186 Amendments of Vural ÖGER
Amendment 1 #
2008/2200(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines the "European course"perspective approved by the European Council in Thessaloniki in June 2003 of all the states of the Western Balkans; emphasises the importance of a serious prospect of EU membership for the political and economic development of these countries; acknowledges that this prospect will further integrate the Western Balkans in the EU and will stimulate EU companies to increase their business in the region; stresses that Western Balkans society as a whole should benefit from stability and prosperity;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2200(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Council to implement all appropriate measures to encourage deeper integration of the Western Balkans into the world trade and economic system, in particular through WTO accession for Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro; underlines that the liberalisation of trade must go hand in hand with reducing poverty and unemployment rates, promoting economic and social rights and respecting the environment; calls on the Commission to duly submit in a timely manner for approval to the Parliament any new proposals aiming to provide exceptional budgetary assistance to Western Balkan states;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the peaceful rise that has made China a key global player; supports the positive role it plays in several international peace-keeping efforts and in the DPRK 6-party talks; believes that increased global influence and increased responsibility go hand-in-hand; asks that China reconsider its "no-strings" aid to dubious regimes, including as regards arms supplies; believes that some of the world's most intractable problems, such as climate change, poverty, the fight against terrorism and nuclear proliferation, cannot be solved without China;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned at the lack of basic human rights such as freedom of expression and religious belief; calls on China to respect minority rights, e.g. those of Tibetans and Uighurs; notes the moratorium on the death penalty and the adoption of a system of mandatory reexamination of all cases by the Supreme Court as steps in the right direction, and calls on China to abolish the death penalty and the offence of "threatening public security"; asks China to allow unrestricted internet access; while noting some progress, believes that, overall, the cause of human rights in China is not advancing;
Amendment 17 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned at China's growing military budget; supports the continuation of the arms embargo on China; notes China's very active pursuit of energy security, e.g. in Africa and natural resources, e.g. in Africa; and in this respect welcomes the Commission Communication on "The EU, Africa and China: Towards trilateral dialogue and cooperation"; believes that the EU needs a result-oriented common foreign energy policy and an effective dialogue with China on this;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the economic growth of the Western Balkans varies significantly, ranging in 2006 from 3% in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to 10,3% for Montenegro; and whereas also the unemployment rates vary, in 2007 ranging from high unemployment rates such as in Kosovo (40%) down to lower rates such as in Montenegro (11,9%),
Amendment 14 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas the economies of the Western Balkans are very heterogeneous and have different characteristics, for example Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro differ form the other Western Balkan economies in so far as the tourism sector is crucial for them,
Amendment 24 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that there is a real need to improve and establish well-functioning visa and customs regimes in order to improve the investment climate and ensure closer economic and trade cooperation; welcomes in this regard the recent road maps for visa facilitation for the Western Balkan countries;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Council to implement all appropriate measures to encourage deeper integration of the Western Balkans into the world trade and economic system, in particular through WTO accession for the countries in the region which are not yet members; takes note with favour that Albania, Croatia and FYROM are already members of the WTO; underlines that the liberalisation of trade must go hand in hand with reducing poverty and unemployment rates, promoting economic and social rights and respecting the environment;
Amendment 33 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Welcomes the participation of the Western Balkan countries bordering the Mediterranean in the relaunch of the Barcelona process, the so called Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean, established on 13 July 2008; believes that full integration of the CEFTA countries into a EUROMED Free Trade Area to be created in 2010 will be beneficial for all; asks the Commission to monitor the mutual influences of an EU- Med free trade area including some Western Balkan countries and EU- CEFTA relations;
Amendment 54 #
2008/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Stresses that fair and transparent cross- border competition for public procurement is an important building block of a truly integrated regional market; calls on Western Balkan countries to multiply their efforts towards a more integrated and better functioning public contract system applying the principle of non- discrimination between domestic and foreign suppliers in full compliance with the EU acquis, and to ensure universal, accessible and sustainable public services with affordable prices and high quality standards for all;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that human rights must bare an essential aspect of the negotiating mandate for trade agreements conferred upon the Commission by the Council and that Parliament must always have a hand in defining that mandate;
Amendment 4 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that it is of the utmost importance to include the binding core labour rights of the International Labour Organization (ILO ) in any future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and third countries; furthermore considers labour rights to be an essential part of any agreement and therefore takes the view that this requires the chapter on labour rights to be subject to the standard dispute settlement mechanism;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that the EU’s trade sanctions must be more targeted at the financial interests of individuals oractors - of the private and/or state companies - responsible for infringements of human rights and, democracy and the rule of law, without penalising the population, in particular its poorer segments; in this sense, calls on the Commission to devise mechanisms that evaluate whether sanctions target the entities that are responsible for human rights abuses; believes that compensation measures protecting the civil society from negative consequences are desirable;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Does not accept the policy of double standards concerning the imposition of sanctions and believes that sanctions should be imposed regardless of whether or not the infringement is to the detriment of Community citizens and/or EU trade interestsEU trade interests and/or of actors in the EU who are responsible;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers that trade sanctions shouldcan be backed up by tools such as flight bans, restrictions on financial transactions, diplomatic warnings, suspension of cooperation, boycotting of events, etc. and other sanctions of symbolic value;
Amendment 22 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. StressesWelcomes the fact that the EU’s generalised system of tariff preference schemes (GSP) provides both for additional tariff preferences for those countries which have ratified and implemented a range of conventions on human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance, and; stresses equally that the GSP provides for the withdrawal of those preferences for countries which do not implement those conventions;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2031(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Asks the Commission to evaluate whether sanctions target those who are responsible and whether chosen time- frames are adequate;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas trade in services so far only amounts to 25% of world trade; whereas the sector has a huge potential and a lot to be gained from liberalisedthe equitable opening up of trade in services; whereas more jobs are created in this sector than in any other sector of the economy,
Amendment 15 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas social services of general interest such as health and education are essential to the principles of the European social model and must also be taken into account for the purposes of international trade,
Amendment 35 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Stresses the need for a differentiated approach to the opening of the market in services of general interest; points out that social services of a general interest such as health and education should not be liberalised in the same way as tertiary trade sectors in view of their specific contribution to social protection and solidarity;
Amendment 37 #
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 fair, progressive and reciprocal liberalisation ofopening up of trade in services and 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; stresses that it is essential to strike the right balance between the equitable and progressive opening of services and regulation of the services market with regard to the relevant international trade issues;
Amendment 82 #
2008/2004(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
15. Encourages a clear and ambitious level of commitments in the currently negotiated and upcoming bilateral and regional trade agreements; stresses the importance of including therein provisions relating to human rights and social standards;
Amendment 10 #
2008/0067(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The EIB should consider the introduction, implementation and monitoring of clear environmental and social standards and safeguards when operating outside the EU.
Amendment 24 #
2008/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the recent price increases on international markets for raw materials and commodities are due to a significant increase in the demand from emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil, changed weather patterns and a boom in the market of agro fuels livestock production, as well as livestock producmarket speculation,
Amendment 28 #
2008/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the sustainable exploitation of natural resources could reduce poverty and foster economic growth if good governance is promoted; whereas weak governance in countries rich in natural resources may also result in poverty, corruption, and conflict,
Amendment 53 #
2008/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers the set-up of regional economic frameworks and increased regional cooperation among developing countries to be of the utmost importance for the sustainable economic development of those countries; underlines in this respect the importance of south-south trade for the economic development of those countries;
Amendment 55 #
2008/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Considers that in the long term regional economic and trade cooperation should be fostered and could lead to free trade agreements; notes at the same time that in different regional contexts free trade agreements face difficulties; considers that the EuroMed free trade agreement should be a priority given the importance of trade in raw materials in this region;
Amendment 88 #
2008/0000(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Believes that the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which aims to strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractives sector shall be implemented world wide, in order to provide better opportunities for developing countries to receive the equivalent value of their natural resources;
Amendment 10 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas according to Article 49 of the EU Treaty, all European neighbours have the right to apply for EU membership,
Amendment 11 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas in the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of June 2003, the Heads of State and Government reiterated their determination to fully and effectively support the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, which will become an integral part of the EU once they have met the established criteria,
Amendment 16 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, whilst previous enlargements have undoubtedly been a success both for the European Union and for the Member States which joined it, this is no guarantee that such accelerated pace can be sustained further,
Amendment 22 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Stabilisation and Association Agreements are making an important and successful contribution to relations between the European Union and the western Balkan countries with a view to their European integration and are promoting regional cooperation,
Amendment 25 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, in this context, the renewed consensus adopted by the European Council in December 2006 is based on the principles of consolidation of commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality and better communication with the public;
Amendment 26 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas enlargement policy should basically centre on areas such as: construction of the State, the rule of law, reconciliation, administrative and judicial reform and measures to combat corruption and organised crime;
Amendment 29 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas this strategy cannot therefore be reduced tois more than a simple negotiating methodology butand should involve a thorough debate on the Union's objectives, covering both the Union's own future and its role in the neighbourhood and on the international scene,
Amendment 36 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas it is necessary to develop European neighbourhood policy towards countries with no medium term prospect of accession to the Union,
Amendment 39 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Union's Enlargement Strategy should be part of a more diversifiednot be mixed with an indeterminate array of external relations policies, reconciling the Union's geo- strategic interests with our neighbours' diverse expectations,
Amendment 47 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the process of enlargement is distinct from the European Neighbourhood policy (ENP), although in some cases countries within the framework of the ENP may prepare for membership of the EU at a later stage,
Amendment 51 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas these policies EU Enlargement Strategy should encompass the variety of situations prevailing in our neighbourhood, notably in those countries which have candidate status and have started negotiations – such as Croatia and Turkey – , those which have candidate status but have not yet started negotiations, those which have membership prospects – such as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – , those which have membership prospects – the remaining Western Balkan countries – , those which have a European integration goal – such as Ukraine or Moldova – and those which merely wish to have close neighbourly ties with the Union,
Amendment 55 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
Amendment 62 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas, as stated in its above- mentioned resolution of 13 December 2006, countries with European prospects should benefit from a close bilateral or multilateral relationship with the EU, matching their specific needs and interests; whereas this option, which entails a broad spectrum of operational possibilities, would grant partner countries a stable, long-term perspective of institutionalised relations with the EU and provide, and providing the incentive necessary to foster stability, peace and democratic and economic reform in the countries concerned,
Amendment 66 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
Amendment 67 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas these policies EU Enlargement Strategy needs also to be effectively explained and communicated to othe current EU citizens as well as to all future citizens so as to ensure public support for the Union's commitments towards its neighbours, thus guaranteeing the Union's credibility as partner,
Amendment 72 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 a (new)
Paragraph –1 a (new)
–1a. Points out that former enlargements have strengthened the European Union as a whole, fostered its economic growth, reinforced its role in the world and stimulated the development of new EU policies; underlines that further ways of improving the quality of the enlargement process must be based on the positive experiences accumulated so far;
Amendment 73 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 b (new)
Paragraph –1 b (new)
–1b. Agrees with the Commission's judgment that past enlargements have been a great success, benefiting the European Union as well as the new Member States, and points out that past enlargements were the fulfilment of the initial mission of European integration, which was to reunite the European continent after the political divisions of the 20th century;
Amendment 74 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 c (new)
Paragraph –1 c (new)
–1c. Underlines that enlargement in general is among the most effective instruments of the EU's foreign policy and conflict-prevention policies, and points out, in particular, the challenges posed by the previous enlargements, which have brought peace and prosperity to the countries of central and eastern Europe; believes nevertheless that lessons can be learned by all EU institutions from this process;
Amendment 75 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 d (new)
Paragraph –1 d (new)
–1d. Recalls that, so far, enlargements of the Union have been accompanied by efforts to bring about substantial internal reforms, and that a constitutional settlement such as that proposed in the Lisbon Treaty will prove once again that there is no inherent contradiction between deepening and widening, and will enable the European Union to work more effectively, more transparently and more democratically;
Amendment 80 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms its firm commitment to the countries with which it has started membership negotiations – such as Croatia and Turkey – and to the countries which have been given clear membership prospects – such as the Western Balkan countries – , with the understanding that full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and compatibility with the Union's integration capacity must be fulfilled before these countries can join the Union;
Amendment 98 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Takes the view that the Union's Enlargement Strategy should strikefirst and foremost fulfil the requirements of the EU Treaty and commitments already entered into by the Union, as well as striking a balance between the Union's geo-strategic interests, the impact of political developments outside its borders together with the resulting expectations of its neighbouring countries, and the Union's integration capacity, including its ability to cope with future internal and external challenges and to realise its political integration project;
Amendment 104 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that integration capacity reflects the Union's ability at a given point in time to decide and thus to achieve its political objectives, in particular the aim of promoting economic and social progress and a high level of employment in its Member States, of asserting its identity and its ability to act on the international scene, of promoting the rights and interests of Member States' nationals, of developing an area of freedom, security and justice, of fully maintaining and building on its acquis communautaire and of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as underlined by the Commission's above-mentioned communication entitled "Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2007-2008", full attention should be paid to the EU's integration capacity at key stages of the accession process;
Amendment 114 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is of the view that, with any further commitment to enlarge, the question of the EU's integration capacity will have to be scrutinised in depth , from an institutional, financial and political standpoint;
Amendment 117 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Endorses the emphasis on consolidation, conditionality and communication as guiding principles of the EU Enlargement Strategy and recommends that the strategy be combined with efforts to secure the EU's integration capacity, in the interests of both current and future Member States;
Amendment 118 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Amendment 119 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 134 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recalls, furthermore, that the economic structure and interests of each new Member State could have an impact on the direction which the Union's policies and budget take and could therefore affect the nature of the Union itself, but that past enlargements show the mutual economic benefit of enlargement to existing and new Member States;
Amendment 143 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 151 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Therefore takes the view that every enlargement must be followed by adequate consolidation and political concentration, that is to say, by a serious reassessment of the Union's policies and means in order to ensure consensus around such policies and to focus on objectives which responding to the expectations of ourEU citizens and which guaranteeing the viability of the Union as a political project;
Amendment 167 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Warns, therefore, that further enlargement without adequate consolidation could lead toInsists that enlargement must be accompanied by adequate consolidation in order to prevent the establishment of a Union of multiple configurations, with core countries moving towards closer integration and others lying at its margins, and that this scenario would have seriously detrimental implications for the Union's capacity to act – since it would weaken its institutions, for the stability of some of its Member States – since it would make them more vulnerable to external pressure, and for its credibility as global actor – since it would undermine its already precarious unity in external affairs;
Amendment 174 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes, moreover, that further enlargements should be accompanied by a concerted communication policy involving all EU Institutions and Member States' Governments as well as representatives of civil society, designed to explain to our citizens the political, economic and social benefits of enlargement, social and cultural benefits of enlargement; therefore reminds the governments and parliaments of the Member States that it is their responsibility adequately to inform public opinion about the positive achievements of former enlargements, the status quo of the ongoing negotiations and the matters at stake in further enlargements;
Amendment 175 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes, moreover, that further enlargements should be accompanied by a concerted communication policy involving all EU Institutions and Member States' Governments at national, regional and local level and civil society, designed to explain to our citizens the political, economic and social benefits of enlargement;
Amendment 183 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 192 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes the view that the gap existing between the Union's Enlargement Strategy and itshas to be distinguished from the European Neighbourhood Policy needs to be filled in order to respond to the expectations of our eastern neighbours; is convinced that the Commission's strengthened n should maximise its efforts to further strengthen the European Neighbourhood pPolicy is not sufficient in this respect, althoughas it represents an already positive step in the right direction, andbut that a more substantive qualitative change is required;
Amendment 197 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that the ENP tactics and policies should not, and cannot, be the same as those used in the context of enlargement, since the differences between the EU Member States and the neighbouring countries concerned are to a certain extent structural, deeper and politically more relevant than in the case of the acceding countries;
Amendment 198 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Suggests, therefore, that, as regBelieves that the policies already existing within the framework of the ENP towards those eastern neighbours which, in view of their political, economic and social situation and of the Union's current integration capacity, at present do not enjoy membership prospects but at the same time fulfil certain democratic and economic conditions, the Union should establish an area based on common policies covering, in particular, economic and financial issues, trade, energy, transport, environmental issues, the rule of law, justice, security, migration and education; takes the view that these common policies, whilst striving gradually to achieve EU standards and opening the way for closer integration of these countries, should be shaped jointly with the participating countries on the basis of specific decision-making mechanisms, and should be underpinned by adequate financial assistanceshould be shaped jointly with the participating countries on the basis of specific decision-making mechanisms, and should be underpinned by adequate financial assistance; underlines that the policies of the ENP involve common policies concerning economic and financial issues, trade, energy, transport, environmental issues, the rule of law, justice, security, migration and education;
Amendment 215 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes in this respect the re-launch, within the framework of the EU, of the "Barcelona Process: A Union for the Mediterranean" as a further positive step in our relations with theour southern neighbours; believes that this new development strengthens the argument in favour of specific contractual multilateral relations with our eastern neighbours, which, compared to their southern partners, have clear European ambitions and perspectives; recalls that, as a first step,recalls that the re-launch of these relations shcould translate themselves into tha future establishment of a Free Trade Area, to be followed by closer relations along the lines of a European Economic Area Plus (EEA +), of a European Commonwealth orand of specific regional cooperation frameworks, for example in the Black Sea area;
Amendment 225 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 236 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes in this context the Commission Communication on the Western Balkans of 5 March 2008 (COM(2008)0127), which outlines a range of measures for supporting the countries in the region in their efforts towards EU integration and for deepening our relations with them, whether in the areas of trade, energy, education and/or research; believes that such measures should include also finalisation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement wi, including the Serbia and calls on all Member States to overcome their reservations in this respecttabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia;
Amendment 246 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Furthermore, urges the Commission to come up with concrete proposals for a more diversified external relations policy towards our neighbours, along the lines outlined in the present resolution, and to reconsider its own administrative structures in order to establish a structural lRecalls the administrative structures of the Commission, differentiatinkg between the activities carried out by the Enlargement and the RELEX Directorates- General;
Amendment 6 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is increasingly emphasising recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work, such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday days, and the agreement reached on the choice of 456 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;
Amendment 11 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the improvement in political cooperation between government and opposition, in particular the regular meetings between leading representatives of the main political parties, the establishment of a Council for EU Integration involving representatives of the opposition parties, the adoption of significant reforming legislation (particularly on the judicial system), and the fact that the Justice Council now has its full complement of members; hopes that efforts towards reform in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will continue in this spirit of compromise and that the reform measures adopted will be effectively implemented;
Amendment 12 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Further welcomes the fact that, in accordance with the Ohrid Framework Agreement, more representatives of ethnic minorities are being employed in the public service, and hopes that the Ohrid Framework Agreement will continue to be consistently implemented;
Amendment 25 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers it a shared challenge for all political forces and ethnic communities within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to demonstrate that the country is now free of conflicts viewed negatively both domestically and abroad which go beyond normal political differences, including boycotting democratic government institutions, the behaviour of MPs in parliament on 25 September 2007 and the relationship between the Head of State and the government, and thus to demonstrate that the country is ready for the process of integration into the European Union;
Amendment 28 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Expresses the hope that Macedonian politicians can find a solution to the use of ethnic groups’ national symbols which complies with the Constitution while at the same time reflecting the need of smaller ethnic groups to express their identity;
Amendment 34 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community,; considers it therefore desirable that a broad consensus, with the participation of the Albanian representatives, should be reached on any revision of the Electoral Code; and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability;
Amendment 61 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a (new)
Paragraph 7a (new)
7a. Notes that one-sided support for certain media products, e.g. in the form of government campaigns and advertisements by state-sponsored firms, leads to a distortion of competition in the media landscape and is thus prejudicial to other media, including those critical of the government;
Amendment 63 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Acknowledges that adoption of the Law on Waste Management has led to some progress on handling asbestos, waste collection and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and raw materials waste; points, however, to the need to take measures ensuring the expert disposal and treatment of hazardous waste, e.g. batteries, chemicals and medical waste; considers it desirable to establish specific legislation quickly which makes waste collection with maximum separation mandatory and is geared to preventing and combating the emergence and the spread of illegal dumps along roads and riverbanks and on the edge of woodlands;
Amendment 81 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Welcomes the efforts by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to maintain good neighbourly relations on the northern border with Serbia and Kosovoits borders and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement;
Amendment 86 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that, in spite of international publicity campaigns, the foreign investments hoped for have largely failed to materialise; considers that confidence in investment possibilities on the part of domestic and international business must continue to be strengthened;
Amendment 88 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Welcomes the legal recognition given to the University of Tetovo as part of the implementation of the peace treaty; stresses in this connection that the promotion of education and training represents a particularly important contribution to the country’s further development;
Amendment 98 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a (new). welcomes the efforts made by the secretariat for European Affairs to stress the importance of communication concerning the implementation of the necessary reforms in order to meet the membership criteria; utilising various tools to convey the messages to all interested parties;
Amendment 111 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 19935 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;
Amendment 167 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. NStresses that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the Western Balkan state which, after Croatia, has made the most progress towards Europe, and congratulates it on this achievement; notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations ;
Amendment 178 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B new
Recital B new
B (new). whereas corruption remains a serious problem in FYROM, and whereas on Transparency International's 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index, FYROM had an average score of 3,3 (on a scale of 0 "highly corrupt" to 10 "highly clean"); takes note of the considerable improvement in this respect in comparison to 2006 Index (2,7),
Amendment 180 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
- having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of 19-20 June 2003, at which the promise was maspect was extended to all Western Balkan states that they would in the long termof joining the European Union in the long term,
Amendment 18 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas corruption remains a serious problem in Croatia, and whereas on Transparency International's 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index, Croatia had an average score of 4,1 (on a scale of 0 "highly corrupt" to 10 "highly clean");
Amendment 39 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is aware of the negative impact which the judgments of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) on the Vukovar war crimes cases have had on Croatia's public perception of the work of the ICTY; urEncourages the Croatian government to take steps to restore popular support for the role of the ICTY in addressing the crimes perpetrated during the Yugoslav conflict;
Amendment 47 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the strengthening of the mandate of the Office for the Prevention of Corruption and Organised Crime (USKOK) and the increased number of corruption cases which are being prosecuted; calls for these efforts to be maintained in order to eradicate the – in some cases unacceptably high – level of corruption, which undermines the economic development of the country; and the level of reliability of public administration; in particular asks for additional efforts in combating corruption in the core institutions of the executive and judicial branches of government as well as in public and local administration;
Amendment 65 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Insists that new legislation should be rapidly implemented, since this provides a reliable yardstick against which to assess the country's preparedness for membership, a preparedness based on facts and not merely on the basis of the adopted legislation, especially as far as judicial, public administration and economic reform,s, and the fight against corruption and economic reforms are concerned;
Amendment 86 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Regrets the fact that the Croatian government has decided to introduce unilaterally the Ecological and Fishing Protection Zone (ZERP) in the Adriatic, thus reneging on the agreement reached in 2004 with the Italian and Slovenian authorities; reminds Croatia that, unless a commonly agreed solution is found, this could have serious repercussions on the pace of the accession negotiations; calls on all parties involved to find a comprehensive solution;
Amendment 92 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Notes that addressing border related issues is particularly defined as a priority for Croatia in its Accession Partnership; points out that the sea border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia has not yet been defined; regrets that no common solution was found over the plans of the opening of Peljesac bridge construction works as Bosnia and Herzegovina voiced opposition to it; calls on both parties to find a comprehensive solution;
Amendment 6 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
13a. having regard to the evaluation report of the external consultancy Mayer, Rowe and Maw LLP, entitled “Evaluation of EC Trade Defence Instruments” (December 2005),
Amendment 7 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 b (new)
Citation 13 b (new)
13b. having regard to the document of the Commission entitled “Evaluation of the responses to the public consultation on Europe's trade defence instruments in a changing global economy” (19 November 2007),
Amendment 10 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the results of the public consultation are available in the document entitled "Evaluation of the responses to the public consultation on Europe's trade defence instruments in a changing global economy" (19 November 2007),
Amendment 11 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 15 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in the absence of internationally agreed upon competition rules in the WTO currently leaves no alternative but TDIs to, TDIs are the only suitable solution for dealing with unfair trade practices,
Amendment 22 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, in TDI investigations, a balance has too often failed to be attained among taking timely action when unfair trade is injuring EU industry, the need to maintain the quality and thoroughness of Commission investigations and the maintenance of transparency and opportunity for all interested parties to contribute,
Amendment 27 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas anti-dumping is a very specific and narrowly focused instrument tackling anticompetitive practices; whereas antidumping is not and is not currently designed to tackle labour and environmental standards and to apply such standards that would hardly be in line with current WTO regulation,
Amendment 31 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 32 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, in a globalised world, EU companies need a reinforced mechanism to combat unfair commercial practices, allowing them to create jobs and stimulate growth in the Union,
Amendment 41 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
- 1. Asks the Commission to take into account the results of the Green Paper for public consultation (COM(2006)0763) and the results of the independent study that it ordered, as both reflect the legitimate interests of all stakeholders;
Amendment 45 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 51 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that, in the absence of internationally recognised rules on competition, the current European TDI system is the best response to ensure a level playing field for all actors and to avoid distorting effects in international trade;
Amendment 54 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 59 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that the EU already has a TDI regime with higher standards, resulting in more stringent application, than other trading partners especially with regard to the initiation, course and subsequent outcome of these investigations;
Amendment 75 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that the current EU TDI system already takes due account of the rightful and legitimate interests of all European stakeholders, as was stated by the majority of governments and stakeholders during the public consultation on the above-mentioned Green Paper;
Amendment 76 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 81 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 84 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Asks the Commission to act accordingly in order to instil social and environmental considerations into the reform of antidumping rules during the WTO negotiations, based on the international fundamental social and environmental standards that already exist;
Amendment 85 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 86 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 90 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Believes that the EU TDI system should address all increasing unfair trade behaviour that hampers the ordinary course of trade, such as fraud, circumvention, dual pricing and violations of IPR, which greatly affect fair competition in international markets;
Amendment 93 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 99 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Asks the Commission to maintain its strict criteria when initiating new TDI investigations in order to guarantee that prima facie evidence is provided by the complainants and that all the AD conditions for initiation are met;
Amendment 100 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 101 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Is worried about the increasing use by the Commission of ex officio review in order to restrict or terminate measures in force;
Amendment 105 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 112 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 116 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 120 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 123 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 125 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Believes that there is no reason to reconsider the current definition of "Community industry" so as to take greater account of the interests of those companies which have moved or subcontracted part of their production outside the Union in so far as those companies are not affected by the duties unless they engage in dumping or receive subsidies;
Amendment 127 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 128 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the Commission to open anti- dumping and countervailing procedures and to impose provisional duties as soon as possible when all the legal requirements have been met, including a threat of injury for the industry concerned;
Amendment 129 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Considers that anti-dumping procedures should always give priority to the need to restore a level playing field, as the effects of unfair competition in the long run are against the interests of all participants in the Community market;
Amendment 130 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Considers therefore that the analysis of the impact on other interests can only justify the non-imposition of anti- dumping measures in exceptional cases, where it is obvious that defence measures will not be able to improve the situation of Community producers, and in any event cannot justify a downward adjustment in the level or duration of the duties imposed;
Amendment 131 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Calls on the Commission to maintain its current practice that ensures the use of realistic and suitably motivated requirements when choosing an "analogue country" for investigative procedures;
Amendment 132 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17d. Considers that the countervailing duty and the anti-dumping instrument are two distinct instruments with their own scope of application that could be used in a complementary way;
Amendment 133 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 135 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 137 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Endorses the creation of the Hearing Officer within the Commission’s DG Trade to assist interested parties; calls on the Hearing Officer to submit, following an independent analysis, to the European Parliament periodic reports in particular on the handling of cases by the Commission, including the conformity of the administrative practices with the basic regulations, and on the synthesis of its activities; stresses that for the sake of transparency and ensuring a meaningful role for the Hearing Officer, his/her reports following individual interventions should be made known to interested parties and the Antidumping Committee;
Amendment 138 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Amendment 140 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Commission to increase the transparency and predictability of the procedure of TDI investigations in the EU, to accelerate and simplify procedures, as well as to facilitate the accessibility of TDIs for SMEs, as they constitute the majority of the European industrial sector;
Amendment 143 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls on the Commission to improve the quality of and access to non- confidential information provided by other parties during the investigation and improve access to confidential information in order to strengthen defence rights;
Amendment 145 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Amendment 146 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 147 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 152 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
Amendment 154 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
Amendment 159 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 162 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
Amendment 164 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Urges the Commission to guarantee that the process of decision-making in TDI investigations is based on transparent and objective standards;
Amendment 165 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 167 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
Amendment 170 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Underlines that the legal certainty and the legal framework within which TDI investigations are conducted, are fundamental taking into account that the standard court procedure takes too long to properly address possible flaws in TDI investigations; underlines the need to ensure that interested parties have recourse to expedited judicial review;
Amendment 174 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
Amendment 177 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Asks for a greater share competence for other services of the Commission when conducting investigations, in order to guarantee the transparency and effectiveness of all TDI investigation procedures;
Amendment 178 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 b (new)
Paragraph 32 b (new)
32b. Calls for real and strong involvement of the European Parliament, in order to improve the credibility and transparency of the trade defence policy in general and of TDIs in particular;
Amendment 179 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 183 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
Amendment 185 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)
Paragraph 34 a (new)
34a. Considers that, under the Community interest test, the interests of Community producers must be given priority over other interests at stake;
Amendment 186 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
Amendment 190 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35a. Asks the Commission to use the Community interest test only as a last resort and to always address the removal of injurious dumping as its first priority;
Amendment 193 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
Amendment 195 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
Amendment 198 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses that, given that TDIs are a concept developed within the WTO mandate, it can hardly be advisable to engage in a process of unilateral revision of such instruments: reciprocity, as well as parallel steps towards their revision, on a multilateral level, namely on the part of the major EU trading partners, should be a precondition for this initiative; recalls that for the time being TDIs are the sole instruments in international trade law to address unfair trading practices;
Amendment 199 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
Amendment 201 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Asks the Council to demonstrate solidarity when dealing with TDIs, in order to guarantee that European industry and its workers are effectively protected when confronted with unfair competition;
Amendment 203 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Amendment 204 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 207 #
2007/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Urges the Commission not to propose a reform of the European regulation on TDI while the WTO negotiations are ongoing and until a real consensus is found among stakeholders and Member States;
Amendment 2 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph – 1a (new)
Paragraph – 1a (new)
-1 a. Underlines the importance of a thorough and objective environmental impact assessment of Nord Stream, particularly given the fragility of the Baltic seabed; is of the opinion that full account should be taken of all relevant environmental and safety aspects in the preparation, construction and operational phases of any gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea; emphasises that a final judgment of the environmental effects of Nord Stream can only be made after the completion of the impact assessment, and welcomes the Commission’s commitment to monitor closely all developments concerning the environmental impact assessment within the framework of the Espoo Convention;
Amendment 15 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
Amendment 16 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that Nord Stream is an infrastructure project with a wide political and strategic dimension for both the EU and Russia; underlines that it is primarily driven by Russian commercial and political interests, aimed at delivering gas straight from Russia to Western Europe, bypassing the transit states; underlines that this project increases Russia's energy leverage over the EU and its neighbours and decreasestakes due note of the concerns expressed by the Baltic littoral states regarding the construction and maintenance of the pipeline; underlines that the ability of small littoral states to act as security providers in the Baltic Sea region; considers that since the project goes against the priorities of several EU Member States, itannot be seen in isolation from the EU's ability to act as a unified entity and speak with one voice on energy issues and recalls its resolution of 26 September 2007 on a common European foreign policy on energy1; undermlines the EU's ability to act as a unified entity and speak with one voat the project has been labelled a project of European interest in the latest guidelines on Trans-European Energy Networks (TENE-E), adopted in September 2006, and that it should be planned in the spirit of the common European foreign policey on energy issues; 1; Or. en Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0413.
Amendment 17 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Reiterates the importance of the EU's energy partnership with Russia and draws attention once again to the fact that this strategic partnership can only be based on the principle of non-discrimination and fair treatment and on equal market access conditions;
Amendment 22 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Considers that aspects of energy solidarity within the European Union should be taken into account by all Member States in their decisions on energy infrastructure projects; underscores that European energy solidarity critically depends on both transparent and mutually enforceable agreements with producer countries and the existence of a functioning internal energy market, as well as an interconnecting energy infrastructure;
Amendment 25 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Calls on the Council and the Commission to address environmental issues and energy security concerns within the framework of the EU’s energy dialogue with Russia; recalls its opinion that the principles and substance of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Transit Protocol thereto must be included in cooperation agreements with third countries, including the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Russia;
Amendment 26 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Therefore asks the Commission and the Member States to put forward the following demands and to call for: - a thorough assessment of: - to assess the various transparency, economic and, budget-related, regulatory and legal aspects of the Nord Stream and its affiliated companies; - a thorough legal assessment aimed at determining whether a broader set of legal framework is applicable; - a thorough assessment of the need for the project and consideration of all alternatives, including the Amber and Yamal II pipelines; - a truly independentproject; - to undertake a study of Nord Stream’s contribution to Europe’s energy needs, including a consideration of all alternatives; - to ensure that the concerns of all littoral states are duly taken into account in the environmental impact assessment,; - to be commissioned with the approval of all littoral States; - Rreiterate its call for the ratification of, and commitment to the full implementation of the provisions of, the Espoo Convention and the Energy Charter Treaty, including its Transit Protocol, as an act of good faith and to encourage the Russian Federation's confidence in the project; - opportunities for equal participation by all the littoral Statesby Russia;
Amendment 26 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
Amendment 32 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
Amendment 44 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Suggests, further, that the permission for the construction and maintenance of the pipeline should be managedUnderlines the importance of open and transparent communication on all relevant environmental, security and safety aspects by anthe Executive Board nominated by all the littoral states with the participation, where appropriate, of the Commissionof Nord Stream with all littoral states at all times;
Amendment 52 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital AA
Recital AA
AA. whereas pursuant to the Espoo Convention every project of this kind should be preceded by an analysis of its alternatives, including in particular implementation costs and environmental safety, in this case an analysis of overland routes for the gas pipeline,
Amendment 55 #
2007/2118(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes the lack of institutional structures capable of responding adequately to the environmental and geopolitical security issues associated with this projecte development of external energy infrastructure, and once again calls on the Council to consider the proposal for the creation of the office of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy, who, wearing a "double hat", would act under the authority of the newly created strengthened High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a Vice-President of the Commission;
Amendment 71 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Expresses its resolute opposition to regarding large-scale transboundaryTakes note of the opposition expressed by certain Member States to the pipeline projects planned for the Baltic Sea area, which is a common asset of the states bordering the Baltic Sea, not as matters of bilateral relations between states;
Amendment 77 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses its conviction that energy projects of this kindinvolving EU Member States and third countries should be subjects of common European interest and concern for the whole European Union and its citizens;
Amendment 80 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that the project has been designated a project of European interest in the latest guidelines on Trans- European Energy Networks (TENE-E) adopted in September 2006, and that it should be planned in the spirit of the common European foreign policy on energy;
Amendment 82 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Underlines that the project has been designated a project of European interest in the latest guidelines on Trans- European Energy Networks (TENE-E) adopted in September 2006, and that it should be planned in the spirit of the common European foreign policy on energy; Or.
Amendment 95 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. RegretsWould welcome a decision of the Commission’s failure to accept the proposal contained in Parliament’s resolution of 16 November 2006 concerning the preparation of environmental impact assessments of proposed projects by the Commission, while reiterating its call for the preparation of such an assessment;
Amendment 114 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Expresses profound concern at the reports that before commissioning the gas pipeline the investor intends to use a highly toxic compound known as glutaric aldehyde, which it is then planning to release into the Baltic,; underlines that any action that would result in a major environmental disaster with irreversible consequences; simultaneously calls on the Commission and the Council to take immediate action to prevent this scenario from taking placehould be avoided;
Amendment 118 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises that the construction and operation of the Gas Pipeline on the Baltic seabed willmay threaten many species of fish and birds as well as the existence of a population of porpoises numbering only 600, which are a species unique to this geographical region;
Amendment 131 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that alternative gas pipeline routes, which do not disturb the marine environment, should be analysed first, and notes that it is possible to run such rouPoints out that all energy projects which have been designated projects of European interest in the TENE-E guidelines, including the North European gas pipeline (Nord Stream pipeline), the Yamal II project promoted by Poland and the Amber project, should be regarded as possible complementary energy projects designed to respond to the growing demand for European energy supply and should not be seen as alternative gas pipeline routes; notes tohat the Russian border overland, solely through European Union Member StatesCommission has not expressed any preference for one project over the other in this context;
Amendment 137 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
Amendment 162 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a.Points out the importance of conducting a transparent communication strategy on steps concerning the results of the environmental impact assessment, and of communicating those results actively to all EU Member States, especially the Baltic littoral states;
Amendment 171 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Expresses its beliefNotes that routing the North European gas pipeline through EU territory would enable it toshould meet the strategic and economic objectives set out in Decision 1364/2006/EC whilst avoiding extensive environmental damage;
Amendment 172 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Considers that it is of the utmost importance to avoid any unnecessary instrumentalisation of the environmental and security issues; reminds all Member States and governments to refrain from any unnecessary polarisation of its citizens and to underline that the project was designated a project of European interest in the TEN-E guidelines adopted in September 2006 by Parliament and by the Council;
Amendment 180 #
2007/2118(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Council and Commission to use every legal means at their disposal to prevent the construction of the North European gas pipeline on the scale proposed by the investor if the environmental impact assessment concludes that the environmental and security concerns of littoral Baltic States are justified;