228 Amendments of Evgeni KIRILOV
Amendment 68 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement and the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take steps towards visa liberalisationsignature by Turkey of the readmission agreement on 16 December 2013, which enables the launch of the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society;
Amendment 291 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. In taking note of certain ill-considered irredentist statements made by Prime Minister Erdogan, calls on the Turkish authorities to refrain from any provocative rhetoric in connection with regions in neighbouring countries that would have a destabilising effect on good-neighbourly relations with EU Member States, or in connection with certain countries in the Western Balkans;
Amendment 167 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes with concern that respecting the rights of minorities is one of the key challenges identified in the Commission's Enlargement Strategy for 2012-2013; encourages the Member States, as well as the candidate and the potential candidate countries to launch a general public debate on the acceptance of minorities through education, civil society engagement, and awareness-raising in general; regrets that the Roma community is particularly disadvantaged throughout the Western Balkans; condemns the generally negative societal attitudes towards vulnerable groups such as the LGBT community and people with disabilities, which is a recurring issue in many enlargement countries;
Amendment 203 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Notes with concern instances of selective justice in certain Eastern Neighbourhood countries; recalls that the EU has continually asked for the release of political prisoners, such as Yuliya Tymoshenko in Ukraine in these countries; reiterates that political and criminal responsibility should be clearly separated in countries that are committed to democratic values;
Amendment 97 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls for a more active role of the EU directed at settlement of the frozen conflicts in the region; expresses concern in this regard that the efforts and the devoted resources have not been sufficient for achieving any tangible results so far;
Amendment 104 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that more progress can be made on the establishment of theWelcomes the proposal of the European Commission to allow visa-free travel to the Schengen area for Moldovan citizens; considers that swift progress toward visa- free regimes should be made a priority, and calls for more efforts in this area; notes, in this connection, that visa liberalisation is only one of a number of processes aimed at bringing the societies closer together, and that more efforts are required in this area, particularly with regard to advancing cooperation in the fields of education and cul, science, culture and infrastructure; considers that greater emphasis should be placed on the fact that the EaP project is directed at societies rather thanand not only at authorities;
Amendment 128 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Underlines the importance of focusing more on the consolidation of the energy sector, which is one of the main conditions for modernisation of the economy, and developing energy strategies in line with European Energy Community obligations; calls for the continuation of gas and electricity market reforms and an adequate share of energy from renewable resources; in this respect commends the decision of directing energy sources from the Caspian region towards the EU via the TANAP, TAP pipelines and other interconnector projects, which could help diversify the energy supply especially towards Southern and South-Eastern Europe;
Amendment 135 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that difficulties have emerged in promoting and implementing the EaP, and stresses that thestern Partnership can be overcome by a rebalanced EU’s engagement shouldthat goes beyond political dialogue to tackle and develop social, economic and cultural dialoguespheres as well;
Amendment 140 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recalls that the success of Eastern Partnership critically depends on the emergence and entrenchment of a pro- European consensus among political elites and societies in partner countries; contends that much remains to be done in this regard, such as increasing the public visibility of EU assistance and communicating the benefits of EU integration;
Amendment 143 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for a more individualistailored approach to individual partner countries, implementing the principles of differentiation, evaluating the progress of each partner country ba and more- for-more, but with overall coordination; strongly believes that the depth and scope of relations with each partner country should reflect its own European ambition, commitment to shared values, and progress in aligning with EU legislation, assessed on the basis of clear benchmarks and on its own merits, but with overall coordination;
Amendment 160 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Finds it regrettable that there is uneven interest among the Member States in relations with, and developments in, EaP countries; notes with concern the lack of understanding among the Member States about the geopolitical importance of cooperation and of a uniform stance on some issues; calls for a comprehensive review of the ENP especially towards the Eastern Neighbours in the light of recent events and also in terms of concrete and tangible measures especially towards the EaP citizens;
Amendment 164 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Regrets, furthermore, the insufficient desire among EaP partner countries to build a common message and engage in common efforts vis-à-vis the EUcommends to further strengthen the multilateral track of the Eastern Partnership in order to foster a climate of cooperation and good neighbourly relations that will support the objectives of political association and particularly economic integration; believes that multilateral cooperation should be further strengthened to advance cross-border and regional cooperation, especially in areas such as transport, people-to-people contacts, environment, border security, and energy security;
Amendment 180 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges that association agreements be signed and fully implemented, where applicable, with the partner countries, in order to promote good governance and the rule of law, human rights, particularly the right to a fair trial, and the fight against corruption, and to support the building and modernisation of partners’ economies and business-friendly legislationsocieties;
Amendment 211 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that the cooperation instruments should be defined precisely, taking account of available instruments and programmes, and focusing particularly on education and academic exchange; calls for additional financial resources to be provided for the implementation of the EaP and support for reforms, flagship initiatives and projects; calls for the full participation of all six EaP partner countries in Union programmes;
Amendment 216 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. HRecognises the effects of the economic crisis on the economic development of the Eastern Partnership countries; highlights the importance of fostering economic cooperation in order to bring the EaP project forward, inter alia by raising awareness of the complexity of economic problems, promoting good governance in the financial sector and cooperation with international financial institutions, adopting a sectoral approach, encouraging legislation conducive to the development of SME sector and promoting business partnerships between the EU and the EaP;
Amendment 218 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Highlights the importance of fostering economic cooperation in order to bring the EaP project forward, inter alia by raising awareness of the complexity of economic problems, promoting good governance in the financial sector, adopting a sectoral approach, encouraging legislation conducive to the development of SME sector and promoting business partnerships and people-to-people contacts between the EU and the EaP;
Amendment 222 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Considers, furthermore, that promoting joint activities with other strategic partners and cooperation in international and European organisations would be beneficial to all concerned; recalls, in this regard, the EU's standing offer for Russia to participate in Eastern Partnership projects and initiatives, and reiterates that a prosperous, well-governed and stable neighbourhood is in Russia's own interest;
Amendment 249 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that five of the EaP six countries are full members of the Organisation for Black Sea Economic Cooperation, together with other Union's strategic partners and points out to the need to enhance dialogue and cooperation within this framework;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2145(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that in the Southern Mediterranean, there is an urgent need for the EU to play an active role and that it is in the EU's interest to support further democratic developments in, conflict resolution activities, as well as the legal approximation with the countries of the Eastern Neighbourhood; expresses its concern that with deep cuts in the relevant instruments, there would be little room to react to sudden developments and maintain the level of support required to help countries in transition which could fundamentally undermine the EU's policy objectives in the area;
Amendment 15 #
2013/2094(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the regions to view such a strategy not only as a statutory obligation for them, but also as representing opportunities for each and every one of them; calls therefore on all regions and Member States, in so far as they have not yet done so, to press ahead with formulating their smart specialisation strategies and not to allow delay in receiving EU funding to the relevant operational programmes because of lack of such a strategy;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Insists on further strengthening of the administrative capacity of regional and local authorities, and on further efforts for reducing the red tape which also affects negatively these authorities in their role of beneficiaries, and additionally restricts their capacity to implement EU funded projects;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Reiterates the importance of the partnership between the central authorities and the regional and local authorities in setting priorities and providing the necessary co-financing for programs' implementation as a prerequisite for achieving maximum effect with limited resources;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Asks the Commission to come up with a thorough analysis and assessment of the potential of the new means and sources of financing to support investment for growth, such as the bond market, the risk-sharing instrument and the use of innovative financial instruments; calls on the Commission and EIB to consider finding and suggesting innovative ways to finance long-term investments of local and regional authorities;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2042(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Underlines the significance of JESSICA to support sustainable urban development and regeneration of urban areas through financial engineering mechanisms and calls for its wider use in the future programming period;
Amendment 337 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24a (new)
Paragraph 24a (new)
24a. Encourages Turkey to further engage in negotiations with its neighbouring countries on outstanding bilateral issues, among others on property rights issues, including further implementation of the Law on foundations as per its amendments from August 2011;
Amendment 343 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24b (new)
Paragraph 24b (new)
24b. Commends Turkey on the successful chairmanship of the Black Sea Cooperation Organisation (BSCO) in the second half of 2012 and hopes the momentum for implementation of regional cooperation projects and especially of the Black Sea Ring Highway (BSRH) and the Motorways to the Sea will be kept; further commends the country on the completion of the construction of the BSRH on its territory from the borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the border with Georgia; calls for better cooperation on environmental and ecological matters in the Black Sea basin within the BSCO also in compliance with the EU Strategy for the Black Sea;
Amendment 353 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25a (new)
Paragraph 25a (new)
25a. Welcomes the efforts of the Turkish authorities to curb illegal immigration to the bordering EU Member States and the EU; at the same time expresses concern about the increasing number of illegal immigrants crossing the Turkish- Bulgarian and the Turkish-Greek borders;
Amendment 408 #
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 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; underlines the need for more enhanced cooperation on the strategic for the EU energy corridors towards Eastern and Central Europe;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to commitments from both sides to complete secure visa-free travel arrangements between the US and all Member States of the EU as soon as possible, as declared in all EU-US Summit meetings from 2005 until 2012,
Amendment 44 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is concerned that four EU Member States are still not included in the Visa Waiver Programme for visa-free travel to the US;
Amendment 182 #
2012/2287(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Highlights the importance of the Eastern Partnership to the EU; stresses the need to bring the countries of this neighbouring region closer to the EU and to the common values of the transatlantic partners; calls on the partners to work closely to coordinate efforts in helping the peaceful settlement of frozen conflicts in the region;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2103(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the Union's strategic partnerships with producer and transit countries, in particular countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), require adequate tools, predictability, stability and long-term investment; is concerned by the lack of support for the continuation of the initial Nabucco project or other clear alternatives leading to diversification of gas supplies to South-Eastern and Central Europe; emphasises, to that end, that the Union's climate objectives must be in accord with EU infrastructure investment projects oriented at diversifying supply routes and increasing the Union's energy security;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that the military community is a key actor in the SES context and should be fully involved at all levels; recognises the progress made in the implementation of SES legislation and urges the Member States to speed up their efforts to achieve coordination on the military side; while acknowledging the national specificities of civil-military relations, calls on the Member States to focus on enhancing civil- military cooperation and interoperability, and to apply best practices in that area;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that, while military and civil military expertise is present at different levels within the various stakeholder institutions such as the Single Sky Committee, EurocontrolUROCONTROL and the SESAR Joint Undertaking, there is still a need for coordinated and comprehensive military analysis of the implications of SES/SESAR for the military;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Recognises the natural roles of the European Defence Agency (EDA) as a bridge between the defence community and the Commission and as a facilitator between military stakeholders; is in favour of strengthening the EDA's role in building political awareness, networking and assisting with the deployment phase of SESAR; notes that the EDA is well placed to contribute to future SES challenges, for example in the field of equipment and training; welcomes the decision by Member States to involve the EU Military Staff (EUMS) in supporting the EDA in connection with SESAR; welcomes the establishment of the SES/SESAR Military Implementation Forum sponsorfacilitated by the EDA and encourages its further development, as it has the strong merit of bringing all relevant actors in the defence community to the table; emphasises that cooperation with NATO is indispensable;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for an urgent and thorough assessment of the impact of the SES legislation on military aviation, which should also take into account the associated financial and operational risks and the cost of delay or non-synchronisation, and notes the EDA's preliminary work in this area; highlights the significant financial burden projected for the military, which, at almost 25% of the total2 , represents EUR 7 billion of the EUR 30 billion in investments for SESAR deployment by airspace users, airport operators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs); urges the Commission to fully involve the EDA in any future ex ante assessments of Union legislation and actions that have a bearing on military capabilities or fall within the defence field;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2005(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Insists that, despite thes requisite major investments, there are a number of important and tangible benefits stemming from harmonisation, including flight optimisation, fuel efficiency and the flexible and safe use of a less fragmented sky; highlights the efficiency that greater civil-military coordination would achieve, as using joint infrastructure would result in cost-cutting; emphasises that enhanced interoperability between Member States would also produce benefits in terms of cross-border operations;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Azerbaijan has become an important energy supplier as well as a transit country for the EU and the EU is a major energy market for Azerbaijan;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Eastern Partnership provides the political framework for strengthening bilateral relations by means of new Association Agreements, taking into account the specific situation, mutual benefits and the ambitions of the EU and partner country; and the EU strategic interest in the stability and democratic development of the region;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the unresolved conflicts are over Nagorno-Karabakh is undermining the stability and development of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus region; whereas in its Joint Communication on ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’ the EU stated its ambition to engage more pro- actively in conflict resolution in the South Caucasus and to step up its involvement in formats where it is not yet represented, e.g. the OSCE Minsk Group;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the election of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Security Council for the period 2012-2013 offers a good opportunity for further consultation and alignment of the country's policies with the EU's Common Foreign Security Policy (CFSP) declarations to the end of fostering further international peace and stability;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that the Association Agreement is a comprehensive and forward-looking framework for the future development of relations with Azerbaijan, one which enhances political convergenceassociation, economic convergence and legal approximation and reflects the relationship that both the European Union and Azerbaijan have decided to develop;
Amendment 53 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c
Paragraph 1 – point c
(c) emphasise in the Association Agreement the importance of guaranteeing citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right of assembly and association, the development of civil society, the rule of law, the continued fight against corruption, political pluralism and the independence of the media and the judiciary;
Amendment 75 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) strengthen the European Union's conflict-resolution and mediation capacity, inter alia by supporting the efforts oftepping up its support to the Minsk Group's efforts and cleaoffering the way for the implementation of confidence-building measures, as the Pa more active role with regards to increasing trust between the conflict parties including by assisting them through EU funded confidence-building projects aiming at increasidents of both Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed; ng the popular support for mutual concessions and peaceful settlement;
Amendment 83 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f a (new)
(f a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Azerbaijan Association Agreement is linked to the constructive efforts on behalf of Azerbaijan leading to substantial progress towards the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in line with the European Parliament's resolution of 20 May 2010 (on the Need for an EU Strategy for the South Caucasus) and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles; In this regard recall the need for unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno- Karabakh and the surrounding regions under the modality of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point f b (new)
(f b) call on all external actors to the conflict to show good will and contribute in a positive way to its prompt and peaceful resolution;
Amendment 97 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g
Paragraph 1 – point g
(g) emphasise the need to use the Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishing a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus; particularly stress the importance of creating synergies in the areas of transport and energy;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point g a (new)
(g a) take into account the importance of the EU-Azerbaijan energy cooperation and the Joint Declaration on gas delivery signed by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on 13 January 2011 in Baku as an important step in the realization of the Southern Gas Corridor and the diversification of Europe's energy supplies;
Amendment 109 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j
Paragraph 1 – point j
(j) ensure speedy negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements in order to promote people-to-people contacts and treat youth and studentacademic mobility as a priority; contribute to the fight against illegal immigration; ensure that the provisions on asylum are fully in line with international obligations and commitments and EU standards, especially in the human rights field;
Amendment 110 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point j a (new)
(j a) underline the importance of building and developing a strong youth sector and welcome in this regards the various state programmes offering scholarships for studying abroad;
Amendment 112 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) encourage broad sectoral cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan; in particular, explain the benefits of and promote regulatory convergence and to this end provide the necessary technical assistance;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Eastern Partnership provides the political framework for strengthening bilateral relations by means of new Association Agreements, taking into account the specific situation and ambitions of the partner country and the EU strategic interest in the stability and democratic development of the region;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the unresolved conflicts are over Nagorno-Karabakh is undermining the stability and development of Armenia and the South Caucasus region; whereas in its Joint Communication on ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’ the EU stated its ambition to engage more pro- actively in conflict resolution in the South Caucasus and to step up its involvement in formats where it is not yet represented, e.g. the OSCE Minsk Group;
Amendment 29 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point a
Paragraph 1 – point a
(a) ensure that the Association Agreement is a comprehensive and forward-looking framework for the future development of relations with Armenia, one which enhances political association, economic convergence and legal approximation;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) stress the utmost importance of the orderly, democratic and transparent conduct of the May 2012 elections and provide the EU Delegation in Armenia with the necessary resources to enhance the EU’s contribution to the quality of electoral processes; commend the adoption of the new Electoral Code of Armenia, which is consistent with international obligations and recommendations;
Amendment 42 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d
Paragraph 1 – point d
(d) emphasise in the Association Agreement the importance of guaranteeing the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of assembly and association, the development of civil society, the rule of law, the continued fight against corruption and the independence of the media;
Amendment 67 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) strengthen the European Union’s conflict-resolution and mediation capacity, inter alia by supporting the efforts oftepping up its support to the Minsk Group’s efforts and cleaoffering the way for the implementation of confidence-building measures, as the Pa more active role with regards to increasing trust between the conflict parties including by assisting them through EU funded confidence-building projects aiming at increasidents of both Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreedng the popular support for mutual concessions and peaceful settlement;
Amendment 76 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h a (new)
(h a) ensure that the conclusion of the EU-Armenia Association Agreement is linked to the constructive efforts on behalf of Armenia leading to substantial progress towards the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and in line with the European Parliament’s resolution of 20 May 2010 (on the Need for an EU Strategy for the South Caucasus) and with OSCE Minsk Group Basic Principles; in this regard, recall the need for unconditional access for representatives of the EU to Nagorno- Karabakh and the surrounding regions under the modality of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs;
Amendment 80 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
Paragraph 1 – point h b (new)
(h b) call on all external actors to the conflict to show good will and contribute in a positive way to its prompt and peaceful resolution;
Amendment 87 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point i
Paragraph 1 – point i
(i) emphasise the need to use the Association Agreement as a platform to promote regional synergies and cooperation by establishing a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus; particularly stress the importance of creating synergies in the areas of transport and energy;
Amendment 101 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point k
Paragraph 1 – point k
(k) emphasise the importance of mobility in promoting European integration and, to that end, ensure the prompt launch of negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements; treat youth and studentacademic mobility as a priority; ensure that the provisions on asylum are fully in line with international obligations and commitments and EU standards;
Amendment 104 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point l
Paragraph 1 – point l
(l) encourage broad sectoral cooperation between the EU and Armenia; in particular, explain the benefits of and promote regulatory convergence in this area and to this end provide the necessary financial and technical assistance;
Amendment 113 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point p
Paragraph 1 – point p
(p) fully involve the European Parliament in the implementation and monitoring of the Association Agreement and provide regular information on the state of play of the negotiation process;
Amendment 8 #
2011/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Endorses the Commission's overarching proposals throughout the CPR to reduce administrative burden; highlights the fact, therefore, that rules, checks and eligibility must be made clear from the outset and not to be additionally complicated at national level, and that successful simplification of administrative procedures can be achieved through an integrated approach to the delivery of funds; Insists on measures for further strengthening of the administrative capacity at regional and local level to be taken, especially with regard to the application of the new requirements and procedures for the next programming period;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2312(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Highlights that the territorial dimension of the cohesion policy has also the aim to support the development of the territories suffering from different handicaps such as cross-border, mountain, island and outermost regions, and that the prosperity in the Union as a whole will not be complete without a balanced development of all its territories;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks for cultural and economic resources to be circulated, assuming as a priority the theme of social sustainability and urban transformation, in the knowledgehence contributing to the social inclusion and integration of vulnerable and marginalised groups in urban areas; urges also that processes of urban regeneration always riskthat have the opposite effect of pushing out the weaker sections of the population should not be allowed;
Amendment 36 #
2011/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 а (new)
Paragraph 8 а (new)
8а. Draws attention to the fact that structural fund projects can help provide solutions to serious problems and needs of the young in urban areas, such as unemployment, access to education, and conditions more propitious to a healthy lifestyle;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2311(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 а (new)
Paragraph 17 а (new)
17а. Urges that measures to ensure quality water supply and purification services in towns be continued, since this benefits the public and the environment at the same time;
Amendment 10 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Is of the opinion that the potential of the EU macroregions which include EU neighbouring countries should be fully used for better coordination of priorities and projects of common interest for EU and the ENP countries, and thus for achievement of mutually positive results and optimisation of invested resources;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the ENP should be considered broadly in order to fuel the economic development of bordering areas; stresses the positive impact of relaxing visa requirements for the implementation of the CBC projects, local border traffic and the development of regional markets, particularly regarding such groups as students, researchers, businesspeople, artists or journalists; in this respect, calls on the Commission to propose an amendment to Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 1931/2006 in order to enlarge the definition of ‘border area’ and to increase the number of holders of local border travel rights, allowing them to move freely in the whole border region;
Amendment 267 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that the multilateral dimension of the EaP should be further strengthened and developed, including the Civil Society Forum; welcomes the proposal to use the multilateral framework more strategically to advance bilateral relations between the partners and expects concrete measures aimed at putting this proposal into practice; notes the importance of establishing a constructive dialogue with Turkey and Russia on regional issues of common interest and particularly as far as the security issues are concerned;
Amendment 286 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the EU should get more involved and play a more active and constructive role in resolution of regional conflicts by enhancing its participation in the existing negotiation formats, by developing more confidence- building measures, considering new pragmatic and innovative approaches, launching public communication strategies, supporting civic culture and community dialogue and strengthening good- neighbourly relations;
Amendment 316 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the proposal for the new European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) and the increase of funding for the ENP, as requested in its previous resolutions; considers that the distribution of funds should be flexible, adequate and adequatel for both regions, with an approach that is performance-driven and not geographically driven; notes that more flexibility and simplification should respect the right of democratic scrutiny and be accompanied by increased supervision of the spending;
Amendment 23 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the cohesion and structural policiesy have proved flexible in crisis situations and have made a defining contribution to various national recovery and training programmes,
Amendment 42 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the incidence of errors and misuse of funds has been significantly lower in the most recent funding periods; whereas, regrettably, structuralcohesion policy nonetheless remains an area with a continuing poor record in this respect, and some Member States still lack effective machinery for countering the misuse of funding and recovering money wrongly paid out,
Amendment 46 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the existing system of cohesion and structural policy objectives (Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and European Territorial Cooperation), combined with a multi-level governance approach and security to plan on the basis of reliable funding and an agreed time frame (seven years), has basically proved its worth, but whereas there have been considerable delays in programme planning as a result of protracted financial and legislative negotiations,
Amendment 67 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for cohesion and structural policy programmes to place more emphasis on European added value; deems such added value to be achieved where EU projects bring about a lasting and measurable improvement in the economic, infrastructural, social and/or environmental status of a disadvantaged region and such improvement would not have been achievable without the European stimulus;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Emphasises that, despite the trend towards a narrowing of inter-regional disparities, major imbalances still exist – and among/in some Member States are actually growing – so cohesion policy must continue to concentrate on evening out differences between regions' levels of development;
Amendment 186 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that structural and cohesion policy must not be biased towards specific types of region; calls for urban- rural partnerships to be seen in their broader socio-economic context;
Amendment 230 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Emphasises that the core components of the EU 2020 strategy (innovation, education and training, energy, environment, employment, competitiveness, skills and combating poverty) are already integral to cohesion and structural policy; takes the view that the EU 2020 challenges can be integrated very easily into the system of three objectives (Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and European Territorial Cooperation), which has proved its effectiveness;
Amendment 247 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes the view that GDP must be retained as the key criterion in the definition of areas eligible for maximum support (those with GDP/PE below 75% of the EU average) and, where appropriate, cohesion countries (GDPNI/PE below 90% of the EU average); points out that the competent national authorities must continue to have scope for the use of additional indicators at the relevant decision-making levels;
Amendment 312 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for the ESF, as a component of cohesion policy, to continue to foster social integration, economic growth and employment; regards the ESF as the Union's most important labour-market and employment-policy tool; attaches particular importance to developing skills and mobility, enhancing equality of opportunity between the sexes, integrating people who are disadvantaged and supporting SMEsocial services, social inclusion and SMEs; reiterates the need for the ESF to remain a key component in the Cohesion Policy catering in tandem with the ERDF for the region’s development needs;
Amendment 335 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 350 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Welcomes the objectives of the development and investment partnership contracts between the EU and the Member States, which the Commission is proposing in place of the strategic framework plans previously prepared for individual Member States; calls for investmecohesion policy objectives and the relevant priorities geared to the implementation of the EU 2020 strategy and the achievement of other cohesion policy and structural policy objectives to be set at this stage; considers that the allocation of responsibilities between the various levels involved needs to be clarified, and calls for national and/or regional competences to be retained in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity;
Amendment 471 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Sees global grants at subregional level as an appropriate tool for developing independent innovation strategies in line with European structural-cohesion policy objectives; proposes that the tried and tested approach of competitive procedures should also be applied in respect of global grants;
Amendment 482 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Emphasises, nonetheless, that the EU budget as currently structured, underpinned by the regulations governing the various funds, has proved effective in the implementation of cohesion and structural policy in particular, and changes should therefore be made only where procedures have not worked or where the arrangements are at odds with the Financial Regulation; calls for the utmost caution to be exercised when making even the most minor adjustment to established, tried and tested structures;
Amendment 492 #
2011/2035(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Regards post-2013 cohesion and structural policypolicy as even more important contributor for further and sustainable development of the EU regions and as the decisive policy arena for cross-sectoral implementation of the EU 2020 strategy and therefore calls for it to be treated at least as generously in budgetary terms it has been as in the current planning period;
Amendment 48 #
2011/2008(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Notes that the EU work on education and human rights should be complemented by actions and programmes focused on youth as the most vulnerable part of these societies; in this regard calls for an increased EU support to the youth initiatives in the region and particularly to those relevant actions that can reduce the growing radicalisation and promote tolerance among the youth in these countries;
Amendment 21 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1 a (new)
Article 1a Union delegations 1. The Union delegations are primarily responsible for ensuring cooperation and coordination among Member States for the provision of consular protection for unrepresented citizens of the Union, including by sharing infrastructure and available resources. 2. The Union delegations may, wherever necessary and relevant, also be entrusted with consular tasks for unrepresented citizens. All references to Member States' embassies or consulates in this Directive shall therefore be construed as references to "Member States' embassies or consulates, or Union delegations wherever agreed". 3. The Union delegations shall be provided with the financial means and all other necessary resources, including adequate training and capacity-building to carry out the tasks set out in paragraphs (1) and (2).
Amendment 24 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. Unrepresented citizens may choose the Member State embassy or consulate from which they seek consular protectionThe Union delegations shall inform the unrepresented citizens about the possibilities for receiving consular protection. The Union delegations, the Member States and the European Commission shall raise awareness among Union citizens about their right to turn to the Union delegations in third countries to seek assistance.
Amendment 30 #
2011/0432(CNS)
Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Local cooperation meetings shall include a regular exchange of information on unrepresented citizens, on matters such as safety of citizens, prison and detention conditions or consular access. Unless otherwise agreed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs centrally, the Chair shall be a representative of a Member State or the Union delegation decided locally. The Chair shall collect and regularly update contact details, in particular regarding the contact points of unrepresented Member States, and share them with the local embassies and consulates and the Union delegation.
Amendment 50 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Appropriate screening on the implementation of the UNCRPD, including accessibility, non discrimination and support of disabled people's organizations, shall be undertaken at project level. The involvement of interested stakeholders shall be ensured.
Amendment 55 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Support measures shall ensure that accessibility criteria for disabled people are observed.
Amendment 82 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 8
Article 8 – paragraph 8
8. Tenderers, applicants and candidates who have been awarded contracts shall respect applicable environmental legislation including multilateral environmental agreements as well as, internationally agreed core labour standards and the principles of non discrimination and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Amendment 33 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The smooth implementation of the partnership principle referred to in paragraph 2 requires support for capacity building and improvement of the situation of the relevant partners, which may be provided through institutional capacity- building measures, supported by this Instrument.
Amendment 39 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4
Article 9 – paragraph 4
4. The indicative allocations of funds to the joint operational programmes shall be based primarily on the population ofon relevant criteria for the eligible areas. When determining the indicative allocations, adjustments may be made to reflect the need for a balance between the contributions from the European Regional Development Fund and the contributions provided under the budget of this Instrument as well as other factors affecting the intensity of cooperation, such as the specific characteristics of border areas and their capacity to manage and absorb Union support.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The relevant criteria referred to in paragraph 4 shall be adopted through a delegated act.
Amendment 42 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 4
Article 10 – paragraph 4
4. Within one year of approval of the programming document referred to in Article 9, the participating countries shall jointly submit proposals for joint operational programmes to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt each joint operational programme after assessing its consistency with this regulation, the programming document and the implementing rules within three months after its submission by the participating countries.
Amendment 32 #
2011/0294(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point j
(j) a transport infrastructure that reflects the specific situations in different parts of the Union and provides for a balanced coverage and connection of European regions, including mountainous, outermost regions and other peripheral ones;
Amendment 50 #
2011/0294(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 51 – paragraph 5 – point b
(b) report to the Member States, to the European Parliament, to the Commission and, as appropriate, to all other entities directly involved in the development of the core network corridor on any difficulties encountered and contribute to finding appropriate solutions;
Amendment 53 #
2011/0294(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 52 – paragraph 2
Article 52 – paragraph 2
2. The corridor platform shall be composed of the representatives of the Member States concerned and, as appropriate, other public and private entities, as well as third countries in case of trans-border projects. In any case, the relevant infrastructure managers as defined in Directive 2001/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2001 on the allocation of railway infrastructure capacity and the levying of charges for the use of railway infrastructure shall participate in the corridor platform.
Amendment 1458 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Expenditure relating to major projects can be included in payment applications after the submission of a major project to the Commission.
Amendment 1459 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 3
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 3
3. Where the Commission refuses to allow support from the Funds to be given to a major project, it shall notify the Member State of its reasons within the period laid down in paragraph 2. The payment applications following the adoption of the Commission decision must be rectified accordingly.
Amendment 1460 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 4
Part 3 – article 92 – paragraph 4
Amendment 1613 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
Part 3 – article 110 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
The co-financing rate at the level of each priority axis of operational programmes under the European territorial cooperation goal shall be no higher than 785%.
Amendment 1695 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 120 – paragraph 1
Part 3 – article 120 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall reimburse as interim payments 9100% of the amount resulting from applying the co-financing rate for each priority axis laid down in the decision adopting the operational programme to the eligible expenditure for the priority axis included in the payment application. It shall determine the annual balance in accordance with Article 130(1).
Amendment 1704 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) in 2015: 12 % of the amount of support from the Funds for the entire programming period to the operational programme;
Amendment 1713 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) in 2016: 12 % of the amount of support from the Funds for the entire programming period to the operational programme.
Amendment 1718 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 2
Part 3 – article 124 – paragraph 2
2. An annual pre-financing amount shall be paid before 1 July in the years 2016 to 2022. In 2016, it shall be 2,5 % of the amount of the support from the Funds for the whole programming period to the operational programme. In the years 2017 to 2022, it shall be 2,53 % of the amount of the support from the Funds for the whole programming period to the operational programme.
Amendment 1725 #
2011/0276(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part 3 – article 127 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Part 3 – article 127 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
The Commission shall decommit any part of the amount calculated in accordance with the second subparagraph in an operational programme that has not been used for payment of the initial and annual pre-financing, interim payments and annual balance by 31 December of the second financial year following the year of budget commitment under the operational programme, and for the Cohesion fund by 31 December of the third financial year following the year of budget commitment under the operational programme, or for which a payment application drawn up in accordance with Article 121 has not been submitted in accordance with Article 126.
Amendment 63 #
2010/2305(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the paramount importance of timely adoption of the multiannual financial framework and clear and definitive rules and guidance for the Member States in order to avoid start-up difficulties and delays related to the elaboration of the national rules and the implementation of the ex-ante conditionalities by the Member States at the beginning of the next programming period;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Points out that the success of economic and social cohesion policy can be clearly seen in the 271 regions of the 27 Member States and notes that the subsidiarity principleprinciples of subsidiarity and partnership, and multilevel governance are fundamental prerequisites for that success; reaffirms its position on best practice, as set out in its resolution of 24 March 2009 on best practices in the field of regional policy and obstacles to the use of the Structural Funds1 ;
Amendment 22 #
2010/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that cohesion policy, which accounts for the largest individual budget, has been one of the EU's most significant and most successful policies for decades, and must be preserved and adapted without radical changes;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2211(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Insists, in keeping with a spirit of solidarity, on specific support for the EU- 27‘s lagging behind and most disadvantaged regions; stresses, at the same time, the need for a powerful Objective 2 and sound transitional rules;
Amendment 28 #
2010/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Considers that ERDF and ESF are able to contribute for addressing both challenges stemming from the demographic changes in the EU, namely the increase of the ageing people and the decrease of the young population;
Amendment 55 #
2010/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages the regions to use the structural funds to address demographic challenges, to improve the access to social and administrative services including in small and remote towns and villages and remain attractive to residents, as that can stem depopulation;
Amendment 100 #
2010/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Amendment 173 #
Amendment 180 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Underlines the importance of a more active EU role in the resolution of the frozen conflicts in Transnistria and South Caucasus;
Amendment 193 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Recognizes the big potential for developing a strategic cooperation between the EU and Central Asia; taking into account the region's geopolitical location calls for an enhanced cooperation in addressing the common security challenges as well as on political, economic and energy issues;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)
Citation 17 a (new)
– having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries on Current and Future Management of Black Sea Fisheries (2010/2113 INI),
Amendment 4 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)
Citation 17 b (new)
– having regard to the Platform for Cooperation between the EU and the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization (BSEC),
Amendment 6 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Black Sea region lies at the junction of Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East,is a strategic bridge connecting Europe with the Caspian Sea area, Central Asia and the Middle East and further with the region of Southeast Asia and China; it is characterised by close ties and great potential, but also diversities and rivalries; whereas the region comprises EU Member States Bulgaria, Greece and Romania, the candidate country Turkey and ENP partners Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as well as the Russian Federation as strategic partner,
Amendment 10 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Black Sea region is of strategic importance for the EU; whereas the Black Sea is partially internal to the EU and geographically mostly a European sea, which results in shared challenges and opportunities for the EU and the countries of the region, as well as in a common need to ensure there is an area of peace, stability and sustainable prosperity around the Black Sea,
Amendment 18 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas many developments have taken place in the Black Sea Region since 2008, and while regional cooperation seems to be advancing in some technical fields such as environment, education, research and technology, as well as in normative approximation, a number of challenges such as protracted conflicts, maritime security and search and rescue operations, militarization and the deterioration of democratic rule persist and have even gained in intensity,
Amendment 23 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas the Commission has been asked to develop an EU Strategy for the Danube Region, which should take into account its close interconnection with the Black Sea region,
Amendment 50 #
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; 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, also with and within the framework of the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly; welcomes the creation of the Black Sea Civil Society Forum and encourages strengthened cooperation among local authorities, civil society and business;
Amendment 67 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls that the Black Sea region is facedneeds active policies and long-lasting solutions to cope with the considerable transnational challenges that cannot be ignored, such as protracted conflicts, bilateral disputes, closed borders and strategic rivalries leading to militarisation and proliferation of arms, weak institutions and governance and the deterioration of democratic rule, cross-border crime and trafficking, border and movement management, and deteriorated maritime security and safety;
Amendment 76 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Believes that the EU can and should play a biggermore active role in shaping the Black Sea security environment; calls for an enhanced EU involvement in the regional strategic dialogue, and cooperation with its strategic partners on security issues, as well as in conflict prevention and resolution, and in fostering good neighbourly relations; calls for cross-border crime and trafficking to be tackled in the Black Sea Strategy, as well as for a further strengthening of cooperation on border and movement management;
Amendment 83 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the EU to take initiatives to establish a regional legal framework and mechanisms to deal with the proliferation of arms in the Black Sea region, and to use the Integrated Maritime Policy to coordinate the activities of search, rescue and accident prevention at sea;
Amendment 87 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes the increase in accidents at sea in the recent years, involving human casualties and environmental damages and the inability of the littoral states to ensure coordinated and successful rescue operations; in this regard calls on the EU to use the Integrated Maritime Policy to coordinate the activities of search, rescue and accident prevention in the Black Sea;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Calls on the EU to include the Black Sea in the Integrated Maritime Policy and in particular in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) on an equal footing with the other European basins; the EU should make all the necessary diplomatic efforts to attract the Black Sea states outside EU as closest as possible to the principles of the CFP; underlines the importance of creating a separate common stocks management body for the Black Sea and of applying the mechanism of multiannual management plans;
Amendment 130 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Is of the view that a closer cooperation and policy coordination with existing regional organizations like the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization will allow a more coherent and value added approach to the region based on an upgrade and further development of already existing relations and initiatives; Considers as desirable the EU's support for ongoing projects like the Black Sea ring highway, the Pan- European Transport Corridors 8 and 9 and the development of the transport connections between the Black sea ports; recommends the elaboration and realization of joint initiatives co-financed and supported by EIB, EBRD and the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB);
Amendment 131 #
2010/2087(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Underlines the importance of visa facilitation and people mobility in the region and urges the Commission to consider elaborating preferential visa schemes for business, academics, youth, local authorities and other groups with the view of enhancing the contacts within the whole region and in particular as far as confidence building is concerned; encourages the elaboration under EU aegis of joint projects related to the promotion of the cultural heritage and tourism in the region;
Amendment 4 #
2010/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Approves the Commission’s proposals aimed at simplifying administrative procedures within the research framework programmes, in particular the gradual introduction of performance-based funding; emphasises that the project excellence should prevail over the thematic coverage and suggests reconsidering of the so-called ‘one project per topic’ rule, applied in many FP7 calls, in order to give opportunity to more EU regions to benefit from FP7 co-financing;
Amendment 6 #
2010/2079(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1a (new)
Paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Recalls that the FP7 primary objective is to establish the global leadership of the EU and its regions in science, technologies and innovation-driven industries; welcomes in that context the anticipated reduction of the average time- to-grant for successful proposals, and encourages the introduction of a more flexible bottom-up thematic approach to speed the process between innovative ideas and their implementation;
Amendment 34 #
2009/2233(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that the economic competitiveness of the EU regions is closely linked to the existence of adequate level of employment, educated and skillful working force, social security and access to public services; in this regard the support for social cohesion given by the cohesion policy increases the importance of this policy for the overall regional competitiveness on a global scale;
Amendment 53 #
2009/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the ongoing simplification of the Structural Funds regulations; calls for a simpler architecture for the Funds after 2013, not as a consequence of the economic crisis but as a general principle of the future cohesion policy, in order to avoid discouraging potential partnersurges the Commission to propose clear and understandable rules, which will not require frequent modifications, and asks the Commission to make suggestion for a monitoring mechanism of the national rules in order to avoid additional and unnecessary complication of the requirements to potential partners which may discourage them from taking part in projects;
Amendment 61 #
2009/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the Commission to present as soon as possible the proposals for the next programming period regulations, to adopt the implementing regulation, elaborate the necessary guidance and provide training on them in due time; and to facilitate the process of negotiations and approval of the operational programmes in order to avoid any delay of the cohesion policy implementation and absorption of funds after 2013;
Amendment 54 #
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 further comopetiration betweenamong the 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 that introducing conditions for respect forunilateral actions that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the South Caucasus states isare unacceptable;
Amendment 61 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Fully supports the OSCE Minsk Group Co- chairs’ mediation, the Madrid Basic Principles and the Moscow Declaration; condemns the idea of a military solution and calls on both sides to avoid militprovocative policies antd rhetoric; furthermore calls on both sides to showdemonstrate more ambition in the peace talks and to abandon the tendency to prefepreferences for perpetuating the status quo created through military conquests in defiance of UN Security Council resoludetermined by military outcomes with no international legitimacy that create instability and prolong the suffering of war-affected local populations; calls on the international community likewise to show courage and political will to assist in overcomeing the remaining sticking points which hinder an agreement;
Amendment 78 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls that hundreds of thousands of personsrefugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled their homes during or in connection with the Nagorno-Karabakh war remain displaced and denied their right to return; calls on all parties to unambiguously and unconditionally recognise thiseir right and the need for its prompt realisatioto return; calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities and leaders of relevant communities to demonstrate their commitment to the creation of peaceful inter-ethnic relations through practical preparations for the return of displaced persons and other means; considers that the situation of the IDPs should be dealt with according to international standards, having regard inter alia to the recent PACE Recommendation 1877(2009), ‘Europe’s forgotten people: protecting the human rights of long-term displaced persons’;
Amendment 85 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that an interim status for Nagorno- Karabakh could 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 calloffer a solution until the final status is determined;
Amendment 132 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses the need to address the Georgian-Abkhaz and Georgian-South Ossetian dimension of the conflicts and ensure that the rights and concerns of all populations involved are equally taken into account; stresses the fact that the isolation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is counterproductive to conflict resolution and encourages Georgia’s efforts to devise a strategy that envisages engagement through cooperation; emphasises the importance of confidence- building measures and people-to-people contacts across the conflict;
Amendment 156 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Underscores the importance of free and fair elections to be held in accordance with international commitments and standards; notes that the last presiden as a precondition for deepening relations with the EU; takes note of the critical elections held in Armenia in February 2008 werconclusions of the observer mission of the Council of Europe Conce again violent and that repercussions of the internal crisis in their aftermath are still being felt; takes note ofgress of Local and Regional Authorities regarding the Yerevan City Council elections of 31 May 2009 and draws attention to the need for further electoral reform in particular with a view to strengthening post-election control mechanisms; notes that, while the municipal elections held in a peaceful manner in Azerbaijan on 23 December 2009 and awaits the report ofwere technically well prepared and peaceful, the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities observation delegation thereon; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure that the local elections scheduled for 30 May 2010 take place in accordance with international standards and that the electoral law is amended accordingly, and reaffirms that securing direct election of mayors is crucial; confirms its and the EU’s position that elecfound that they lacked the essence of pluralistic democracy; calls on the Georgian authorities to complete the Election Code reform and to ensure that the local elections scheduled for 30 May 2010 take place in accordance with international standards and reaffirms that securing direct election of mayors on the basis of an absolute majority is crucial; confirms the position that the EU does not recognise the constitutionsal and referenda in breakaway regions are illegitimate;legal framework in which the elections in the breakaway territories take place and defends the political rights of displaced persons;
Amendment 169 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers freedom of expression to be a fundamental right and principle and the role of the media essential, is disturbed by the limitations on freedom of expression and the lack of media pluralism in the countries of the South Caucasus and calls on the authorities to ensure both; deplores the fact that torture and ill-treatment of journalists in custody continue to be a widespread problem in the region; is preoccupied about attacks on journalists in Armenia and in particular about the continued detention of opposition journalist Nikol Pashinian, despite the welcomed amnesty of 18 June 2009 leading to the release of a number of imprisoned opposition activists; iwhile welcoming President Aliev`s pardon for 99 prisoners on 25 December 2009 remains concerned about the deterioration of the media climate in Azerbaijan with cases of harassment and intimidation of media professionals and deplores the detention and sentencing of the two youth activists and bloggers, Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade; accordingly calls for their release following the appeal procedure in accordance with international standards and with respect for the principles of a fair trial as set out in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights; calls on the Georgian authorities to clarify the situation regarding media ownership and the granting of media licences;
Amendment 183 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes the view that freedom of assembly must be guaranteed, as it is instrumental to the development of a vibrant civil society; is worried about the difficulties, direct and indirect, which civil society faces in organising itself and disturbed by the adoption of laws and practices that might indirectly limit freedom of assembly, including through administrative harassment, such as the intensified checks by the fiscal authorities in Armenia; is concerned about the lack of any serious; calls on the Armenian authorities to fully consider and implement the recommendations of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee regarding the investigations into the events following the presidential elections of Februaryof 1-2 March 2008, whenre 10 people were killed and which led to the imposition of a state of emergency and restriction of a number of freedoms and rights; calls on the authorities in Azerbaijan, including the local authorities, to implement strictly in a non- restrictive manner the legislation on freedom of assembly which, as amended, meets most international standards; is concerned that in Georgia the 2009 amendments to the Law on Assembly and Manifestations may limit freedom of assembly and curtail the ability of the opposition to mobilise; underlines the important role of civil society for the peace and reconciliation processes in the region;
Amendment 232 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Welcomes the possibility provided by the Eastern Partnership to deepen bilateral relations with the countries of the South Caucasus and the EU by establishing new contractual relations in the form of Association Agreements; highlights the importance of incorporating milestones and benchmarks to be included in the successor documents of the current Action Plans; recalls that the conditions for starting negotiations include a sufficient level of democracy, rule of law and human rights, and calls on the Commission to provide technical assistance where necessary to assist the countries in meeting the preconditions; welcomes, in particular, the Comprehensive Institution-Building Programme (CIB) offered by the Eastern Partnership as an innovative tool, specifically intended to help the countries to meet these preconditions; reiterates the prerogative of the European Parliament to be immediately and fully informed at all stages of the process of the negotiation of Association Agreements, also since it will have to give its consent for the conclusion thereof; expects the implementation of association agreements by all South Caucasus countries to accelerate the process of economic integration and political cooperation with the EU;
Amendment 259 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Calls on the High Representative for the Union’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to follow closely the developments in the region and to be actively involved in the conflict resolution processes; acknowledges the work of the Special Representative for the South Caucasus and expresses the hope that the High Representative will ensure its continuity and consistency; encourages the Council to consider the possible use of tools from the CSDP to step up its participation in the peace-building and conflict-m, including sending a large monitoring mission on the ground that could facilitate the establishment of an international peacekeeping force once an agreement processesis in place;
Amendment 293 #
2009/2216(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Reiterates the significance of people- to-people contacts and mobility programmes, especially aimed at youth; calls on the Council and Commission to make progress towards visa facilitation with thewelcomes the conclusion of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Georgia and calls on three cCountries and welcomes the initialling of thecil and the Commission to make progress towards visa facilitation and readmission agreements with GeorgiaArmenia and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 91 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the successful contribution made by the European Union’s naval operation in Somalia (EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta) in combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia; emphasises that Operation Atalanta has established itself as a key player in the fight against piracy, inter alia through the Maritime Security Centre (Horn of Africa), and is in favour of extending and broadening the mandate for this operation designed to address a security issue directly affecting the EU (security of citizens and supplies) and respond to a humanitarian and operational emergency (by escorting ships chartered by the World Food Programme to deliver food to the Somali population and ships delivering logistical support to the African Union’s military observation mission in Somalia (AMISOM)); underlines the importance of ensuring greater security and protection for the EU and EU-crewed fishing and merchant ships, including by taking measures to improve their defence capacity; calls for more enhanced cooperation and better coordination in the fight against piracy, including by sharing information; also welcomes the involvement of non-EU countries (Norway and Croatia) and the operation’s constructive cooperation with the other naval forces present in the region, particularly in the context of the SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction) processes;
Amendment 133 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Calls on the High Representative for the Union's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to follow closely the developments in the region and to be actively involved in the conflict resolution processes; encourages the Council to consider the possible use of tools from the CSDP to step up its participation in the peace- building and conflict-management processes, including as far as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is concerned;
Amendment 181 #
2009/2198(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49 – introductory sentence and indent 1
Paragraph 49 – introductory sentence and indent 1
49. Commends the progress made in terms of military capability, and calls for rapid advances in respect of: – projects designed to allow speedier deployment of EU forces for military and civil protection operations, namely: • the establishment of a European air transport fleet, the governance plan adopted by 14 Member States at the General Affairs and External Relations Council of Relations Council of 17 November 17 November 2009 (extended to 2009 (extended to include the include the defence ministers), the defence ministers), the establishment of a European air establishment of a European air transport command in Eindhoven transport command in Eindhoven and the creation of a multinational and the creation of a multinational A400M unit, while viewing the A400M unit, while viewing the major delays in delivery as major delays in delivery as regrettable and hoping that the regrettable and hoping that the multinational unit can be set up multinational unit can be set up rapidly; rapidly; stresses the importance of the use of military resources (e.g. transport capacity) in support of civil protection operations in the context of crisis management;
Amendment 41 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
- having regard to the Proposal of the Commission for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on the European Regional Development Fund as regards the eligibility of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in housing (COM(2008)0838),
Amendment 42 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)
Recital A (new)
A. whereas the European economy is suffering from the consequences of the global financial crisis and from the most wide spread and serious downturn for the last 60 years,
Amendment 44 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B (new)
Recital B (new)
Amendment 45 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C (new)
Recital C (new)
C. whereas the Cohesion policy is a significant tool “earmarked” for investment in the four priority areas of the Union's renewed Lisbon growth and jobs strategy, mainly people, business, infrastructure and energy and research and innovation,
Amendment 46 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D (new)
Recital D (new)
D. whereas the success in mitigating the economic slow down depends on the willingness of Member States and regions to rapidly implement their programmes’ objectives,
Amendment 57 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Welcomes the Commission's proposal to increase advance payments, so as to facilitate the implementation of projects by providing financial resources at an early stage of project implementation thus reducing the need for bank loans;
Amendment 61 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on the Member States and regional and local authorities to secure their contribution as required by the co- financing rules, so that the funds allocated by the Structural Funds can be fully exploited;
Amendment 65 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Encourages Member States to make more frequent use of the possibilities made available by theexplore synergies between Cohesion Policy financing and the other sources of Community funding (TEN-T, TEN-E, the Seventh Research and Technological Development Framework Programme, Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and European Investment Bank) and in particulars well as the financing provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; urges Member States to simplify and improve the access to the possibilities made available by the financial instruments JESSICA, JASMINE and JEREMIE. Underlines the importance of JASPERS for project preparation; in order to stimulate their more frequent use by SMEs and interested beneficiaries;
Amendment 68 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Encourages the Commission to increase technical assistance to Member States in order to improve the projects' quality and efficiency of project implementation; calls on the Commission to support Member States in updating operational programs, when they consider this necessary doing this in a flexible way without causing delay in programs implementation; underlines the importance of JASPERS for project preparation;
Amendment 70 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Considers the approval of the established national management and control systems by the Commission as crucial for speeding up programmes implementation and calls on Member States to finalise the process of informing the Commission as soon as possible;
Amendment 72 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
Amendment 74 #
2009/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission to conduct an impact assessment in 2010, of the reforms following the adoption of the revised structural fund Regulations in order to evaluate and further improve the efficiency of those measures, as well as to analyse the reasons causing problems and delay in implementation of the current cohesion policy and to make relevant suggestions for avoiding them in the future programming period;
Amendment 11 #
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 Kosovo 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 14 #
2008/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the importance of the EU-OPEC energy dialogue; points out that cooperation with the countries of the Caspian region remains an important priority;
Amendment 15 #
2008/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the further development of energy relations with countriepartners such as the US, China, India, Australia, Canada, Japan and othersAustralia, Canada, Japan and with fast-growing consumer countries such as China and India; stresses the importance of an enhanced energy dialogue with countries with potential in the field of alternative energy production;
Amendment 20 #
2008/2239(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes the importance of projects such as the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline, the South Stream pipeline and the Nabucco pipeline, which constitute important opportunities for the EU to diversify routes and energy sources; underlines the need to speed up the implementation of these projects;
Amendment 42 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Believes that territorial cohesion has an important role in reinforcing both economic and social cohesion and thus is central to the development of EU cohesion policy; considers, therefore, that the debate on the Green Paper on Territorial Cohesion to be directly linked to the future reform of EU regional policy;
Amendment 63 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers the coordination of all sectoral Community policies that have a strong territorial impact to be central to the development of territorial cohesion and the reinforcement of economic and social cohesion; regrets, therefore, that the relevant analysis in the Green Paper is confined in listing these EU policies without suggesting ways of improving synergies between them or even methods to actually measure the territorial impact of these policies;
Amendment 92 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Emphasizses that one of the main objectives of territorial cohesion is to ensure that progress and growth generated in one specific territory should provide benefits for the whole region and across the EU territory; considers, in this respect, that excellence centres and clusters of research and innovation are vital to economic success, scientific discovery, technological innovation and jobs and that more interaction and knowledge transfer should be stimulated between those centres and their surrounding regions; calls on the Commission to present an assessment of the impact of clusters and excellence centres on surrounding areas;
Amendment 118 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Expects that a clear and sufficiently flexible definition of territorial cohesion should result from the public consultation, which will be commonly agreed, shared and, understood by all stakeholders in the field and able to encompass all specificities of EU territories; considers that this definition will provide clarity and transparency and should focus on the added value that territorial cohesion is expected to bring in the traditional framework of cohesion policy;
Amendment 188 #
2008/2174(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that taking an integrated approach will have a greater chance of success if the regional and local authorities, as well as stakeholders who can provide an overall view and understanding of the needs and specificities of a given territory, are involved from the beginning in the designing and implementation of the development strategies of each territory; in this connection, calls on the Commission to draw up guidelines to help Member States and local authorities to concretely implement an integrated approach so as to make the best use of synergies and complementarities between territorial and sectoral policies;
Amendment 23 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
Ja. whereas the partnership between urban and rural areas still needs to be strengthened, since urban areas have an important role to play in the harmonious and integrated development of their peripheries, in order to achieve territorial cohesion and balanced regional development,
Amendment 59 #
2008/2130(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Supports the idea of the revolving principle of JESSICA and its potential for economic growth in urban areas and believes that in the next programming period the advantages of some aspects of regional policy as a whole nebeing baseds to be based substantially morea greater extent on revolving funds offering credits rather than solely on grants, as is the case at present, should be considered;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas economic, social and territorial cohesion can be enhanced by aligning both per-capita incomes and employment structures in rural and urban areas,
Amendment 16 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 23 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the establishment of the EAFRD and the separation of non- agricultural funding from the scope of cohesion policy and a broader regional development perspective may result in some objectives (e.g. environmental protection, transport and education) being either duplicated or omitted altogether,
Amendment 68 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that rural development policy has a huge influence on economic, social and territorial cohesion and that due consideration should be given to whthe need to create synergies and the need for bethter it is justifiable to separate rural development measures from cohesion and regional development policoordination with cohesion and rural development policy mean that serious consideration should be given to the advantages and disadvantages of merging these policies in order to improve their coherence and efficiency;
Amendment 96 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that per-capita income levels and access to public goods and services remain the biggest challenges for territorial cohesion policy and can be most effectively improved through support for non- agricultural activities in rural communities;
Amendment 114 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Notes that the difficulties in implementing rural development policy are the result of the separation of sectoral policies from territorial cohesion policy and the separation of the economic and social aspects of both policies, as well as the wide variety of responsibility allocation and policy coordination systems used in the Member States; in this connection, given the existing ambiguities in the legislation governing the eligibility of measures under EAFRD and under the Structural Funds, calls on the Commission to assist Member States in properly understanding the differences between these financial instruments and in appreciating possible synergies so that they can correctly absorb the funds allocated and help increase the added value of these policies;
Amendment 117 #
2008/2100(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Takes the view that, prior to rural funding reform, the Commission should conduct a detailed assessment of the CAP's impact on regional development in the context of territorial cohesion andcohesion policy and that a set of best practices should be drawn up for rural policy as a whole;
Amendment 96 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10a (new)
Paragraph 10a (new)
10a. Stresses that the involvement of partners during the programming stage is a key condition for the successful implementation of the programmes, including the formation of public-private partnerships.
Amendment 111 #
2008/2064(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14a (new)
Paragraph 14a (new)
Amendment 438 #
2008/0103(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – indent 1 – point (b)
Article 30 – paragraph 1 – indent 1 – point (b)
(b) where the eligible area of the holding for which direct payments are claimed or due to be granted does not exceed one hectareing the minimum level, which the respective country has applied in 2007. However, Cyprus may set a minimum eligible area of 0.3 hectares and Malta of 0.1 hectares.
Amendment 720 #
2008/0103(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 112 a (new)
Article 112 a (new)
Article 112a National reserve 1. Member States applying the Single area payment scheme shall create a national reserve containing the difference between ceilings fixed in Annex VIIIa and the total value of the direct payments actually paid in the given year. 2. Member States may use the national reserve in order to grant payments aimed at the implementation of the measures referred to in art. 68, according to objective criteria and in such a way as to ensure equal treatment between farmers and to avoid the breach of market principles and distortion of competition.
Amendment 10 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas according to Article 49 of the EU Treaty, all European neighbours have the right to apply for EU membership,
Amendment 11 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas in the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of June 2003, the Heads of State and Government reiterated their determination to fully and effectively support the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, which will become an integral part of the EU once they have met the established criteria,
Amendment 16 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, whilst previous enlargements have undoubtedly been a success both for the European Union and for the Member States which joined it, this is no guarantee that such accelerated pace can be sustained further,
Amendment 29 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas this strategy cannot therefore be reduced tois more than a simple negotiating methodology butand should involve a thorough debate on the Union's objectives, covering both the Union's own future and its role in the neighbourhood and on the international scene,
Amendment 39 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the Union's Enlargement Strategy should be part of a more diversifiednot be mixed with an indeterminate array of external relations policies, reconciling the Union's geo- strategic interests with our neighbours' diverse expectations,
Amendment 47 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the process of enlargement is distinct from the European Neighbourhood policy (ENP), although in some cases countries within the framework of the ENP may prepare for membership of the EU at a later stage,
Amendment 51 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas these policies EU Enlargement Strategy should encompass the variety of situations prevailing in our neighbourhood, notably in those countries which have candidate status and have started negotiations – such as Croatia and Turkey – , those which have candidate status but have not yet started negotiations, those which have membership prospects – such as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – , those which have membership prospects – the remaining Western Balkan countries – , those which have a European integration goal – such as Ukraine or Moldova – and those which merely wish to have close neighbourly ties with the Union,
Amendment 55 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
Amendment 62 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas, as stated in its above- mentioned resolution of 13 December 2006, countries with European prospects should benefit from a close bilateral or multilateral relationship with the EU, matching their specific needs and interests; whereas this option, which entails a broad spectrum of operational possibilities, would grant partner countries a stable, long-term perspective of institutionalised relations with the EU and provide, and providing the incentive necessary to foster stability, peace and democratic and economic reform in the countries concerned,
Amendment 67 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas these policies EU Enlargement Strategy needs also to be effectively explained and communicated to othe current EU citizens as well as to all future citizens so as to ensure public support for the Union's commitments towards its neighbours, thus guaranteeing the Union's credibility as partner,
Amendment 72 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 a (new)
Paragraph –1 a (new)
–1a. Points out that former enlargements have strengthened the European Union as a whole, fostered its economic growth, reinforced its role in the world and stimulated the development of new EU policies; underlines that further ways of improving the quality of the enlargement process must be based on the positive experiences accumulated so far;
Amendment 73 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 b (new)
Paragraph –1 b (new)
–1b. Agrees with the Commission's judgment that past enlargements have been a great success, benefiting the European Union as well as the new Member States, and points out that past enlargements were the fulfilment of the initial mission of European integration, which was to reunite the European continent after the political divisions of the 20th century;
Amendment 74 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 c (new)
Paragraph –1 c (new)
–1c. Underlines that enlargement in general is among the most effective instruments of the EU's foreign policy and conflict-prevention policies, and points out, in particular, the challenges posed by the previous enlargements, which have brought peace and prosperity to the countries of central and eastern Europe; believes nevertheless that lessons can be learned by all EU institutions from this process;
Amendment 75 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph –1 d (new)
Paragraph –1 d (new)
–1d. Recalls that, so far, enlargements of the Union have been accompanied by efforts to bring about substantial internal reforms, and that a constitutional settlement such as that proposed in the Lisbon Treaty will prove once again that there is no inherent contradiction between deepening and widening, and will enable the European Union to work more effectively, more transparently and more democratically;
Amendment 80 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reaffirms its firm commitment to the countries with which it has started membership negotiations – such as Croatia and Turkey – and to the countries which have been given clear membership prospects – such as the Western Balkan countries – , with the understanding that full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria and compatibility with the Union's integration capacity must be fulfilled before these countries can join the Union;
Amendment 104 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that integration capacity reflects the Union's ability at a given point in time to decide and thus to achieve its political objectives, in particular the aim of promoting economic and social progress and a high level of employment in its Member States, of asserting its identity and its ability to act on the international scene, of promoting the rights and interests of Member States' nationals, of developing an area of freedom, security and justice, of fully maintaining and building on its acquis communautaire and of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, as laid down in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, as underlined by the Commission's above-mentioned communication entitled "Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2007-2008", full attention should be paid to the EU's integration capacity at key stages of the accession process;
Amendment 114 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Is of the view that, with any further commitment to enlarge, the question of the EU's integration capacity will have to be scrutinised in depth , from an institutional, financial and political standpoint;
Amendment 117 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Endorses the emphasis on consolidation, conditionality and communication as guiding principles of the EU Enlargement Strategy and recommends that the strategy be combined with efforts to secure the EU's integration capacity, in the interests of both current and future Member States;
Amendment 118 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Amendment 151 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Therefore takes the view that every enlargement must be followed by adequate consolidation and political concentration, that is to say, by a serious reassessment of the Union's policies and means in order to ensure consensus around such policies and to focus on objectives which responding to the expectations of ourEU citizens and which guaranteeing the viability of the Union as a political project;
Amendment 167 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Warns, therefore, that further enlargement without adequate consolidation could lead toInsists that enlargement must be accompanied by adequate consolidation in order to prevent the establishment of a Union of multiple configurations, with core countries moving towards closer integration and others lying at its margins, and that this scenario would have seriously detrimental implications for the Union's capacity to act – since it would weaken its institutions, for the stability of some of its Member States – since it would make them more vulnerable to external pressure, and for its credibility as global actor – since it would undermine its already precarious unity in external affairs;
Amendment 174 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Believes, moreover, that further enlargements should be accompanied by a concerted communication policy involving all EU Institutions and Member States' Governments as well as representatives of civil society, designed to explain to our citizens the political, economic and social benefits of enlargement, social and cultural benefits of enlargement; therefore reminds the governments and parliaments of the Member States that it is their responsibility adequately to inform public opinion about the positive achievements of former enlargements, the status quo of the ongoing negotiations and the matters at stake in further enlargements;
Amendment 183 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 192 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Takes the view that the gap existing between the Union's Enlargement Strategy and itshas to be distinguished from the European Neighbourhood Policy needs to be filled in order to respond to the expectations of our eastern neighbours; is convinced that the Commission's strengthened n should maximise its efforts to further strengthen the European Neighbourhood pPolicy is not sufficient in this respect, althoughas it represents an already positive step in the right direction, andbut that a more substantive qualitative change is required;
Amendment 197 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that the ENP tactics and policies should not, and cannot, be the same as those used in the context of enlargement, since the differences between the EU Member States and the neighbouring countries concerned are to a certain extent structural, deeper and politically more relevant than in the case of the acceding countries;
Amendment 198 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Suggests, therefore, that, as regBelieves that the policies already existing within the framework of the ENP towards those eastern neighbours which, in view of their political, economic and social situation and of the Union's current integration capacity, at present do not enjoy membership prospects but at the same time fulfil certain democratic and economic conditions, the Union should establish an area based on common policies covering, in particular, economic and financial issues, trade, energy, transport, environmental issues, the rule of law, justice, security, migration and education; takes the view that these common policies, whilst striving gradually to achieve EU standards and opening the way for closer integration of these countries, should be shaped jointly with the participating countries on the basis of specific decision-making mechanisms, and should be underpinned by adequate financial assistanceshould be shaped jointly with the participating countries on the basis of specific decision-making mechanisms, and should be underpinned by adequate financial assistance; underlines that the policies of the ENP involve common policies concerning economic and financial issues, trade, energy, transport, environmental issues, the rule of law, justice, security, migration and education;
Amendment 215 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes in this respect the re-launch, within the framework of the EU, of the "Barcelona Process: A Union for the Mediterranean" as a further positive step in our relations with theour southern neighbours; believes that this new development strengthens the argument in favour of specific contractual multilateral relations with our eastern neighbours, which, compared to their southern partners, have clear European ambitions and perspectives; recalls that, as a first step,recalls that the re-launch of these relations shcould translate themselves into tha future establishment of a Free Trade Area, to be followed by closer relations along the lines of a European Economic Area Plus (EEA +), of a European Commonwealth orand of specific regional cooperation frameworks, for example in the Black Sea area;
Amendment 225 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 236 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes in this context the Commission Communication on the Western Balkans of 5 March 2008 (COM(2008)0127), which outlines a range of measures for supporting the countries in the region in their efforts towards EU integration and for deepening our relations with them, whether in the areas of trade, energy, education and/or research; believes that such measures should include also finalisation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement wi, including the Serbia and calls on all Member States to overcome their reservations in this respecttabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia;
Amendment 246 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Furthermore, urges the Commission to come up with concrete proposals for a more diversified external relations policy towards our neighbours, along the lines outlined in the present resolution, and to reconsider its own administrative structures in order to establish a structural lRecalls the administrative structures of the Commission, differentiatinkg between the activities carried out by the Enlargement and the RELEX Directorates- General;
Amendment 40 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Macedonian authorities to ensure the full de-politicisation of the public administration in the country, to guarantee its professionalism, expertise and efficiency and to refrain from any action that may jeopardise the administrative capacity already built up;
Amendment 51 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the establishment within the Macedonian Parliament of a National Council on European Integration, chaired by the leader of the biggest opposition party, Mrs. Radmila Shekerinska, as a tool to foster EU integration and to ensure that all EU integration laws are processed as a matter of priority;
Amendment 74 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Encourages the authorities to take preventive economic measures in the regions bordering Kosovo directed at reducing the high unemployment in the villages in the region and preventing the local population from succumbing to criminal activities and "easy money";
Amendment 84 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Welcomes the contribution made by the country to the EU Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledges its role with regard to regional stability, and expresses its deep condolences to the country and to the families of the 11 peacekeepers who tragically died in a Macedonian military helicopter crash on 12 January 2008;
Amendment 159 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a (new). Taking into consideration the historical complexity in the region and the pressing need for a reconciliation process in this sphere, welcomes Macedonia´s initiative to establish a bilateral joint committee with Greece on history and education and hopes that it will be used as a model for setting up such a committee also with Bulgaria;
Amendment 175 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a (new). Welcomes the introduction of biometric passports in the country as a step forward in the visa lifting negotiations with the EU;
Amendment 16 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas economic growth tends to be concentrated around capital cities and large urban centres, leaving peripheral and rural areas with uneven socio-economic development and extending vulnerability to social communities and groups within these areas,
Amendment 30 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas there is a lack of available and comparable micro-regional statistical data at LAU 1 and LAU 2 levels (micro-regions) for all regions of the EU and whereas GDP per capita indicators at NUTS 2 level are not sufficient to target micro-regional territories which are excluded,
Amendment 35 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas most of the least favoured micro-regional territories are facing complex multidimensional problems related to their peripheral location, lack of infrastructure, socioeconomic under- development, de-industrialisation processes, low levels of education and training, lack of administrative capacity, generational and structural unemployment, deteriorating housing and living conditions, low access to services of general interest and concentration of segregated minorities and vulnerable groups,
Amendment 51 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises in this connection that horizontal actions are not sufficient to overcome the problems of territorial exclusion and recommends therefore that the Member States apply a holisticcomprehensive territorial development strategy, putting the cross-sector integrated approach into practice and focusing on the potential of these territories while also taking into consideration their geographical handicaps;
Amendment 62 #
2007/2191(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to allocate resources between developed cities and excluded rural territoriesisolated territories, including rural areas, in a balanced way and to establish tailor-made long-term programmes for specific vulnerable groups with the participation of local authorities, relevant social and economic partners and representatives of the target groups in the decision-making process and implementation in order to best address their needs and bring genuine solutions to overcome exclusion and generational and structural unemployment;