Procedure completed
2009/2214(INI) Sustainable EU policy for the High North
Lead committee dossier: AFET/7/01698
Legal Basis RoP 052
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET | GAHLER Michael (PPE) | JAAKONSAARI Liisa (S&D), JÄÄTTEENMÄKI Anneli (ALDE), TARAND Indrek (Verts/ALE), SZYMAŃSKI Konrad (ECR), LÖSING Sabine (GUE/NGL) |
| Opinion | ITRE |
Legal Basis RoP 052
Activites
-
2011/01/20
Results of vote in Parliament
- Results of vote in Parliament
- Debate in Parliament
-
T7-0024/2011
summary
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on a sustainable EU policy for the High North, in response to the Commission Communication on the EU and the Arctic Region. It stresses the need for a united, coordinated EU policy on the Arctic region, in which both the EU’s priorities and the potential challenges and a strategy are clearly defined. Members recall that three EU Member States – Denmark, Finland and Sweden – are Arctic States. Whilst acknowledging that the EU has no Arctic Ocean coastline so far; they reaffirm the legitimate interest of the EU and other third countries as stakeholders by virtue of their rights and obligations under international law, the EU’s commitment to environmental, climate and other policies and its funding, research activities and economic interests, including shipping and exploitation of natural resources. The EU has large Arctic land areas in Finland and Sweden that are inhabited by the only indigenous population group in Europe, the Sami. A future accession of Iceland to the EU would transform the Union into an Arctic coastal entity. Iceland’s candidate status underlines the need for a coordinated Arctic policy at EU level and represents a strategic opportunity for the EU to assume a more active role and contribute to multilateral governance in the Arctic region. Parliament adds that the growing interest in the Arctic region of other non-Arctic actors such as China, illustrated by China's commissioning of a first icebreaker, their allocation of funding to polar research and not least the applications by South Korea, China, Italy, the EU, Japan and Singapore for status as permanent observers at the AC, indicates a different geopolitical appreciation of the Arctic on a larger scale. Permanent inter-service structure and Arctic Unit: Parliament requests that the Commission develop the existing Inter-Service Group into a permanent inter-service structure to ensure a coherent, coordinated and integrated policy approach across key policy areas relevant to the Arctic, such as the environment, energy, transport and fisheries. It recommends assigning the co-lead of this structure to the EEAS and DG MARE, the latter acting as a cross-sectoral coordinator within the Commission. It further recommends creating an Arctic unit in the European External Action Service (EEAS). Members call on the Commission, in negotiating bilateral agreements, to take account of the fact that the sensitive Arctic ecosystem must be protected, the interests of the Arctic population, including its indigenous population groups, must be safeguarded and the natural resources of the Arctic must be used sustainably. The Commission must be guided by these principles in relation to all activities. EU Arctic Information Centre: the resolution calls on the Commission to report on the establishment of EU activities in the Arctic such as a circumpolar joint multilateral research funding programme providing for less bureaucratic cooperation and joint projects of the research community. The Commission is asked to explore as a key priority the establishment of an EU Arctic Information Centre as a joint, networked undertaking, taking into account suitable proposals. Such a centre needs to be capable both of organising permanent EU outreach to the major actors relevant to the Arctic and of channelling Arctic information and services towards the EU's Institutions and stakeholders. Research: Members underline the fact that the EU and its Member States are main contributors to Arctic-relevant research, regional cooperation and the development of technology relevant to the region and beyond. They ask the Commission to examine the possibilities of developing circumpolar co-funding and co-programming initiatives to enable more effective cooperation between experts from the countries involved. The EU should promote cooperation activities with the USA, Canada, Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Russia in the field of multidisciplinary Arctic research, thereby establishing coordinated funding mechanisms. Environment and natural resources: Parliament is conscious of the need to protect the fragile environment of the Arctic, and underlines the importance of overall stability and peace in the region. The EU should pursue policies that ensure that measures to address environmental concerns take into account the interests of the inhabitants of the Arctic region, including its indigenous peoples, in protecting and developing the region, and engaging in policies that respect sustainable management and use of the land-based and marine, non-renewable and renewable natural resources of the Arctic region. The latter provide important resources for Europe and are a major source of income to the inhabitants of the region. Members note that it is estimated that about a fifth of the world’s undiscovered hydrocarbon resources are located in the Arctic region, although more extensive research is needed to establish more accurately how much gas and oil there is in the region and how economically viable it would be to exploit these reserves. They call on the States in the region to resolve any conflicts over access to natural resources in the Arctic in the way of constructive dialogue, possibly within the AC, which constitutes a good forum for such discussion. The resolution underlines the role of the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in finding solutions for conflicts between Arctic States over delimitation of their exclusive economic zones. Governance: Members are of the opinion that a strengthened Arctic Council should play a leading role in cooperation on the Arctic. They would therefore welcome politically and administratively improved capacities of the AC, e.g. the permanent secretariat currently under discussion, more equal sharing of costs, more frequent ministerial meetings and an Annual Arctic Summit on the Highest Level. Parliament confirms its support for permanent observer status for the EU in the AC. It regards the Northern Dimension as a focal point for regional cooperation in Northern Europe, stressing the need for close alignment between the Northern Dimension policy and the EU's evolving Arctic policy. Lastly, Members regard the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) as an important hub for cooperation between Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the European Commission. Indigenous people: Members note the special position and recognise the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and call for greater involvement of indigenous people in policy-making. They call for all governments in the Arctic region, especially that of Russia, to adopt and endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007. New world transport routes: lastly, Parliament underlines the major importance of the safety and security of new world trade routes through the sea in the Arctic, in particular for the EU and its Member States’ economies, these countries controlling 40% of world commercial shipping. It calls on the States in the region to ensure that any current transport routes – and those that may emerge in the future – are open to international shipping and to refrain from introducing any unilateral arbitrary burdens, be they financial or administrative, that could hinder shipping in the Arctic, other than internationally agreed measures aimed at increasing security or protection of the environment
- 2010/12/16 Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
-
2010/12/09
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
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2009/12/17
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
Documents
- Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A7-0377/2010
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T7-0024/2011
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 174 |
2009/2214(INI)
2010/11/16
AFET
174 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 – having regard to the Treaty on European Union, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and in particular to Part Four thereof and to the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 d (new) – having regard to the Council resolutions 6/12 of 28 September 2007, 6/36 of 14 December 2007, 9/7 of 24 September 2008 and 12/13 of 1 October 2009, 15/7 of 5 October 2010,
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Recognises that the effects of the melting ice are also creating opportunities for economic development in the Arctic region; acknowledges the wish of the
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Recognises that the effects of the melting ice are also creating opportunities for economic development in the Arctic region; acknowledges the wish of the inhabitants of the Arctic to continue to pursue sustainable economic development while at the same time protecting the very sensitive nature of the Arctic ecosystems, taking into account their experience in using and developing the resources of the region in a sustainable way; recommends, however, assigning greater importance to protecting the Arctic ecosystem than to economic development in the region;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Underlines the importance that the EU together with the regions in the area discuss the importance of the structural funds for development and cooperation in order to face the future global challenges for progress and to be able to seize the development potential of the area;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Is of the opinion that in order to identify the specific potential of each locality and to develop adequate settlement strategies with respect to regional differences, an inclusive process with the assistance of the national and EU levels is needed; believes that partnerships and dialogue between concerned levels of authority ensures that the policies can be implemented at the most effective level;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 c (new) 12c. Acknowledges that EU policies that strengthen higher education and research facilities in the area are important for strengthening the innovative environments and technology transfer mechanisms; underlines the importance of supporting the development of cooperation networks between higher education institutes within and beyond the region and provide possibilities for research funding, particularly in fields where the region has a proven track record;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic States; reminds all the EU institutions to take socio-economic and cultural factors into account in their policy making processes, seeking an open dialogue with the communities concerned; calls on the EU to take into account the special needs of sparsely populated peripheral areas in terms of regional development, livelihoods and education in order to ensure that the new economical and industrial development happens in a sustainable way;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic States; underlines that policies regarding a positive development of living environments in the area also promote activities that in particular consider the possibilities of the regions indigenous people to develop their culture, language and customs that may differ from the rest of the areas society;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic States; stresses the importance of cooperation between governments, local people and indigenous people;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic States; calls for greater involvement in policy-making for the indigenous peoples; stresses the need to adopt special measures to safeguard the culture and language and the land rights of indigenous peoples in the way defined in ILO Convention number 169;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) – having regard to the Nordregio Report 2009:2 Strong, Specific and Promising – Towards a Vision for the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas in 2020,
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes the special position and recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and points in particular to the legal and political situation of the indigenous peoples in the Arctic States and in the Arctic Council;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Notes that the economies of indigenous people rely to a high extent on sustainable use of natural resources and therefore the reduction of climate change and its effects and the right of the indigenous people to clean nature are also questions of human rights;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Urges the EU to promote actively the culture and language rights of Fenno- Ugric people living in Northern Russia;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14.
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Takes note of the recent legal developments regarding the EU
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Is aware of the increasing interest in the exploitation of resources; in that regard points out the need for broad all encompassing ecosystem-based approach as most likely to be capable to deal with the multiple challenges facing the Arctic related to climate change, shipping, environmental hazards and contaminants, fisheries and other human activities, along the lines of the EU's Integrated Maritime Policy or Norway's Integrated Management Plan for the Barents Sea and sea areas of Lofoten islands; recommends the Member States to endorse the revised Arctic Council Offshore Oil and Gas Guidelines of 2009;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recognises the institutions and the broad framework of international law and agreements that govern areas of importance to the Arctic such as UNCLOS, the IMO, the OSPAR Convention, the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), CITES and the Stockholm Convention as well as the existing numerous bilateral agreements and frameworks, in addition to
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recognises the institutions and the broad framework of international law and agreements that govern areas of importance to the Arctic such as UNCLOS, the IMO, the OSPAR Convention7 , the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), CITES8 and the Stockholm Convention as well as the existing numerous bilateral agreements and frameworks, in addition to the national regulations in place in the Arctic states; thus concludes that the Arctic region is not to be regarded as a legal vacuum, but as an area with
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recognises the institutions and the broad framework of international law and agreements that govern areas of importance to the Arctic such as UNCLOS (including the basic principles of freedom of navigation and innocent passage), the IMO, the OSPAR Convention7 , the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), CITES8 and the Stockholm Convention as well as the existing numerous bilateral agreements and frameworks, in addition to the national regulations in place in the Arctic states; thus concludes that the Arctic region is not to be regarded as a legal vacuum, but as an area with well developed tools for governance; nevertheless points out that, due to the challenges of climate change and increasing economic development, those existing rules need to be further developed, strengthened and implemented by all parties concerned;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15a (new) 15a. Emphasises that although States play a key role in governance in the Arctic, other players – such as international organisations, indigenous and local people and sub-state authorities – also have important roles; points out that it is important to increase trust among those with legitimate interests in the region by taking a participative approach and using dialogue as a way of developing a shared vision for the Arctic;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 25 a (new) – having regard to the US Navy Arctic Roadmap of 10 November 2009,
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Believes, that the impression
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16.
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Believes that the impression given by some observers of a so-called scramble for the Arctic, often symbolised by the planting of a Russian flag on the sea floor at the North Pole, does not contribute to fostering a constructive understanding and cooperation in the region; stresses that the Arctic States have on several occasions declared their commitment to resolve possible conflicts of interests according to
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Believes that the impression given by some observers of a so-called scramble for the Arctic
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Notes that the activities of all parties concerned in the Arctic region should be based on international agreement;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Recognises the important role of the AC as the foremost regional body for cooperation for the whole Arctic region; acknowledges the concrete work done in the Working Groups of the AC with the involvement of the observers and asks the Commission and EU agencies to continue to actively engage in all relevant Working Groups whenever possible; encourages to strengthen the legal and economic base of the AC;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Recognises the important role of the AC as the foremost regional
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Recognises the important role of the AC as the foremost regional body for cooperation for the whole Arctic region; acknowledges the concrete work done in the Working Groups of the AC with the involvement of the observers and asks the Commission and EU agencies to continue to actively engage in all relevant Working Groups whenever possible and particularly to support protection of the Arctic ecosystem and an immediate moratorium on industrial exploitation of the Arctic Ocean region, which has hitherto been covered in ice the whole year round, until a legally binding, superordinate framework has been devised and adopted to provide full protection for the ecosystem and people in the Arctic;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Recognises that the challenges facing the Arctic are global and cannot be exclusively dealt with by a limited number of actors;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 b (new) 17b. Welcomes the results of major reports which the AC working groups have produced in recent years on Arctic Oil and Gas, the Impacts of warming and on emergency response needs;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 28 a (new) – having regard to the upcoming NATO's new Strategic Concept, which will be approved by Heads of State and Government at the Lisbon Summit in November 2010, and its implications vis- à-vis the security prospects in the Arctic region, particularly the military aspects of the High North,
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17 a. Welcomes the degree of political organisation of indigenous interests in the Sami Parliaments and then Sami Council in Northern Europe and the cooperation among several indigenous organisations on a circumpolar basis and acknowledges the unique role of the AC with regard to the involvement of Indigenous people; recognises the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic as set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and encourages the Commission to make a use of the EIDHR for the benefit of Arctic indigenous people empowerment;
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Welcomes the continuous AC assessment of the scope and structure of its work and is confident that it will continue to broaden the basis for decision-shaping processes to include non-AC actors;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Expresses its hope that the AC will further develop its important work and broaden the basis for decision-shaping processes to include non-Arctic actors who are upgrading their presence in the Arctic region, and thus involve their knowledge and capacities and take into account their legitimate interests under international law, while at the same time the significantly greater importance of the interests of the Arctic States should be stressed; welcomes the internal procedure within the AC regarding a review of the status of observers and of the possible future scope of the tasks of the AC;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Expresses its hope that the AC will further develop its important work and
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Expresses its hope that the AC will further develop its important work and broaden the basis for decision-shaping processes to include non-Arctic actors
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 19 19. Expresses its hope that the AC will further develop its important work and broaden the basis for decision-shaping processes to include
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Is of the opinion that a strengthened AC should
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20.
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Is of the opinion that a strengthened AC should both play a leading role in cooperation on the Arctic and be sure to in
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 20. Is of the opinion that a strengthened AC should both play a leading role in cooperation on the Arctic and
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas the Commission communication constitutes a formal first step in answering the European Parliament's call for the formulation of an EU Arctic policy; whereas the Council Conclusions on Arctic Issues should be recognised as a further step in the definition of an EU policy on the Arctic,
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 20 a (new) 20a. Is of the opinion that the Northern Dimension should be further developed in conjunction with and as a tool for the EU Arctic policy and in particular, emphasises in this regard the new Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics and its benefits for cooperation in the Arctic;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Confirms its support for EU membership at the very least at the level of permanent observer status for the EU in the AC; asks the Commission to keep Parliament duly informed about meetings and work in the AC and its Working Groups;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Confirms its support for permanent observer status for the EU in the AC; asks the Commission to keep Parliament duly informed about meetings and work in the AC and its Working Groups; stresses meanwhile that the EU and its Member States are already present as members or observers in international organisations with relevance to the Arctic such as the IMO, OSPAR, NEAFC and the Stockholm Convention and should more coherently
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21.
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 21. Confirms its support for permanent observer status for the EU in the AC; recognises that EU Member States are involved in AC work through various international organisations (such as the IMO, OSPAR, NEAFC and the Stockholm Convention) and highlights the need for coherence in all EU policies towards the Arctic; asks the Commission to keep Parliament duly
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Regards the Northern Dimension as a focal point for regional cooperation in the Northern Europe; notes that the four Partners, namely the EU, Iceland, Norway and the Russian Federation, as well as the Arctic Council, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the World Bank (IBRD) are participants of the Northern Dimension and that both Canada and the United States hold observer status in the Northern Dimension; stresses the need for close alignment between the Northern Dimension's Arctic Window and the EU's evolving Arctic policy highlighting the Arctic Window’s potential as a practical tool in cooperation within the EU and as an external dimension of the EU’s Arctic approach;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 b (new) 21b. Regards the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BAEC) as an important hub for cooperation between Denmark, Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the European Commission; notes the work of the BAEC in the fields of health and social issues, education and research, energy, culture as well as tourism; notes the advisory role of the Working Group of Indigenous Peoples (WGIP) within the BAEC;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 21 a (new) 21a. Stresses that joint development of all the priority fields which have a bearing on the EU’s common policy on the Arctic should be combined and coordinated with that policy, including infrastructure, shipping, energy, innovation, environmental protection and sustainable economic growth;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Requests the Commission to set up a permanent inter-service structure to ensure a coherent, coordinated and integrated policy approach across
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22.
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas Denmark, Finland and Sweden are Arctic countries and both Finland and Sweden are located in the Arctic Circle; whereas the EU's only indigenous people, the Sami people, live in the Arctic Circle of Finland and Sweden as well as Norway and Russia,
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 22. Requests the Commission to
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22 a. Recognises that whilst there are obvious differences between the Arctic and the Antarctic there are also obvious similarities; points out that the text of the Antarctic Treaty successfully creates a framework for peaceful research and cooperation without getting caught up in territorial disputes; stresses that the same aims of peaceful research and cooperation are broad enough and the situation similar enough to be considered very relevant also in the Arctic context;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 22 a (new) 22a. Calls on the Commission, in negotiating bilateral agreements, to take account of the fact that the sensitive Arctic ecosystem must be protected, the interests of the Arctic population, including its indigenous population groups, must be safeguarded and the natural resources of the Arctic must be used sustainably, and calls on the Commission to be guided by these principles in relation to all activities;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Underlines the fact that the EU and its Member States are the main contributors to Arctic-relevant research, regional cooperation and the development of technology relevant to the region and beyond, and requests the Commission to examine the possibilities of developing circumpolar co-funding and co- programming initiatives to enable smoother and more effective cooperation between experts from the
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Underlines the fact that the EU and its Member States are the main contributors to Arctic-relevant research, regional cooperation and the development of technology relevant to the region and beyond, and requests the Commission to examine the possibilities of developing circumpolar co-funding and co- programming initiatives in the fields of environmental protection, the promotion of sustainable, renewable energies and demilitarisation, to enable smoother and more effective cooperation between experts from the nations involved;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 23 23. Underlines the fact that the EU and its Member States are
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Is of the opinion that the EU should develop further its capacities and calls on the Commission to explore and report on the establishment
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Is of the opinion that the EU should develop further its capacities and calls on the Commission to explore and report on the establishment or continuation of EU activities in the Arctic such as a circumpolar joint multilateral research funding programme providing for easier and less bureaucratic cooperation, joint projects of the research community
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24. Is of the opinion that the EU should develop further its capacities and calls on the Commission to explore and report on the establishment or continuation of EU activities in the Arctic such as a circumpolar joint multilateral research funding programme providing for easier and less bureaucratic cooperation, joint projects of the research community, and an EU Arctic Information Centre
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24.
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas the European Parliament has been an active participant in the work of the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians through its Delegation for relations with Switzerland, Iceland and Norway for a period of some two decades culminating in the hosting of the full Conference of the Parliamentarians of the Arctic in Brussels in September 2010,
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 24.
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Takes into account the existing infrastructure located in the Polar Circle, when making decision of the EU Arctic Information Centre; asks also the Commission to map out funding possibilities for the EU Arctic Information Centre;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Given the vulnerability of the Arctic environment, [and the recent evidence of limits to security of oil drilling operations shown by Horizon disaster], as well as the inconsistency with global climate protection of further fossil fuel expansion, calls for a moratorium for any exploration or expansion of extractive industries in the region so as to allow its potential to be fully developed within a sustainable environmental framework;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Emphasises that, in order to objectively determine the nature and rate of the changes occurring in the natural environment of the Arctic, it is vital that international teams of scientists be given full access to carry out research in this particularly sensitive area of our planet; points out that the EU is stepping up its presence and involvement, particularly in the European sector of the Arctic, by building joint infrastructure for research and increasing the number of research programmes carried out in the Arctic; takes the view that these activities could be developed further by setting up research teams made up of scientists from many different fields and representing all the countries involved; takes the view that this research should be open and not restricted along territorial or national lines, because it is in the interests of and for use by the international community as a whole;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 24 a (new) 24a. Emphasises the contribution of the EU's European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) objective, as a clear European added value in particular the Cross- border cooperation programmes of Kolartic and Karelia as well as the CBC Baltic Sea Basin programme that includes the Barents region; requests the Commission to explore how a suitably enhanced Northern Periphery Programme could have a similar impact on an Arctic Strategy in the next programming period;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Requests the Commission to put forward proposals as to how the Galileo Project or projects
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 25. Requests the Commission to put forward proposals as to how the Galileo Project or projects that have an impact on the Arctic could be developed to enable safer and faster navigation in Arctic waters, thus investing in the safety and accessibility of the North-East Passage in particular, to contribute to better predictability of ice movements
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25a. Requests the EU and its Member States to propose under the ongoing IMO work on a mandatory Polar Code for shipping that soot emissions and heavy fuel oil should be regulated specifically;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 a (new) 25a. Calls for all governments in the Arctic region, especially Russia and Canada to adopt and endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 2007;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 b (new) 25b. Urges member states to ratify all the key agreements regarding the rights of the indigenous peoples, such as ILO number 169;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas Iceland's a
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 c (new) 25c. Requests the EU and its Member States to propose under the ongoing IMO work on a mandatory Polar Code for shipping that soot emissions and heavy fuel oil be regulated specifically; in the event that such negotiations do not bear fruits, requests the Commission to put forward proposals on rules for vessels calling in EU ports subsequent to, or prior to, journeys through Arctic waters, with a view to impose a strict regime limiting soot emissions and the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 d (new) 25d. Welcomes the ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil on vessels operating in the Antarctic Area, approved by the 59th session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) that will take effect from 1 August 2011; believes that a similar ban would be appropriate in Arctic waters to reduce risks to the environment in case of accidents;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 e (new) 25e. Welcomes the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people and that of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 f (new) 25f. Welcomes the successful completion by the Expert Mechanism of its progress report on the study on indigenous peoples and the right to participate in decision making;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 25 g (new) 25g. Encourages the Arctic member states to engage in negotiations leading to a new ratified Nordic Sami Convention;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas Norway as a reliable partner is associated to the EU trough the EEA agreement,
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas there has been a longstanding engagement of the EU in the Arctic by way of its involvement in the Northern Dimension Policy
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 a (new) – having regard to the Declaration on the Cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region, signed in Kirkenes on 11 January 1993,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas there has been a longstanding engagement of the EU in the Arctic by way of its involvement in the Northern Dimension Policy with Russia, including its Arctic Window, in the Barents cooperation and particularly in the Barents- Euro-Arctic-Council, the implications of the strategic partnerships with Canada, the United States and Russia and its participation as an active ad hoc observer in the AC; whereas the Northern Dimension is the only financial instrument in the EU to fund the Arctic region,
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas there has been a longstanding engagement of the EU in the Arctic by way of its involvement in the Common Northern Dimension Policy with Russia, Norway and Iceland including its Arctic Window, in the Barents cooperation and particularly in the Barents-
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the EU and its Member States make a major contribution to research in the Arctic and EU programmes, including the current Seventh Framework Programme, support major research projects in the region,
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas it is estimated that about a fifth of the world’s remaining hydrocarbon resources are located in the Arctic, although more extensive research is needed to establish more accurately how much gas and oil there is in the region and how economically viable it would be to exploit these reserves,
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas it is estimated that about a fifth of the world's
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas there is a high global interest also in other Arctic renewable and non- renewable resources such as minerals, forests, fish and pristine landscape for tourism,
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas it should be noted that because of the sparse seismic and drilling data in much of the Arctic, the usual tools and techniques used in USGS resource assessments could not be used and that estimates take no account of economic considerations such as costs of exploration and devel-opment which it notes will be important in many of the assessed areas; whereas the estimates also assume that the resources would be recover-able even in the presence of permanent sea ice,
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the growing interest in the Arctic region of other non-Arctic actors such as China, illustrated by China's commissioning of a first icebreaker, their allocation of funding to polar research and not least the applications by China, the EU, Italy, Japan, Singapore and the Republic of Korea for status as permanent observers at the AC, indicates a different geopolitical appreciation of the Arctic on a larger scale,
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the growing interest in the Arctic region of other non-Arctic actors such as China, illustrated by China's commissioning of a first icebreaker, their allocation of funding to polar research and not least the applications by
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 a (new) – having regard to the Declaration on the Cooperation in the Barents Euro-Arctic Region, signed in Kirkenes on 11 January 1993,
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the recently established self- government in Greenland with regard to relevant policy areas including environmental legislation and resources and the recent update of the EU- Greenland Partnership Agreement has led to an increased interest in the exploration and exploitation of resources in Greenland and on its Continental shelf,
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the effects of climate change mainly originating from outside the Arctic will impact the region; whereas in particular the retreat of the sea ice is likely to produce
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the effects of climate change mainly originating from outside the Arctic
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the effects of climate change mainly originating from outside the Arctic will impact the region; whereas in particular the retreat of the sea ice is likely to produce major effects, such as
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the effects of climate change mainly originating from outside the Arctic and the globalisation of the world economy will impact the region; whereas in particular the retreat of the sea ice, as well as the potential for resources and the possible use of new technologies is likely to produce major effects, such as an increase in shipping in particular between Europe, Asia and North America, in exploration and exploitation of natural resources, namely gas, oil and other minerals but also natural resources such as fish, and exploitation of marine genetic resources, increased mining and logging activities and increased tourism and research activities; whereas those effects will produce new challenges but also new opportunities in the Arctic,
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas climate change is managed by monitoring, mitigation and adaptation methods; whereas the promotion of sustainable development in using natural resources and in building new infrastructures is managed by strategic planning processes,
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas already expressed or eventual claim of certain states to sovereignty on Arctic Ocean spaces, including those of bottom, water or ice, may cause problems or even the conflicts between them, when the new period of quasi colonial redistribution of Polar parts of the globe is to be prevented by efforts of many powers, including the EU,
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that three EU Member States, Denmark, Finland and Sweden, are Arctic States
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that three EU Member States are Arctic States, acknowledges that the EU has no Arctic Ocean coastline, but reaffirms the legitimate interest of the EU as a stakeholder by virtue of its rights and obligations under international law, its commitment to environmental, climate and other policies and its funding, research activities and economic interests, including shipping; in this context, acknowledges that other third countries also have legitimate interest as a stakeholder by virtue of similar rights and obligations;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that three EU Member States are Arctic States, acknowledges that the EU has no Arctic Ocean coastline so far, but reaffirms the legitimate interest of the EU as a stakeholder by virtue of its rights and obligations under international law, its commitment to environmental, climate and other policies and its funding, research activities and economic interests, including shipping;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 a (new) – having regard to the Resolution of the European Parliament of 9 October 2008 on Arctic governance1 1 OJ C 9 E, 15.1.2010, p. 41.
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that three EU Member States are Arctic States, acknowledges that the EU has no Arctic Ocean coastline, but reaffirms the legitimate interest of the EU as a stakeholder by virtue of its rights and obligations under international law, its commitment to environmental, climate and other policies and its funding, research activities and economic interests, including shipping and the exploitation of natural resources;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Takes into account that through its Northern Members States and Candidate Countries the EU is affected by Arctic policies and likewise has am impact on Arctic policies, and recognises the ongoing work in the several partnerships of the Northern Dimension, a common policy of the EU with Russia, Norway and Iceland;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Underlines that certain policies that are relevant to the Arctic are exclusive
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Highlights that the EU is committed to devise its policy responses in the Arctic based on the best available scientific knowledge and understanding of the processes affecting the Arctic, and is accordingly already devoting sizeable research efforts to generate sound scientific evidence to support policymaking;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Conscious of the need to protect the
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Conscious of the need to protect the fragile environment of the Arctic, underlines the importance of overall stability and peace in the region; stresses that the EU should pursue policies that ensure the compatibility of the environmental agenda and the interests of the inhabitants of the Arctic region, including its indigenous peoples, in protecting and developing the region in an environmentally sound manner; stresses the similarity in approach, analysis and priorities between the Commission Communication and policy documents in the Arctic States; stresses the need to engage in policies that
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Conscious of the need to protect the fragile environment of the Arctic, underlines the importance of overall stability and peace in the region; stresses that the EU should pursue policies that ensure th
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Highlights that a future accession of Iceland to the EU would transform the Union in an Arctic coastal state, while noting that Iceland's status as a candidate country to the EU underlines the need for a coordinated Arctic Policy at the EU level and represents a strategic opportunity for the EU to have a more active role and contribute to multilateral governance in the Arctic Region;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Emphasizes the importance of interacting with Arctic communities and supporting capacity building programs in order to improve the life quality of indigenous and local communities in the region, and gain more understanding of the living conditions and cultures of these communities; asks the EU to promote a stronger dialogue with the indigenous peoples and the Arctic local inhabitants;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Considers that Iceland's accession to the EU would further consolidate the European presence in the Arctic Council, as well as reinforce the EU's external policies, particularly regarding the North Atlantic cooperation;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 – having regard to the Ilulissat Declaration adopted on 28 May 2008 at the Arctic Ocean Conference
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Stresses the need for a united, coordinated EU policy on the Arctic region, in which both the EU’s priorities and the potential challenges and a strategy are clearly defined;
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Underlines the major importance of the safety and security of new world trade routes through the sea in the Arctic in particular for the EU and its Member States
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses the importance of developing new railroad and transport corridors in the Barents Euro-Arctic Transport Area (Beata) to facilitate the growing need for international trade, mining and other economical development, as well as aviation connections in the High North; draws attention in this regard to the new Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Suggests that important non-Arctic shipping nations using the Arctic Ocean should be included in the results of the Search and Rescue Work Initiative of the AC; therefore recommends the Commission and the Council along with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to coordinate EU and Member States policies in that particular field in the IMO, the AC and other organisations;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Points out that in spite of the efforts on a mandatory Polar Code for shipping a faster solution to the issue of safety of Arctic shipping might be found through coordination and harmonization of national legislation and calls on EMSA to fully engage on Arctic shipping;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes other cooperation initiatives on secure and safe shipping in the Arctic
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes other cooperation initiatives
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes other cooperation initiatives on secure and safe shipping in the Arctic and on better access to the Northern Sea Route; however would emphasise that this is not just a matter of commercial traffic and would draw attention to the large and increasing level tourist ship traffic in the Arctic region many of which tourists are EU citizens and whose safety could be compromised;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes other cooperation initiatives on secure and safe shipping in the Arctic and on better access to the Northern Sea Route; calls on more research on the effect that climate change has on Arctic navigation and shipping routes, especially during the summer months;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Welcomes other cooperation initiatives on secure and safe shipping in the Arctic and on better access to the various Northern Sea Routes;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 a (new) – having regard to the Resolution of the European Parliament of 9 October 2008 on Arctic governance1 1 OJ C 9 E, 15.1.2010, p. 41.
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls on the States in the region to ensure that any current transport routes - and those that may emerge in the future - are open to international shipping and to refrain from introducing any unilateral arbitrary burdens, be it financial or administrative, that could hinder the shipping in Arctic, other than internationally agreed means aimed at increasing security or protection of the environment;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Is conscious of the need for resources for a growing world population and recognises the increase in interest in them as well as the sovereign rights under international law of the Arctic States; recommends any party involved to take steps to ensure the highest possible safety, social and environmental standards in exploration and exploitation of the natural resources; highlights that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as well as strategic and social impact assessment processes will be central tools in the Arctic management concerning concrete projects and programs in the Arctic; draws attention to the EU's Directive 2001/42/EC on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and to the fact that Finland, Sweden and Norway have ratified the UNECE Convention on EIA in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) that will give a good basis for the active promotion of impact assessment procedures in the Arctic; refers in this regard also to the Bergen Statement issued by the Ministerial Meeting of the OSPAR Commission of 23 and 24 September 2010;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Is conscious of the need for resources for a growing world population and recognises the increase in interest in them as well as the sovereign rights of the Arctic States; points out that the economic viability of exploiting resources in the Arctic needs to be taken into account given the physical and geographical characteristics of the region and the numerous environmental risks involved; emphasises the importance of fostering research and development relating to offshore technology and infrastructure given the ever greater depths and increasingly severe weather conditions involved; recommends any party involved to take
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Is conscious of the need for resources for a growing world population
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the States in the region to resolve any current or future conflicts over access to natural resources in the Arctic in the way of constructive dialogue, possibly within the AC, which constitutes a good forum for such discussion; underlines the role of the UNCLCS in finding solutions for conflicts between Arctic states over delimitation of their exclusive economic zones;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Points in particular to the responsibility of the Arctic States to ensure that oil companies that plan to engage in offshore oil drilling within their respective maritime borders have the necessary safety technology and expertise in place and are financially prepared to prevent and respond to oil rig disasters and oil spill; notes that the extreme weather conditions and the high ecological fragility of the Arctic region render it necessary for relevant oil companies to develop special expertise in preventing and handling oil spill in the region;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the new delimitation agreement4 between Norway and Russia, in particular the will to engage in closer cooperation and the envisaged joint sustainable management of resources, particularly fish stocks, between the two countries in the Barents Sea, including in terms of sustainability; regards in particular the bilateral cooperation between Norway and Russia as a show case of joint application of the highest available technical standards in the field of environmental protection while prospecting for oil and gas in the Barents Sea;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Welcomes the new delimitation agreement4 between Norway and Russia, in particular the expressed will to engage in closer cooperation
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Warns, in this respect, that an oil spill under the ice could turn out far worse than one in warmer climates due to the fragility of the ecosystems and the daring atmospheric conditions; calls, therefore, on all countries concerned to higher standards and redouble their efforts in order to control strictly all oil-drilling activities;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Underlines the importance of prioritizing the effects on the environment and ecosystem when discussing prospecting for gas and oil in the Arctic; emphasizes that the Arctic presents unique challenges to oil and gas drilling that should not be underestimated; calls for more information on the Arctic marine ecosystems, the effects of climate change and the impacts that oil and gas drilling would have on the Arctic Ocean's unique species, before continuing with prospecting for oil and gas in the Arctic; demands that before exploration and production drilling proceeds in the Arctic, institutions, organizations and agencies with relevant expertise must reassess the conditions under which future drilling might occur;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 a (new) – having regard to the International Labour Organisation Convention number 169 adopted on 27 June 1989,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Underlines that in the light of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico it is imperative for the EU and its Member States urgently to examine all aspects of oil extraction and exploration in the EU and to take all necessary steps thereafter to ensure that such an environmental catastrophe will not occur in EU waters;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Is conscious of the different interpretations of the Svalbard/Spitsbergen treaty with regard to its applicability to the continental shelf and the maritime zones of Svalbard/Spitsbergen, and given the relatively good accessibility of resources in the continental shelf; would welcome an agreement on the legal status of the shelf acknowledging the legal rights and duties of the costal shelf states; is confident that possible arising disputes will be dealt with in a constructive way; calls on the Commission to clarify the application of the EEA Agreement to Svalbard, and the Norwegian EEZs and continental shelves;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the position of the EU as a main consumer of Arctic natural resources, as well as the involvement of European industry and economic operators; requests the Commission to further engage in fostering cooperation and technology transfer to ensure the highest standards and adequate administrative procedures, to establish a sound scientific basis of future trends and governance needs for Arctic resources, such as fisheries, mining, forestry, tourism and to make full use of the EU competences to regulate in this regard; reminds that mining, forestry and other economic and industrial developments in the Arctic will increase and therefore, calls upon the EU to promote the principles of sustainable development in these activities, to advance local employment and to ensure the equitable distribution of revenues;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the position of the EU as a main consumer of Arctic natural resources, as well as the involvement of European industry, which has a considerable advantage where exploiting resources in polar conditions is concerned; requests the Commission to further engage in fostering cooperation and technology transfer to ensure the highest standards and adequate administrative procedures, to establish a sound scientific basis of future trends and governance needs for Arctic resources, such as fisheries, and to make full use of the EU competences to regulate in this regard;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the position of the EU as a main consumer of Arctic natural resources, as well as the involvement of European industry; requests the Commission to
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Recalls the position of the EU as a main consumer of Arctic natural resources, as well as the involvement of European industry; requests the Commission to further engage in fostering cooperation and technology transfer to ensure the highest standards and adequate administrative procedures, to establish a sound scientific basis of future trends and governance needs for Arctic resources, such as fisheries and others, and to make full use of the EU competences to regulate in this regard;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Insists that before any new commercial fisheries are opened in the Arctic region, reliable and precautionary scientific stock assessments must be conducted in order to determine levels of fishing that will conserve the targeted fish stocks and not lead to depletion of other species or to serious damage to the marine environment; any fishing on the high seas must be regulated by a Regional Fisheries Management Organisation that respects scientific advice and has a robust control and surveillance programme to ensure compliance with management measures; fishing within Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) must meet the same standards;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Considers that the creation and enforcement of marine protected areas of sufficient size and diversity are an important tool in the conservation of the marine environment;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Acknowledges that the EU, like other developed areas of the world, contributes to climate change and hence bears special responsibility and must play a leading role in combating climate change;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Acknowledges that the EU, like other developed areas of the world, contributes substantially to climate change and hence bears special responsibility;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 b (new) – having regard to the Nordic Sami Convention of November 2005,
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Acknowledges that the EU, like other developed areas of the world, may contribute
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Acknowledges that the best protection for the Arctic is a long term and ambitious global climate agreement, but realizes that the rapid warming of the Arctic makes it necessary to, in addition, work on possible further short term means to limit Arctic warming;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Regards the Arctic as a highly sensitive
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10a (new) 10a. Emphasises the importance of the EU and its Member States in research into climate change and its effects; takes the view that the Arctic should remain a priority research area for the EU and that the necessary instruments and resources should be provided to this end; points out that to obtain a comprehensive overview of the effects of climate change in the Arctic, there should be more coordination and harmonisation of the Arctic environment research stations and observatories operated by various EU Member States; emphasises the importance of taking a multidisciplinary approach that links research on climate change with other research areas such as the environment, transport, health and energy;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Recognises that the Arctic climate would be best protected by an ambitious global climate agreement but underscores that the rapid regional warming necessitates the implementation of immediate measures to slow Arctic warming;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Recognises the disproportionately large Arctic warming impact caused by local emissions of soot ('black carbon') as compared to emissions originating elsewhere, largely due to its effect on highly reflective surfaces such as snow or ice;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 c (new) 10 c. Requests the Commission to take concrete steps towards effective emission reductions of black carbon and other short lived climate forcers by including reduction measures in an immediate revision of the EU directive on National Emissions Ceilings and the Gothenburg Protocol to the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10 a. Supports an increased cooperation with Arctic and non-Arctic states on developing the Sustaining Arctic Observing Network (SAON) and encourages the European Environmental Agency to continue its valuable work and to promote corporation through the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet) using the guiding principles of the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS)
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Stresses the important role the EU has to play in the reduction of pollution
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Stresses the
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 c (new) Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Stresses the important role the EU
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Stresses the important role the EU has to play in the reduction of pollution which enters the Arctic region through long-range transport; highlights in this respect the importance of the implementation of European legislation such as Regulation (EC) No 1907/20065 ; points out that the climatic changes in the Arctic will have a major impact on coastal regions in Europe and elsewhere and on climate-dependent industries in Europe such as agriculture, renewable energy, fisheries, reindeer herding, tourism and transport;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Recognizes that black carbon emissions from the EU and other regions in the northern hemisphere contributes to Arctic warming, and stresses the need for inclusion of black carbon emissions in the relevant UNECE and EU regulatory framework, such as the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution and the National Emissions Ceilings directive;
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Notes the responsibility of all parties concerned for the responsible use of the Arctic’s natural resources and environmental protection; draws attention to the need to reach international agreement on ecologically responsible action in the Arctic and High North region;
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Recognises the disproportionately large Arctic warming impact caused by local emissions of soot ('black carbon') as compared to emissions originating elsewhere, largely due to its effect on highly reflective surfaces such as snow or ice; thus welcomes the ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil on vessels operating in the Antarctic Area, approved by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) entering into force on 1 August 2011; stresses that a similar ban might be appropriate in Arctic waters to reduce risks to the environment in case of accidents;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Recognises that the effects of the melting ice and milder temperatures are also creating opportunities for economic development in the Arctic region; acknowledges the wish of the inhabitants of the Arctic to continue to pursue sustainable economic development while at the same time protecting the very sensitive nature of the Arctic ecosystems, taking into account their experience in using and developing the resources of the region in a sustainable way; encourages to apply the ecosystem-based management to consolidate ecological scientific knowledge with social values and need;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Recognises th
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Recognises that the effects of the melting ice are not only reducing biodiversity, displacing indigenous population and thereby threatening the indigenous way of life but also creating opportunities for economic development in the Arctic region; acknowledges the wish of the inhabitants of the Arctic to continue to pursue sustainable economic development while at the same time protecting traditional sources of the indigenous peoples' livelihood and the very sensitive nature of the Arctic ecosystems, taking into account their experience in using and developing the renewable resources of the region in a sustainable way;
source: PE-452.805
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2014-11-10Show (5) Changes
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