2015/2220(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Recall~~Stresses that the Central Asia region is defined by its Tsarist Russian and – in particular – its Soviet past, which included brutal repression, coercive secularisation and separation into republics; recalls that its borders were drawn by Stalin to facilitate a divide-and- rule policy, but that, at the same time, there was an extensive build-up of economic and social infrastructure to meet needs and serve the CommuniStrategy of 2007 needs to be reviewed to address new realities and EU commitments to fundamental values; Recalls the importance of the Principle of Policy Coherence for Development; calls the EC and Member States to ensure that none of its policies, especially policies on trade and investment, undermines human rights of people in Central Asia and the achievement of Sust ain~~tegration project~~able Development Goals;

Amendment 10 #

Paavo VÄYRYNEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Calls for close EU cooperation with the UN funds and agencies as well as the World Bank;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes th~~at expectations of a transition towards Western models of democracy have been stalled or~~e weaknesses of Central Asia countries political system and the lack of peoples participation in politics; dera~~iled, and that there is instead strong, and in some instances suffocating, authoritarianism~~ws attention to the growing inequalities among the people in spite of the huge existing reserves of natural resources; notes that the civil war in Tajikistan in the 1990s, insufficient commitment to human development and little readiness to engage in regional cooperation have slowed down, and in some cases even reversed, economic and social transformation; notes the problematic dependency of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and to a lesser extent Uzbekistan on remittances from migrant workers in Russia ~~and~~, Kazakhstan and Europe; also notes the rapidly growing economic dependence on China and other emerging economies;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that expectations of a transition towards Western models of democracy have been stalled or derailed, and that there is instead strong, and in some instances suffocating, authoritarianism; notes that the civil war in Tajikistan in the 1990s, insufficient commitment to human development and little readiness to engage in regional cooperation have slowed down, and in some cases even reversed, economic and social transformation; notes the problematic dependency of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and to a lesser extent Uzbekistan on remittances from migrant workers in Russia and Kazakhstan; also notes the rapidly growing economic dependence on China and Russia;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that Central Asian countries face external shocks, namely the economic slowdown in Russia and China, ongoing geopolitical tensions and the conflict in Ukraine; emphasises further that dropping commodity prices impact the oil exporting countries of the region; notes that behind this background the region's growth rate in the years since 2014 is expected to be roughly half of the last decades average;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Underlines that despite rapid economic growth in recent years the region faces high poverty rates, high income inequality and a declining life expectancy especially in rural areas where 80-90% of the population lives; stresses that the process of privatization during the economic transition has to a large extent left the mountainous regions behind; underlines that here women are particularly affected, as many men migrate into cities in search of employment, leaving women with the entire burden of farm and family work;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Emphasises that it is vital for a sustainable economic development in the region to deepen regional integration and increase intraregional trade, focus on transport networks and logistic services, improve business climate and legislative and regulatory framework especially for small and medium-sized enterprises;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Points out that, as in Africa, however, China’s input includes the mass importation of Chinese labour and civil engineering skills, which has led to some unpopularity, perhaps exacerbated in Tajikistan by the absence of so many local men, who have gone to work in Russia;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Stresses the importance of the EU seizing the opportunity of development cooperation in order to promote respect for human rights and achieve the SDGs so as to raise levels of trade and investment in all countries in the region and strengthen the role and involvement of the social partners in civil society;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Emphasises that ~~climate change is creating major threats and that another major earthquake could well occur in sou~~Central Asia is a region exposed to a variety of natural hazards; being one of the world's most seismically active zone earthquakes remain the predominant th-rea~~stern Central Asia~~t while climate change poses an ecological challenge for the region;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Emphasises thate need to train and prepare the populations of the region to manage emergencies associated with disasters caused by climate change, which is creating major threats ~~and that another major earthquake~~, while major seismic events could well occur in south- eastern Central Asia;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recalls that the Central Asia region is defined by its Tsarist Russian and – in particular – its Soviet past, which included brutal repression, coercive secularisation and separation into republics; recalls that its borders were drawn by Stalin to facilitate a divide-and- rule policy, bclimate, geography, arid soil and landlocked position, as well as by Soviet domination and former Soviet administrative structures, which have metamorphosed into oligarchical bureaucracies connected to factions and families; points out that~~, at~~ the ~~same time, there was an extensive build-up of economic and social infrastructure to meet needs and serve the Communist integration project~~EU is playing a relatively muted role in the Central Asian region and that, despite the low volumes of trade, it is an important trading partner of each of the countries in the area;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Emphasises that ~~climate change is creating major threats and that another major earthquake could well occur in south-eastern Central Asia~~sustainability in terms of the environment and environmental protection in the region can be described as very critical;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Emphasises that climate change is creating major threats ~~and that another major earthquake could well occur in south-eastern Central Asia~~which would increase inequalities and force people to migrate;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recognises the many difficulties in the region posed not least by the pervasive link between business and politics, corruption, the determination of the Uzbek and Turkmen Governments tightly to control political activities, poor redistribution of wealth and resources, poor performance on labour standards and the poor relations between some countries, which are hindering progress in regional cooperation, and would like to see the development of local conflict resolution mechanisms, in particular with a view to promoting effective water management in the region to guarantee universal and free access for all; takes the view that the EU must also address sustainable water management in its development programmes; calls for EU assistance efforts and funding allocation to be better adapted to these conditions;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Recognises the many difficulties in the region posed not least by the pervasive corruption, the determination of the Uzbek and Turkmen Governments tightly to control political activities, and the poor relations between some countries, which are hindering progress in regional cooperation, and would like to see the development of local conflict resolution mechanisms, in particular with a view to ~~promoting effective water management~~ensuring the population has access to water resources in the region; takes the view that the EU must also address ~~sustainable water management~~promoting implementation of the circular economy, sustainable agriculture and the public management of water resources in its development programmes; calls for EU assistance efforts and funding allocation to be better adapted to these conditions;

Amendment 24 #

Charles GOERENS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recalls the many cases of infectious TB in the Central Asian region; underlines the importance of continuity in the spread of TB treatment in the emerging countries that no longer receive bilateral EU aid in view of the development of resistance to drugs of some strains of tuberculosis;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to launch a coordinated joint approach with China, Russia and India to combating drugs trafficking, aimed at pinpointing its underlying causes and measures via which it can be prevented;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Notes that there is great potential for improving energy efficiency and developing renewable energy sources and that there is a very strong case for enhancing cooperation in these areas, since the EU has developed considerable policy expertise and a strong sustainable energy industry, as well as for widening cooperation in the region to ensure greater transparency over government revenues from energy sources and a strengthening of the role of civil society;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6c. Points out that building a strategic, modern and interoperable road and railway infrastructure along the Silk Road route is a key interest for China, the EU and Russia, and that the successful integration of this region through modern and reliable infrastructure would offer a major opportunity not just for greater regional economic integration but also to promote the mobility of people and multicultural exchange, in turn producing a better environment for advancing the rule of law and democracy;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Highlights the importance of a coherent and consistent EU approach towards the region in order to avoid any overlapping and sending mixed and confusing signals; in a context of widespread authoritarianism, calls for increased EU contacts and support for civil society organisations in order to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law as a basis for development;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Stresses the importance of quality education as basic means of building sustainable democratic societies and as prevention against violent extremism; urges the EU to consider this as a priority due to the strong youth presence in Central Asia;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)

6c. Considers the strong prevalence of monocultures, such as cotton growing, as highly problematic and urges the EU to focus on rural development and sustainable farming in its development programmes;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 d (new)

6d. Considers that the continued sectoral budget support in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan must be accompanied by more stringent criteria including a strong reform agenda and anti-corruption measures;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 e (new)

6e. Highlights the potential of increased cooperation with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan with regard to EU energy security; emphasises however that energy agreements and dialogues must include strong human rights elements; calls on the EU to conduct full feasibility studies of energy projects to expand the Southern Gas Corridor, including environmental and social impact assessments;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 f (new)

6f. Calls on the EU to extend its Disaster Risk Reduction programmes in Central Asia, a region regularly hit by natural disasters;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 g (new)

6g. Calls on the EU to emphasise environmentally sustainable development in its development programmes for the region; underlines the important role the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) can play in the region in order to promote environmentally sound extraction and processing of natural resources and invites the EU to promote compliance within the region; highlights as well the challenges posed by sustainable water management, which risks being exacerbated by climate change;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 h (new)

6h. Recommends once more to place the Border Management in Central Asia and the Central Asia Drug Action Programmes under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace rather than the Development Cooperation Instrument;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 i (new)

6i. Is concerned by regular occurrences of forced child labour in the region; urges the EU to promote compliance of all Central Asian States with international commitments, in particular those under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ILO Minimum Age Convention and the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

~~7. Proposes the launch of an EU initiative to support the pursuit of selected Sustainable Development Goals in the region.~~deleted

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Propos~~Urges the launch of an EU initiative to support the pursuit of ~~selected~~ Sustainable Development Goals and effectively ensure human rights, international agreed social and environmental standards and peoples dignity in the region.;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Proposes the launch of an EU initiative to support the pursuit of ~~selected~~ Sustainable Development Goals in the region., with measurable outcomes which represent value for money for European taxpayers;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Stresses the importance of the Central Asia region for the EU in terms of its economic potential, energy diversification as well as for geostrategic and security interests;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Underlines the need of having a EU- Central Asia strategy not based on geostrategic interests but designed to develop a participative and democratic society with freedom of associations for trade unions, an active civil society and to boost gender equality and women empowerment, especially in rural areas; In addition calls the EU-Central Asia strategy to be implemented and monitored in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and accordingly to the wills of their populations.

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes the common characteristics resulting from ~~more~~both ancient and contemporary history, including that of the ~~Silk Routes, the colonisation by Turkic tribes and~~interest and interference of the USA in the are~~ception of Islam~~a since the end of the Cold War; notes that, in particular for hydrographic reasons and on account of the wholly landlocked situation of most of the countries, there exists significant interdependence between them;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes the common characteristics resulting from more ancient history, including that of the Silk Routes, the colonisation by Turkic tribes and the reception of Islam; notes ~~that, in particular for hydrographic reasons and on account of the wholly landlocked situation of most of the~~also that the five countries in the region are at differing stages in their development: Kazakhstan is emerging as a key player in the region, with whom EU relations are progressing strongly; Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are much poorer, but are relatively open, with a degree of civil society involvement; the EU relationship is also growing with Uzbekistan, but Turkmenistan remains the most closed countr~~ies,~~y in the re ~~exists significant interdependence between them~~gion, with no effective independent civil society;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Points to the fact that there is also considerable diversity in the region, not least in endowments of natural resources such as fossil fuels and arable land, and – partly as a consequence of this – in the countries’ current levels of human and economic development; stresses the importance of taking into account the cultural differences within the region ~~as well as between it and the EU~~on one side and an inter-dependency of the countries in the region on the other side;

Amendment 8 #

Paavo VÄYRYNEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Points out that there are traditional ties of cooperation between the Central Asian States and calls on strengthening these networks of regional cooperation;

Amendment 9 #

Paavo VÄYRYNEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Calls for the coordination in the region of the EU development policies with the activities of the Member States; calls for close development policy cooperation with the United States in the framework of our sustainable development partnership; calls for cooperation also with China and Russia in developing the Central Asian region;

source: 571.518

2015/11/17 FEMM 44 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Citation 1 (new)

– having regard to the EC Joint Staff Working Document "Gender equality and Women's Empowerment: Transforming lives of Girls and Women Through EU External relations 2016-2020",

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas various forms of violence against women remains a widespread problem in Uzbekistan which has no legislation prohibiting domestic violence, in Tajikistan where trafficking in persons, including sex and labour trafficking is a particular issue of concern, as well as in Kirghizstan where bride kidnapping, spousal rape and domestic violence are still reported;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas in Turkmenistan, data collection on women's rights is scarce, and issues such as forced marriage, discrimination against separated and divorced women, domestic violence and trafficking in women and girls, remain widespread;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Recognises that Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan face individual challenges in advancing human rights, however the region faces common challenges as regards addressing and promoting women's rights and gender equality;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that despite all five Central Asian countries ratifying the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the culture remains patriarchal and male-dominated, and significant inequalities between men and women still exist in ~~Central Asia~~many areas including access to higher education, parts of the labour market and access to legal protection and rights; is concerned that 29% of women in the region are victims of physical or sexual violence;

Amendment 14 #

Stefan ECK

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that despite all five Central Asian countries ratifying the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, significant inequalities between men and women still exist in Central Asia; is concerned that ~~29% of women in the region are victims of physical or sexual violenc~~violence against women is still widespread in many parts of Central Asia and takes many forms, including domestic violence, bride kidnapping, trafficking, early marriages and physical abuse;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that despite all five Central Asian countries ratifying the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, significant inequalities between men and women still exist in Central Asia; is concerned that 29% of women in the region are victims of physical or sexual violence; Calls the five countries to fully implement the CEDAW;

Amendment 16 #

Viorica DĂNCILĂ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that despite all five Central Asian countries ratifying the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, significant inequalities between men and women still exist in Central Asia; is concerned that 29% of women in the region are victims of physical or sexual violence; reiterates that the support given by the European Union must include specific measures to eradicate discrimination against women so as to consolidate respect for human rights and the rule of law;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Asks EEAS, within the review of its Central Asia Strategy and in line with its 2016-2020 priorities, to establish a comprehensive Gender Equality Action Plan with concrete actions to improve women's rights and women's living conditions in particular in order to tackle discrimination, forced marriages, violence against women and trafficking in women and girls;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Recommends that judicial personnel be made aware of, and trained in, gender issues, and points to the need to punish persons who commit gender-based violence;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that women play a full and crucial role in agricultural production and farming across all Central Asian countries, with the average share of women employed in the agricultural sector standing at 58%3 but deplores the continuing practice of forced labour in agriculture, particularly in the cotton industry of Uzbekistan; __________________ 3 World Bank statistics 2012

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas all EU actions and initiatives should seek to promote human rights and the rule of law and whereas the EU’s priorities include respect for freedom of association, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion, and promotion of the rights of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that women play a full and crucial role in agricultural production and farming across all Central Asian countries, with the average share of women employed in the agricultural sector standing at 58%3 and calls all Central Asian countries to encourage employment of women and female entrepreneurship particularly in rural areas; Calls for promoting and monitoring economic and social rights and empowerment of girls and women as key objective to the EU external relations with the region; __________________ 3 World Bank statistics 2012

Amendment 21 #

Marc TARABELLA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Welcomes the growing importance of women in national parliaments, with a 53% increase in Turkmenistan between 2011 and 2015; regrets the fact that that trend does not extend to Uzbekistan, where there has been a sharp decline over five years 1 a; __________________ 1aWorld Bank statistics over a five-year period (2011-2015).

Amendment 22 #

Marc TARABELLA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Notes that, as regards ministerial posts, women are poorly represented, accounting in 2015 for 15% and 5.7% of such posts respectively in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan;1 b __________________ 1bWorld Bank statistics over a five-year period (2011-2015).

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Maintains that priority should be given to investment programmes that could have a greater impact on the region’s development, not least in terms of education, youth, and gender equality;

Amendment 24 #

Nadine MORANO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Points up the importance of women's access to vocational training and university education; calls on the EU Special Representative to encourage Central Asian countries to provide incentives in that area;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Urges the EU to intensify its action in the field of education, for instance by organising teacher training and supplying educational materials;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 c (new)

2c. Calls for vocational education for women to be supported, for a greater take- up of higher education to be ensured in the fields of science and technology, and for gender equality training programmes to be devised for education professionals in Central Asian countries;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 d (new)

2d. Calls for efforts to be continued with a view to modernising the public education sector, promoting international academic exchanges for students and teachers, and enabling women to participate on equal terms;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recognises the steps taken by individual Central Asian countries to improve gender equality, such as the amendments to Articles 154 and 155 of Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code which came into force in February 2014 and toughened the penalty for the widely practiced custom of bride- kidnapping; welcomes Kazakhstan’s Gender Equality Strategy and its 45 political, social and economic measures; asks the Commission to further support the Central Asian countries in developing their women’s rights agendas but notes that protection of women's rights and promotion of gender equality across the region still remain a challenge;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recognises the steps taken by individual Central Asian countries to improve gender equality, such as the amendments to Articles 154 and 155 of Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code which came into force in February 2014 and toughened the penalty for the widely practiced custom of bride- kidnapping; welcomes Kazakhstan’s Gender Equality Strategy and its 45 political, social and economic measures; asks the Commission to further support the Central Asian countries in developing their women’s rights agendas with a view to achieving gender equality and ensuring that everyone, including the most vulnerable members of society, can fully enjoy their human rights;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas shortcomings in terms of human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms continue to exist in the Central Asian countries and whereas closer cooperation with the EU will open the way to improvement in those areas;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes Kazakhstan's Gender Equality Strategy and its 45 political, social and economic measures; asks the Commission to further support the Central Asian countries in developing their women's rights agendas and calls for a better implementation of this strategy; Regrets the lack of female representation in Kazakh public decision- making bodies despite a 30 per cent quota being legally required in political institutions;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Asks the Commission to further support the Central Asian countries in developing their women's rights agendas and to encourage each Central Asian countries to enact legislation which explicitly prohibits all forms of violence and discrimination against women, including sexual, physical, physiological and economic abuse;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Notes that there is a gap between the law and reality; whilst some countries have a legal code guaranteeing equal rights with regards to the distribution of property, discrimination still persists in favour of male heirs; is concerned that the lack of legal registration of marriages in Tajikistan leaves women in an especially vulnerable position after a divorce, as OSCE research that 80% of women in divorce cases are denied property rights and child support because of this;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Notes that the marriage agency industry is relatively significant in Central Asia and asks that these countries consider regulating these agencies to best protect vulnerable women from exploitation;

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Urges the EU to support civil society organisations working to defend human rights and promote gender equality in Central Asian countries and to cooperate actively with international organisations involved in the gender equality field, for example the ILO, the OECD, and the UN, with a view to creating synergies serving to empower women;

Amendment 35 #

Mariya GABRIEL

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Encourages the countries in the region, and calls on the Commission, to focus also on women's involvement in decision-taking, in particular political decision-taking;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Recommends that a quota system be introduced in order to provide a way of promoting women’s participation in political bodies and the democratic process, primarily as candidates;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Condemns any legislation, regulation, or government pressure that unduly curtails freedom of expression, especially that of women and other gender categories;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)

3d. Maintains that EU involvement and budget support should be subject to such measurable progress regarding human rights, democracy, and fundamental freedoms as might be achieved in Central Asian countries;

Amendment 39 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern that the 2015 Annual Report on Human Trafficking4 has placed Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the ‘Watch List’, meaning that the number of victims of human trafficking is increasing; calls on the EU’s Anti-Trafficking Coordinator to support Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in combating human trafficking~~; __________________ 4~~, and asks that the Member States highlight this important issue in their dealings with these countries; __________________ 4 Compiled by the U.S State Department Compiled by the U.S State Department

Amendment 4 #

Stefan ECK

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. whereas the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Peter Burian, has a responsibility to promote the rights of women and gender equality;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Notes with concern that the 2015 Annual Report on Human Trafficking4 has placed Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on the ‘Watch List’, meaning that the number of victims of human trafficking is increasing; calls on the EU’s Anti-Trafficking Coordinator to support Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in combating human trafficking~~; __________________ 4~~, which is an affront to human dignity, often involving psychological terror and physical violence, and must therefore be eradicated; __________________ 4 Compiled by the U.S State Department Compiled by the U.S State Department

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on Central Asian countries to develop education campaigns about the right to live free from violence and awareness raising initiatives among the whole society and especially religious leaders about the absolute requirement to have the consent from both parties during the marriage ceremony;

Amendment 42 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Calls on countries from the Central Asia region to properly implement or introduce legislations which prohibit all forms of violence and discrimination against women, including sexual, physical, physiological and economic abuse; to treat violence against women as a criminal offence; to properly investigate all reported cases; and to implement measures to guarantee protection, assistance and access to justice for the victims, together with mechanisms to ensure the enforcement of the law;

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)

5b. Stresses the need to develop trainings on violence against women and trafficking for law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judicial personnel and to stablish accessible centres and shelters with psychological and legal support for the victims;

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 c (new)

5c. Emphasises the importance to properly fund those institutions and bodies in charge of implementing gender equality policies and to grant independence and funding for those civil society organisations working for women's rights;

Amendment 5 #

Viorica DĂNCILĂ

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)

Ba. whereas achieving a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and the rights of women is an essential precondition for closer cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest; whereas, where discrimination occurs regarding access to education, healthcare and economic and cultural opportunities, the overall situation of women in the region remains more of less precarious and deeply worrying;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas raising the general standard of education will help to counteract possible radicalism among young people and reduce gender-based violence;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas there are significant differences between the experiences of women who live in rural areas and the cities, and that it is difficult to generalise between them, with women in rural areas struggling more to access their rights under national laws;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the EU must adopt urgently a gender based foreign policy in order to promote the gender equality agenda globally after 2015;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas in Kazakhstan, despite the enactment of the Strategy for Gender Equality 2006-2016, negligible changes are reported by UN institutions regarding the situation of women; whereas women face distinct economic hardship, employment discrimination and remain vulnerable to trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation;

source: 571.747

2015/11/25 INTA 31 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recognises the importance of the Central Asian region for strategic relations with the EU and insists on the strengthening of trade ties and exchanges between the two regions; ~~calls for the EU’s role in the region to be more proactive in response to the growing regional influence of Russia and Chin~~points out that the EU is the second largest trading partner for the Central Asian countries; calls for the EU’s role in the region as a promoter of free trade, open and diversified market economies, WTO standards and principles of the international trade and to be more proactive in response to the growing regional influence of Russia and China; welcomes efforts to explore possibilities for cooperation with China on the Central Asia region with regard to development of the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative; calls on exploring possibilities for closer cooperation with the US on the economic initiatives in Central Asia;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recognises that Central Asia is a strategic partner for the EU in its attempts to diversify the sources of its energy supply and ensure energy security; believes that the future EU-Central Asia strategy must have a wider vision in the energy field in compliance with European commitments in sustainable development, which should also extend to countries like Azerbaijan and Iran;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. ~~Recogn~~Emphasises that Central Asia is a strategic partner for the EU in its attempts to diversify the sources of its energy supply and ensure energy security; believes that the future EU-Central Asia strategy must have a wider vision in the energy field, which should also extend to countries like Azerbaijan and Iran;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recognises that Central Asia is a strategic partner for the EU in its attempts to diversify the sources of its energy supply and ensure energy security; believes that the future EU-Central Asia strategy must have a wider vision in the energy field, which should also extend to countries like Azerbaijan and Iran; stresses that the EU should contribute to solving the disputes over the Caspian Sea in order to tap its energy potential and facilitate the construction of new energy infrastructure connecting the Central Asia with other regions;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Strongly believes that trade can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable development and environmental governance; supports increasing EU support for development of renewable energy, energy efficiency and resource management in the Central Asian countries and encouraging cross-border cooperation among them, as a basis of sustainable development of the region;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the economic diversification of the region provides added value in terms of regional development, stability and security; considers it essential to modernise ~~infrastructure, transport and interconnections, particularly in rural areas~~and develop domestic transport and energy infrastructure, especially in rural areas, improve the access to high-speed internet and facilitate the development of interregional connectivity;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Believes that the economic diversification of the region provides added value in terms of regional development, stability and security; considers it essential to modernise infrastructure, transport and interconnections, particularly in rural areas; takes the view that environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development have equal priority in the context of the development of the region and are also important aspects of cooperation with the European Union;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Points out that there is a significant lack of highly-skilled, professional workforce which affects the competitiveness and economic development of the region and limits possibilities for foreign investment; calls, therefore, on the Commission and Member States to put more emphasis on support for higher education reforms, coupling of education with labour market, vocational training, student exchanges, scholarships, training and sharing of know-how, with the focus on younger generation;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s request for application of the GSP+ arrangements and hopes that Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will follow its example;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recognises the importance of ~~the Central Asian region for strategic relations with~~closer strategic relations between the Central Asian region and the EU and insists on the strengthening of trade ties and exchanges between the two regions; calls for the EU’s role in the region to be more proactive than in the past in response to the growing regional influence of Russia and China;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for continued efforts to support the modernisation of the economy of these countries and to ~~help them create~~set up a reliable and independent human rights monitoring mechanism in order to more objectively take into account the possible activation of the suspension clauses as well as facilitating a favourable environment for foreign investment by strengthening the rule of law, the respect for human, fundamental as well as minority rights, reducing bureaucratic burdens and administrative interference in enterprises, reforming the judicial system to ensure the protection of property rights and foreign investment, and fighting corruption;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for continued efforts to support the modernisation of the economy of these countries and to help them create a favourable environment for foreign investment by strengthening the rule of law, reducing bureaucratic burdens and administrative interference in enterprises, reforming the judicial system tofor fighting corruption, ensur~~e the~~ing protection of ~~foreign investment, and fighting corruption~~the people and of foreign investments;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for continued efforts to support the modernisation of the economy of these countries and to help them create a favourable environment for foreign investment by strengthening the rule of law, reducing bureaucratic burdens and administrative interference in enterprises, reforming the judicial system to ensure the comprehensive protection of foreign investment, and fighting corruption effectively and sustainably;

Amendment 23 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for continued efforts to support the modernisation and diversification of the economy of these countries and to help them create a favourable environment for foreign investment by strengthening the rule of law, reducing bureaucratic burdens and administrative interference in enterprises, reforming the judicial system to ensure the protection of foreign investment, and fighting corruption;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Calls for continued efforts to support the modernisation of the economy of these countries and to help them create a favourable environment for foreign investment by strengthening the rule of law, reducing bureaucratic burdens and administrative interference in enterprises, reforming the judicial system to ensure the protection of foreign investment, ~~and~~ fighting corruption and providing training;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Welcomes the increase in macrofinancial assistance, and calls for this instrument to be employed on the basis of stringent cost-benefit criteria and detailed impact assessments which focus on spillover effects;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Following the findings of the OECD, recognises the particular importance of FDI-SME business linkage programmes (BLPs) as a tool for diversification and maximising the spill-over effect of investments, enabling Central Asian countries to tie FDI more closely with their domestic economies, enhancing their competitiveness while gaining access to international markets, finance, technology and management skills; in this regard, calls upon the governments of Central Asian states to initiate these programmes and to increase the involvement of stakeholders in already existing BLPs; points out that in order to ensure that local production meets international quality standards, complementary measures such as offering training programmes that help SMEs upgrade the skills of their staff or aiding SMEs in embracing internationally- recognised quality standards, need to be put in place;

Amendment 27 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Believes that the EU, working with the Member States, should continue to promote specific regional integration and confidence-building policies, but also reward positive steps made by individual Central Asian states or groups of countries through increased cooperation. takes that view that EU measures should be geared to the needs and specific characteristics of each country; emphasises the need to deepen political dialogue and foster confidence-building measures among the countries in the region;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recognises that the cooperation of Uzbekistan with the International Labour Organisation on the subject of cotton harvesting is continuing on an encouraging path and that progress on the issue of systematic child labour is being made; notes, however, that the situation of forced labour and the intimidation and coercion of non- governmental human and labour rights groups during the monitoring of the 2015 cotton harvest needs to be improved;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Emphasises that education and vocational training, like investment and economic development, are fundamental to social and democratic progress in the countries of Central Asia and among their citizens; takes the view that cooperation with Europe in that area must be based on a targeted, proven instrument, such as Erasmus+;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recognises the importance of the Central Asian region for strategic relations with the EU and insists on the strengthening of trade ties and exchanges between the two regions on the basis of common values as enshrined in the bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs); calls for the EU’'s role in the region to be more proactive in response to the growing regional influence of Russia and China;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Taking into consideration the highlights of the Strategy progress reports, emphasises the importance of Member States' involvement in the implementation of EU assistance in order to bring higher impact and results.

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Recalls that the Parliament decided not to consider its consent to the Protocol to the PCA extending the provisions of the Agreement to bilateral trade in textiles, until it is confirmed that concrete reforms have been implemented and yielded substantial results in such a way that also the practice of forced labour, additionally to child labour, is effectively in the progress of being eradicated in Uzbekistan;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Welcom~~Notes the conclusion of the EPCA with Kazakhstan, and calls on the Commission to step up ~~negoti~~bilateral relations with other countries in the region; reiterates its position that progress in the negotiations depends on the progress made in political reform, the respect of human rights and the rule of law; believes that WTO membership also makes an important contribution in this respect, a~~nd calls on Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to follow the example of the other Central Asian stat~~s well as ILO and other UN agencies; recalls that the economy of these countries is heavily dependent on natural resources and that export duties are in principle WTO- compatible and an important source of fiscal revenues;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Welcomes the conclusion of the EPCA with Kazakhstan, and calls on the Commission to step up negotiations with other countries in the region; insists on the importance to have a comprehensive approach with a strong political and human rights dialogue beside the strengthening of commercial and economic relations; reiterates its position that progress in the negotiations depends on the progress made in political reform; believes that WTO membership also makes an important contribution in this respect, a~~nd calls on Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to follow the example of the other Central Asian stat~~s well as ILO and other UN agencies;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Is concerned that the human and fundamental rights situation in Kazakhstan has continuously deteriorated after the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in October 2014, while in the meantime the EU has upgraded its economic relation with the country; calls on the Commission to further monitor the situation and initiate appropriate measures;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes the positive efforts of Kazakhstan in eliminating bureaucratic burdens and improving regulatory framework for businesses, which is now in the 41st global ranking position in the World Bank Doing Business Index; calls on all Central Asian countries to step up their efforts in this regard to improve business climate and eliminate barriers to cross-border trade; points out that corruption remains one of the biggest impediments for foreign investment in the region;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Urges the Commission to forge closer political and diplomatic ties with Turkmenistan, and hopes that the PCA can be speedily concluded and an EU delegation office opened in Ashgabat;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Recognises that Central Asia is a strategic partner for the EU in its attempts to diversify the sources of its energy supply and ensure energy security while remaining committed to the decarbonisation of the EU economy; believes that the future EU-Central Asia strategy must have a wider vision inbeyond the energy field, w~~hich should~~ith a view to reducing export dependency on fossil fuels and other natural resources and enhancing the diversification of the economy, which may also extend to countries like Azerbaijan and Iran;

source: 572.871

2015/12/11 AFET 406 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to the Council conclusions on the EU Strategy for Central Asia as adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 June 2015,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 b (new)

– having regard to the Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2015- 2019, adopted by the Council on 20 July 2015,

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Underlines that the disbursement of EU funds should be clearly conditionality- and incentives- based, along the lines of the principles agreed for the European Neighbourhood Policy, rewarding performance on a number of benchmarks to be established for each country, and depending on measurable progress with regard, in particular, to the fields of democratisation, human rights, fighting corruption, ending drug trafficking, respect for child labour rules, good governance, the rule of law, development, human security and good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Underlines that the disbursement of EU funds should be conditionality- and incentives- based, ~~along the lines of the principles agreed for the European Neighbourhood Policy,~~ rewarding performance on a number of benchmarks to be established for each country, and depending on measurable progress with regard, in particular, to the fields of democratisation, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, development, human security and good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 102 #

Philippe JUVIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7a. Agrees that concrete and constructive engagement and adoption of democratic reforms and governmental programmes can be taken as contributing indicators of achievements made in many fields; however, urges the Commission/EEAS to base its assessments on facts established on the ground, since many of those laws are either only of declaratory character or are not properly put in practice;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. calls on the European Commission to present a detailed draft budget showing the individual funding allocated to each country, so as to ensure optimum levels of effectiveness and transparency, with a subsequent, detailed financial report to be presented to the European Parliament;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;deleted

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice, without bilateral negotiations that notably fail to respect human rights requirements, fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and together to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; urges the Council/EEAS/Commission to adopt a concrete action plan with measureable benchmarks enabling proper evaluation of progress made in the future; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. UReiterates the need for a higher political EU visibility in the Central Asian region; urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownership on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 c (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 8 September 2015 on human rights and technology: the impact of intrusion and surveillance systems on human rights in third countries3, __________________ 3Texts adopted, P8_TA- PROV(2015)0288.

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ~~ownership~~assistance on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Takes note of the re-establishment of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia after a year-long gap, and expects the newly appointed EUSR to make an important contribution to the implementation of the strategy for Central Asian countries by ensuring consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region; requests the EUSR to focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, promoting regional cooperation and facilitating the dialogue and peaceful resolution of outstanding contentious issues, developing contacts not only with governments, parliaments but also civil society and mass media, contributing to conflict prevention and promoting regional security and promoting sound environment and climate change management, in particular water and hydrocarbon resources; asks the EUSR to report orally and in written to the EP on major challenges, as provided in Article 36 of the Treaty and his mandate;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Takes note of~~Welcomes the re-establishment of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia after a year-long gap, and expects the newly appointed EUSR to make an important contribution to the implementation of the strategy for Central Asian countries by ensuring consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region and communicating the EU positions to the political leaders in Central Asia;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~takes note of~~welcomes the re-establishment of the post of EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Central Asia after a year-long gap, and expects the newly appointed EUSR to make an important contribution to the implementation of the strategy for Central Asian countries by ensuring consistency of the external actions of the Union in the region;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Request the EEAS to provide regular analysis on Central Asia, taking into account the region's diverse neighbourhood, including issues touching on integrating Afghanistan, Iran, and providing a comprehensive approach to the Caspian Sea;

Amendment 118 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission to ensure synergies, coherence and consistency between the measures taken by international organisations such as the OSCE, the UNODC, the UNHCR and the IOM and among the different EU external financing instruments used in the region, such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (ISP), the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), and the Partnership Instrument (PI), as well as to step up coordination with the EBRD and the EIB;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Calls on the Commission to ensure synergies, coherence and consistency among the different EU external financing instruments used in the region, such as the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (ISP), the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), and the Partnership Instrument (PI), as well as to step up coordination with the EBRD and the EIB; in this regard highlights the importance of enhanced partnerships notably with the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)

having regard to the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions of 22 June 2015,

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10. a. to cooperate with the aid and development projects of the United States in the field of environment, education and climate policy in order to improve effectiveness and to jointly reach a wider public;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Calls for closer cooperation between EU and OSCE on Central Asia, especially in the fields of human rights, democratisation and security, with the aim of joining and complementing, where appropriate, their efforts in the region;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Requests the EEAS, Commission and the EUSR to make the EU presence more prominent in Central Asia, ensuring increased EU's visibility among the population, civil society, local media, the business and university communities; urges the EEAS to balance the quiet diplomacy with increased public diplomacy;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)

10. b. to also involve Mongolia on an ad hoc basis in certain aspects of the European Strategy for Central Asia;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)

10b. Encourages the EU Delegations in Central Asia to use their potential to the maximal effect in contributing to implementation of the EU Strategy, in particular with regard to support for and engagement with civil society;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)

10c. Supports continued inter- parliamentary cooperation and highlights the role of its standing Delegation for the region in monitoring of implementation of PCAs with the countries of the region;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)

10. c. to cooperate more intensively on an ad hoc basis with the Central Asian republics which want to go further than the EU Strategy for Central Asia;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to ~~prioritise~~attach great importance to the promotion of democratic transformation, the~~reby providing a stronger bulwark aga~~ enforcement of civil, political and social human rights, including those social rights codified in the UN’s Social Covenant, the establishment of rule of law, and the qualification of governance and administrative action in Central Asian countries, thereby laying the foundations for security and stability, for establishing open societies in the countries in question and, as a result, for tackling external and internal political, security and economic ~~pressures and~~ challenges;

Amendment 128 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. ~~Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise the promotion of~~Supports democratic transformation, thereby providing a stronger bulwark against internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;

Amendment 129 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise ~~the promotion of democratic transformation~~and engage proactively with the promotion and reinforcement of democracy, thereby providing a stronger bulwark against internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)

– having regard to Council conclusions on the EU Strategy for Central Asia of 22 June 2015,

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise the promotion of democratic transformation, thereby providing ~~a stronger bulwark against~~the best practices to face internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to p~~rioritise~~articipate in developing programmes for the promotion of democratic transformation, thereby providing a stronger bulwark against internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. urges the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to prioritise the promotion of democratic transformation, thereby providing a stronger bulwark against external and internal political, security and economic pressures and challenges;

Amendment 133 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Regrets that the legal obligations vested in the PCAs to uphold democracy and the rule of law have not been ~~observed in most cases~~properly implemented, with the exception of ~~limited and fragil~~some progress made in Kyrgyzstan;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Regrets that the legal obligations vested in the PCAs to uphold democracy and the rule of law have not been observed in most cases, stresses that, although the PCAs fundamentally focus on trade, the respect for human rights and democracy must be at the core of the European Union strategy vis-a-vis the scope of cooperation envisaged on Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs) entailing the absolute application of the human rights and democracy clause, with the exception of limited and fragile progress in Kyrgyzstan;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Regrets that the legal obligations vested in the PCAs to uphold democracy and the rule of law have not been observed in most cases, with the exception of limited and fragile progress in Kyrgyzstan; calls on the Council, the EEAS and the Commission, in the course of the further development of relations, to increase pressure on Central Asia partners to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as soon as possible, and to approve and implement essential core standards and other rules of the ILO that are outstanding;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~deeply~~ regrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has ~~further deteriorated during the reporting period~~not yet reached an acceptable level; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, ~~despite~~but stresses that there have nevertheless been limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. deeply regrets that the region has become yet more unstable and that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has further deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 138 #

Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Deeply regrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has further deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the e~~radic~~xtermination of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 139 #

Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Deeply regrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has further deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments ~~in some countries of the region~~, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 27 a (new)

– having regard to United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/53/144 ‘Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms’, better known as ‘The Declaration on Human Rights Defenders’,

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Deeply r~~Regrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has ~~further~~ deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 141 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Deeply r~~Regrets that overall respect for democratic standards, human rights and fundamental freedoms has further deteriorated during the reporting period; regrets that the human rights situation overall remains worrying, despite limited positive developments in some countries of the region, including legislative reforms, increased efforts to prevent torture, and steps towards the eradication of the use of child labour and forced labour;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Deplores the ongoing Uzbek Government forced drafts of Uzbeks citizens, including the use of child labour, to work in abusive conditions in the cotton harvests, constraining the basic personal free will and freedoms;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland; underlines that this Platform is presently targeted towards supporting judicial reforms in the countries in question and, on the part of the EU, is addressed towards the key issue of the separation of powers in the sense of eliminating existing monopolies and the personalisation of political, military and legislative power, and the resultant dissolution of the close affiliation between political structures and economic property cartels; reiterates that the experiences of Neighbourhood Policy have demonstrated that the endemic corruption found within these societies cannot be overcome without this dissolution;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland, in organising several events aimed at constitutional and administrative law and training of judges; insists, however, that it be enhanced to cover actual democratisation and human rights issues; calls for the full involvement of and closer cooperation with civil society in this platform; calls on the EU and Member States' embassies to support genuinely independent non- governmental partners;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland; encourages other Member States to take a more proactive role in this respect;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland and Latvia;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14 a. stresses the importance of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the United Nations Human Rights Council in effectively implementing protection for human rights, the democratisation process and the rule of law in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan;

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Recommends that the EU tailors its human rights policy and external financing instruments, better keeping a consistent long-term democratic reform as the guiding light;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. condemns the continued persecution of human rights defenders, opposition political figures and journalists in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and, regrettably, also in Kyrgyzstan, and calls on the EEAS to speak out and take action in their defence;deleted

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of ~~growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian regio~~increasing focus on the development of countries in this region and against the backdrop of increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. strongly condemns the continued persecution of human rights defenders, opposition political figures and journalists in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and, regrettably, also in Kyrgyzstan, and calls on the EEAS to ~~speak out and take action~~use all the means at its to disposal to act swiftly in their defence;

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. condemns the continued persecution of human rights defenders, opposition political figures and journalists in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and~~, regrettably, also~~ in Kyrgyzstan, and calls on the EEAS to speak out and take action in their defence;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Expresses it deep concern at the growing trend to clamp down on civil society and opposition forces under the pretext of security and stability; welcomes the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Mun's statements warning against a shrinking democratic space during his visit to the region in June 2015;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)

15b. Urges, in this regard, the EEAS to make forthright declarations condemning repressive steps taken by Central Asian regimes in the name of preserving public security, whilst recognising legitimate security concerns;

Amendment 154 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. understands the risk to security posed by returning foreign fighters who have been fighting alongside Daesh, but expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, which it does not consider in any case to be a suitable response to this threat;

Amendment 155 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society ~~on the pretext of security and stabi~~and opposition parties on the pretext of stability; reminds the partner countries that a fully functioning parliamentary democracy must observe freedom of expression and media plurality;

Amendment 156 #

Pier Antonio PANZERI, Vincent PEILLON, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability; recognises that the relevant EU tools, such as the conducting of regular seminars with the general public and increased exchanges therewith have, to date, made no contribution to strengthening their position, and many of these communities are more inclined at present to rely upon the relationships between groups and clans or, failing that, regional networks which are purposefully controlled by the ruling elite;

Amendment 157 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, including through doubtful charges of terrorist activity or vague accusations of inciting social hatred;

Amendment 158 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, stresses in this context that the suppression of free expression of opinion is in no way contributing to sustained internal stability;

Amendment 159 #

Philippe JUVIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability; is concerned by the increase in human trafficking in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Amendment 16 #

István UJHELYI

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges linked to foreign fighters and radicalisation, drug trafficking and organised crime and conflicts, that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU;

Amendment 160 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, including by the increased use of monitoring, surveillance, censoring and filtering technologies;

Amendment 161 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards clampdown on civil society on the pretext of security and stability, including the adoption of so- called foreign agents laws, which stigmatise and limit the activities of legitimate NGOs that receive foreign funding;

Amendment 162 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Is concerned at the wave of legislation in the region restricting freedom of the media, expression, assembly and association~~, aimed against civil society funding (the ‘foreign agents laws’), and the LGBTI community (the so-called ‘LGBTI propaganda laws’)~~;

Amendment 163 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Is concerned at the ~~wave~~increasing number of legislation in the region restricting freedom of the media, expression, assembly and association, aimed against civil society funding (the ‘'foreign agents laws’'), and the LGBTI community (the so- called ‘'LGBTI propaganda laws’'); welcomes the fact that Kyrgyzstan withdrew the restrictive draft legislation on foreign agents and LGBTI;

Amendment 164 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. is concerned at the wave of legislation in the region restricting freedom of the media, expression, assembly and association, aimed against civil society funding (the ‘foreign agents ~~laws’), and the LGBTI community (the so-called ‘LGBTI propaganda~~ laws’);

Amendment 165 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Is concerned at the wave of legislation in the region restricting freedom of the media, expression, assembly and association, aimed against civil society funding (the ‘foreign agents laws’), and the LGBTI community (the so-called ‘LGBTI propaganda laws’); in this context, in addition to promoting the freedoms mentioned, the EU must also make it a priority to promote freedom of religion and belief and the rights of women, minors and minorities;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a. Recalls that protection and promotion of children's rights is among the key objectives of the EU and calls on the authorities to support its implementation in compliance with international law and standards, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child;

Amendment 167 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to ~~review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to~~ involve all stakeholders and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms in all countries ~~with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreements~~of the region; welcomes the EU commitment to step up its assistance to the countries in the region in implementing their commitments with regards to the Universal Periodic Review;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to involve all stakeholders andat the European Parliament needs to become more involved, and calls on the VP/HR to introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms in countries with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreements;

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to involve all stakeholders and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms in ~~countries with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreements~~order to improve their effectiveness; notes that the Human Rights Dialogues are important EU's tools of engagement with the Central Asian countries enabling to implement smart strategies and therefore should be adequately taken use of;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU, especially in the areas of counterterrorism and counteraction to growth of different forms of societal radicalisation, particularly spread of Daesh/Islamic State (IS) influence;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Dialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to involve all stakeholders ~~and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms~~, especially Islamic reformist political movements which are opposed to extremism, and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms, and contingency plans in case these mechanisms reveal serious shortcomings, in countries with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreements;

Amendment 171 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Welcomes the establishment of Human Rights Ddialogues with all five countries of Central Asia; points out, however, the lack of transparency of the process, and calls on the VP/HR to review the role, mandate, objectives and follow-up of the Human Rights Dialogues with the countries of the region, and in particular to involve all stakeholders and introduce systematic human rights monitoring mechanisms in countries with which the EU has entered into legally binding agreements; asks for these dialogues be part of a comprehensive human rights engagement in the region; calls, in this regard to raise and convey human rights concerns at all levels including the Heads of State or governments; urges the EU to raise individual concrete cases coherently and publicly;

Amendment 172 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)

18a. Highlights the success of Central Asia partners which, in the wake of the unavoidable societal transformation process, have managed to moderate a sharp increase in societal inequality; points out in this context, however, that an extremely large part of the population, that is 70 % to 80 %, still lives in poverty or is directly at risk of poverty, and that Central Asian countries therefore still fall far short of securing the internationally recognised fundamental right to social security for their citizens, not merely in a legislative sense, but primarily in a real-life sense as well; calls on the Council, the EEAS and the Commission, in the course of the development of further relations with these countries, to tighten the political and financial focus on establishing national social protection floors pursuant to ILO Recommendation No 202 (Recommendation concerning National Floors of Social Protection (SPF)), in order to contribute, as a result, to overcoming central socio-economic obstacles to development;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the authorities to make further efforts to protect ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTI persons in Central Asian societies ~~and~~, to end discrimination against them and to enforce the rights of vulnerable people, in particular of persons with disabilities;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Calls on the authorities to make further efforts to protect ethnic and religious minorities ~~and LGBTI persons~~ in Central Asian societies and to end discrimination against them;

Amendment 175 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. calls on the authorities to make further efforts to protect ethnic and religious minorities ~~and LGBTI persons~~ in Central Asian societies and to end discrimination against them;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19. a. Calls on the countries in the region to consider the presence of international NGOs not as a threat, but as a benefit to society, and to grant them full access to prison facilities in order to improve the transparency of the enforcement of penalties, particularly in relation to cooperation with all agencies of the United Nations and the International Red Cross;

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Draws the attention to the discrepancies between adoption of laws and their implementation in practice, resulting in incorrect assessment of progress; urges the EEAS/Commission to evaluate progress on real practical results rather than legislative or declaratory based assessments;

Amendment 178 #

Laurenţiu REBEGA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19 a. Calls on the authorities to take concrete steps to end religious and ethnic discrimination, as well as discrimination against LGBTI persons in Central Asian societies;

Amendment 179 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)

19b. Condemns the targeting of exiled opposition representatives by some of the Central Asian regimes, including murders and abuse of extradition procedures though Interpol; urges Member States to provide better protection and to avoid deporting them in line with the principle of non-refoulement, forbidding the rendering of a true victim of persecution to his or her persecutor;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU; whereas the Strategy has been implemented for almost 8 years;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)

19c. Reiterates its concern over the situation of children, in particular the occurrence of forced child labour; urges all countries in the region to implement their international commitments, in particular those under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ILO Minimum Age Convention and the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour;

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)

19d. Recalls the Central Asian governments of their commitments within the human dimension of the OSCE;

Amendment 182 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. WPoints out that, in the context of a profound demographic transformation in Central Asian countries, the size of the younger generation is rapidly increasing, with the majority of these young people, however, living in extremely precarious circumstances characterised by poverty, long-term unemployment and a lack of personal prospects; welcomes the recent commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards sustainable investment in ~~education as the bes~~the development and expansion of the education system, universities, and vocational training to be an important way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; calls on the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to not merely group together existing EU education programmes relating to Central Asia, but also to condense these into a single education policy, which also addresses the core issue of providing concrete job opportunities outside of the so-called informal economy; in this context, calls on the institutions to pay close attention to the aforesaid aspects when developing cooperation in the context of, for example, China’s ‘Silk Road’ Initiative;

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. WStresses that education is one of the key areas for the EU to deploy its action in Central Asia; in this regard, welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in inclusive and quality education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; points out that such investment should pay special attention to targeting the most vulnerable groups, such as girls, children with disabilities and children belonging to minorities;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes ~~the commitment of Latvia, with the help of~~Latvia's initiative to organise the 1st EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting on education and the commitment of Latvia and Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to gradually improve the socio- economic situation of the region; calls on all relevant stakeholders on the EU level as well as the EU Member States to evaluate and develop further the existing mechanisms of the study/scholarships programs between the EU and the Central Asian region;

Amendment 185 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. considers the education sector to be vital in the long term, and welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio- economic situation of the region; but insists that problems related to ‘brain-drain’ and unequal access to education are taken into account;

Amendment 186 #

Nadine MORANO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; welcomes the fact that there is near parity in the number of females and males completing primary and secondary school education; underlines the importance of women having access to professional training and university education, particularly in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where a significant gap still exists between the number of females and males enrolled in tertiary education;

Amendment 187 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; calls upon the responsible institutional agencies of the Union and its Member States to actively contribute to the implementation of the respective goals brought forward during the Latvian Presidency in the first half of 2015;

Amendment 188 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; to pay more attention to cross-border projects for intercultural reconciliation and development in the Ferghana Valley;

Amendment 189 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education, following a disappointing long-term unwillingness by Member States to do so; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU as well as its Member States;

Amendment 190 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Points out that providing broad possibilities on the EU side for people-to- people contacts, youth education and mobility is one of the priorities that can bring about positive developments in relatively closed societies, help to address the lack of highly skilled technical professionals in the Central Asian countries and wider opportunities for youth, and in the longer-term unlock the economic development potential in the countries;

Amendment 191 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Recalls the importance of EU international exchange programmes, such as Erasmus +, Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus Tempus in promoting intercultural dialogue between the EU and Central Asia and in providing opportunities for empowerment for students benefitting the programmes;

Amendment 192 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL, Paavo VÄYRYNEN, Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20 a. Supports the work carried out by the Central Asia Education Platform by means of educational and institutional programmes, providing technical support and dialogue through seminars (such as Bishkek 2014), and welcomes the increase in school enrolments at both primary and secondary level, noting the importance of continuing on this path;

Amendment 193 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Considers education a crucial integrational pillar and a democratic, economic and social development enabler for all countries of Central Asia; urges the European Union, within the scope of the existing PCAs, to launch or reinforce educational programmes, as Erasmus +, that will promote a positive mobility to all EU and Central Asian students;

Amendment 194 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Notes that EU's positive role in the region should be advanced via education and people-to-people contacts; commends that the EU has budgeted EUR 115 million for the Erasmus+ educational cooperation programme in the region;

Amendment 195 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Urges the EU to devote more of its attention to promotion of quality education amongst youth, both as basic means of building sustainable democratic societies and the best prevention against violent extremism, regards this as a priority due to the demographic challenge of a youth bulge of 25-35 % of 14 years old or less;

Amendment 196 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20 b. Encourages the continuation and expansion of educational partnerships through the Erasmus Mundus programme, which is a hugely beneficial tool in terms of improving education in the region and bringing the two cultures closer together;

Amendment 197 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Encourages the Commission to address the identified shortcomings of the EU-Central Asia Education Initiative such as fair access to education and training by disadvantaged groups;

Amendment 198 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Points out that investing in young people should be a key priority in Central Asian countries, given the positive effects in terms of social inclusion, social cohesion and stability; recalls that these factors play a crucial role in preventing the serious problem of radicalisation among youth in the region;

Amendment 199 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Welcomes that all five Central Asian countries have been closely following the Bologna Process driving many national reforms in recent years;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1 a (new)

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 June 2015 on the EU Strategy for Central Asia,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require greater cooperation between Central Asia and the EU;

Amendment 200 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Calls on the Commission and Member States to make full use of existing instruments and look for new ways to encourage student and young professionals' exchanges, provide wider opportunities for receiving higher and university education in Europe, especially in technical and applied sciences;

Amendment 201 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Underlines the growing importance of trade relations between the EU and Central Asia, with the EU now representing the first trading partner in the region; stresses the need for the EU to further step up trade and investment relations with these countries; points out, in this regard, the need for Central Asian countries to strengthen their efforts in tackling corruption and in promoting a stable environment in order to attract foreign investments;

Amendment 202 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)

20c. Invites the Commission, EEAS and Member States to explore possibilities for easier travel and work in Europe for skilled professionals, students, journalists and young people from the Central Asian countries;

Amendment 203 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 c (new)

20c. Invites the Commission to promote participation of the Central Asian scientists, institutes and businesses in collaborative research and innovation projects financed under the HORIZON 2020 programme;

Amendment 204 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 d (new)

20d. Urges the EU to further broaden and facilitate youth's participation in Erasmus + and other EU educational and visit programmes, in particular from Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in order to break their isolation; calls on the EU to agree on an equal and transparent process of selection of participants based on objective criteria, whist avoiding contributing to a brain-drain from those countries;

Amendment 205 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -21 a (new)

-21a. Emphasises that the expansion of the rule of law and economic progress go hand in hand and that the development of a sustainable energy sector and an improved transport infrastructure are important in order to link the Caspian energy resources to the European market, that this is a way to stimulate economic development and ensure stable growth of the GDP of the region;

Amendment 206 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -21 a (new)

-21a. Takes into account China´s assertiveness in the region and its shifting role from external commercial partner to regional economic governance mediator including regional provision of collective goods;

Amendment 207 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Is of the opinion that ~~economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must in no way develop at the expense of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundam~~democracy, rule of law, governance and anti-corruption measures could also be addressed through economic cooperation with Central ~~freedoms~~Asia;

Amendment 208 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Is of the opinion that economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must ~~in no way develop at the expense of~~take into due consideration the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundamental freedoms;

Amendment 209 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. is of the opinion that economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must ~~in no way develop~~advance hand in hand with and never at the expense of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundamental freedoms;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

A a. whereas the United States has withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan and closed its military bases in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan; whereas the situation in Afghanistan continues to threaten the security of the region; whereas Russia is the most significant partner for countries in Central Asia in terms of defence, but China is becoming hugely important in terms of trade;

Amendment 210 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. is of the opinion that economic and trade relations with the countries of Central Asia must in no way develop at the expense of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights and fundamental freedoms; to this end, recalls the importance of unilaterally activating the provisions laid down in the suspensory clause of the trading agreements signed by the EU, should the other contracting party violate human rights;

Amendment 211 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be ~~disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and~~mainly aimed at poverty reduction and towards equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occurncerned countries should allow the EU to monitor implementation; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 212 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should ~~be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in~~go hand in hand with the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; ~~questions, in this respect, the rationale f~~highlights the impor tan~~d cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur~~ce of development aid as a mean of engagement and effective best practice sharing; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 213 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; ~~questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan;~~ requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 214 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan ~~which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017,~~ and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 215 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty ~~and~~, equal and sustainable socio- economic progress and respect for human rights, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 216 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation of the corresponding efforts; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;

Amendment 217 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field; regrets that due to the high levels of corruption and ineffective bureaucracy aid´s absorption capacity is very low and its positive implication very limited;

Amendment 218 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Considers it important that all of the countries of Central Asia respect the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and join the WTO;

Amendment 219 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Notes, that the development of regional energy infrastructure and such projects as TAPI pipeline, CASA 1000, Trans-Anatolian gas corridor, offer a unique economic opportunity to the region;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas Russia and China have strong ties and influence in the region, but there is still great scope for the EU to enhance its action and cooperation with Central Asian countries;

Amendment 220 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22. a. Is of the opinion that the estimated 3.5 million Central Asian economic migrants working in Russia are responsible for a large proportion of the gross national product (GNP) of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan;

Amendment 221 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Recalls the importance for the EU to have a secure, stable and affordable energy supply, in line with its Energy Union and also in light of the relevance this has for the overall security of the Union; consequently, underlines the need for energy supply and diversification to be a key element of the EU-Central Asia strategy, including through the possibility of expanding the Southern Gas Corridor to Central Asia;

Amendment 222 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Urges the EU to avoid unnecessary tensions and to identify compatible areas of cooperation and economic integration with the Eurasian Economic Union; however, emphasises that any such cooperation must be based on respect for WTO rules, international standards and the free and sovereign decision of states to participate;

Amendment 223 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Points out that inclusive and sustainable economic development is among the key priorities of the Strategy; stresses the need for Central Asian countries to promote active policies aimed at poverty reduction and in fighting social exclusion; underlines, in this regard, that the deteriorating economic trends as a consequence of lowering commodity prices, of the devaluation of the Rouble and of the fall in remittances from migrants working in Russia, many of whom are now returning home unemployed, pose serious socio-economic challenges to the region;

Amendment 224 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Encourages the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the EU's development agenda in the region; reiterates that including the SDGs will result in a more comprehensive sustainable development in the Central Asian region;

Amendment 225 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Calls upon the Commission and EEAS to define and apply robust and objectively verifiable conditions for any continuing budget support programmes, in particular, giving sufficient attention to support for anti-corruption mechanisms; points out that the EU budget support should not be used for direct financing of the basic public services (such as primary and secondary education, basic healthcare, basic infrastructure), which is a primary responsibility of the authorities, the EU aid should rather be tied to the performance of the authorities in this regard, the EU budget support should encourage the development of the advanced public services, such as research, innovations, university education, innovative infrastructure etc.;

Amendment 226 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)

22 b. Recommends that negotiations be initiated for entry into free trade agreements between the EU and the countries of Central Asia;

Amendment 227 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)

22b. Recognises the possible positive impact of a new impulse in economic cooperation between the EU and Central Asia on modernisation and democratisation in the region;

Amendment 228 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)

22b. Regards the deepening of regional economic integration as an important element to regional stability and peace- building;

Amendment 229 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)

22c. Notes that the current review was purposefully disconnected from the 2014- 2020 programming exercise of the Development Cooperation Instrument for Central Asia concluded in 2014 in order to avoid any confusion or duplication, while preserving the coherence of EU action in the region;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)

Aa. whereas the geopolitical context of Central Asia is being affected by the political and security transition in Afghanistan, the implications of the crisis in Ukraine, the impact of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, China's economic developments, diminishing US presence in the region;

Amendment 230 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)

22d. Urges development assistance to focus on rural development and sustainable farming, in particular to wean off from monocultures, such as cotton growing;

Amendment 231 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)

22e. Calls on the EU to monitor the effectiveness of its technical and financial assistance to the public sector reform in the countries of Central Asia;

Amendment 232 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 f (new)

22f. Takes note of the continued sectorial budget support in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, emphasises, however, that it must be accompanied by more stringent criteria including a strong reform agenda and effective anti-corruption measures;

Amendment 233 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 g (new)

22g. Urges the Commission to develop programmes facilitating the social reintegration and employment of returnees from abroad and a stronger dialogue on migration and mobility;

Amendment 234 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 h (new)

22h. Notes the deep negative impact on the region of the economic slowdown in Russia and China;

Amendment 235 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23a. Supports promotion by the EU of renewable energy, energy efficiency and the integration of energy markets in Central Asia and with neighbouring countries, as well as with the EU;

Amendment 236 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. encourages an increase in trading between the EU and the countries of Central Asia in order to promote development and opening up of the market; reiterates the need to modernise infrastructures in the region and to improve links between urbanised and rural areas;

Amendment 237 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)

23 a. recognises that energy cooperation is a key issue in relations between the EU and Central Asia; calls on the EU to increase efforts towards integration of the energy market, which is in the interest of all parties as it will help to create energy diversification; in this regard, calls for a redoubling of efforts to achieve the objective of expanding the Southern Corridor and the Trans-Caspian pipeline;

Amendment 238 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)

23b. Regards the region as an additional potential source of energy security for the EU, in particular the potential of increased cooperation with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan; however, emphasises that energy agreements and dialogues must be coupled by strong human rights elements;

Amendment 239 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 c (new)

23c. Reiterates its opinion that re- investment of revenues from natural resources is crucial for sustainable socio- economic development;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)

Ab. whereas despite the common past Central Asia is a heterogeneous region with a multi-ethnic and multi- denominational character; whereas the lack of mutual trust and persisting tension over the use and sharing of natural resources have so far undermined the development of a genuine regional cooperation;

Amendment 240 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 d (new)

23d. Takes note of the EU support for energy projects which could expand the Southern Gas Corridor including through the Trans-Caspian and possibly Iran routes; calls, nevertheless, on the EU to conduct full feasibility studies of such projects, including environmental and social impact assessments, as a pre- requisite to any financing decision on these projects;

Amendment 241 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges ~~inherited from the Soviet period~~ persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement, especially in the rapidly diminishing Aral Sea basin and its remaining inflow sources; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;

Amendment 242 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL, Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes with concern that ~~in addition to increasing climate change impacts,~~ multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;

Amendment 243 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to an unmonitored and ongoing nuclear contamination in the past decades, and the urgent action of cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;

Amendment 244 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land and ecosystem degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;

Amendment 245 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance, re-cultivation investments, and provide European know- how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;

Amendment 246 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Calls on the EU to further its efforts in fostering cooperation among Central Asian states on water management;

Amendment 247 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Welcomes and encourages further efforts in adaptation and resilience to climate change, and urges Central Asian counties to contribute constructively to the success of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference;

Amendment 248 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)

24b. Calls on the EU to further intensify its Disaster Risk Reduction programmes in Central Asia as a high natural disaster prone region;

Amendment 249 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Encourages the EU to prioritise and deploy its ‘water diplomacy’ further in order to facilitate improved cross-border water management and to mediate dispute settlement, including promotion of an open and effective framework, in particular in the case of the Rogun dam; in this context urges the EU to stimulate and accelerate further adhesion to international conventions and legal principles relating to shared water resources;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)

Ac. whereas serious failings in rule of law, in respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms hamper Central Asian states' chances of a sustainable development and good governance at the detriment of their societies;

Amendment 250 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Reiterates the EU readiness to offer its experience and know-how to promote the adoption of safety, security and environmental standards in all transport modes and to facilitate links along the Europe – Caucasus – Central Asia transport corridor;

Amendment 251 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Stress the need for more intensive dialogue on infrastructure development, including energy and transport networks as well as high-capacity internet connections;

Amendment 252 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25. a. Calls on the countries in the region to sign and ratify the Espoo and Aarhus Conventions of the United Nations relating to water conflicts, if they have not already done so, and to involve civil society in the implementation of these conventions;

Amendment 253 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Calls for renewed efforts to cope with and tackle the dramatic consequences of the environmental disaster of the dry-up of the Aral Sea; urges the Commission to increase its support for the International Fund for the Aral Sea and calls on the EEAS to include this question as a top priority in its regular relations with Uzbekistan;

Amendment 254 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Supports the Commission's plans to use all EU's foreign policy instruments for establishing a strategic energy partnership with Turkmenistan and emphasises its potential for the EU's energy security; points to the reliability and stability of the EU and its companies as potential investment partners in the vast reserves of natural gas and oil Turkmenistan possesses;

Amendment 255 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Encourages continuing support to disaster risk reduction and resilience building with regards to the serious threats posed by environmental disasters and climate change in the region;

Amendment 256 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Advocates an enhanced pro-active role for the EU in terms of environmentally sustainable development, in this context, emphasises the importance of the principles of environmental sustainability in the course of extraction of processing of natural resources in the region promoted by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI); notes that only Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan comply with the EITI in the region whilst Tajikistan's candidate status was temporarily suspended in 2015;

Amendment 257 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)

25c. Supports EU continued efforts towards development of safe and secure air and maritime transport in Central Asia, as well as adoption and enforcement of security and, environmental standards in all transport modes;

Amendment 258 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)

25d. Encourages further EU coordination with China's transport policy in the region;

Amendment 259 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 e (new)

25e. Urges the EU to continue provide financial and technical assistance addressing the health, humanitarian, environmental, and economic and awareness issues related to consequences of the past nuclear testing by the USSR at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in the north-east of Kazakhstan near the city of Semey, previously known as Semipalatinsk;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)

Ad. whereas some Member States have developed and deepened bilateral relations with some of the countries of Central Asia; whereas the EU needs a coherent and consistent approach towards the region in order to avoid any overlapping and sending mixed and confusing signals;

Amendment 260 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 f (new)

25f. Expresses its deep concern at the massive die-off of Kazakhstan taiga antelope herds in May 2015; urges the EU to contribute with research and environmental measures to the prevention of possible future cases;

Amendment 261 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6

Regional cooperation, security challenges, Islamic terrorism and border management

Amendment 262 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

Amendment 263 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukrainecurrent security challenges in Afghanistan, the crisis in Ukraine and the one-sided diplomatic behaviour exhibited by the EU with regards to the Russian Federation (referring to the sanctions against Russia), complicating proper cooperation in this region;

Amendment 264 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is~~, however,~~ acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan~~, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at re~~; considers that the fight against drug trafficking, border control and anti-terrorism are the priorities in te~~gration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine~~rms of achieving safety and stability in Central Asia, and in this regard calls for greater EU engagement in the region;

Amendment 265 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, a~~s well~~nd expresses its deep concern ast the ~~opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine~~deteriorating security situation in northern Afghanistan and the risks of repercussions for military and political stability in the region;

Amendment 266 #

Vincent PEILLON, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

Amendment 267 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

Amendment 268 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

Amendment 269 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan~~, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine~~;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a ~~basic~~ prerequisite for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest~~, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’~~ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the reforms to prevent torture and steps towards eradication of the child labour were launched, the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and ~~deeply~~ worrying;

Amendment 270 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

Amendment 271 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant, but that cooperation regarding security, like economic cooperation, must advance hand in hand with, and not at the expense of, democratic standards and human rights; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine;

Amendment 272 #

István UJHELYI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26

26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukraine; notes also that two countries, namely Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have joined the new Eurasian Economic Union initiated by Russia;

Amendment 273 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26 a. points out that Central Asia is a region affected by both national and international terrorism, and is surrounded by countries that have been deeply unsettled by extremist attacks;

Amendment 274 #

István UJHELYI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Notes that China is committed to boosting strategic partnerships with Central Asia through the new Silk Road Economic Belt; is of the opinion that the European Union should examine the possibilities to create synergies between the EU Central Asia strategy and the new Chinese initiative which could facilitate and contribute to the development of the region;

Amendment 275 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Is deeply concerned that the growing numbers of Central Asian citizens, prompted in part by political marginalisation and bleak economic prospects, are travelling to the Middle East to fight or otherwise support the Daesh/IS, Al-Nusra and other terrorist and extremist organisations;

Amendment 276 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Encourages Central Asian states´ governments to take a more proactive role and engage in a broader cooperation towards stability in Afghanistan; notes that deterioration of the security situation in Afghanistan might have a spill over threat; emphasises the need to regionally coordinate human security, anti- terrorism, immigration and anti-drug trafficking strategies;

Amendment 277 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Encourages the EU to enhance connectivity by identifying, together with the countries from Central Asia, fields of intensified cooperation, especially with regard to transport and energy; stresses that priority should be given to the integration of Central Asian countries among and between each other as well as into international markets and corridors;

Amendment 278 #

Urmas PAET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26 a. Expresses its concern about the activities of the extremist organisation ISIL in recruiting citizens of the countries of Central Asia and highlights the importance of cooperation between the EU and the countries of Central Asia in preventing and combating terrorism;

Amendment 279 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights is a basic prerequisite for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas nearly 25 years have passed since these countries gained independence following the fall of the Soviet empire, and whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;

Amendment 280 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Believes the EU should encourage regional cooperation, in particular with regard to common issues and common challenges, and that common interest should prevail over the heterogeneity of the countries concerned;

Amendment 281 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

26b. Highlights the need to closer interlink the EU´s approach to Central Asia to Afghanistan and adapt existing policies to the post-2014 strategy for Afghanistan;

Amendment 282 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

26b. Recognises that should a significant portion of radicalised Central Asian citizens return to their home countries, they risk challenging security and stability throughout Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China and India;

Amendment 283 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

26 b. points out that Central Asian governments appear to be the most aware of the imminent threat posed by ISIS, to the extent that they have all increased monitoring and repression of Islamic movements, especially in light of an international situation which risks facilitating the advance of the Jihadists;

Amendment 284 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)

Amendment 285 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)

26 c. expresses concern about the fact that radicalised groups of Islamic extremists pose a serious threat to the countries of Central Asia, and that many citizens of these nations have joined such organisations to fight in the Middle East and in Afghanistan, and could play a crucial role in internal destabilisation of the region on their return;

Amendment 286 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)

26c. Considers that international cooperation, including with Russia and China, is essential in addressing the growing threat of Islamist radicalisation in Central Asia; calls on all international parties with influence in the region to encourage Central Asian states to make a concerted effort to better coordinate cooperation between their security services, including with respect to intelligence sharing; stresses that such cooperation should be consistent with their international human rights commitments;

Amendment 287 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)

Amendment 288 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)

26d. Calls on the Council, Commission and the EEAS to prioritise in their relations with the Central Asian states the reform of the security sector, including better funding and training, promoting religious freedom in the framework of the secular constitutions and efforts at rehabilitating former jihadists as parts of an overall strategy of dealing with the challenge of radical Islamism;

Amendment 289 #

Vincent PEILLON, Pier Antonio PANZERI, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas re~~aching a common understanding of~~spect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a basic ~~prerequisite~~condition for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;

Amendment 290 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)

26 d. recalls that according to a recent report from the International Crisis Group, between 2 000 and 4 000 citizens from Central Asia are fighting for ISIS in the Middle East;

Amendment 291 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 e (new)

26 e. stresses that the authorities in Central Asia have reacted strongly to the expansion of ISIS’ Russian-speaking propaganda channels, blocking access to social networks used by extremists and revoking the citizenship of those who have joined the ranks of ISIS;

Amendment 292 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Is concerned at the stalled and uneven socio-economic development, poor governance, weak institutional framework ~~and~~, lack of respect for the rule of law; and low participation from civil society in favour of clientelism, exacerbating the problems of corruption and lack of state efficiency, and notes that unresolved ethnic issues an d lack of prospects for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability;

Amendment 293 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. is concerned that poverty, population growth, stalled and uneven socio-economic development, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects, including in terms of employment, for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability, and provide a breeding ground for terrorism, including Islamic fundamentalism;

Amendment 294 #

Vincent PEILLON, Pier Antonio PANZERI, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Is concerned that stalled and uneven socio-economic development, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability, and therefore the successful implementation of core EU interests following on from the Central Asia Strategy, that is creating conditions for stability in Afghanistan by ensuring stability in the region, is being seriously called into question;

Amendment 295 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Is concerned that ~~stalled and uneven~~the lack of socio- economic development, which is stalled and uneven, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability and extremism;

Amendment 296 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Is concerned that stalled and uneven socio-economic development, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly succession and non- inclusive governance in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability;

Amendment 297 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Is concerned that stalled and uneven socio-economic development, the lack of state transparency and consequent corruption, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly succession in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability;

Amendment 298 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

Amendment 299 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Supports the EU’'s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges, such as the spill-over effects of the war in Afghanistan, including the threat of the Islamic State, drug trafficking, trafficking of human beings, extremism and terrorism, border security and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks; encourages further prioritisation of the preventive aspects of countering terrorism; believes that focus on human security rather than purely state security must be integrated in the Dialogue;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 a (new)

– having regard to the Joint Communiqué of the Fifth EU-Central Asia High Level Conference of Energy and Water Cooperation held in Milan on 12-13 October 2015,

Amendment 30 #

Javier NART, Fernando MAURA BARANDIARÁN, Ivo VAJGL, Paavo VÄYRYNEN, Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a ~~basic prerequisite~~n important element for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains to various degrees poor and deeply worrying;

Amendment 300 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Supports the EU’s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges; highlights the importance and positive impact of regional cooperation programs as the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP);

Amendment 301 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Supports the EU’s long-term goal of transforming the nascent EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue into a genuine cooperative forum aimed at cooperation in addressing common security challenges and encourages the development of new programs in countering terrorism and violent extremism, including strengthening cooperation across the border;

Amendment 302 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

Amendment 303 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

Amendment 304 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)

28a. Takes note of multi-vector foreign policies by which the countries of Central Asia strike a careful balance between different regional actors, given their geographical positioning, therefore urges the EU to find common ground wherever possible with regional partners, such as China and its 'Silk Road Economic Belt' policy, the US and its 'New Silk Road Initiative', Turkey and others, and possibly Russia, depending on its political trajectory, in the face of mutual challenges such as socio-economic development, security and environment;

Amendment 305 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)

28a. Welcomes the project "Cross-border Cooperation for Sustainable Peace and Development" sponsored by Switzerland and UNDP aiming to create a more conductive environment of sustainable peace and development in cross-border areas between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan;

Amendment 306 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)

28a. Is deeply worried about the risk posed by the Islamic State in terms of attracting radicalised youth in the region;

Amendment 307 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)

28b. Encourages the EU to address with the Central Asian governments the mutual challenges of recruitment of fighters and supporters by the Islamic State, through focusing on political and administrative failures, such as promoting religious freedom while safeguarding secular constitutions and revising discriminatory laws and policies, implementing outreach programs for both men and women and focusing on employment for disadvantaged youths, prioritising policing reform and ensuring better coordination of security services, as well as learning from European or Asian experiences in rehabilitating and reintegrating Islamist radicals;

Amendment 308 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 c (new)

28c. Urges the EU to continue with the regional support programmes aimed at conflict prevention and peace-building, including promotion of inter-communal and inter-ethnic reconciliation, as well as at border demarcation in Central Asia, financed from the ISP;

Amendment 309 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 d (new)

28d. Highlights the role of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) based in Ashgabat since 2007, as well as of the OSCE, in conflict prevention in the region;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas reaching a common understanding of democracy, the rule of law and human rights is a basic prerequisite for deeper cooperation between the EU and the five countries of Central Asia in areas of mutual interest, in the very meaning of the term ‘partnership’ as vested in the Partnership Cooperation Agreements; whereas the overall situation of democracy and human rights in the region remains ~~to various degrees poor and deeply~~ worrying;

Amendment 310 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 e (new)

28e. Takes note of the slowing down of the flow of remittances from nationals working abroad, mainly in Russia and to a certain extern in Kazakhstan, and the very low capacity to reintegrate returnees in particular in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan; therefore requests the EU to enhance the assistance in this field in order to facilitate the reintegration of migrants and prevent social destabilisation;

Amendment 311 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

~~29. Recognises the continued implementation of the Central Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone by the five Central Asian Republics;~~(Does not affect the English version.)

Amendment 312 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29

29. ~~Recognis~~Acknowledges the continued implementation of the Central Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone by the five Central Asian Republics;

Amendment 313 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)

29a. Is seriously concerned about the increasing radicalisation of young population, including the emergence of "foreign fighters" joining ISIL, resulting in border security threats in the region; calls on the EU and UN to provide all necessary tools to ensure peace and sustainable development in the region;

Amendment 314 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

Amendment 315 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

Amendment 316 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Asks the Member States to refrain from arms deliveries to Central Asia, in line with the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls; in this respect, raises concern over the export of 300 US armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan in 2014-2015Highlights the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls and calls on the Member States for a more uniform interpretation and implementation of the common position;

Amendment 317 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Asks the Member States to ~~refrain from arms deliveries to Central Asia, in line with~~strictly respect the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls; ~~in this respect,~~ raises concern over the export of 300 US armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan in 2014-2015;

Amendment 318 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Asks the Member States to refrain from arms deliveries to Central Asia, in line with the eight criteria laid down in the 2008 EU common position on arms export controls; in this respect, raises concern over the export of 300 US armoured vehicles to Uzbekistan in 2014-2015; and more generally over the circumvention of this ban on the sale of arms and military equipment by European companies following bilateral agreements by some Member States;

Amendment 319 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Asks Member States to stop the export of ready-made intrusive surveillance systems to the countries in the region if there are sufficient reasons to believe that these systems would be used against journalists, politicians or human rights defenders; calls on the Commission to revise the European export control system in order to prevent these intrusive systems from falling into the wrong hands;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

Amendment 320 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Stresses the need for regional cooperation in addressing common challenges such as border control, drug trafficking, extremism, terrorism; regrets the slow progress made by the High-Level Security Dialogue and the EU and encourages all parties to step up common efforts to make the Dialogue a structural one;

Amendment 321 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Encourages the EU to increase its dialogue on Central Asia with relevant regional and international organisations as well as with neighbours of the Central Asian countries and other active states in the region;

Amendment 322 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Regrets that despite the urgent need for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Central Asian countries, the EU has not been able to integrate it in its strategy, and notes that a review is required so as to be equipped to handle new challenges such as Islamist extremism; in this context, welcomes the progress that has been made in Kazakhstan as a starting point for reform on a regional scale;

Amendment 323 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Regrets that despite the urgent need for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Central Asian countries, the EU has not been able to integrate it in its strategy; reiterates the EU´s determination to further develop both regional and bilateral security dialogues with Central Asian countries ensuring stronger involvement of Afghanistan in cooperation with regional partners involved, in particular UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia;

Amendment 324 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Regrets that despite the urgent need for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in Central Asian countries, the EU has not been able to integrate it in its strategy; calls on the EU to develop specific SSR programmes for Kyrgyzstan, and possibly Tajikistan, focusing on rule of law and human rights standards in criminal justice, and civilian policing;

Amendment 325 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31. a. Asks the EU to lend its support to the initiatives of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) and, under the supervision of the Centre, to focus on the water issue and initiate a dialogue between the five countries in order to deal with cross-border pollution;

Amendment 326 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Encourages the involvement of Afghanistan in programmes aimed at stability and security in the region and welcomes the improvements in coherence between the EU Strategies for Afghanistan and Central Asia, respectively;

Amendment 327 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)

31. b. Asks the Commission to consider the unfavourable consequences that access to the water resources could have on the stability and security of Central Asia, and to closely observe all developments;

Amendment 328 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 b (new)

31b. Underlines importance of cooperation with OSCE and UN in all policy fields;

Amendment 329 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 c (new)

31c. Takes note of the adoption of the EU- Central Asia Drug Action Plan for 2014- 20, however, is alarmed by the record opium cultivation and related trafficking from Afghanistan through Central Asia; requests the EEAS/Commission to address the issue of involvement of organised crime as well as elites in trafficking, and the negative public health effects in the region;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

B a. whereas severe political and social repercussions have arisen as a result of the short-term, simultaneous upheaval of all social conditions in Central Asian countries which occurred following the latter’s independence, the comprehensive privatisation of all existing forms of ownership, the abrupt introduction of market-based instruments, the state’s withdrawal from the social sphere, the change in elites, and the restructuring of the political system; whereas the Central Asia partner states are characterised nowadays by the indivisibility of political and economic power, the personalisation of power, the extensive political, social and economic exclusion of large parts of society, and an intense revival of civil, cultural and religious traditions; whereas economic and structural weaknesses and crisis effects, in combination with deep socio-economic distortions and shortcomings in political governance, have given rise to a veiled risk to the stability of these societies, which should receive closer attention in the context of the Central Asia Strategy;

Amendment 330 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. underlines that the following country- specific paragraphs address only ~~priority~~general issues and are therefore not all- encompassing;

Amendment 331 #

Liisa JAAKONSAARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Emphasises that deeper political and economic relations must be based on shared values and correspond to an active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments; notes that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian partner with whom the EU has negotiated an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA);

Amendment 332 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. e~~mphasises that deeper political and economic relations must be based on shared values and correspond to~~xpects, with the finalisation of the EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, an active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments;

Amendment 333 #

Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Emphasises that deeper political and economic relations ~~must~~should be based on shared values and correspond to an active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments;

Amendment 334 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Emphasises that deeper political and economic relations must be based on shared values and correspond to an active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments; recognizes the '100- step programme' as an attempt to address urgent reforms in the country;

Amendment 335 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. emphasises that deeper political and economic relations must be based on shared values and correspond to anmore active and concrete engagement by Kazakhstan on political and democratic reforms, stemming from its international obligations and commitments;

Amendment 336 #

Liisa JAAKONSAARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)

33a. Refers, in this regard, with emphasis to the EP recommendations on the negotiations for an EU-Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) of 22 November 20121 which are crucial for the European Parliament's consent to the conclusion of the new EPCA and for future EU- Kazakhstan cooperation; __________________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0459.

Amendment 337 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)

33a. Welcomes the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kazakhstan;

Amendment 338 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)

33 a. recalls that, by the end of 2015, Kazakhstan will have officially become the 162nd member of the WTO;

Amendment 339 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 b (new)

33 b. points out that Kazakhstan have bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2017 - 2018;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas ~~the level of development aid was~~EU development aid to Central Asia, mainly under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), has been increased from EUR 750 million in 2007- 2013 to EUR 1 028 million in 2014- 2020, i.e. by 56 %;

Amendment 340 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 c (new)

33 c. welcomes the fact that Kazakhstan will host the next International Exposition (Expo) in 2017;

Amendment 341 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 d (new)

33 d. recalls that Kazakhstan has previously been granted the chairmanship of the OSCE;

Amendment 342 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 e (new)

33 e. stresses that the President of Kazakhstan recently proposed to President Putin that an international forum entitled ‘Islam against terrorism’ be established, a proposal welcomed by the Russian President;

Amendment 343 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 f (new)

33 f. welcomes the fact that Kazakhstan has launched the most effective counter- attack against ISIS as part of the country’s new anti-terrorism strategy, namely reforming and modernising the law enforcement agencies undertaking anti-terror operations, as well as involving civil society;

Amendment 344 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 g (new)

33 g. welcomes the fact that 19 terrorist and extremist organisations have been banned in Kazakhstan;

Amendment 345 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 h (new)

33 h. stresses that Kazakhstan is not only focused on clamping down on terrorism, but also on effective action to prevent radicalisation and on rehabilitation programs for those who have been involved in terrorist activity;

Amendment 346 #

Liisa JAAKONSAARI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Regrets, with deep concern, in this regard, the increasing deterioration in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly; reiterates and stresses that concrete and tangible progress of political reforms has been linked to the progress in the negotiation of the new EPCA; calls on Kazakhstan to make every effort to ensure that its legislation is in line with Council of Europe standards and that it guarantees the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms without imposed self-restrictions; encourages Kazakhstan in this respect to review and amend its new Criminal Codes related to the criminalisation of libel as it undermines the fundamental freedoms;

Amendment 347 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Regrets, in this regard, the increasing deterioration in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly; and calls on the Kazakh authorities to take concrete and effective measures to implement the recommendations made by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the outcome report on his mission to Kazakhstan in January 2015; expresses its deep concern at the Law on Non-profit organizations that undermines the independence and even challenges the very existence of NGOs in Kazakhstan and calls for its revision;

Amendment 348 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. ~~Regrets, in this regard,~~Is concerned with the increasing deterioration in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly;

Amendment 349 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. regrets~~, in this regard,~~ the increasing deterioration in the fields of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the level of development aid was increased ~~from EUR 750 million in 2007-2013~~ to EUR 1 ~~028 m~~billion in 2014- 2020, i.e. by 56 % compared to programming period 2007- 2013;

Amendment 350 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Reminds Kazakhstan of its OSCE commitments to democratic reforms and urges Kazakhstan to match its foreign policy ambitions, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2013- 2015, hosting of the 2017 International EXPO, and being a candidate for a non- permanent seat at the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, with important domestic political reforms;

Amendment 351 #

Pier Antonio PANZERI, Vincent PEILLON, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Welcomes that Kazakhstan has reached the final stage of its WTO accession process by 2014;

Amendment 352 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Condemns the excessive use of important international police cooperation mechanisms, such as the Red Notice system of the Interpol, to silence critics of the current Kazakh authorities living and working abroad;

Amendment 353 #

Pier Antonio PANZERI, Vincent PEILLON, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)

34b. Expresses its high concern over the new draft law on NGOs in Kazakhstan, foreseeing the establishment of a centralised operator, tasked with allocating both government and non- government grants to local NGOs, which would lead to even greater state control over the civil society sector, hindering its independence and often putting its very existence at risk;

Amendment 354 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 b (new)

34b. Recognises the positive role played by Kazakhstan by hosting and facilitating the 2013 E3+3 – Iran negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, the country's contribution to global nuclear security and safety initiatives, including the hosting the new international nuclear fuel bank, operated by the IAEA, commencing operations in 2017, the tentative mediating role with regard to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, and the good offices provided to consultations among the Syrian opposition;

Amendment 355 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 c (new)

34c. Call for the release of all political prisoners, including the leader of the Alga! opposition party, Vladimir Kozlov;

Amendment 356 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 d (new)

34d. Encourages the full implementation of all OSCE/ODIHR recommendations before the next parliamentary elections, scheduled for late 2016 or January 2017;

Amendment 357 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. PCommends Kyrgyzstan on the progress which was demonstrated by the recent parliamentary elections; recognizes the peaceful conduct and significant improvements of transparency at the parliamentary elections on 4 October 2015 as confirmed by OSCE/ODIHR in its final report; points out that further efforts are needed to develop a fully functioning parliamentary democracy, despite the initial encouraging signs shown by Kyrgyzstan regarding pursuing democratic reforms and shifting towards a genuine multi-party system, as one of the pilot countries for EU democracy support;

Amendment 358 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. Points out that further efforts are needed to develop a fully functioning democracy, despite the initial encouraging signs shown by Kyrgyzstan regarding pursuing democratic reforms and shifting towards a genuine multi-party system, as one of the pilot countries for EU democracy support; welcomes the findings of the OSCE Election Monitoring Mission on Parliamentary Elections in Kyrgyzstan on 4 October 2015 that highlighted a wide range of choices for voters and a competitive electoral campaign while pointing out challenges in the administrative voter registration system;

Amendment 359 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. points out that further efforts are needed to develop a fully functioning democracy, despite the initial encouraging signs shown by Kyrgyzstan regarding pursuing democratic reforms and shifting towards a genuine multi-party system, as one of the pilot countries for EU democracy support; considers that initial steps towards improving democratic standards must be further encouraged and incentivised, and expects concrete results from the new coalition government in this regard;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the level of development aid was increased from EUR 750 million in 2007 - -2013 to EUR 1 028 million in 2014- 2020, i.e. by 56 %, and whereas said aid is focused on promoting education, regional security, sustainable management of natural resources, and social and economic development;

Amendment 360 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

Amendment 361 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

Amendment 362 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)

35 a. points out that, as regards the economy, the government and parties in Bishkek are not in agreement, either amongst themselves or with foreign investors, about how to manage the country’s most prized and only significant natural asset: the Kumtor gold mine;

Amendment 363 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)

35a. Regrets the backsliding of Kyrgyzstan, the country of the region in which the EU placed its expectations most in the region in its pursuit of democratic ambitions; in particular, asks Kyrgyzstan to reject the draft legislation discriminating LGBTI persons and targeting civil society under the so-called "foreign agents law";

Amendment 364 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)

35a. Welcomes Kyrgyzstan's successful election into the UN Human Rights Council during 2016-2018 and invites Kyrgyzstan to constructively use its upcoming membership to address human rights issues;

Amendment 365 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 b (new)

35b. Urges the Commission/EEAS to assist Kyrgyzstan in delivering justice to the victims of the 2010 ethnic clashes;

Amendment 366 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 c (new)

35c. Welcomes the preliminary statement by the International Election Observation Mission that the parliamentary elections of 4 October 2015 were competitive and provided voters with a wide range of choice, whilst highlighting the need for better procedures and increased transparency; expresses its concern, however, at the mandatory registration of biometric data as a pre-requisite for voting resulting in significant problems with the inclusiveness of the voter list;

Amendment 367 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -36 a (new)

-36a. Urges Tajikistan to comply with international human rights commitments and to protect freedom of assembly and independence of the legal profession; draws the attention to the problematic situation of media after the signing by the President of a new regulation according to which all information about official events will be channelled through the state information agency, thus restricting access to other media; calls on Tajikistan to refrain from undue interference into the work of NGOs and not to implement the new legislation on NGO funding;

Amendment 368 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -36 b (new)

-36b. Continues to express concern over the inefficiency of EU development aid in the country; urges the EEAS/Commission to prioritise programmes aimed at prevention of torture in detention centres and media freedom in Tajikistan;

Amendment 369 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. ~~Regrets the lack of genuine internal reconciliation in Tajikistan following the civil war of 1992-1997; expresses, in this regard, its deepest~~Expresses, its concern at the decision to ban the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan, following a worrying trend aimed at suppressing legitimate political forces and silencing critical voices; calls on the Tajik authorities to follow the commitments of the 1997 Peace Agreement and to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C. a. whereas major powers such as Russia, China and the United States have geopolitical strategies involving Central Asia which have significant political, economic and cultural elements, such as the One Belt, One Road strategy of China, the Silk Road strategy of the United States and the strong historical and economic links with Russia;

Amendment 370 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. regrets the lack of genuine internal reconciliation in Tajikistan following the civil war of 1992-1997; expresses, in this regard, its deepest concern at the decision not to ban the Islamic Renaissance Party, following a worrying trend aimed at suppressing legitimate political forces and silencing critical voices; calls on the Tajik authorities to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;

Amendment 371 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Regrets the lack of genuine internal reconciliation in Tajikistan following the civil war of 1992-1997; expresses, in this regard, its deepest concern at the decision to ban the Islamic Renaissance Party, following a worrying trend aimed at suppressing legitimate political forces and silencing critical voices for the sake of security concerns; calls on the Tajik authorities to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;

Amendment 372 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)

36 a. calls on the Tajik authorities to adopt the necessary measures to guarantee freedom of expression, pluralism and a free and open political environment;

Amendment 373 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)

36a. Welcomes the Tajikistan accession to WTO in March 2013;

Amendment 374 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)

36a. Takes note of the conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission to the March 1 parliamentary elections in Tajikistan that the elections "took place in a restricted political space and failed to provide a level playing field for candidates";

Amendment 375 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 b (new)

36 b. expresses concern at the presence of the Islamic Renaissance Party on the country’s political landscape;

Amendment 376 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 c (new)

36 c. notes that the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) will take place on 27 May 2016 in Tajikistan;

Amendment 377 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37

37. Stresses that ~~the main international indexes give Turkmenistan a very low ranking as regards respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms~~Turkmenistan is a party to most major international agreements and therefore under the obligation to respect and protect human rights under all circumstances; expresses its readiness to increase EU support in the field of democratic principles and human rights, in particular by making full use of the European Instrument of Democracy and Human Rights and other means to support the reform process in the country; in this context, calls on the VP/HR to honour the agreement reached with her predecessor regarding a monitoring mechanism, allowing Parliament to be properly informed by the EEAS about the implementation of the PCA, once it enters into force;

Amendment 378 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37

37. Stresses that according to the main international indexes ~~give~~ Turkmenistan ~~a very low~~is given a bottom ranking as regards the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; regrets, that in the reporting period, the situation in the field of rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms practically did not change despite some legislative efforts in the political, judicial, economic, social and educational fields; believes that the new legislation should be subject to international experts' review in the light of international human rights obligations;

Amendment 379 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37

37. stresses that the main international indexes give Turkmenistan a very low ranking as regards respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and list it among the most authoritarian and repressive countries in the world;

Amendment 38 #

Eduard KUKAN, Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C a. whereas the region is becoming the new frontier of the Islamic State;

Amendment 380 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)

37a. Welcomes the recently strengthened engagement of Turkmenistan with the EU in areas of mutual concerns; took note of the country's presence at the 2015 OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and the high-level presence on the Turkmen side at the 15th annual Joint Committee meeting under the Interim Trade Agreement in October 2015;

Amendment 381 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)

37 a. points out that in the annual report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Turkmenistan was named among the countries which ‘have engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom’;

Amendment 382 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 b (new)

37 b. notes that the situation relating to fundamental freedoms is characterised by the systematic persecution of dissidents, journalists and human rights defenders, the constant use of torture and generalised violation of the freedom of expression, association and assembly;

Amendment 383 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 c (new)

37 c. deplores the fact that Turkmen government officials recently ordered thousands of families living in the Choganly district of the capital city Ashgabat to demolish their homes, which would otherwise be destroyed by the authorities, to make way for the construction of infrastructure for the upcoming Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, to be held in Ashgabat in 2017, and for a redevelopment project that aims to replace old housing with modern apartment blocks; notes that thousands of homes have already been knocked down, and estimates that if the demolition project is completed, a total of 18 000 houses will be destroyed;

Amendment 384 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 d (new)

37 d. points out that the President of Turkmenistan owns most of the State media, and censorship of news is extensive, especially due to the fact that many websites are blocked and, in some regions, there is no access to the Internet at all;

Amendment 385 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 e (new)

37 e. supports reinforced controls on shared borders with Afghanistan and military support from Kyrgyzstan to help create a security system in the region to oppose Taliban militants, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and any other terrorist group;

Amendment 386 #

Eduard KUKAN, Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 f (new)

37 f. due to widespread corruption, calls on the European Commission to present a detailed draft budget showing the individual funding allocated to Turkmenistan, to ensure optimum levels of effectiveness and transparency, with a subsequent, detailed financial report to be presented to the European Parliament;

Amendment 387 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Urges the VP/HR and the Commission to ~~mak~~engage wit ~~clear to~~h the Turkmen authorities ~~that EU engagement is conditional on~~in terms of EU approach requiring concrete steps aimed at improving the human rights situation and the rule of law~~, and firmly to~~ as stipulated in Article 21 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU); further calls to continue raiseing human rights concerns at all levels in addition to the on-going human rights dialogue; ~~points out, in this regard, the importance of setting up an EU Delegation in Turkmenistan, in particular for~~regrets that Turkmenistan remains the only country in Central Asia where the European Union does not have a full-fledged European Delegation; in this regard reiterates its call on the EEAS to upgrade the Liaison Office in Ashgabat into a full – fledged EU Delegation in Turkmenistan as quickly as possible to, inter-alia, interact~~ion~~ with civil society and monitor~~ing of~~ the human rights situation;

Amendment 388 #

Eduard KUKAN, Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. ~~Urge~~Asks the VP/HR and the Commission to make it clear to the Turkmen authorities that EU engagement is conditional on concrete steps aimed at improving the human rights situation and the rule of law, and firmly to raise human rights concerns at all levels in addition to the ongoing human rights dialogue; points out, in this regard, the importance of setting up an EU Delegation in Turkmenistan, in particular for interaction with civil society and monitoring of the human rights situation;

Amendment 389 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)

38a. Recognises that the entry into force of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Turkmenistan would help to develop the full potential of established relationship;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C a. whereas the countries of Central Asia are strategic partners for the European Union and whereas the growing regional influence of Russia and China means that the EU needs to play a proactive role in the area in question;

Amendment 390 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)

38a. Calls on Turkmenistan to stop the ongoing campaign of removing satellite dishes and blocking access to some websites and put an end to intimidation and harassment of independent journalists, and civil society activists;

Amendment 391 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)

38 a. expresses concern about the forced expropriation and demolition of an entire neighbourhood of homes in Ashgabat as part of the preparations for the 2017 Asian Indoor Games; considers that the Turkmen authorities should take advantage of the opportunity afforded to them as hosts of this international event to improve the human rights situation in the country; expresses alarm about the corruption that creates social inequality, making Turkmenistan a rich country but one that suffers from centralisation of power and resources, which is oriented towards China and shows no evident interest in developing a relationship with the EU;

Amendment 392 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)

38b. Underlines the importance of a continued Human Rights Dialogue, especially with regard to continued pressure to release individuals detained on politically motivated grounds, and to the disclosure of the fate of those who have disappeared in prison;

Amendment 393 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. Regrets the EU’s lack of effective pursuit of democratisation in Uzbekistan, as proven by the government’s refusal to engage in any meaningful reform, and ~~reite~~encouratges ~~its expectation that~~ the VP/HR ~~should~~to develop a policy of critical, conditional and coherent European engagement with non-aligned Uzbekistan;

Amendment 394 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. Regrets the EU’'s lack of effective pursuit of democratisation in Uzbekistan~~, as proven by the government’s refusal to engage in any meaningful reform,~~ and reiterates its expectation that the VP/HR should develop a policy of c~~ritical~~onstructive, conditional and coherent E~~uropean~~U engagement with ~~non-aligned~~ Uzbekistan;

Amendment 395 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39 a. points out that Uzbekistan unfortunately continues to have one of the worst records in the world in many areas, including respect for human rights, freedom of the press and corruption, and notes the Uzbek Government’s refusal to undertake significant reforms; reiterates its expectation that the EU will actively pursue the objective of democratisation in this country, and that the VP/HR will develop a policy of critical, conditional and coherent European engagement with Uzbekistan;

Amendment 396 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39 a. regrets that the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan continues to be a force that could collaborate with ISIS;

Amendment 397 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39a. Notes that the country has achieved progress in eliminating child labour and recognises the need to eliminate use of forced labour during the annual cotton harvest; while encouraging further commitment by the government to continue concrete efforts, e.g. action plan, to eradicate forced labour along with the recommendations from ILO and the World Bank;

Amendment 398 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39a. Takes the view, in this regard, that some of the past EU's development aid in Uzbekistan, including the capacity building of its parliament, was misdirected and should, instead, be redirected to more meaningful areas such rural development and environmental and water management;

Amendment 399 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39 a. Expresses its deep concern at the activities of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State in August 2015 and has recruited thousands of jihadis in Central Asia;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2 b (new)

– having regard to the Foreign Affairs Committee's support and positive evaluation to the newly appointed EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Mr Peter Burian, at its hearing on 1 June 2015,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the region has been integrated in the One Belt, One Road initiative, especially The New Silk Road Economic Belt, increasing its strategic importance;

Amendment 400 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39a. Welcomes progress to ending child labour in the cotton fields and, in particular, the Government's ban in this sense; recalls the importance of monitoring the implementation of such act;

Amendment 401 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39a. Is of the opinion that, while any considerable progress in the areas disclosed in the present report is yet to be achieved, feels hopeful that the parties involved on the sides of both the Union and its Member States and the five respective Central Asian states shall earnestly activate their efforts in order to reach the aims and goals as set out in the official documents and treaties, which act as the legal basis for the Union's bilateral and multilateral relations with, respectively, the states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan;

Amendment 402 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)

39b. Deplores the systematic and routine violation of fundamental rights and freedoms despite the adoption of improved laws on the matter and the ratification of international human rights instruments; urges the Uzbek authorities to take meaningful steps to fully address the concerns and effectively implement all the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, the Committee Against Torture and the Human Rights Committee;

Amendment 403 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)

39 b. notes that only five parties, all of which support the government, are legally recognised, while opposition groups are not permitted to participate in political processes or elections;

Amendment 404 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 c (new)

39c. Insists that Uzbekistan authorities release all those who have been imprisoned in retaliation for their peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly, and highlights the need of prevention and investigation of cases of torture in prison; expresses its concern at the arbitrary extensions of prison terms; calls on the Uzbek authorities to allow independent human rights NGOs to work without hindrance;

Amendment 405 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 c (new)

39 c. regrets that the principal international organisations involved in the protection of human and civil rights consider Uzbekistan to be one of the most authoritarian and repressive countries in the world;

Amendment 406 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 d (new)

39 d. points out that women are not spared from exposure to serious human rights violations such as the system of forced labour, bordering on slavery, organised by the government every year, specifically during the cotton-picking season, where citizens are forced to work in terrible conditions for little or no pay;

Amendment 41 #

Marielle DE SARNEZ

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

C a. whereas the Central Asian countries must improve the legal and administrative provisions of their asylum policy, and whereas regional consultative processes, such as the Almaty Process coordinated by the UNHCR and the IOM, may contribute thereto;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas trade and energy links enhance the EU – Central Asia relations and promote common values such as rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights; whereas GSP system aims at the diversification of the Central Asian economies;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

C. b. recalling that various regional partnerships, such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), also include several Central Asian countries among their members and are dominated by Russia and/or China;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

Cb. whereas education plays a crucial role in fostering the stable, secure and sustainable development of the region;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)

C b. whereas on 15 April 2015, the Council of the European Union appointed Peter Burian as the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, and whereas his mandate will expire in April 2016;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

Cc. whereas the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) represents an important financing tool aiming to support civil society organisations and democratisation;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

C. c. whereas the Central Asian republics share a common history, in that large parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and the Chinese province of Xinjiang were referred to as Turkestan until the 20th century, and their incorporation into the Tsarist Kingdom and subsequently the Soviet Union led to strong Russian influences on culture and administration, which are still evident today;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C c (new)

C c. whereas the 5 countries are members of the Istanbul Process, established to encourage political cooperation between Afghanistan, its neighbours and regional partners, which aims to implement reinforcement measures to secure the borders and promote the development of Afghanistan;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)

C d. whereas the five countries belong to the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), a defensive alliance signed on 15 May 1992 by six nations belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States, which recently held a summit in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)

having regard to the Council conclusions of 22 June 2015 on the EU-Central Asia Strategy,

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C d (new)

C. d. whereas all of the Central Asian countries have sought to establish their own identity in the wake of their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, currently reflected in efforts to place their own language, history and customs above their common history;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C e (new)

C. e. whereas Central Asia contains the republics of the former Soviet Union mentioned above, but is also significantly influenced by Russia, China, Mongolia, Iran and Afghanistan;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C f (new)

C. f. whereas the region is an important transit route for drugs between Afghanistan and Russia and certain local clans are involved in this lucrative trade, which allows them to exert significant political influence owing to corruption and a mingling of interests;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C g (new)

C. g. whereas the Ferghana Valley, which is divided between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is the most densely populated region of Central Asia and was frequently the scene of political, ethnic and religion conflicts in the past (Andijan 2005 and Osh 2010);

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C h (new)

C. h. whereas the region is increasingly affected by religious fanaticism, reflected in the support for IS/Da’esh, Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, and a large number of people have left to join IS/Da’esh in Syria and Iraq;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C i (new)

C. i. whereas the effects of global warming on Central Asia are still largely unknown, but it is already clear that the problems of water supply in the low-lying countries will become even worse;

Amendment 56 #

Vincent PEILLON, Pier Antonio PANZERI, Brando BENIFEI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the strong political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relations with all the Central Asian countries, on the basis of common shared values as stated in the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and in the agreement not yet in force with Turkmenistan; welcomes, on the other hand, the initialisation of the EU- Kazakhstan Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;

Amendment 57 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the strong political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relations with all the Central Asian countries, on the basis of common shared values as stated in the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and in the agreement not yet in force with Turkmenistan; strongly believes that a strong political and economic partnership is of the benefit for both the European Union and the Central Asian region;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the strong strategic, political and economic interest of the EU in strengthening its bilateral and multilateral relations with all the Central Asian countries, on the basis of common shared values as stated in the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements between the EU and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and in the agreement not yet in force with Turkmenistan;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)

– having regard to the Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan launched in Turkey in 2011 and the ‘Heart of Asia’ Ministerial Conference in Kabul on 14 June 2012 aiming at its enforcement,

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that there is practically no co- ordination between EU-US actions in Central Asia; encourages establishing more practical co-operation links; believes that a joint action can be beneficial especially in such fields as human security and human rights promotion;

Amendment 61 #

Cătălin Sorin IVAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates the EU’'s strong interest in aCentral Asia as a prosperous, peaceful, democratic, stable, and both as an economically and environmentally sustainable ~~and prosperous Central Asian~~ region, as stated in the strategy of 2007;

Amendment 62 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates the EU’s strong interest in a peaceful, democratic, stable and economically and environmentally sustainable and prosperous Central Asian region, as stated in the strategy of 2007; believes synergies between the European Fund for Strategic Investments and China's One Belt One Road initiative will be an important tool to bring about economic and social development in the region;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Reiterates the EU’s strong interest in a peaceful, democratic, stable and economically and environmentally sustainable, inclusive and prosperous Central Asian region, as stated in the strategy of 2007;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Recalls the need for the EU to enhance its energy policy by diversifying sources and routes; underlines, from this point of view, the important role the entire Central Asia region can play, and calls for all possible ways of cooperation in terms of energy supply to the EU to be further explored and implemented;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 66 #

Ramona Nicole MĂNESCU, Eduard KUKAN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be ~~better defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls;~~ tailored more specifically to the interests, requirements and framework conditions of the Central Asia partner states and therefore more precisely defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to adapt the latter more flexibly to framework conditions within the region, which are clearly in a state of evolution at present;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be better defined through individual country tailor-made action plans and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

Amendment 7 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 17 June 2010 on EU policies in favour of human rights defenders1, __________________ 1 OJ C 236 E, 12.8.2011, p. 69.

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, and objectives ~~and targets~~ should be better defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a crediasonable timeframe for completion, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the Review of the EU-Central Asia strategy conducted by the EEAS, the Commission and the Council in 2015; takes the view, nevertheless, that the priorities, objectives and targets should be better defined and accompanied by benchmarks and indicators in a credible timeframe, in order to identify and correct eventual shortfalls; highlights the importance of making the Strategy consistent with global commitments, in particular with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as adopted on 25 September 2015 at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit;

Amendment 72 #

Brando BENIFEI, Goffredo Maria BETTINI, Vincent PEILLON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. supports EU engagement in the countries of Central Asia, provided that the differences between and uniqueness of these countries are given due consideration;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Agrees that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (human rights ~~and the~~, rule of law, good governance and democratization; youth and education; economic development, trade and investment; energy and transport; ~~the~~ environmental sustainability and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and provide the basis for a concrete and potentially fruitful European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy; welcomes, however, the more focused approach of the Strategy Review;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Agre~~Notes that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (human rights and the rule of law; youth and education; trade and investment; energy and transport; the environment and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and provide the basis for a concrete and potentially fruitful European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Agrees that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (respect for human rights and for the rule of law; youth and education; trade and investment; energy and transport; the environment and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and ~~provide the basis~~necessary for a concrete and potentially fruitful European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Agrees that the Strategy adopted in 2007 and the long-term priority areas defined therein (human rights and the rule of law; youth and education; trade and investment; energy and transport; the environment and water; common security threats and challenges; and intercultural dialogue) remain relevant and provide the basis for a concrete ~~and potentially fruitful~~ European engagement in the region, in line with the objectives set in the EU strategy;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Points out that the strategic approach adopted to date to shape relations with Central Asian countries has demonstrated only limited viability and success; recognises that economic relations between the EU and the Central Asia Strategy’s target countries have seen no relevant expansion, that the aim of promoting regional cooperation and integration between Central Asian countries by means of an exchange of experience and transfer of standards on the part of the EU has stalled, and that the EU has still been unable to make any relevant contribution, on the basis of its own values and societal models and concepts, to solving the severe socio-economical and environmental issues of Central Asian societies, nor to the latter’s modernisation; highlights in this context that the development of the constitutions and political systems of the Central Asia partner states, following a transitional period, is at present clearly oriented long-term towards the values and experiences of their historical, and to some extent Islamic, traditions, and the political ruling elites have at their disposal clear alternatives, including those with geostrategic relevance, in terms of the various regional cooperation and integration projects in Central Asia, irrespective of their current state of readiness and the inconsistency of their development;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Points out that the review is rather ambitious give~~Highlights the political contradiction that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and the majority of its Member States, but ~~concurs with the Council’~~the Council, in its revised strategy, nevertheless designat~~ion of~~ed the region as strategically important, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; ~~in this context~~highlights that the present Central Asia Strategy represents a common position carefully balancing out the varying interests of Member States, rather than a common strategy for the region, and therefore calls for this strategy to be improved further within its review cycle, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context,in this context, does not welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 8 #

Vincent PEILLON, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)

– having regard to its resolution of 11 December 2012 on a Digital Freedom Strategy in EU Foreign Policy2, __________________ 2 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0470.

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the conditionof the greatest strategic importance for the region and the challenges it faces; takes the view that democratic transformation ~~should~~encouraged by the EU will lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but~~ concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important~~, with the condition that~~; in this regard, deems it necessary that there be effective cooperation regarding democratic transformation ~~should lead to~~, improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious ~~given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as~~; recognises, with the Council, the strategic~~ally~~ importan~~t, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and~~ce of the region and accordingly agrees to stroengerthen political, diplomatic and trade relations and support a genuine democratic transition; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Points ou~~Welcomes the fact that the review is rather ambitious ~~given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but~~and concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, and with the condisideration that democratic transformation ~~should~~can lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but~~Takes positive note of rather ambitious Strategy review and concurs with the Council’'s designation of the region as strategically important~~, with the condition~~ provided that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but c~~Concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

Amendment 88 #

Jozo RADOŠ

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious ~~given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but~~and concurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014- 2020 as compared with the previous period;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Recommends that the review is presented at a forthcoming EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting and supports holding of an EU-Central Asia summit to promote EU objectives in the region and to address matters of concern and cooperation;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)

– having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted by the Council (Foreign Affairs) on 12 May 2014,

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Shares the view that a differentiated and conditional~~Recognises that the stability of political systems in the Central Asia partner states is under a veiled threat with regards to the ever more divergent interests of political associations and their respective representatives, mass political exclusion, and the precarious social conditions in which the vast majority of society live; is convinced that the central strategic objective of the EU must be that of pushing for economic development in the Central Asia partner states, in close cooperation with other countries operating in the region, such as China, the USA, France, India, Turkey and Japan, and international organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), such development serving to free these Central Asian countries from a commanding dependence on commodity exports and the transfer of funds from citizens abroad, and to form the basis for sustainable societal development by means of a drastic improvement in social circumstances and employment as a foundation for political stability; shares the view that a differentiated approach should be applied in order to achieve better results abothve all bilaterally and, where possible, regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Shares the view that a differentiated ~~and~~, conditional and incentive-based approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, ~~and could therefore benefit from participation in~~including ones from them b~~eing confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including~~roader region, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. shares the view that a differentiated and conditional approach should be applied in order to achieve better results ~~both bilaterally and~~ regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, ~~transport and energy~~including of weapons, transport and energy, corruption, management of water resources, proliferation of Islamic terrorism, authoritarianism, slow progress in democratisation, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region~~, possibly also including Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan~~;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Shares the view that a differentiated and conditional approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties~~, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of~~; in the pursuit of this objective, it could be beneficial to review the number of participating countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. shares the view that a differentiated ~~and~~, conditional and incentive-based approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Azerbaijan;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Shares the view that a differentiated and conditional approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Mongolia and ~~Azerbaijan~~Russia;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Shares the view that a differentiated and conditional approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Iran, and Mongolia ~~and Azerbaijan~~;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Stresses that the enhanced regional cooperation would improve both economic and security situation in the region; given the fact that the Central Asia has weak interregional links, invites the EEAS and the European Commission to develop projects that would foster such cooperation for those countries interested in enhancing these links;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Underlines that the disbursement of EU funds should be ~~conditionality- and incentives- based, along the lines of the principles agreed for the European Neighbourhood Policy, rewarding performance~~incentive and performance based, observing achievements on a number of benchmarks ~~to be~~ established for each country, and depending on measurable progress with regard, in particular, to the fields of democratisation, corruption prevention, free and fair elections, human rights, good governance, the rule of law, development, human security and good neighbourly relations;

Amendment 99 #