47 Amendments of Ana GOMES related to 2013/2081(INI)
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Considers that the first quarter of the twenty-first century is characterised by a period of prolonged change that is transforming the global order; stresses that this demands a fresh approach to shaping a new multi-polar world order that is inclusive and underpinned by the rule of law and democracy as well as universal values, including human rights; notes that many obstacles lay ahead, not least in engaging with emerging powers in reforming the multilateral system, re- balancing the fragile regional distribution of power and addressing multiple threats from nations, non-state actors and fragile states and regionsal instability;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that the EU must defend its citizens' interests in the world in a determined, unified manner, while always basing its action on the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that this is the world the EU needs to understand today, and on the basis of which it should frame a new EU foreign policy to face these challenges; believes that in order to preserve and promote its values, interests and its position on the global stage, the EU needs not only to be coherent and consistent in its external action, but, first and foremost, to clearly define and implement its strategic objectives, making full use of the opportunities provided by the Lisbon Treaty; demands that the instrument of enhanced cooperation be used to secure greater capacity to act, and to overcome the serious problem of the veto principle within the Council;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the effectiveness of the EU's external action also depends on the full support of its citizens and the legitimacy ithis provides by being anchored in EU's fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and therefore calls for close consultation of the European Parliament in setting clear priorities and objectives for EU foreign policy;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Urges the Member States to play a constructive role in the Union's foreign policy, in particular in coordination between their capitals and Brussels concerning the positions they adopt in multilateral fora, especially at the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council; stresses the need, during a period characterised by economic constraints, to improve the Union's effectiveness as a cohesive global actor; notes in particular that the Member States also have an important role to play in the development and effective implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) by making available civilian and military capabilities and by resorting to common financing of CSDP operations; expects this role to be reinforced following the discussion on defence at the December 2013 European Council;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the VP/HR's initiative to develop the concept of a «'Comprehensive Approach»' in order to achieve the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty and ensure the overall effectiveness and coherence of the CSFP and the CSDP; calls for the VP/HR to engage in a debate with Parliament on the best way to ensure that this comprehensive approach is consistently implemented, and in particular that our foreign policy priorities are further developed in a manner consistent with our interests and are supported by the necessary financial means and by effective and flexible instruments;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. DeploRegrets the fact that the EU has not yet developed a strategy for its relations with the world and that its activities are defined more by reaction than by action, which hinders its role as a global actor ; demands, therefore, a fundamental strategic debate, which should include the Council, the Commission and Parliament;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses, therefore, that a comprehensive understanding of the CFSP covers all areas of foreign policy, including the progressive framing and development of the CSDP, with an emphasis on pursuing coherence and consistency while respecting the specificity of each component of external action; believes that there should be closer coordination, under the VP/HR's leadership, of EU internal policies and Member States' policy choices in key areas such as trade, transport and energy, where these have clearly transnational implications;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Questions, in view of the range of challenges and demands for EU engagement in the world, the Council's rationale for cutting the multiannual financial framework, which will reduce the Union's capacity to promote peace, security and sustainable economic development and its credibility in respect of such efforts; cautions that if such cuts are applied in an uncoordinated fashion, they risk undermining the effective pursuit of our interests and values as well as our collective ability to promote security, stabilpeace, democracy, human security and prosperity in our neighbourhood and further afield;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recognises, at the same time, the need for strategic choices to be made, and priorities established, in order to ensure that the Union's resources are used in a focused and effective manner; calls, in this regard, on the Member States to ensure that their national policies are consistent and articulated with the Union's strategic objectives and commitments;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point 4
Paragraph 21 – point 4
· addressing acute problems in CSDP decision-making, such as the current financing system of CSDP operations, that result in incomprehensible delays between the taking of political decisions to launch a mission and the actual deployment of that mission on the ground, Libya and Mali being the most recent in a long line of examples;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the initiative of holding a European Council Summit in December 2013 on the future of European defence, as an opportunity to review the EU's strategic goals and security interests, concepts that should be further developed in a timely review of the European Security Strategy and a future White Book on European defence;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Strongly believes that the USA is the EU's most important strategic partner; urges the EU, therefore, to give clear political priority to deepening transatlantic relations at all levels and broadening them to include other transatlantic partners, ensuring mutual benefit and reciprocity;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Takes the view that the EU and the USA need to cooperate closely with regard to the peaceful resolution of crisesonflicts, such as those in Iran and the Middle Easresulting from the nuclear programme of Iran and the Israeli-Arab conflict;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Welcomes the announcement concerning the launch of negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which could give the European and US economies an important boost and stimulate progress on other international agreements; recalls the need to set up a Transatlantic Political Council; notes that, in the meantime, continuing the practice of holding annual EU-US summits would provide an opportunity to identify common objectives and coordinate strategies in relation to threats and challenges of global relevance and the development of a common approach to emerging powersngaging with emerging powers and ensure multilateralism;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that in order to rebuild trust it is necessary for the USA to make drastic changes to itsand develop the transatlantic partnership it is vital for the USA to halt all illegal data collection activities directed against the EU and its citizens; warns that the failure to stop data collection activities directed against the EU and its citizens: will harm transatlantic relations and will impact negatively in the on-going negotiations on the mutually beneficial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Reiterates its support for the Union's policy of critical engagement with Russia; considers Russia to be an important strategic partner and neighbour; welcomes cooperation with Russia on important international issues, for instance with regard to Iran, Afghanistan and Syria;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Deplores, nevertheless, the fact that Russia uses its veto in the UN Security Council to undermine the international community's ability to act in response to situations such as the humanitarian tragedy and spiralling violence in Syria; calls thus on the VP/HR to invest the EU's diplomatic weight and efforts to further engage Russia in matters of global concern, as is the situation in Syria;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Remains concerned about Russia's lack of commitment to the rule of law, pluralist democracy and human rights, exemplified by recent legislation which hinder the work of civil society organisations and target minorities; emphasises that strengthening the rule of law in all areas of Russian public life, including the economy, would be a constructive response to the discontent expressed by many Russian citizens, and is essential in order to build a genuine, constructive partnership between the EU and Russia;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Underlines the EU's willingness to contribute to the Partnership for Modernisation and to any successor to the current partnership and cooperation agreement that is linked to Russia's progress as regards human rights, the rule of law and pluralist democracy; stresses also that the EU remains committed to the furthering of political dialogue with Russia, as part of the review of the current EU-Russia PCA and wishes for greater dialogue and cooperation in matters of global importance, such as the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation, organised crime and climate change;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Criticises Russia's use, in violation of international norms (e.g. the Helsinki Accords), of the instruments of energy and trade policy to blackmail countries in the European neighbourhood so as to hinder their sovereign decisions; considers it necessary forurges Russia to adopt a constructive position with regard to frozen conflicts:;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Encourages the EU to further develop its strategic partnership with China; calls for the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice to the Chinese Government; calls, while welcoming the almost 60 active sectoral dialogues, calls for further sectoral dialogues to be developed and for the human rights dialogue to be strengthenedinvolve civil society stakeholders in order to produce results and not continue to be merely perfunctory;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Stresses that cooperation between the EU and China in the multilateral arena is crucial in order to address global challenges, including those relating to economic and financial issuematters including efforts to curb tax evasion, tax avoidance and tax havens, climate change, the environment and the use of the planet's limited natural resources, and to respond todevelopment cooperation and to uphold peace and respect for international law in conflicts such as the one in Syria and to the challenges posed by Iran and North Korea namely in respect of non- proliferation;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. CriticisesExpresses its concern at China's continuing violation of human rights and cultural and religious minority rights, for instancenamely in Tibet:;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Notes that the European Neighbourhood Policy is in crisis, given thechallenged by , developments in numerous countries; believes, therefore, that, for reasons of solidarity and on account of our interest in peaceful and free development, the EU must strongly focus its instruments, inter alia by strengthening multilateral approaches in the region; stresses that the EU needs to give greater priority to the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP);
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Stress that although the EU-Ukraine agreement has been initialled, it can only be signed and ratified if Ukraine fulfils the necessary requirements as set out in the Council conclusions on Ukraine of 10 December 2012; reiterates its call on the Ukrainian Parliament and Government to address the issue of selective justice, beginning by immediatelnamely by releasing Yulia Tymoshenko, and to implement the reforms set out in the jointly agreed Association Agenda, including judicial reform (i.e. the Office of the General Prosecutor) and reform of the electoral law; calls on Ukraine to amend its penal code by removing criminal sanctions for clearly political acts carried out by state functionaries acting in an official capacity;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the strategic importance of the EU's dialogue and cooperation with Turkey on stability, democracy and security, with particular reference to the wider Middle East; notes that Turkey has strongly and repeatedly condemned the Syrian regime's violence against civilians and is providing vital humanitarian assistance to Syrians fleeing violence across the border; stresses that Turkey's growing international standing should also be based on its commitment to democracy and the rule of law at home and that much crucial reforms remain to be achieved; notes the vitality of the democratic demands by civil society in Turkey and reiterates its concern with the violent, repressive and often inadequate response by authorities;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Expresses its deep concern about the situation in Egypt and the excessive violence by all parties, including both state security forces and opposition forces; stresses that the EU should not take sides and welcomes the EU foreign ministers' decision of 21 August 2013 to suspend all export licences for equipment which could be used for internal repression; urges the military and the Muslim Brotherhoodall political actors in Egypt to resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and calls for an inclusive political agreement and for power to be transferred to democratically elected leaders as soon as possible;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Considers regrettable the lifting of the EU's arms embargo on Syria, as it is a dangerous step towards the re- nationalisation of EU foreign policy; condemns the tragic and ongoing bloodshed in Syria, which has already had a devastating and destabilising humanitarian impact, including on neighbouring countries, in particular Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey; calls for the immediate and full investigation by the UN of the horrific chemical weapons attack and for a united and firm international response, including referral to the ICC of all those responsible; underlines the urgency of convening the Geneva II talks in order to initiapromote a political solution and bring an end to the deadly spiral of violence;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Expresses concern at the lack of progress in negotiations between the EU 3- plus-3 and Iran on nuclear non- proliferation and warns against the risks for regional and global security if the negotiations should faifail or stall; supports the EU, the USA, Russia and China in the objective of pursuing nuclear non-proliferation and believes, therefore,, thate EU 3-plus-3 parties should consider additional measures if Iran continues to refuse to curb its nuclear programme voluntarily, the EU 3-plus-3 parties should consider additional sanctions ; calls on the new Iranian Government to cooperate with the international community quickly and constructively;
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Expresses hope for the Middle East peace negotiations and recalls that resolving the conflict in the Middle East is a fundamental interest of the EU, as well as of the parties themselves and of the wider region; stresses, therefore, that the need for progress is even more urgent on account of the ongoing changes in the Arab world, the Syrian crisis and the particularly volatile situation in the wider Middle East; calls on the Member States to find common ground for more decisive action by the EU in close cooperation with the Arab League and the other members of the Quartet; condemns Israeli policy of continuing the land grabbing and settlement construction, in violation of international law, and undermining the prospects for peace and a negotiated resolution of the conflict;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 54
Paragraph 54
54. Believes that the EU, Brazil and other countries of Latin America share a common commitment to socially sustainable economic development and a common attachment to democratic values and the rule of law, but as well experience the tensions of reconciling those values and goals with the conditions of governance;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Stresses the need to strengthen contacts and coordination with Brazil and all Latin American partners in multilateral forums;
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Notes that preparations for the Fourth EU-Africa Summit in 2014 afford an opportunity to move beyond institutional capacity-building at continental level and towards the establishment of a political partnership for peace, security and socio- economic development, includingachievement of the Millenium Development Goals and good governance, at the regional and sub- regional level;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Underlines the importance of the EU strategies for the Horn of Africa and the Sahel region as a key means of addressing the complexity of the security, governance and development challenges affecting these regions, which span the breadth of Africa;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Recalls that the longer-term stability, security and territorial integte stability and human security ofin these two regions require not only the defeating of violent radical extremists and those trafficking in arms, drugs and people, but also the promotion of reconciliation, strengthening of State and civil society institutions and alternatives to illegalfor economic activitiesy for impoverished people and unemployeda dignified livelihood for people, in particular creating jobs for the youth;
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60
Paragraph 60
60. Supports the EU's promotion of a regional approach in Central Asia, which is essential in tackling regional issues and in promoting the EU strategic interests; calls for the EU's engagement in this region to be linked to progress on democratisation, human rights, good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, but is at the same time mindful of the EU's strategic interests;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Is deeply concerned about the continued violence in Afghanistan, in particular directed against women, in all forms; urges the Afghan Government to prepare for taking over full responsibility after the withdrawal of international forces from 2014; calls for the Member States to gear up to support the military and civilian capacity-building of the Afghan Government and its National Security Forces in order to create stability and security as a prerequisite for development, avoiding the creation of a vacuum once the country assumes full responsibility for its own security after 2014;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 65
Paragraph 65
65. Calls for the EU to have a greater presence in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus beyond China, India and Japan; stresses the political and economic potential of the partnership being established between EU and Indonesia, a democracy with the world's fourth population, mostly Muslim, and a G-20 member; regards the Bandar Seri Begawan Plan of Action to strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-EU enhanced partnership as a relevant step; also regards the Treaty of Amity as a chance to deepen cooperation and looks forward to tangible outcomes in this respect;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 70
Paragraph 70
70. CommendNotes Taiwan's continuous efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region; recognises the progress made in cross-Strait relations, especially the flourishing economic links, tourism and cultural cooperation; reiterates its firm support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in relevant international organisations and activities, including the World Health Organisation; encourages closer bilateral cooperation between the EU and Taiwan in areas such as trade, research, culture, education and environmental protection;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71
Paragraph 71
71. Remains deeply concerned about continued massive violations of human rights in North Korea's and the continued tests of increasingly powerful nuclear devices and longer-range missiles, and considers this development to bewhich remain a serious threat to international peace, stability and security;
Amendment 307 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 73
Paragraph 73
73. Notes that recent crises have highlighted the growing inability of the UN Security Council to act in response to serious threats to international peace and security, on account of its structures and working methods; urges therefore the VP/HR to invest her efforts in securing a EU permanent seat at the UNSC and steering the reform of the UNSC; calls on those EU Member States that hold a permanent seat to involve the VP/HR in their decision-making;
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74
Paragraph 74
74. Calls for the EU and its Member States to reconfirm the EU's commitment to advancing effective multilateralism, with the UN system at its core, by enhancing the representativeness, accountability and effectiveness of the UN, which necessarily requires reform of the UNSC, including limitations to the veto power; stresses the importance of working with other international partners in order to respond to international challenges; stresses that an EU seat in an enlarged UN Security Council remains a central, long-term goal of the EU; calls, furthermore, on the Member States, in order to strengthen our presence within the UN system, to coordinate their efforts in selecting senior officials for high-level posts in the UN and other international institutions;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75
Paragraph 75
75. Calls for the EU and its Member States to cooperate with partners in strengthening the role of regional organisations in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, civilian and military crisis management, and conflict resolution; stresses the need to work with partners in ensuring that the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) concept focuses onis legally developed and is exercised whenever it is needed, encompassing prevention, protection and post- conflict reconstruction; underlines the need to develop more effective mediation guidelines and capacities, including through collaboration between the EU and the UN;
Amendment 328 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 77
Paragraph 77
77. Calls on the VP/HR to mainstream cyber security in the EU's external action and articulate it with what is being done in the framework of the Stockholm Programme and to develop networks of like-minded partners to deal with cyber security threats and challenges; emphasises that efforts should be made to ensure that existing international legal instruments are enforced in the cyber-sphere;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78
Paragraph 78
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79
Paragraph 79
79. Welcomes the EU's coordinated approach during the negotiation of the Arms Trade Treaty, which resulted in a successful outcome; calls on the Member States to ratify the Treaty expeditiously so that it can enter into force, following the consent of Parliament; calls for competence in respect of the rules governing arms exports to be fully transferred to the EU; reiterates its call on the VP/HR to take stock of the effectiveness of the EU's Strategy Against the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction;