Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opinion | AFET | ||
| Opinion | AGRI | LE FOLL Stéphane (PSE) | |
| Opinion | BUDG | BÖGE Reimer (PPE-DE) | |
| Opinion | CONT | ||
| Lead | DEVE | MITCHELL Gay (PPE-DE) | |
| Opinion | INTA |
Legal Basis EC Treaty (after Amsterdam) EC 179-p1
Activites
- 2008/12/31 Final act published in Official Journal
- #2916
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2008/12/16
Council Meeting
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2008/12/16
End of procedure in Parliament
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2008/12/16
Act adopted by Council after Parliament's 1st reading
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2008/12/04
Results of vote in Parliament
- Results of vote in Parliament
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T6-0576/2008
summary
The European Parliament adopted, by 561 votes to 24 with 34 abstentions, a legislative resolution amending the proposal for a proposal of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a facility for rapid response to soaring food prices in developing countries.. The report had been tabled for consideration in plenary by Gay MITCHELL (EPP-ED, IE) on behalf of the Committee on Development. Parliament supported the Commission's proposal but considered that the reference amount indicated in the proposal was not compatible with the ceiling of heading 4 of the multi-annual financial framework without adjusting that ceiling. Parliament felt that the financing of this facility instrument should not jeopardise the financing of other priorities and current commitments of the European UnionThe main amendments – adopted in the 1st reading of codecision procedure – are the result of a compromise between Parliament and Council. They are as follows:Financing the facility: the total financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2008-2010 is EUR 1 billion. This will be financed through a complex financial mechanism, agreed on 21 November between representatives of Parliament and the Council of Ministers, which also delivered an overall deal on the 2009 budget. The funds will come from three sources: the flexibility instrument, the emergency aid reserve and the redeployment of funds within the external relations head. Of the EUR 1 billion, EUR 760 million is "fresh money", including, in 2008, mobilisation of the Emergency Aid Reserve still available in this year's budget, amounting to EUR 22 million, and an additional sum of EUR 240 million – this raising of the funding ceiling of the Emergency Aid Reserve (EAR) in 2008 required unanimity in Council and an adjustment of the inter-institutional agreement. EUR 78 million will come from the 2009 EAR. The institutions also agreed on the use of the flexibility instrument for 2009 for EUR 420 million. (Please see BUD/2008/2026).Scope: whenever feasible the action programmes implemented by entities eligible for funding must be drawn up in consultation with civil society organisations and implementation of projects funded through this financing facility must involve such organisations. To optimise the utility and impact of the Regulation, resources shall be concentrated on a limited list of high-priority target countries, identified on the basis of the set of criteria laid down in the Annex, and in coordination with other donors and other development partners through relevant needs-assessments made available by specialised and international organisations such as those of the UN system, in consultation with partner countries. Parliament did not follow the recommendation of its competent committee which had provided for a maximum of 35 high-priority target countries. Comitology: Parliament introduced a comitology procedure for measures. These measures will be adopted in accordance with the management procedure. A joint statement by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission states that the institutions declare that the decision-making procedure for the adoption of the implementing measures must be as simple and as fast as possible, for the period up to 30 April 2009, and describes shortened periods for scrutiny. In addition, implementing measures will be adopted in accordance with the management procedure. An overall plan for the use of this financing facility, including the list of target countries and the balance between eligible entities will be presented by the Commission and adopted in accordance with the management procedure, again with shortened time-limits. Objectives: the primary objectives of the assistance and cooperation under this Regulation shall be to: (a) encourage a positive supply response from the agricultural sector in target countries and regions; (b) support activities to respond rapidly and directly to mitigate the negative effects of volatile food prices on local populations in line with global food security objectives, including UN standards for nutritional requirements; (c) strengthen the productive capacities and the governance of the agricultural sector to enhance the sustainability of interventions .Implementation: taking into account the specific country-level conditions, supporting measures that shall be eligible for implementation must include other small-scale measures aiming at increasing production based on country needs: microcredit, investment, equipment, infrastructure and storage; as well as vocational training and support to professional groups in the agriculture sector. The implementation of these supporting measures shall be in line with the Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted by the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, held in Paris, on 2 March 2005 (the "Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness") and the Agenda for Action adopted by the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness, held in Accra, on 4 September 2008 (the "Accra Agenda for Action"). It shall be focused on small and medium-sized farms for family and food-producing agriculture, particularly those run by women, and poor populations most affected by the food crisis, avoiding any kind of distortion of local markets and production; agricultural inputs and services shall as far as possible be locally purchased.Administrative support measures may be financed up to a maximum of 2 % of the total financial reference amount (EUR 1 billion.)Eligibility: the Commission had proposed that only International Organisations fulfilling the conditions laid down in Regulation No 2342/2002 would be eligible for funding, but Parliament expanded this considerably to include, inter alia, partner countries and regions, and Community institutions and EU agencies, and certain specified entities and bodies of the Member States, partner countries and regions and any other third country complying with the rules on access to the Community's external assistance set out in Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006, insofar as they help to achieve the objectives of the Regulation. An appropriate balance shall be applied in the allocation of resources between these bodies and other eligible entities, but no figure was mentioned by Parliament in the text. Types of financing: Parliament inserted a new clause 5 setting out the types of forms that Community financing might take. These include projects and programmes; budget support, especially sectoral budget support; contributions to international or regional organisations and international funds managed by such organisations; co-financing with entities eligible for funding and funds made available to the European Investment Bank (EIB) or other financial intermediaries. Protecting the Community's financial interests: agreements shall expressly entitle the Commission and the Court of Auditors to perform audits, including document audits or on-the-spot audits of any contractor or subcontractor who has received Community funds. They shall also expressly authorise the Commission to carry out on-the-spot checks and inspections as provided for in Regulation No 2185/96. All contracts resulting from the implementation of assistance shall ensure the rights of the Commission and the Court of Auditors during and after the performance of the contracts.Evaluation: the Commission shall monitor and review activities implemented under the Regulation, where appropriate by means of independent external evaluations, in order to ascertain whether the objectives have been met and enable it to formulate recommendations with a view to improving relevant future development cooperation operations. Proposals by the European Parliament or the Council for independent external evaluations shall be taken into due account.The Commission shall associate all relevant stakeholders, including non-State actors and local authorities, in the evaluation phase of the Community assistance provided under this Regulation.Reporting: the Commission shall provide a report on the implementation of the measures, including, as far as possible, on the main outcomes and impacts of the assistance provided under the Regulation, no later than 31 December 2012. Parliament added that in December 2009 the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an initial interim report on the measures undertaken. The reports shall pay particular attention to the requirements of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action.Annex: lastly, Members made some amendments to the indicative criteria to select target countries and allocate financial resources. These now include: poverty levels and real needs of populations; food price developments and potential social and economic impact; macroeconomic effects of food price developments; agricultural production capacity; resilience to external shocks. Indicative financial allocations to countries will be based on the target country selection criteria and take into account the population size of the target country. Account will also be taken of other sources of financing available to the target country, at short term, from the donor community, to respond to the food price developments.
- 2008/12/03 Debate in Parliament
- 2008/10/31 Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
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2008/10/07
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
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2008/09/23
Referral to associated committees announced in Parliament
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2008/09/02
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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2008/07/18
Legislative proposal published
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COM(2008)0450
summary
PURPOSE: to set up a facility for the provision of assistance developing countries affected by the food price crisis.PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council.BACKGROUND: rising food prices in 2007 and 2008 have had negative effects on many developing countries. Poverty for hundreds of millions of people has deepened and recent progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals is put at risk. Moreover, rising food prices have resulted in riots, unrest and instability in several countries, risking the gains of years of political, developmental and peacekeeping investments. However, rising prices could also provide a window of opportunity to stimulate a supply-response from farmers in developing countries. Higher prices offer new income-generating opportunities to bring rural communities out of poverty and could enhance the contribution of agriculture to economic growth by providing incentives for investments and productivity improvements.The Commission wishes to launch a short term response (a "Facility") to the global recent soaring of food prices by using part of the margin in the Heading 2 of the Financial Framework in favour of those most affected developing countries. On 22 May, the European Parliament adopted a resolutionon rising food prices in the EU and the developing countries, urging the Council to ensure coherence of all food-related national and international policies aiming at implementing the right to food of populations.EU Ministers also expressed their concern with the effects of the high food prices in developing countries. They committed themselves to finding a collective response to the food price challenge.CONTENT: The facility proposed by the Commission would primarily support agriculture in developing countries hence enabling them to enhance production levels. It will also help those countries to rapidly mitigate the negative effects of the high food prices on the poorest. It will hence help them to reduce extreme poverty and hunger.The response offered by the Facility: the total financial reference amount over the period 2008-2009 is set at EUR 1.0 billion. For 2008, the reference amount is EUR 750 million and for 2009, the maximum reference amount is EUR 250 million. The amount committed shall, for each year, leave a margin under heading 2 of the financial framework of at least EUR 600 million, based on the forecast of the most recent early warning system report as established in Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005. Should that not be the case for a particular year, the maximum amount which can be committed for that year will be reduced in order to restore such a margin under heading 2. The amount indicated is based on EC's share of 10% in responding at short-term to the food price crisis, given that, on average, the Community finances 10% of worldwide development cooperation. This implies that the Community would finance about EUR 1.8 billion in 2008 and 2009. As the currently available EC instruments could contribute EUR 800 million in 2008-09, the remaining EUR 1 billion will be covered by the Facility. The Facility will be complementary to existing crisis-response and development cooperation instruments, both in its time-span (in-between emergency and long-term development cooperation), and in its specificity (directly related to measures that address soaring food prices).Objectives of the Facility: theprimary objective is to encourage a positive supply response of farmers in developing countries in the short to medium term. The Facility will also support activities to respond to mitigate the negative effects of high food prices in line with food security objectives. The expected results of the assistance are: (i) an increase in agricultural production and food security in assisted countries, (ii) reduced malnutrition rates, especially among vulnerable groups, and (iii) reduced food price inflation.Targeting of the measures financed by the Facility: the Commission will adopt implementing measures, and finance global initiatives which are implemented through international organisations. The measures will include a list of target countries identified on the basis of the set of indicative criteria laid down in the Annex to the Regulation and which include: reliance on food imports, food price inflation, and social and fiscal vulnerability. Other financing available to the country from the donor community will be taken into account, as well as the country's potential to increase agricultural production. The Facility also allows for regional-level programmes, covering all developing countries of that region. Global initiatives may equally be financed when implemented through a regional or international organisation. Responding directly to the food crisis and taking into account the country-specific conditions,the following operational measures may be supported through the Facility: -measures to improve access to agricultural inputs and services, including fertilisers and seeds; -safety net measures aiming at maintaining or improving the agricultural productive capacity, and at addressing the basic food needs of the most vulnerable populations.A small part of the Facility, up to 1 %, will be used for support measures required for an effective implementation of the Regulation.Types of financing and implementation modalities: short-term responses to the soaring food prices require quick mobilisation of finance in order to be able to provide post-emergency assistance and support for a supply response in the next agricultural seasons. The proposal allows for quick decision-making and disbursement procedures, by using Contribution Agreements with International Organisations, including Regional Organisations. The programming and the implementation will be made following the principles of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, including by coordinating activities with Member States and with other donors, in order to ensure that no country is over supported or orphan. Lastly, the proposal contains an indicative time-line.
- DG Development, MICHEL Louis
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COM(2008)0450
summary
Documents
- Legislative proposal published: COM(2008)0450
- Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading: A6-0396/2008
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T6-0576/2008
- : Regulation 2008/1337
- : OJ L 354 31.12.2008, p. 0062
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 102 |
2008/0149(COD)
2008/09/16
BUDG
11 amendments...
Amendment 10 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Considers that the reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal is compatible with the ceiling of the relevant sub-heading of the current multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2007-2013 only by recourse to the means provided for in the Interinstitutional agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management;
Amendment 11 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Underlines that the provisions of Point 14 of the IIA of 17 May 2006 shall be applied should the legislative authority decide in favour of the adoption of the legislative proposal; stresses that Parliament will enter into negotiations with the other arm of the budgetary authority with a view to reaching a timely agreement on the financing of this facility; considers that this agreement should not exclude the possibility to create a temporary facility fund within the IIA which could not exceed a maximum annual amount settled by the two branches of the budgetary authority and which could be drawn from any margin existing under the global expenditure ceiling of the previous year, and/or from cancelled commitment appropriations from the previous two years;
Amendment 12 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Underlines that the provisions of Point 31 of the IIA of 17 May 2006 shall be applied for amending the budget and/or, if necessary, the revision of the financial framework in accordance with the relevant procedure for each of these cases as foreseen in Point 14 of the same agreement; stresses that, should the legislative authority decide in favour of setting up such a facility, Parliament will enter into negotiations with the other arm of the budgetary authority with a view to reaching a timely agreement on the financing of this facility in line with the relevant provisions of the IIA;
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 1. The Community shall finance measures aimed at supporting a special refund to allow European agriculture inputs to be transferred as a rapid and direct response to the increased food prices in developing countries, addressing the period between emergency aid and medium- to long-term development cooperation.
Amendment 14 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 2. Measures shall benefit
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1. Community assistance and cooperation shall be implemented through a set of decisions to finance a special refund to European farmers for supporting measures as described in Article 1, paragraphs (1) (2) and (3) of this Regulation, which shall be adopted by the Commission.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point ba (new) (ba) micro-credit facilities for small agricultural producers to boost production.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 1. The total financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2008-2009 shall be EUR 1.0 billion.
Amendment 18 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 4 4. The a
Amendment 8 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Considers that the reference amount indicated in the legislative proposal is not compatible with the ceiling of heading 4 of the current multi-annual financial framework (MFF) 2007-2013 without jeopardising the financing of other priorities; notes that the Commission has proposed to finance the facility by using uncommitted appropriations left available under heading 2 of the MFF; recalls, however, that such a proposition should have been accompanied by a formal proposal by the Commission for revision of the MFF as foreseen in the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA)of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management;
Amendment 9 #
Draft legislative resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Considers that the financial envelope indicated in the legislative proposal can only be compatible with the ceiling of heading 4 of the multi-annual financial framework (MFF) under the condition of adjusting the ceiling according to the provisions laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA)of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management; points out that the annual amount will be decided within the annual budgetary procedure;
source: PE-412.220
2008/09/17
DEVE
26 amendments...
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8) The same conditions which jeopardise the very right to food in developing countries and lead to the need for the present financing facility (the high food prices), also lead to lower agriculture market expenditure under Heading 2 of the Financial Framework. Current estimates also indicate a significant unallocated margin under the ceiling of Heading 2 in 2009.
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people but also of the European consumers and farmers. For this reason, the specific financing facility should primarily make use of local and regional resources with a view to stimulating and preserving domestic markets, particularly by using local or regionally produced seed and mineral and organic fertilisers and by involving national staff from both governments and NGOs in implementing the measures. This would guarantee the sustainability of the activation measures and help reduce or combat food shortages in the long term.
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 18 a (new) 18a. This Regulation should also be the start of a long-term strategy for the target countries which are selected according to criteria laid down in the Annex and a follow up of actions financed under this regulation should be carried out in the following years.
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Regardless of which bodies are chosen under the procedure referred to in paragraph 2 of Article 10a to establish the food crisis facility - whether international and regional organisations or other institutions - it shall be absolutely essential that the action programmes on agricultural growth be drawn up together with farmers’ organisations, producers' organisations and their NGO partners, and that these organisations are involved in monitoring and following up the implementation of these programmes.
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. The list of beneficiary countries shall not exceed a maximum of 35 countries, in order to concentrate efforts efficiently. The target countries shall be selected on the basis of the set of criteria laid down in the Annex.
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Wherever feasible, NGO involvement shall be guaranteed in the projects carried out by all international organisations.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Transparent monitoring and evaluations of the projects of the World Food Programme (WFP),the Food and Agriculture Organisation( FAO), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank and other international and regional organisations in the beneficiary countries are necessary to ensure an efficient and effective implementation of this Regulation.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 1. The primary objectives of the assistance and cooperation under this Regulation shall be to encourage a positive supply response of agricultural sector, including small- holder farmers, in target countries and regions in the context of their sustainable development and to support activities to respond rapidly and directly to mitigate the negative effects of high food prices in line with food security objectives and UN standards for nutritional requirements.
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 4 4. The Commission shall ensure that measures adopted under this Regulation are consistent with the Community's overall strategic policy framework for the eligible country or countries concerned, and shall guarantee priority access for small-holder farmers to the food facility.
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (a) (a) measures to improve access
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (a) (a) measures to improve access to agricultural inputs and services, including fertilizers and seeds; agricultural inputs and services must as far as possible be locally purchased, the negative impact of importing inputs and services on local producers and markets must be prevented and dumping excluded;
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (a) (a) measures to improve access to agricultural inputs and services, including fertilizers and seeds
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (aa) (new) (aa) measures to expand local production of agricultural inputs and services.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (b) (b) safety net measures aiming at maintaining or improving the agricultural productive capacity, and at addressing the basic food needs of the most vulnerable populations such as food vouchers for school children.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (c) (new) (c) measures to support partner governments in defining and implementing an effective national pro- poor policy on food security in close cooperation with small holder and medium holder farmers and consumers;
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (c) (new) (c) measures to promote regional trade in, and transport of, locally produced foods.
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph (d) (new) (d) measures to increase the producers' share of higher food prices and reduce the share taken by middlemen, including assistance in forming agricultural cooperatives.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new) All measures taken shall be in line with the findings of the 2008 International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD).
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 1. The entities eligible for funding shall be
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 – paragraph 2 (new) The following local, regional and international organisations shall be eligible for funding: organisations that appear on the DCI list, as well as local and regional grassroots organisations, such as farmers' associations und agricultural cooperatives/producer groups.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 3 3. Participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the geographical development instrument applicable to the country in which the action takes place, as well as to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the rules of the implementing international organisation, care being taken to ensure that equal treatment is afforded to all donors. The same rules shall apply in respect of supplies and materials. Experts may be of any nationality. In addition, expertise in Member States' agricultural projects should be used and incorporated into the execution of the projects falling within the scope of this Regulation.
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 9 The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council on the measures it has adopted pursuant to this Regulation no later than 31 December 2009. The Commission shall provide them with a report on the implementation of the measures, including,
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation Annex ANNEX ANNEX Indicative list of criteria to select target countries countries and criteria for financial allocations per country Indicative criteria to select target countries:
source: PE-412.209
2008/09/18
AGRI
60 amendments...
Amendment 13 #
Proposal for a regulation – The European Parliament rejects the Commission’s proposal.
Amendment 14 #
Proposal for a regulation Citation 1 a (new) - having regard to the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development (IAASTD),
Amendment 15 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 a (new) (5 a) During the meeting of 20 June 2008, the European Council strongly reaffirmed its commitment to achieve a collective ODA(Official Development Assistance)- target of 0,56% GNI by 2010 and 0,7% GNI by 2015, as set out in the May 2005 Council conclusions, the June 2005 European Council conclusions and the European Consensus on Development. The national efforts of Member States towards achieving this goal should be taken into account within the framework of the EU food facility instrument.
Amendment 16 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7) Financial and material needs to fully address the immediate consequences of the high food prices are very high. The response should come from the international community in its entirety and the Community is endeavoured to contribute its fair share.
Amendment 17 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 Amendment 18 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8)
Amendment 19 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8) The same conditions which lead to the need for the present financing facility (the high food prices), also lead to lower agriculture market expenditure under Heading 2 of the Financial Framework. Current estimates also indicate a significant unallocated margin under the ceiling of Heading 2 in 2009. Nevertheless the actions foreseen in this regulation should be financed under Heading 4 of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This means that the Interinstitutional Agreement should be adapted.
Amendment 20 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 8 (8) The same conditions which lead to the need for the present financing facility (the high food prices), also lead to lower agriculture market expenditure under Heading 2 of the Financial Framework.
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 9 (9) The
Amendment 22 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 11 (11) Those instruments, however, have already been mobilised or re-programmed in 2008 to the fullest possible extent to address the negative effects of the high food prices situation in developing countries. To a very limited extent the same could be done in 2009; however, that would be far from being sufficient to
Amendment 23 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 Amendment 24 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 (12) In the current situation where high food prices lead to lower CAP expenditure, the Commission proposes to redirect parts of those savings to agricultural production in developing countries, bearing in mind that there is a binding obligation, in the case of new, unforeseen financial need, first to examine the possibilities for transferring unused resources and to apply the usual budgetary procedures in a consistent manner.
Amendment 25 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 (12) In the current situation
Amendment 26 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 12 (12) In the current situation where high food prices lead to lower CAP expenditure, the Commission proposes to redirect parts of those savings, which must be used as a stabilising factor, to agricultural production in developing countries.
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 (13) It is however necessary to protect the interest of the European farmers, who are also suffering considerably from increased production costs in both agricultural production sectors and the fisheries sector, and to guarantee that this proposal will not under any circumstances trigger the mechanism of the financial discipline as provided in Council Regulations (EC) No 1782/2003 and (EC) No 1290/2005. In addition, it should be emphasised that, in the course of the reforms in the context of the Health Check, appropriations are needed for accompanying measures for restructuring and support measures, particularly in the dairy sector and the sheep and goat sector, and for the needs of particularly sensitive regions.
Amendment 28 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 13 a (new) (13a) The new development assistance should be managed in such a way as to guarantee the supply of foodstuffs to local populations and to avoid encouraging the appearance of agriculture geared solely to the export of raw materials to the developed countries, which would run counter to the objectives pursued by this measure by omitting to attend to local needs and engendering the risk of unfair competition with European products.
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 (14) As a consequence, it is
Amendment 30 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 (14) As a consequence, it is necessary to adopt a specific financing facility, complementary to existing development instruments and the Humanitarian Aid Instrument, to adopt urgent and supplementary measures that address rapidly the consequences in developing countries of the present soaring food prices situation, taking into consideration the recent recommendations of the UN- initiated IAASTD study, especially regarding the participation of local NGOs and farmer organisations in planning of measures and training of farmers as well as the value of biodiversity and locally adapted seeds to fight hunger.
Amendment 31 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 (14) As a consequence, it is necessary to adopt a specific financing facility, under heading 4 of the Community budget, complementary to existing development instruments and the Humanitarian Aid Instrument, and to adopt urgent and supplementary measures that address rapidly the consequences in developing countries of the present soaring food prices situation.
Amendment 32 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 a (new) (14a) The results of the joint use of the financing facility and existing programmes in accordance with these objectives should be regularly evaluated in order to monitor the structuring of developing countries’ agricultural production apparatuses over the long term.
Amendment 33 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people but also
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people, but also of the European consumers
Amendment 36 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 (16) The very nature of measures provided for under this Regulation calls for the establishment of efficient, flexible, transparent and rapid decision-making procedures for their financing, with a strong cooperation between all Institutions concerned. This Regulation should in particular allow for the financing of measures already initiated
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 16 a (new) (16a) The implementation of this regulation should be strongly monitored and should be subject of the annual discharge procedure. The financing of this regulation via international organisations may not hinder budgetary control, effectiveness and visibility of EU spending.
Amendment 38 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 1. The Community shall finance measures aimed at supporting a special refund to allow European agriculture inputs to be transferred as a rapid and direct response to the increased food prices in developing countries, addressing the period between emergency aid and medium- to long-term development cooperation.
Amendment 39 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 1. The Community shall finance
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 1. The Community shall finance measures aimed at supporting a special refund to allow European agriculture inputs to be transferred as a rapid and direct response to the increased food prices in developing countries, addressing the period between emergency aid and medium- to long-term development cooperation.
Amendment 41 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2. Measures shall benefit developing countries, as defined by OECD/DAC,
Amendment 42 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 2. Measures shall benefit to European farmers and developing countries, as defined by OECD/DAC, and their populations, in accordance with the following provisions.
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall adopt the measures referred to in paragraph 1. They shall finance international initiatives supporting the purpose and objectives of this Regulation and which are implemented through regional and global International Organisations.
Amendment 44 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall adopt the measures referred to in paragraph 1. They shall finance international initiatives supporting the purpose and objectives of this Regulation and which are implemented through regional and global International Organisations in conjunction with local farmers' organizations. It shall inform the European Parliament and the Council thereof.
Amendment 45 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. A country is not eligible for assistance - even if otherwise meets the criteria defined by the Annex - if: - its natural forest area is decreasing, - net exporter of agricultural products, - where desertification, overpasture or irrational use of water is taking place.
Amendment 46 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 4 Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 5. International Organisations, including Regional Organisations (hereafter "International Organisations") will be selected on the basis of their capacity to deliver a speedy and high quality response to the specific needs of the targeted Developing Countries in relation to the objectives of this Regulation. In addition, such distributive organisations will be selected based on their ability to effectively and efficiently distribute funds with the minimum of administrative bureaucracy.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 49 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 1. The primary objectives of the assistance and cooperation under this Regulation shall be to encourage a sustainable development of farm production and local markets in order to allow a positive supply response of agricultural sector in target countries and regions in the context of their sustainable development and to support
Amendment 50 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 1 1. The primary objectives of the assistance and cooperation under this Regulation shall be to encourage a positive supply response of agricultural sector in target countries and regions in the context of their sustainable development and to support activities to respond rapidly and directly to the food needs of local populations to mitigate the negative effects of high food prices in line with food security objectives.
Amendment 51 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new) 1. Community assistance and cooperation shall be implemented through a set of decisions to finance a special refund to European farmers for supporting measures as described in Article 1, paragraphs (1) (2) and (3) of this Regulation, which shall be adopted by the Commission.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a) (a) measures to improve the productive capacity, including access to credit for farmers and access to agricultural inputs and services, including fertilizers and seeds in appropriate cases based on the needs of the respective farmers and using market based solutions;
Amendment 53 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a) (a) measures to improve access, particularly for small scale farmers, to agricultural inputs and services, including fertilizers and
Amendment 54 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a) (a) measures to improve access to agricultural inputs and services, including
Amendment 55 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point (a) (a) measures to improve access to agricultural
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a) a (new) (aa) establishment of infrastructures that allow to develop local food production and marketing, so as low interest loans, storage facilities, local seed banks as well as vocational training and consultation in agricultural practices;
Amendment 57 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b) (b) safety net measures aiming at maintaining or improving the agricultural productive capacity, and at addressing the basic food needs of the most vulnerable populations, any cases of dumping and distortion of local production and markets must be prevented.
Amendment 58 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point b) a (new) (ba) measures to support partner governments in defining and implementing effective national policies for food security in close cooperation with local farmer organisations and consumers.
Amendment 59 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point (b a) (new) (ba) technical consultancy and training measures on fulfilling the environmental standards required by European Union legislation.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Assistance shall not be given to the production of raw materials of: -exotic or luxury goods (cacao, tea, tobacco, coffee) or - biofuels.
Amendment 61 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 Amendment 62 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Both the Commission and the European Parliament will rigorously scrutinise the disbursement of funds to the International Organisations, and the financial outlays of these Organisations in target countries, to ensure efficient and effective use of the European Union's money to meet the goals stated above.
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 4 The entities eligible for funding shall be
Amendment 64 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Community assistance shall be conditional on compliance with certain minimum environmental requirements and the basic Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Amendment 65 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 3 3. Participation in the appropriate contractual procedures shall be open to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the geographical development instrument applicable to the country in which the action takes place, as well as to all natural and legal persons who are eligible pursuant to the rules of the implementing international organisation, care being taken to ensure that equal treatment is afforded to all donors.
Amendment 66 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. The measures financed under this Regulation shall be in line with the Paris declaration on aid effectiveness. The reports as described in Article 9 shall address particular attention to this requirement.
Amendment 67 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 1 1. Budget commitments shall be made on the basis of decisions taken by the Commission and the European Parliament on an equal basis.
Amendment 68 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 6 – paragraph 2 2. Measures adopted under this Regulation may finance as from
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 Amendment 70 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 1 1. The total financial reference amount for the implementation of this Regulation over the period 2008-2009 shall be EUR 1.0 billion. This reference amount shall be financed under Heading 4 of the Financial Framework.
Amendment 71 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 4 4. The amount committed shall
Amendment 72 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 10 – paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Within the framework of the forthcoming review of the Community budget, the European Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council assessing the need to strengthen development assistance through an increase in resources under heading 4, in order to cope with the rise in agricultural prices in poor countries and the food shortages suffered by local populations. That increase must not be to the detriment of the budgetary needs of European farmers.
source: PE-412.245
2008/10/02
AGRI
5 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 14 (14) As a consequence, it is necessary to adopt a specific financing facility, complementary to existing development instruments and the Humanitarian Aid Instrument
Amendment 2 #
Proposal for a regulation Recital 15 (15) The measures adopted with this facility should help developing countries to boost agricultural productivity in the next seasons, to respond rapidly to immediate needs of the countries and their population and to take initial steps needed to prevent as far as possible further food insecurity situations, and also contribute to mitigating the effects of the high food prices globally, to the benefit of the poorest people but also of the European consumers and farmers. It will only be possible to mitigate the effects of high global food prices if all the countries in the world - and the rich countries having a major responsibility - consider together the planet’s food balance and act to stabilise global prices so that all the world’s regions are able to develop their agriculture and meet the needs of their populations. This objective requires intelligent regulation of the agricultural economy and the compiling of security food stocks to deal with emergencies (natural disasters, etc.). Furthermore, the Union should promote regional integration among developing countries, which, over and above any geopolitical interest, has the advantage of taking a first step towards the emergence of agricultural policies along the lines of what the Community undertook over fifty years ago. Community assistance should, finally, be made dependent on fulfilment of minimum environmental conditions and compliance with the basic Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Amendment 3 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 The Commission shall adopt the measures referred to in paragraph 1. They shall finance international initiatives supporting the purpose and objectives of this Regulation and which are implemented through regional and global public or private International Organisations in conjunction with local producer organisations. It shall inform the European Parliament and the Council thereof. The European Parliament shall thus be regularly informed on the implementation of the facility through meetings arranged at the Commission's initiative, and then through an initial written interim report in June 2009. The European Parliament shall have a right of veto over expenditure.
Amendment 4 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 5 5. International Organisations, including Regional Organisations, whether public or private, such as NGOs or local banks (hereafter ‘International Organisations’), will be
Amendment 5 #
Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point a (a) measures to improve
source: PE-414.013
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