Activities of Santiago FISAS AYXELÀ related to 2011/0303(NLE)
Shadow opinions (2)
OPINION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement establishing an Association between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and Central America on the other
OPINION on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement establishing an Association between the European Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and Central America on the other
Amendments (8)
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 2 #
The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament decline to give its consent.
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
(1a) Welcomes the fact that this Association Agreement aims to encourage a higher level of integration between the two regions, as well as Central American regional integration; highlights the opportunities that this Agreement offers in terms of improving social cohesion and sustainable development, which are key elements in consolidating economic growth, social stability and democratic engagement;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that benefits that CA may receive in terms of trade preferences are doubtful, taking into consideration the provisions available with the GSP+, with export gains mainly concentrated on only a few agricultural products; considers that the AA/FTA will increase dependency on primary product exports and raw materials, rather than promoting diversification of the economyconsiderable, bearing in mind that replacing the GSP+ with an Association Agreement will bring with it a system of bilateral commitments that are not subject to a time limit and that are such that they will promote investment, the gradual liberalisation of trade in goods and services and public procurement between the parties;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with concernWelcomes the fact that this AAagreement contains snumerious shortcomings with regard to human rights, labour and environmental standards; and, in particular, that the scope and enforcing mechanisms are much weaker than those prevailing in the GSP+references to human rights, the importance of consolidating them and respect for democratic principles, and highlights the importance of ensuring that these articles of the agreement are strictly complied with by both parties; points out that Article 1 of the Association Agreement lays down that human rights and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms are 'an essential element' of the Agreement;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Regrets the absence of dispute settlement mechanisms for sustainable development; deplores that there is no specific mechanism to monitor the implementation of the human rights clause and also the fact that civil society consultation is explicitly limited to issues related to the Sustainable Development chapWelcomes the fact that the consolidation of the rule of law in each country in the region, the protection and promotion of human rights and protection of the environment remain priorities in relations between the EU and Central America, in the political dialogue and in cooperation, with a view to collaborating with both state and regional institutions and civil society actors, and in this context highlights the EU-Central American Civil Society Joint Consultative Committere and not to trade provisions. the creation of a Parliamentary Association Committee.
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
(6a) Welcomes the fact that the agreement takes account of asymmetry between the two blocs; stresses that Central America is perhaps the region in which the EU has had and continues to have the highest per capita commitment to solidarity and development cooperation in the world;