362 Amendments of Adrian SEVERIN
Amendment 4 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the Commission Communications of 11 March 2003 entitled ‘'Wider Europe – Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours’' (COM(2003)0104), of 12 May 2004 entitled ’'European Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper’' (COM(2004)0373), of 4 December 2006 entitled ‘'Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy’' (COM(2006)0726), of 11 April 2007 entitled Black Sea Synergy - a new regional cooperation initiative (COM(2007)160), of 5 December 2007 entitled ’'A Strong European Neighbourhood Policy’' (COM(2007)0774), of 3 December 2008 entitled ‘'Eastern Partnership’' (COM(2008)0823), and of 12 May 2010 entitled ’'Taking Stock of the European Neighbourhood Policy’' (COM(2010)0207),
Amendment 24 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas freedoms, democratic values and human rights can only develop within an appropriate environment characterised by economic and social stability, as well as national and international security, as proven by the EU history itself;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the association and integration of neighbouring states is primarily aimed to consolidate EU security;
Amendment 45 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the association with the EU requires, apart from the internal reforms of the countries concerned, their decoupling from the previous external alliances and international networks, which demands additional costs;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the EaP should promote the humanitarian, economic, geo-political security, social and cultural dimensions of cooperation;
Amendment 72 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls the achievements and ambitions of the EaP, which is the political framework for strengthening relations between the EU and the Eastern Partners, founded on mutual interests, commitments, shared ownership and joint responsibility, as well as the institutional basis for political cooperation, and a forum for dialogue between the partner countries; welcomes, in this connection, the establishment of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and other cooperation platforms, such as the EaP Civil Society Forum and the Eastern Europe Initiatives Congress; notes however that the recent developments in some EaP countries have drawn attention to the fragility of the political process in those countries and of the inadequacy of the EaP to cope with it;
Amendment 79 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Regrets the fact that the EaP abandoned the Black Sea Synergy, instead of transforming it into a real strategy; is of the opinion that necessary steps should be taken in order to define a specific Black Sea Strategy within the EU Eastern policy;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Asks that a clear distinction is made between the criteria to be met by the candidate and associating states respectively; notes that as long as this distinction is missing, the process of association becomes unnecessarily difficult, while generating unfounded hopes to the states concerned and unnecessary fears in the EU;
Amendment 161 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses that the EU values cannot flourish but within a favourable geo- strategic environment which could be secured only after the geo-strategic contest is won and the geo-strategic equilibriums are stabilized;
Amendment 187 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recommends the signing of association agreements with Moldova and Georgia at an appropriate date to allow the present legislature to ratify said agreements;
Amendment 192 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Further recommends that the European Commission convenes with the Ukrainian authorities on all necessary measures (including an appropriate financial 'transition/transformation package') in order to make possible the signing of the association agreement with Ukraine during the next EU-Ukraine Summit;
Amendment 195 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Encourages the signing of a specific strategic partnership with Azerbaijan which reflects the particularities of that country, and which could facilitate the enhancing of its role in stabilising the South Caucasus;
Amendment 196 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Calls on the Council and the Commission to reset the relations with Belarus by building a structured dialogue and an enhanced cooperation based on the present political, social and economic realities of that country;
Amendment 197 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 e (new)
Paragraph 14 e (new)
14e. Calls as well for the exploration of new ways to reintegrate Armenia in a comprehensive partnership with the EU;
Amendment 199 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls for the establishment of a financial instrument to facilitate the decoupling of neighbouring states interested to associate with the EU from their old geo-political and geo-economic ties on a case-by-case basis; stresses the need for this instrument to also cover the costs related to possible damaging counter-measures taken by third countries in reaction to the said decoupling implied by the EU association process;
Amendment 214 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that reform of judicial systems in the partner countries, ensuring the independence of the judiciary, should be a priority; stresses that when assisting the EaP states to develop an efficient and fair judiciary, EU must refrain from intervening in the assessment and resolution of specific cases and in the internal political controversies of those states;
Amendment 220 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Regards it as essential that a structured dialogue between the European institutions and all relevant bodies of the partner states' civil society (trade unions, SMEs, professional NGO, etc) is organized as a distinct dimension of the association negotiations, in order to ensure their effective cooperation and a popular acceptance of the association arrangements;
Amendment 224 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises the need to promote social and cultural ties, thus putting the EU motto ‘'united in diversity’' into practice; underlines that the enlargement and association processes, not only entail a unilateral transformation of acceding/associating states, but rather require the synthesis of both Eastern and Western European cultures, traditions, practices, experiences and security sensitivities; believes that the EU must therefore transform itself while asking acceding/associating countries to transform;
Amendment 17 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is of the opinion that the promotion of the EU values in the world must not be done at the expenses of the EU geo- political interests and the security of the European citizens, while acknowledging that the EU interests in the world could be best promoted and protected in areas and with partners sharing the same values;
Amendment 69 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Notes that an efficient synergy between EU's external actions and the Member States should be achieved both in political and in budgetary terms;
Amendment 99 #
2013/2081(INI)
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 powertakes note of the high potential for the creation of a common EU-US market, which will bring economic growth and jobs;
Amendment 104 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28 a. Considers that harmonizing rules regarding trade and investments in the Euro-Atlantic space together with the economic and political power of the EU and US, will create and impose a model to be followed by other regional and global actors, in the framework of a new world order;
Amendment 108 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that in order to build trust it is necessary for the USA to make drastic changes to its data collection activities directed against the EU and its citizens:; is of the opinion that transparency, commitment and loyalty are features which strengthen EU-US relations;
Amendment 114 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Believes that EU-US common standards for balancing freedom and security and for performing intelligence activities, as well clearer, fairer and based on the principle of reciprocity agreements for sharing classified information are necessary;
Amendment 125 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31 a. Salutes Russia's proposal outlined by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urging Syria to relinquish control of its chemical arsenal and Russia's willingness to assist in such operation;
Amendment 131 #
2013/2081(INI)
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; believes that within the process of negotiations, the EU must show understanding and respect for the cultural, historical, geo-political and social particularities of Russia, and, while building the mutual trust, it must promote solutions which could accommodate those particularities with the political goals of the EU by strategic firmness and tactical flexibility;
Amendment 135 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Stresses the importance of creating a common European foreign policy on energy with the objective of improving energy security through the initiation of a trilateral cooperation between EU, Russia and transit countries;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2081(INI)
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 for more uniformity from the EU and Member States with regards to their policies towards China as a EU tactical priority; calls for building a dialogue based on geo-strategic standards and mutual respect; calls, while welcoming the almost 60 active sectoral dialogues, for further sectoral dialogues to be developed and for the human rights dialogue to be strengthened;
Amendment 149 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Considers that the EU-China relations would greatly benefit from a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership promoting both parties' global interests, joint projects and institutional interoperability, all in the frame of a mutual understanding and respect;
Amendment 150 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)
Paragraph 35 b (new)
35 b. Believes that the EU is strategically interested in the internal coherence of China, in china's capacity to softly participate at the stabilisation of the global equilibriums and in China's contribution to the EU development through trade and through providing labour without immigration;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Welcomes China's positive involvement in maintaining stability in its surrounding areas; concludes that this kind of relations should be built on common interests rather than on differences when assessing their respective policies towards regions characterised by conflict;
Amendment 154 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)
Paragraph 36 b (new)
36 b. Understands that the political, social and economic stability of China are strategically essential for the global security and stability, and therefore for the security and stability of the EU;
Amendment 175 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. Takes the view as well that, within the enlargement process, EU should make the distinction between the performance criteria that should and could be fulfilled better and/or faster before accession and the performance criteria that could be better and/or faster fulfilled after accession without hindering the EU internal macro equilibriums; to this end the EU must acknowledge that the acceding states cannot have the same level of development and performance as the already existing Members, and therefore it has to request from the former a no bigger performance progress than the one necessary for a basic legislative, social, economic and institutional compatibility and interoperability between the acceding and the old Member States;
Amendment 178 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 b (new)
Paragraph 41 b (new)
41 b. Emphasizes that in order to avoid post accession social tensions and/or socio-economic imbalances within the enlarged Union, the Commission must promote pre-accession policies aimed to mitigate the structural social inequities, as well as to overcame the cultural cleavages within the acceding states prior the time of accession; this should regard in priority the national integration of social and cultural minorities, thus preventing their post accession mass displacement towards other Member States;
Amendment 185 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Takes note that after experiencing the European Union integration process within the Eastern Partnership, Armenia has decided to join the Eurasian Union;
Amendment 186 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Considers it regrettable, nevertheless, that the overall situation with regard to democratic standards and respect for human rights in most of the Eastern Partnership countries has scarcely progressed, if not deteriorated; stresses, furthermore, that all the frozen conflictsStresses that all the frozen conflicts in the EU Eastern Neighbourhood must be resolved and that the EU Eastern Partnership should equip itself to play a more active and effective role in this respect; reiterates its view that the development of relations should be conditional onencouraged and facilitated by a meaningful commitment to democracy and the rule of law, while understanding that the perpetuation of the crisis and conflicts does not offer an appropriate environment for such developments;
Amendment 192 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43 a. Regrets the lack of vision and hesitation of the European Union with regards to the Association Agreement with Azerbaijan, this being a consequence of failing to understand the strategic role of this country in economic, geopolitical and cultural terms;
Amendment 198 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
Amendment 203 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45 a. Urges that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement should be signed during the Vilnius EU Summit, since Ukraine is the most important geo- strategic asset on the unsettled border between the European Union and the emerging Eurasian Union; acknowledges that the coming into force of said agreement will offer the best instruments for the institutional approximation and the fulfilment of the necessary requirements concerning democracy and the rule of law for Ukraine;
Amendment 206 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 b (new)
Paragraph 45 b (new)
45 b. Recognises the Ukrainian commitment to close cooperation with the European Parliament Monitoring Mission on the sensitive issue of selective justice and reform of the judiciary criterion;
Amendment 207 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 c (new)
Paragraph 45 c (new)
45 c. Welcomes the continuation of the positive implementation of the new Criminal Procedure Code extending the list of measures alternative to detention; 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 208 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 d (new)
Paragraph 45 d (new)
45 d. Takes notice of the positive opinion of the Venice Commission on the draft law of Ukraine "On Amending the Constitution of Ukraine on Strengthening the Independence of the Judges"; welcomes the priority given to this draft law by the President of Ukraine;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
– having regard to the fact that accession negotiations with Turkey were opened on 3 October 2005 after the Council had approved the Negotiating Framework, and that the opening of such negotiations is the starting point for a long-lasting and open- ended process based on fair and rigorous conditionality and the commitment to reform,
Amendment 22 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
– having regard to the fact that the positive agenda was launched in May 2012 to support and complement thecomplement and strengthen the accession negotiations, through enhanced cooperation in a number of areas of joint interest,
Amendment 28 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13
Citation 13
– having regard to the fact that in its conclusions of 11 December 2012 the Council endorsed the Commission's new approach to place the rule of law at the heart of the enlargement policy and confirmed the centrality in the negotiating process of chapter 23 on judiciary and fundamental rights and chapter 24 on justice, freedom and security, which should be tacklopened early in the negotiations to allow clear benchmarks and maximum time to establish the necessary legislation, institutions and solid track records of implementation,
Amendment 32 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14
Citation 14
– having regard to the fact that in its 2012 Enlargement Strategy the Commission concluded that, for Turkey is a key country for the European Union in terms of its economy, strategic location and important regional role, Turkey is a key country for the European Union and that the accession process remains the most suitable framework for promoting EU-related reforms in Turkey; having regard to the fact that the Commission expressed concern regarding Turkey's lack of progress on the fulfilment of the political criteria,
Amendment 36 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14a (new)
Citation 14a (new)
- having regard to the fact that the Commission expressed concern regarding Turkey's slow progress on the fulfilment of the political criteria,
Amendment 37 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14b (new)
Citation 14b (new)
- having regard to the progress made by Turkey in the field of the Constitutional reform,
Amendment 40 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the fact that both Turkey has still not implemented, for the seventh consecutive yearand the EU have still only partially implemented, the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto,
Amendment 51 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19
Citation 19
– having regard to Turkey's potential to play a pivotal role in diversifying energy resources and routes for oil and gas transit from neighbouring countries to the EU,
Amendment 52 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19a (new)
Citation 19a (new)
- having regard to Turkey's key geostrategic role in creating a bridge between the European Union, North Africa, South Caucasus and the Middle East; having regard to Turkey's military influence in the MENA region,
Amendment 62 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22
Citation 22
– having regard to the casus belli threat declared by the TGNA against Greece ion 1995, which should be withdrawn; having regard to the importance of a new round of talk8 June 1995, in reaction to the Greek Parliament decision adopted on 1 June 1995 to sign the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea; having regard to the importance of withdrawing the threat as a first step in launching negotiations between Turkey and Greece to improve their relations and reach a resolution to the outstanding issue,
Amendment 75 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Commends the Commission and Turkey for the implementation of the positive agenda, which proves how, in a context of mutual engagement and clear objectives, Turkey and the EU could advance their dialogue, achieve common understanding and produce positive change; believes that a renewed mutual engagement in the context of the accession negotiation process is needed to maintain a constructive relationship; stresses the importance of creating the conditions for a constructive dialogue and the foundations for a common understanding;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Council decision to iInvites the Commission to take steps towards visa liberalisation as a gradual and long term perspective, in parallel with the signature of the readmission agreement; urges Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay and to ensure that, until this agreement enters into force, existing bilateral agreements are fully implemented; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for illegal migration to the EU and underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls; stresses once again the importance of facilitatingzation; stresses the need of facilitating beforehand access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society from Turkey; supports the efforts of the Commission and the Member States to implement the visa code, harmonise and simplify visa requirements and create visa facilitating centres in Turkey; Reminds the Member States of their commitments under the association agreement in line with the Soysal Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009urges Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; welcomes the conclusions adopted by the Council of the Ministers of social policy to launch a visa liberalisation dialogue with Turkey;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3a (new)
Paragraph 3a (new)
3a. Reminds the Member States of their commitment to implement visa exemption under the association agreement in line with the Soysal and Savatli Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009;
Amendment 111 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3b (new)
Paragraph 3b (new)
3b. Recalls that illegal immigration flows reaching the EU's external borders from Turkey represent a concern; takes into account the steps undertaken by Turkey to prevent and combat these flows in a resolute way; underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls;
Amendment 116 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commends the Constitution Conciliation Committee for its commitment to a new Constitution and for the inclusive process of consultation of civil society, whicha broad range of stakeholders including political parties not represented in the parliament and non-Muslim minorities, which properly reflected the diversity of Turkish society; encourages the Committee to continue its work and to tackle in a collegial way, and in line with the values of the EU, key issues such as (i) the separation of power and an adequate system of checks and balances, (ii) relations between the State, society and religion, (iii) an inclusive system of governance securing the basic rights of all citizens and (iv) an inclusive concept of citizenship;
Amendment 123 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5a. Calls for clarifications on how the Committee's work will be implemented, taking account of the fact that the current Constitution (Article 175) provides only for the amendment of the existing text;
Amendment 129 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reaffirms the fundamental role of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) as the centre of Turkey's democratic system and stresses the importance of support and commitment amongst all political parties for the reform process, in particular a valuable legal framework protecting and enhancing fundamental rights for all communities and citizens; commends the work of the Human Rights Inquiry Committee and asks for a more central role of the EU Harmonisation Committee to promote the alignment of new legislation with the acquis or with European standards during the legislative process;
Amendment 130 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the third judicial reform package as a step towards a comprehensivdopted by the TGNA on 2 July 2012 and its concrete reform process in the areafield of the judiciary and fundamTurkish Pental rights; stresses however the crucial importance to continue the reform process with a fourth judicial reform package addressing (a) the issues related to the excessively broad definitions of criminal offences unCode, Criminal Procedure Code, Anti-Terror Law, Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law, Press Law, the Law on the Council of State, the Administrative Procedural Coder, the Criminal Law orn the Anti-Terror Law, with the urgent need to introduce a clear distinction between the promotion of terrorism and the incitement to violence and the expression of non-violent ideas, in order to safeguard freedom of expression, (b) the issue of the excessively long pre- trial detention periods, and (c) the need to allow full access to the prosecution file for defence lawyerForensic Science Institute, the Law on the Court of Cassation, the Law on Judges and Prosecutors, the Law on Misdemeanours and the Law on Criminal Records, as an important step towards a comprehensive reform process in the area of the judiciary and fundamental rights;
Amendment 140 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a (new)
Paragraph 7a (new)
7a. Emphasizes the importance to continue the reform process with a fourth judicial reform package and enact it at the earliest, addressing (a) the issues related to the broad definitions of criminal offences under the Criminal Law or the Anti-Terror Law, with the urgent need to introduce a clear distinction between the promotion of terrorism and the incitement to violence and the expression of non- violent ideas, in order to safeguard freedom of expression (b) the issue of the excessively long pre-trial detention periods, and (c) the need to allow full access to the prosecution file for defence lawyers;
Amendment 147 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7b (new)
Paragraph 7b (new)
7b. Welcomes the entry into force of the law establishing a Conciliation Committee with a view of creating a domestic remedy to resolve the excessive length of judicial proceedings in line with ECtHR principles;
Amendment 149 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7c (new)
Paragraph 7c (new)
7c. Welcomes the adoption by the TGNA on the 24th of January 2013 of the "Law Providing for Defence in the Language of Preference" in judicial trials;
Amendment 155 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recalls that freedom of expression and media pluralism are core European values and that a truly democratic society requires true freedom of expression, including the right of dissent; underlines the importance of abolishingreforming the internet law and improve the freedom of media; underlines the need to eliminate restrictions of Turkish citizen's access to information and reinforce this right; stresses the need to further reform the legislation providing for disproportionately high fines on the media, leading in some cases to their closure or to self-censorship, and the urgent need to reform the internet law;
Amendment 180 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Fully supports the Commission's new approach to openter into a more intensified dialogue through the opening of the chapters on the judiciary and fundamental rights and on justice and home affairs early on in the negotiation process and to closeing them as the very last ones; stresses that official benchmarks in areas where Turkey needs further improvements would provide a clear roadmap and would give a boost to the reform process; calls therefore on the Council for renewed efforts for the opening of Chapters 23 and 24;
Amendment 186 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10a (new)
Paragraph 10a (new)
10a. Encourages Turkey to align its legislation with the data protection aquis; stresses that Turkey should ratify both the CoE convention for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data and the additional protocol on supervisory authorities and trans-border data flow in order to improve EU-Turkey relations in the areas of judicial and police cooperation, counter-terrorism and cyber security;
Amendment 192 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Encourages Turkey to continue the process of civilian oversight over security forces; calls for an amendment of the Law on Provincial Administrations to give civilian authorities broader oversight of military operations and the Gendarmerie's law enforcement activities; stressunderlines the importance of setting up an independent law enforcement complaints Agency to investigate complaints of human rights abuses, ill-treatment and possible wrongdoing by Turkish law enforcement agencies; welcomes the draft law in the Parliament concerning the Law Enforcement Monitoring Committee aimed at investigating and punishing law enforcement officers involved in criminal acts or unlawful treatment; takes the view that the legal provisions on the composition and powers of the Supreme Military Council need to be reformed;
Amendment 193 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12a (new)
Paragraph 12a (new)
12a. Encourages Turkey to set up the National Prevention Mechanism requested by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, ratified in 2011;
Amendment 195 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that, in the ‘'sledgehammer’' trial a first instance court sentenced 324 suspects to 13- 20 years; stresses that investigations of alleged coup plans, such as the ‘'Ergenekon’' and ‘'Sledgehammer’' cases, must demonstrate the strength and the proper, independent, impartial and transparent functioning of Turkish democratic institutions and the judiciary, and their firm, unconditional commitment to respect for fundamental rights; is concerned about the allegations regarding the use of inconsistent evidence; regrets that these cases have been overshadowed by concerns about their wide scope and the shortcomings in the proceedings;
Amendment 205 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the Law on the protection of family and prevention of violence against women; commends the National Action Plan to combat Violence against Women (2012-2015) and stressunderlines the need to enforce it effectively nationwide; calls on the Ministry for Family and Social Policies to continue its efforts to increase the number and quality of shelters for women and minors in danger; stresses the importance to provide women who have been victims of violence with concrete alternatives and self-sustainment prospects; urges Turkey to continue to step up its preventive efforts at all levels in the fight against ‘"honour killings’", domestic violence and the phenomenon of forced marriages and child brides; calls on the Ministry to continue to actively promote women's participation in the labour market, which remains low, in politicsal decision making and at senior level in the administration and the private sector, if necessary by foreseeing reserved quotas; welcomes the training of public officials in gender equality;
Amendment 218 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the urgent need for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and the establishment of an anti- discrimination and equality board to protect individuals against discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or sexual identity; welcomes the draft law on anti-discrimination; however expresses concerns regarding the non inclusion of sexual orientation grounds of discrimination in the legislation; in this regard calls on Turkey to adopt an action plan to promote the full equality of rights and full acceptance of LGBT persons;
Amendment 228 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16a (new)
Paragraph 16a (new)
16a. Welcomes the steps taken towards the inclusion of recognized minorities in the process of drafting a new constitution; considers that Turkey needs to further improve its position on the protection of minorities; in this regard highlights the fact that Turkey has not ratified the European Council's Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) nor the Charter for Regional and Minority Languages; expresses concerns on the lack of reliable information concerning the Roma community;
Amendment 231 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the continued implementation of legislation amending the 2008 lthe Law on fFoundations and broadening the scope of the restoration of the property rights of non-Muslim communities; calls on the relevant authorities to assist the Syriac community in clarifying the difficulties faced with property and land registration; calls for a solution for the large number of properties of the Latin Catholic Church which remain confiscated by the State; recalls the urgent need to continue vital and substantial reform in the area of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, in particular by enabling religious communities to obtain legal personality, by eliminating all restrictions on the training, appointment and succession of clergy, by recognising Alevi places of worships and by complying with the relevant judgments of the ECtHR and the recommendations of the Venice Commission; calls on Turkey to ensure that the Saint Gabriel monastery is not deprived of its lands, and that it is protected in its entiretyits 2008 and 2011 amendments broadening the scope of the restoration of the property rights of non- Muslim communities;
Amendment 242 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17a (new)
Paragraph 17a (new)
17a. Welcomes the concrete actions taken by Turkish institutions to ensure freedom of worship and safer religious services; emphasizes the need to continue reforms in the area of freedom of thought, conscience and religion; is of the opinion that religious communities should be able to obtain legal personality in order to remove existing restrictions; recalls the need to comply with the relevant judgments of the ECtHR and the recommendations of the Venice Commission;
Amendment 246 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that Turkey continued to demonstrate resilience at the terrorist attacks by the PKK; calls on Turkey to invest renewed efforts towards a political solution to the Kurdish issue; asks all political forces to ensure an adequate political platform and to debate in a constructive way the Kwelcomes the current informal negotiations between the imprisoned leader of the PKK and Turdkish issue and to facilitategovernment aimed at real opening to the claims for basic rights in the Constitutional process; asks all political forces to work in alliance towards the goal of reinforced political dialogue and a process of further political, cultural and socio-economic inclusion and participation of citizens of Kurdish origin, in order to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and promote the peaceful inclusion of citizens of Kurdish origin into Turkish society; recalls that a political solution can only be built upon a truly democratic debate on the Kurdish issue and expresses concern atsolving the terrorist threat through political means; highlights that the 3rd Judicial Reform Package has brought encouraging changes to the anti-terror law to solve the issues with the large number of cases launched against writers and journalists writing on the Kurdish issuesubject and the arrest of several Kurdish politicians, mayors and members of municipal councils, trade unionists, lawyers, protestors and human rights defenders in connection with the KCK trial; underlines the importance of promoting a discussion of the Kurdish issue within the democratic institutions, particularly the TGNA;
Amendment 256 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18a (new)
Paragraph 18a (new)
18a. Calls on Turkey to continue efforts towards finding a political solution to the Kurdish issue; asks all political forces to ensure an adequate political platform and to debate in a constructive way the Kurdish issue and to facilitate a real opening to the claims for basic rights in the Constitutional process; recalls that a political solution can only be built upon a truly democratic debate on the Kurdish issue; underlines the importance of promoting a discussion of the Kurdish issue within the democratic institutions, particularly the TGNA;
Amendment 259 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18b (new)
Paragraph 18b (new)
18b. Asks all political forces to work in alliance towards the goal of reinforced political dialogue and a process of further political, cultural and socio- economic inclusion and participation of citizens of Kurdish origin, in order to guarantee the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly and promote the peaceful inclusion of citizens of Kurdish origin into Turkish society;
Amendment 262 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the incentives package seeking to increase investment and economic development in the least developed regions of Turkey, including the South East and the continuation of the South East Anatolia project; considers that such investments will provide the incentive for private investors to develop social capital and transform the underdeveloped regions into possible production centres; suggests complementing the incentive package with investments in security, infrastructure and transportation alternatives in the targeted regions;
Amendment 280 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21a (new)
Paragraph 21a (new)
21a. Stresses the need to address children's rights in the new Constitution and include provisions which ensure respect of the rights of children for protection, better living conditions and prevention from discrimination; stresses the need for Turkey to further improve its compliance with the UN Children's Rights Declaration provisions;
Amendment 296 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22a (new)
Paragraph 22a (new)
22a. Emphasizes Turkey's obligation to respect Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone as established by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of which EU is a signatory; takes account of the fact that Turkey is not a signatory of said Convention and as such does not consider that it has to take account of its obligations; calls on Turkey to acknowledge that said convention is currently part of the Aquis Communautaire which will have to be fully implemented upon accession;
Amendment 301 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses once again its strong support to the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement for both communities; underlines the urgencynecessity to establish a deadline to conclude the negotiations ofn an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with the substantive settlement negotiations, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum; calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to allasserts that the status quo is no longer viable;
Amendment 320 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23a (new)
Paragraph 23a (new)
23a. Calls on Turkey to comply with the UNSC Resolution 550(1984) and return the fenced off quarter Varosha to its inhabitants and in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;
Amendment 334 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Encourages Turkey to intensifycontinue its support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus;
Amendment 347 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the importance of a coherent and comprehensive security approach in the Eastern Mediterranean and calls on Turkey to allow political dialogueappreciates Turkey's contributions to CSDP and efforts to enhance the strategic partnership between the EU and NATO by lifting its veto on EU-NATO cooperation including Cyprus, and consequently calls on the Republic of Cyprus to lift its veto on Turkey's participation in the European Defence Agency; ; stresses the importance of Turkey's continued involvement in future CSDP missions, as much of these missions take part in Turkey's geographic proximity and could have security implications for them; underlines the urgency of finding a solution for including Turkey in the CSDP decision-making process; stresses the need for EU to adopt a similar level of inclusiveness and transparency as NATO;
Amendment 366 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Deplores Turkey's refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member StateCyprus; recalls that this refusal continues to deeply affect the process of negotiations;
Amendment 410 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the decision to enhance cooperation between the EU and Turkey on a number of important energy issues and calls on Turkey to commit to continue to commit to this cooperation; believes that, in view of Turkey's strategic role, initial consideration should be given to the value of opening negotiations on Chapter 15 on energy with a view to furthering the EU- Turkey strategic dialogue on energy;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China, ands long as it supports a joint political planning, consistent with their common strategic goals, develops emergency response mechanisms for crisis and sets the two parties on a path towards a structured communication, consultation, coordination and cooperation on strategic issues; whereas this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global security, nuclear non-proliferation and climate change;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 29 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. Whereas the harmonization between the EU and China in terms of values is the best guarantee and facilitator for their political cooperation and convergence, but whereas the approximation of values could be successfully achieved only after the approximation of the geostrategic interests and the achievement of the political and institutional interoperability allowing the enhancement of common strategic projects;
Amendment 32 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas China is undergoing a process of socio-economic transition from an extensive model of economic growth to a model aiming at regional and social equity and – above all – at maintaining stability; whereas China is profiling itself as one of the world's most important investors, finance providers and strategic infrastructure builders with local, regional and global relevance;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. Whereas the political, social and economic stability of China are strategically essential for the global security and stability, and therefore for the security and stability of the EU;
Amendment 35 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. Whereas the economic and political reforms adopted by China have dramatically diminished the capacity of its official ideology to coagulate the nation, while generating internal disparities in terms of economic and social wealth, which could lead to the political fragmentation of the nation; whereas the loss of the old factor of social cohesion associated with the new dangers of regional fragmentation could lead either to internal political and social instability or to the transformation of China into a nationalistic, internally oppressive and externally exclusive hard power;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B d (new)
Recital B d (new)
Bd. Whereas the EU is strategically interested in the internal coherence of China, in China's capacity to softly participate at the stabilization of the global equilibriums and in China's contribution to the EU development through trade and through providing labour without immigration;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B e (new)
Recital B e (new)
Be. Whereas the emergence of China as a soft global player within a multipolar balanced global order is beneficial for the sustainability of this order;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas China is a country that is passionate aboutthe EU - China cooperation in the field of science and technology is a matter of common interest; whereas China is a country constantly developing its innovation-based economy, positioning its national expenditure in R&D as second in the world; whereas a mere example of China's fruitful progress in the area of Science and Technology is the internet, with more than 500 million users;
Amendment 82 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the 21st century sees the impressive returnaise of China on the world scene as a superpower, on account of its ongoing rapidly growing economic and military power; whereas China has increasingly taken a more active, rational and positive world role that includes increased support for multilateralism within a global harmony; whereas such a policy has reassured other states, enhanced China's global role and increased its relative status;
Amendment 85 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas China provides a 'no strings attached' foreign assistance, since its commercial and aid for development deals do not impose conditions such as transparency, accountability, environmental standards or prevention of corruption; whereas imposing China to change this approach and to adopt the same conditionalities as the EU is a non- start;
Amendment 124 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
(b) Suggests that a strategic priority for the EU in relations with China is to drastically improve its own decision making mechanisms in order to be able to speak with one voice and to develop consistent and coherent initiatives and policies in relations with China;
Amendment 125 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
(c) Reiterates that EU - China relations would benefit more from a comprehensive strategic partnership rather than from a confrontational approach; emphasizes that the EU must take into account that differences in the political system and culture between the two are so substantial that their forced and artificially accelerated harmonization is out of the question; in order to promote both parties' global interests, a strategy of joint projects and institutional approximation implemented in the frame of mutual understanding and respect is to be preferred;
Amendment 126 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
(d) Mentions the complementarity, compatibility and convergence of EU- China strategic interests at a global level and considers that adequate instruments should be defined and regulated in order to manage a truly strategic relationship, in addition to the routine bilateral dialogues that deal with daily operational issues;
Amendment 127 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
(e) Believes that the EU should insist in establishing institutional interoperability with China to be put in service of the achievement of local, regional and global projects based on the solidarity of strategic interests;
Amendment 139 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 q (new)
Paragraph 1 q (new)
(q) Affirms that the EU must avoid policies, conditionalities and rhetoric which, if perceived as humiliating attempts to impose cultural values foreign to the traditions of China, might generate a nationalistic response;
Amendment 140 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 r (new)
Paragraph 1 r (new)
(r) Points out that the EU should plan and implement policies which are able to assist China in consolidating its economic, social and territorial cohesion;
Amendment 150 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), approved by the National People's Congress in March 2012, which strongly intends to tackle the negative side effects of an unparalleled period of sustained high economic growth, such as acute environmental threats, regional imbalances, rising income inequality and continuing collective protests centred on social, economic and legal grievances; asserts that European capabilities and experiences can be of great value in sustaining and fostering innovation in China's economy; strongly supports China's development convinced that this would encourage China to embrace the model of soft universalistic, as opposed to nationalistic power;
Amendment 152 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
(b) Is of the opinion that the EU should immediately recognise China's functional market economy status, among others as a confirmation of and an encouragement for its outstanding contribution to global economic growth and its involvement in fighting the global economic and financial crisis, as well as a means for consolidating the mutual trust in their bilateral relations;
Amendment 160 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Acknowledges the popular legitimacy of the CCP, especially in view of its successful economic policy, but shares the criticism of independent Chinese scholased on the adaptation of market mechanisms to the Chinese cultural and social particularities. Notices the development of pluralism and functional mechanism of checks and balances within the CCP, generating perspectives towards and observers that this legitimacy is seriously threatened bypolitical compatibility and convergence between the European democracy and the Chinese model of societal organisation. In the view of assisting the CCP to overcome the threats against its increasing legitimacy (i.e. a ‘'red aristocracy’' of close family members of former and present party leaders who possess enormous fortunes owing to their political and economic connections, a grave situation which was recently laid bare by the Bo Xilai affair), the EU must strive to build a comprehensive structural dialogue and cooperation with Chinese political elites, focusing on regular exchange of views and political coordination regarding the establishment of a new international order based on democratic principles and able to achieve collective security, freedom, sustainable development and social justice;
Amendment 163 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
(a) Recognises that, following its historic and cultural Mandarin traditions, but also its demographic realities, China could democratise and become democratically interoperable with EU only through a process pursued from top to bottom, starting with a democracy of the elites; in this context emphasizes that it is of outmost importance for the EU - China relations to encourage and assist the democratisation of the Chinese Communist Party, among others by the development of a structured dialogue between its representatives and the European political families;
Amendment 168 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Looks forward to the speedyfurther implementation of the repeated calls for democratisation and political reforms inside the CCP by means of an open- minded newthe future party leadership; believes that only effective political reforms will curb the semi-independence of high-‑handed provincial, district and local party bosses, who badly damage the reputation of China's national leadership both internally and externally with their abuses of power, with particular reference to the very costly and endemic cases of corruption; EU must assist China in designing and implementing such reforms by jointly creating an appropriate global environment and by giving coordinated answers to the current global challenges;
Amendment 170 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
(a) Further mentions that the EU should do its utmost in order to support the central authorities of China to effectively exercise their political oversight against the centrifugal tendencies of the possible emerging local or regional economic and political oligarchs from the most developed areas of the country;
Amendment 192 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the increasing contacts between the PRC and Taiwan; notes China's strong wish for reunification with Taiwan; stresses that this political aim is still seriously undermined by Chinese missiles aimed at Taiwan and China's international isolation of Taiwan; expects that China, Taiwan andon-going development in the collaboration between the PRC and Taiwan such as the newly discussed East China Sea Peace Initiative; notes China's strong wish for reunification with Taiwan; this goal must be achieved through peaceful means while observing the EU will respect the free choice of Taiwanesof the citizens oin the international status of their countryTaiwan and Mainland China;
Amendment 197 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
(b) Advocates that cooperation in preventing and managing future conflicts in highly sensible regions should be a core issue for both EU and China, as responsible, emerging global soft powers; welcomes China's positive involvement in maintaining stability in its surrounding areas; concludes that this kind of relation should be build on common interests rather than on differences when assessing their respective policies towards regions characterised by conflict; the EU-China strategic comprehensive partnership should be also conceived in the prospective of diminishing the differences in perceiving the geo-strategic opportunities, challenges and threats, thus allowing for similar, complementary or coordinated reactions;
Amendment 218 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 i (new)
Paragraph 8 i (new)
(i) Notes that the consolidation of China's security both internally in terms of individual, social and cultural security and externally in terms of international security will facilitate the democratic progress of power sharing in China, together with the freedoms and the human rights related to it; believes the EU should encourage, stimulate and support such a development beforehand, instead of rewarding it or of punishing the lack of progress afterwards;
Amendment 240 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the enormous efforts made by the Chinese Government to develop Tibet and Xinjiang economically; urges the Chinese Government to act in a politically responsible way by respecting and protecting Tibetan and Uighur traditional cultures and lifestyles; believes that Beijing cannot win the hearts and minds of the Tibetan and Uighur peoplethno-cultural communities by way of millions of surveillance cameras or repressive police methods;
Amendment 264 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
(b) Recommends the European Council to launch a major review of its China's policy in order to establish priority areas where the strategy of the common projects could produce the best strategic results. In this context EU should encourage the European investments in the less developed areas of China while opening the European markets to the Chinese investors. Likewise, the EU should cooperate with China on third markets for the achievement of strategic projects of infrastructures with global relevance;
Amendment 278 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Urges the PRC to use its regained global position in a responsible way by acting according to its own criteria of ‘'peaceful development’' and ‘'a harmonious world’';
Amendment 287 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
(b) Takes account of the progress that China has made in the area of ICT and advanced weapons technology and thus discerns that the current EU arms embargo seems obsolete and even counterproductive in building a trust based relationship between EU and China; since, under these circumstances all the assessments of this embargo show that it actually has no political or security benefits, recommends its lifting;
Amendment 326 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
(d) Takes notice of the worries expressed during the Forum of Chinese-African Cooperation (FOCAC), and while recognizing the importance of China's investments in Africa, stresses the differences between the business oriented and well rounded Chinese approach, on one hand, and the values conditioned Western aid for development approach, on the other hand;
Amendment 327 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
(e) Is aware that the Chinese-African economic partnership is key in fuelling China's double digit growth, which is needed to maintain its political stability and therefore should be encouraged, while taking account of the said partnership's deficiencies; addressing the deficiencies raised during the FOCAC forum should be object of the EU-China structured dialogue and comprehensive strategic partnership, bearing in mind the African countries' needs for sustainable development as an asset for the global security, as well;
Amendment 329 #
2012/2137(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 f (new)
Paragraph 18 f (new)
(f) Asks for a EU initiative dedicated to the harmonization of the EU and China policies in the field of aid for development with the aim of establishing a minimal set of rules and principles to be observed by both parties when dealing with third countries on such issues;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the promotion of the EU values in the world must not be done at the expenses of the EU geo-political interests and the security of the European citizens, while acknowledging that the EU interests in the world could be best promoted and protected in areas and with partners sharing the same values;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the promotion of the EU values in the world could be achieved in a sustainable way only if the implementation of the EU geo-political agenda is successful, since when left out of the frame of geo-political interest, human rights and democracy fall in a vacuum and therefore are both in vain and in peril;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Is of the opinion that in planning and implementing the CFSP, the EU must fine-tune the balance between its geo- political interests and the commitment to its values;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Insists that the EU resources available for the implementation of the CFSP should be used as efficiently as possible and therefore the synergy between the external actions of the EU and the Member States should be achieved both in political and in budgetary terms;
Amendment 90 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes that the Union has developed relationships over time with countries and regional organisations that have differing contractual and legal bases, some having been termed ‘strategic’; observes that there is no clear formula for determining the Union's choice of a strategic partner, which has even become an inflationist concept; notes that leveraging bilateral relationships can be an important force multiplier for EU foreign policy both regionally and within multilateral fora, and that therefore the choice of strategic partners deserves careful reflection in the light of the values and strategic objectives the Union wants to project;
Amendment 112 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates its support for improving the accession process of the Western Balkans by making it more benchmark-driven, transparent and mutually accountable; calls on the EU to continue to prioritise in its enlargement policy conditions such as constructive political dialogue, economic development, consolidation of the rule of law, including ensuring the freedom of expression, the effective fight against corruption and organised crime, enhancing the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, improving administrative capacities and track records in enforcing acquis-related legislation, tackling inter- ethnic and inter-religious tensions, and addressing of the situation of refugees and displaced persons as well as resolution of open bilateral issues;
Amendment 187 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Welcomes the significant progress done by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the field of adopting EU acquis; hopes that the recent election of a new president will remove any additional obstacles against taking all necessary steps towards signing a consolidated EU- Moldova Agreement and providing the Republic of Moldova with a clear European membership prospective;
Amendment 239 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Is concerned at the resurgence in violence following the breakdown in peace negotiations; highlights the importance of a sub-regional Central Asian approach to tackling cross-border trafficking in people and goods and to fighting organised crime and terrorism; calls for improved cooperation within NATO's ISAF mission among EU Member States, in order to ensure efficiency of the intervention; calls for stepped-up support for building the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the National Security Forces as well as for helping the wider population with agricultural and socio- economic development in order for the country to assume full responsibility for security after completion of the transfer of internal security to the Afghan forces by the end of 2014;
Amendment 307 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56
Paragraph 56
56. Notes thatIs confident that regardless of the changes in the leadership of China will be a major test of the country's evolution into either a mothe state and of the Chinese Communist Party, the People's Republic of China will strengthen its re spolitically open and internationansible international presence and willy constructive society or an increasingly repressive and nationalistic countrtinue its social and economic development, whose natural results should be an inclusive and open society; calls on the EU and its Member States to be more consistent and strategic in their respective messages and policies and so to contribute in a supportive way to a evolution in a positive direction; stresses that this implies eliminating the discrepancies between Member State and EU priorities oin human rights in China, the human rights dialogue and support for civil-society organisationsrelation with China, as well as placing the dialogue on values within the geo-political frame and on the basis of mutual respect;
Amendment 312 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 56 a (new)
Paragraph 56 a (new)
56 a. Calls for strengthening relations with India in the field of economic cooperation and energy security; considers that a more coherent policy towards India could improve EU's market access in South Asia and could have a lasting impact on social developments in that region;
Amendment 339 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Notes that the current global and European economic crisis has spurred efforts to seek more cost-effective and urgently required operational capabilities in both the EU and NATO; calls, therefore, for the HR/VP to be more proactive in promoting further concrete proposals for organisation-to-organisation improvement (with smart defence, pooling and sharing and a comprehensive approach as guiding principles); calls on Turkey for an urgent solution to the blockage on cooperation under the ‘Berlin Plus’ arrangements, which are damaging the prospects for the two organisations to cooperate effectively, including on the ground, where the lives of European citizens may be endangered; appreciates the importance of NATO's Missile Defence System as a means of supporting EU-NATO complementarities, reiterating the strict defensive character of this project, as well as the need for integrating it eventually within broader regional and global defensive arrangements in cooperation with other major regional and global players;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas enlargement has been part of the EU agenda since as early as the 1960s; whereas since the first enlargement in 1973, the EU has grown gradually, its membership rising from the six founding members to the current 27 (soon to be 28); whereas a number of countries still aspire to become EU members, as a guarantee for a secure, democratic and prosperous future;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas 20 years after the Copenhagen summit the moment has come for a general re-evaluation of the accession criteria, of the established procedures and of enlargement policy as a whole; whereas Parliament contributes to improving the transparency and accountability of enlargement and thereby increasing public support for this process, both within Member States and within candidate or potential candidate countries; whereas the division among public opinion in Croatia concerning EU accession, a situation eventually decided by referendum, shows that candidate countries must not feel discriminated in relation to the EU Member States;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas each country has to be judged on its own merits in fulfilling the same set of criteria; whereas the pace of the accession process should be dictated by effective compliance with the accession criteria, as well as fulfilment of the priorities of the Accession Partnership and the negotiating framework; whereas the degree of compliance with the requirements for membership has to be assessed in the most fair and transparent fashion; whereas the perception of politically motivated division lines between founding states and new member states can limit societal mobilisation in the candidate and potential candidate countries to accomplish the accession conditions;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Strongly believes that enlargement needs to continue to be a credible and long term policy; considers it, therefore, important for the EU to fulfil, within a reasonable timeframe, the promises already made and to create the conditions for ensuring that future enlargements are successful;
Amendment 99 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the EU continues to be attractive, also because of its unique combination of economic dynamism with a social model, and regrets that this social dimension has been largely neglected in the enlargement process; invites the Commission to reflect on possible options, including developing a set of social criteria, to address this deficiency and foster positive social transformation in the future EU Member States; stresses that failure to comply with the EU's common basic social standards constitutes a form of social dumping which is detrimental to European enterprises and workers; also stresses that maintaining big gaps between Member States and candidate countries, or even increasing them, weakens the social and the political cohesion; mentions that the perspective of building a European demos is endangered not so much by cultural differences, but by social gaps;
Amendment 120 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Takes also the view that, within the enlargement process, the EU should make the distinction between the performance criteria that should and could be fulfilled better and/or faster before accession and the performance criteria that could be better and/or faster fulfilled after accession without hindering the EU internal macro-equilibriums; to this end, the EU must acknowledge that the acceding states cannot have the same level of development and performance as the already existing Member States, and therefore it has to request from the former a no bigger performance progress than the one necessary for a basic legislative, social, economic and institutional compatibility and interoperability between the acceding and the old Member States;
Amendment 127 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers it essential, in order to safeguard the post-accession integration within the Union, that by each accession treaty the Commission receives the power to monitor the Member States, both old and new ones, for a period of at least five years following every new EU accession event, as far as their compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, the basic principles of the economic, social and territorial cohesion and the obligation of cooperation in good faith among them are concerned; believes that in case of breaches related to the monitored obligations, the Commission must have the means to enhance appropriate measures going up to the suspension of the right of vote for a limited time; this post-enlargement mechanism may not be construed in a way which would grant the EU institutions more powers in relation with the new Member States than with the other members through the accession treaties or bilateral agreements;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that, in order to maintain the credibility of the enlargement process, the EU's integration capacity should be evaluated at an early stage and should be properly considered in the Commission's ‘opinion’ for each potential candidate state, outlining the major concerns in this regard; is of the view that a comprehensive impact assessment should then follow; insists that, if for objective reasons, the accession process of a certain state runs over an exceptionally long period of time, in order to certify its credibility and keep its dynamic, the EU may proceed with a gradual accession by granting the respective candidate state an interim status, which might go as far as sharing the policies and resources, as well as granting consultative voting rights in the decision making process of the institutions;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers it important to give adequate priority within enlargement policy to the building of an efficient, independent and impartial judicial system that can strengthen the citizens' confidence in the rule of law; underlines, at the same time, the need to ensure freedom of the media in law and in practice, as well as to effectively fight corruption and organised crime; is of the view that in doing that, the Commission must approach only questions of legislation and of institutional construction, in order to avoid politicking and personalizing the corruption issue; the Commission must avoid the transformation of the fight against corruption into a means for settling the political rivalries within the candidate states while acknowledging the transnational character of corruption and organized crime, sometimes involving the Member States as well;
Amendment 165 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages greater participation by civil society and non-state actors in the accession process; stresses that civil society can work as an engine of approximation with the EU and create bottom-up pressure for the implementation of the European agenda; regards it essential that a structured dialogue between the Commission and all relevant bodies / structures of the candidate states' civil society (trade unions, professional NGOs, SMEs etc), is organized as a distinct dimension of the accession negotiations, in order to ensure the appropriate European integration at the societal level and the popular acceptance for the accession arrangements; within this context, is of the opinion that the involvement of civil society in the accession process can be a success only if NGOs act transparently and in a non- partisan manner, avoiding to become pseudo-parties or vehicles of national or transnational economic interest groups; calls for additional financial support, inter alia via the Civil Society Facility;
Amendment 187 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Emphasizes that, in order to avoid post accession social tensions and/or socio-economic imbalances within the enlarged Union, the Commission must promote pre-accession policies aimed at mitigating the structural social inequities, as well as to overcome the cultural cleavages within the acceding states prior to the time of accession; is of the view that the national integration of social and cultural minorities should be considered a priority, thus preventing their post accession mass displacement towards other Member States;
Amendment 201 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its position that bilateral issues should not represent or be used as an obstacle in the accession process, but should be addressed in a constructive spirit and as early as possible, taking account of the EU's overall interests and its values; stresses that the accession negotiations should not be used to pre-empt the final settlement of such issues, or impose unilateral solutions, notwithstanding the obligation to fully comply with the acquis and respect the principles on which the EU itself is founded;
Amendment 203 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Believes that whenever the need to take controversial decisions on sensitive topics within a relatively short period of time after one or more states' accession can be anticipated, the Commission must make sure that the acceding states commit themselves to abstain blocking those decisions after their accession is accomplished;
Amendment 218 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the EU to support efforts to resolve outstanding disputes, including frozen conflicts and border disputes, before accession; in line with the provisions of the UN Charter, encourages all parties to disputes whose continuation is likely to endanger the preservation of international peace and security to engage constructively in their peaceful resolution and, in case of proven inability to reach a bilateral agreement, to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice or to commit themselves to a binding arbitration mechanism of their choice;
Amendment 219 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12 a. Is of the opinion that all EU decisions recognizing the candidate status of an applicant state must be conceived as legally binding; consequently, is of the view that the Commission, the Member States and the candidate states must be entitled to appeal to the European Court of Justice whenever a European institution or one or more Member States attempt to hinder, delay or slow down the accession process and/or promote policies raising artificial barriers against the European integration efforts of the candidate states and/or adopt a discriminatory approach towards a candidate state, which cannot be justified by the respective state's specificity or the specific historical context within which its accession takes place;
Amendment 233 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Recommends that the accession negotiations and the whole political dialogue accompanying them are conducted in observance of the principle of full compatibility between the candidate states' accession and growth policies; in order to avoid that the fulfilling of the accession conditionalities generates the economic weakening of the candidate states, while observing the need to assure their smooth integration within the EU structures, the Commission must make the necessary recommendations to the Member States for the implementation of appropriate internal structural reforms in preparation for the accession of the new members;
Amendment 239 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Supports the Commission's commitment to improving the quality of the accession process by making it more benchmark-driven and transparent; takes the view that this will make the process fairer and more objectively measurable, thus further enhancing its credibility; in this context, recommends that the progress reports should be more assertive, predictable and clearer in their demands; stresses that the benchmarks should not set additional conditions for the candidate and potential candidate countries, but should translate the general membership criteria into concrete steps towards accession; points out that last minute changes of the accession criteria are harming the enlargement process and its credibility among candidate countries;
Amendment 252 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that, in order to maintain the support of the EU's citizens for further enlargement and the commitment of the citizens of the candidate and potential candidate countries to continue with reforms, it is crucial to present them with clear and comprehensive information on the political, socio- economic and cultural benefits and costs of enlargement; believes that the citizens of both the Member States and candidate countries must be informed about the costs of the enlargement process in order to avoid further discussion upon this subject; is of the view that the benefits on the long-term must also be emphasized; considers it essential, in particular, to explain to the public how the pursuing of enlargement policy has brought in its wake new investment and export opportunities for the older Member States, and how it can help attain the EU's objectives in terms of tackling the economic crisis, creating jobs, protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change, and enhancing security and safety, while at the same time accelerating the reform agenda and improving living conditions in the enlargement countries for the benefit of all European citizens; stresses the need to target, as a priority in this regard, young people and trade unions, as well as key opinion-formers such as journalists, representatives of civil society and economic actors;
Amendment 264 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Strongly believes that the EU can still attain great strategic benefits through enlargement policy; believes that the Commission's communication strategy must emphasize that enlargement creates benefits not only for candidate countries, but also for Member States, by bringing new markets and business opportunities, as well as new assets in terms of sustainable geo-political security and stability; emphasises that EU membership represents a stable anchor in the swiftly changing international environment, and that ‘belonging to the club’ continues to offer hope for stability and prosperity, despite the ongoing economic crisis; is of the opinion that enlargement is a long-term strategic concept, which cannot necessarily be measured in terms of short-term balance sheets; considers it important to take due account of its value as representing soft but nevertheless essential power for the EU; considers that EU enlargement is a necessary step for adapting to global economic and political competition;
Amendment 287 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Governments and Parliaments of the Member States and of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia and TurkeyRepublic of Moldova, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.
Amendment 2 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The imposition of the visa requirement on the nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu is no longer justified. These countries do not present any risk of illegal immigration or a threat to public policy for the Union in accordance with the criteria set out in recital 5 of Regulation (EC) N° 539/2001. Consequently, nationals of those countries should be exempt from the visa requirement for stays of no more than three months in all and references to those countries should be transferred to Annex II.
Amendment 4 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Exemption from the visa requirement for nationals of Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu should not come into force until bilateral agreements on visa waiver between the Union and the countries concerned have been concluded in order to ensure full reciprocity.
Amendment 6 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) in point 1, the references to Dominica, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, the United Arab Emirates and Vanuatu are deleted and a reference to South-Sudan is inserted;
Amendment 7 #
2012/0309(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
Article 1 – point 2 – point a – two last references
"Tuvalu*", "United Arab Emirates*" and "Vanuatu*"
Amendment 161 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point n a (new)
(na) to strengthen EU-Ukraine cooperation on reform in the area of Justice; to this end, to set up a joint mechanism between Ukrainian and EU experts, with the participation, when necessary, of representatives of the Council of Europe's Venise Commission, having in its remit the reform of the judiciary in Ukraine, in what concerns both the legislation to be adopted or modified (Criminal Code, Civil Code, Procedural codes etc.) and the institutional changes required;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the economic growth of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS) entails an increased relevance of those countries in foreign policy terminternational affairs;
Amendment 72 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly rejects the contention that, in view of the emergence of new economic and foreign policy powers and potential rivals, the West should agree to relinquish its leadership and focus on managing its decline. Contends, rather, that the WContends that the Western countriest and, in particular, the EU should focus on achieving the necessary economies of scale and develop concerted efforts to enable it to interact with the emerging powers constructively and effectively; points out to the need to develop an inclusive system of global governance based on cooperation and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries, as appropriate; points further to the key role of the West and, particularly, the EUEU and its transatlantic partners in promoting an inclusive system of global governance such as this;
Amendment 86 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the BRICS have embarked on quasi-permanentdeeper coordination of foreign policy by abstaining from the vote on UNSC Resolution 1973 (2011) on Libya (South Africa was not yet part of the BRICS at that time), by deferring the vote on the EU's role in UNGA, and through their coinciding positions on Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan and the placement of weapons in outer space, as well as by coordinating their action through the BRICS Leaders' meetings; points out that the BRICS seem to be challengingincreasingly asserting their views on the current system of international governance; believes that if the EU will duly take into account the new weight, in political and economic terms, of the BRICS and other emerging powers, this may contribute to an orderly reform of global governance without any destabilising effects;
Amendment 114 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Insists upon the necessity of elaborating an EU strategy of variable geometry alliances with selected international players, among which the BRICS countries, that duly reflects the EU's geopolitical and geo-economic interests, as well as its adherence to the principle of effective multilateralism, while properly taking into account its partners' interests and views on the international system; considers that this strategy should be advanced by a mechanism able to achieve balances between the global players within a multipolar world, with a view to generating international stability;
Amendment 125 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that, given the increasing global and regional relevance of China, the United States of America may progressively shift its primary attention, political investment and resources to the Pacific and perceive the North Atlantic dimension and cooperation with the EU as less strategic; further notemphasizes that Asia will have to play a progressively important role on the foreign agenda of the European Union and European Union Member States; expresses concern that the stance of the United States and the EU towards China and other emerging countries in Asia may not be sufficiently coordinated and may lead to a decoupling of US and EU policies towards such countries; strongly believes that only by coordinating their efforts will the USA and the EU attain the required economies of scale to engage in an effective dialogue with the emerging countries; takes the view that, in addition to the G-7, regular EU-US summits would provide the opportunity to identify common objectives and coordinate strategies;
Amendment 17 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. Whereas the EU-Russia relationship is based on the assets of territorial proximity, cultural familiarity, strategic convergence and economic complementarity;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. Whereas the tutorial attitude in approaching the dialogue with Russia on human rights issues has not generated much progress, but rather contributed to undermining mutual trust;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. Whereas the success in conciliating, accommodating and jointly pursuing both specific and common geo-strategic interests of EU and Russia would create the right context for consolidating their mutual trust and narrowing their yet existing differences in the field of values;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that the new agreement provides a comprehensive and forward-looking framework for the further development of relations with Russia in upcoming years, and take the necessary action to ensure that the negotiations with Russia continue at a steady pace; ensure that this agreement will be as legally binding as possible in order to foster a more predictable relation between the two partners;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(a a) make sure that within the process of negotiations, the EU shows understanding and respect for the cultural, historical, geo-political and social particularities of Russia, and, while building the mutual trust, promotes solutions which could accommodate those particularities with the political goals of the EU by strategic firmness and tactical flexibility;
Amendment 65 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) actively work on the conclusion of the negotiations for an agreement which will be beneficial for both parties and in line with their increased and ever deepening cooperation; ensure that the negotiations generate mutual trust and are focused on tangible results and political substance;
Amendment 66 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) seek the broadest possible consensus among the EU Member States on the objectives and on the conduct of the negotiations of a new agreement with Russia; stress the importance that the Union negotiates as a single body and advocate that Member States' interests in relation with Russia and vice versa are better promoted and protected at the Union level;
Amendment 70 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) remain vigilantcautious on the requirements that the EU intends to set as regards respect for democratic principles, and consider this respect as an absolute prerequisite for the signature of anecessity for the achievement of the mutual trust and the institutional interoperability which should circumscribe the signature and the enhancement of the EU-Russia Agreement;
Amendment 77 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) reiterate, with this in mind, that the EU should negotiate this Agreement with Russia exclusively and not with the Customs Union to which Russia is party; highlight the fact that the success of this agreement will open the door to its extension to the Russia led Customs Union countries;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) reiterate that modernisation of Russia is a common interest for both parties and that the EU wishes to further promote the process initiated through the Partnership for Modernisation; underline that Russia's policies of economic modernisation should be accompanied by political reformconsistent with its political modernisation;
Amendment 92 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) stress the importance of Russia's and EU's full compliance with its international legal obligations and with the fundamental human rights principles enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which Russia isand EU Member States are partyies to; recall that political pluralism, media freedom, independence of the judiciary, freedom of speech and assembly, and non- discrimination are the necessary preconditions for Russia's further development and modernisation as well as for making the EU-Russia strategic cooperation sustainable;
Amendment 118 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point k a (new)
(ka) incorporate in the Association Agreement clauses and benchmarks which could provide mutual guarantees that the protection and promotion of human rights will not be used as instruments in support of geo-political agendas;
Amendment 121 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) stress that the Russian society as a whole, as well as the EU-Russia strategic partnership would be stimulated by, and would benefit from, a political system that ensures a level playing field for all political parties, offering real competition and effective political alternatives;
Amendment 122 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point m
Paragraph 1 – point m
(m) include the necessary conditions andprovisions concerning actions for the eradication of the endemic corruption that undermines citizens' confidence in the State and jeopardises the efforts towards modernisation; include , as well, specific terms for cooperation between Russia and EU in coping with the trans-border corruption;
Amendment 127 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) promote strategic partnership between the EU and Russia in meeting global challenges, such as, inter alia, non- proliferation, counter-terrorism, the peaceful resolution of conflicts, the security of energy supply, the Arctic dimension, climate change, poverty reduction, while aiming to achieve a multipolar global order characterised by a balance of powers of the global and regional players; to this end, it should be agreed to put in place an appropriate communication, consultation, coordination and cooperation mechanism;
Amendment 136 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o
Paragraph 1 – point o
(o) cooperate with Russia to enhance stability, political cooperation and economic development in the shared neighbourhood, while fully respecting each country's sovereign right to choose its foreign policy orientation and security arrangements; within this frame, a joint effort for stimulating multilateral arrangements concerning the security (including energy and environmental security, as well as fast reactions against natural calamities) in the shared neighbourhood should be considered;
Amendment 159 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point s
Paragraph 1 – point s
(s) closely watch and assess, stimulate and support Russia's compliance with WTO rules and Moscow's willingness to use WTO membership as a driver of structural reform; stimulate, eventually, Russia's efforts to win accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development;
Amendment 160 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) underline that full compliance by Russia with the WTO rules is a necessary precondition, and minimum standard, for an agreement withminimum standard for the sustainability of the agreement with the EU; the EU-Russia agreement should also be seen and used as a tool to improve Russia's membership and compliance with WTO rules and foster a relation which will have positive internal effects in both Russia and the EU;
Amendment 172 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w
Paragraph 1 – point w
(w) encourage and support in specific terms Russia to pursue the restructuration of its economy, and accelerate its evolution from a model oriented to and focussed on energy towards an industry- and services- driven model; stress that oil prices are volatile and that current high prices should not be a pretext for postponing the necessary modernisation of the economy;
Amendment 173 #
2011/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point w a (new)
(wa) stress the importance of creating a common European foreign policy on energy with the objective of improving energy security through the initiation of a trilateral cooperation between EU, Russia and transit countries;
Amendment 76 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) The Union is of the opinion that the principle of secularism characteristic for the European democracy must be applied in the external action of the Union as well, including its Neighbourhood Policy.
Amendment 78 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) The Eastern dimension of the Union Neighbourhood covers at the same time the Common EU-Russia Neighbourhood, which must not be transformed into an area of confrontation, but into an area of cooperation between these two major global players.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Trade and economic cooperation are prerequisites for development, while development is a prerequisite for security and the best fuel for freedom and liberalisation, the latters being in turn the catalyst of the democratic progress.
Amendment 82 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) Under the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Union offers Neighbourhood countries a privileged relationship, to be enhanced in the regional and bilateral frame, building upon a mutual commitment to and promotion of regional stability and security, cross border cooperation and cooperation in coping with local and global challenges, good neighbourly relations, as well as the values of democracy and human rights, the rule of law, good governance and the principles of market economy and sustainable development.
Amendment 93 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Within the general objectives of the ENP, there should be no discrimination among its Eastern and Southern dimension, while allowing the possibility to rapidly transfer resources from one dimension to another, in order to face the urgent challenges.
Amendment 126 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16 a (new)
Recital 16 a (new)
(16a) The promotion of the European Neighbourhood Policy goals could not be properly and efficiently achieved without the involvement of the citizens, the civil society structures and other non-state actors.
Amendment 144 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. The Union aims to establish an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness involving the European Union and the countries and territories listed in the Annex to this Regulation (hereinafter ‘the partner countries’) by developing a special relationship. To this end, a specific definition of what a special relationship is in terms of funding, positive discrimination, political priorities and means of communication, consultation, coordination and cooperation should be defined, both in general and on a case-by- case basis, through a joint effort of the European Council and the European Parliament.
Amendment 155 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. The Union must implement affirmative measures in order to engage Russia in a cooperative approach towards the Common EU-Russia Neighbourhood.
Amendment 156 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 b (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. The Union must use trade and economic cooperation in order to support the economic development and social cohesion of the partner countries, thus creating the appropriate context for increasing their security and consequently, stimulating the achievement of the democratic development.
Amendment 157 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3 c (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. By applying the present Regulation, the Union should target a gradual replacement of the current partnership strategy with an integration strategy through the use of the European Neighbourhood Instrument, going in accordance with the specificity of each case, until sharing with the partner countries resources, policies and decision- making procedures, apart from the Union institutions.
Amendment 196 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new)
(fa) promoting cooperation, interoperability and compatibility between the Union and its neighbours.
Amendment 197 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. These objectives shall be achieved through a gradual integration and association between the Union and the partner countries, primarily driven by incentives and not by conditionalities.
Amendment 216 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Union support provided under this Regulation to each partner country shall be differentiated in form and amounts according to the partner country's commitment to reforms and its progress in implementinginterest of the European citizens and to the need of the Union security, as well as the partner country's commitment to reforms and the Union's resources for supporting the progress of these reforms. Such differentiation shall reflect the level of ambition of the countryUnion's partnership with the Union, iteach partner country and vice-versa, the geo-strategic interests of the Union and the partner country's progress in building deep and sustainable democracy, its progress in implementing agreed reform objectives, the country's needs and capacities, and the potential impact of Union support.
Amendment 228 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Union support under this Regulation shall, in principle, be established in partnership with the beneficiaries. The partnership shall involve as appropriate, national, regional and local authorities, other stakeholders, civil society, social partners and other non-state actors in preparing, implementing and monitoring Union support.
Amendment 29 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission to elaborate a strategy for the Black Sea region, thus defining an integrated EU approach toin view of creating a common future for the region, with a detailed action plan, clear objectives, flagship initiatives and benchmarks; believes that the strategy should be eventually served by a specific political structure, such as a Union for the Black Sea, and should ensure coordination of activities and division of labour;
Amendment 49 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that in order to provide visibility, strategic guidance and high-level coordination, ministerial meetings between the EU and the wider Black Sea region countries should be organised on a regular basis and include all actors in the region; is convinced that an institutional instrument bringing together the EU and the BSEC could constitute a step towards creating genuine partnership in the region; believes that the Strategy for the Black Sea should be developed at all levels of regional cooperation; notes, therefore, the parliamentary cooperation between the EU and the Black Sea countries, welcomes the creation of the Black Sea Civil Society Forum and encourages strengthened cooperation among local authorities, civil society and business;
Amendment 56 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Regards inclusiveness and regional ownership as important principles of the EU approach towards the region and sees Turkey and Russia as crucial partners in Black Sea regional cooperation, which should be appropriately engaged; believes that a trilateral cooperation structure Russia - EU - Turkey could serve this purpose; believes that the dual role of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece as both littoral States and EU Member States is essential to the success of EU policy in the Black Sea area;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the Vienna Group proposal for transferring Iranian uranium to Russia and France and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to delay the passage of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 (2010), IAEA's proposal for an agreement to provide nuclear fuel to the Tehran Research Reactor in exchange for Low Enriched Uranium from Iran's stocks and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to build confidence and facilitate negotiations between Iran and E3+3, as well as Iran and the Vienna Group,
Amendment 62 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there has been a remarkable deepening of relations between Iran and Turkey, andwhich could have a positive influence on the prospects for a diplomatic solution to the problem on Iran's nuclear program; whereas Iran is using its state and non-state allies Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas, to destabilise the region,
Amendment 266 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
Amendment 285 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Hopes that the deepening of relations between Iran and EU accession candidate Turkey, will be used by Turkey to express Europe's concern about developments in Iran concerning human rights as well as the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; calls on the Turkish authorities to strengthenTurkey's influence on Iran and thus play a constructive role concerning the Middle East conflict;
Amendment 41 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 9
Article 1 – point 9
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities
Title VIII a – Article 98 a (new)
Title VIII a – Article 98 a (new)
Article 98a With a view to ensuring that all members of the EEAS staff are treated equally, regardless of whether they come from the European Union's administration or the national diplomatic services of the Member States, in particular as regards eligibility to assume all positions and responsibilities within the EEAS under equivalent conditions, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- President of the Commission, as appointing authority, shall draw up a table of equivalence between EU administrative grades, in particular at AD level, and the diplomatic seniority titles in order to ensure that, at the time of their recruitment, staff originating from Member States are graded in a way which is commensurate with average seniority for that specific grade.
Amendment 43 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 2 - point 10
Article 2 - point 10
Conditions of Employment of Other Servants
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b – paragraph 1
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b – paragraph 1
1. Staff fromcoming from the national diplomatic services of the Member States who were selected under the procedure laid down in Article 98(1) of the Staff Regulations and who are seconded by their national diplomatic services shall be engaged as temporary staff under Article 2(e)shall be engaged as temporary staff under Article 2(e). The administrative grade granted to selected candidates coming from national diplomatic services of Member States should be the grade to which the years of seniority and the number of promotions in the national diplomatic service of origin entitle them on the basis of the promotion system applicable to EU officials.
Amendment 44 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 2 – point 10
Article 2 – point 10
Conditions of Employment of Other Servants
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b a (new)
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b a (new)
Article 50ba With a view to ensuring that all members of the EEAS staff are treated equally, regardless of whether they come from the European Union's administration or the national diplomatic services of the Member States, in particular as regards eligibility to assume all positions and responsibilities within the EEAS under equivalent conditions, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- President of the Commission, as appointing authority, shall draw up a table of equivalence between EU administrative grades, in particular at AD level, and the diplomatic seniority titles in order to ensure that, at the time of their recruitment, staff originating from Member States are graded in a way which is commensurate with average seniority for that specific grade.
Amendment 198 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 22 – paragraph 1 a (new)
It shall start to apply twelve months after its entry into force.
Amendment 13 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the ECHR has been developped not only through the additional Protocols, but also through other Conventions, Charters and Agreements, resulting into a continuously evolving system of protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,
Amendment 57 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Notes that accession by the Union to the ECHR constitutes an essentialsignifies the recognition by the EU of the entire system of protection of Human Rights, as it was developped and codified in a number of other documents of the Council of Europe. Recommends that the EU accedes to all the other conventions and charters, present and future, of the Council of Europe, which are meant to complete and develop the sphere of rights and freedoms codified by the ECHR with the purpose of granting the European citizens an effective right to remedy with respect to the provisions of all these legal acts; in this sense, accession by the Union to the ECHR constitutes an essential first step which should subsequently be complemented by accession, among others, by the Union to the European Social Charter, signed in Turin on 18 October 1961 and revised in Strasbourg on 3 May 1996, which would be consistent with the progress already enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and in the social legislation of the Union;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas persons forcefully displaced from the conflict zones in the South Caucasus are still denied the right to return to their homes,
Amendment 33 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Reaffirms the EU's main objective in the region, namely to encourage the development of the South Caucasus countries towards open and peaceful, secure and stable states, which are ready to establish good neighbourly relations, able to contribute to regional stability and to develop institutional and legal interoperability among themselves and with the EU; calls on the EU to develop a regional policy for the South Caucasus to be implemented together with the countries in the region and complemented by bilateral policies;
Amendment 52 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the responsibility of external actors to use their power and influence in ways that are fully consistent with international law, including human rights law; believes that reduction of the competition between external actors in the region should be pursued, but cannot come at the price of effectively accepting any actor’s claim to have ‘privileged interests’; is of the opinion thatconsiders it unacceptable for any external actor to introducinge conditions for the respect ofor the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the South Caucasus states is unacceptable;
Amendment 63 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Fully supports the Minsk Group Co- chairs’ mediation, the Madrid Principles and the Moscow Declaration; condemns the idea of a military solution and the heavy consequences of military force already used, and calls on both sides to avoid militant rhetoric; furthermore, calls on both sides to show more ambition in the peace talks and to abandon the tendency to prefer perpetuating the status quo created through military conquests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions; calls on the international community likewise to show courage and political will to overcome the remaining sticking points which hinder an agreement;
Amendment 90 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that interim status for Nagorno- Karabakh cshould not imply interim legitimisation of the de facto authorities there; believes that inter alia in order to raise their credibility with a view to such a prospect, these authorities should rapidly abandon the positions that Nagorno- Karabakh includes all Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani lands and that displaced persons’ right of return cannot even be discussed at the present stage; calls on the Government of Armenia to exercise its influence in this respect and on the Council and Commission to join this call;
Amendment 138 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers democratisation, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rights of minorities, political pluralism and the rule of law to be basic principles for and of peaceful and stable democratic states;
Amendment 243 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Underlines the importance of the Black Sea region and stresses the need for intensified cooperation in this area, by consolidating the synergy between the regional policies there and by establishing, whenever appropriate, special institutionalised partnerships between the EU and the countries in the region; with a view to this, recommends the establishment of an institutionalised structure taking the form of a Black Sea Union;
Amendment 247 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Stresses the dangerous potential for a spillover of frozen conflicts in the region; in this context, recommends the setting-up of a Conference on Security and Cooperation in the South Caucasus, embracing the countries concerned and the relevant regional and global actors, with a view to developing a Stability Pact for the South Caucasus;
Amendment 287 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Considers that the EU should continue to support economic development, trade and investment in the region, and believes that the negotiation and establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreements plays a very important role in this respect; calls on the Commission to consider possible ways to assist the countries in the region to prepare them and enable them to negotiate and then implement and sustain the commitments provided for in possible future FTAs; furthermore, encourages the countries of the South Caucasus to consider establishing a free trade area among themselves;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the report on the institutional aspects of setting up the European External Action Service (2009/2133(INI) and the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs thereon2,
Amendment 33 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Vice-President/High Representative and her services to develop – with a view to deepening the Union's collective strategic thinking – a coherent EU foreign policy strategy which could serve as a reference framework for policy- making and guide the definition of the means to be developed for external action; calls on the Vice-President/High Representative to fully associate the European Parliament, including its relevant bodies, in such an endeavour;
Amendment 67 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Continues to be concerned about the repeated gas crises such as the Russian- Ukrainian crisis of January 2009, which highlighted the EU’s increasing energy dependency on sources of supply and transit channels which face threats to their stability; recalls the urgent need to address energy challenges by implementing a common European external energy policy; calls in this regard on the Vice- President/High Representative to pursue with determination Parliament's recommendations for the development of such a policy, in particular by promoting EU cohesion in negotiations with energy suppliers and transit countries and defending the common interests of the Member States, by developing effective energy diplomacy and more efficient mechanisms for responding to crisis situations and, finally, by promoting the diversification of energy supplies, sustainable energy use and the development of renewable energy sources; stresses that only a common EU approach could prevent any future shortcomings in the oil and gas supplies of the Member States and could increase the energy security of the EU as a whole;
Amendment 109 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Considers that cooperation between the EU and other European organisations, such as the Council of Europe and OSCE, should lead to a better demarcation of the competences and tasks among them, allowing the EU to promote its human rights agenda through the Council of Europe and with a view to establishing a pan-European common area of freedom, security and justice;
Amendment 118 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls for the establishment of a trilateral cooperation mechanism between the EU, the United States and the Russian Federation which could address concertedly the various global challenges, opportunities and threats, thus leading to greater stability and security in Europe and in the world;
Amendment 122 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Considers that stability in the Western Balkans should remain a top priority in the Union’s external action, and therefore attaches the utmost importance to the efforts to bring the countries of that region closer to the EU, with the shared goal of European integration, inter alia by promoting reforms and enhancing regional cooperation and inter-ethnic reconciliation; recommends that an international conference on the future of the Western Balkans should be convened, bringing together the countries in the region and the relevant regional and global actors, in order to identify and address the current challenges facing the region;
Amendment 126 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes with satisfaction the generally peaceful and stable situation in Kosovo and the efforts to build a multi-ethnic society, as demonstrated by the successful local elections held on 15 November 2009; welcomes the fact that the EULEX rule of law mission in Kosovo, which is the largest civilian CSDP mission launched so far by the EU, is working at full operational capacity; underlines the mission’s importance in promoting inter-ethnic reconciliation, the rule of law, public order and security throughout the whole of Kosovo, by assisting the Kosovo institutions, judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies in their progress towards sustainability and accountability; in this respect, welcomes the decision to open a new EULEX office in the north; however, notes the need to increase the number of prosecutors working in EULEX, and calls on the Member States to provide additional personnel;
Amendment 138 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the pro-European stance of the new government of the Republic of Moldova and expresses its hope of an acceleration of the country's internal reforms, in such a way as to achieve economic integration, political association and institutional approximation between the Republic of Moldova and the EU; encourages the Vice-President/High- Representative to identify multilateral solutions for unblocking the situation in Transnistria;
Amendment 139 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Takes note of the upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine, which should provide the necessary political, economic and social stability for Ukraine, and encourages the country to achieve greater interoperability with the European Union, thus consolidating its prospects of integration into the EU;
Amendment 145 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Stresses the need for Member States to coordinate their relations with the Russian Federation on the basis of the Union's general interests and in such a way as to reflect and promote those interests adequately and consistently;
Amendment 147 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Urges the Vice-President/High Representative to intensify the EU's efforts to work towards peaceful settlement under international law of the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Transnistria and, above all, that between Russia and Georgia and its breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia; stresses the dangerous potential for a spillover of frozen conflicts in the region; in this context, recommends the setting-up of a Conference on Security and Cooperation in the South Caucasus, embracing the countries concerned and the relevant regional and global actors, with a view to developing a Stability Pact for the South Caucasus;
Amendment 155 #
2009/2057(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Underlines the importance of the Black Sea region and stresses the need for intensified cooperation in this area, by consolidating the synergy between the regional policies there and by establishing, whenever appropriate, special institutionalised partnerships between the EU and the countries in the region; with a view to this, recommends the establishment of an institutionalised structure taking the form of a Black Sea Union;
Amendment 10 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) With the aim of furthering the implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda, the Commission should start a visa liberalisation dialogue with the Kosovar authorities and establish a roadmap for visa liberalisation similar to those established with the Western Balkan countries. This should be without prejudice to the status of Kosovo and with due respect for UNSC resolution 1244/99.
Amendment 10 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) With the aim of furthering the implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda, the Commission should start a visa liberalisation dialogue with Kosovar authorities and establish a roadmap for visa liberalisation similar to those established with other Western Balkan countries. This should be without prejudice to the status of Kosovo and with due respect for UNSC resolution 1244/99.
Amendment 29 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Points out that the accession process must maintain a clear regional perspective, and that efforts must be made to avoid a situation whereby differences in the pace of integration result in the erection of new barriers in the region, in particular with regard to the process of visa liberalisation; supports the role of the Regional Cooperation Council in strengthening regional ownership and in serving as the key interlocutor for the EU in all matters concerning regional cooperation in South East Europe; furthermore, recommends that the European Union should convene an international conference on security and cooperation in the Balkans, in order to establish an integrated regional political structure capable of ensuring the sustainable security and stability of the region;
Amendment 94 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the governments and parliaments of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as to the Kosovo administration, the Chairman-in- office of the OSCE, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the secretariat of the Central European Free Trade Agreement.
Amendment 3 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the inauguration of the new US President opens up a new era in the history of the United States, has been received with great expectations in the world and has the potential to give the transatlantic partnforge a strong EU-US partnership based on mutual respect and mutual understanding of each of the partners' constraints and priorities, as well as on a fairer ship a new impetusaring of their international responsibilities with a view to creating a peaceful, secure and stable world,
Amendment 5 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas a successful and viable partnership between the United States and the European Union involves a duty on the part of the EU itself to consolidate its internal reforms at the institutional, decision-making and political level, with a special focus on strengthening the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European security and defence policy (ESDP),
Amendment 12 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the United States and the European Union can successfully face any challenges to the regional and global order when acting on the basis of a strong, comprehensive and substantial transatlantic partnership, in the spirit of their common values and pursuing their legitimate interests,
Amendment 37 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas a strategic trilateral partnership between the EU, the US and Russia is necessary in order to address the various global challenges, opportunities and threats,
Amendment 43 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the EU Member States to coordinate their positions vis-à-vis the US, thus delivering a common EU political message to the EU's American partner while avoiding competition and rivalry between them within the framework of the transatlantic relationship;
Amendment 49 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that, in order to attain its objectives, the EU-US partnership must put in place a mechanism aimed at communication, consultation, coordination and cooperation;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the current momentum should also be used in order to improve and renew the framework of the transatlantic relationship; insists on the need to replace the existing NTA of 1995 with a new Transatlantic Partnership Agreement, having as its main characteristic the four -component mechanism of cooperation, communication, consultation and coordination, thus providing a more stable and a more up-to-date basis for the relationship;
Amendment 64 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the view that the new agreement should establish a body for systematic high-level consultation and coordination in respect of foreign and security policy; recommends that this body be chaired by the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission on the EU side and by the Secretary of State on the US side, and that it meet at least every three months, without prejudice to informal contactsregularly; suggests that this mechanism could be called the Transatlantic Political Council (TPC);
Amendment 70 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Reaffirms that the new agreement should transformupgrade the current Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD) into a Joint Parliamentary Committee, serving as a forum for coordinating transatlantic parliamentary cooperation, for general parliamentary dialogue and for parliamentary scrutiny of the implementation of the agreement; considers that this Committee should meet in plenary twice a year and that it should be comprised of both Members of the European Parliament and Members of both the US CongresHouse of Representatives and the US Senate; believes that the membership should be flexible in order to allow for participation of members with expertise in policy areas of common interest; suggests that the invitation to attend certain meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee be also extended to the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of national parliaments from the 27 EU Member States; reiterates that a legislative early-warning system should be created within this Committee;
Amendment 73 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Invites the European Parliament and the US Congress to reflect on the possibility of setting up a US Congress liaison office in Brussels or a Congress/European Parliament Task Force to tackle key issues of common interest such as climate change, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and regional conflicts;
Amendment 125 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Urges both parties to closely coordinate their policies towards and with Russia; conscious of Russia's relevance as a neighbouring country, of its interdependenceole as a major player at the regional and global level, along with the EU and the US, observing that both the US and Russia are strategic neighbours of the EU and that the EU has already concluded a strategic partnership with the EUS and of its role as a global player, emphasises the importance of building up constructive cooperation with Russia, without compromising democratic principlis currently negotiating such a partnership with Russia, and inspired by President Obama's inauguration address calling for cooperation with "old friends and former foes", recommends the establishment of a triangular consultation mechanism with a view to formulating the necessary policies for international lawcoping with global challenges, threats and opportunities; calls on both transatlantic partners to closely coordinate their approach towards any reform of the European security architecture, while insisting on the OSCE principles as its inalienable base and maintaining the coherence of NATO; ;
Amendment 132 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Stresses that the security dimension of the EU's relations with Russia and the US and the role of the CFSP and ESDP cannot be seen in isolation from the wider European security architecture, which includes NATO, the OSCE and international arrangements such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe; considers that relevant developments in this wider security structure should be addressed in dialogue with Russia, the United States and the non-EU OSCE member countries in order to renew the transatlantic consensus on security, taking as a basis the Helsinki agreements or an updated version of them to be negotiated within a new Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe; believes that a moratorium on the deployment of any new weapons systems in Europe would be helpful in this respect;
Amendment 133 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Is of the view that the US plan to establish an anti-missile system in Europe at this time may hamper international disarmament efforts; is equally concerned over the announcement by the Russian President to deploy missiles in Kaliningrad to counter the US plan; calls on the new US administration to defer the US missile defence system planned for Poland and the Czech Republic until comprehensive talks on future global security have taken place;
Amendment 148 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. IConsiders that there is particular scope for the renewal of transatlantic cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation; therefore invites the EU and the US to adopt a common strategy in all international fora, in particular the UN, on disarmament of weapons of mass destruction and conventional weaponry; urgwelcomes the new US administration to re-engage with Russia in the area of arms control and disarmament, extending the two countries' current bilateral agreements; stresses the need for closer cooperation in order to ensure progress in the run-up to the NPT Review Conference in 2010, welcomes the commitment of the new US President to ratification of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treatyannouncement by the new US President that he will take forward the ratification of the Comprehensive Test- Ban Treaty (CTBT); calls on the Council to contribute positively and proactively to the preparations for the next NPT Review Conference in 2010, in close cooperation with the United States and Russia;
Amendment 152 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Underlines the importance of fighting terrorism on the basis of full respect for international law and human rights, and of supporting the role of the UN in combating this threat; welcomes the commitment of the new US-President to the closure of Camp Delta in Guantánamo BayUS President's executive order to end the use of torture by closing Camp Delta in Guantánamo Bay within a year, which sets a new course for US counter-terrorism policy; urges the governments of the EU Member States to now play their part and support President Obama's decision through appropriate measures, including accepting inmates;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas NATO values should solely represent the criteria for NATO membership and not the grounds for its actions,
Amendment 41 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas the development of NATO, characterised by an advanced military potential, as well as the development of the ESDP, characterised by a wider range of security-related instruments, such as economic, civilian and development capabilities, should be seen in an integrated way,
Amendment 42 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
Amendment 59 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas NATO remains the framework for ensuring the collective defence of its members, and whereas this requires, as a complementary dimension, a stronger ESDP,
Amendment 89 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Strongly advocates increased solidarity among the EU Member States in developing common security and defence strategies;
Amendment 115 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is of the view that both NATO and the ESDP should endorse as their long-term and common goal a commitment to building a safer world, for the inhabitants of their member states and in general, and should also actively prevent and react to mass atrocities and regional conflicts which continue to cause much human suffering;
Amendment 153 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is of the view that the EU and NATO could strengthen each other by avoiding competition and developing greater cooperation based on a combined spectrum of action, with each covering parts of the spectrum that the other cannot presently cover, which will also help make savings;
Amendment 155 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Is of the view that the EU must develop its own security and defence capabilities, which will allow improved burden-sharing with the non-European allies and an appropriate response to those security challenges and threats which concern the EU Member States only;
Amendment 156 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on the European Union to develop the instruments of its security strategy, ranging from diplomatic crisis prevention and economic and development assistance to civilian capabilities in the field of stabilisation and reconstruction, as well as military means; moreover, considers that strategic use should be made of the "soft power" instruments in the European Union‘s neighbourhood;
Amendment 183 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Calls on the European Union to develop proposals for involving NATO, where appropriate, in its endeavours with regard to civilian security instruments, especially in the fields of stabilisation and reconstruction;
Amendment 241 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on the European Union to consolidate its transatlantic link in order to be able to contribute to building the global US vision and action;
Amendment 247 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Welcomes the fact that, at the NATO summit held in Bucharest, the Allies recognised the value that a stronger and more capable European defence brings, and that the Alliance reconfirmed its commitment to continue enlargement; regrets that at the same summit the Allies postponednevertheless, in the light of the latest developments, believes theat NATO Membership Action Plashould reconsider the opportunity to enlarge in for Georgia and Ukraine, when instead continued support should be given to the democratisation process of Ukrader to make sure that the potential new member states increase the overall security of the Alliance, while takineg in the spirit of the Orange Revolution; notes that for many European Neighbourhood Policy countries, and with a view to their democratic developmto consideration the view expressed in this respect by the majority of the population of the countries concerned; considers that, to this entd, the open-door policy which stems from the very founding principles of the EU is of the utmost importancecontinued support should be given to the democratisation process of Ukraine and Georgia;
Amendment 257 #
2008/2197(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is of the view that, should Russia become a free and truly democratic country, an improved cooperation between it maintaining cooperative relations with Russia is essential for European security, while the consequences of and all European, Euro- Atlantic and global structures would be very welcome and should be encouragedienated and hostile Russia could be unpleasant for both the European Union and the world, as proved by the recent Georgian crisis; does not exclude the prospect of Russia's membership of such structures one day; therefore invites Russia to return to the path of transforming itself into a true democracy, and to root out all practices of using violence as a means of furthering political goals; notes that, should the EU Member States agree to the bilateral security arrangements recently proposed by Russia, this would not only severely weaken the integrity of the security architecture of the EU but would also drive a wedge into the relationship between the EU and the U.S.;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the new rightcompetences accorded to national parliaments under the Treaty of Lisbon, notably with regard to the principle of subsidiarity, encourage them to get involved at an early stage in the process of policy formulation at the level of the Union,
Amendment 15 #
2008/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that new forms of pre- and post-legislative dialogue between the European Parliament and national parliaments should be developed, with a view to reaching a significant degree of legislative coherence and cohesion at European Union level;
Amendment 23 #
2008/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Believes that increased powers of the national parliaments with regard to compliance with the principle of subsidiarity, as provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, will allow European legislation to be influenced and scrutinised at an early stage and will contribute to better law- making as well as to improved approximation of legislation at European Union level;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recommends that, following a proposal by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, the Conference of Presidents initiate or accept forms and mechanisms for enhanced/advanced cooperation between the European Parliament and one national parliament or more, while observing the principle of reciprocity;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2120(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Amendment 7 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 7
Citation 7
− having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultations and their lack of tangible results,
Amendment 10 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Citation 9
Citation 9
Amendment 14 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas EU relations with Russia remain very importantstrategic for the purposes of pragmatic cooperation, and whereas the EU shares with Russia not only economic and trade interests but also an objective to act in the international arena, as well as in the common European neighbourhood; whereas enhanced cooperation and good- neighbourly relations between the EU and Russia should be of key importance to the stability, security and prosperity of the whole of Europe,
Amendment 23 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the negotiations on a new agreement between EU and Russia are unfolding in a new international context, in which the global economic and financial crisis is leading towards the creation of a new balance, nature and structure of power posing for a new international order and new appropriate mechanisms for global stability and security,
Amendment 24 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Amendment 25 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the European Union, Russia and the United States could address global challenges, opportunities and threats through the means of a trilateral strategic partnership,
Amendment 27 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 35 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the security dimension of EU-Russia relations cannot be seen in isolation from the wider European security architecture; whereas the relevant developments in this wider security structure should be addressed in dialogue with Russia and also with the United States and the non-EU OSCE member states, taking the Helsinki agreements or an updated version of them to be negotiated within a new Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe,
Amendment 40 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas Russia should havehas a responsibility to contribute to the financial and political stability and sense of security in Europe and in the world, in particular in the sharedEU-Russia common neighbourhood, but also as regards issues such as nuclear proliferation, the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime, as well as climate change,
Amendment 49 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the conclusion of an agreement on future cooperation remains of the utmost importance for further development and intensification of cooperation between the two sides; whereas the EU’s policy towards Russia must be based on unity and solidarity and whereas the EU should speak with one voice,
Amendment 54 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the EU’s policy towards Russia must be based on unity and solidarity among its Member States, thus delivering a common EU political message to Russia, while avoiding rivalry and competition among them concerning EU-Russia relations,
Amendment 62 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 73 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital I
Recital I
Amendment 81 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas a common European energy strategy should be capable of promoting the European interests in the energy field, while integrating the strategic priorities of Russia as a supply country and those of the transit countries,
Amendment 100 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
aa) insist on the need for a new deeper philosophy of EU-Russia relations and for the promotion of an innovative strategy in the new agreement, thus acknowledging EU and Russia as strategic partners;
Amendment 103 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point a b (new)
Paragraph 1 - point a b (new)
ab) consider that the new EU-Russia agreement must put in place a mechanism aiming at communication, consultation, coordination and cooperation;
Amendment 105 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point -b (new)
Paragraph 1 - point -b (new)
-b) recommend that the strategic relations between Russia and EU are based on principles and provided with mechanisms which promote, while recognising reciprocally the specificity and showing reciprocal respect for the historical and cultural background, the convergence and compatibility of their respective approaches and policies in the field of human rights, the rule of law and democratic organisation, thus developing a political and institutional interoperability, thus enabling them to reach the common goals in both the short and the long term;
Amendment 106 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point -b a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point -b a (new)
-ba) invite the European Parliament and the Russian State Duma to reflect on the possibility of setting up a State Duma liaison office in Brussels, tackling key issues of common interest such as energy and energy security, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and regional conflicts;
Amendment 107 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point -b b (new)
Paragraph 1 - point -b b (new)
-bb) invite the Russian State Duma and the European Parliament to closely cooperate, taking into consideration the possibility of setting up an early warning mechanism on new legislation to be adopted by both sides on sensitive issues and with a potential impact on EU- Russian relations, as well as on international security and stability;
Amendment 120 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point c
Paragraph 1 - point c
c) urgecall on the Russian Government to implement fully the decisions of the ECHR, providing an opportunity to promote accountability for past abuses and ensure an end to ongoing violations;
Amendment 123 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point c b (new)
Paragraph 1 - point c b (new)
Amendment 124 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point c c (new)
Paragraph 1 - point c c (new)
cc) call for the organisation of a new Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, thus leading to the creation of a space for freedom, security, justice and prosperity, ranging from Vancouver to Shanghai, through the upgrading and development of the basic international law and international relations principles, as stated in the Helsinki Final Act, in a such a way as to respond to the current conventional and non-conventional challenges, opportunities and threats;
Amendment 125 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point c d (new)
Paragraph 1 - point c d (new)
cd) recommend the creation of a permanent consultation mechanism, between the major regional and global players from the Euro-Atlantic and Euro- Asian space, with a view to identifying, defining and finding solutions to the major security threats with which the above-mentioned spaces are confronted;
Amendment 132 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 - point d a (new)
da) call for the creation of a trilateral negotiation mechanism between the EU, Russia and Ukraine concerning a common energy strategy, involving the EU as a major consumer, Russia as a major supply country and Ukraine as a major transit country; recommend, in this respect, the establishment of a conciliation and arbitration system, similar to the existing WTO system, necessary for dispute settlement between EU and Russia on trade and energy cooperation issues;
Amendment 135 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1 - point e
Paragraph 1 - point e
e) call on the Russian Government to make – together with the EU, and the other members of the Contact Group for Kosovointerested regional and global players – a positive contribution to finding a sustainable political solution for the future of Kosovo and for the further enhancement of the stability of the Western Balkans;
Amendment 172 #
2008/2104(INI)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Recommends the creation of an international working group with the scope of analysing the needs and respective solutions to the reform of the major international institutions and organisations, created under the specific circumstances of the bipolar global system and of the cold war, thus adapting them to the current world order;
Amendment 1 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that the broadening of the Union's external action under the Lisbon Treaty, including the provision of new legal bases and instruments affecting areas related to foreign policy (external action and CFSP/CSDP), necessitates a new interinstitutional balance and cooperation which would ensure coherence within the Union's external action and guarantee adequate democratic scrutiny by the European Parliament;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regards it as crucial to establish the closest possible collaboration between the President of the European Council, the President of the Commission, and the High Representative/Vice–President of the Commission and the rotating PresidencyPresident of the European Parliament in order that their different functions may contribute to the coherence and efficiency of the CFSP;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Considers that the High Representative, in his capacity of Vice- President of the European Commission, as well as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Council, should: exert, when necessary, a right of initiative in CFSP matters, while securing cooperation with the European Council; initiate measures aiming to the implementation of the decisions related to the field of CFSP/CSDP and act towards their effective implementation in collaboration with the Commission's members and services concerned, assisted by the European External Action Service; seek coordination of the various positions of the Member States involving the support of the President of the European Council;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Expects that the relevant EU Council bodies will directly co-operate with the committees and competent bodies responsible for the CFSP and CSDP from the European Parliament;
Amendment 9 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Underlines the important role of the President of the European Council in CFSP/CSDP related matters, which will consist in mediating and facilitating the consensus building between the Member States; to this end, stresses that the co- operation between the President of the European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council is indispensable;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Considers that the European Parliament, among other attributions, will seek to facilitate, through the efforts of its Committee on Foreign Affairs, the consensus among the Member States' national parliaments in what concerns their support for the European Union's external policy initiatives;
Amendment 22 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Insists that Parliament be fully consulted on the nomination of the firstas well as any other interim appointment: stresses that the High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, as we is fully as any other interim appointnd directly accountable to the European Parliament;
Amendment 24 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates that the future office of High Representative/Vice–President of the Commission will derive its legitimacy directly from the European Parliament; and that its two mandates within the Commission and the Council will be inseparable and exercised in full harmony; therefore invites him/her to build upon the current practice and appear regularly before Parliament in plenary and before its Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as to participate in meetings, in order to hold regular, systematic and substantive consultations with Parliament and its competent bodies, and to involve Parliament in the decision-making process, thus enhancing the transparency and accountability of the Union's foreign policy; furthermore, recommends that the working procedures between the European Parliament and the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission be defined through an agreement drawn between the abovementioned parties;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is of the opinion that the debate with the High Representative/Vice–President of the Commission on the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP/CSDP for the coming year constitutes an ideal opportunity to consult Parliament at the beginning of every year, and that a follow–up debate should be scheduled six months thereafter; recommends in this context that a joint meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Conference of Delegation Chairmen and representatives of other competent EP bodies be held for a first exchange of views with the High Representative on the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP/CSDP, followed by a debate in the plenary meeting;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Requests the High Representative's representative chairing the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to appear regularly before Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and the other competent bodies responsible for the CFSP/CSDP, in joint or separate sessions, to report on current issues under discussion in PSC meetings;
Amendment 30 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Requests that the High Representative's deputies or representatives and EU Special Representatives (as stipulated by Article 36 of the consolidated Treaty) appear before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, ands well as before other relevant committees and competent bodies responsible for the CFSP/CSDP as and when requested so to do;
Amendment 31 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Expects that the establishment of the European External Action Service (EEAS) will provide greater clarity with regard to the criteria for and the appointment and evaluation of EU Special Representatives, including the definition and purpose of their tasks, the length of their mandate, and coordination and complementarity with the Un; stresses the need for the EEAS to work in cooperation with the diplomatic services of the Member States, in such a way as to ensure that their action's future Delegations; are complementary and compatible;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Underlines the need to facilitate regular contacts between Parliament and the team Presidencyrelevant bodies of the EU Council on external action issues;
Amendment 41 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Takes the view that the Commission should be ppresence of the High Representative in his/her capacity of Vice-President of the Commission at all Council meetings and related preparatory meetings when external action issues are considered, in order to will ensure consistency of the external action of the Union as a whole;
Amendment 44 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Amendment 55 #
2008/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes provisions for closer cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments under the Lisbon Treaty; stresses the need to establish closer collaboration between relevant committees of the European and national parliaments, building on the current practice of meetings between the chairs of the foreign affairs, defence and European affairs committees of national parliaments and of Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, including parliamentary observers from non-EU NATOOSCE and Council of Europe members together with members of the NATOOSCE Parliamentary Assembly and PACE; refers to its ongoing report on this matter;
Amendment 154 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Transitional free allocation to installations should be provided for through harmonised Community-wide rules ("benchmarks") in order to minimise distortions of competition within the Community. TWithout prejudice to sector specific criteria, these rules should take account of the most greenhouse gas and energy efficient techniques, substitutes, generally applicable alternative production processes, use of biomass, renewables and greenhouse gas capture and storagethe potential, including the technical potential, to reduce emissions. Any such rules should not give incentives to indecrease emissions and ensure that an increasing proportion of these allowances is auctioned. Allocations must be fixed prior to the trading periospecific emissions. Allocations based on benchmarks must be fixed so as to enable the market to function properly. They shall also avoid undue distortions of competition on the markets for electricity and heat supplied to industrial installations. These rules should equally apply to new entrants carrying out the same activities as existing installations receiving transitional free allocations. To avoid any distortion of competition within the internal market, no free allocation should be made in respect of the production of electricity by new entrants, with the exception of electricity produced from waste gases from industrial production processes. Allowances which remain in the set-aside for new entrants in 2020 should be auctioned.
Amendment 358 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 - Point 7
Article 1 - Point 7
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10 - paragraph 5
Article 10 - paragraph 5
5. By 31 DecemberJune 2010, the Commission shall adopt a Regulation on timing, administration and other aspects of auctioning to ensure that it is conducted in an open, transparent and non- discriminatory manner. Auctions shall be designed to ensure that operators, and in particular any small and medium size enterprises covered by the Community scheme, have full access and any other participants do not undermine the operation of the auction. That measure, designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article [23(3)].
Amendment 379 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 8
Article 1 – point 8
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 10a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. The Commission shall, at the latest by 30 June 20110, adopt Community wide and fully- harmonised implementing measures for allocating the allowances referred to in paragraphs 2 to 6 and 8 in a harmonised manner.
Amendment 386 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 8
Article 1 – point 8
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 10a – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Those measures, designed to amend non- essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article [23(3)]. In defining the principles for setting benchmarks in individual sectors, the Commission shall consult with the sectors concerned.
Amendment 493 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 8
Article 1 – point 8
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10a – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
Article 10a – paragraph 6 – subparagraph 3
No free allocation shall be made in respect of any electricity production by new entrants, with the exception of electricity produced from waste gases from industrial production processes. Where a waste gas from a production process is used as a fuel, allowances shall be allocated to the operator of the installation generating the waste gas with the same allocation principles as applied for that installation.
Amendment 594 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 - point 8
Article 1 - point 8
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10b - title and introduction
Article 10b - title and introduction
Measures to support certain energy intensiveenergy industries in the event of carbon leakage Not later than June31 December 20110, the Commission shall, in the light of the outcome of the international negotiations and the extent to which these lead to global greenhouse gas emission reductions, and after consulting with all relevant social partners, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council an analytical report assessing the situation with regard to energy-intensive sectors or sub-sectors that have been determined to be exposed to significant risks of carbon leakage. This shall be accompanied by any appropriate proposals, which may include:
Amendment 747 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 - point 21
Article 1 - point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 28 - paragraph 1a (new)
Article 28 - paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Within six months following the conclusion of an international agreement on climate change leading to mandatory reductions exceeding those pursuant to Article 3, the Commission shall submit a legislative proposal on the contribution of each Member State to the Community’s additional reduction effort to be adopted according to the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty.
Amendment 748 #
2008/0013(COD)
Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 - point 21
Article 1 - point 21
Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 28 - paragraph 2
Article 28 - paragraph 2
Amendment 7 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the internal dimension of the Enlargement Strategy directly affectinfluences the Union's ability to pursue its policy objectives and to achieve an ever closer Union, as laid down in the Treaties,
Amendment 21 #
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; whereas, nevertheless, enlargement will continue to be a relevant policy with regard to the European Union's need to maintain its capacity to respond to the global challenges, opportunities and dangers, as well as to develop its competitiveness in the world as a global actor,
Amendment 59 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas these policies should be complementary and mutually permeable, that is to say, should allow a given country to move from one type of contractual relationship with the EU to another, if the necessary internal and external conditions are fulfilled,
Amendment 78 #
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 and to the countries which have been given clear membership prospects, 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; also reaffirms that the granting of membership to these countries must depend on the capacity of the European Union to integrate new Member States;
Amendment 127 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that this ability not only has institutional and financial implications but also involves sufficient political, social and economic cohesion within the Union;
Amendment 133 #
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; at the same time takes the view that the old Member States, while welcoming new Member States into the Union, should cooperate in adapting the goals and policies of the European Union, in accordance with the need to create as soon as possible a cohesive Community of nations and citizens based on coherent policies and the solidarity of interests;
Amendment 146 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is also convinced that any newacceding Member State should try to resolve all its internal issues, particularly those concerning its territorial and constitutional set-up, before it can join the Union; however, takes the view that the European Union should assess whether the territorial and constitutional problems of an acceding state could be better solved through and after accession to the EU, and that it should adopt the appropriate policies in the light of that assessment;
Amendment 155 #
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 of the institutional coherence and political concentintegration, that is to say, by a serious reassessment of the Union's institutions, policies and means in order to ensure consensus around such policies and to focus on objectives which respond to the expectations of our citizens and which guarantee the viability of the Union as a political project;
Amendment 172 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Warns, therefore, that further enlargement without adequate consolidation of institutional coherence could lead to 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, for its capacity to ensure its internal social, economic and territorial cohesion – since it could lead to a certain degree of polarisation in the level of development of its Member States, and for its credibility as global actor – since it would undermine its already precarious unity in external affairs;
Amendment 189 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is also convinced that the Enlargement Strategy should be flanked by a more diversified range of external contractual and non-contractual frameworks and that these frameworks could be structured as mutually permeable concentric circles, with countries being offered the opportunity, under strict but clear internal and external conditions, to move from one status to another if they so wish and if they fulfil the criteria pertaining to each specific framework;
Amendment 194 #
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 its Neighbourhood Policy needs to be filled in order to respond to the expectations of our eastern neighbours; is convinced that the Commission's strengthened neighbourhood policy is not sufficient in this respect, although it represents an already positive step in the right direction, and that a more substantive qualitative change is required; strategic needs of the European Union and to the expectations of our eastern neighbours, taking into consideration the historical and cultural background and the current geopolitical realities, as well as the need to reconcile European history with European geography; is convinced that the Commission's strengthened neighbourhood policy is not sufficient in this respect, although it represents an already positive step in the right direction, and that a more substantive qualitative change is required; in this context, believes that the European Neighbourhood Policy should either motivate the neighbouring country to adopt a certain attitude towards the European Union and within the international order or should establish contractual bases for sharing with the neighbouring states resources and policies, but not institutions; considers that these common policies, established progressively, could be equivalent to a complete de facto European integration; on those bases, takes the view that the change from the status of neighbour to that of member could be decided upon whenever desired by all sides concerned and in accordance with the development of the European Union's integration capacity;
Amendment 208 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Suggests, therefore, that, as regards 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 and foreign policy, 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 assistance;
Amendment 243 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers that the Western Balkans countries should devise the appropriate structure for regional cooperation and integration, prior to their accession to the EU; also believes that the EU should define sui generis policies adapted to the specific cases of those Western Balkans countries which could resolve some of their internal or territorial disagreements within the EU, benefiting from the latter's internal organisation and modus operandi;
Amendment 244 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Takes the view that, in light of the new institutional developments proposed by the Treaty of Lisbon, in particular those concerning the distribution of seats in the European Parliament on the basis of the degressive proportionality principle, a special formula should be devised in respect of regional representation for Western Balkans countries in order to secure a reasonable balance between small and large EU Member States within the European institutions;
Amendment 245 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Is of the opinion that the EU should find, on the basis of the present political realities, appropriate ways of defining rules to integrate the sui generis legal solution regarding Kosovo within regular international law; is convinced that this process is a prerequisite for Kosovo's integration into the European Union, along with Kosovo's democratic, social and economic development, as a self- governing entity;
Amendment 15 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Hopes that the implementation of the strategy on judicial reform will continue and that it will deliver better results with regard to the independence and efficiency of the judiciary;
Amendment 43 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Draws attention to the continuing discrimination against the Roma community, particularly in the areas of education, social protection, health care, housing and employment; hopes that the National Strategy for Roma will be implemented in accordance with its stated objectives in the near future;
Amendment 73 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Deplores the still high level of unemployment in the country and recommends to the national authorities, and also the Commission, that they should investigate the adoption of the most efficient measures to tackle it;
Amendment 75 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Calls on the FYROM authorities to improve legislation in the field of money laundering and to adopt proper measures to prevent money counterfeiting;
Amendment 76 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Notes with concern the continuing inefficiency of the system of tax collection, which constitutes a serious obstacle to sustainable economic development, as well as the significant black market existing, and recommends that the national authorities tackle these issues as soon as possible;
Amendment 77 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)
Paragraph 10 d (new)
10d. Salutes the progress made in the field of legislation concerning intellectual property rights, but emphasises that greater efforts are needed to ensure enforcement of the legislation adopted;
Amendment 82 #
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 relations on the northern border with Serbia and Kosovo and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement, as well as the signing of free trade agreements with those two neighbours, and recommends a similar policy in relations with Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, especially in the field of transport and communications;
Amendment 97 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a (new). Recalls that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia maintains a bilateral immunity agreement with the United States, granting exemptions from International Criminal Court jurisdiction; calls upon the authorities to take measures to bring about the alignment with the EU common position on the integrity of the Roma statute as well as with other EU guiding principles concerning bilateral immunity agreements;
Amendment 150 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
Amendment 34 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notices with concern that the existing antidiscrimination legislation is neither implemented nor consistently applied, while the absence of a long term strategy in what concerns the rights of minorities is aggravating the matter;
Amendment 60 #
2007/2267(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is pleased to note the sustained growth recorded by the Croatian economy; hopes that this growth will result in increased employment opportunities; commends the work carried out by HitroRez in reducing the administrative burden on business, and looks forward to similar results in other sectors; finally, calls on the authorities to take advantage of the favourable economic context to ensure a lasting fiscal stability;
Amendment 4 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that, since the European Union is a community based on values, in order to be a credible and coherent global player it has to uphold its highspecific standards in external relations, and that the CFSP must therefore be underpinned by the values which the European Union and its Member States cherish, notably liberty, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as key objectives of the CFSP; well as tolerance, respect for diversity and a rational, positivist and realist approach; considers that the values which we share with our foreign counterparts are a guarantee of predictability, balance and sustainability in the Union’s external relations and that, therefore, the promotion of those values represents the key instrument in attaining the CFSP objectives and a prerequisite for the European Union's efficiency as a global player; is of the opinion, however, that in promoting its values, the European Union should also recognise and respect other systems of values and learn to operate in a world in which its values are not always shared by the other global and regional players;
Amendment 7 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly believes that European Union can make an impact and conduct a genuine, effective and credible CFSP only if it speakclearly defines with one voice, has the appropriate instruments at its disposals common objectives, provides itself with the appropriate instruments, in such a way as to ensure consistency between objectives and means, speaks with one voice and enjoys the strong democratic legitimacy afforded by the European Parliament's scrutiny; at the same time, considers that the key objectives of the CFSP can only be attained if the European Parliament itself speaks with a common voice and, in this respect, encourages a clearer delimitation of competences between its specialised bodies dealing with the CFSP, from a thematic and geographic perspective;
Amendment 9 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to commit themselves to consulting their EU partners and the High Representative before adopting strategic decisions in the area of foreign policy, particularly in multilateral organisations, which mayin order that their positions with respect to strategic decisions are at least coherent, convergent and compatible and do not affect the coherence and cohesion of the EU's external action and mayor undermine the EU's credibility as a global player vis-à-vis third countries;
Amendment 14 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. While recognising progress in the structure of the report, especially the inclusion of more forward-looking planning alongside the description of activities carried out in the previous year, invites the Council, where appropriate, to take into account for the next annual report the resolutions and/or recommendations adopted by Parliament;
Amendment 17 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is of the view that Parliament should more systematically adopt positions on each successive stage of CFSP and ESDP decision– making; recommends that, in order to enhance their democratic legitimacy, common positions and joint actions should where appropriate contain references to those positions adopted by Parliament;
Amendment 21 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Proposes that priority be given in 2008 to a limited number of subjects which better relate to the concerns of European citizens and to their expectations as regards the role to be played by the Union in international affairs; takes the view that those subjects are: security through cooperation and development, including energy security, climate change, migration management, human rights and civil libertiesthe development of stability in the neighbouring regions, challenges stemming from economic and social cleavages with a potential negative impact on global security and stability, including the management of global terrorism and global organised crime, and also migration management, and that they complement the priorities and objectives pursued by the Community's external action; in this context, welcomes the report by the Commission and the High Representative to the Council on climate change and international security;
Amendment 36 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on the Council to consider setting up appropriate structures and procedures and also improving the functioning of the existing ones, in order for the EU to develop the capacity to react rapidly in crisis situations; also calls for the development of a legal framework which defines the right to intervene and the obligation to protect in crisis situations, including the decision-making procedures and the due responsibilities in such situations;
Amendment 40 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase in 2008; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy policy among EU Member States; deplores the use of energy by third parties as a political instrument and the uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests of the EU as a whole and of other Member States; insists, therefore, on the need for the inclusion of an energy security clause in agreements with third countries; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double- hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field;
Amendment 57 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates that strengthening global governance, international institutions and the value of international law remains a vital interest for the Union's external action; underlines in this regard the crucial role to be played by the United Nations in support of effective multilateralism, and stresses that the Union must stand united while urging its partners to pursue the development and consolidation of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as a common basis for a prosperous and secure world; reaffirms its commitment to the UN Millennium Goals, in particular the global fight against poverty;
Amendment 64 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Insists on the need for the effective implementation of human rights clauses and of non-proliferation and counter- terrorism provisions and the inclusion of an energy security clause in agreements with third countries, in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's external policies;
Amendment 74 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is of the view that, given the current situation in Serbia following Kosovo's declaration of independence, dialogue with Belgrade should be based on concrete assistance and cooperation measures, and that particular emphasis should be placed on strengthening ties with all democratic parties and civil society in areas of common interest; considers that the EU should develop adequate policies and initiate appropriate processes in order to integrate Kosovo in the international legal order and to avoid the self-imposed isolation of Serbia in relation to the European legal order;
Amendment 78 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Refers to the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 18 February 2008, in which the Council noted the adoption by the Kosovo Assembly on 17 February 2008 of a resolution declaring Kosovo to be independent and in which the Council also stated that Member States will decide in accordance with national practice and international law on their relations with Kosovo; considers that, following the Kosovo experience, the EU should reiterate its faith in the pre-eminence of the rule of law on the international level and should find appropriate ways of defining rules to integrate the sui generis legal solution regarding Kosovo within regular international law; is of the opinion that the EU's credibility on the international stage has been negatively affected in this particular situation;
Amendment 85 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that the EULEX mission in Kosovo should safeguard the interests of national minorities in order to preserve the multi-ethnic character of the territory, protect the cultural, religious and historical heritage, and consolidate the rule of law and promote economic development;
Amendment 90 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes in this context that the Union should focus its attention on developing cooperation in the three key regional cooperation areas, namely the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea; s of the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea, by making use of the existing cooperative structures in those areas, by consolidating the synergy between the institutional and regional policies in those areas, by assisting the countries in the above-mentioned regions in the implementation of the EU model of integration and by establishing, whenever appropriate, special institutionalised partnerships between the EU and the countries in these regions;
Amendment 102 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines the need to strengthen the transatlantic link and further intensify contacts with the United States through a newmore advanced and comprehensive Transatlantic Partnership Agreement, the potential of which should be exploited in full;
Amendment 103 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Also considers it important that during 2008 the Union should review its relations with Russia on a new basis of a balanced, wide-ranging partnership, encompassing international challenges, trade and energy, but also including human rights and respect for democracy; re-emphasises that Member States should coordinate their relations with the Russian Federation on the basis of the Union's general interests and in such a way as to properly reflect and promote those interests;
Amendment 121 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 152 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Invites the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to organise meetings with chairpersons of the relevant Committee and Subcommittees and inter- parliamentary delegations on emerging crises or international security events, building on the current practice of informal joint meetings between members of the PSC and the chairpersons of Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and of its Security and Defence and Human Rights Subcommittees;
Amendment 162 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Treaty of Lisbon clearly improves the CFSP arrangements currently in force, thus raisingattempting to raise the Union's international profile and to enhancinge its effectiveness,
Amendment 165 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas, in order to be credible, the CFSP and the futureEuropean Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), which are progressively leading to a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), must be allocated resources in line with their ambitions and specific targets, and whereas in this regard a significant increase is considered necessary during the mid–term review of the Financial Perspectives in 2009 and from other financial sources,;
Amendment 88 #
2007/2124(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 10 a (new) (*)
Rule 10 a (new) (*)
Article 10 a (*) Further to the relevant European Council Declaration of December 2008, once the Treaty of Lisbon enters into force, the 18 additional Members resulting from the difference between arrangements specified for the 2009 European elections and those specified in the Declarations annexed to the Final Act of the 2007 Intergovernmental Conference shall enter the European Parliament with observer status. These observer MEPs shall enjoy all prerogatives accorded to Members of the European Parliament once primary European Union law has been amended as indicated in the European Council Declaration of December 2008. The appointment of observer MEPs shall be the responsibility of each Member State concerned in accordance with its electoral law and shall be adopted within 30 calendar days of the publication of the Treaty of Lisbon in the Official Journal of the European Union.