161 Amendments of Jacky HÉNIN
Amendment 10 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas social movements and strikes throughout Europe bear witness to the mobilisation of steel industry workers and their commitment to saving jobs and their industry;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F – point 1
Recital F – point 1
• the demand for steel has dropped substantially owing to the financial and economic crisis and to austerity plans in particular, which have created a vicious cycle, thus depriving households and undertakings of the resources needed to ensure sufficient demand;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F – point 2
Recital F – point 2
Amendment 21 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the results of the cumulative cost assessment of the steel sector shows that compliance with EU regulations conditions a significant proportion of EU steel producers’ profit margins; urges, therefore, that industrial policy legislation and rules be completely overhauled and, in particular, that guidelines on aid for firms in difficulty and on State aid in general be simplified and improved;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomNotes the Commission’s approach continuing the dialogue between the EU institutions, industry chief executives and trade unions in the form of a permanent High-Level Round Table on steel; stresses that the latter will be of use only if it results in clear decisions and legislative proposals leading to a lasting solution for the steel industry; urges that, unlike the many communications on industrial policy previously adopted, these good political intentions should actually lead to concrete action;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that economic growth depends on a stronger European industry, and therefore urges the Commission and the Member States to boost demand by supporting key steel-using sectors, stimulating investment conditions, strengthening the internal market and advancing European infrastructure development projects in cooperation with all relevant actors, in particular workers’ representatives on boards of directors;
Amendment 55 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that the Commission, the Member States, the industry and the trade unions should act jointly to retain and attract qualified workers, talented high- skilled scientists and managers to the steel sector, thus ensuring a dynamic and innovative workforce; urges the Commission and the Member States to implement immediate actions to avoid the loss of expertise and minimise the loss of jobsand to maintain employment levels in the industry, and believes that each departing employee should be replaced in order to protect a sector which is of strategic importance for Union industry as a whole;
Amendment 62 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. If it is to be implemented, any project having a bearing on steel industry jobs should be approved by workers’ representatives at national, and where necessary European, level;
Amendment 76 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Asks the Commission to immediately and fully deploy EU funding to reduce the social impact of industrial restructuring, and stresses that this funding should not be limited to aid for restructuring or training for dismissed workers, but should provide for the promotion of an ambitious reindustrialisation policy and improvements to the working conditions of steel industry workers;
Amendment 159 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. For the purpose of protecting the European market, all public buildings and infrastructure using steel should be obliged to source 80 % of that steel from European industries.
Amendment 161 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. A ‘steel produced in Europe’ label should be introduced;
Amendment 170 #
2013/2177(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Each undertaking should have a budget for research and development amounting to at least 2 % of its turnover;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe’s automotive industry is currently in the throes of a crisis of unprecedented proportions requiring swift, coordinated action within the EU; taking into account the need to maintain existing production in those Member States with fragile economies in order to halt the disastrous collapse of the sector, the bankruptcy of thousands of small and medium-size entrepreneurs, the destruction of thousands of small businesses and the loss of thousands of jobs;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the need for adequate financial resources to be provided under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020 for the restructuring of the sector and to upgrade and modernise its micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to increase productivity and promote nationally-produced goods from the sector;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers there is a need for wide- ranging debate in order to forge a new European industrial policy for the automotive sector that will be respectful of the environment and will promote job creation, regional development and new wealth creation;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for measures for the automotive industry as a whole, Europe wide, to secure employment and training provision;
Amendment 48 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 10 – point b a (new)
ba. Calls for all corporate relocation plans to be suspended and to be subject to the assent of the works councils, employees’ representatives, trade unions and local authorities affected by them;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – point b b (new)
Paragraph 10 – point b b (new)
bb. Insists that company and group-level management bodies should take account of any development project produced by works councils, employees’ representatives or trade unions;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Considers that new rights and powers of intervention and decision-making in corporate and group management structures are essential so as to change the way that companies and groups are run and the aims they pursue. Employees’ new rights and powers must extend to all key decisions about aspects of management, level and quality of employment, manufacturing and investment choices, strategic takeovers, mergers, re-locations and closures, and relations with suppliers and sub- contractors. This will be achieved in particular by broadening the remit of works councils, Community-wide works councils and group works councils at EU level;
Amendment 74 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls for specific forms of state and EU aid to be created encouraging European vehicle manufacturers to cooperate in producing new, safer, non- polluting, highly fuel efficient vehicles and less expensive, more efficient electric vehicles that will constitute a proper response to mobility needs, particularly for less-well-off and younger people. One of the areas thus funded, within a framework of cooperation and public involvement, would be research into vehicles for the post-oil era. The cooperative arrangements established would include governments and energy companies so that the network infrastructure needed for the new vehicles could be put in place;
Amendment 97 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls for a European Cooperation Fund to be set up to promote cost sharing in certain areas such as research and training that would facilitate a new type of cooperative joint development arrangement with Russia, the emerging countries, the Mediterranean countries and Africa, enabling these countries to make up lost ground and helping them fund joint development projects to meet their own needs, thereby creating jobs within these countries and in the European Union;
Amendment 123 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 126 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Calls for a ‘made in Europe’ quality label to be introduced for vehicles having 80% of their value produced within the European Union;
Amendment 148 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 – point b a (new)
Paragraph 35 – point b a (new)
ba. coordination at EU level to step up efforts to combat the import of counterfeit spare parts;
Amendment 153 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Considers that any company relocating to the European Union should benefit from tax incentives provided that it creates new jobs and a total increase in workforce. A special loans fund should be set up for relocations to be funded equally by the banks and the Member States;
Amendment 155 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Takes the view that governments, public companies and the armed forces should buy or lease only vehicles having 80% of their value produced within the European Union;
Amendment 165 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Considers that all investment outside the European Union that would harm employment production and added value within Europe through the reimporting of vehicles or equipment should be subject to a tax on these reimports; considers that the funds collected through this tax should be used to assist with the design and conception of vehicles adapted to the needs of developing countries;
Amendment 166 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38b. Considers that a system of quotas for each importing country at the European Union's borders should allow imports to be regulated; European groups importing vehicles manufactured outside the European Union should have these vehicles taxed at a rate of 10%, the proceeds of which should go to European fund for research into manufacturing clean vehicles;
Amendment 38 #
2013/0029(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set outRejects the European Commission proposal;
Amendment 40 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) Over the past decade, the growth of passenger traffic by rail has been insufficient to increase its modal share in comparison to cars and aviation. The 6 % modal share of passenger transport for rail in the European Union has remained fairly stable. Rail passenger services have not kept pace with evolving needs in terms of offer or qualityinland transport, on average, in the EU 15 group, while the same average has not been gained in the Member States who joined the Union in 2004, 2007 and 2013. Changes in rail's modal share are not correlated with the governance structures in place in the different Member States.
Amendment 45 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area establishes a single European railway area with common rules on the governance of railway undertakings and infrastructure managers, on infrastructure financing and charging, on conditions of access to railway infrastructure and services and on regulatory oversight of the rail market. With all these elements in place, it is now possible to complete the opening of the Union railway market and reform the governance of infrastructure managers with the objective of ensuring equal access to the infrastructure.
Amendment 48 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 4
Recital 4
Amendment 57 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Member States should also ensure that all functions necessary to the sustainable operations, maintenance, and development of the rail infrastructure will be managed in a consistent manner by the infrastructure manager itself or by the concerned independent body as set in national rules.
Amendment 63 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Cross-border issues should be addressed efficiently between infrastructure managers or independent bodies of the different Member States through the establishment of a European network ofby means of enhanced cooperation among infrastructure managers.
Amendment 67 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 8
Recital 8
Amendment 80 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The existing requirements for the independence of infrastructure managers from railway transport undertakings, as laid down in Directive 2012/34/EU, only cover the essential functions of the infrastructure manager, which are the decision-making on train path allocation, and the decision- making on infrastructure charging. It is however necessary that all the functions are exercised in an independent way, since other functions may equally be used to discriminate against competitors. This is in particular true for decisions on investments or on maintenance which may be made to favour the parts of the network which are mainly used by the transport operators of the integrated undertaking. Decisions on the planning of maintenance works may influence the availability of train paths for the competitors.
Amendment 90 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The existing requirements of Directive 2012/34/EU only include legal, organisational and decision-making independence. This does not entirely exclude the possibility of maintaining an integrated undertaking, as long as these three categories of independence are ensured. Concerning the decision-making independence it must be ensured that the appropriate safeguards exclude control of an integrated undertaking over the decision-making of an infrastructure manager. However, even the full application of such safeguards does not completely remove all the possibilities for discriminatory behaviour towards competitors which exist in the presence of a vertically integrated undertaking. In particular, the potential for cross- subsidisation still exists in integrated structures, or at least it is very difficult for regulatory bodies to control and enforce safeguards which are established to prevent such cross-subsidisation. An institutional separation of infrastructure management and transport operation is the most effective measure to solve these problems.
Amendment 93 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
Amendment 100 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12
Recital 12
Amendment 108 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
Amendment 115 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Granting Union railway undertakings the right of access to railway infrastructure in all Member States for the purpose of operating domestic passenger services may have implications for the organisation and financing of rail passenger services provided under a public service contract. Member States should have the option of limiting such right of access where it would compromise the economic equilibrium ofand the social cohesion and right to mobility as required and adopted in those public service contracts and w. The re approval has been given by the relevant regulatory bodylevant regulatory body should consider these concerns when giving its approval to such limitations.
Amendment 119 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) When assessing whether the economic equilibrium of the public service contract would be compromised, regulatory bodies should consider the economic and social impact of the intended service on existing public service contracts taking into account its impact on the profitability of any services included in such public service contracts and the consequences for the enhancing cohesion policy in the concerned area and the net cost to the competent public authority that awarded the contracts. To make this assessment, factors such as passenger demand, ticket pricing, ticketing arrangements, location and number of stops and the timing and frequency of the proposed new service should be examined.
Amendment 135 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 a (new)
Recital 19 a (new)
(19a) The Commission should assess the impact of this Directive on the development of the labour market for railway staff.
Amendment 141 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 19 b (new)
Recital 19 b (new)
Amendment 158 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 3 – point 2
Article 3 – point 2
Amendment 167 #
Amendment 180 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 1 – point c
Article 1 – point 1 – point c
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 3 – point 31 – indent 3a (new)
Article 3 – point 31 – indent 3a (new)
- an undertaking consisting of distinct divisions, including an infrastructure manager and one or several divisions providing transport services that do not necessarily have distinct legal personalities;
Amendment 189 #
Amendment 197 #
Amendment 251 #
Amendment 283 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7 b
Article 7 b
Amendment 354 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7 c
Article 7 c
Amendment 392 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7d – paragraph 1
Article 7d – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall ensure that infrastructure managers set up and organise Coordination Committees for each network. Membership of this committee shall be open at least to the infrastructure managers or bodies responsible for the essential functions, known applicants in the sense of Article 8(3) and, upon their request, potential applicants, their representative organisations, representatives of users of the rail freight and passenger transport services and, where relevant, regional and local authorities. Member State representatives and the regulatory body concerned shall be invited to the meetings of the Coordination Committee as observers.
Amendment 412 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7e – title
Article 7e – title
Amendment 419 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7 e – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 7 e – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 425 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7 e – paragraph 1, subparagraph 2
Article 7 e – paragraph 1, subparagraph 2
Amendment 430 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7e – paragraph 2
Article 7e – paragraph 2
Amendment 437 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 4
Article 1 – point 4
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 7 e – paragraph 3
Article 7 e – paragraph 3
Amendment 444 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point a
Article 1 – point 5 – point a
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. Railway undertakings shall be granted, under equitable, non-discriminatory and transparent conditions, the right of access to railway infrastructure in all Member States for the purpose of operating all types ofinternational rail passenger services. Railway undertakings shall have the right to pick up passengers at any station and set them down at another. That right shall include access to infrastructure connecting service facilities referred to in point 2 of Annex II.
Amendment 447 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Article 1 – point 5 – point b
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 10 – paragraphs 3 and 4
Article 10 – paragraphs 3 and 4
Amendment 454 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6 – point a
Article 1 – point 6 – point a
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may limit the right of access provided for in Article 10(2) to passenger services between a given place of departure and a given destination when one or more public service contracts cover the same route or an alternative route if the exercise of this right would compromise the economic equilibrium of theand the social cohesion and right to mobility as required and adopted in the concerned public service contract or contracts in question.
Amendment 465 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6 – point b
Article 1 – point 6 – point b
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)
(da) new the civil society representatives including both the concerned local public authorities and the customer associations.
Amendment 473 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 6 – point d
Article 1 – point 6 – point d
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Article 11 – paragraph 5
Amendment 491 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 7
Article 1 – point 7
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 13 a – paragraph 1
Article 13 a – paragraph 1
1. Without prejudice to Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 and Directive 2010/40/EU, Member States may require railway undertakings operating domestic passenger services to participate in a common information and integrated ticketing scheme for the supply of tickets, through- tickets and reservations or decide to give the power to competent authorities to establish such a scheme. If such a scheme is established, Member States shall ensure that it does not create market distortion or discriminate between railway undertakings regardless the degree of opening the rail services to the market and that it is managed by a public or private legal entity or an association of all railway undertakings operating passenger services.
Amendment 508 #
2013/0029(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – point 8
Article 1 – point 8
Directive 2012/34/EU
Article 38 – paragraph 4
Article 38 – paragraph 4
Amendment 41 #
2013/0028(COD)
Draft legislative resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set outRejects the European Commission proposal;
Amendment 49 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) When competent authorities organise their public passenger transport services they need to ensure that public service obligations and the geographical scope of public service contracts are appropriate, necessary and proportionate to achieve the objectives of the public passenger transport and cohesion policy in their territory. This policy should be set out in public transport plans leaving scope for market based transport solutions. The process of defining public transport plans andwhere the public service obligations should be made transparent to all relevant stakeholders including potential market entrants.
Amendment 55 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) It is particularly important that competent authorities comply with these criteria for public service obligations and the scope of public service contracts if the market for public passenger transport by rail is to run smoothly, because open access transport operations need to be well coordinated with those under public service contract. For this reason, the independent rail regulatory body should ensure that this process is correctly applied and transparent by the competent authorities who remain the main responsible in delivering such contracts.
Amendment 56 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
Amendment 60 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) To facilitate the preparation of tenders, and hence enhance competichoice of the awarding procedure more consistent with general public service obligations competent authorities need to ensure that all public service operators interested in making such a submission receive certain information on the transport services and infrastructure covered by the public service contract.
Amendment 63 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Certain upper limits for the direct award of public service contracts need to be adapted for rail transport to the specific economicSpecific economic and social conditions under which tender procedures could take place in this sector should reflect public service contracts needs adapted accordingly for rail transport.
Amendment 76 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The establishment of an Internal Market for passenger transport services by rail requires common rules on adequate social protection and on competitive tendering for public service contracts in this sector to be applied in a harmonised manner in all Member States preventing any economic and social dumping.
Amendment 82 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In view of creating framework conditions for enabling society to fully reap the benefits of effective opening of the market for domestic passenger transport services by rail it is important that Member States ensure in any case an adequate level of social protection for the staff of public service operators on a national, regional and local level. The adequate level should be a compulsory prerequisite for operating rail passenger services and guaranteed by national law and or by sector wide collective agreements both setting clear social standards and requiring the compulsory transfer of staff for the relevant sector.
Amendment 90 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14 a (new)
Recital 14 a (new)
(14a) When defining the scope of the Public service Obligations, Competent Authorities may take into consideration the relevant network effects.
Amendment 112 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 – point c
Article 2 – point c
Amendment 132 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 1 – point 1 – point b
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 – point e
Article 2 – point e
Amendment 152 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. Competent authorities shall establish and regularly update multiannual public passenger transport plans covering all relevant transport modes for the territory for which they are responsible. These public transport plans shall define the objectives of public transport policy and the means to implement them covering all relevant transport modes for the territory for which they are responsible. They shall at least include:
Amendment 166 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Amendment 180 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Amendment 190 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
In establishing public transport plans, competent authorities shall have regard in particular to applicable rules regarding passenger rights as provided by Regulation (EC) 1371/2007, social, employment and environmental protection by consulting the relevant stakeholders and social partners. It shall also take into account the applicable rules regarding energy efficiency and CO2 reduction targets. Environmental reliability, sustainability and internalisation of external costs shall also be considered in establishing public transport plans.
Amendment 199 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 2
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 2
2. The establishment of public service obligations and the awardto be included in the schemes of public service contracts shall be consistent with the applicable public transport plans taking into account, when referring to rail transport, the transport services provided under Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area (recast) and considering all information given to the infrastructure managers and regulatory bodies pursuant to that Directive.
Amendment 202 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 3
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 3
Amendment 226 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b
financially sustain the provision of public passenger transport in accordance to the requirements laid down in the public transport plan in the long termthe long term avoiding both over and/or under compensation..
Amendment 246 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2
Article 1 – point 2
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 6 – point b
Article 2 a (new) – paragraph 6 – point b
Amendment 272 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 3 – point c
Article 1 – point 3 – point c
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Article 4 – paragraph 6
Amendment 296 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 4 – point a
Article 1 – point 4 – point a
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Article 5 – paragraph 4
Amendment 330 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 4 – point b
Article 1 – point 4 – point b
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Amendment 349 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 5
Article 1 point 5
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 1
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 1
Member States shall in compliance with State aid rules take the necessary measures to ensure effective and non-discriminatory access conditions to suitable rolling stock for public passenger transport by rail with the exceptions of other track-based modes as metro and tramways for operators wishing to provide public passenger transport services by rail with the exception of other track-based modes as metro or tramways services under public service contract.
Amendment 354 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 5
Article 1 point 5
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Where rolling stock leasing companies which provide for the leasing of rolling stock referred to in paragraph 1 under non- discriminatory and commercially viable conditions to all of the public rail passenger transport operators concerned do not exist in the relevant market, Member States shall ensure that the residual value risk of the rolling stock is borne by the competent authority in compliance with State aid rules, when operators intending and able to participate in tendering procedures for public service contracts so request in order to be able to participate in tendering procedures.
Amendment 360 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 5
Article 1 point 5
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 376 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 5
Article 1 point 5
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Amendment 383 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 5
Article 1 point 5
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 4
Article 5 a (new) – paragraph 4
Amendment 397 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 8 – point a
Article 1 point 8 – point a
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
2. Without prejudice to paragraph 3, the award of public service contracts by rail with the exception of other track-based modes such as metro or tramways shall comply with Article 5(3) as from 3 December 2019. All public service contracts by other track-based modes and by road must have beenbe awarded in compliance with Article 5(3) by as from 3 December 2019 at the latest. During the transitional period running until 3 December 2019, Member States shall take measures to gradually comply with Article 5(3) in order to avoid serious structural problems in particular relating to transport capacity or relating to integrated transport networks.
Amendment 402 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 8 – point b
Article 1 point 8 – point b
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Amendment 410 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 point 8 – point c
Article 1 point 8 – point c
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Amendment 413 #
2013/0028(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 9
Article 1 – point 9
Regulation (EC) No. 1370/2007
Article 9 a (new)
Article 9 a (new)
Amendment 67 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to check that companies which come under national or EU law do not disregard the human rights and social, health and environmental standards they are subject to when moving to or carrying out their activities in a third country;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Emphasises the need for particular attention to be paid by the European Union and its Member States to the human rights situation in the Western Sahara; recalls that any form of occupation should be strongly condemned by the international community, notably in Palestine and the Western Sahara;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 182 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Recognises that the current economic and financial crisis is having a severe social impact on communities within and outside the EU, notes that the various austerity plans adopted by the EU and other international institutions such as the IMF have led to an erosion of social and democratic rights and a significant deterioration in living conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable and susceptible groups;
Amendment 223 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 e (new)
Paragraph 42 e (new)
Amendment 226 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Emphasises the importance of continuing the work on global practices relating to secret detention in the context of countering terrorism; stresses that combating terrorism can under no circumstances be used as a justification for violations of human rights, either in third countries or in the EU; welcomes in this respect the adoption of the European Parliament resolution of 11 September 2012 on alleged transportation and illegal detention of prisoners in European countries by the CIA: follow-up to the European Parliament TDIP Committee report at the request of the Member States and implementation of its recommendations;
Amendment 228 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Calls once again on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to establish a common position for the European Union concerning the action to be taken on the report by the UN fact-finding mission headed by Judge Goldstone on the Gaza conflict in the south of Israel, and to endeavour to ensure the effective implementation of its recommendations, including those concerning the assignment of responsibilities for all violations of international law, including alleged war crimes; calls in this connection for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement;
Amendment 265 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57 a (new)
Paragraph 57 a (new)
57a. Is particularly concerned by the deterioration of the situation in Turkey and the increasing repression faced by human rights defenders and government opponents, including elected representatives, trade unionists, journalists, artists and, in particular, against the Kurdish community; specifically condemns the arbitrary arrests carried out in the context of the KCK trial and the fact that those arrested spend long months in prison without any judicial acts being performed;
Amendment 290 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 68 a (new)
Paragraph 68 a (new)
68a. Regrets that human rights violations still remain a painful problem in the occupied areas of Cyprus. Thousands of refugees, who have been forced to abandon their homes and properties, are being denied by the Turkish military forces to live in their homeland until today. Moreover, the families and relatives of missing persons are still denied the right to have an answer about the fate of their loved ones as Turkey does not facilitate the access to military zones and relevant reports from archives for the investigations of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.
Amendment 18 #
2012/0186(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3
Article 7 – paragraph 3
3. Individual undertakings shall ensure that the vehicles which they operate are in a good roadworthy condition at all times. Workers may only be declared liable where proof is provided showing that they were aware that the vehicle was defective.
Amendment 17 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU cohesion policy has contributed greatly to the increased productivity achieved by all regions of the Union during the previous and current funding periods; whereas it is strikingto the narrowing of the economic, social and regional divide, as shown by thate ex-post evaluation has also shown a significant narrowing of the economic, social and regional divide; whereas these developments have equally positive effects on social security and on investment in the protection of the environment,
Amendment 27 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 157 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the key role of towns and cities in achieving the economic, environmental and social EU 2020 objective dynamism of the regions; calls for support for ideas and projects which can serve as models, on the basis of integrated development plans, and for the upgrading of urban-particularly those making it possible to upgrade and increase synergies and links between cities, their environs and rural linkareas;
Amendment 218 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Emphasises that the trans-European transport networks play a decisive role in European regional cohesion and that development of TEN infrastructure and designated E-roads must therefore be stepped up and access to them improved, especially in border regions; suggests that ‘infrastructure’ be accorded more importance as a category of project eligible for support in connection with the third objective of European Territorial Cooperationcalls with insistence for the full integration and participation of the Outermost Regions in the Trans-European Transport Network, as well as for priority programs;
Amendment 246 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes the view that GDP must be retained as the key criterion in the definition of areas eligible for maximum support (those with GDP/PE below 75% of the EU average) and, where appropriate, cohesion countries (GDP/PE below 90% of the EU average); points out that supplementary indicators relevant for measuring social cohesion ( like unemployment rates, poverty, etc.) and territorial cohesion and continuity, as well as environmental indicators should applied; points out that the competent national authorities must continue to have scope for the use of additional indicators at the relevant decision-making levels;
Amendment 337 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 417 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Calls for the indicators to concentrate Endorses the use of a limited number of common indicators, linked to the economic, social and territorial cohesion tareas of impact with European added value (increases in productivity, research, transport services, regional growth and relevant environmental improvements); calls for quantitative targets to be eschewed when measuring progress in areas where responsibility rests largely with national authorities (i.e. on educational standards, poverty thresholds and integratgets, such as employment, social inclusion, reduction of richness disparities, research, innovation, SSGI quality and universality, transport services, regional growth, improvement in terms of environmental management, as well as the objectives of the EU 2020 strategy, to enable the Commission to conduct a comprehensive and continuous evaluation throughout the programming period, whereas most of indicators should be established at regional level taking into account the specific nature of each region) and for assessment, instead, of projects' potential as models and ofthe priorities set; the indicators must reflect how necessary any proposed approach is for the dregree of innovation they displayion's development;
Amendment 444 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Calls, in the case of direct subsidies to undertakings, for it to be recognised that Cohesion Policy funding, rather than influencing decisions by companies – and particularly bigger companies – to open a plant in a given location, tends to be pocketed by companies which have already taken such decisions (deadweight effect), and fosters regional development and job creation; calls, therefore, for, on the one hand, support for undertakings to focus on investment in research and development or for it to be provided, in more cases, indirectly through infrastructure financing; also calls for, given that such financing directly helps to create jobs in the undertakings to which it is provided, and, on the other hand, clear provisions to be included in the general regulation governing the Structural Funds ruling out EU support for the relocation of undertakings within the Union, and for a substantial lowering of the threshold for review of relocation investmentsmaking funding conditional on undertakings not relocating or introducing redundancy plans and on them meeting demanding environmental standards, failing which they would be required to repay the funding received;
Amendment 483 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Regards the integration of the EU 2020 objectives into the existing system of objectives and funds as entirely feaclearly not possible; rejects any division of the EU budget under the notional headings of ‘smart’, ‘inclusive’ or ‘sustainable’ growthattempt to subordinate cohesion policy to the EU 2020 strategy, which is a macro-economic strategy coming first and foremost under the responsibility of the Member States and the Commission and dependent on their will; considers it inappropriate to expect the regions and cohesion policy to bear the consequences of the Commission’s and the Member States’ organisational and coordinating failings as regards implementation of the EU 2020 strategy; points out that the structural and cohesion policies were introduced with a view to ensuring the harmonious development of Europe’s regions, not as policies intended to help implement the Lisbon strategy or the EU 2020 strategy;
Amendment 488 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Regards post-2013 cohesion and structural policy as the decisive policy arena for cross-sectoral implementation of the EU 2020 strategy and therefore calls for it to be treated at least as generously in budgetary terms it has beenfor achieving economic, social and territorial cohesion; therefore calls for it to receive higher budget appropriations as in the current planning period;
Amendment 552 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Emphasises the importance in terms of cohesion policy of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) promoting cross-border cooperation with states outside the EU; sees infrastructure (transport and energy) links with neighbouring countries as having particularly positive effects on the European border regions; calls for ENPI funding to focus more closely on strategic needs in relation to energy and to transport infrastructure; urges the Commission to open the European wider neighbourhood policy up to the outermost regions, as was intended prior to the policy’s introduction, so that those regions are not denied the opportunity to take advantage of the ENPI that is afforded to other European regions;
Amendment 565 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 – footnote
Paragraph 60 – footnote
Amendment 569 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and, the Commission and the Presidents of EU Regions and Landers.
Amendment 46 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In the interest of equal treatment, a single tax rate should apply within each category of transactions, namelyfor trade in financial instruments other than derivatives, on the one hand, and for the purchase/sale, transfer, conclusion and modification of derivatives agreements.
Amendment 73 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
2. This Directive shall apply to all financial transactions, on condition that at least one party to the transaction is established in a Member State andor that a financial institution established in the territory of a Member State is party to the transaction, acting either for its own account or for the account of another person, or is acting in the name of a party to the transaction.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point a
Amendment 94 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 4 – point d a (new)
d(a) transactions involving payment for goods imported or exported, travel-related transactions carried out by private individuals, transactions involving the transfer of sums earned in the form of wages or salaries and transactions carried out as part of humanitarian, development or international aid activities.
Amendment 106 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point c a (new)
c(a) foreign exchange market transactions which are primarily speculative in nature.
Amendment 131 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point a
a) 0.12% in respect of the financial transactions referred to in Article 5;
Amendment 132 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 – point b
b) 0.012% in respect of financial transactions referred to in Article 6.
Amendment 163 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11 a (new)
Article 11(a) Income from the financial transaction tax Income received from the financial transaction tax shall be exclusively used for the funding of policy in the fields of welfare, education, research, health, culture, the environment and renewable energy sources.
Amendment 164 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12
Article 12
Amendment 178 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Member States shall adopt and publish, by 31 December 20132 at the latest, the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions and a correlation table between those provisions and this Directive.
Amendment 179 #
2011/0261(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
They shall apply those provisions from 1 January 20143.
Amendment 5 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ConsenRejects to the draft Council regulation laying down the Mmultiannual Ffinancial Fframework for the years 2014-2020;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that cohesion policy is a fundamental instrument with which to promote economic and social cohesion, with the aim of undertaking measures to reduce regional inequalities, promote real convergence and stimulate growth and employment, also serving to redistribute and offset the costs of the single market and EMU for the less developed regions and helping to attain the 20-20-20 goal by 2020 and establish a coherent strategy for a European economy with, in the long and medium term, maximum energy efficiency and low CO2 emissions; is aware that investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects is not moving ahead as expected;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that subordinating cohesion policy to the priorities of the 'EU 2020 strategy' could have adverse effects on economic and social cohesion by overemphasising competitiveness, deregulation, adaptability and the business mentality to the detriment of cohesion, convergence and the necessary social sustainability;
Amendment 10 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Considers that, in order to avoid business relocation within the EU, public aid granted under the Structural Funds must be conditional on the conclusion of long-term contracts with undertakings covering location, duration and permanent employment;
Amendment 11 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Takes the view that cohesion policy must not be seen as merely an instrument for achieving the objectives of other sectoral policies, since it is a Community policy offering substantial value added which has its own raison d'être: economic and social cohesion;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to carry out an in-depth analysis of the impact that the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact, the euro and the liberalisation of internal and international markets are having on cohesion and convergence policy, particularly as regards micro-enterprises and SMEs in each of the Member States;
Amendment 18 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. In the light of the review of cohesion policy and the EU financial perspective, asks the Commission to ensure that energy saving is automatically includedtaken into account as a condition when granting structural and cohesion funds, provided that specific support is available for the investments necessary in order to save energy, and to earmark an increased proportion of funds to energy efficiency and decentralised renewable energy projects;
Amendment 24 #
2010/2139(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises that many social and economic benefits are to be gained from the effective use of resources, particularly the creation of jobs which are not vulnerable to relocation, in both rural and urban areas, notably in the case of SMEs; is concerned that in some regions EU aid, particularly to micro-enterprises and SMEs, has not been high enough to offset the adverse effects of the single market, EMU and the liberalisation of world trade;
Amendment 48 #
2010/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the fact that, with the EU 2020 Strategy, the Commission is finally acknowledging the importance of an active industrial policy for sustainable growth and employment in Europe; urges the Commission to implement suitable measures and forms of support for the Member States that will enable an active industrial policy for sustainable growth and the development of national production, as a vital stimulus from the viewpoint of decent jobs, fair wages and economic and social cohesion in Europe;
Amendment 73 #
2010/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to develop, together with the European Parliament and the Council, a qualitative and, where possible, quantitative vision for European industry in 2020, which looks towards sustainable development in the long term and lays down guidelines, for example for energy and resource efficiency, with a view to ensuring that European industry becomes more stable and competitive and jobs are created as a result; urges the Commission to take account, in all Community policies, especially commercial and monetary policy, of those guidelines for the protection of European industry, and to implement measures and forms of support for the Member States which will ensure sustainable industrial development;
Amendment 104 #
2010/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that the new, integrated approach calls for extremely effective collaboration within the Commission, and calls on the Commission to set up a permanent industrial policy task force to this end; which will take due account of the diversity of industrial production in the Member States and the nature of the contribution made, with a view to the development of national, regional and local production;
Amendment 266 #
2010/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is convinced that industry needs an energy policy focused on the long term which guarantees appropriate energy prices and security of supply, allows manufacturing to take place without the release of gases damaging to the climate, and prevents carbon leakage; points out that the internal energy market is an asset when it comes to switching to low-carbon production and supply, and that the network infrastructure must therefore be renewed and extended, and smart grids promoted; considers that a continued public-sector presence in the sphere of energy is essential for the development of industry and decent employment in the Member States, and that national energy strategies that prioritise industrial production in each Member State constitute an asset when it comes to switching to low-carbon production and supply;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union is the most competitive actor regarding trade in services; whereas the Union is the world's largest exporter and the biggest service provider with more than 28% of the world total export and its transnational undertakings therefore hasve a strong interest in ensuring that new markets for goods, services and investments are opened,
Amendment 3 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas, in view of its economic weight, the EU has a particular responsibility to ensure that international trade facilitates the harmonious development of the various sectors of the economy, that the liberalisation of services does not hamper development, or destroy any sectors of the local economy or public services and that the poorest sectors of the population are not excluded from financial services as a result of the liberalisation thereof,
Amendment 17 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the multilateral trading system, embodied in the World Trade Organization (WTO), remains the most should guarantee an effective legal framework for achieving fair and equitable trade on a global basis, by developing appropriate rules and ensuring compliance with those rules,
Amendment 18 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the liberalisation of services had the following results: - the poorest or most isolated sections of the population have been deprived of essential services, the latter having been reserved for the more affluent, - national and regional service providers have gone into liquidation, - capital from the sale of services has been exported instead of being reinvested into the region providing the service,
Amendment 19 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas GATS is and must be the multilateral framework for the liberalisation and deregulation of trade in services; whereas this does not prohibit states and notably the EU from negotiating agreements which have further reaching schedules of specific commitments,
Amendment 22 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas Article V of the GATS requires substantial liberalisation of services, thereby preventing the selective liberalisation of sectors genuinely needing foreign investment; taking the view in addition that the provision authorising greater flexibility for developing countries is not being implemented to a sufficient degree by the EU,
Amendment 38 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Draws attention to the high level of external competitiveness of European services providers; calls on the Commission to pursue, in trade negotiations, both the progressive and reciprocal liberalisation of services and and those operating in certain emerging countries; considers that suitable regulation of services is essential for ensuring that it is possible to choose the type of society desired for all; calls on the Commission to pursue, in trade negotiations, a policy of increased transparency and predictability of rules and regulations, in order that citizens and entrepreneurs of developing countries can have access to a wider range of services, some of which may be provided by highly competitive European services providers;
Amendment 41 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that public services are essential for the functioning of democracy; considers that the EU must refrain from encouraging competition between essential services such as those providing access to water, health, education or energy, which inevitably leads to their privatisation;
Amendment 42 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that the Commission must take the different Member State interests and those of the developing countries, together with economic inequalities between individuals, into account when negotiating commitment schedules;
Amendment 45 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is convinced, that services constitute the backbone of every economy; reiterates that for this reason the greatest prudence on the part of the European Union regarding liberalisation of services is therefore important not only for developed countries, but particularly for developing countries;
Amendment 49 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges states' sovereignty and thus their right to regulate in all areas of services, including particular in the area of public services, irrespective of whether commitments have been undertaken in the framework of the GATS, provided that any such regulations are made in conformity with Article VI of GATS on Domestic Regulation; believes that service markets require clear, non-discriminatory regulations to operate efficiently;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Takes the view that, in order to ensure favourable results, liberalisation of a new services sector, particularly in the developing countries, must in every case: - be accompanied by new regulations and supervision and implementation mechanisms, so as to contain the impact on the population and the environment and limit any abuses of a dominant position or concentration; - be phased in and accompanied by the necessary ancillary measures; - be limited to services whose liberalisation is considered necessary and which cannot be supplied by local or regional providers;
Amendment 59 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Suggests that the efficiency gains that could be obtained thanks to opening markets to services competition would allow less developed countries to provide services in areas that would otherwise be out of reach for the state due to its limited resources; considers that in this reg, regarding the developing countries and in particular the least advanced opening up the services markets could jeopardise opportunities for them to develop their own services industry; considers that essential public services must be guaranteed by strengthening the countries concerned, particularly by resolving their external debt problem, given that they alone arde as much emphasis should be placed on government failure as is put on market failureble to provide such services for poor, marginalised and isolated populations;
Amendment 64 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the need for rules and standards to govern liberalisationin the services and other sectors; encourages compliance with environmental, social and quality standards in a reasonable and objective manner, without constituting unnecessary barriers to tradeobjectives;
Amendment 75 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Encourages a quickbalanced and equitable resolution on the package of modalities on negotiations on agriculture and on Non- Agricultural Market Access (NAMA), so as to move ontogether with the negotiations on GATS; underlines the importance of WTO members presenting substantial offers; regrets that this has so far not been the case for most members seeking to improve WTO and GATS rules in the light of favourable and unfavourable past experience; regrets that this has so far not been the case for most members and calls on the EU, in view of its economic importance, to initiate ambitious measures in this area;
Amendment 79 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 85 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a.Is concerned at the fact that free trade agreements, such as that negotiated by the EU with the CARIFORUM countries: - do not allow countries to select a limited number of services sectors for negotiation purposes, since Article V of the GATS requiring substantial liberalisation and the EU does not authorise sufficient use of the flexibility offered to developing countries, - have a regulatory framework which seeks above all to protect investors rather than ensuring access to quality services in the recipient countries, thereby limiting the partnership arrangements now negotiated by the European Union, - limit the possibility for these countries to regulate capital movements, - contain an MFN clause, which does not allow these developing countries to sign more advanced agreements with other countries of the south; calls on the Commission to remedy these problems in the course of negotiations, including those currently underway;
Amendment 100 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that no WTO member has yet made any commitments on the water distribution sector; recall, which is nonetheless, that any state is free to do so should it consider itself unable to provide the service which its citizens need; stresses that should a such commitment be made it does not prohibit the state from setting levels of quality, safety, ply to be expected, given that this is an essential service, the provision of which cannot be made subject to market forces or profit maximisation, since it must be accessible to all, riceh or other policy objectives as they see fit, and the same regulations would apply to foreign suppliers as to local supplierspoor, near or far, something which only a public service can guarantee;
Amendment 107 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Believes that opening up the market in financial services in developing countries offers citizens and entrepreneurs access to funds in order to create local jobs and alleviate poverty since they are no longer forced to rely on state monopolies or institutions with links to ruling elithas frequently resulted in the poorest sectors being deprived of access to the necessary credit for the development of their farms or enterprises;