climate and environment objectives. Actions under this Regulation are expected to contribute 250% of its overall financial envelope to climate objectiveand environment related objectives and support actions with clear and identifiable co-benefits across sectors. Relevant actions will be identified during the implementation of this Regulation, and the overall contribution from this Regulation should be part of relevant evaluations and review processes. As a general principle, all Union action and expenditure should be consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and not contribute to environmental degradation. Special emphasis should be put on support for adaptation to climate change in poor, highly vulnerable countries. Financing of climate action through this regulation will contribute to the honouring of the developed countries’ commitment to mobilise USD 100 billion per year from 2020 to address the needs of developing countries.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 527 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
(29) It is essential to further step up cooperation on migration with partner countries, reaping the benefits of well- managed and regular migration and effectively addressing irregular migration. Such cooperation should contribute to ensuring access to international protection, addressing the root causes of irregular migration, enhancing border management and pursuing efforts in the fight against irregular migration, trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling, and working on returns, readmission and reintegrationintegration of returned migrants where relevant, on the basis of mutual accountability and full respect of humanitarian and human rights obligations. Therefore, third countries' effective cooperation with the Union in this area should be an integral element in the general principles of this Regulation. An increased coherence between migration and development cooperation policies is important to ensure that development assistance supports partner countries to manage migration more effectively. This Regulation should contribute to a coordinated, holistic and structured approach to migration, maximising the synergies and applying the necessary leverage.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 530 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
(30) This Regulation should enable the Union to respond to challenges, needs and opportunities related to migration, in complementarity with Union migration policy. To contribute to that end, and without prejudice to unforeseen circumstances, 10% of its financial envelope is expected to be dedicated to addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement and to supporting migration management, to contribute to helping host communities provide concrete support for displaced persons, notably the provision of access to basic services and livelihoods opportunities and to supporting strengthened engagement to facilitate safe, orderly, regular and responsible migration and the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies and governance including the protection of refugees and migrants' rights within the objectives of this Regulation.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 552 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 36
(36) An External Action Guarantee should be established building on the existing EFSD Guarantee and the Guarantee Fund for external actions. The External Action Guarantee should support the EFSD+ operations covered by budgetary guarantees, macro-financial assistance and loans to third countries on the basis of Council Decision 77/270/Euratom71 . These operations should be supported by appropriations under this Regulation, together with those under Regulation (EU) No …/… (IPA III) and Regulation (EU) No …/… (EINS), which should also cover the provisioning and liabilities arising from macro-financial assistance loans and loans to third countries referred to in Article 10(2) of Regulation EINS, respectively. When funding EFSD+ operations, priority should be given to those which have a high impact on job creation and whose cost-benefit ratio enhances the sustainability of investment. The operations supported with the External Action Guarantee should be accompanied by an in-depth ex ante assessment of environmental, financial and social aspects, as appropriate and in line with the better regulation requirements. The External Action Guarantee should not be used to provideivatise or undermine the provision of essential public services, which remains a government responsibility. _________________ 71 Council decision 77/270/EURATOM of 29 March 1977 empowering the Commission to issue Euratom loans for the purpose of contributing to the financing of nuclear power stations (OJ L 88, 6.4.1977, p. 9).
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 590 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) to pursue the eradication of poverty, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs);
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 619 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. At least 10 % of official development assistance funded under this Regulation shall be devoted to promoting quality inclusive education. The mid-term evaluation foreseen in Article 32 explores possible financial trajectories until 2027 to reach 15 % by 2030. Half of this amount shall be spent on basic education.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 633 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
However, in duly-justified cases and on the basis of reciprocity and proportionality, the geographic programmes can help partner countries and regions strengthen their cooperation with the neighbouring outermost regions, which are referred to in Article 349 TFEU, and with the Overseas Countries and Territories, which are covered by the Council decision on OCTs.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 688 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. 20% of the Official Development Assistance funded under this Regulation shall contribute to social inclusion and human development.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 694 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
The Agenda 2030, the European Consensus on Development, the Action Plan for Democracy and Human Rights, the association agreements, partnership and cooperation agreements, multilateral agreements, and other agreements that establish a legally binding relationship with partner countries, as well as, European Council conclusions and Council conclusions, summit declarations or conclusions of high-level meetings with partner countries, relevant European Parliament resolutions, communications of the Commission or Joint communications of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, shall constitute the overall policy framework for the implementation of this Regulation.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 719 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 6
6. Programmes and actions under this Regulation shall mainstream climate change, environmental protection and gender equality(environmental co-benefits shall amount to 50% of the Official Development Assistance funded under this Regulation, based on Rio Markers), disaster risk reduction and preparedness, and gender equality (at least 85% of new programmes shall score G1 or G2 on the Gender Equality Policy Marker of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (G- marker)) and shall address interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goals, to promote integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way. These programmes and actions shall be based on an analysis of capacities, risks and vulnerabilities, integrate a people and community centred approach to resilience approach and be conflict sensitive. They shall be guided by the principle of leaving no one behind.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 745 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3
3. Assistance pursuant to this Article shall be conflict sensitive and may cover in particular the provision of capacity building programmes in support of development and security for development, including training, mentoring and advice, as well as the provision of equipment, infrastructure improvements and services directly related to that assistance.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 761 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b a (new)
(b a) where rigorous conflict analysis is regularly undertaken and risk management systems put in place to ensure that assistance does not exacerbate conflict dynamics and aligns with broader EU efforts to promote and sustain peace and stability at the local, national and regional levels.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 763 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 – point b b (new)
(b b) where binding and jointly defined roadmaps have been established to improve the institutional and operational compliance of security beneficiaries of assistance with transparency and human rights standards regarding the treatment of all groups and individuals under their jurisdiction.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 769 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. When designing and implementing measures pursuant to this Article, the Commission shall promote ownership by the partner country. It shall also develop the necessary elements and the good practices required to ensure sustainability in the medium and long term and shall promote the rule of law and established international law principles. It shall ensure that a theory of change is developed for each measure, and that they are context specific, generate direct human security benefits for the population, including in terms of improved security service provision, and fit into long term peace and development strategies designed to address the root causes of conflict.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 776 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a Scope of the thematic programmes 1. Thematic programmes shall cover the following areas of intervention: (a) Human Rights, Fundamental Freedoms and Democracy: - protecting and promoting human rights and human rights defenders in countries and urgency situations where human rights and fundamental freedoms are most at risk, including through addressing urgent protection needs of human rights defenders in a flexible and comprehensive manner. - upholding human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, contributing to forging societies in which participation, non-discrimination, equality, social justice and accountability prevails. - consolidating and supporting democracy addressing all aspects of democratic governance, and supporting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes, in particular by means of EU Election Observation Missions (EU EOMs). - promoting effective multilateralism and strategic partnerships contributing to reinforcing capacities of international, regional and national frameworks and empowering local actors in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. - fostering new cross-regional synergies and networking among local civil societies and between civil society and other relevant human rights bodies and mechanisms so as to maximise the sharing of best practices on human rights and democracy, and create positive dynamics. (b) Civil Society Organisations and Local Authorities: - supporting inclusive, participatory, empowered and independent civil society in partner countries; - promoting dialogue with and between civil society organisations; - supporting capacity building of local authorities and mobilising their expertise to promote a territorial approach to development; - increasing awareness, knowledge and engagement of Union citizens about objectives specified in Article 3 of this Regulation; - supporting civil society to participate in public policy advocacy and dialogue with governments and international institutions; - supporting civil society to sensitize consumers and citizens and raise their awareness about environmental friendly and fair trade production and consumption, to encourage them to adopt more sustainable behaviour; (c) Stability and Peace - assistance for conflict prevention, peace- building and crisis preparedness; - assistance in addressing global and trans-regional threats and emerging threats; (d) global challenges - health, - education, - women, - children and youth, - migration and forced displacement, - decent work, social protection and inequality, - culture, - ensuring a healthy environment and tackling climate change, - sustainable energy, - sustainable and inclusive growth, decent jobs and private sector engagement, - food and nutrition, - access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene - promoting inclusive societies, good economic governance, and transparent public finance management. (e) Foreign Policy Needs and Priorities: - providing support for the Union's bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation strategies, promoting policy dialogue and developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern; - providing support for Union trade policy; - contributing to the implementation of the international dimension of internal Union policies and promoting the widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and of its role on the world scene; 2. Further details of the areas of cooperation referred to in paragraph 3 are set out in Annex III.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 809 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 3
3. The countries most in need, in particular the Least Developed Countries, low income countries, countries in crisis, post-crisis, fragile and vulnerable situations, including small islands developing states, shall be given priority in the resource allocation process. To this end, the NDICI shall contribute to the objective to reach 0,20% of ODA/GNI to LDCs within the time frame of the 2030 Agenda, as mentioned in the European Consensus on Development.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 818 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 1
When drawing up the programming documents for countries and regions in crisis, or post-crisis, fragile and vulnerable situations, due account shall be taken of the special needs and circumstances of the countries or regions concerned as well as vulnerabilities, risks and capacities in order to increase resilience.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 851 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) to address new needs or emerging challenges, such as those at the Union’s or its neighbours’ borders linked to crisis and post-crisis situations or migratory pressure;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 854 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) to support primarily the countries most in need.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 872 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 a (new)
Article 16 a Specific objectives for the neighbourhood 1. In accordance with Articles 3 and 4, Union support under this Regulation in the Neighbourhood area shall have as objectives: (a) enhancing political cooperation and ownership of the European Neighbourhood Policy by the Union and its partner countries; (b) supporting the implementation of association agreements, or other existing and future agreements, and jointly agreed association agendas and partnership priorities or equivalent documents; (c) strengthening and consolidating democracy, state-building, good governance, rule of law and human rights as well as promoting a more effective way of implementing reforms agreed in mutual formats; (d) stabilising the neighbourhood in political, economic and security terms; (e) enhancing regional cooperation, in particular in the framework of the Eastern Partnership, the Union for the Mediterranean, and European Neighbourhood-wide collaboration as well as cross-border cooperation; (f) promoting confidence-building, good neighbourly relations and other measures contributing to security in all its forms and the prevention and settlement of conflicts, including protracted conflicts, and support to affected populations and reconstruction; (g) promoting a strengthened partnership with societies between the Union and the partner countries, including through people-to-people contacts and enhanced mobility also in relation to cultural, educational, professional and sporting activities; (h) intensifying cooperation on both regular and irregular migration; (i) achieving progressive integration into the Union internal market and enhanced sectoral and cross-sectoral cooperation, including through legislative approximation and regulatory convergence towards Union and other relevant international standards, and improved market access including through deep and comprehensive free trade areas, related institution building and investment. (j) continuing predictable support to Palestine refugees, pending a just and lasting solution to their plight, in accordance with relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 882 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. Indicatively 10 % of the financial envelope set out in Article 4(2)(a) to supplement the country financial allocations referred to in Article 12 shall be allocated to partner countries listed in Annex I in order to implement the performance-based approach. The performance-based allocations shall be decided on the basis of their progress towards democracy, human rights, rule of law, cooperation on migration, economic governance and reforms. The progress of partner countries shall be assessed annually.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 916 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. The Commission, before the adoption or extension of rapid response actions and exceptional assistance measures, must take account of Commission's relevant services, as identified on the basis of the nature and objectives of the action foreseen, building upon their expertise, including on humanitarian issues. The Commission shall immediately inform the European Parliament and the Council before making significant substantive changes to rapid response actions and exceptional assistance measures already adopted.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 921 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1
Appropriate environmental screening, including for climate change and biodiversity impacts, shall be undertaken at the level of actions, in accordance with the applicable legislative acts of the Union, including Directive 2011/92/EU82 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 85/337/EEC83 , comprising, where applicable, an environmental impact assessment for environmentally sensitive actions, in particular for major new infrastructure. as well as a human rights due diligence and an assessment of externalities (beyond the environmental but also social and economic aspect). _________________ 82 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (codification) (OJ L 26 28.1.2012. p.1). 83 Council Directive of 27 June 1985 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 175, 05.07.1985. p. 0040 – 0048).
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 927 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 7 – point c
(c) contributions to the necessary costs of setting up and administering a public- private partnership;, including support of broad participation by setting up independent 3rd party CSO body to assess and monitor PPP set-ups.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 941 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Budget support as referred to in point (c) of paragraph 1, including through sector reform performance contracts, shall be based on country ownership, mutual accountability and shared commitments to universal values, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and aims at strengthening partnerships between the Union and partner countries. It shall include reinforced policy dialogue, capacity development, and improved governance, complementing partners' efforts to collect more and spend better in order to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and decent jobs and poverty eradication.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 946 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 23 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
When providing budget support in accordance with Article 236 of the Financial Regulation, the Commission shall clearly define and monitor criteria for budget support conditionality, including progress in reforms and transparency, and shall support the development of parliamentary control, national audit capacities, CSO participation in monitoring and increased transparency and public access to information and development of strong public procurement systems that support local economic development and local businesses.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 957 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 11
11. In order to promote local capacities, markets and purchases, priority shall be given to local and regional contractors when the Financial Regulation provides for an award on the basis of a single tender. In all other cases, participation of local and regional contractors shall be promoted in accordance with the relevant provisions of that Regulation. In all cases sustainability and due diligence criteria shall be applied.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 961 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. The Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument shall not support actions that, according to the environmental screening referred to in Article 21, cause harm to the environment or climate.Allocations shall be fully compatible with the Paris agreement and overall, European financing dedicated to external action shall contribute to the Paris agreement’s long term objectives.In particular, the instrument shall not support: (a) Actions incompatible with the Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement of recipient countries; (b) Investment in upstream, midstream and downstream fossil fuels.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 976 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSD+ as an integrated financial package supplying financial capacity drawing on the methods of implementation set up in Article 23(1)(a), (e), (f) and (g), shall be to support investments and increase access to financing, while maximising development additionality, delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector in order to foster sustainable and inclusive economic, environmental and social development and promote the socio- economic resilience in partner countries with a particular focus on the, eradication of poverty, sustainable and inclusive growth, the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities, skills and entrepreneurship, socioeconomic sectors, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as addressing specific socioeconomic root causes of irregular migration, in accordance with the relevant indicative programming documents. Special attention and additional support for institutional capacity building, economic governance, and technical assistance shall be given to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict, Least Developed Countries and heavily indebted poor countries.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 988 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 a (new)
Article 26 a Objectives for the EFSD+ 1. The EFSD+ operations eligible for support through the External Action Guarantee shall contribute to the following priority areas: (a) providing finance and support to private and cooperative sector development to contribute to sustainable development and, where appropriate, the European Neighbourhood Policy and the objectives set out in Article 3 of the of Regulation EU.../... [IPA III]; (b) addressing bottlenecks to private investments; (c) leveraging private sector financing, with a particular focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; (d) strengthening socio-economic sectors and areas and related public and private infrastructure and sustainable connectivity and sustainable production, with the objective of promoting an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development that respects human rights and the environment; (e) contributing to climate action and environmental protection and management; (f) contributing, by promoting sustainable development, to addressing specific root causes of migration, including irregular migration, and contribute to safe, orderly and regular migration and mobility. 2. The External Action Guarantee shall not be used to privatize or undermine the provision of essential public services, which remains a government responsibility.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1003 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new)
(c a) provide financial and development additionality.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1017 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. The European Parliament or the Council may invite eligible counterparts, CSOs and local communities to an exchange of views concerning financing and investment operations covered by this Regulation.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1022 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 27 a (new)
Article 27 a Governance of the EFSD + 1. The EFSD+ shall be composed of regional investment platforms established on the basis of the working methods, procedures and structures of the existing external blending facilities of the Union, which may combine their blending operations and External Action Guarantee operations under the EFSD+. 2. The management of the EFSD+ shall be ensured by the Commission. 3. In the management of the EFSD+ the Commission shall be advised by a strategic board, except in the case of the operations covering the Union’s Enlargement policy and financed by[IPA III], where the Commission shall be advised by a strategic board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). 4. The strategic board shall advise the Commission on the strategic orientation and priorities of External Action Guarantee investments under the EFSD+ and contribute to their alignment with the guiding principles and objectives of the Union’s external action, development policy, European Neighbourhood policy, as well as with the objectives set out in Article 3 and the purpose of the EFSD+ as set out in Article 26. It shall also support the Commission in setting overall investment goals as regards the use of the External Action Guarantee to support EFSD+ operations and monitor an appropriate and diversified geographical and thematic coverage for investment windows, while giving special attention to countries identified as experiencing fragility or conflict, Least Developed Countries (‘LDCs’) and heavily indebted poor countries. 5. The strategic board shall also support overall coordination, complementarity and coherence between the regional investment platforms, between the three pillars of the European Investment Plan, between the European Investment Plan and the Union’s other efforts on migration and on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, as well as with other programmes set out in this Regulation, other Union funding instruments and Trust Funds. 6. The strategic board shall be composed of representatives of the Commission and of the High Representative, of all Member States and of the European Investment Bank. The European Parliament shall have observer status and regularly send observers, including legal experts to board meetings. Contributors, eligible counterparts, partner countries, relevant regional organisations and other stakeholders may be given observer status, where appropriate. The strategic board shall be consulted prior to the inclusion of any new observer. The strategic board shall be co-chaired by the Commission and the High Representative. 7. The strategic board shall meet at least twice a year and, when possible, adopt opinions by consensus. Additional meetings may be organised at any time by the chair or at the request of one third of its members. Where consensus cannot be reached, the voting rights as agreed during the first meeting of the strategic board and laid down in its rules of procedure shall apply. Those voting rights shall take due account of the source of financing. The rules of procedure shall set out the framework regarding the role of observers. The minutes and agendas of the meetings of the strategic board shall, following their adoption, be made public. 8. The Commission shall report annually to the strategic board about the progress made in respect of the application of the EFSD+. The strategic board of the WBIF shall provide progress made on the application of the guarantee instrument for the Enlargement region to complement that reporting. The strategic board shall regularly organise a consultation of relevant stakeholders on the strategic orientation and application of the EFSD+. 9.The Commission shall establish a scorecard of indicators to guide project selection. Implementing partners shall fill in the scoreboard for all operations under EFSD+. The Commission shall assess all operations supported by the Guarantee against eligibility criteria and shall use the scoreboard to perform an independent quality check on the due diligence and assessment made by implementing partners at project level. If necessary, the Commission shall ask for clarification and modifications to the implementing partners The scoreboard for all projects shall be made public after approval for the use of the guarantee by the Commission and implementing partners. 10. The existence of the two strategic boards does not bear influence on the need to have a single, unified EFSD+ risk management framework. 11. During the application period of the EFSD+, the strategic board shall, as soon as possible, adopt and publish guidelines setting out how conformity of EFSD+ operations with the objectives and eligibility criteria set out in Articles 26 a and 27 is to be ensured. 12. In its strategic guidance, the strategic board shall take due account of relevant European Parliament resolutions and Council decisions and conclusions. 13. The operational boards of regional investment platforms shall support the Commission at the application level in defining regional and sectoral investment goals and regional, sectoral and thematic investment windows and shall formulate opinions on blending operations and on the use of the External Action Guarantee covering EFSD+ operations.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1032 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 a (new)
Article 30 a Grievance and redress mechanism In view of possible grievances of third parties in partner countries, including communities and individuals affected by projects supported by the EFSD+ and the External Action Guarantee, the Commission and European Union delegations shall publish on their websites direct references to the complaints mechanisms of the relevant counterparts that have concluded agreements with the Commission. The Commission shall also establish a centralised grievance mechanism to provide the possibility of directly receiving complaints related to the treatment of grievances by eligible counterparts. The Commission shall take that information into account in view of future cooperation with those counterparts.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1039 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. The Commission shall submit an annual report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the financing and investment operations covered by the External Action Guarantee, and the functioning of the EFSD+, its management and its effective contribution to its objectives.That report shall be made public and be accompanied by an opinion of the Court of Auditors.It shall include the following elements: (a) an assessment of the results contributing to the purpose and objectives of the EFSD+ as set out in Article 26(1); (b) an assessment of current financing and investment operations and covered by the External Action Guarantee at sector, country and regional levels and their compliance with this Regulation, including the risk measures and their impact on the financial and economic stability of the partners; (c) an assessment of the additionality and added value, the mobilisation of private sector resources, the estimated and actual outputs and the outcomes and impact of the financing and investment operations covered by the External Action Guarantee on an aggregated basis, including the impact on decent job creation and ability to provide a living wage, the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality, are addressed;that assessment shall include a gender analysis of the operations covered based on evidence and data broken down by gender, where possible, and an analysis of the type of private sector supported including cooperatives and social enterprises; (d) an assessment of the compliance with the requirements concerning the use of the External Action Guarantee and of the achievement of key performance indicators established for each proposal submitted; (e) an assessment of the leverage effect achieved by the operations covered by the External Action Guarantee; (f) the financial amount transferred to beneficiaries and an assessment of financing and investment operations by each eligible counterpart on an aggregated basis; (g) an assessment of the additionality and added value of financing and investment operations of the eligible counterparts, and of the aggregate risk associated with those operations; (h) detailed information on calls on the External Action Guarantee, losses, returns, amounts recovered and any other payments received, as well as overall risk exposure; (i) the financial reports on financing and investment operations of the eligible counterparts covered by this Regulation, audited by an independent external auditor; (j) an assessment of the synergies and complementarity between operations covered by the External Action Guarantee and the second and third pillars of the EIP based on relevant existing reports, with particular regard to progress made on good governance, including in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, respect for human rights, the rule of law and gender-responsive policies, as well as the boosting of local entrepreneurship and local financial markets; (k) an assessment of the compliance of External Action Guarantee operations with the internationally agreed development effectiveness principles; (l) an assessment of the remuneration of the guarantees and of the application of the provisions related to excluded activities and non-cooperative jurisdictions.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1053 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 33 – paragraph 1
1. IPursuant to Article 4, in duly justified cases and where the action to be implemented is of a global, trans-regional or regional nature, the Commission may decide, within the relevant multiannual indicative programmes or within the relevant action plans or measures to extend the scope of actions to countries and territories not covered by this Regulation pursuant to Article 4 in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of Union financing or to foster regional or trans-regional cooperation.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1082 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 1 – point j
(j) Increasing transparency and accountability of public institutions, strengthening public procurement, including the development of sustainable criteria (environmental, social and economic) and targets and public finance management, developing eGovernment and strengthening service delivery;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1100 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point f
(f) SGiving children, particularly the most left behind, the best start in life by investing as early as possible to enhance childhood development and ensure that children experiencing poverty or inequality have access to basic social services such as health, nutrition, education and social protection, supporting the provision of a safe, nurturing environment for children as an important element for fostering a healthy young population able to reach its full potential;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1110 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point m
(m) Promoting inclusive and equitable quality formal, informal and non-formal education for all, at all levels and including technical and vocational training, contributing to the target of spending 15 % of development aid on education by 2030 and at least 50% of this amount to free basic education, particularly in least developed countries, including in emergency and crisis situations, and including through the use of digital technologies to improve education teaching and learning;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1117 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 2 – point r a (new)
(r a) Supporting actions, and promoting cooperation, in the area of sport to contribute to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives of the 2030 Agenda;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1121 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 3 – point a
(a) Strengthening partnerships on migration and mobility based on an integrated and balanced approach, covering all aspects of migration including assistance in implementing Union bilateral or regional agreements and arrangements, including, mobility partnerships;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1129 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 3 – point d
(d) Tackling irregular migration, trafficking in human beings, smuggling of migrants, stepping up cooperation on integrated border management;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1139 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 4 – point d a (new)
(d a) Promoting corporate social responsibility, due diligence in supply chains, and the systematic application of the “precautionary approach” and the “polluter pays” principle;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1143 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 4 – point f
(f) Strengthening the involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples in climate change responses, the fight against biodiversity loss and wildlife crime, conservation of ecosystems and the governance of natural resources, including through the improvement of land tenure and water resources management. Promoting sustainable urban development and resilience in urban areas;.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1158 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 4 – point n a (new)
(na) Fulfilling international commitments regarding biodiversity conservation in treaties such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and other biodiversity-related treaties.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1208 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex II – part A – point 7 – point c a (new)
(ca) Supporting and increasing cooperation by partner countries and regions with neighbouring Union outermost regions and with overseas countries and territories covered by the Council's OCT Decision;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1218 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 1 – indent 3 a (new)
– Consolidating and supporting democracy, addressing all aspects of democratic governance, and supporting credible, inclusive and transparent electoral processes, throughout the entire electoral cycle, also by means of EU EOMs. · democracy shall be strengthened by upholding the main pillars of democratic systems, including the rule of law, democratic norms and values, independent media, pluralistic, accountable and inclusive institutions including political parties and parliaments, and the fight against corruption. Election observation plays a full part in the wider support of the democratic processes. Within that context, EU election observation shall continue to be a major component of the programme as well as the follow-up to recommendations of EU EOMs.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1234 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 2 – point 3 a (new)
3a. Provision of basic social services delivered to populations in need Interventions in partner countries which support vulnerable and marginalised groups by providing basic social services such as health - including nutrition, education, social protection and access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, delivered through civil society organisations and local authorities.
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1273 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 4 – part A – point 2 – point a
(a) Promoting the achievement of internationally agreed goals in education through joint global efforts for inclusive and equitable quality education and training at all levels, including in emergency and crisis situations; contributing to the target of spending 15 % of development aid on education by 2030 and 50 % of this amount to basic education; strengthening national education systems by prioritising free basic education, especially in least developed countries;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1307 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 4 – part B – point 1 – point c
(c) Integrating environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction objectives in policies, plans and investments including through improved knowledge and information, including in interregional cooperation programmes or measures between partner countries and regions on the one hand, and neighbouring outermost regions and overseas countries and territories covered by the OCT Decision;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1321 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex III – point 4 – part C – point 2 – point c
(c) Reaffirming at global level the central role of sustainable agriculture and fisheries and aquaculture, including smallholder agriculture and livestock- keeping for increased food security, poverty eradication, job creation, equitable and sustainable access to and management of resources, including land and land rights, water, (micro) credit, open source seeds and other agricultural inputs, mitigating and adapting to climate change, resilience and healthy ecosystems;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1342 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex IV – point 1 a (new)
1a. The technical and financial assistance referred to in paragraph 1 may cover the following: (a) support, through the provision of technical and logistical assistance, for the efforts undertaken by international and regional organisations and by State and civil society actors in promoting confidence-building, mediation, dialogue and reconciliation; (b) support for the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions (c) support for the establishment and functioning of interim administrations mandated in accordance with international law; (d) support for the development of democratic, pluralistic state institutions, including measures to enhance the role of women in such institutions, effective civilian administration and civilian oversight over the security system, as well as measures to strengthen the capacity of law-enforcement and judicial authorities involved in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and all forms of illicit trafficking; (e) support for international criminal tribunals and ad hoc national tribunals, truth and reconciliation commissions, and mechanisms for the legal settlement of human rights claims and the assertion and adjudication of property rights, established in accordance with international standards in the fields of human rights and the rule of law; (f) support for reinforcement of State capacity - in the face of significant pressures to rapidly build, maintain or restore its core functions, and basic social and political cohesion; (g) support for measures necessary to start the rehabilitation and reconstruction of key infrastructure, housing, public buildings and economic assets, and essential productive capacity, as well as other measures for the re-starting of economic activity, the generation of employment and the establishment of the minimum conditions necessary for sustainable social development; (h) support for civilian measures related to the demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants and their families into civil society, and where appropriate their repatriation, as well as measures to address the situation of child soldiers and female combatants; (i) support for measures to mitigate the social effects of restructuring the armed forces; (j) support for measures to address, within the framework of Union cooperation policies and their objectives, the socio-economic impact on the civilian population of anti-personnel landmines, unexploded ordnance or explosive remnants of war. Activities financed under this Regulation may cover, inter alia, risk education, mine detection and clearance and, in conjunction therewith, stockpile destruction; (k) support for measures to combat, within the framework of Union cooperation policies and their objectives, the illicit use of and access to firearms, small arms and light weapons; (l) support for measures to ensure that the specific needs of women and children in crisis and conflict situations, including their exposure to gender-based violence, are adequately met; (m) support for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims of armed conflict, including measures to address the specific needs of women and children; (n) support for measures to promote and defend respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, and the related international instruments; (o) support for socio-economic measures to promote equitable access to, and transparent management of, natural resources in a situation of crisis or emerging crisis, including peace-building; (p) support for measures to address the potential impact of sudden population movements with relevance to the political and security situation, including measures addressing the needs of host communities in a situation of crisis or emerging crisis, including peace-building; (q) support for measures to promote the development and organisation of civil society and its participation in the political process, including measures to enhance the role of women in such processes and measures to promote independent, pluralist and professional media; (r) support for measures in response to natural or man-made disasters which pose a threat to stability, and to threats to public health linked to pandemics, in the absence of, or by way of complement to, Union humanitarian and civil protection assistance;
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 1365 #

2018/0243(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Annex V – paragraph 1 a (new)
The following investment windows shall be created: – Sustainable Energy and Sustainable Connectivity – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Financing – Sustainable agriculture, rural entrepreneurs, including subsistence and smallholder farming, pastoralists and eco- agroindustry – Sustainable cities – Digitalisation for Sustainable Development
2018/12/17
Committee: AFETDEVE
Amendment 39 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the EU is better equipped to deal with internal security and NATO to manage external defencecompetent for all matters relating to its security, including the establishment of a common defence, while NATO ensures the collective security of its members; whereas the EU is developing in an accelerated way to bolster its defence;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 72 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas, in general, the Eastern European EU Members see Russia as a geodespite various polsitical actor and the Western members see it mainly as a commercial partner, polarizing EU commercial interests in the West and the security ones in the Eastons and attitudes towards Russia, the EU Member States have managed to date to maintain a common position in its regard;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the absence of a common threat percepoverall priority given by the United States to ‘strategic competition within the EU Russia and China can have an impact on relations between the EU and NATO; encourages the EU Member States therefore to find a shared understanding of the evolving threat environmentto develop a strategic culture and a common perception and categorisation of threats and welcomes recent efforts in that direction;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 153 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that the potential of EU- NATO relations has not yet been fully exploited and thatcalls for its further development and deepening of the partnership should not be limited to a common response to crises outside Europe, particularly in the neighbourhood, but also to crises on the continent;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 180 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the re-affirmation of US commitment to NATO and European security; recalls that the EU and the United States are key international partners and that this partnership is also through NATO; underlines the value of bilateral relations between EU Member States and the US; strongly believes that strengthening EU- NATO cooperation reinforces the transatlantic bond; notstresses that the US, which generally encouraged and welcomed the substantive developments in EU defence, still needs convincing to renounce their remaining reservationsEU’s efforts to achieve strategic autonomy strengthen the security environment of the Alliance;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 191 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Considers that EU-NATO cooperation should be strengthened on the Eastern flank for the security of both organisations and thatNotes the measures taken to ‘strengthen the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture’ in the east of the Union and welcomes the solidarity of Member States in order to counter Russian penetration in Eeastern flank countries should be countered; underlines that the current infrastructure in Europe, which is mainly West-East oriented, should be complemented by the development of a new North-South dimension, responding to the requirements for military mobility;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 274 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates that the EU initiatives aimed at strengthening European security and defence should also help ensure that those EU Member States which are NATO Allies meet their NATO commitments; stresses that EU Member States should be capable to launch autonomous military missions also where NATO is not willing to act or where EU action is more appropriate;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 292 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Strongly believes that the EU and NATO need to cooperate on strengthening their technological and industrial base; considers it important that effective transatlantic defence industrial cooperation should be a strategic priority for both organisationboth organisations look into developing effective transatlantic cooperation in the defence industries; supports the measures envisaged under the European Defence Fund (EDF) to support joint research and development of European capabilities;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 306 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Reiterates its viewConsiders that the ‘Berlin Pplus’ arrangements should be adapted to the current strategic context and enable NATOwill have to be adjusted, in practice, to mtake use of EU instruments, including civilian tools where appropriateaccount of Brexit;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 319 #

2017/2276(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Considers that the next EU-NATO Joint Declaration, to be adopted at the upcoming NATO summit in July 2018, should initiate the process of reviewing the ‘Berlin Plus’ arrangements; considers in this context that capabilities developed under PESCO should be available for NATO operations and that PESCO projects shcould be opened to non-EU members of NATO, such as Norway and, in view of Brexit, the UK; stresses that the review of ‘Berlin Plus’ should provide the framework of cooperation not only for crisis management but also for ensuring security together on the continent;
2018/04/05
Committee: AFET
Amendment 131 #

2017/2123(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that this new defence budget will have to be financed through new resources in the next MFF;
2017/09/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 16 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that Member States must change their mentality from a national to a European perspective, as the most effective solution to protect Europe from increased threats is common EU action; is concerned about the EU’s security architecture, which remains fragile in the face of continued and fresh challenges every day and in which a ‘hybrid peace’ has become an unsatisfactory reality; urges the Member States to take action and fulfil the wishes of those European citizens who have repeatedly stressed that EU foreign and security policy is the most important and most necessary of all EU policies;(Does not affect the English version.)
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 92 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the view that, in an international environment that is increasingly conflict-ridden and unstable, only a joint soft power with credible hard power can confront major security challenges, notably the refugee crisis, terrorism, conflicts in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, proxy wars and hybrid warfare, and challenging assertive behaviour by Russia and China; takes the view that a more effective foreign and security policy is founded primarily on the definition of shared priorities and strategic visions; takes the view that it is necessary to tackle the root causes of instability and of forced and irregular migration, namely poverty, the lack of economic opportunities, armed conflicts, bad governance and climate change;
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that a sustainable political solution to the Syrian crisis needs to be based on an inclusive, Syrian-led political settlement, as set out in the Geneva Communiqué of 30 June 2012 and in Resolution 2254(2015) of the UN Security Council, involving all relevant national and international stakeholders; supports the call of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria on the ceasefire guarantor states to undertake urgent efforts to uphold the ceasefire regime; calls on all parties involved, inside and outside Libya, to support both the Libyan political agreement signed on 17 December 2015 and its resulting Presidential Council, which is the only authority recognised by the international community and by the UN; underlines that solving the Libyan crisis is a prerequisite for stability in the Mediterranean;
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 195 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates the need for a strategic refocus on the Western Balkans, giving a fresh impetus to EU enlargement policy and strengthening the rule of law and the resilience of state institutions; is convinced that regional reconciliation and integration through the transatlantic institutional architecturewithin the EU is the best means to address the dangers stemming from destabilising foreign interference, organised crime, disinformation and hybrid threats;
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 341 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes that deadlocks within the UN Security Council are impeding action by the international community and preventing crisis resolution; calls once again on the Member States to support reforms in the composition and functioning of the Security Council;
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 349 #

2017/2121(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Calls for the EU to continue to deepen the transatlantic partnership, while focusing on creating own capabilities and developing its strategic autonomy to better address regional and international conflicts that have an impact on the EU; believes that the EU and US should focus on adapting transatlantic structures to today’s challenges, such as defending human rights, combating international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and countering third- party countries’ efforts to destabilise the EU and NATO;
2017/09/14
Committee: AFET
Amendment 48 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes this new communication, which aims to impart fresh impetus to the Africa-EU partnership in order to broaden and intensify it, gearing it to prosperity and stability on the two continents, in accordance with the commitments given in subscribing to the SDGs, the new European consensus for development, which serves as guideline for European development policy, the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy and Agenda 2063;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 115 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines the need for a stronger political partnership with shared responsibilities between the EU and Africa, that will give greater African ownership on programs and goals based on shared values and interest;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 170 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Underlines within the EU/African partnership the necessity to create decent jobs and ensure decent payment and to link investment to it; calls to comply with ILO standards, including those related to a safe and healthy working environment; stresses the importance to respect and strengthen the role of social partners amongst others in involving them in monitoring, consultation processes, policy making and implementation notably of social, trade and economic policies and to support the organisation and carrying into effect of social dialogue and collective bargaining;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 179 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Recognises the fundamental role of small-scale producers to attain food security; calls for support to notably small-holder farmers and pastoralists through building up and investing in infrastructure that facilitates the regional food supply and diversity of food production and that are in line with the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems of the CFS, in granting them access to land and water, in preserving healthy water and soil ecosystems and respecting non- documented traditional use thereof, in guaranteeing access to open source seeds in great variety that also contribute to biodiversity, in facilitating participatory land use planning and rangeland management of small-scale producers, and in supporting the establishment of cooperatives;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 194 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recognises that the increasing population in Africa is both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent and therefore calls on the EU to be committed in promoting appropriate public policies and investments in health, education, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) to ensure young people are equipped to make informed decisions about their SRH, without which social, economic and environmental resilience cannot be reached;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 207 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the EU to support Africa to build the capacity of its administrative structure by opening channels for more young Africans participation in the Erasmus+ programme: mobility of staff and students and academic cooperation by providing trainings for teachers in a few key disciplines in order to improve students' skills and education quality and relevance;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 212 #

2017/2083(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Considers it important to support African countries in establishing effective health systems; in this context, the importance of investing in science, technology and innovation (STI) to tackle the still huge burden of poverty-related and neglected diseases (PRNDs) that disproportionately affect the most marginalised African populations, and thereby addressing the critical need to achieve the SDGs;
2017/09/07
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 6 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the EU’s commitment to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) worldwide must guide the preparation of the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and that the EU’s support for such implementation , focusing on long-term objectives such as eradication of poverty, tackling inequality and exclusion, promoting developing countries must increasemocratic governance and human rights, and enhancing sustainable and inclusive development;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 14 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Recalls that EU Development Cooperation has as its primary objective the eradication of poverty as enshrined in article 208 TFEU; calls for the next MFF to maintain the integrity of development and humanitarian aid, which should support the capacity and interests of developing countries in line with internationally agreed development effectiveness principles;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 22 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Underlines, in this context, the need to focus on the health, food, education, water and sanitation, energy, industry, innovation and infrastructure and governance SDGincrease the level of resources allocated to development cooperation in order to implement Agenda 2030 in an integrated and holistic way; emphasises the need to fulfil EU commitments to allocate 20% of its ODA to social inclusion and human development with a focus on education and health; recalls EU commitment to gender mainstreaming in the next MFF and the need to invest in powerful enablers to sustainable human development such as sexual and reproductive health and rights;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 48 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Points to the crucial role of official development assistance (ODA) in least developed countries and fragile states; notes its potential to facilitate the mobilisation of financing for development from other sources, private and public, domestic and international; supports the EU’s new efforts at stimulating private investment through blending grants and loans and providing guarantees, also in countries where the needs are great, but and recalls EU commitment under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda to reach 0,20% of ODA/GNI to least developed countries, abiding by the prisks are high; notes that important funding needs will arise as a resultnciple of leaving no one behind;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 64 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the next MFF also to reflect the unprecedented needs for humanitarian aid, caused by natural and man-made disasters driven, inter alia, by climate change and human insecurity, conflicts and forced displacement; calls in particular for maintaining a separate instrument for humanitarian aid with its own legal basis, budget and long term funding strategy, as well as a substantial humanitarian aid reserve;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 76 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out the need to reinforce the essential role of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights in promoting European values worldwide and consolidating human rights and democracy in EU external action;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 80 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls for the next MFF to adequately resource the EEAS and EU Delegations, in order to allow them to meet their objectives and obligations in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 81 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls for the next MFF to be consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, underlines the need of scaling up financing for climate action in developing countries, supporting climate mitigation and adaptation and the protection of biodiversity; calls for effective mainstreaming of climate change and environment issues in EU external financing instruments;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 83 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises that losses of fUnderlines that the United Kingdom’s contribution amoundts forto 15 % of the EU’s development cooperation caused by Brexit must be compensated for; supports the integration of the European Development Fund (EDF) into the EU budget in the context of an overall increase the total of EU-managed ODA; aid budget, calls for a review of existing tools and instruments that can allow for a future UK collaboration in EU development policy; emphasises that eventual losses of funds for EU development cooperation caused by Brexit must be compensated for;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 91 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates its position that the European Development Fund (EDF) should be integrated into the Union budget; stresses, however, that such integration should be conditional to a geographical allocation of funds based on countries’ needs and an ambitious upward revision of the ceilings to avoid a reduction of the current EDF resources;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 96 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Draws attention to the ODA commitments entered into by thCalls for the next MFF to enforce EU’s and itsthe Member States international commitments, including that of increasing their ODA to 0.7 % of GNI by 2030 in a timely manner; recalls that EU-managed ODA contributes towards the honouring of Member States’ commitments and can significantly increase the development effectiveness of ODA expenditure, including through reduced fragmentation and the facilitation of an incentive-based approach with partner countries.;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 105 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Believes that a genuine simplification of EU external financing instruments could enhance coherence and facilitate democratic control and scrutiny; stresses however that such simplification should respect European Parliament’s right of scrutiny and development effectiveness principles, and that EU development funding should retain its fundamental objective of poverty eradication, focusing in particular on LDCs and fragile contexts;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 109 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Recalls that the EU budget dedicated to EU external action has constantly been fully mobilised and reinforced, exhausting all available margins to tackle the multiplication of humanitarian and other emergencies around Europe; underlines the need for flexibility to allow funding to be deployed more rapidly in reaction to unforeseen developments and crises; stresses however that greater flexibility should not come at the expense of aid effectiveness principles and aid predictability, in detriment of those instruments designed to serve long- term development goals, or short-cutting parliamentary scrutiny and consultations with partner countries and civil society;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 112 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Believes that the promotion of peace, security and justice in developing countries is crucial and recognises the need for security-related expenditure to deliver on SDG 16;reiterates that the creation of a specific and separate instrument in support of capacity building for security and development should avoid the securitization of development instruments and funding;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 115 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Considers that the proliferation of Trust Funds, rendered necessary due to the lack of resources and flexibility, undermines the unity of the budget and entails risks on democratic ownership, transparency, accountability and aid effectiveness; believes that the use of these instruments should be clearly justified, complementary, of limited duration and aimed at addressing specific objectives rather than serving long-term development goals;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 116 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)
6e. Strongly believes that Trust Funds benefitting of development funds, such as the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, should serve genuine long-term development objectives and respond to partner countries’ development needs; considers that the mobilisation of the EU budget to respond to the migration challenge should be accompanied by a common policy on this field and that actions taken in this area should not come at the expense of EU's development policies;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 117 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)
6f. Notes that development assistance can play an important role in the area of migration in tackling the causes of forced displacement and enhancing the benefits of migration and mobility for development; considers however that ODA should not be used to cover in-donor refugee costs, the externalisation of migration policies outside EU borders or the costs of returns and readmission to countries of origin; rejects the idea of conditionality of aid based on border control, management of migratory flows or readmission agreements as the basis of partnership and cooperation with third countries;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 118 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)
6g. Notes the potential role of ODA to facilitate the mobilisation of financing for development from other sources, private and public, domestic and international; supports the EU’s effort at stimulating private investment through blending grants and loans and providing guarantees; stresses, however, that private sector engagement shall abide by strong transparency and accountability standards, bringing in measurable and additional development impact with solid social, environmental and human rights safeguards in place;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 119 #

2017/2052(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)
6h. Reiterates its unequivocal call for continued and increased EU support and funding for CSOs as development actors in their own right, and for their full and free involvement in political dialogue as well as in programming and implementation across EU cooperation instruments;
2017/12/11
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 9 #

2017/2044(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. CNotes that the requirement that 20 % of the assistance under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) be allocated to basic social services, in particular health and education, is not being fulfilled for the period 2014-20171a; considers that an increase in the investment in human development, especially in access to reproductive health care is necessary to help counter the negative impact of the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule; _________________ 1a https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/sites/devco /files/draft-eval-report-dci_en.pdf
2017/09/06
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 19 #

2017/2044(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that the EU budget is not the adequate tool for financing migration policies, as most Member States remain reluctant to launchmobilisation of the EU budget to respond to the migration challenge should be accompanied by a common policy in this field;
2017/09/06
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 23 #

2017/2044(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its rejection of the use of development funds for non-development objectives and underlines that funding that does not fulfil ODA criteria must be sourced from other instruments than the DCI and the EDF; points to its opinion of 5 July 2017 on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing an instrument contributing to stability and peace, which excludes any contribution from the Development Cooperation Instrument to finance the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace;
2017/09/06
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 32 #

2017/2044(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Reiterates that the United Kingdom’s contribution amounts to 15 % of the EU's development aid budget;calls on the Commission and the Council to engage in a reflection on the ambition and priorities of EU development aid after Brexit;
2017/09/06
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 33 #

2017/2044(BUD)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Considers that the proliferation of trust funds, rendered necessary by the lack of resources, undermines the unity of the budget and is at odds with the requirements of transparency and democratic accountability;reiterates that the budgetisation of the European Development Fund (EDF) on the one hand and the creation of a specific instrument for financing security expenses linked to development cooperation on the other, would strengthen the effectiveness of EU action.
2017/09/06
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 75 #

2017/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph d
(d) to keep addressing the major security threats in the Sahel, Sahara and Lake Chad and Horn of Africa regions with a view to eradicating the terrorist threat posed by the ISIL/Daesh and al-Qaeda affiliates and bymovement, including Boko Haram or, al-Qaeda anyd other affiliated terrorist groups;
2017/04/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2017/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph f
(f) to call on the international community to join efforts to manage the current political crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to prevent state collapse in the country; to ensure the swift adaptation of MONUSCO in line with its new mandate and, in particular, the implementation of the Agreement of 31 December 2016;
2017/04/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 128 #

2017/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph n
(n) to step up efforts to clamp down on recruitment and fight terrorist propaganda conducted not only through social media platforms but also through networks of radicalised hate preachers; to support actions strengthening the resilience of communities vulnerable to radicalisationtargeted by extremist propaganda; to support counter- radicalisation and de- radicalisation policies in line with the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism; to support an enhanced EU contribution to UN capacity- building initiatives concerning the fight against foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism;
2017/04/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 236 #

2017/2041(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph ad
(ad) to support actively a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council on the basis of a broad consensus; to promote the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, and improved coordination and coherence of the action of all UN institutions, which should enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, legitimacy, transparency, accountability, capacity and representativeness of the system; to work towards the long-term goal of the EU having a seat in a reformed UN Security Council; to urge Security Council members to refrain from using their right of veto in cases when crimes against humanity are being committed;
2017/04/06
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2017/2029(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Notes that according to the Annual Reports, criterion 3 was invoked 99 times for denials in 2014 and 139 times in 2015; stresses the need, within the context of criterion 3, to assess recent arms transfers by Member States to non-state actors, including the provision of technical assistance and training, in light of the 2002 Joint Action 2002/589/CFSP on the European Union’s contribution to combating the destabilising accumulation and spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW); recalls that the Joint Action states that no SALW should be transferred by Member States to non-state actors;
2017/06/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 39 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
(1) In the European Defence Action Plan, adopted on 30 November 2016, the Commission committed to complement, leverage and consolidate collaborative efforts by Member States in developing and acquiring defence capabilities to respond to security challenges, as well as to foster a competitive and innovative European defence industry as well as to contribute to the technological and industrial autonomy of the Union. It proposed in particular to launch a European Defence Fund to support investment in joint research and the joint development of defence equipment and technologies. The Fund would support cooperation during the whole cycle of defence product and technology development.
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 75 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
(9) The Union financial support should not affect the export of products, equipment or technologies, and it should not affect the discretion of Member States regarding policy on the export of defence related products. The Union financial support should not affect Member States' export policies on defence related productswhich are framed by Decision 2008/944/CFSP.
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
(10) As the objective of the Programme is to support the competitiveness of the Union defence industry by de-risking the development phase of cooperative projects, actions related to the development of a defence product or technology, namely definition of common technical specifications, design, prototyping, testing, qualification, certification as well feasibility studies and other supporting measures, should be eligible to benefit from it. This will also apply to the upgrade of existing defence products and European defence technologies.
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
(16) The promotion of innovation and technological development in the Union defence industry should allow the maintenance and development of the skills and know-how of the Union's defence industry and contribute to strengthening its technological and industrial autonomy. It should also take place in a manner coherent with the security interests of the Union. Accordingly, the action's contribution to those interests and to the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States should serve as an award criterion. Within the Union, common defence capability priorities are identified notably through the Capability Development Plan. Other Union processes such as the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) and the Permanent Structured Cooperation will support the implementation of relevant priorities through enhanced cooperation. Where appropriate regional or international cooperative initiatives, such as in the NATO context, and serving the Union security and defence interest, may also be taken into account.
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) to foster the technological and industrial autonomy of the Union and the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Unionits defence industry by supporting actions in their development phase;
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. The Programme shall provide support for actions by beneficiaries in the development phase covering both new and the upgrade of existing products and technologies developed by Member States, in relation to:
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
1. Beneficiaries and their subcontractors shall be undertakings established in the Union, in which Member States and/or nationals of Member States own more than 50% of the undertaking and effectively control it within the meaning of Article 6(3), whether directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate undertakings. In addition, all infrastructure, facilities, assets and resources used by the participants, including subcontractors and other third parties, in actions funded under the Programme shall not be located on the territory of non-Member States during the entire duration of the action.
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) excellence, which can in particular be characterised when the project tends to the development of a critical or disruptive technology;
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 287 #

2017/0125(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) contribution to the security and defence interests of the Union by enhancing defence technologies which contribute to the implementation of the defence capability priorities commonly agreed by Member States within the Union;, and,s part of the capacity development plan or coordinated annual defence review;
2017/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 248 #

2016/2308(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that strengthening trade relations could bring concrete benefits to citizens in Turkey and the EU, and therefore supports the Commission’s proposal to start negotiations on the upgrading of the Customs Union; reiterates that the EU is Turkey’s main trading partner and that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States; considers the involvement of social partners in negotiations as crucial; calls on the Commission to include political benchmarks on human rights and fundamental freedoms in the upgraded Customs Unin the upgraded Customs Union a suspension clause to be activated in the event of continuing human rights violations;
2017/05/12
Committee: AFET
Amendment 8 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to the statement by the Italian Defence and Foreign Ministers of 10 August 2016 calling for a ‘Defence Schengen’,
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 9 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
- having regard to the joint statement by the German and French Foreign Ministers of 28 June 2016 on ‘A strong Europe in an uncertain world’,
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas in recent years the security situation in and around Europe has significantly worsened and has created arduous challenges that no single country or organisation is able to face alone; whereas solidarity and resilience requires the EU to stand and to act together, and to do so in concert with our allies; whereas the fight against terrorism is a priority for the EU and its citizens and should be engaged within as well as outside the EU’s borders;
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 111 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the President of the Commission to establish a standing ‘defence matters’ working group of Members of the Commission chaired by the VP/HR; calls, similarly, on the Council to establish a permanent meeting format bringing together defence ministers;
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 154 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Encourages the Member States participating in the EDA to establish a common European capabilities and armaments policy; encourages the Commission to work in liaison with the EDA to that end, and to strengthen the industrial and technological base of the defence sector, which is vital for the Union’s strategic autonomy ;
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 262 #

2016/2052(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 – indent 3
- support for the placing of multinational battalions in the Member States on the eastern flank;deleted
2016/09/08
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is now surrounded by an arc of instability, as large parts of the Middle East and North Africa are engulfed in ethno-religious conflicts and proxy wars in which ethnic and religious claims are exploited and terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham (formerly the al- Nusra Front) proliferate throughout the region, while an aggressive, revisionist Russia continues to violate its neighbours’ sovereignty and openly challenges the European security order;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas these conflicts have direct and serious consequences for the security and well-being of European citizens, as they increasingly spill over into the EU, be it in the form of terrorism, massive refugee flows, or disinformation campaigns aimed at dividing our societies;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 59 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the recent terrorist acts in European cities committed by radical jihadists linked to ISIS are part of that group’s comprehensive strategy, complementing a land war in Syria and Iraq, an economic war aimed at the tourism industry in North Africa, as well as online propaganda and cyber-attacks; whereas al- Qaeda is taking advantage of the security vacuum in the Middle East and North Africa to gain strength via Fateh al- Sham, AQIM and AQAP, and whereas its determination as regards global jihad remains firm;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the current crisis, inside and outside the EU, is also an opportunity for the EU if it is used to make the EU work better; recalls that European citizens see an effective common foreign and security policy as a priority area of action for the EU and that this is one of the areas where European cooperation can yield most value added; emphasises, therefore, that Member States must change their mentality since nowadays thinking about foreign policy and security in a narrow minded national perspective is obsolete; is convinced that no single Member State alone is able to tackle any of the challenges we face today; urges Member States to finally show sufficient levels of political will and trust in one another to make it possible to use the tools at hand in a concerted manner in order to pursue our interests and values; reiterates that the EU can only be a strong global player on an equal footing with other major powers if all Member States speak with one voice and act together in the framework of a strong EU foreign policy;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – indent 3
– extending the common financing of CSDP operations, including through a review of the Athena mechanism which would incorporate the declaration on battlegroups;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 214 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – indent 3 a (new)
– setting up a ‘Defence’ formation within the EU Council of Ministers;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 327 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the EU to step up its cooperation with its Eastern partners in order to strengthen their resilience and independence, while taking into account, as far as possible, the concerns of our neighbours’ neighbours;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 370 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the EU must pay particular attention to improving the living conditions in its neighbourhood, using all available policy tools, including trade, development aid and diplomacy, as well as crisis management capabilities; welcomnotes in this regard the EU’s new migration partnerships and the External Investment Plan and asks to be included in the use of these instruments; underlines the need to develop a new approach towards Africa, providing better opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth and supporting African countries in building democratic, transparent and effective institutions; is convinced that the EU should review its development and trade policies to make sure that they contribute to these goals; calls on the EU, and in particular the Member States, to significantly increase their financial commitments to the region, including through the Africa Trust Fund and the European Development Fund;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 461 #

2016/2036(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Points out how recent crises have shown the limits of the United Nations; calls on the EU and its Member States to bring all their weight to bear in an attempt to reform the Security Council, in particular with a view to removing the veto with regard to mass atrocities;
2016/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 12 #

2016/2031(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that 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 EU; 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;
2017/02/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2016/2031(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
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;
2017/02/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 21 #

2016/2031(INI)

2a. Recalls its resolution adopted on 24 November 2016 whereby the European Parliament called for a temporary freeze on the accession negotiations as long as the situation of human rights and civil liberties does not improve in Turkey; considers that, out of consistency, the conditions set for resuming the accession negotiations should equally apply to the modernisation of the Customs Union;
2017/02/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2016/2031(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission to include political benchmarksa clause on human rights and fundamental freedoms with benchmarks and timetable, in the upgraded Customs Union between Turkey and the EU on human rights and fundamental freedoms.
2017/02/02
Committee: AFET
Amendment 52 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the information warfare targeting the West was first introduced by the Soviet Union, and has since beenis an integral part of modern warfare, targeting not only partners of the EU, but also all Member States and citizens irrespective of their nationality or religwithout distinction;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas Da’esh and many other Islamic terrorist groups have often used communication strategies as part ofto publicise their actions against the West and to boost recruitment of European youth;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
EU strategic communication to counteract propaganda against it by third partiesdeleted
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 130 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the EU institutions to recognisePoints out that information warfare is not only an external EU issue but also an internal one, and voices its concern at the number of hostile propaganda multipliers existing within the Union;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 168 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that the Russia has been aggressivelyn Government is employing a wide range of tools and instruments, such as special foundations (Russkiy Mir,) multilingual TV stations (Russia Today, RIA Novosti), news agencies (Sputnik), social and religious groups (including the Orthodox church), social media and internet trolls to challenge Western values, divide Europe, gather domestic support and create the perception of failing states in the EU’s eastern neighbourhoodprotect its interests and justify its foreign policy;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Is seriously concerned by the rapidly growing Russian activity in Europe seeking to maintain or increase Russian influence and hegemony; stresses that a large part of Russian strategic communication is aimed at describing countries in central and eastern Europe as belonging to its traditional sphere of influence, thereby undermining their sovereignty; notes that falsifying history is one of its main strategies;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 247 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Is aware of the range of strategies employed by Da’esh both regionally and globally to promote its political, religious and social narratives; calls on the EU and its Member States to develop a counter- narrative to Da’esh, including through the empowerment and increased visibility of mainstream Muslim scholars who have the credibility to delegitimise Da’esh’s propaganda;[Does not affect English version]
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 256 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that the EU is a targeted audience for Da’esh and calls for the EU and its Member States to work more closely to protect society, in particular young people, from recruitment and radicalisation; calls on each Member State to investigate the socio-demographic reasons that are at the root cause of vulnerability to radicalisation;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 276 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -10 a (new)
-10a. Warns against a logic of opposing blocs, whether geographical or cultural; insists that the way to counter propaganda is though information and education; calls on the EU and the Member States to involve researchers and analysts in an extensive way in order to understand and deconstruct approaches based on hostility;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 285 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the Action Plan on Strategic Communication and the communication on the Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats and calls for the implementation of its recommendations without delay; calls on countries holding the rotating presidency of the EU to always include strategic communications as part of their programme in order to ensure continuity of work on this topic; welcomes the initiatives and achievements of the Latvian Presidency in this regard;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 289 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers that the EU communication strategy must be two- pronged, both deconstructing hostile propaganda and putting across a positive message about EU achievements and activity;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 291 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls, therefore, on the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Member States to convey an ambitious, accessible message about EU achievements and activity to people both within the EU and in neighbouring countries; highlights the need to explain EU external policy vis-à- vis neighbouring countries, with an emphasis on shared values, cooperation and peer-to-peer relationships; considers that the EEAS website could be the platform from which this message is disseminated, and calls for it to be translated into Russian and Arabic;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 300 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Recognises the possible impact of hostile propaganda on decision-making processes in the EU; calls thereforeCalls for the EU Strategic Communication Task Force to be reinforced by turning it into a fully- fledged unit within the EEAS, responsible for the east and for the south, with proper staffing and adequate budgetary resources;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 311 #

2016/2030(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Asks the Strategic Communication Task Force, thus reinforced and under the Twitter username @EUvsDisInfo, to establish an online space where the public at large can find the range of tools for identifying disinformation, with an explanation of how they work, and which can act as a relay for the many civil society initiatives to this end;
2016/05/30
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Citation 1
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 208, 209(1) and 212(2) thereof,
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 110 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The EFSD should foster the creation of decent jobs, economic opportunities and entrepreneurship, with a special focus on young people, gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people in line with the Union’s Gender Action Plan 2016-2020, while strengthening the rule of law, good governance and human rights.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 187 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. The EFSD shall contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda with a particular focus on sustainabland be guided by the objectives set out in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union and Article 208 TFEU and the internationally agreed development effectiveness principles, thus contributing to the Union's development and Neighbourhood policies and the new Partnership Framework with third countries under the European Agenda on Migration, with a particular focus on poverty eradication, long-term sustainable and inclusive growth, jobthe creation of decent jobs, socio-economic sectors and on the support to micro, small and medium sized enterprises, thus addressing. In so doing, the EFSD shall, inter alia, contribute to addressing the specific socio-economic root causes of migration and contributing to, foster the sustainable reintegration of returned migrants inmigrants returning to their countries of origin while maximising additionality, delivering innovative products and crowding in private sector fundand strengthen the resilience of host communities.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 237 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) contribute to economic and social development and to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on sustainability and job creation (in particular for youth and women)poverty eradication, sustainability and fostering decent employment, economic opportunities and entrepreneurship, promoting, in particular, gender equality and the empowerment of women and young people, thus addressing specific root causes of migration, enhancing resilience and contributing to the sustainable reintegration of returned migrants inmigrants returned to their countries of origin, while strengthening the rule of law, good governance and human rights;
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 246 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) targetstrengthen a number of socio- economic sectors, in particular infrastructure including sustainrenewable energy, water, transport, information and communications technologies, environment, sustainable use of natural resources and blue growth, social infrastructure, human capital and education and lifelong learning, in order to improve the socio-economic environment;
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 296 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission mayshall define investment windows for specific regions or partner countries or for both, for specific sectors, for specific projects or for specific categories of final beneficiaries or for both to be funded by instruments referred to in Article 9 to be covered by the EFSD Guarantee up to a fixed amount. All requests for financial support within investment windows shall be made to the CommissionThe choice of investment windows shall be duly justified by an analysis of market failure or sub-optimal investment situations. That analysis shall be carried out by the Commission in cooperation with potentially eligible counterparts and stakeholders. Investment windows shall be defined with a view to allocating a significant share of the EFSD Guarantee to fragile and conflict-affected countries, landlocked countries and Least-Developed Countries.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 303 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The Commission shall establish and publish a scoreboard of indicators to be used to ensure an independent and transparent assessment of the potential and actual operations backed by the EFSD Guarantee. Those indicators shall include gender components.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 366 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – title
Transparency, communication and public disclosure of information
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 373 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
The eligible counterparts shall clearly specify the support provided by the Union in the information they publish on financing and investment operations covered by the EFSD Guarantee under this Regulation.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 374 #

2016/0281(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
EU delegations shall include information on the funding opportunities available under the EFSD in all materials targeted at civil society and the general public.
2017/03/27
Committee: AFETDEVEBUDG
Amendment 27 #

2016/0207(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
(3) Supporting security sector actors, including the military under exceptional circumstances, in third countries in a conflict prevention, crisis management or stabilisation context is essential to ensure appropriate conditions for poverty eradication and development. Those actions are particularly necessary to ensure the protection of civilian populations in the areas affected by conflict, crises or fragility. Good governance and effective democratic control and civilian oversight of the security system, including the military, as well as compliance with human rights and the rule of law principles are essential attributes of a well-functioning State in any context, and should be promoted through a wider security sector reform support to third countries.[Does not affect the English version]
2017/05/12
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 36 #

2016/0207(COD)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) The conclusions of the European Council of 7 and 8 February 2013 specified that at least 90% of the Union’s total external aid should deemed official development assistance in accordance with the definition established by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC). The allocation of funding under the revised Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 should, in so far as possible, reflect that ratio.
2017/05/12
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 17 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the security landscape in Africa in particular has changed dramatically in the last decade, with peace enforcement and counter-terrorism operations becoming the rule rather than the exception in many areas; whereas the porous borders within the continent help fuel violence and reduce security; whereas the emergence of new centres of terrorist activity in the Sahel- Sahara region and the tensions in Central Africa are forcing the EU to reassess its civilian and military involvement in these parts of the world;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 31 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas in 2014 more than 90% of the budget of the African Peace Facility was earmarked for peace-support operations; whereas 65% of those funds were set aside to fund expenditure on AMISOM staff; whereas, according to the head of AMISOM, Francisco Caetano José Madeira, the EU has cut its funding for uniformed mission staff by 20%;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas, nevertheless, the EU is a key contributor to PSOs; whereas France trains 25 000 African soldiers each year and deploys 4400 men in operations in the context of MINUSCA and MINUSMA and in support of the armies of the Sahel G5 countries;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 46 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital P
P. whereas the EU should not compete with or duplicate the work of others who may be betsupport actors already present on the ground, in particular those of its Member Staters able to fulfil particular rolelready involved in PSOs;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Q. whereas Article 41(2) TEU prohibits expenditure from EU budgets on operations having military or defence implications; whereas this expenditure is charged to the Member States under the Athena mechanism; whereas Articles 209 and 212 TFEU do not explicitly exclude the financing of capacity-building in the security sector;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 54 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital R
R. whereas, and above all, the needs of the countries concerned, rather than any institutional ambition or the desire prematurely to impose values which may have little relevance to the immediate crisis, should be the guiding principle for EU involvement;deleted
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 63 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Urges the EU, given the scale of the challenges and the complex involvement of other organisations and nations, to seek an appropriate division of labour and focus on where it can best add value; notes that a number of Member States are already involved in operations in Africa and that the EU could generate real value added by supporting these operations more;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Believes that the African Peace Facility provides both an entry point and a potential lever for creating a stronger partnership between the EU and the AU; considers it vital that the EU institutions and Member States should remain closely engaged if the Facility is to be fully exploited; call on the Commission to strike a fresh geographic balance as regards the use of the funds concerned, however, in order to take account more effectively of the new security challenges in Africa, in particular in the Sahel-Sahara region and in Central Africa; takes the view that the African Peace Facility ought to focus on structural support, in particular infrastructure facilities, rather than bankrolling African forces' pay; acknowledges that there are other funding mechanisms in use, but believes that given the Facility’s singular focus on Africa, as well as its clear goals, it is especially important with regard to PSOs in Africa;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Backs the Council conclusions of 24 September 2012, which state that 'funding, alternative to the funding from the European Development Fund, will have to be considered';
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 95 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes the importance of Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions for Africa's security, in particular training and support missions for African forces, and especially EUTM Mali, EUCAP Sahel Mali and EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUTM Somalia, and EUCAP Nestor; notes the additional support provided by those missions for the efforts of other, UN-run missions; calls on the EU to step up the capabilities of those training missions, in particular by allowing African soldiers who have been trained to be monitored on and after their return from theatres of operations;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 101 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Insists that the EU, in supporting PSOs, should not act in isolation but should, rather, take full account of the contributions of other international actors, improve coordination with them and rapidity of response, and focus its efforts on certain priority countriesbe in a position to mount a balanced response to crises throughout the region, using the most appropriate and experienced Member States as lead nations;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that border management assistance should be a priority for EU engagement in Africa; notes that porous borders are one of the main factors behind the increase in terrorism in Africa;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 107 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Points out that the Council Legal Service's contribution of 7 December 2015, entitled 'Capacity building in support of security and development - legal questions', gives thought to ways and means of financing matériel for African countries' militaries; calls on the Council to continue this discussion;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 108 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Welcomes the positive responses received by France after activation of Article 42(7); very much welcomes the re- engagement of European armed forces in Africa;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2015/2275(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Points out that security and development are intrinsically linked; welcomes the fact that since the adoption of the regulation on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, which came into force on 1 January 2013, the Commission has been authorised to set up and manage trust funds under an agreement concluded with other donors; gives strong backing, accordingly, to initiatives such as the Békou trust fund operating in the Central African Republic, which seeks to pool European development-related resources, expertise and capacities in order to overcome the fragmentation and ineffectiveness of international action in the context of reconstruction of a country;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 19 #

2015/2274(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
– having regard to the 2015 Annual Report on the Protection of the Constitution of the German Federal Ministry of Interior,
2016/08/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 21 #

2015/2274(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 b (new)
– having regard to statement made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on 5th July 2016,
2016/08/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 260 #

2015/2274(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Expresses concern about growing militarisation in the wider region and the continuation of missiles test-launches by Iran ; supports efforts towards greater arms control, while recognising legitimate defence concerns, but within a context of seeking to promote full respect for sovereignty of all countries in the region itself;
2016/08/22
Committee: AFET
Amendment 309 #

2015/2274(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes Iran’s readiness to support the current efforts to bring stability to Iraq, and ; is nevertheless worried by the Shi'ite militias' violence against sunnis, especially by Kataeb Hezbollah after the liberation of Fallujuah from ISIL, as well as by the repeated attacks against Liberty Camp; calls for additional efforts to bring all the militias operating in the country under the authority of the Iraqi army; welcomes Iran’s contribution to the fight against ISIS/Da’esh; notes the agreement between Iran and Australia to share intelligence on the fight against ISIS/Da’esh;
2016/08/22
Committee: AFET
Amendment 49 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the mobilisation of substantial resources for support Tunisia; underlines that without stability and good governance in the region, any prospect of reform will be put at riskthe social and economic situation in Tunisia, including the rate of unemployment and the perception of corruption, along with the absence of stability and good governance in the region, hinder the implementation of reforms and endanger prospects for development;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 68 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Commends the good cooperation between Tunisia and its neighbours, as illustrated for example by the signing of a preferential trade agreement and the establishment of local transborders committees with Algeria aimed at fostering local development, and by the intertwining of Tunisia’s economy with Libya’s and by the solidarity of the Tunisian people with displaced Libyans; expresses the utmost concern regarding a possible foreign military interventionwelcomes, in this context, the progress made on the reconciliation process in Libya;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 78 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises the need to support the People’s Representatives Assembly (PRA) given the challenge of enhancing stability in a volatile regional context while deepening democracy; expresses concerns at the lack of means of the PRA thereby hindering the reform process and its scrutiny of the executive; encourages Parliament’s services to enhance the capacity-building support activities provided to the PRA in the framework of the Comprehensive Democracy Support Approach; recommends that Parliament assess the needs in terms of support of the PRA and organise a political meeting at the highest political level, such as a ‘Tunisian Week’, on its premises in order to foster parliamentary cooperation and express its support for Tunisia;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for a reform of the penal code, and in particular for the repeal of Article 230, which penalises homosexual practices and is contrary to the constitutional principles of non- discrimination and the protection of privacy, as well as amendments to Law No 92-52 on Narcotics, which propose disproportionate sentences for drug offences, to align it to international standards for the consumption of soft drugs; calls on the Tunisian authorities to continue to observe the moratorium on the death penalty which has been in place since 1991;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 144 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Acknowledges the negotiations for an agreement on a deep and comprehensive free trade area between the EU and Tunisia; calls on the Commission to adopt a progressive approach and to ensure that opening up the Tunisian market will benefit everyone, in both the long and the short term;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 152 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Calls for an increase in EU aid to Tunisia through the ENI and for the coordination of international aid to Tunisia; encourages partnerships with other interested global and regional donor countries and organisations, and in particular, measures promoting investment in the manufacturing sector which would boost employment; notes that the tourism sector has been dramatically impacted by the attacks in 20145 and, considering the measures implemented since then by the Tunisian authorities, calls on the Member States which have not yet done so to reassess the security situation as quickly as possible;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 178 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a stronger fight against corruption (for example by designating an independent authority to oversee the proper functioning of public admby providing the future body for good governance and the fight againistration and the regularity of public procurement), corruption with suitable resources) particularly in the context of the growing underground economy with a view to achieving a more efficient and transparent decision-making process and to establishing a better environment for investment and business; calls on the Tunisian authorities to ensure that the steps that it takes against corruption are highly visible;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 181 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19a (new)
19a. Calls for the acceleration of the establishment of the National Social Dialogue Council decided on in 2013;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 221 #

2015/2273(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
28. Calls for an increase inwelcomes the results achieved by the G7+3 on security cooperation; calls on the EU to maintain its support for security sector reform in Tunisia and calls for swift implementation of the programmes currently in place; calls for the establishment of a national security adviser in Tunisia; calls for the Member States to share best practices in the security field in Tunisia;
2016/05/19
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the threats identified in the 2003 European Security Strategy – terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised crime – remain for the most part relevant; whereas today the EU is faced with a number of additional, serious and unprecedented challenges, such as the attempts by revisionist powers to redraw borders by force and challenge rules-based global order, climate change, major migratory flows, and cyber and hybrid warfare and threats;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph - 1 a (new)
-1a. Welcomes the June 2015 report by the VP/HR on ‘The European Union in a changing global environment – a more connected, contested and complex world’; believes that this report provides a clear view of the challenges facing the EU and constitutes an appropriate basis on which to draw up a European strategy;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 82 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that to deal with a changing global environment, the EU strategy should be based on: a. identifying and prioritising the threats and challenges; b. defining the responses thereto; c. determining the necessary resources.
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 110 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. NPoints out that EU Member States make up NATO's eastern flank; notes that in future the EU and its Members States will have to rely less on the United States and take greater responsibility for their own security and territorial defence. Ccalls on the EU and the Member States, therefore, to improve their strategic autonomy regarding defence capabilities and capacities, in order to be prepared to respond to the broad spectrum of civilian and military threats and risks, either within NATO or in full complementarity with NATOit;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 156 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that a principal objective should be to move towards voluntary joint defence forces and the framing of a common defence policy which will ultimately lead to a common defence. Supports, therefore, the drafting of a White paper on EU Defence, thereby updating the Helsinki Headline Goal from 1999 as part of the strategy to be presented in June 2016;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 173 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Notes the vital importance of strengthening EU-NATO cooperation, and supports the establishment of European forces which complement NATO in territorial defence and; points out that the EU battlegroups, which have never been used, are able to conduct intervention operations autonomously beyond the EU’s borders;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 221 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Is of the opinion that in order to build stability and peace, the EU should keep up its enlargement commitmenprospects and continue cooperation with very closely associated countries within the context of the newly revised European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP); recalls that according to Article 49 TEU any European state may apply to become a member of the European Union, provided it adheres to the Copenhagen criteria and the principles of democracy and respect for fundamental freedoms and human and minority rights, and ensures the rule of law;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 282 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Believes that the EU should be a constructive and resilient global actor with ahich gives priority to regional focuchallenges and aspire to be a ‘rule- maker’, establishing efficient multilateral global governance;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 295 #

2015/2272(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the EU institutions and Member States to pursue the comprehensive / joined-up / integral approach in their external action and to take account of the inextricable link between internal and external security; in this regards, calls on the EU to focus more on buildingdevelop synergies between security, development, trade and EU external action and to make these policies part of its global strategy;
2016/02/25
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Russia and China have strong ties and influence in the region, but there is still great scope for the EU to enhance its action and cooperation with Central Asian countries;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 29 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas reaching a common understanding ofspect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a basic prerequisitecondition for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the level of development aid wasEU development aid to Central Asia, mainly under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), has been increased from EUR 750 million in 2007- 2013 to EUR 1 028 million in 2014- 2020, i.e. by 56 %;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 58 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the strong strategic, political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relations with all the Central Asian countries, on the basis of common shared values as stated in the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and in the agreement not yet in force with Turkmenistan;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 63 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the EU’s strong interest in a peaceful, democratic, stable and economically and environmentally sustainable, inclusive and prosperous Central Asian region, as stated in the strategy of 2007;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 71 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be better defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls; highlights the importance of making the Strategy consistent with global commitments, in particular with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as adopted on 25 September 2015 at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 73 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Agrees that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (human rights and the, rule of law, good governance and democratization; youth and education; economic development, trade and investment; energy and transport; the environmental sustainability and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and provide the basis for a concrete and potentially fruitful European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy; welcomes, however, the more focused approach of the Strategy Review;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the conditionof the greatest strategic importance for the region and the challenges it faces; takes the view that democratic transformation shouldencouraged by the EU will lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 91 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Shares the view that a differentiated and, conditional and incentive-based approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation inincluding ones from them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also includingroader region, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 115 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note ofWelcomes the re-establishment of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia after a year-long gap, and expects the newly appointed EUSR to make an important contribution to the implementation of the strategy for Central Asian countries by ensuring consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, including through doubtful charges of terrorist activity or vague accusations of inciting social hatred;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 166 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Recalls that protection and promotion of children's rights is among the key objectives of the EU and calls on the authorities to support its implementation in compliance with international law and standards, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 173 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the authorities to make further efforts to protect ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTI persons in Central Asian societies and, to end discrimination against them and to enforce the rights of vulnerable people, in particular of persons with disabilities;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 183 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. WStresses that education is one of the key areas for the EU to deploy its action in Central Asia; in this regard, welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in inclusive and quality education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; points out that such investment should pay special attention to targeting the most vulnerable groups, such as girls, children with disabilities and children belonging to minorities;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 198 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Points out that investing in young people should be a key priority in Central Asian countries, given the positive effects in terms of social inclusion, social cohesion and stability; recalls that these factors play a crucial role in preventing the serious problem of radicalisation among youth in the region;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Points out that inclusive and sustainable economic development is among the key priorities of the Strategy; stresses the need for Central Asian countries to promote active policies aimed at poverty reduction and in fighting social exclusion; underlines, in this regard, that the deteriorating economic trends as a consequence of lowering commodity prices, of the devaluation of the Rouble and of the fall in remittances from migrants working in Russia, many of whom are now returning home unemployed, pose serious socio-economic challenges to the region;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on the EU to further its efforts in fostering cooperation among Central Asian states on water management;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 255 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Encourages continuing support to disaster risk reduction and resilience building with regards to the serious threats posed by environmental disasters and climate change in the region;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 267 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 295 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Is concerned that stalled and uneventhe lack of socio- economic development, which is stalled and uneven, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability and extremism;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 306 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Is deeply worried about the risk posed by the Islamic State in terms of attracting radicalised youth in the region;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 352 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Condemns the excessive use of important international police cooperation mechanisms, such as the Red Notice system of the Interpol, to silence critics of the current Kazakh authorities living and working abroad;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 353 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)
34b. Expresses its high concern over the new draft law on NGOs in Kazakhstan, foreseeing the establishment of a centralised operator, tasked with allocating both government and non- government grants to local NGOs, which would lead to even greater state control over the civil society sector, hindering its independence and often putting its very existence at risk;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 360 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
35. Points out that further efforts are needed to develop a fully functioning democracy, despite the initial encouraging signs shown by Kyrgyzstan regarding pursuing democratic reforms and shifting towards a genuine multi-party system, as one of the pilot countries for EU democracy support; is concerned by the recent bills on foreign-funded NGOs and anti LGBTI propaganda;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 371 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
36. Regrets the lack of genuine internal reconciliation in Tajikistan following the civil war of 1992-1997; expresses, in this regard, its deepest concern at the decision to ban the Islamic Renaissance Party, following a worrying trend aimed at suppressing legitimate political forces and silencing critical voices for the sake of security concerns; calls on the Tajik authorities to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 400 #

2015/2220(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Welcomes progress to ending child labour in the cotton fields and, in particular, the Government's ban in this sense; recalls the importance of monitoring the implementation of such act;
2015/12/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 106 #

2015/2104(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Z a (new)
Za. whereas the crises now facing the world are revealing the limitations of the UN governance system and undermining the UN’s credibility; whereas the EU and its Member States have an important role to play in establishing a more effective and more democratic system to achieve the aims related to the three pillars of the United Nations Charter;
2015/09/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 107 #

2015/2104(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital Z b (new)
Zb. whereas the EU has a special responsibility for peacekeeping, development, and human rights where its neighbourhood is concerned;
2015/09/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 155 #

2015/2104(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Supports initiatives to regulate the use of the power of veto by permanent members of the Security Council; considers at all events that the veto should not be used when the resolution being put to the vote is intended to stop mass crimes;
2015/09/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 169 #

2015/2104(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Considering the contribution of the EU to peace and security architecture in the world, calls onfor a reform of the Security Council that would ensure a permanent seat to the European Union; points out that such a reform implies that the EU has to be capable of speaking with one voice when setting out a common foreign and security policy; notes that, due to the absence of the EU from the Security Council, the burden of echoing, advocating for and defending the interests of the EU, based on a coordinated CFSP, lies on the two permanent and the rotating European members;
2015/09/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 215 #

2015/2104(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the conviction that the economic and social dimension of the UN System must be substantially strengthened, and that this could be achieved through the establishment of aby making the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) a genuine Sustainable Development Council, which would act as the main decision -making body for all sustainable development -related matters (based on the three pillars, social, economic and environmental), ensuring coordinated and efficient assessment of the needs, and adoption of necessary roadmaps, decisions and binding measures; stresses that this is necessary to effectively implement the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN Summit in September;
2015/09/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 45 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Encourages the drawing-up of Action Plans in the field of anti-terrorism in collaboration with countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean, in particular with a view to putting measures in place to deter and disrupt the travel of foreign fighters;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Enthusiastically welcomes VP/HR Mogherini’s willingness to support projects for countering radicalisation in third countries, namely Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, and in the Sahel-Maghreb, as stated in the report on the implementation of measures following the European Council meeting of 12 February 2015; notes that it must now be ensured that these projects receive the necessary funding as soon as possible;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 78 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recommends closer collaboration with organisations such as the Anna Lindh Foundation for Cultural Dialogue with a view to facilitating interfaith dialogue as a means of countering radicalisation on both shores of the Mediterranean;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 79 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Takes the view that building a counter-narrative, including in third countries, is one of the keys to combating the appeal of terrorist groups in the MENA region; calls on the Union to increase its support to initiatives such as the SSCAT (Syria Strategic Communication Advisory Team) and to promote the deployment and financing of projects of this kind in third countries;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 84 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Notes that developing counter- narratives should primarily be carried out by civil society in third countries to safeguard their credibility and legitimacy; stresses in that regard that the Union’s action in this area must focus on supporting civil society, in particular in the use of and providing of access to communication technology;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 98 #

2015/2063(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recalls that the EU Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq as well as the Da’esh threat of 16 March 2015 states that counter-terrorism efforts will only be effective if a clear distinction is made between terrorist organisations and groups that espouse non-violent forms of political Islam; stresses that the suppression of such non-violent groups could lead to their radicalisation; therefore calls on third countries to adopt proportionate law enforcement measures in line with minimum human rights protection standards;
2015/07/01
Committee: AFET
Amendment 12 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 21
– whereas the conflicts in Syria, the conflict in Iraq, the crisis in Yemen and the situation inIraq, Yemen and Libya are a major potential source of destabilisation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); having regard to the junction between the Sahel and Middle Eastern fronts in the fight against terrorism; having regard to the disastrous consequences of such a situation for the security of the whole region and of Europe; having regard to the number of civilian victims and the acts of terror committed against them; having regard to the serious humanitarian crisis caused by these conflicts, causing massive population displacements and creating enormous difficulties for refugees and their host communities; having regard to the difficulties in discerning a political approach and establishing a legitimate and reliable basis for inclusive dialogue with the various parties concerned; having regard to the resulting long-term damage to political and economic development, durable infrastructures and demographic cohesion in the region;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 23
- whereas the Middle East and North Africa are in a state of geopolitical turmoil that is likely to bring about deep and unpredictable changes to regional balances; having regard to the escalating crises and conflicts, their ethnic and sectarian dimension, the rise of paramilitary groups and the weakness or collapse of certain states in the region; whereas the MENA countries and international community have shared security interests in connection with the fight against ISIS;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 33 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 24
– whereas the conflict in Iraq and Syria, like the conflict in Yemen, is exacerbating regional tensions,; with the risk of politicalhereas the religious cause is being used as a tool to further interests of politics and power; whereas this creates a risk of confrontation between Sunni and Shia that extendings beyond their immediate borders and jeopardisinggeographical borders and threatens other countries in the region;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 26 a (new)
- whereas the upheavals in the MENA region have an impact on the EU’s capacity to promote its political and democratic values; whereas they affect the development of its economic relations with the countries in question and could jeopardise its energy security;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 62 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 28 a (new)
- whereas the European Union, if it is to exert a positive influence on the MENA countries, must be able to do more than just hold out the prospect of economic cooperation, in particular by offering a large-scale political and strategic partnership;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses the importance of a constant EU political presence at the highest level to secure a long-term strategic political dialogue and a genuine joint debate with the MENA countries on what they need to achieve internal political stability and promote regional stability in partnership with the EU;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 83 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the European Union will only gain real influence on the international scene if it is able to speak with one voice; calls on the VP/HR accordingly to appoint representatives at the highest level, i.e. EU foreign ministers or very senior political figures acting on her instructions and together with her, to ensure a constant dialogue with the countries of the region; notes that this continued bilateral strategic political dialogue should form part of a regional strategy defined with the countries concerned, with the support of key partner countries, to ensure political and security stability in the long term;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 124 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the involvement of the countries of the Arab Peninsula in the international coalition against ISIS; urges their governments to redouble their efforts to prevent the financing of international terrorism, for example through including increased surveillance of waqfs and private donors; stresses the urgent need to introduce an efficient system of penalties coordinated with the LAS so as to put an end to ISIS financing by the Arab world; stresses also the urgent need for a decryption system to deal with clandestine oil sales by ISIS; notes the growing responsibilities being assumed by the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Egypt on the regional scene; calls on these states to coordinate any intervention with the League of Arab States (LAS) and the international community;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls the need to put in place the conditions for a resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority for a lasting settlement of the conflict based on a solution enabling both countries to live side by side in peace and security; welcomes the 2002 peace initiatives and calls on the LAS countries to put them into effect; stresses that any debate on resuming the peace process and on administrative and political control of the Gaza Strip by the Palestinian Authority would gain greatly by including the LAS; stresses the crucial role played by Egypt in bringing about the final ceasefire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel in summer 2014; calls on international donors to honour the commitments made by them at the Cairo Conference of October 2014;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 176 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses full support for a new common security and defence policy (CSDP) to promote stability and security in the MENA countries; points out that the EU could play a major role in providing specific training in border surveillance, anti-terrorism and the prevention of arms’ trafficking and in overhauling security; stresses the importance of dialogue and cooperation with the LAS and the African Union so that partner countries in the region can play a leading role in the fight against extremism, in terms of both competences and military and human resources, in partnership and full coordination with the European Union;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 197 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. RIs particularly concerned that the various political crises in the region have reduced the intelligence capacity of the Member States; recalls the crucial importance of promoting improved cooperation between the EU Member States and the MENA countries in combating terrorism; calls for closer cooperation with the Europol and Interpol countries, providing them with assistance in developing the necessary anti- terrorist structures and resources;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, taking due account of the moderate opposition existing alongside the Syrian National Councilalition and strengthening the moderate Sunni components; in this respect welcomes the Syrian National Coalition’s efforts in broadening its membership and engaging with other opposition groups in support of an inclusive political solution, including through recent engagement with the National Coordination Commission to set out the oppositions' vision for political transition; points out that no democratic solution in line with the fundamental principles of the Union can be negotiated with Bachar Al-Assad, following the massacres perpetrated by him;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 244 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Expresses its deep concern at the situation in Libya; fully supports the efforts of Bernardino León, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, to achieve a political solution to the conflict; stresses the need to maintain its territorial integrity and national unity; stresses, in line with the recommendations of the AU contact group, that the Libyan crisis can only be resolved by means of dialogue that is as inclusive as possible;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 255 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Is convinced that the lack of democracy is one of the fundamental causes of political instability in the region; believes that a long-term, comprehensive strategy to promote democracy is needed to help the countries in the region achieve political stability; calls on the European Union to provide active and sustainable support to the democratic aspirations of societies in the region at the same time as establishing a constructive and in-depth dialogue with governments which takes account of the specific characteristics of each society; calls on the EEAS to redouble its efforts to spread and explain European values, in particular through its regular contacts with the authorities and, at the same time, with representatives of civil societies;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 275 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to continue to encourage democratic reforms within the EU neighbouring countries; stresses the importance of maintaining the ‘two- thirds/one third’ principle for the allocation of ENP fundingnotes that ENP economic and commercial incentives alone are insufficient to achieve the objective of stability and security; calls on the Commission, the EEAS, the Council and the Member States to develop a political and strategic ENP dimension; welcomes the launch by the HR/VP and the Commission of broad consultation on ENP renewal;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 280 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Underlines the opportunity that negotiations on Association Agreements provide to boost reforms; stresses that all the dimensions should be linked in order for the EU to deepen its relationship in a comprehensive and coherent manner; stresses the need to include real and tangible incentives for partners in these agreements in order to make the path of reform more attractive, more effective and discernible to civilian populations;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 288 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Is convinced that cultural cooperation is essential in combating terrorism and any form of radicalism, particularly as it will allow future generations in the countries in the region to have an informed view of the European Union and its commitment to universal values; stresses the utmost importance of promoting cultural and academic exchanges; urges partner countries to participate in EU cultural programmes; calls on the Commission to act on the European Parliament’s proposal for the creation of an ambitious Euro- Mediterranean Erasmus programme distinct from the Erasmus+ programme; calls on the Commission to pay particular attention, in the immediate term, to the Erasmus+ programmes drawn up for the southern Mediterranean;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 308 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Emphasises the potential for cultural and interreligious dialogue offered by the ENP; stresses the connection between, on the one hand, exchange and cooperation between the EU and the ENP countries in the fields of culture and education and, on the other hand, the building and strengthening of an open civil society, democracy, the rule of law and the promotion of fundamental freedoms and human rights;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 315 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Stresses the need to highlight the central role of the Union for the Mediterranean which, as a unique forum for dialogue on partnership between the European Union and all the countries in the Mediterranean region, needs to become a driving force for investment in the regionʼs sustainable socioeconomic development; points out that it should itself be able to raise the necessary funds for these projects; endorses the direction being taken by ministerial meetings; calls for wider dissemination of resulting programmes and actions, for the latter to be stepped up and be placed on the political agenda of the various institutional stakeholders;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 322 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Notes that the MENA region is affected particularly by poverty and inequalities; is convinced that economic and social development, combined with greater democracy and justice, is what is needed for political stability to become a fact; is worried by the situation young people are in and deems their having decent and legitimate prospects for their future to be essential;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the European Union to affirm its involvement in all stages of the economic development of the states in the region, assisted by all the tools placed at its disposal; recalls that these tools range from humanitarian aid to full and deep free trade agreements and enable it to cover a process that goes from exiting the crisis and up to the establishment of stable institutions;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 342 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Regrets that a minimum one-year period is necessary for the release of macro-financial assistance to countries in a very precarious financial situation; urges the deployment of a new procedural dimension for EU aid, both in regard to aid through EU external action financial instruments and at macro-financial assistance level; urges the European Union to mobilise or redirect funding very promptly; calls on Arab donors to coordinate aid within the LAS and, as far as possible, together with the European Union;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 345 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to coordinate their investment strategies with the Union for the Mediterranean so as to create positive synergies;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 348 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
24. Calls on the EU to develop partnerships with countries in the region that are not direct neighbours; supports the conclusion of a convention to establish a free-trade area between the EU and GCC and the resumption of negotiations for a new joint action programmein so far as a mutually profitable agreement can be found which would offer the European Union a greater presence and a further lever in the region, notably through the resumption of negotiations for a new joint action programme; recalls to mind that an agreement of this kind between the GCC and EFTA came into force on 1 July 2014;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 355 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
25. Regrets the deadlock faced by the EU with regard to the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU); stresses that regional integration of the MENA countries would enable political links to be strengthened and would further trade and development; calls on the EU to make every effort to assist with the regional integration of the Maghreb countries under the AMU or Agadir agreements;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 358 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Welcomes the support of the Foreign Affairs Council for the Southern Mediterranean Investment Coordination Initiative (AMICI); stresses the importance of initiatives that further consistency and efficiency in the European Unionʼs external action;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 359 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Supports further cooperation in the transport sector, including by linking the infrastructure network of the European Union and partner countries more tightly in order to facilitate the movement of people and goods;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 360 #

2014/2229(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Stresses that supplying energy to countries in the EUʼs southern neighbourhood is important both strategically and in economic terms; asserts that Euro-Mediterranean interconnections in the gas and electricity sectors need to be encouraged;
2015/04/17
Committee: AFET
Amendment 36 #

2011/2245(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) show that, in order to achieve the objectives spelled out above, the creation of a new Fund is more appropriate and more effective than revision of the existing instruments, particularly the EIDHR;
2011/12/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 85 #

2011/2245(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) enable the EED to award grants directly to the intended beneficiaries and re-grant financial resourcegive preference to awarding grants through non- profit entities, such as foundations and NGOs; particularly at the beginning,, over the direct award of grants to final beneficiaries; re- granting will be an effective mechanism to enable the EED to work with partners on the ground that have the requisite knowledge and local infrastructure and enjoy the trust of local people;
2011/12/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2011/2245(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) structure the EED as an administratively flexible and efficient Brussels-based structure, with straightforward grant-award mechanisms; applicants should not be required to undergo cumbersome tendering procedures; co-financing by beneficiaries should not be a prerequisite for funding; the award of grants should, however, be conditional on compliance with strict and clear criteria and the list of beneficiaries should be made public; appropriate procedures and safeguards should be implemented to avoid any form of fraud and misuse of funds granted directly or indirectly to beneficiaries;
2011/12/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 123 #

2011/2245(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) ensure that Parliament is involved and consulted throughout the entire process of the creation, setting-up and running of the EED, inter alia through the inclusion of a number of MEPs on its Board of Governors and its Executive Committee, in order to guarantee political balance and to enable Parliament to provide its input into defining the political and strategic guidelines underpinning the endowment's activitie, priorities, expected results and overall financial allocations in a meaningful and systematic manner;
2011/12/20
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the concept of a macro- regional strategy, which, on the basis of the experience gained in existing macro- regions (Baltic Sea and Danube regions), can encourage Member States, regions, local authorities and third countries to manage resources in such a way as to foster growth, prosperity, security and sustainable protection of thedevelop territorial cooperation projects, particularly concerning economic and environmental issues, in areas sharing common geographic, historic and cultural characteristics;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 10 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to lend specific support to the idea of an Ionian- Adriatic macro-region, taking due account of neighbourhood policies;Emphasises, in the light of the many economic, social and environmental challenges faced by all Mediterranean regions, the importance of creating a macro-region for the Mediterranean as a whole, so as to promote closer cooperation within athis specific area which includes EU Member States and neighbouring countries which have the Mediterranean Sea as the major, but not sole, element of their common heritage; and to seek synergies with r, taking due account of neighbourhood policies; believant institutions, suches that this macro-region should, ast the European Investment Bank and the Union for the Mediterraneansame time, facilitate cooperation on a sub-regional level for specific projects;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 13 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Emphasises that a Mediterranean macro-region could give the Union for the Mediterranean’s specific projects real added value, so that they complement each other, particularly in the form of financial contributions, where appropriate;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 15 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Believes that it is necessary, in order to implement a Mediterranean macro- regional strategy, to build on the experience and work of existing regional institutions and to seek possible synergies with them, particularly, in addition to the UFM, the European Investment Bank and ARLEM;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 17 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that appropriate resources should be devoted to the development of a new Ionian-AdriaticMediterranean macro-regional strategy, with sufficient safeguards tohile ensureing that existing financing is used in anas effective mannerly as possible, promoting, where necessary, the principle of 'more for more', and always in strict compliance with the rule of law and on the basis of respect for human rights;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 21 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises the need to involve, right from when the strategy is laid down, the non-EU Member States and regions to be integrated into a Mediterranean macro- region, using the Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument for this purpose;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 22 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for the Ionian-Adriatica Mediterranean macro- region shcould, in particular, be the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution; and the strengthening of effective public administration, to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governancemaritime security and safety and protection of the maritime environment, by establishing an integrated network of reporting and surveillance systems for maritime activities; the development of transregional energy networks; and scientific and academic cooperation;
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 28 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
5. Regards it as crucial that the new macro-region should contribute to the definition of a new strategy for the proper management of immigration flows;deleted
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 32 #

2011/2179(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Union to consider developing an EU macro-regional strategy specific to the Mediterranean, covering countries or regions which share one or more common features or common challenges in the area of defence and security, such as maritime security, maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment; through the creation of an integrated network of reporting and surveillance systems for maritime activities.deleted
2012/02/10
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to its Written Declaration No 15/2011 of 27 September 2011 on the establishment of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 11 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
– having regard to its resolutions of 19 January 2006 on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)2 , of 15 November 2007 on strengthening the ENP3 , of 6 July 2006 on the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)4 , of 5 June 2008 on the annual report from the Council to the European Parliament on the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP5 , of 19 February 2009 on the review of the ENPI6 , of 19 February 2009 on the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean7 , of 17 January 2008 on a Black Sea Regional Policy Approach8 , of 20 January 2011 on an EU Strategy for the Black Sea9 , of 20 May 2010 on the Union for the Mediterranean10 , of 20 May 2010 on the Need for an EU Strategy for the South Caucasus11 , of 9 September 2010 on the situation of the Jordan River, with special regard to the Lower Jordan River area12 ,of 3 February 2011 on the situation in Tunisia13 , of 17 February 2011 on the situation in Egypt14 , of 10 March 2011 on the Southern Neighbourhood, and Libya in particular, including humanitarian aspects15 and, of 7 July 2011 on Syria, Yemen and Bahrain in the context of the situation in the Arab World and North Africa, and of 15 September 2011 on the situation in Syria,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 18 a (new)
– having regard to the conclusions of the inaugural meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) held in Barcelona on 21 January 2010,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 25 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the ENP should take account of the new regional context and the demonstrations calling for freedom, democracy and reforms in several countries in the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood, as they illustrated the strong desire among the people for genuine change and better living conditions in the region,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 27 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas, in this new context, relations with these countries should be given fresh impetus, based on cooperation focusing on democracy and prosperity on both shores of the Mediterranean, and not only security and migration control,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 35 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the EU needs to define more precisely its strategic goals and priorities in its partnership with its eastern and southern neighbours, and should attach due importance to the relevant items on its political agenda and in its budgetary planning,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 47 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D
D. whereas the EU should provide itself with flexible and properly funded instruments in order to match its ambitions and events in the regions,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 51 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. having regard to the European Parliament’s support for the establishment of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci programmes through Written Declaration 15/2011 of 27 September 2011,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 65 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Insists that differentiation based on each country’s political, economic and social realities, performance and achievements should be predicated on clearly defined criteria and assessable benchmarks;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 86 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the proposal for a European Endowment for Democracy, which is a timely response to the clamour for democracy by the populations of our neighbouring countries; underlines that it should be based on the principles of transparency and flexibility and should complement already-existing EU Instruments and the exemplary work of longstanding European political or non- political foundations; stresses that its scope and organisation should be clearly defined and that its structures and procedures should be light and straightforward; calls for a truly political steering committee to be established with the participation of the European Parliament, which should also be involveQuestions the added value of establishing a European Endowment for Democracy and regrets the Commission’s lack of clarity on this subject; recognises the need to respond better to the clamour for democracy by the populations of our neighbouring countries, but points out that the European Union has varied and effective instruments at its disposal which could be improved and strengthened, in particular the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument; stresses the need to avoid any excessive growth in instruments and to guard against the risk of establishing an endowment partly funded from the Community budget which would not be subject to European Parliament budgetary control; insists on a right of scrutiny for the European Parliament in the process of setting up the possible future EED, in the determination of annual objectives, priorities, expected results and financial allocations in broad terms, and in the implementation and monitoring of activities; highlights the contradictory statements concerning the possibility of the EED financing foreign political parties, and sin the ex-post control mechanisms; cerely hopes that clarification on this subject will be forthcoming;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 124 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the EEAS and the Commission to strengthen the role of civil society organisations, in particular human rights and women’s organisations, in policy monitoring; notes that civil society organisations are the EU’s faithful and powerful allies in promoting democratic values, good governance and human rights in partner countries; calls for the increased involvement of regional and local authorities and of professional organisations and the social partners in EU cooperation with its southern neighbours; calls on the Council and the Commission to further strengthen and make more effective use of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights in this regard;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 155 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses again that economic and social development and a higher standard of living are essential for consolidating political reforms and achieving social stability in the partner countries concerned;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 157 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that immediate measures, such as cofinancing of already identified flagship or pilot projects or other concrete economic projects of strategic importance, which can be implemented on the ground rapidly, with unquestionable tangible results, should be promptly undertaken to alleviate the situation of the countries currently facing significant socioeconomic crises, with special regard to partner countries where democratic transition aggravates economic difficulties;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Strongly supports the promotion of sub-regional cooperation and stresses the importance of developing partner-to- partner bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation, which would bring tangible benefits for citizens and improve the political climate in the region; places particular emphasis on the importance of encouraging the development of ‘South- South’ trade and economic integration among the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the EU to lend strong support to the process of political and economic reform in the Southern Neighbourhood, by using all existing instruments in order to support as effectively as possible the process of democratic transition, with a focus on respect for fundamental freedoms, good governance, the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption, thus responding to the needs and expectations of the peoples of our southern neighbours;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 168 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Emphasises that the Union must afford special importance to decentralised cooperation at local level, by means of small-scale projects providing immediate and tangible improvements to the quality of life of citizens in neighbouring countries, thereby helping consolidate the progress made towards democracy across the entire territory of these countries;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 198 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Reaffirms that, for the Sou the aim of thern partnership, with the aimEU’s should be mutually beneficial and ambitious trade arrangements which can lead to DCFTAs, which will surely represent the first step towards a big ‘Euro-Mediterranean Economic Space’, which will also help to solve the economic problems of our neighboring partners in the Souththern neighbours is to bring the two shores of the Mediterranean closer together with a view to establishing an area of peace, democracy, security and prosperity for their 800 million inhabitants, and to provide the EU and its partners with an effective bilateral and multilateral framework enabling them to overcome democratic, social and economic challenges, to promote regional integration, in particular in relation to trade, and to ensure their co-development for the benefit of all;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 205 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Wishes objective, binding criteria for granting ‘advanced status’ to be defined; stresses the need to clarify the rights and duties arising from this bilateral commitment, both for partner countries and for the EU;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 212 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Notes thatBelieves that sharing a common area means sharing responsibilities fairly, and calls for closer cooperation, in particular with regard to all policies and issues entailing a cross-border dimension; calls, therefore, for the regional and cross- border dimensions of sectoral cooperation shouldto be strengthened;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 234 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the importance of paying particular attention to the younger generation; stresses that the EU should increase cooperation in the field of education and vocational training, immediately broadening and increasing scholarship programmes and mobility of students by promoting university and high-school exchanges andin order to further the mobility of students, teachers and lecturers, researchers and apprentices by promoting exchanges between higher education and training institutions, along with public-private partnerships in the fields of research and vocational training; considers it essential to develop more flexible, accelerated procedures for issuing visas to participants in such programmes; stresses the strong need for a structured information policy towards the citizens of the ENP partners concerning the possibility of participation in EU programmes;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 243 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Calls on the Commission to take over Parliament’s proposal, produced in the wake of the Arab Spring, to establish a Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus programme, an initiative which – assuming that it were successful – would be suitable to extend to the neighbourhood as a whole; at this stage deplores the inadequacy of the Commission proposals, which, notwithstanding the Commission’s statements on 27 September 2011, in reality provide only for a very modest increase in the number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 245 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Calls on the Commission to take over Parliament’s proposal, produced in the wake of the Arab Spring, to establish a Euro-Mediterranean Leonardo da Vinci programme aimed at encouraging the mobility of young people wishing to acquire vocational training abroad, the object being to help combat the youth unemployment endemic to the southern Mediterranean;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)
20c. Hopes that partner countries will become more actively involved in the work of the European Training Foundation and the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 251 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
21. Believes that the EU should advance its work on visa facilitation and readmission agreements, with a view to moving – once all conditions are met – to a visa-free regime; believes, further, that the EU should advance its work on readmission agreements if, and only if, the partner country concerned gives sufficient guarantees regarding the protection of human rights; endorses the Commission’s new resolve to conclude visa facilitation and readmission agreements simultaneously, and not separately, so as to overcome bottlenecks; also calls for the material conditions for the issue and renewal of visas to be more respectful of human rights; underlines that the provisions on asylum must be fully in line with international obligations and commitments and EU standards, especially in the human rights field;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 265 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 d (new)
21d. Reiterates its firmly held view that the European Neighbourhood Policy will not be wholly effective unless synergy is created between its bilateral and multilateral dimensions; considers it essential, therefore, to strengthen the multilateral component of the ENP, to which a more substantial proportion of funding should be allocated under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls the importance of cofinancing specific tangible regional projects to contribute to a shared process of development and integration; in this regard, welcomes the opportunity offered by the establishment of the UfM to streNotes that the multilateral component of the ENP should serve to aid the early, effective launch of tangible Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) projects to pave the way for a shared process of development and integration, not least by cofinancing feasibility studies and supporting then complementarity between bilateral policies and regional policies, in order to achieve more effectively the goals of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, based wider use of concessional loans; regarding the current state of play, welcomes the increase in the overall budget onf the mutual recognition of common valuesNeighbourhood Investment Facility;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 302 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Stresses that the contractual relations with all ENP countries contain arrangements for a regular forum to address human rights issues, in the form of subcommittees on human rights; calls on the EEAS to make full use of these arrangements and involve existing subcommittees in any negotiations,
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 304 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that the European Parliament plays an important role, through its parliamentary delegations and its delegations to parliamentary assemblies, in strengthening political dialogue and promoting fully-fledged freedoms, democratic reforms and the rule of law in its neighbouring partner countries and underlines that these contacts could also be a way to assess the fulfilment of the forthcoming criteria and to make the necessary adjustments to bilateral and multilateral cooperation arrangements in the light of events and the progress achieved;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 310 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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 drivencentred on commitments and progress as regards reforms in partner countries, as well as on their needs and capacities; notes that more flexibility and simplification should respect the right of democratic scrutiny and be accompanied by increased supervision of the spending;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 339 #

2011/2157(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the work carried out by the European Investment Bank, in particular through the Facility for Euro- Mediterranean Investment and Partnership, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and underlines the importance of and the need for more synergies with other international financial institutions also active in these countries; supports the modification of the EBRD’s statutes in order for the Southern neighbourhood partners also to be eligible for its assistance; and wishes to ensure that the EIB and the EBRD, whose capital is for the most part, in both cases, of European origin, are brought into a fruitful relationship based on cooperation, not driven by competition;
2011/10/11
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the European Consensus on Development reaffirms the EU's commitment to poverty eradication and the pursuit of the MDGs, and to principles such as ownership and partnership, aid effectiveness and policy coherence for development, which continue to be crucial and should guide efforts to enhancinge the impact of EU development aid,
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 13 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that great dividends in increasing the impact of EU aid could already be achieved through the full implementation of principles already guiding development action such as the poverty focus of EU aid, PCD, and the Paris and Accra aid effectiveness commitments; therefore calls on the Commission to take a leadership role on these issues, especially towards the high level forum on aid effectiveness in Busan;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 16 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Considers that projects and policies funded by the European Union should be routinely assessed to determine which development actions are the most effective; calls on the Commission accordingly to formulate a comprehensive assessment policy based on clear-cut criteria and indicators; reiterates, however, that the quest for a policy with a strong impact should not lead to favouring a purely quantitative and short- term assessment of the results;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 20 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that involving the populations of beneficiary countries in the development and assessment of public development policies is an essential requirement for their success; emphasises therefore that, in keeping with the concept of democratic ownership, parliaments, local authorities, civil society and other stakeholders shouldall be supported in their efforts to play their proper role in defining development strategies, holding governments to account and assessing development results;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 21 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that in keeping with the concept of democratic ownership, parliaments, local and regional authorities, civil society and other stakeholders should be supported in their efforts to play their proper role in defining development strategies, holding governments to account and assessing development results; further insists on the fact that the territorial approach of development allows a better ownership by the beneficiaries;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 27 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Highlights the role played by local and regional authorities and their networks in increasing the impact of the European development policy; points out that legitimate local and regional authorities, by virtue of their powers, responsibilities and proximity to the population, are a crucial link in the concerted and sustainable development of territories;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 33 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Insists that needs must remain a crucial criterion for the allocation of EU development aid; calls on the Commission and the Member States to focus the disbursement of Official Development Assistance (ODA) on the poorest countries, and on reaching the poorest layers of society; warns in this respect against funds being concentrated on projects and countries that present the least risk, something that could happen if there is too great an emphasis on strong impact;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 45 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) is crucial to the implementation of a high-impact development policy and to the achievement of the MDGs; calls on the Commission to define clearly responsibilities and leadership from the highest levels for enforcing the Treaty obligation of PCD, and calls for sufficient resources to be set aside for this purpose in the Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU delegations;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 55 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its position that the collective target of devoting 0.7% of the Union’s Gross National Income (GNI) to ODA by 2015 must be met, as increasing the impact of existing aid will not be enough; urges the Commission and Member States to find new sources of development funding such as a financial transaction tax; opposes any broadening of the definition of ODA;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 79 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)
9d. Stresses that economic growth policies cannot succeed without proactive policies on redistribution, market regulation, promotion of social and environmental standards and the implementation of social protection mechanisms;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 93 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises that diversifying the economies of developing countries and reducing their dependence on imports need to be priority objectives for policies supporting growth;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 106 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Recalls that investing in children and youth is a long-term investment in sustainable human development;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 136 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Emphasises that support for the private sector must go hand in hand with assistance to the public authorities and parliaments in beneficiary countries to enable them to regulate markets effectively, to promote transparency, to implement equitable tax policies and good governance and to fight corruption;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 137 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Emphasises that support for the private sector must go hand in hand with assistance to the public authorities and parliaments in beneficiary countries to enable them to regulate markets effectively, to promote transparency and, good governance and a fair taxation policy and to fight corruption;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 140 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Stresses that the EU should ensure that its own multinational corporations contribute to inclusive growth in partner countries through paying their taxes in the country where they operate; in this view, calls on the Commission to implement country by country reporting for all European multinationals operating in developing countries;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 146 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls attention to the fact that access to modern sustainable energy services constitutes a necessary condition for achieving the Millennium Development Goals; prioritises support for local and regional sustainable energy solutions, and decentralised energy production in particular, so as to bring development priorities in line with environmental concerns;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 170 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its position that the EU should focus its development assistance on promoting sustainable small-scale agricultural production; emphasises the need to ensure, in particular, access for small farmers to the means of production (land, secured title deeds, agricultural inputs, training, credit, consultancy and advisory services), to processing and marketing opportunities and to local and cross-border markets;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 180 #

2011/2047(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)
23c. Emphasises that tackling food insecurity entails implementing multi- sector activities such as management of local natural resources, boosting production, training, structuring professional organisations, setting up safety nets for the most vulnerable, nutrition education and developing non- agricultural rural jobs to raise the income of rural families, these being the first victims of famine;
2011/04/18
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 37 #

2010/2211(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Demands a substantial increase in the amount of the EIB loans covered by the EU guarantee, when the new financial perspective is drawn up, in order to boost the effectiveness and visibility of EU action beyond its borders with a view to achieving the EU external policy objectives enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty;
2010/12/16
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 38 #

2010/2211(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Calls on the EIB to provide the Commission with all the necessary information aimed at devoting a specific section of the EIB financing operations' annual report to a detailed evaluation of the measures taken by the EIB to comply with the provisions of the current mandate, excluding from the scope of the guarantee all operations which would allow, or contribute directly or indirectly to, any form of tax evasion, and paying particular attention to EIB operations using financial vehicles situated in offshore financial centres;
2010/12/16
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 18 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital G
G. whereas the Treaty provides the EU with a single legal personality, which will allow it to accessde to the European Convention on Human Rights and enable the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg to verify compliance by EU acts with the Convention,
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 30 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K
K. whereas economic, social and cultural rights must receive the same attention and be treated at the same level of importance as civil and political rights, from which they are inseparable,
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 38 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. whereas new forms of human rights abuses are occurring in the world, notably in the area of the new information technologies, one of them being internet censorship and the other being infringement of privacy through the use of personal data,
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 103 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the EU Member States to sign up to, and ratify, all core UN and Council of Europe human rights conventions and the optional protocols thereto, in particular to ratify the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, the Additional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; insists that the Optional Protocol to the Convention should be regarded as an integral part thereof, and calls for simultaneous accession to the latter (Convention and Protocol);
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 178 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
37. Urges the Iranian leadecountries which still have recourse to enact a law unequivocally banning stoning as a legaldeath by stoning to abolish legislation providing for this inhuman punishment; condemns the fact that the Iranian regimemany countries still sentences to death and executes juvenile offenders; condemns the Iranian regime’s use of the death penalty, which places Iran in second position, just after China, in the league table of countries with the highest number of executions; strongly condemns the increased number of executions following the peaceful demonstrations after presidential elections in Iran in June 2009; is concerned that China still carries out the greatest number of executions worldwide; welcomes the positive action of the Belarusian authorities in setting up a Working Group to draft proposals on imposing a moratorium on the death penalty; remains concerned that executions are still carried out in Belarus, which is the only country in Europe that continues to use the death penalty;
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 356 #

2010/2202(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74
74. Recalls the decision of US President Barack Obama to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in January 2009; expresses its regret that this decision has not been fully implemented; urges the US Government to live up fully to its commitments; welcomes the constructive engagement of a number of EU Member States in their efforts to assist with reception of certain former Guantanamo detainees and with finding accommodation for some of the people cleared for release from the detention camp; advocates cooperation between the European Union and the United States on these questions;
2010/10/18
Committee: AFET
Amendment 1 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that at the last High-Level$300 billion will be necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in 2015; regrets that, despite their recent statements at the September 2010 UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) government, most of the industrialised countries areaffirmed failing to honour their 2005 commitments to achieving the development goals by 2015, but that the reality is that a much more concerted effort has to be madeincrease public development aid; therefore considers that the use of innovative financing is essential to achieve the Millennium Development Objectives; underlines that it is not acceptable that innovative financing mechanisms (IFMs) might be seen as an encouragement for certain countries to renounce Official Development Assistance (ODA), which must on the contrary be extended to them;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 9 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers it fair that activities which benefit substantially from trade globalisation, such as the financial and transport sectors, should contribute to the protection of global public goods and the resolution of major global challenges, in particular development and measures to combat climate change;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 12 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the fundamental objective of IFMs is the allocation of additional financial resources to meet the major global challenges in the areas of climate change and development policy; notes that these mechanisms, which have the advantage of providing more stable and predictable resources than public development aid, are particularly well adapted to funding non-commercial services, such as health and education systems;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 14 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the fact that the Final Declaration of the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Objectives, adopted on 22 September 2010, for the first time refers specifically to the role of innovatory financing in order to fulfil the MDOs;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 15 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Underlines the success of innovatory financing mechanisms to date, in particular the UNITAID international facility for the purchase of drugs, the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm) and the advance market commitment (AMC) for vaccination against pneumococcal disease, which have to date raised over $2 billion; notes that other innovatory financing mechanisms have also proved effective, for example debt-for-nature or debt-for-health swaps or bunker fuel taxes;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 16 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Stresses that a global tax of 0.05% on financial transactions would generate income of over $500 billion, which could be used to fund development and measures to combat climate change in southern countries;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 17 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Notes that a number of Member States have come out in favour of a tax on financial services;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 18 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Recalls the firm support given by a number of European Heads of State for the implementation of a tax on financial transactions at the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Objectives in September 2010 and expects decisive action from them in support of this commitment;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 19 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Supports firmly the implementation of a tax on international and European financial transactions; urges the Commission accordingly to promote this measure actively within the G20 and to present without delay legislative proposals for the introduction of this tax at European level;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 20 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Calls on the Member States which have not yet done so to join the pilot group on innovatory financing set up in 2006 and participate in all existing mechanisms, including the solidarity contribution on airline tickets;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 21 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3h. Urges the Commission to propose the implementation of innovative development financing mechanisms at EU level;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 22 #

2010/2105(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3i. Calls on the institutions and EU governments to examine closely the possibility of creating a worldwide lottery to fund measures to combat hunger, as proposed by the World Food Programme, in the form of the Food Project;
2010/11/22
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 21 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Considers it regrettable that, outside the humanitarian partners, there is insufficient awareness of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, and calls for the introduction of specific training about the consensus, particularly for the European External Action Service (EEAS), for diplomats from the Member States and for military bodies;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 24 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Encourages active promotion by EU delegations in third countries of the dissemination and implementation of the consensus and of its Action Plan among the representations of the Member States;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 30 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recalls the importance of maintaining a balanced overall response while devoting particular attention to ‘forgotten crises’;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 41 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Recalls that genuine and continuous involvement – and if possible participation – of beneficiaries in the management of aid is one of the essential conditions for the quality of humanitarian responses, particularly in the case of long-term crises;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 48 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages the Commission to continue its thinking about the potential negative impact of humanitarian aid on the areas where it is provided – particularly the possible destabilisation of economic and social structures and the impact on the natural environment – and calls on it to devise appropriate strategies to make it possible to take this impact into account from the project design stage;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 54 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Reaffirms the core role played by the United Nations, particularly the OCHA, in coordinating international humanitarian action;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 58 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Deplores, however, the chronic inadequacy of international coordination, illustrated by the recent examples of the responses to the tsunami in South-East Asia in 2004 and the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 59 #

2010/2101(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes initiatives to achieve greater consistency among the various European crisis-response instruments, and the fact that humanitarian aid and civil protection have been placed under the responsibility of a single directorate-general; insists, however, that a clear separation be maintained between the respective remits and rol, roles and resources;
2010/11/19
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 33 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Deplores the shortage of qualified health professionals – doctors, nurses and pharmacists – in many African countries, and the fact that many such professionals are recruited by European states, which are thus depriving the African countries of a precious development resource;
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 37 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Points out the importance of education about health and hygiene as an aspect of health policies;
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 49 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for the Commission's programmes to continue to place emphasis on specific projects targeting socio- economic health determinants in the form of drinking water, road infrastructure, food security, decent living and working conditions, protection of the environment, and measures to combat climate change;
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 50 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Calls on the Member States and on European laboratories, in accordance with the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement, to negotiate a ‘partnership approach’ respecting patent protection in developed markets and covering voluntary licensing agreements, support for health programmes, technology transfer arrangements and an increase in local production capacity with a view to reducing the price of medicines in low- income countries (through tiered or differential pricing);
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 51 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Asks the EU not to include in EPAs provisions on intellectual property rights that place further obstacles in the way of access to essential medicines; points out that, under the 2001 Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, the EU is committed to putting public health before commercial interests, and asks it to use the framework of the EPAs to help the ACP countries implement the flexibility provisions of the Doha Declaration;
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 60 #

2010/2070(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 d (new)
34d. Calls on the EU actively to support the development of permanent basic health infrastructure – hospitals, dispensaries and pharmacies – as well as the training of qualified healthcare staff and access to medicines;
2010/07/15
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 10 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the fact that Iran's violations of its NPT Treaty obligations add to world's concerns about the safety of the world non-proliferation system, with the nuclear powers India and Israel refusing to join, the DPRK leaving the treaty and Pakistan's chief nuclear specialist operating a proliferation system in the past,
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 18 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
– having regard to the Vienna Group proposal for transferring Iranian uranium to Russia and France and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to delay the passage of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 (2010),
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 26 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas since the controversial June 2009 presidential elections the reformists have become most commonly identified with the Green Movement, the popular, grass-roots social movement that took shape during the mass protests against President Ahmadinejad's re- electionpolitical developments in Iran following the disputed presidential elections of June 2009 have shown that there is great potential for popular-led, democratic change in the country spearheaded by its vibrant and active civil society,
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C
C. whereas the leadership has continuously used the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to suppress internal dissent, and whereas IRGC intervention in internal Iranian politics has peaked under President Ahmadinejad,
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 50 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. whereas Iran has problematicdifficult and unstable relations with almost allmany of its neighbours; whereas especially Israel and thecertain states in the Persian Gulf region feel intimidated by Iran's aggressive rhetoric and its ongoing nuclear programme, the aggressive rhetoric of the Iranian authorities, by the current lack of guarantees as to the exclusively civilian nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and by the support being given to Hezbollah and Hamas; whereas, on the other hand, the stabilising influence which Iran could potentially regain would be beneficial to the entire region, provided that it normalises its international relations, in particular with its neighbours, dispels once and for all the concerns regarding the real aims of its nuclear programme and guarantees enhanced respect for human rights on its territory,
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 55 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Iran has hosted two generations of Afghan refugees in the country, which have benefitted from basic health and education services; whereas in 2010 more than one million registered Afghans are residing in Iran; whereas Iran received only limited international support in this area,
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 80 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
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 Muslim world;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 84 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Affirms the need to take better account of the internal consequences of the different approaches adopted by the European Únion and the international community in response to the challenge posed by the Iranian nuclear progamme; recalls the role played by the US ‘open hand’ policy in the success of the various reformist movements in the most recent elections in 2009, and in the consequent destabilisation of the Iranian regime; notes also the potentially counterproductive nature of the sanctions imposed on the Iranian regime and in this regard calls on the relevant Commission departments to provide the European Parliament and the Council with an in- depth study of the impact of the various sanctions regimes on popular support for the Iranian regime and on the internal political, social and economic balances in Iran; calls on the Commission to involve the Iranian opposition movements as far as possible in this study;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 87 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Observes that previous Iranian mass movements were based on a dual pillar – the quest for both welfare and liberty – and suggests that the Green Movement add to its powerful political call of "Where is my voice?" the socio-economic and anti- corruption call "Where is my oil money?"that these remain unfulfilled promises of the 1979 revolution; whereas economic shortcomings such as inflation, corruption, high unemployment, energy shortages, an inefficient state sector and the waste of public funds have increased drastically over the last years;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 92 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Expresses its solidarity with the millions of Iranians who have taken to the streets after the June 2009 presidential elections in the hope of political change in Iran;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 99 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Warns that the IRGC is slowly taking over Irdevelopment of an; indicates that despite ideological congruity between Supreme Leader Khamenei and the IRGC leadership, the development of the IRGC into a state within a state is turning Khamenei into a hostage in the hands of his own Praetorian Guardcreasingly greater role for the IRGC in different spheres of Iranian society raises fears of further militarization of the state;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 106 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the EU institutions to address the serious fact that the IRGC and its 'front companies' have been involved in scandals that point to the militarization rather than the privatisation of Iran’s economy; stresses that this so- called 'privatisation' is enabling the Iranian leadership to transfer ownership from relatively transparent parts of the public sector to parts shielded from public scrutiny;deleted
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 113 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Reiterates its opposition to the death penalty and calls on the Iranian authorities, in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolutions 62/149 and 63/138, to institute a moratorium on executions pending the abolition of the death penalty;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 116 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran finally to abolish the death penalty for crimes committed before the age of 18 and to amend its legislation to bring it into line with the international human rights conventions that Iran has ratified, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ICCPR;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 120 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Expresses its grave consternation that Iran continues to be one of the very few countries, together with Afghanistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Nigeria, which still practise stoning; calls on the Iranian Parliament to pass legislation outlawing this cruel and inhumane form of punishment;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 124 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Strongly condemns the continuing legal discrimination of women and the persecution of sexual minorities in Iran; denounces the inhumane and medieval practice of sentencing people to death for alleged acts pertaining to the choice of partners or sexual practices; in this context, reiterates its condemnation of the death sentence against Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, charged with having had relations with two men; expresses continued concern about the fate of Ebrahim Hamidi, condemned to death by hanging on false charges of sodomy;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 127 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Urges the Iranian authorities to eliminate, in law and in practice, all forms of torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment, and to uphold due process of law and to end impunity for human rights violations; in particular, calls on the Iranian Parliament and judiciary to abolish such cruel and inhumane punishments as limb amputation, stoning and flogging, which are inconsistent with Iran's international obligations; firmly rejects the notion promoted by the Iranian judicial authorities that such punishments are culturally justified;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 132 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Is horrified by the fact thatCondemns the shooting into demonstrating crowds was considered acceptable by the security forces from the night of 15 June 2009 on, as shown in video footage; urges the EU institutions to present to the Iranian authoritiesby the Iranian security forces that took place on the night of 15 June 2009; urges the Council and the Commission to draw up a detailed list of all known incidents/violent actions against Iranian civilians in the aftermath of the election and insist that there be an honest judicial investigationcalls on the Iranian authorities to launch an independent investigation whose findings will be made public;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 140 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Insists that in any possible future negotiations with Iran the HR/VP makes the situation of human rights in the country a top priority; calls on the Commission to implement all the instruments at its disposal for the protection and promotion of human rights in Iran; in particular urges it to devise additional measures in the context of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights in order to actively protect human rights defenders; stresses that facilitating shelter to human rights defenders and access to organisational resources and communication platforms is of particular importance; encourages the Member States to support the European Shelter City Programme and programmes to develop measures against media interception technology;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 145 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Condemns the systematic harassment of labour activists carried out by the Iranian authorities, in contravention of the pledges Iran made at the United Nations Universal Periodic Review process to respect the social and economic rights of its citizens and their right to freedom of expression; urges the Iranian authorities to release all arrested labour activists and respect the right of trade union activists and teachers to participate in International Workers' Day (1 May) and National Teachers' Day (2 May); calls on the Iranian Government to respect workers' basic rights, as defined under international labour standards;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 147 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Condemns the campaign of dismissals of prominent university professors on political grounds as an intolerable attack on their human rights and academic freedom; believes that these policies will further politicise and debase Iranian universities, long a source of national pride and admiration by scholars around the world; calls on the Iranian authorities to take immediate steps to restore academic freedom in the country;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 150 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of Iran's "blogosphere" for a better European understanding of the dynamics at play within the Iranian political system, and therefore strongly encourages European media outlets to create a consortium of trusted Iranian bloggers to report regularly on events in Iran, and thus facilitate the analysis of their long-term implications, with full EU-backing;deleted
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 158 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Deplores the fact that, in contradiction with the Constitution, members of religious minorities endure discrimination in housing, education and official jobs, which is leading young members of these minorities to opt for emigration; condemns in particular the systematic persecution of the Baha'i community, the wave of arrests of Christians in 2009, and the harassment of religious dissidents, converts or non- believers as well as Sufi and Sunni Muslims; reiterates its call for the release of the 7 Baha'i leaders and calls on the Iranian Parliament to change Iranian legislation so as to ensure that all adherents of different beliefs in Iran can follow their convictions free from persecution;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 163 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses that Iran comes second on the World Watch List of Religious Persecution for 2010; condemns the wave of arrests of Christians in 2009, when at least 85 Christians were arrested; condemns the systematic persecution of the Baha'i community; calls for strong advocacy of religious freedom in Iran from the Council and Commission;deleted
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 167 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Concludes that the position of Iranian NGOs worsened considerably in the wake of the disturbanceprotests following the controversial presidential election of 12 June, 2009; strongly supports the Coucriticizes the fact that all international contacts or financial and the Commission for backing these NGOs in a sensible waysupport for NGOs in Iran are systematically abused by the authorities to try to discredit these organisations and their work;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 174 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Expects the Council and the Commission toCalls for the re-establishment of a UN mandate for a Special Rapporteur to investigate human rights abuses and encourage accountability for those perpetrating human rights violations in Iran; urges the Iranian authorities to react positively to longstanding requests by several UN Special Rapporteurs (e.g. Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; Torture; Freedom of Religion or Belief; Independence of Judges and Lawyers) for official visits to Iran;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 180 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the Council and the Commission to demandDemands that the Iranian regimeauthorities do not deter human rights activists from making use of their constitutional rights; calls for the immediate release of all those human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience who are still imprisoned;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 184 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to sign, ratify and implement the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW);
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 189 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that representatives of EU institutions should include in the programmes of their official visits to Iran meetings with opdevelop contacts with representatives from a broad range of Iranian poslition leaders/representatives of the Green Movement and prominent Iranian human rights dissidents; stresses also that official mutual contacts between the delegations of the EP and the Majlis should be conditional on concrete improvements in human righcal and social life including prominent Iranian human rights defenders; calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase support for grassroots activities and people-to-people contacts;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 194 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Urges official representatives of the EU and its Member States, when meetingCondemns the repression by the Iranian authorities of the independent media, including the censorship of video and photo materials; calls on their Iranian counterparts, to insist onauthorities to respect the freedom of the media and to allow for the re-opening of the many dailyforcibly closed newspapers; closed down in recent years, as well as the release of political prisoners, by presenting lists of names in both casesondemns the practice of expulsion of foreign correspondents by the Iranian Government, including reporters from major European newspapers such as El Pais and the Guardian; believes that the censorship imposed by the Government is leading Iran into increasing isolation;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 200 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Expresses concern about the oppression of cultural, musical and artistic expression through censorship, prohibition, and the repression of artists, musicians, film directors, writers and poets;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 202 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Welcomes steps taken by several Member States to provide shelter to those Iranian human rights defenders, dissidents, journalists, students, women, children and artists who are persecuted for their religious beliefs, expression, sexual orientation, or other forms of exercising their human rights;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 206 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Expresses its disappointmenteep concern at the continuing refusal by Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA byafford the IAEA the cooperation needed to allow it to verify the exclusively peaceful and civilian nature of the Iranian nuclear programme, as stated in the IAEA’s 2009 annual report; emphasises in particular that the Iranian authorities are obstructing the IAEA's work, by denying access to key nuclear facilities and vetoing the appointment of inspectors; calls on the Iranian leadership to fulfil Iran's obligations under the NPT; demands that Teheran ratify and implement the Additional Protocol on the Safeguards Agreement, in order to provide the IAEA with credible evidence that there are no undeclared nuclear materials and activities present on Iranian territory;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 223 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Supports the European Council’s twin-track approach, as employed, for example, by the European Council, aimed at finding a negotiated solution to the nuclear stand-offissue in Iran and commends it on its new Common Position of 26 July 2010 introducing new and far-reaching autonomous measures applicable to Iran;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 228 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Notes with interest the resumption of talks between Iran and the E3+3 which has been announced for mid-November 2010, after a break of over a year; emphasises the importance in this context of dialogue motivated solely by the sincere will of the parties to reach an agreement as quickly as possible;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 229 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Recalls that the issue of its nuclear programme pits Iran against the entire United Nations, not just against 'the West'; calls on the European Union to continue to make every effort, in its statements and its actions, not to lend credibility to the ‘shock of civilisations’ rhetoric employed for strategic ends by the Iranian authorities;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 232 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Commission, the Council and EU Member States to strengthenassess all enforcement mechanisms for the implementation of the EU Common Position - especially with regard to export licensing, custom and border controls, air cargo and shipping – in order to prevent Iran from evadingbe able to make a realistic evaluation of whether sanctions yield the intended results; re- iterates its position that these sanctions regime through third parties and locally registered front companishould not negatively affect the general population; welcomes in this context the decision of the US to impose targeted sanctions on Iranian officials determined to be responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Iran since the June 2009 disputed presidential election; calls on the Council to adopt similar measures;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 242 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the current Belgian Presidency and the forthcoming Hungarian Presidency to keep the Iranian nuclear file and the human rights of the Iranian people high on the agenda;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 246 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Stresses the importance of incorporating the European and international attempts to end the ambiguities surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme into a broader, horizontal and regional approach which would permit Iran, if the talks are successful and if it shows a genuine will to resume normal relations with its neighbours, to emerge rapidly from its international isolation both politically and economically, and thus to return to the path to prosperity and peace;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 260 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
201. Calls on the Council and the Commission to closely monitor the situation in the Gulf region and the Middle East ever more closely and intensively and to do their utmost to promote peace and stability in this region; emphasises in this regard the stabilising role in the region that Iran would rightly play once the Iranian authorities have opted to normalise the country’s international relations and in particular its relations with its neighbours, to dispel once and for all the concerns over the real aims of its nuclear programme and to guarantee respect for human rights;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 271 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Expresses its concerns on the remarkable deepening of relations betweenWelcomes the approaches made jointly by Turkey and Brazil to the Iran iand EU accession candidate Turkey; asks the Council and the Commission to discuss the Turkish attitude towards Iran with their counterparts in Ankara; authorities seeking to bring about a negotiated settlement; notes with regret, however, that the terms of the tripartite agreement of 17 May 2010 only partially meet the requirements laid down by the IAEA; recalls alson 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 Hamasimportance of maintaining coordination of the initiatives by the EU and by Turkey, a key player in the region, in particular in view of its future accession to the EU; encourages Turkey and Brazil to include the human rights situation in their dialogue with Iran;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 289 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the Council and the Commission to closely attune their policies towards Iran with Washington;deleted
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 296 #

2010/2050(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Takes note of the converging interests of the EU and Iran in finding peace and stability in Afghanistan; welcomes the constructive role of Iran in reviving infrastructure and economy in as well as preventing drug trafficking from Afghanistan; stresses, however, that sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan will require all neighbours to refrain from political interference in the country;
2010/11/24
Committee: AFET
Amendment 96 #

2010/0101(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Annex II – point A – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Croatia, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland.
2010/10/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 97 #

2010/0101(COD)

Proposal for a decision
Annex II – point A – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999), Iceland.
2010/10/15
Committee: AFET
Amendment 20 #

2009/2218(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital E c (new)
Ec. whereas EU export subsidies for European agricultural products have a disastrous effect on food security and the development of a viable agricultural sector in developing countries,
2010/03/05
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 31 #

2009/2218(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Insists that the European Union, the Member States and the EIB assume a leading role in this and make investments through tax havens less attractive by adopting rules on public procurement contracts and the granting of public funds that prevent any company, bank or other institution registered in a tax haven from benefiting from public funds; with a view to this, asks the Commission and the Member States to use the mid-term review of EIB external lending activity to make concrete improvements to its capabilities for evaluating the beneficiaries of its loans and to ensure its investments in developing countries actually contribute to eradicating poverty;
2010/03/05
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 36 #

2009/2218(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Recalls that 75 % of the world’s poor population lives in rural areas, but that only 4 % of official development assistance (ODA) is dedicated to agriculture; pledges to substantially increase the share of ODA devoted to agriculture and food security; therefore calls on the Commission, Member States and developing countries to address the issue of agriculture more effectively in their development policies;
2010/03/05
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 62 #

2009/2218(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Recognises that the fulfilment of the ODA commitments is imperative but still not sufficient to tackle the development emergency and reiterates its call upon the Commission for urgent identification of additional innovative sources of finance for development, such as an international financial transaction tax to generate additional resources for financing development and global public goods; in this view welcomes and supports the contribution of the Leading Group on Innovative Financing for Development;
2010/03/05
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 63 #

2009/2218(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. Firmly recalls the Commission and Member States that ODA has to remain the backbone of the European development cooperation policy aiming at eradicating poverty; therefore, underlines that if innovative sources of development financing are to be widely promoted, they must be additional, used in a pro-poor approach and cannot be used to replace ODA in any way;
2010/03/05
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 2 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
- having regard to the recommendations adopted by the EMPA’s Political Committee at its meetingcommittees of the Euro- Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) at its sixth plenary session, held in Amman on 13 and 14 March 2010,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 4 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the recommendation of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) adopted on 13 October 2008 in Jordan and forwarded to the First Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean, held in Marseille,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 5 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the statute of the secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean adopted on 3 March 2010,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 7 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas, in a multipolar world, only large regional blocs will be in a position to play a leading role and to cope with social, cultural, economic, environmental and political cha, demographic, political and security- related challenges,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 14 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital B
B. whereas the European Union must adopt a strategic view of its relations with its southern neighbours and move beyond cooperation driven solely by considerations pertaining to security and migrationthat takes into account all these challenges in its relations with its southern neighbours,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 34 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Da. having regard to the need to build on the achievements of the Barcelona Process in order to avoid any duplication or overlap of existing political instruments or institutional levels, and to ensure consistency among the numerous instruments for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 43 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital F
F. having regard to the significant disparities between European Union Member States and Mediterranean third countries and the worrying structural problems of a socio-economic and institutional nature, which call for strong responses in the shared interest of all the states participating in the UfM; whereas the potential for economic growth of the Mediterranean third countries encourages this view,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 51 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital H
H. whereas the UfM’s two major innovations, namely its institutional set-up (co-presidency, joint permanent committee and secretariat) and operational focus (integration projects), must function effectively and transparently, improving the standard of living of citizens, who are the main beneficiaries of this project,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 60 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Ja. having regard to the major issue of agriculture in Mediterranean countries, by dint of its socio-economic influence, its effects on the environment and its implications in terms of territorial balance,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 61 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)
Jb. whereas 60% of the world population with little water is concentrated in the southern part of the Mediterranean region and in the Middle East and whereas, by 2025, 63 million people could, according to UNDP reports on the Arab world and the Blue Plan, be affected by water shortages,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 66 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Ka. having regard to the importance of migration flows and the various challenges they create on both sides of the Mediterranean in human, social, cultural and economic terms,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 70 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital M
M. having regard to the need to avoid any duplication or overlap of existing political instruments or institutional levels, to ensure consistency among the numerous instruments for Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and to build on the achievements of the Barcelona Process,deleted
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 100 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that political tensions and regional conflicts in the Mediterranean basin must not hinder tangible progress towards multilateral cooperation in specific sectors, and that it is through the implementation of major integration projects that the UfM will help to develop a climate of trust conducive to pursuing common security goals in a spirit of solidarity and peace; recalls the urgency of achieving a two-State solution to the conflict in the Middle East – an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian State, and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 106 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. RWelcomes the adoption of the statute of the secretariat of the UfM on 3 March 2010 and recommends that, in preparation for the Barcelona Summit, the UfM’s institutional and operational structure be completed by taking the following steps:
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 114 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 - point 3 a (new)
- ensuring the democratic legitimacy of the UfM by confirming the EMPA as an integral part of the institutional structure,
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 122 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 - point 7
- ensuring the UfM’s democratic legitimacy in such a way that decisions are taken in a transparent manner, and that the European Parliament, the EMPA and the national parliaments are involved in the decision-making process;deleted
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 139 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 - point 2
- emphasises that, in the period leading up to the end of the 2007-2013 financial perspectives, any financial contributions made by the Union should not affect existing or planned Euro-Mediterranean regional projects; underlines the need to increase substantially the funds allocated to the UfMsouthern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy and EU contributions to UfM projects in the EU’s forthcoming financial perspectives for 2014-2020;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 152 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 - point 4 a (new)
- is keen to see the establishment of investment funds intended to finance sustainable development projects by local and regional authorities;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 165 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Considers that migration policies are one of the priorities of the Euro- Mediterranean partnership and calls on the UfM member countries to encourage, in addition to the regulation of flows and combating illegal immigration, the drafting of active policies to promote employment and freedom of movement which respects human rights;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 173 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
9. Views it as regrettable that socio- economic and, commercial and energy aspects, such as direct foreign investment, employment, energy efficiency, the informal economy and poverty reduction, were overlooked in the Paris declaration, and calls for this to be remedied at the Barcelona Summit;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 185 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the strategic importance of issues such as agriculture, food security, water and energy use and rural development in Mediterranean countries, and calls for cooperation in the farming sector to be made a political priority; encourages the UfM member countries to work on harmonising their positions in the context of WTO negotiations and to move towards greater convergence among Euro- Mediterranean agricultural policies;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 199 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
11. Is keen to see new projects in the cultural field put on the UfM’s agenda in the very near future; suggests that priority be given to setting up a Euro- Mediterranean junior Erasmus programme called ‘Averroës’, as a way of stepping up exchanges between secondary school pupils in UfM member countries; encourages the creation of a Euro- Mediterranean higher education area and notes that this will not be possible without promoting mobility for students and teachers from both shores;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 204 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Urges the members of the UfM to promote positive measures in the field of equal opportunities and combating discrimination against women in all areas, with the aim of preventing violence against women and trafficking in human beings, and ensuring respect for and the promotion of the role of women in society;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 211 #

2009/2215(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Recalls its remit within the EU’s budgetary procedure, and emphasises the need for the EMPA to take on more significant responsibilities by being involved in consultation and democratic supervision in respect of budget implementation; calls for regular hearings of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretaries General by the various relevant EMPA committees, so that projects and activities can be monitored on a regular basis; takes the view, however, that this higher level of responsibility must go hand in hand with improvements in the operation and working methods of the EMPA, including granting the necessary human and financial resources; welcomes the decisions taken to this end at the 6th plenary session of the EMPA held in Amman on 13 and 14 March 2010;
2010/03/31
Committee: AFET
Amendment 6 #

2009/2171(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital A
A. whereas strong and sustainable economic growth within a stable, business- friendly environment helps create wealth and jobs and is therefore the surest and most sustainable route out of poverty,
2010/03/24
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 26 #

2009/2171(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Encourages developing countries to diversify their economies to the maximum, so as no longer to be exclusively dependent on a very limited number of products, particularly agricultural products for export,
2010/03/24
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 42 #

2009/2171(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Considers it indispensable to meet basic needs, and therefore assigns particularly high priority to measures to promote food security and access to drinking water,
2010/03/24
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 6 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 26 November 2009 on the FAO summit and food security,
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 17 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
1. Is acutely aware that the past two years have seen a succession of global crises (food, fuel and finanenergy, financial, economic and social) which have serious impacts on industrialised and emerging countries, but devastating implications for the poor population groups in developing countries, with over 200 million workers exposed to extreme poverty worldwide and more than a sixth of the world's population suffering from hunger;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 22 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Asks Member States to increase ODA volumes in order to reach their collective target of 0.56 % of ODA/gross national income (GNI) by 2010 and the target of 0.7 % ODA/GNI for 2015; asks furthermore that they accelerate efforts to improve aid effectiveness by implementing the Paris Declaration and the Accra Agenda for Action; by coordinating their actions more effectively, improving the predictability and sustainability of aid systems, accelerating the rate at which they provide aid, untying aid and increasing the absorption capacity of aid beneficiaries; supports the new international initiative for aid transparency, which seeks to improve the availability and accessibility of information on aid, thus increasing its legitimacy and making it possible to ensure that it is used in the most effective manner to combat poverty; calls on all Member States which have not yet done so to endorse this initiative;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 24 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that the fulfilment of the ODA commitments is imperative but still not sufficient to tackle the development emergency and reiterates its call upon the Commission for active promotion of existing innovative development- financing instruments and for urgent identification of additional innovative sources of finance for development;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 29 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
7. Recognises that the deregulation of financial and labour markets, together with the privatisation of public services and social programmes, due to conditionalities imposed on developing countries by the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), proved ineffective in preventing the crisis, amplifying instead its negative effects; underlines that, contrary to what happened in developed countries, such impositions have sharply reduced the capacity of developing countries, in comparison with developed countries, to react to the economic slowdown through the adoption of fiscal stimulus measures;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 33 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses the need to reform world economic governance in order to ensure better representation of developing countries in decision-making fora; proposes, to this end, that the G20 should be expanded to include at least one representative of the developing countries, which could be the President-in-Office of the G77;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 34 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls also on the Commission and Member States to support the proposal by the UN Commission of Experts on Reforms of the International Monetary and Financial System for the establishment of a world council to coordinate economic policies;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 35 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9c. calls on the Commission and Member States to devote particular attention to the promotion and protection of decent work, adhering to the recommendations made on this subject by the International Labour Organisation, whose role should be expanded;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 41 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
12. Firmly believes that taxing the banking system to fund a deposit insurance or a resolution fund would not be a fair contribution from the financial sector to global social justice; calls instead for an international levy on financial transactions to make the overall tax system more equitable and to generate additional resources for financing development and global public goods, particularly adaptation of developing countries to cope with climate change and its impact;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 49 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
15. Calls upon the Member States and the Commission to agree, within the European Union Emission Trading System framework, to devote a fair sharet least 25% of the revenues generated from the auctioning of carbon emission allowances to support developing countries in coping with climate change, in accordance with Directive 2003/87/EC1;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 57 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Recalls the crucial role of local authorities and decentralised cooperation in development processes; calls on the Commission accordingly to make decentralisation a priority sector for European aid funding in developing countries;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 59 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
20. Regards trade as a main driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries and calls upon the EU and Member States to leverage their international influence forto ensure that development remains at the heart of the Doha Round negotiations and that a successful, fair and development-oriented conclusion of the Doha Round is achieved, while enhancing the pro- poor focus of EU Aid for Trade policy;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 61 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses that, pursuant to Article 208 of the TFEU, the European Union must ensure that its policies on trade, security, migration, agriculture and other fields serve coherently to benefit developing countries on the one hand and promote an equitable international financial and trading system which is favourable to development on the other hand;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 64 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls for the 'Aid for Trade' strategy to assist all developing countries and not only those which agree to greater opening of their markets, particularly under EPAs;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 67 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that protectionism is no sound response to the crisis and reinforces its call upon the EU to do its part by reducing trade barriers and trade-distorting Union subsidies that have caused so much harm to developing countries;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 71 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
26. Notes that half of all illicit financial flows out of developing countries are related to the mispricing of trade and reinforces its call for a new binding, global financial agreement which forces transnational corporations, including their various subsidiaries, to automatically disclose the profits made and the taxes paid on a country-by-country basis, so as to ensure transparency about sales, profits and taxes in every jurisdiction where they are located;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 72 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls on the Commission to actively promote corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSR) in order to permit effective monitoring of the impact - social, environmental and in terms of respect for human rights - of the operations of transnational undertakings and their subsidiaries in developing countries;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 78 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Deplores the downward trend in investment in agriculture in developing countries since the 1980s and urges the Commission to make food security and food sovereignty priorities in the European Union's development policies and therefore to increase support for agriculture, particularly for food production, and rural development;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 79 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to accord greater recognition to the role of civil society in coping with crises in developing countries and consequently to step up their support for civil-society organisations (CSO);
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 80 #

2009/2150(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 c (new)
29c. Considers that one of the major obstacles to economic development in developing countries lies in the limited access which potential entrepreneurs enjoy to credit and microcredit; stresses moreover that in most cases credit guarantees are not available; calls on the Commission and the European Investment Bank, therefore, to hugely increase credit and microcredit access programmes;
2010/02/10
Committee: DEVE
Amendment 14 #

2009/2133(INI)

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 – point b
(b) the EEAS must deal with the CFSP and the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and with the tasks and policies currently dealt with by the Directorate- General for External Relations (DG Relex) in the Commission; in addition, the High Representative, jointly with the Commissioners concerned, should present a comprehensive proposal on how other major external action-related policies will be organised in the new institutional set- up; enlargement, trade, development and humanitarian aid together constitute a substantial part of the EU's overall external policies; there are compelling reasons to include development policy in, but their autonomy must be preserved, so that they cannot be included in the remit of the new service;
2009/10/16
Committee: AFET
Amendment 201 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
(28) Further to the integration of formerly coupled market support into the single payment scheme, the value of payment entitlements was, in those Member States opting for a historic implementation, based on the individual level of past support. With a growing number of years elapsing since the introduction of the single payment scheme and following the successive integration of further sectors into the single payment scheme, it becomes increasingly harder to justify the legitimacy of significant individual differences in the support level which are only based on past support. For this reason Member States that chose the historic implementation model should be allowrequested under certain conditions to review the allocated payment entitlements, in consultation with the regional authorities and on the basis of an impact assessment, with a view to approximating their unit value while respecting the general principles of cCommunity law and the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. In this context Member States may take into account the specificities of geographical areas when fixing closer values. The levelling of payment entitlements should take place during an adequate transition period and within a limited range of reductions in order to allow farmers to reasonably adapt to the changing levels of support.
2008/09/01
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 204 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
(29) Under the 2003 reform Member States had the option to apply the single payment scheme by way of historic or regional implementation. Since then Member States have had the opportunity to evaluate the effects of their choices as regards both their economic and administrative appropriateness. Member States should therefore be given the opportunityrequested to review their initial choice in the light of their experience, in consultation with the regional authorities and on the basis of an impact assessment. For this reason, in addition to the possibility of levelling the value of payment entitlements, Member States that applied the historic model should be authorisrequested to change over to the regional model. Furthermore, Member States that chose to apply the regional model should be given the option to review their decisions under certain conditions with the aim to approximate the value of payment entitlements according to pre- established steps, while respecting the general principles of community law and the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. Such changes should take place during an adequate transition period and within a limited range of reductions in order to allow farmers to reasonably adapt to changing levels of support.
2008/09/01
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 208 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
(30) Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, while introducing a decoupled single payment scheme allowed Member States to exclude certain payments from that scheme. At the same time Article 64(3) of that Regulation provided for the revision of the options provided for in Sections 2 and 3 of Chapter 5 of its Title III, in the light of market and structural developments. An analysis of the relevant experience shows that decoupling introduces flexibility in the choice of producers, enabling them to take their production decisions on the basis of profitability and market response. This is particularly the case for the arable crops, hops and seeds sectors, and to a certain extent, also the beef sector. Therefore, the partially coupled payments in these sectors should be integrated into the single payment scheme. In order for farmers in the beef sector to gradually adjust to the new support arrangements provision should be made for a phasing-in of the integration of the special premium for male animals and the slaughter premium. Since the partially coupled payments in the fruit and vegetable sectors were only recently introduced, and only as a transitional measure, no review of such schemes is necessary.
2008/09/01
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 213 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
(31) However, as regards the suckler cow andlivestock production, and consequently the special premium for male bovine animals, the slaughter premium for calves, the slaughter premium for bovine animals other than calves, the suckler cow premium and aid for the sheep and goat sector, it appears that maintaining a minimum level of agricultural production may still be necessary for the agricultural economies in certain regions and, in particular, where farmers cannot have recourse to other economic alternatives. Against this background, Member States should have the option to maintain coupled support at the current level or, for suckler cows, sheep and goats, at a lower level. In that case, special provision should be made for the respect of the identification and registration requirements provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1760/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (EC) No 21/2004, in particular with a view to secure the traceability of animals.
2008/09/01
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 246 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – point a a (new)
aa) ‘larger beneficiary’ means a natural or legal person receiving more than EUR 300 000 in the form of the payments provided for in Annex I;
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 268 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. Any amount of direct payments to be granted in a given calendar year to a farmer thatequalling or exceedsing EUR 5 000 shall be reduced for each year until 2012 by the following percentages:
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 315 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – letter -a (new)
(-a) amounts of EUR 10 000 or more, but less than 100 000 EUR, by 1 percentage point,
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 319 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – point a
a) amounts betweenof EUR 100 000 or more, but less thand 199 999, by 3 percentage points,
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 323 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – letter b
(b) amounts betweenof EUR 200 000 and 299 999or more, but less than EUR 300 000, by 65 percentage points,
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 327 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – letter c
(c) amounts of EUR 300 000 or more, by 97 percentage points.
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 331 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The maximum amount of the payments provided for in Annex I shall be fixed at EUR 300 000 per holding.
2008/09/02
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 464 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 42 – paragraph 3
3. Member States that do not apply Article 68(1)(c) may usemay use, with effect from the entry into force of this regulation in 2009, the national reserve for the purpose of establishing, according to objective criteria and in such a way as to ensure equal treatment between farmers and to avoid market and competition distortions, payment entitlements and support measures for farmers in areas subject to restructuring and/or development programs relating to one or the other form of public intervention, for sectors in difficulty concentrated in the most disadvantaged areas, such as the sheep and goat sectors, in order to avoid abandoning of land and production and/or in order to compensate specific disadvantages for farmers in those areas.
2008/09/03
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 476 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – subparagraph 1
In duly justified cases, Member States mayshall decide, by 1 August 2009 at the latest, in consultation with the regional authorities and on the basis of an impact assessment, and acting in compliance with the general principles of Community law, to move as from 2010 towards approximating the value of payment entitlements established under Chapter I to IV of Title III of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003. To this end payment entitlements may be made subject to progressive modifications according to at least three pre-established annual steps and objective and non- discriminatory criteria.
2008/09/03
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 480 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – subparagraph 3
Member States mayshall decide to apply the preceding subparagraphs at the appropriate geographical level which shall be determined according to objective and non- discriminatory criteria such as their institutional or administrative structure and/or the regional agricultural potential.
2008/09/03
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 485 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 47 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Member States shall consult the regional authorities and conduct an impact assessment on the effect of choosing the regional level for the single payment scheme.
2008/09/03
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 561 #

2008/0103(CNS)

Proposal for a regulation
Article 68 – paragraph 1 – letter a a (new)
(aa) for developing organic farming,
2008/09/03
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 25 #

2007/2194(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Considers that one of the objectives of the reformed CAP should be to ensure better generation change in farming and that, with a view to this, the first and second pillar instruments in support of sustainable farming and developed rural communities respectively are especially complementary;
2008/04/17
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 111 #

2007/2194(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
13. Points outStresses that food education, which young farmers can provide, fosters good eating habits to the benefit of human health and society in general, and points to the role which young farmers can play in this area, in particular through educational meetings with pupils at school;
2008/04/17
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 134 #

2007/2194(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
16. Notes that farming is the only economic activity which, through photosynthesis, captures carbon dioxide, thus reducingpartially absorbing the volume of greenhouse gas levelit produces;
2008/04/17
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 141 #

2007/2194(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
17. Believes that thoughtcareful consideration should be given to using alternative energy sources derived from agriculture that do not compete with production intended for consumption;
2008/04/17
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 152 #

2007/2194(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses the importance of continuing to improve implementation of the Leonardo programme as well as the use of lifelong training instrumentsat it is in the EU's interests, economically (improving productivity) and environmentally (updating knowledge of 'green' practices) to provide increased support for lifelong training for farmers; encourages, in particular, programmes to promote mobility among young farmers in the Union (including Leonardo); stresses, more especially, to need to set up instruments that will enable young farmers to be absent from their farms for the duration of such training;
2008/04/17
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 10 #

2007/2192(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the current bluetongue epizootic in Europe is very serious because of its duration and propagation, the spread of different serotypes in areas hitherto free from the disease and the serious social and economic consequences of the restrictions on the movement of animals and on trade,
2008/05/14
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 33 #

2007/2192(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – point 1
Introduction of a new Environmental Sheep Maintenance Scheme per ewe to be either a) financed directly by National GovernmentEU funding or b) co-financed by EU and National Governments to arrest the decline in production, linked to the positive environmental attributes associated with the maintenance of sheep production as well as achieving improvements in technical and quality areas of production,
2008/05/14
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 51 #

2007/2192(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to introduce an additional payment for traditional mountainous breeds in order to preserve sheep in sensitive areas, to be either a) financed directly by National GovernmentsEU funding or b) co- financed by EU and National Governments;
2008/05/14
Committee: AGRI
Amendment 63 #

2007/2192(INI)

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (nouveau)
7a. Calls on the Commission to improve its ability to respond to animal disease as serious as the current outbreak of bluetongue by means of a new EU animal health strategy, research funding, compensation for losses, advances on payments, etc.
2008/05/14
Committee: AGRI