Activities of Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ related to 2018/0247(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III)
Amendments (9)
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Assistance should also be provided in compliance with the agreements concluded by the Union with the beneficiaries listed in Annex I. Assistance should mainly focus on assisting the beneficiaries listed in Annex I to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law, reform the judiciary and public administration, respect fundamental rights and promote gender equality, tolerance, social inclusion and non-discrimination. Assistance should also support the key principles and rights as defined in the European Pillar of Social Rights.17 Assistance should continue to support their efforts to advance regional, macro-regional and cross-border cooperation breaking down barriers as well as territorial development, including through implementation of Union macro-regional strategies. It should also enhance their economic and social development and economic governance, underpinning a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth agenda, including open, free and fair trade through implementation of regional development, agriculture and rural development, social and employment policies and the development of the digital economy and society, also in line with the flagship initiative Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. _________________ 17 European Pillar of Social Rights solemnly proclaimed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission at the Gothenburg Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, Gothenburg 17 November 2017.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The Union should provide support to the transition towards accession for the benefit of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I, based on the experience of its Member States. This cooperation should focus in particular on the sharing of experience acquired by the Member States in the reform process., in particular on enhancing fair competition, customs cooperation and on joint action to fight against corruption, combat smuggling, money laundering, counterfeiting and public procurement;
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Strengthening the rule of law, including the fight against corruption, money laundering and organised crime, and good governance, including public administration reform, public procurement, competition, state-aid, intellectual property and foreign investments, remain key challenges in most of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I and are essential in order for beneficiaries to come closer to the Union and later to fully assume the obligations of Union membership. In view of the longer-term nature of the reforms pursued in those areas and the need to build up track records, financial assistance under this Regulation should address the requirements placed on the beneficiaries listed in Annex I as early as possible.
Amendment 25 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) It is in the Union's interest to assist the beneficiaries listed in Annex I in their efforts to reform with a view to Union membership. Assistance should be managed with a strong focus on results and with incentives for those who demonstrate their commitment to reform through efficient implementation of pre-accession assistance and progress towards meeting the membership criteria. Additional efforts of beneficiaries to break down trade barriers at national, interregional and international level as well as to refrain from protectionism would be substantial with a view to Union membership.
Amendment 26 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) The transition from direct management of pre-accession funds by the Commission to indirect management by the beneficiaries listed in Annex I should be progressive and in line with the respective capacities of those beneficiaries. The transition should be suspended if EU funds are being used inefficiently, resulting in significant shortcomings of relevant obligations. Assistance should continue to make use of the structures and instruments that have proved their worth in the pre-accession process.
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) To reinforce the effectiveness of public administration and support structural reforms and good governance at all levels including in the fields of public procurement, state-aid, competition, foreign direct investments and intellectual property;
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) To strengthen economic and social development including through increased connectivity and regional development, agriculture and rural development and, social and employment policies and trade facilitation, to reinforce environmental protection, increase resilience to climate change, accelerate the shift towards a low- carbon economy and develop the digital economy and society.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Assistance shall be targeted and adjusted to the specific situation of the beneficiaries listed in Annex I, taking into account further efforts needed to meet the membership criteria as well as the capacities of those beneficiaries. Assistance shall be differentiated in scope and intensity according to needs, commitment to reforms and progress in implementing those reforms, keeping in mind the need for sustainable economic development and growth, a good business and investment climate and fiscal consolidation. Fulfilment and achievement of the progress shall be regularly monitored.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. The Commission shall apply conditionality criteria and take steps to reduce or suspend the Union funding in cases of systemic irregularities in the management and control mechanisms or unsatisfactory progress being made towards achieving the objectives agreed with the beneficiary, as well as in case of serious breach of human rights, democracy and rule of law.