Activities of Thijs BERMAN related to 2013/0152(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on granting an EU guarantee to the European Investment Bank against losses under financing operations supporting investment projects outside the Union
Amendments (5)
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) While the EIB's strength remains its distinctiveness as an investment bank, EIB financing operations should contribute to the general principles guiding Union external action, as referred to in Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), of promoting and consolidating democracy and the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to the implementation of international environmental agreements to which the Union is a party. In particular, iFurthermore, EIB actions should be in accordance with Article 3(5) of the EU Treaty, which, as confirmed by the ECJ on 21 December 2011 in its ATAA judgement, requires the Union to contribute to the strict observance of international law, and in particular the principles of the UN Charter. In relation to developing countries, EIB financing operations should foster their sustainable economic, social and environmental development, particularly in the most disadvantaged amongst them, their smooth and gradual integration into the world economy, the campaign against poverty, as well as compliance with objectives approved by the Union in the context of the United Nations and other competent international organisations. While contributing to the implementation of the measures necessary to further the objectives of Union development cooperation policy in accordance with Article 209(3) of the Treaty, the EIB should strive to support indirectly the achievement of the UN's 2015 Millennium Development Goals in all regions where it is active.
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22 a) The EIB should expand its provision of technical assistance to SME's, with the aim of supporting innovative ideas and helping startups to attract funding from financial intermediaries.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 24 a (new)
Recital 24 a (new)
(24 a) The annual EIB report should in particular assess the compliance of EIB financing operations with this Decision, taking into account the regional technical operational guidelines. The report should also assess the extent to which the EIB has taken into account economic, financial, environmental and social sustainability in the design and monitoring of the projects financed. It should also contain a specific section devoted to a detailed evaluation of the measures taken by the EIB to comply with the current mandate, paying particular attention to the EIB financing operations using financial vehicles situated in non- cooperative jurisdictions. In its financing operations the EIB should adequately implement its policies towards weakly regulated or non-cooperative jurisdictions to contribute to the international fight against fraud and tax evasion. The report should also include an appraisal of social and development-related aspects of projects. It should be made public, thus allowing civil society and recipient countries to express their views.
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 25
Recital 25
(25) The EIB financing operations in support of Union external policies should continue to be conducted in accordance with the principles of sound banking practice. They should continue to be managed in accordance with the EIB's own rules and procedures, including appropriate control measures and compliance with the EIB's statement on social and environmental standards, as well as with the relevant rules and procedures concerning the Court of Auditors and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). In its financing operations the EIB should adequately implement its policies towardsvoid any kind of direct or indirect cooperation with weakly regulated or non-cooperative jurisdictions in order to contribute to the international fight against tax fraud, tax evasion and money-laundering and should follow the European Commission's most recent criteria to identify jurisdictions which do not meet minimum standards of good governance.
Amendment 73 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
In its financing operations, the EIB shall not tolerate any activities carried out for illegal purposes, including money laundering, financing of terrorism, tax fraud and tax evasion, corruption, and fraud affecting the financial interests of the EU. In particular the EIB shall not participate in any financing operation implemented in an eligible country through a foreign non-cooperative jurisdiction identified as such using the European Commission's criteria on identifying non- cooperative jurisdictions, as well as by the OECD, the Financial Action Task Force or other relevant international organisations.