Activities of Kristian VIGENIN
Plenary speeches (127)
Taxation of savings income in the form of interest payments - Common system of VAT as regards tax evasion linked to import and other cross-border transactions (debate)
Eastern Partnership (debate)
Explanations of vote
Explanations of vote
Presentation of the Czech Presidency's programme (debate)
Gas supplies by Russia to Ukraine and the EU (debate)
Disclosure requirements for medium-sized companies and obligation to draw up consolidated accounts - Accounting requirements as regards medium-sized companies (debate)
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance (continuation)
EU-Russia relations (debate)
Hedge funds and private equity - Transparency of institutional investors (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Creation of a Roma fingerprints database in Italy (debate)
Formation of political groups (amendment of Rule 29) (debate)
Preparation of the EU/Russia summit (26-27 June 2008) (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Kosovo (debate)
Presentation of the programme of the Slovenian Presidency (debate)
A more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus - A Black Sea Regional Policy Approach (debate)
Combating the rise of extremism in Europe (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
2006 Progress Report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)
Increase in energy prices (debate)
Imposition of the death penalty on medical personnel in Libya (debate)
2012 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (debate)
One year of European Citizens' Initiative in practice: evaluating experience and tackling obstacles (debate)
2012 progress report on Serbia (debate)
European integration process of Kosovo (debate)
Preparations for the European Council meeting (14-15 March 2013) (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Situation in Egypt (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
Explanations of vote
Explanations of vote
Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU’s strategic interests (debate)
Elections in Belarus (debate)
Elections in Georgia (debate)
Multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 - Own resource based on the value added tax (debate)
Explanations of vote
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
Freedom of expression in Belarus, in particular, the case of Andrzej Poczobut (debate)
Programme of activities of the Cyprus Presidency (debate)
Explanations of vote
Situation in Georgia (debate)
Situation in Egypt (debate)
Explanations of vote
Azerbaijan (debate)
Situation in Ukraine, case of Yulia Tymoshenko (debate)
Situation in Ukraine, case of Yulia Tymoshenko (debate)
Situation in Ukraine, case of Yulia Tymoshenko (debate)
Negotiations of the EU-Azerbaijan association agreement - Negotiations of the EU-Armenia association agreement (debate)
Situation in Belarus (B7-0178/2012) (vote)
Enlargement report for Serbia (debate)
Situation in Belarus (B7-0178/2012) (vote)
Kazakhstan (debate)
Kazakhstan (debate)
Situation in Belarus (debate)
Conclusions of the European Council meeting (1-2 March 2012) (debate)
Egypt: recent developments (debate)
One-minute speeches (Rule 150)
EU foreign policy towards the BRICS and other emerging powers (debate)
EU foreign policy towards the BRICS and other emerging powers (debate)
Azerbaijan, notably the case of Rafiq Tagi
Freedom of movement for workers within the European Union (debate)
Freedom of movement for workers within the European Union (debate)
EU-Russia Summit (debate)
European Neighbourhood Policy (debate)
Accession Treaty : Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Croatia - Application of Croatia to become a member of the European Union (debate)
Egypt, in particular the case of blogger Alaa Abd El-Fattah
Situation in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria and Egypt (debate)
Current developments in Ukraine (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Ministerial week’s activity at the UN General Assembly, in particular the Middle East peace process and North Africa (debate)
Eastern partnership summit (Warsaw, 29 September) (debate)
Eastern partnership summit (Warsaw, 29 September) (debate)
Explanations of vote
Explanations of vote
Programme of activities of the Polish Presidency of the Council (debate)
Explanations of vote
Situation in Nagorno-Karabakh (debate)
Ukraine: the cases of Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of the former government (debate)
Ukraine: the cases of Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of the former government (debate)
EU-Russia summit (debate)
Application of Schengen acquis in Bulgaria and Romania (debate)
Azerbaijan (debate)
Main aspects of the common foreign and security policy and the common security and defence policy - Situation in Syria and in Camp Ashraf - Report: Albertini - Annual report from the Council to Parliament on the main aspects of CFSP in 2009 - Report: Gualtieri - Development of CSDP following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty - Report: Muñiz De Urquiza - The EU as a global actor: its role in multilateral organisations (debate)
2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (B7-0225/2011) (vote)
2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
2010 progress report on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern Dimension - Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Southern Dimension
Preparation for the European Council meeting (24-25 March 2011) (debate)
Belarus, in particular the cases of Ales Michalevic and Natalia Radin
Eavesdropping scandal in Bulgaria (debate)
Explanations of vote
Explanations of vote
The programme of activities of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council (debate)
Situation in Belarus
Situation in Belarus
Situation in Belarus
A new strategy for Afghanistan (debate)
Presentation of the Commission work programme for 2011 (debate)
Implemented reforms and developments in the Republic of Moldova (debate)
Ukraine (debate)
Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities as regards the European External Action Service - Draft amending budget No 6/2010: Section II - European Council and Council; Section III - Commission; Section X - European External Action Service - Amendment of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of those Communities (debate)
North Korea
European External Action Service (debate)
Kosovo - Albania (debate)
Kosovo - Albania (debate)
Situation in Kyrgyzstan (debate)
Conclusions of the EU/Russia Summit (31 May - 1 June) (continuation of debate)
Situation in the Korean Peninsula (debate)
Explanations of vote
Standards of quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation - Action plan on organ donation and transplantation (2009-2015) (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
2008 annual report on the CFSP - The implementation of the European Security Strategy and the Common Security and Defence Policy - Non-proliferation Treaty (debate)
Situation of civil society and national minorities in Belarus (debate)
2009 progress report on Croatia - 2009 progress report on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - 2009 progress report on Turkey (debate)
Situation in Ukraine (debate)
Belarus (debate)
Enlargement strategy 2009 concerning the countries of the western Balkans, Iceland and Turkey (debate)
EU-Russia Summit on 18 November 2009 in Stockholm (debate)
Financial and economic situation in Moldova (debate)
Energy security (Nabucco and Desertec) (debate)
Murder of human rights activists in Russia
New regulations on visas for Western Balkan countries (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia) (debate)
Opinions (2)
OPINION Draft opinion on Trade and Economic relations with Western Balkans
OPINION Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directives 78/660/EEC and 83/349/EEC as regards certain disclosure requirements for medium-sized companies and obligation to draw up consolidated accounts
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION Proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement
Written declarations (3)
Amendments (99)
Amendment 135 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the third judicial reform package as a step towards a comprehensive reform process in the area of the judiciary and fundamental rights; stresses however the crucial importance to continue the reform process with a fourth judicial reform package addressing (a) the issues related to the excessively broad definitions of criminal offences under the Criminal Law or the Anti-Terror Law, with the urgent need to introduce a clear distinction between the promotion of terrorism and the incitement to violence and the expression of non-violent ideas, in order to safeguard freedom of expression, (b) the issue of the excessively long pre-trial detention periods, and (c) the need to allow full access to the prosecution file for defence lawyers; welcomes the changes to Code of Criminal Procedure and to the Law on the Execution of Punitive and Security Measures to allow the use of mother tongue in Courts and looks forward to a rapid implementation;
Amendment 257 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18a (new)
Paragraph 18a (new)
18a. Strongly condemns the terrorist attack against the US embassy in Ankara of 1 February 2013 and presents its condolences to the family of the deceased Turkish citizen; recalls that while further measures to counter terrorist actions should be taken to ensure the security of the state and its people, those should not come at the expense of human and citizens' rights;
Amendment 291 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deeply regrets Turkey's decision to abstain from meetings and contacts with the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and takes the view that Turkey missed an important opportunity to start a process of engagement and normalisation of relations with Cyprus; recallsminds Turkey that the EU is based on the principles of sincere cooperation and mutual solidarity amongst all its Member States and respect for the institutional framework, and that any country wishing to join the Union should adhere to the values and principles it is based on;
Amendment 342 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24а (new)
Paragraph 24а (new)
24а. Points out that Turkey should endeavour to resolve all matters of dispute with its neighbouring countries both as a condition of membership of the EU and with a view to strengthening good neighbourly relations in the region; points out that setting up a joint committee of experts on the outstanding issues for relations between Bulgaria and Turkey represents an important step towards resolving the issues around refugees in Eastern Thrace and their descendants, and invites the two countries to ask the committee to resume its work;
Amendment 396 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Supports Turkey's commitment to democratic forces in Syria and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the increasing number of Syrians who fled the country; asks the Commission, the Member States and the international community to further support Turkey's efforts to cope with the growing humanitarian dimension of the Syrian crisis; underlines the importance of a common understanding between the EU and Turkey on how to deliver the available humanitarian assistance to the displaced Syrians currently on Turkish territory or waiting at its borders;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Reaffirms the need to mainstream women’s rights and gender equality throughout the enlargement process, including in the future setup of the new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA-II) for the 2014-2020 MFF;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas one of the main novelties introduced by the Lisbon Treaty isthe Lisbon Treaty introduced the objective of ensuring the unity, consistency and effectiveness of the European Union's external action;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the EEAS is a new body of hybrid nature within the EU institutional framework, drawing upon community and intergovernmental resources, which has no precedent in the EU and which therefore cannot be expected to be fully functional within two years of its establishment; whereas, therefore, a review of its organisation and functioning should be based on fair and constructive criticism;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
Amendment 26 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas experience showed that operational decision-making and implementation in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy / Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) are too slow because of structural and procedural reasons; whereas this has become apparent once more with the crisis in Mali, in response of which decision-making procedures and funding decisions have not been swiftly adopted and implemented;
Amendment 28 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas the EEAS should be a streamlined, results-orientated, ed and resource-efficient structure, capable of providing support for political leadership in the area of CFSP and facilitating decision- making in the Council; whereas, for this reason, the EEAS should be capable of providing, at short notice and in a coordinated fashion, expertise from different departments, including from the Commission; whereas the current structure of the EEAS is too top-heavy and marked by too many and duplicating decision-making layers, providing for an unclear hierarchy in terms of chain of command and relations between different departments;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas the opportunities for quick deployment offered by the EU battlegroups are not yet used;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas the role of the EEAS in defining the strategic orientation, and in contributing to the implementation of the EU financial assistanceexternal financing instruments, should be strengthened in line with the key lines of EU foreign policy;
Amendment 54 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas, at a time when Member States' governments are seriously reducing their diplomatic and consular presence, the EEAS should be seen and further used as an opportunity to foster greater cooperation and synergies;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas there is a clear need to further develop the EEAS' capacity to identify and learn lessons from previous operational experiences, particularly in the area of conflict prevention, conflict mediation and 1 P7_TA(2010)0369. crisis management;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 83 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. to ensure that, in compliance with Article 9(3) of the EEAS Decision, the EEAS plays a leading role in the definition of the strategies of the relevant external financial assistanceng instruments and that, for this purpose, the EEAS has the expertise to lead in these areas, particularly in the neighbourhood;
Amendment 153 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. to ensure that, wherever applicable, every delegation has a CSDP attaché, in particular inwhere delegations operate in situations of political instability or fragility or where a recent CSDP operation or mission has been terminated, in order to ensure operational continuity and adequate monitoring of the political environment;
Amendment 182 #
2012/2253(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. given that, as indicated in the 2012 EEAS Staffing Report, the target of one third of staff recruited from Member States has been reached, to focus now on consolidating EU staff within the EEAS and on opening up the career perspectives of EU officials in the Service; to ensure that the quotas from the three different sources are respected at both AD and AST levels and among all grades, in order to avoid that staff from national ministries are concentrated at managerial levels; also to explore, in that regard, the modalities for national diplomats working at the EEAS to apply for permanent posts within the Service;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
– having regard to the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) (COM(2011)0838/4),
Amendment 23 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas 20 years after the Copenhagen summit the moment has come for a general re-evaluation of the accession criteria, of the established procedures and of enlargement policy as a whole; whereas Parliament contributes to improving the transparency and accountability of enlargement and thereby increasing public support for this process;
Amendment 35 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas the European Parliament contributes to improving the transparency and accountability of enlargement and thereby increasing public support for this process; whereas, following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the role of the European Parliament in providing democratic scrutiny over the enlargement policy has increased by, inter alia, introducing co-legislative power with regard to the Instrument for Pre- Accession Assistance; whereas the resolutions of the European Parliament on the enlargement countries should form an integral part of the political framework for assisting the pre-accession process;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Is of the view that the set of accession criteria should be adequately translated into clear, specific and measurable objectives in the Instrument for Pre- accession Assistance (IPA) in order to clearly demonstrate the link between Union-funded policies in the enlargement countries and progress in meeting the general accession criteria;
Amendment 130 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that, in order to maintain the credibility of the enlargement process, the EU's integration capacity should be evaluated at an early stage and should be properly considered in the Commission's ‘opinion’ for each potential candidate state, outlining the major concerns in this regard; is of the view that a comprehensive impact assessment should then follow;
Amendment 143 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the new negotiating approach that prioritises issues related to the judiciary and fundamental rights, as well as to justice and home affairs; agrees that these should be tackled early in the accession process and that the corresponding chapters should be opened accordingly on the basis of action plans, as they require the establishment of convincing track records; calls on the Commission to report to Parliament regularly on progress in these areas, and for the monthly pre-accession reports of the EU delegations to be forwarded to the members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs; notes, however, that the focus on the areas in question should not be to the detriment of the efforts and progress in the other areas outlined in the individual enlargement agendas of the candidate and potential candidate countries;
Amendment 163 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages greater participation by civil society and non-state actors in the accession process; stresses that civil society can work as an engine of approximation with the EU and create bottom-up pressure for the implementationadvancement of the European agenda; calls for additional financial support, inter alia via the Civil Society Facility, especially in order to enhance their capacities in monitoring the implementation of the acquis;
Amendment 176 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)
Paragraph 9 c (new)
9 c. Recalls that achieving sustainable economic recovery is a major challenge for most enlargement countries and underlines the need to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy; calls for strengthening support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), critical for socio-economic progress in all enlargement countries, and urges the Commission to insist for priority reforms that create a favourable regulatory environment for innovative and high- potential SMEs; stresses, at the same time, the need for continued attention to the issues of a growing informal sector, high unemployment and integration of most vulnerable people in society;
Amendment 213 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the EU to support efforts to resolve outstanding disputes, including border disputes, before accession; in line with the provisions of the UN Charter, encourages all parties to disputes whose continuation is likely to endanger the preservation of international peace and security to engage constructively in their peaceful resolution and, in case of proven inability to reach a bilateral agreement, to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice or to commit themselves to a binding arbitration mechanism of their choice; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to start developing, in accordance with the EU Treaties, a generally applicable arbitration mechanism aimed at solving bilateral issues between enlargement countries and Member States;
Amendment 253 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that, in order to maintain the support of the EU's citizens for further enlargement and the commitment of the citizens of the candidate and potential candidate countries to continue with reforms, it is crucial to present them with clear and comprehensive information on the political, socio- economic and cultural benefits of enlargement; considers it essential, in particular, to explain to the public how the pursuing of enlargement policy has brought in its wake new investment and export opportunities for the older Member States, and how it can help attain the EU's objectives in terms of tackling the economic crisis, creating jobs, protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change, and enhancing security and safety, while at the same time accelerating the reform agenda and improving living conditions in the enlargement countries for the benefit of all European citizens; stresses the need to target, as a priority in this regard, young people and trade unions, as well as key opinion-formers such as journalists, representatives of civil society and economic actors; is of the view that similar efforts by candidate and potential candidate countries should be encouraged and supported;
Amendment 285 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that the global financial crisis and the difficulties in the eurozone have highlighted the interdependence of national economies, both within and beyond the EU; emphasises, therefore, the importance of further consolidating economic and financial stability and fostering growth, also in the candidate and potential candidate countries; in these difficult circumstances, stresses the need to provide adequate and better targeted pre-accession financial aid to candidate and potential candidate countries; welcomes the increase proposed by the CommissionCommission proposal for a new Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, which includes increased financial support for the financial perspective 2014- 2020; stresses, in this regard, the need to simplify and speed up procedures, as well as to strengthen the administrative capacity of the beneficiary countries, in order to ensure a high level of participation in EU programmes and to enhance absorption capacity; points out that a comprehensive position of the European Parliament on the IPA will be presented in the course of the ordinary legislative procedure, which applies to it;
Amendment 143 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy, provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package, including the opening mechanism. The package and the products may mislead consumers, in particular young people, suggesting that products are less harmful. For instance, this is the case with certain texts or features, such as ‘'low-tar’', ‘'light’', ‘'ultra-light’', ‘'mild’', ‘'natural’', ‘'organic’', ‘'without additives’', ‘'without flavours’, ‘slim’', names, pictures, and figurative or other signs. Likewise, the size and appearance of individual cigarettes can mislead consumers by creating the impression that they are less harmful. A recent study has also shown that smokers of slim cigarettes were more likely to believe that their own brand might be less harmful. This should be addressed.
Amendment 674 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) cover 75 50% of the external area of both the front andsurface and 75% of the external area of the back surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging;
Amendment 695 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) be positioned at the bottopm edge of the unit packet and any outside packaging, and in the same direction as any other information appearing on the packaging;
Amendment 841 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Prohibited elements and features may include but are not limited to texts, symbols, names, trade marks, figurative or other signs, misleading colours, inserts or other additional material such as adhesive labels, stickers, onserts, scratch-offs and sleeves or relate to the shape of the tobacco product itself. Cigarettes with a diameter of less than 7.5 mm shall be deemed to be misleading.
Amendment 35 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. whereas Azerbaijan shows strong commitment to the multilateral parliamentary cooperation within the Euronest PA and is the first Eastern Partnership country to host its plenary session in Baku on 2-4 April 2012;
Amendment 47 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) incorporate in the Association Agreement clauses and benchmarks on the protection and promotion of human rights, which reflect the principles and rights enshrined in the Constitution of Azerbaijan and the highest international and European standards, especially with regard to freedom of the media, the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, drawing to the fullest possible extent on Council of Europe and OSCE frameworks; ensure that the negotiations take full account of the need to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of internally displaced persons;
Amendment 59 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point c a (new)
(c a) underline in the Association Agreement the importance for Azerbaijan to fully comply with judgments of the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 121 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point n
Paragraph 1 – point n
(n) emphasise the need for a sustainable economy, including by enhancing its diversification; promote greater openness and transparency in the energy sector and ensure that its development is carried out in accordance with international environmental standards; support the development of the renewable energy market; underline the need for corresponding environmental legislation;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas Armenia shows strong commitment to the multilateral parliamentary cooperation within the Euronest PA;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point b
Paragraph 1 – point b
(b) stress the utmost importance of the orderly conduct of the May 2012 elections anddemocratic, free and fair elections that manifests itself not only in the orderly conduct of the May 2012 elections on election day, but also provides for plurality, freedom of political discourse, freedom of speech and equal access of all political forces to mainstream broadcast media, freedom of assembly and movement during the whole pre- and post- electoral process; stresses the need to 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 44 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point d a (new)
(d a) encourage the Armenian authorities to continue with renewed efforts the legislative reform in the country;
Amendment 51 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point f
Paragraph 1 – point f
(f) stress in particular the importance of the independence of the judiciary, transparent procurement procedures, the separation of politics from business, reliable court procedures which guarantee fair trial and access to justice for all citizens, a safe environment for investigative journalism and access to information and socialindependent media; encourage the Armenian Government to continue complying with EU best practices and recommendations in these areas;
Amendment 86 #
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; emphasise the mutually reinforcing links between democratic, pluralistic development and conflict resolution by establishing a level playing field for all three countries in the South Caucasus;
Amendment 102 #
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 student mobility as a priority; call on Armenia to improve the national legislation regulating higher education with special emphasis on synchronisation procedures for scientific degrees and legal regulation of student internships in view of the Bologna process; ensure that the provisions on asylum are fully in line with international obligations and commitments and EU standards;
Amendment 120 #
2011/2315(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point t
Paragraph 1 – point t
(t) recognise Armenia’s ambitious reform agenda under the Eastern Partnership and provide adequate assistance in accordance with the ‘more for more’ principle on the basis of the pace of reforms and measured against democracy and human rights indicators;
Amendment 39 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E а (new)
Recital E а (new)
Eа. whereas Ukraine has actively participated in the creation and work of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, which is the parliamentary dimension of the Eastern Partnership and a platform for cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments of the EU’s eastern neighbours,
Amendment 144 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Ukraine is a country of 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2010)0035. 2 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2010)0444. 3 Texts adopted, P7_TA-PROV(2011)0472 strategic importance to the EU; whereas as a result of its size, resources, population and geographical location Ukraine has a distinctive position in Europe, making it a key regional actor which exerts considerable influence on the security, stability and prosperity of the whole continent, and should, therefore, bear its respective political responsibility,
Amendment 146 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU favours a stable and democratic Ukraine that respects the principles of a social market economy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities and which guarantees fundamental rights; whereas Ukraine’s efforts to build domestic political stability and augment, its focus on internal reform are accelerating and facilitatingnd the respect for the rule of law, incorporating fair, impartial and independent legal processes is a prerequisite for the further development of Ukraine’s European integration process,
Amendment 164 #
2011/2132(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
Paragraph 1 – point o a (new)
(oa) to urge the Ukrainian authorities to fully respect the rule of law, incorporating fair, impartial, independent and transparent legal processes, whilst avoiding the danger of provoking any perception that judicial measures are being used selectively;
Amendment 41 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the BRICS display considerable divergences in their political and economic systems, demographic and social trends, and foreign policy outlooks; whereas these differences are likely to constrain the capacity of the BRICS to act as a coherent block on the international scene;
Amendment 52 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses how the current economic crisis has demonstrated the interdependence between the emerged powglobal players and the BRICS and other emerging countries; points out that stable economic growth of the latter is clearly conditional on stable economic growth of the former and vice versa; emphasises that political and economic ties between emergdeveloped and emerging economies are mutually beneficial and believes that further political understanding and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries should thus be pursued by the EU, within the framework of strategic partnerships, as a matter of priority;
Amendment 82 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the concept of bilateral strategic partnerships and urges the Council and the EEAS to operationalise it; considers strategic partnerships to be a promising and potentially transformative tool of organizing and advancing the EU’s relations with key players in the global arena, including the BRICS and other emerging powers; recommends that this instrument be used by the EU to pursue both multilateral and bilateral agendas and to develop meaningful linkages between the two; underlines that internal coherence is vital for the EU to act and be perceived as a genuine strategic interlocutor to the BRICS and other emerging powers;
Amendment 98 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Underscores the importance of Brazil as a leading power of the MERCOSUR regional integration process; welcomes the renewed EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan 2012-2014, and the mutual commitments made in the areas of democracy promotion and reforms of the multilateral system of governance; urges both sides to honour their commitments and contribute to the reform of the world's financial architecture; recalls the offer made by President Rousseff regarding the support for the EU to overcome its sovereign-debt crisis, and acknowledges the interrelation between both; expresses its support to a balanced and fair conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda and the EU- MERCOSUR Association Agreement, which will be the most important association agreement ever signed by the EU, encompassing 750 million people and commerce worth 125 billion dollars a year; takes note of Brazil's request to have full visa liberalisation and asks the Commission to present a proposal in that regard;
Amendment 100 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Highlights the indispensable role of EU-Russia strategic partnership in maintaining peace and security in Europe, enhancing trade and economic development, preserving energy security, and addressing transnational challenges; urges the EU and Russia to resolve outstanding issues related to Russia’s entry into the WTO and finalize negotiations on a comprehensive and legally-binding Agreement opines that, in the long-term, the rise of Asian powers is likely to facilitate further alignment of interests and closer strategic cooperation between the EU and Russia; believes that such cooperation is vital for progress on issues of global importance, such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, climate change or illegal migration;
Amendment 102 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Underscores the importance of China as a major economic power and highlights its essential role in global economic recovery; in this regard, recalls the necessity for China to fulfil its agreed WTO obligations, ten years after its accession; furthermore, calls on the European Union and its Member States and China to tackle common challenges and threats to international peace and security, including improved cooperation on a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear crisis; urges both sides to foster a more balanced trade among them, notably by intensifying their efforts to conclude negotiations on new partnership and cooperation agreement, in order for this framework to fulfil the potential of EU- China strategic partnership;
Amendment 103 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Underscores the strategic nature of EU-South Africa relations; welcomes the positive outcome of the fourth EU-Africa summit of September 2011, in particular the convergence of views on the situation in Libya; urges the EU and South Africa to conclude, as soon as possible, negotiations on a new Economic and Partnership Agreement; contends that South Africa, given its record of successful and peaceful transition to democracy and its role as a regional power, can be a major force in promoting democracy and good governance, fostering regional economic integration, and supporting national reconciliation across Africa, and a key partner for the EU in these efforts; stresses the importance of close cooperation between the EU and South Africa on climate change, sustainable development and reforms of international institutions;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that, in light of the increasing relevance of the BRICS and other emerging economies and the looming multi-polar system of global economic governance, the G- 20 is the appropriate forum for consensus building and for a decision-making process which is inclusive and able to foster convergence, including regulatory convergence; takes the view that notwithstanding the increasing relevance of the G-20, the G-7 maintains a key role as a consultative, coordinating and consensus- building forum for the emerged powerdeveloped countries with a view to dialogue with the BRICS and other emerging economies, and ahead of G-20 meetings; supports the G-20 parliamentary dimension and believes that it should be further consolidated and involved in the decision-making processes to ensure a reinforced democratic dialogue and scrutiny;
Amendment 37 #
2011/0415(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Financial assistance in the form of budget support should be granted only when adequate guarantees for the quality of the management of public spending, democratic control and audit capacities are provided by the beneficiary country.
Amendment 86 #
2011/0409(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2
Article 10 – paragraph 2
2. When the noise limit values relating to the test method used to measure the noise level of motor vehicles are laid down in UNECE Regulation No 51, the Commission shall consider replacing the technical requirements laid down in Annex III with a direct reference to the corresponding requirements of UNECE Regulations No 51 and No 59.
Amendment 85 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5 a (new)
Recital 5 a (new)
(5a) In order to enhance the application of the "more for more" principle, introduced with the revision of the ENP in 2011, an adequate part of the overall allocation under this Regulation should be set aside to incentives to improve performance in the form of a performance reserve, subject to the conditionalities. Such a reserve should serve to reward partners where exceptional progress is made with regard to political reforms and respect for the universal values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Detailed criteria for the disbursement of these funds should be developed by the Commission.
Amendment 224 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Union support under this Regulation shall, in principle, be established in partnership with the beneficiaries. The partnership shall involve as appropriate, national, regional and local authorities, other stakeholders, civil society,, in a transparent and verifiable way and through an institutionalised mechanism, involve the following stakeholders in preparing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating Union support: (i) national, regional and local authorities; (ii) civil society and non-governmental organisations; (iii) social partners and; (iv) other non-state actors in preparing, implementing and monitoring Union support. The Commission, and in particular the Union's delegations in partner countries, shall ensure that appropriate steps are taken to enhance the capacities of civil society organisations and other stakeholders to play a meaningful part in that process.
Amendment 274 #
2011/0405(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1
1. The financial envelope available for implementing this Regulation over the period 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 18 182 300 000 (current prices). Up to 57% of the financial envelope shall be allocated to the Cross-Border Cooperation programmes referred to in Article 6(1) (c).
Amendment 94 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In order to ensure coherence between the accession process and the financial and technical assistance provided under this Regulation and achieve the objectives of the accession agenda, a cCommon sStrategic fFramework for using the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance should be established by the Commission. This framework should define, inter alia, the listtypes of key actions which may be supported under this Regulation and the detailed criteria for the allocation of funds. The c as well as the performance indicators. Up to 5 % of the overall allocations should be set aside to incentives to improve performance. The Common sStrategic fFramework should constitute the reference framework for the country and multi- country strategy papers.
Amendment 128 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vi
(vi). the promotion of reconciliation, peace -building and, confidence building measures, regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations.
Amendment 152 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
The indicators shall be used for monitoring, evaluation and review of performance, as appropriate, and shall be defined in the Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 5 and included in the strategy papers and programmes referred to in Articles 6 and 7.
Amendment 157 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point e
(e) regional, transnational and interritoriegional cooperation, multi-country and cross-border actions.
Amendment 160 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
2. Assistance under the policy areas referred to in paragraph 1 shall support the contribute to the attainment by the beneficiary countries in attainingof the general and specific objectives set out in Articles 1 and 2.
Amendment 173 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1
Article 5 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall establish a Common Strategic Framework for the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. The IPA Common Strategic Framework shall translate the political priorities of the Union's enlargement policy – as reflected in the annual enlargement package of the Commission, which includes the Progress Reports and the Enlargement Strategy, in the Stabilisation and Association agreements and in the European or Accession Partnerships, as well as in the relevant resolutions of the European Parliament and conclusions of the European Council – into key actions which can receive assistance under this Regulation.
Amendment 175 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the performance indicators as well as the detailed criteria to be used for the allocation of funds to beneficiary countries as well as to multi-country and territorial cooperation actions;
Amendment 176 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the performance incentive, the criteria for its distribution, the mechanisms for its use and other implementing modalities in accordance with Article 13a of this Regulation;
Amendment 177 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The strategy papers shall specifydefine the objectives of the assistance on the basis of the general and specific objectives referred to in Articles 1 and 2. The strategy papers shall specify, according to the needs, capacities and priorities of the beneficiary country or countries concerned, the appropriate mix of policy areas as referred to in Article 3 which will receive financial assistance under this Regulation to reflect need. The strategy papers shall reflect on the relevant needs, capacities and priorities in accordance with the specific objectives referred to in Article 2, with the IPA Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 5, and with the national strategies, as appropriate.
Amendment 180 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The strategy papers shall include the indicative allocation of Union funds per policy area, as applicable, broken down per year, in line with the detailed criteria set in the IPA Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 5. The indicative allocation of funds shall duly take account of the needs, absorption capacity and administrative capacity of the beneficiary countriesy or countries concerned and shall be subject to review whenever necessary. It shall also allow for addressing emerging needs and include incentives to enhance the performance of the beneficiary countriesy or countries concerned with regard to the objectives set in the multi-annual indicative strategies. The strategy papers shall also include the relevant indicators referred to in Article 2(2) for assessing the performance of the beneficiary country or countries concerned towards achieving the objectives set in the strategy papers.
Amendment 183 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Union assistance under this Regulation shall be implemented through programmes and measures as referred to in Articles 2 and 3 of the Common Implementing Regulation and in accordance with specific rules establishing uniform conditions for implementing the present Regulation, in particular as regards management structures and procedures, which the Commission shall adopt in accordance with Articles 10 and 11 of the present Regulation. Implementation shall, as a rule, take the form of annual or multiannual, country specific or multi-country programmes established in accordance with the strategy papers referred to in Article 6 and drawn up by the beneficiary countries and/or the Commission, as appropriate. Parliamentary scrutiny on the side of the beneficiary countries both over the preparation of these programmes and over their implementation shall be encouraged by the Commission in order to facilitate an applicant country driven accession process and to increase its legitimacy and credibility.
Amendment 193 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13 a (new)
Article 13a Performance Reserve 1. A Performance Reserve shall be provided for in the Common Strategic Framework referred to in Article 5. An indicative amount, corresponding to up to 5 % of the overall financial allocation, shall be earmarked to the Performance Reserve. That amount shall not be pre- allocated. 2. The allocation of the funds from the Performance Reserve shall be decided in accordance with the IPA Common Strategic Framework, the strategy papers and the Common Implementing Regulation. In cases to be specified in full in the IPA Common Strategic Framework, where exceptional progress is made in meeting the objectives specified in the strategy papers and without prejudice to stage reached in the accession process, funds shall be disbursed from the Performance Reserve. Progress shall be assessed on the basis of the performance indicators referred to in Article 2(2) of this Regulation and specified in the strategy papers. 3. The decision on disbursement of funds from the Performance Reserve shall be taken following a revision of the strategy paper relating to the beneficiary concerned, in accordance with Article 6.
Amendment 200 #
2011/0404(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external(...) corresponding to 2 % of the global financial allocations available for the participating instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with the relevant authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.
Amendment 41 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 9
Article 1 – point 9
Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities
Title VIII a – Article 98 a (new)
Title VIII a – Article 98 a (new)
Article 98a With a view to ensuring that all members of the EEAS staff are treated equally, regardless of whether they come from the European Union's administration or the national diplomatic services of the Member States, in particular as regards eligibility to assume all positions and responsibilities within the EEAS under equivalent conditions, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- President of the Commission, as appointing authority, shall draw up a table of equivalence between EU administrative grades, in particular at AD level, and the diplomatic seniority titles in order to ensure that, at the time of their recruitment, staff originating from Member States are graded in a way which is commensurate with average seniority for that specific grade.
Amendment 43 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 2 - point 10
Article 2 - point 10
Conditions of Employment of Other Servants
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b – paragraph 1
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b – paragraph 1
1. Staff fromcoming from the national diplomatic services of the Member States who were selected under the procedure laid down in Article 98(1) of the Staff Regulations and who are seconded by their national diplomatic services shall be engaged as temporary staff under Article 2(e)shall be engaged as temporary staff under Article 2(e). The administrative grade granted to selected candidates coming from national diplomatic services of Member States should be the grade to which the years of seniority and the number of promotions in the national diplomatic service of origin entitle them on the basis of the promotion system applicable to EU officials.
Amendment 44 #
2010/0171(COD)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 2 – point 10
Article 2 – point 10
Conditions of Employment of Other Servants
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b a (new)
Chapter 10 – Article 50 b a (new)
Article 50ba With a view to ensuring that all members of the EEAS staff are treated equally, regardless of whether they come from the European Union's administration or the national diplomatic services of the Member States, in particular as regards eligibility to assume all positions and responsibilities within the EEAS under equivalent conditions, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice- President of the Commission, as appointing authority, shall draw up a table of equivalence between EU administrative grades, in particular at AD level, and the diplomatic seniority titles in order to ensure that, at the time of their recruitment, staff originating from Member States are graded in a way which is commensurate with average seniority for that specific grade.
Amendment 6 #
2009/0155(NLE)
Draft opinion
last paragraph
last paragraph
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to draw up an interim report under Rule 81(3)propose that Parliament give its consent.
Amendment 5 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) With the aim of furthering the implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda, the Commission [within the limits of its competence] should start a visa liberalisation dialogue with Kosovo1 and establish a roadmap for visa liberalisation similar to those established with other Western Balkan countries. This is without prejudice to the status of Kosovo. ____________ 1 22 Member States have recognised Kosovo as an independent state while five have not.
Amendment 23 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the EU and the US play key roles in the world's politics and economy, and share responsibility for promoting peace, respect for human rights and stability and for tackling various global dangers and challenges, such as the deep financial crisis, the eradication of poverty and fulfilment of other MDGs, climate change, energy security, global migration challenges, terrorism and nuclear proliferation,
Amendment 50 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on EU Member States to coordinate their foreign and security policies ever more closely, so as to represent a coherent bloc in relations with the USA;
Amendment 60 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deems it appropriate for the negotiation of the new agreement to commence once the Lisbon Treaty comes into forceimmediately, so that it may be completed before 2012;
Amendment 83 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges both partners to promote effective multilateralism, involving emerging players in a spirit of shared responsibility for the global order, respect for international law and common problems; insists that the EU and the US pursue their efforts to accomplish the UN Reform Agenda, including the reform of the UN Security Council andto increase the number of Security Council members, include regional organisations such as the EU and employ more effective and transparent working methods, and the reform of other multilateral fora within the global architecture;
Amendment 90 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on both partners to jointly lead the multilateral efforts, launched at the Washington Conference on 15 November 2008, to resolve the current financial and economic crisis and to reform the international financial system, the World Bank and the IMF, involving the emerging powers, while resisting protectionism and promoting a successful conclusion of the WTO Doha round;
Amendment 92 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Urges both partners to champion the efforts to achieve fairer rules for globalisation, including a firm commitment to the protection of workers' rights worldwide and to social inclusion, along with economic progress;
Amendment 94 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the strong commitment of the new US President to tackling climate change; calls on the USA to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and urges the EU and the US to take the lead and to reach an ambitious post- 2012 agreement at the Copenhagen Conference to be held in 2009, engaging all relevant gas-emitting countries and committing them to binding mid- and long- term targets;
Amendment 138 #
2008/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls on both partners to work towards resolving armed conflicts in Africa, to prevent further outbursts of violence, to put an end to mass killings in certain African countries, in particular Darfur and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to work towards achieving peace, democracy, freedom, human rights and sustainable development throughout the continent;
Amendment 100 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Underlines that membership prospects should not be denied in principle to any European state which has already declared its wish to join the EU or intends to do so;
Amendment 123 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that this ability not only has institutional and financial implications but also involves sufficient political, social and economic cohesion within the Union, which requires the EU to maintain its strong cohesion policies, allowing those Member States that joined the EU in the last enlargement as well as all future EU member States to achieve accelerated catch-up, in particular with regard to social standards and economic development;
Amendment 213 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Underlines that enlargement, on the one hand, and all other forms of cooperation with the EU neighbours, on the other, could be complementary but should be regarded separately as different processes and that participation in the Neighbourhood Policy as well as in other partnerships with the EU constitutes neither a substitute for membership nor a stage leading necessarily to membership;
Amendment 221 #
2007/2271(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes in this respect the launch, within the framework of the EU, of the Union for the Mediterranean as a positive step in our relations with the 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, these relations should translate themselves into the 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 or of specific regional cooperation frameworks, for example in the Black Sea area, where an upgrade of the Black Sea Synergy should lead to a complex set of policies, similar to the model of the Northern Dimension;
Amendment 83 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Encourages the authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to make greater efforts to promote good- neighbourly relations with EU Member States Bulgaria and Greece and to enhance the dialogue and cooperation between neighbouring peoples;
Amendment 163 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member StatCalls on the European Commission to develop in due time a roadmap leading to the commencement of acces since 2005,on negotiations with the fFormer Yugoslav Rrepublic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiatio; urges the Council to take a decision as soon as possible on a starting date for negotiations, which will further enhance the stability and strengthen the European prospect of the Western Balkans;
Amendment 1 #
2007/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights that the concentration of ownership of different types of media creates an environment favouring the monopolisation of the advertising market, introduces barriers to the entry of new market players and also leads to the uniformity of media content;
Amendment 4 #
2007/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Emphasises that a set of comprehensive and complex measures are required in order to improve the quality of the public media; underlines that the process necessitates more effective public funding, since public media broadcasters are also increasingly driven by profit making, with negative consequences for the quality of media content;
Amendment 5 #
2007/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Believes that the main objectives of public authorities should be to create conditions that ensure a high level of media quality (including those of the public media), secure media diversity and guarantee the full independence of journalists;
Amendment 7 #
2007/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Highlights the growing influence of third-country media investors in the European Union, especially in the new Member States;
Amendment 8 #
2007/2253(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that the European anti- trust law has helped to restrict media concentration; nevertheless stresses the importance of independent, Member State supervision of the media and urges, to that end, that media regulation at a national level be effective, clear, transparent and of a high standard;