Activites

• 2015/04/30 Results of vote in Parliament
  • Results of vote in Parliament
  • T8-0177/2015 summary

    The European Parliament adopted some amendments on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process and suspending its application with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The matter was referred for review to the competent Committee. The vote was postponed to a later meeting. The amendments adopted in plenary focus on the following points: Delegated acts: in order to assure a proper democratic oversight of the application of the basic Regulation by the Commission, Parliament proposed to apply the procedure with delegated acts in relation to: necessary amendments and technical adjustments to Annexes I and II following amendments to CN codes and to the TARIC subdivisions; in respect of necessary adjustments following the granting of trade preferences under other arrangements between the Union and the countries and territories covered by this Regulation; the suspension of benefits in the event of non-compliance with the condition of effective administrative cooperation in order to prevent fraud, the condition of respect for human rights and the rule of law principles as well as the condition of engaging in effective economic reforms and in regional cooperation. Furthermore, Parliament introduced to the basic Regulation a recital explaining the use of delegated acts. Adaptation of the Interim Agreement with the EU: following the accession of Croatia, the authorities of BiH and the Commission were urged to strive for an agreement, in particular, as regards cross-border exchanges, before 1 January 2016, and in accordance with the Interim Agreement. Progress towards accession: Members judged it necessary to take into account the constant progress towards European Union membership by the concerned countries and territories of the Western Balkans, as well the Union's unequivocal commitment to BiH's EU perspective, as set out in the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of 15 December 2014. A new recital stressed that the European Union expects the political leadership of the country to pursue reforms aimed at promoting functional institutions as well as ensuring equal rights for the three constituent peoples and all citizens of BiH.

• 2015/04/29 Debate in Parliament
  • Debate in Parliament
• 2015/03/24 Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
  • A8-0060/2015 summary

    The Committee on Internationl Trade adopted the report by Goffredo Maria BETTINI (S&D, IT) on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process and suspending its application with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The parliamentary committee recommended that the European Parliament adopts its position at first reading, following the ordinary legislative procedure, amending the Commission proposal as follows. Delegated acts: in order to assure a proper democratic oversight of the application of the basic Regulation by the Commission, Members proposed to apply the procedure with delegated acts for the suspension of preferences in case of non-compliance with the condition of effective administrative cooperation in order to prevent fraud, the condition of respect for human rights and the rule of law principles, as well as the condition of engaging in effective economic reforms and in regional cooperation. Furthermore, the report introduced to the basic Regulation a recital explaining the use of delegated acts. Adaptation of the Interim Agreement with the EU: the EU and BiH are urged to strive for an agreement regarding the adaptation of the Interim Agreement with the EU following the accession of Croatia, in order to avoid the suspension of preferences for BiH as of 1 January 2016. Progress towards accession: Members judged it necessary to take into account the constant progress towards European Union membership by the concerned countries and territories of the Western Balkans, as well the Union's unequivocal commitment to BiH's EU perspective, as set out in the conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Council of 15 December 2014. A new recital stressed that the European Union expects the political leadership of the country to pursue reforms aimed at promoting functional institutions as well as ensuring equal rights for the three constituent peoples and all citizens of BiH.

• 2015/03/19 Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
• 2014/07/03 Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
• 2014/06/26 Legislative proposal published
  • COM(2014)0386 summary

    PURPOSE: to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introducing exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process and suspending its application with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina. PROPOSED ACT: Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: the European Parliament decides in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and on an equal footing with the Council. CONTENT: the EU's policy towards the countries of the Western Balkans is defined within the Stabilisation and Association Process launched in May 1999. At its meeting in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, the European Council concluded that Stabilisation and Association Agreements with Western Balkan countries should be preceded by asymmetrical trade liberalisation. Council Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 introduced exceptional trade measures for countries and territories participating in or linked to the Stabilisation and Association process. Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 applies until 31 December 2015. Bosnia and Herzegovina: since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded between the Union and all concerned Western Balkan countries, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Bosnia and Herzegovina was recognised as a potential candidate country for EU accession in 2003 and signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement in 2008, agreeing to the EU’s conditions for membership. Since then, an Interim Agreement on trade and trade-related matters with Bosnia and Herzegovina applies, pending the finalisation of the ratification process of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Having regard to differences in the scope of the tariff liberalisation under the contractual regimes which have been developed between the Union and all participants to the Stabilisation and Association process and the preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009, it is suggested to prolong the duration of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 until 31 December 2020, so as to give the beneficiaries of the exceptional trade measures and the European Union sufficient time to align, where appropriate, preferences granted under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with those provided for under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements. Consequences of the enlargement of the EU to Croatia: Bosnia and Herzegovina have not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union do not find an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions, preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 should be suspended as of 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union have signed and applied provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, these preferences will be reestablished. Human Rights: Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Wine originating in Montenegro: lastly, a technical adjustment regarding Montenegro's access to the additional global quota for wine imports is included.

  • DG {'url': 'http://ec.europa.eu/trade/', 'title': 'Trade'}, MALMSTRÖM Cecilia

Documents

• Legislative proposal published: COM(2014)0386
• Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading: A8-0060/2015
• Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
• Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
• Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T8-0177/2015

Amendments

Dossier

20

2014/0197(COD) 2015/02/06 AFET 13 amendments... Amendment 10 # Ivan JAKOVČIĆ Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from engaging in serious and systematic violations of human rights, including core labour rights, or of fundamental freedoms, the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Amendment 11 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 Regulation (EC) 2009/1215 Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d (d) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from engaging in serious and systematic violations of human rights, including core labour rightand labour rights, core environmental standards, fundamental principles of democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Amendment 12 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new) Regulation (EC) 2009/1215 Article 10 – paragraph 2 (new) (1a) In Article 10, the following paragraph is added: (2) The reasons for temporary suspension of the exceptional trade measures shall include serious and systematic violations of the principles laid down in relevant international conventions concerning core human rights and labour rights or those related to the environment or good governance, so as to promote the objectives of these conventions and help the countries in their efforts to meet the Copenhagen criteria and align with the Community acquis. Amendment 13 # Igor ŠOLTES Proposal for a regulation Article 2 The application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina is suspended with effect from 1 January 2016.Article 2 deleted Amendment 14 # Igor ŠOLTES Proposal for a regulation Article 3 1. Notwithstanding Article 2, the application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina shall not be suspended if, before 1 January 2016, the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina sign and apply provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement to take into account the accession of Croatia to the European Union. 2. In the event that the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 is not signed and applied provisionally before 1 January 2016, Regulation (EC) No 2115/2009 shall be applicable again with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the date on which such agreement is signed and applied provisionally. 3. The Commission shall publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union as soon as agreement referred to in paragraph 1 has been signed.Article 3 deleted Amendment 15 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1. Notwithstanding Article 2, the application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina shall not be suspended if, before 1 January 2016, the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina sign and apply provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement to take into account the accession of Croatia to the European Union, or if the Council decides so, by qualified majority, in order to respond to unpredictable and serious circumstances. Amendment 16 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 2. In the event that the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 is not signed and applied provisionally before 1 January 2016, Regulation (EC) No 2115/2009 shall be applicable again with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the date on which such agreement is signed and applied provisionally, or if the Council decides so, by qualified majority, in order to respond to unpredictable and serious circumstances. Amendment 4 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Recital 2 (2) Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 does not provide any possibility to temporarily suspend the grant of exceptional trade measures in case of serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy andand labour rights or those related to the environment, democracy, good governance or the rule of law by its beneficiaries. It is appropriate to introduce such possibility, so as to ensure that swift action can be taken in case serious and systematic violations of the fundamental principles of human rights, democracy andprinciples laid down in relevant international conventions concerning core human rights and labour rights or those related to the environment, democracy, good governance or the rule of law would occur in one of the countries and territories participating in or linked to the European Union's Stabilisation and Association process. Respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities are required to achieve progress in the accession process. Amendment 5 # Igor ŠOLTES Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7) However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case, by the time of the adoption of this Regulation, an agreement on the adaptation of the trade concessions set out in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the Interim Agreement has not been signed and provisionally applied by European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be suspended as from 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia- Herzegovina and the European Union will have signed and provisionally applied an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, those preferences should be re- established,deleted Amendment 6 # Afzal KHAN, Pier Antonio PANZERI Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7) However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case, by the time of the adoption of this Regulation, an agreement on the adaptation of the trade concessions set out in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the Interim Agreement has not been signed and provisionally applied by European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be suspended as from 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia-Herzegovina and the European Union will have signed and provisionally applied an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, those preferences should be re- established. In order to respond to unpredictable and serious circumstances the Council should have the possibility to decide on cancelling the suspension, Amendment 7 # Davor Ivo STIER Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 a (new) (7a) The European Union remains committed to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective and expects from the political leadership of the country to pursue reforms aimed at promoting functional institutions as well as ensuring equal rights to the three constituent peoples and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amendment 8 # Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Davor Ivo STIER, Ivana MALETIĆ Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 b (new) (7b)The newly elected institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina should seize the opportunity of the renewed EU policy approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina to conclude the Agreement on the adaptation of Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement taking into account Croatia's accession to the EU and maintaining the preferential traditional trade. Amendment 9 # Angel DZHAMBAZKI Proposal for a regulation Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 Regulation (EC) 1215/2009 Article 2 – paragraph 1 (1) In Article 2(1), the following points (d) isand (e) are added: "(d) the abstention of the countries and territories referred to in Article 1 from engaging in serious and systematic violations of human rights, including core labour rights, fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law."; (e) a commitment by the countries and territories referred to in Article 1, given the complex nature of their society, to guarantee and defend the political, social and economic rights of all ethnic communities and minorities.” source: 546.781 2015/02/26 INTA 7 amendments... Amendment 10 # Klaus BUCHNER Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7) However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case, by the time of the adoption of this Regulation, an agreement on the adaptation of the trade concessions set out in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the Interim Agreement has not been signed and provisionally applied by European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be suspended as from 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia- Herzegovina and the European Union will have signed and provisionally applied an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, those preferences should be re- established,deleted Amendment 11 # Davor Ivo STIER, Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Ivana MALETIĆ, Marijana PETIR Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 (7) However, Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet accepted to adapt trade concessions granted under the Interim Agreement in order to take into account the preferential traditional trade between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). In case, by the time of the adoption of this Regulation, an agreement on the adaptation of the trade concessions set out in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and in the Interim Agreement has not been signed and provisionally applied by European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the preferences granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina should be suspended as from 1 January 2016. Once Bosnia-Herzegovina and the European Union will have signed and provisionally applied an agreement on the adaptation of trade concessions in the Interim Agreement, those preferences should be re- established. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Commission should redouble efforts to adapt the Interim Agreement before 1 January 2016, Amendment 12 # Davor Ivo STIER, Andrej PLENKOVIĆ, Ivana MALETIĆ, Marijana PETIR Proposal for a regulation Recital 7 a (new) (7a) The European Union remains committed to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective and expects from the political leadership of the country to pursue reforms aimed at promoting functional institutions as well as ensuring equal rights to the three constituent peoples and all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Amendment 13 # Klaus BUCHNER Proposal for a regulation Article 2 Article 2 The application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina is suspended with effect from 1 January 2016.deleted Amendment 14 # Klaus BUCHNER Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 1 1. Notwithstanding Article 2, the application of Regulation (EC) No 1215/2009 with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina shall not be suspended if, before 1 January 2016, the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina sign and apply provisionally an agreement on the adaptation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Interim Agreement to take into account the accession of Croatia to the European Union.deleted Amendment 15 # Klaus BUCHNER Proposal for a regulation Article 3 – paragraph 2 2. In the event that the agreement referred to in paragraph 1 is not signed and applied provisionally before 1 January 2016, Regulation (EC) No 2115/2009 shall be applicable again with regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina from the date on which such agreement is signed and applied provisionally.deleted Amendment 9 # Costas MAVRIDES, Vladimír MAŇKA, Miltiadis KYRKOS, Santiago FISAS AYXELÀ, Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, Gabriel MATO Proposal for a regulation Recital 5 (5) Since the launch of the Stabilisation and Association Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreements have been concluded with all concerned Western Balkan countriepartners, with the exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. In June 2013, the Council authorised the Commission to start negotiations for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Kosovo. source: 549.390

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)