Activities of Göran FÄRM related to 2012/2025(INI)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on Enlargement: policies, criteria and the EU’s strategic interests
Amendments (10)
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that a streamlined, forward- looking enlargement policy could be a valuable strategic tool for the EU's and the region's economic development, and should aim to create budgetary synergies with national, EU and EuropeanInternational Financial Institutions' measures and existing instruments by avoiding any potential overlap, especially in a constrained budgetary environment; stresses that special attention should be given to enhanced coordination of all types of assistance so that there are no duplications nor gaps between the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and other external assistance measures caused by differences in their respective aid programmes; therefore, calls for continuous inter-donor dialogue and the setting up of aid coordination structures;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the suggested increase of 7.3 % in the Instrument for Pre-Accession for the next multiannual financial framework (from EUR 11.668 billion in 2007–2013 to EUR 12.520 billion in 2014–2020, in constant 2011 prices1 ) and welcomes the proposed changes, in particular as regards enhanced differentiation of assistance according to the specific needs of each beneficiary country, incentives for good performance, the sector-based approach, conditionalities, transparency and accountability, and the improved use of instruments and collaboration with partners to create greater financial and policy leverage; calls for simplification of funding rules that should lead to reduction of the administrative burden and enhance the participation of civil society and non-governmental organisations in funding programmes; favours the continuation of the support to institutional reforms and public sector capacity building with the view of establishing reliable institutional structures for the management of funds in beneficiary countries; emphasizes the need for continuous efforts in the fight against corruption;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Underlines that the goals of Europe 2020 are built around universal principles which have been a strong driver for economic well-being; therefore, recommends that progress on flagship initiatives is included in the pre-accession dialogue and incentivised with additional funding; in particular with regard to the initiative "European Platform against poverty" bearing in mind the crucial socio- economic problems these countries have to face with scarce public resources;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the systemic importance of national fiscal stability and the increased EU focus on economic governance; thus, recommends that the pre-accession dialogue addresses the role of sound public finances; also recommends that the goals of the enlargement policy are carefully aligned to reflect the growth-oriented EU agenda to modernise the economy, boost competitiveness, improve conditions for SMEs and tackle youth unemployment; stresses the importance of including civil society and social partners in the accession process; recalls the need to foster participation of civil society organisations in the funding programmes;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for closer examination of the use of innovative financial instruments, such as the Western Balkans Investment Framework, complimentary to IPA with a goal to channel supports to priority areas; emphasises the potential of using a combination of IPA funds, national funds, loans and other external instruments for big infrastructure projects under the condition that good financial management and the coordination of key actors is ensured;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Stresses the need for candidate and potential candidate countries to make improvements in the fields of democracy, human rights, and reconciliation processes, which should be permanent priorities of the enlargement process and mirrored in financial instruments; reminds in this regard of the importance of financial assistance taking into account the need for restoration of cultural heritage in conflict areas, bearing in mind the role this has in building confidence and inclusiveness between different ethnic and religious communities;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Welcomes the new approach by the Commission in the European Neighbourhood Instrument, including the "more for more" and "mutual accountability" principles; reiterates in this regard also the position that the distribution of funds between the Eastern and Southern dimensions should be flexible and adequate for both regions while keeping the regional balance, with a performance-driven approach centred on commitments and progress as regards reforms in partner countries;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8 b. Calls on the Commission to simplify the administration procedure and reduce the administrative burden for the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) funding, with the aim of making it more accessible to and enhance the participation of smaller and non- centralised civil organisations, trade unions and other beneficiaries;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Encourages greater participation by civil society and non-state actors in the accession process; underlines the importance of active and independent civil society organisations for democracy; emphasizes the importance of dialogue with and proper ENI funding for the civil society organisations; stresses the crucial role of civil society actors in contributing to enhanced regional cooperation on social and political aspects and democratic development; stresses that civil society can work as an engine of approximation with the EU and create bottom-up pressure for the implementation of the European agenda; calls for additional financial support, inter alia via the Civil Society Facility;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 a. Is of the opinion that gender equality and anti-discrimination should be given further priority within the enlargement policy; encourages women's participation in the accession process and underlines the importance of mainstreaming gender equality policies;