2017/2035(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Citation 4

– having regard to the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) on 21 December 2015 in Astana, in the presence of the ~~then~~ Vice- President / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), ~~Catherine Ashton~~Federica Mogherini,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses th~~e high importance of enhancing~~at the enhancement of political and economic relations ofbetween the EU ~~with~~and Kazakhstan~~, which should be based on shared~~ must be based on shared common values with regard, in particular, to democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights as well as on commitments to international values and guided by mutual interests;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on Kazakh authorities to fully engage in the annual EU-Kazakhstan Human Rights Dialogues as well as all other forums ~~to exchange view~~in order to reach a tangible progress on human rights situation in the country while paying particular attention to individual cases; recalls that the involvement of civil society in these dialogues and consultations must be guaranteed;

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls ~~on the annual~~for a substantial review of the EU- Kazakhstan Human Rights Dialogue~~s as well as all other forums to exchange views on hum~~ in order to make it more effective and r~~ights in the country~~esult-oriented;

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27

27. Calls on the annual EU-Kazakhstan Human Rights Dialogues as well as all other forums to exchange views on human rights in the country and to inform the EU at regular intervals of the progress made in this area;

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30

30. Regrets that Kazakhstan has so far refused an independent international investigation into the Zhanaozen events of 2011 ~~despite calls by the UNHCR~~, regarding their causes and their repercussion, despite calls by the UNHCR; and urges for the release of the persons convicted on political grounds on the basis of the vague “inciting social discord” criminal charge;

Amendment 104 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30a. Regrets that Kazakhstan is not a party nor a signatory state and calls to sign and accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;

Amendment 105 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. ~~Recommends~~Calls for closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, including addressing the root causes of radicalisation; notes that Article 13 of the EPCA focuses on counter - terrorism measures and plays a crucial role especially in the current international environment;

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Recognises the security challenge posed to Kazakhstan by the Daesh and other UN-designated terrorist organisations; recommends closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, including addressing the root causes of radicalisation;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. RNotes the high number of Kazakh citizens who are hired as foreign fighters in the Middle East; recommends closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, including addressing the root causes of radicalisation;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Recommends closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism, including addressing the root causes of radicalisation; calls for a closer cooperation with the EU in the fight against terrorism;

Amendment 109 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Recommends closer cooperation on countering violent extremism and terrorism~~, including~~ and points out that the priority should be to address~~ing~~ the root causes of radicalisation;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to ~~international values~~democratic values, respect for human rights and the rule of law and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31a. Recognises the potential for further destabilisation of Kazakhstan by the on-going conflict in Afghanistan including by means of religious extremism, drug trafficking and terrorism;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes with concern that adoption of recent anti-terrorism laws, including a bill proposing withdrawal of citizenship for terrorist suspects could lead to the suppression of peaceful and legitimate political opposition; urges the Kazakh authorities to avoid abusing this legislation with the aim of restricting freedom of speech, the independence of the judiciary or banning opposition activity and the activity of independent candidates; also urges that citizens’ electoral rights to be respected;

Amendment 112 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes with concern that adoption of recent anti-terrorism laws, including a bill proposing withdrawal of citizenship for terrorist suspects could lead to the suppression of peaceful and legitimate political opposition; urges the Kazakh authorities to avoid abusing this legislation with the aim of restricting freedom of speech, freedom of religion or belief, the independence of the judiciary or banning opposition activity;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Notes with concern that adoption of recent anti-terrorism laws, including a bill proposing withdrawal of citizenship for terrorist suspects could lead to the suppression of peaceful and legitimate political opposition; urges the Kazakh authorities to avoid abusing this legislation with the ~~aim~~possible effect ofn restricting freedom of speech, the independence of the judiciary or banning opposition activity;

Amendment 114 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Voices understanding for the country’s multi-vector foreign policy, ~~including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners~~with its aim of friendly and predictable relations, including as a priority building good neighbourly relations with Russia, China, the Central Asian states with which it shares borders and other partners, particularly the neighbouring Islamic world;

Amendment 115 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Voices understanding for the country’'s multi-vector foreign policy~~, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners;~~ ; recognises Kazakhstan as an important player in foreign and security policy not least due to the consistent role it plays in global nuclear disarmament and security, and its non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council in 2017-2018;

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Voices understanding for the country’s multi-vector foreign policy, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners which should not be at odds with serving the interests of the country or those of the EU;

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. VAcknowledges Kazakhstan's geostrategic importance and voices understanding for the country’s multi- vector foreign policy, including building and balancing good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners, including the US and the EU;

Amendment 118 #

33. Voices understanding for the country’s multi-vector foreign policy~~, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners~~;

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. Voices understanding for the country’s multi-vector foreign policy~~, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners~~;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values such as human rights, the rule of law, good governance and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. ~~Voices understanding for~~Acknowledges the country’s multi- vector foreign policy, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners;

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33

33. ~~Voices understanding for~~Notes the country’s multi-vector foreign policy, including building good neighbourly relations with Russia and China and other partners;

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Recognises Kazakhstan as an important player in foreign and security policy not least due to the consistent role it plays in global nuclear disarmament and security, and its non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council in 2017-2018,; welcomes Kazakhstan's initiative to facilitate the negotiations between the parties in Astana for a comprehensive solution to end the war in Syria and urges the Kazakh authorities to coordinate better their action with the EU and United Nations;

Amendment 124 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34

34. Recognises Kazakhstan as an important player in foreign and security policy not least due to the consistent role it plays in global nuclear disarmament and security, and its non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council in 2017-2018, and its facilitation of the talks on the Iranian nuclear deal and the conflict in Syria, and its diplomatic efforts with regard to the conflict in Ukraine;

Amendment 125 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34 a (new)

34a. Regards the international reputation which Kazakhstan has achieved very recently, through chairing international organisations as diverse as the OSCE, the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, as a good starting point for joint activities seeking to stabilise the security situation in the Central Asia region and to find multilateral solutions to global challenges;

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

35. Recommends that the EU continue its support for regional cooperation in Central Asia, in particular the rule of law, confidence-building measures, water and resource management, border management, stability and security; supports, in this regard, Kazakhstan’s efforts in promoting good neighbourly relations; calls for a sustainable Central Asian settlement on water management, energy and security issues that responds to all interests;

Amendment 127 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)

35a. Notes that Kazakhstan belongs to all the main regional organisation, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU); in this context, welcomes Kazakhstan’s clear statements that its membership in the EAEU will not affect the strengthening of relations with the EU;

Amendment 129 #

35a. Recognises that Kazakhstan is a leading power in the Central Asian region; urges Kazakhstan to use this position for positive engagement with its regional neighbours and take steps to move forward in regional cooperation;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political ~~and~~, economic and cultural relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Welcomes the enhanced chapter on raw materials and energy cooperation, which holds great potential for contributing to EU energy security; calls for the EU to have a more active energy cooperation with Kazakhstan and other Central-Asian countries to strengthen the EU energy security;

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Welcomes the enhanced chapter on raw materials and energy cooperation, which holds great potential for contributing to EU energy security; recalls that Kazakhstan plays an important role as an energy supplier to the EU;

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36

36. Welcomes the enhanced chapter on raw materials and energy cooperation, which holds great potential for contributing to EU energy security and looks forward to strengthening dialogue on energy issues;

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)

37a. Welcomes the inclusion in the EPCA Agreement of the chapter on cooperation in the area of climate change; calls on the European Union to continue to cooperate with the government of Kazakhstan, assisting it in identifying and developing innovative and sustainable environmental and ecological policies, with particular attention to the Aral Sea region;

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)

37a. Welcomes Kazakhstan's participation in the voluntary Partnership Programme "Green Bridge"; believes it will provide a stable and long-term basis for green investment, transfer of new technologies and innovations, towards an carbon energy-free society;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1

~~Trade and economy~~deleted

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner; highlights that trade and human rights can positively reinforce each other when operating in a rule of law environment; recalls that the business community has an important role to play in offering positive incentives in terms of promoting human rights, democracy, and corporate responsibility; points out that global value chains contribute to enhancing international core labour, environmental, social and human rights standards, including establishment and enforcement of occupational health and safety measures, educational opportunities, impartial institutions, and corruption reduction;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner, but that the disruptions in EU-Russian trade that have emerged since 2014 are clearly also, owing to the close economic ties between Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation, having a negative impact on EU- Kazakhstan trade relations;

Amendment 138 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner; notes that 80 percent of Kazakhstan's export to the EU consist of oil and gas; reiterates the importance of greater diversification of its trade with the EU;

Amendment 139 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner; hopes that these relations will be further strengthened and reinforced through new trade agreements;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations ofbetween the EU ~~with~~and Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38

38. Recalls that the EU is the country’s first trade and investment partner and Kazakhstan is the EU's main trade partner in Central Asia;

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)

38a. Notes that Kazakhstan, in implementing its economic modernisation strategies, is focusing on realising potentials for regional integration, and in particular on restoring traditional trade and production chains in the post-Soviet region, including in the framework of the Eurasian Union; notes that the dialogue between the EU and Kazakhstan on economic matters is not helped by the lack of direct talks between the European Commission and the Eurasian Economic Commission, which is increasingly responsible for Eurasian Union member states’ foreign trade issues; calls on the European Commission to bring its political decisions in this area into line with the political realities;

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)

38a. Underlines that the EPCA provides significant boost to economic ties between the EU and Kazakhstan and enhance concrete cooperation in 29 key policy areas, including in the sectors of economic and financial cooperation, energy, transport, environment and others;

Amendment 143 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s economic and administrative modernisation, stemming from its accession to the WTO on 1 January 2016; hopes that the ambitious programme for diversifying the economy and reforming the country, which includes, inter alia, the professionalisation of the public administration and the introduction of anti-corruption measures, is fully executed in practice;

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39

39. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s accession to the WTO which fostered economic and administrative modernisation~~, stemming from its accession to the WTO on 1 January 2016~~ of the country;

Amendment 145 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)

39a. Notes that Kazakhstan's economy is largely based on the exploitation and export of raw materials and hydrocarbons; takes the view that the EU could play an important role in helping Kazakhstan diversify its economy and calls, in particular, on the Commission to assist Kazakhstan so as to make its economy environment-friendly and sustainable;

Amendment 146 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 b (new)

39b. Environment Recalls that Kazakhstan is heavily affected by the consequences of two of the most devastating man-made environmental disasters in the world namely the dry-up of the Aral sea and the Soviet nuclear test site of Semey/ Semipalatinsk; calls on the Commission to step up the assistance to the Kazakh authorities both at technical and financial level in order to improve substantially water management and water conservation as regards the Aral sea basin and to develop an effective action plan for the cleaning-up of the former nuclear polygon area;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2

~~Final provisions~~deleted

Amendment 15 #

James CARVER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of ~~the EU~~Europe with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Stresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to ~~internation~~universal values and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 17 #

James CARVER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes Kazakhstan’s consistent strategy of rapprochement with the EU; underlines the country’s essential contribution to the implementation of the EU-Central Asia strategy, which will undergo a substantial review in 2019;deleted

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Notes that Kazakhstan’s, in the con~~sis~~tenxt ~~strategy of rapprochement with the EU~~of a multi-vector foreign policy, seeks the consistent development of cooperation with the EU on an equal footing, guided by the principles of mutual respect, partnership and a forward-looking approach; underlines the country’s essential ~~contribution to~~role in the implementation of the EU-Central Asia strategy, which will undergo a substantial review in 2019;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes that, in view of the geopolitical and geo-economic changes over the last ten years and the associated shifts in political power in the world at large and in Asia in particular, and given that there has been a stabilisation in the transformation and modernisation model characteristic of Central Asian and many other Asian countries, the EU’s political scope for bringing about political and social reforms in Kazakhstan based on the European state model has been sharply reduced; welcomes that the EU, in shaping political cooperation, is therefore relying on tried and tested forms of dialogue and exchange of experiences to raise the issue of critical social developments;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EPCA ~~should constitute an importa~~(article 2) could strengthen the framework for the fulfilment of essential elements s~~tep in the deepening of political and economic ties between the two parties for the benefit of the people of both Kazakhstan and the EU~~uch as respect for democracy, the rule of law, human rights and market economy already provided for in the PCA as long as the implementation of all the clauses is subjected to a strict and effective monitoring mechanism based on clear benchmarks and deadlines, whereas countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is added as a new essential element (Article 11);

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

~~3. Recalls that Parliament emphasised that progress in the negotiation of the EPCA must be linked to progress of political reform and real progress on respect for human rights;~~deleted

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that Parliament emphasised that progress in the negotiation of the EPCA must be linked to progress of political reform and real progress on respect for human rights, the rule of law, good governance and democratisation; expresses strong concerns that rights to freedom of expression, of peaceful assembly and association remain restricted; urges the country to implement fully 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;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Recalls that Parliament emphasised that progress in the negotiation of the EPCA must be linked to progress of political reform, democracy, the rule of law and real progress on respect for human rights, where implementation of the Venice Commission recommendations could play a beneficial role;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Takes note that in its concluding observations on Kazakhstan adopted in summer 2016, the UN Human Rights Committee expressed concern about broadly formulated provisions of Criminal Code article 174, which bans “inciting” social, national or other discord and article 274, which prohibits “spreading information that is known to be false,” and the use of them to unduly restrict freedom of expression and other rights protected by the ICCPR;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Regrets that defamation also remains criminalised in Kazakhstan, with special protection granted to public officials, and underlines that this has become problematic in the light of freedom of expression in the country;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the fact that the EPCA establishes a solid basis for deepening of relations; notes that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian partner with whom the EU has negotiated and signed an EPCA; considers this new-generation agreement to be a good model that could in future also be applied to other countries in the region;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the fact that the EPCA may establishes a solid basis for the further deepening of relations; notes that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian partner with whom the EU has negotiated and signed an EPCA;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes the fact that the EPCA establishes a solid basis for deepening of relations; notes that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian partner country with whom the EU has negotiated and signed an EPCA;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Regrets that, over the last couple of years, judicial persecution of independent journalists, civil society activists, trade union leaders and other outspoken individuals in retaliation for their exercise of freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms has intensified;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the ambition expressed in the EPCA to enhance cooperation in diverse areas of concern and common interest such as democracy and the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms; sustainable development; foreign and security policy; trade; justice, freedom and security; and in 29 other key sector policy areas, such as economic and financial cooperation, energy, transport, environment and climate change, employment and social affairs, culture, education and research;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EPCA should ~~constitute an important step in th~~lead to a perceptible deepening of political and economic ties between the two parties, while respecting and taking account of existing social differences and the specific political, economic and social circumstances of the parties, for the benefit of the people of both Kazakhstan and the EU;

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the ambition expressed in the EPCA to enhance cooperation in diverse areas of concern and common interest; encourages both sides to actively fulfil their commitments;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Welcom~~Notes the ambition expressed in the EPCA to enhance cooperation in diverse areas of concern and common interest;

Amendment 32 #

James CARVER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

~~6. Acknowledges that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan;~~deleted

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Acknowledges that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan; points out the importance of stepping up exchanges in particular at youth and academic level and calls, in this respect, for a substantial expansion of Erasmus + programme for Kazakhstan;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Acknowledges that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan in parallel with possible negotiation of an agreement regulating the specific obligations on readmissions;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Acknowledg~~Welcomes that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. ~~Acknowledg~~Notes that the EPCA introduced the possibility of negotiating a visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Acknowledges some recent positive developments in the field of constitutional and administrative reforms ~~as well as the establishment of a civil society consultative platform~~; is, however, concerned about the restrictive effects of the Criminal and Administrative Codes that entered into force in 2015 on civil society organisations and their activities;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Acknowledg~~Notes some recent positive developments in the field of constitutional and administrative reforms as well as the establishment of a civil society consultative platform; is, however, gravely concerned about the restrictive effects of the Criminal and Administrative Codes that entered into force in 2015 on civil society organisations and their activities;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. ~~Acknowledg~~Welcomes some recent positive developments in the field of constitutional and administrative reforms as well as the establishment of a civil society consultative platform; is, however, concerned about the restrictive effects of the Criminal and Administrative Codes that entered into force in 2015 on civil society organisations and their activities;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the EPCA should constitute an important step in the deepening ofand strengthening of the political and economic ties between the two parties for the benefit of the people of both Kazakhstan and the EU;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Takes note that as of 2016 all Kazakh NGOs are required to provide annual information on their activities for inclusion in a government database on NGOs; underlines that this step might be directed to enhance transparency in the sector; however, is concerned that the new requirements add to the already extensive reporting obligations from non- governmental sector to the state, while the transparency policy is disproportionally applied towards non-profit, non- governmental sector, as it does not apply to any other legal entities; is concerned that failing to provide information for the new database or that provide “incorrect” information may result in penalties for organisations;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Urges the reversal of the negative trends in terms of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of religion; recommends Kazakhstan to apply the standards of the Council of Europe in its laws; urges the country to implement fully 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;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9a. Notes that, by law, it is compulsory for public associations to register with the authorities and involvement in unregistered associations is criminalised; regrets that the activities of registered public associations may be suspended or terminated by court for any violation of national law, no matter how minor;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Underlines that freedom of media and freedom of expression are essential in establishing and consolidating democracy, the rule of law and human rights; expresses concern on the draft media legislation aiming to implement rules for journalists to verify their information with state authorities; urges the Kazakh authorities to withdraw such amendments from their draft legislation and to ensure full independence of investigation and reporting for the journalists; further calls on Kazakh authorities to refrain from restricting access to state critical online and offline media in the land and from abroad;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9b. Regrets that the amendments to the Tax Code that entered into force in October 2016 introduced additional reporting obligations for NGOs, this time for organisations receiving foreign funding for certain types of activities;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)

9c. Is concerned that number of activist have been imprisoned under the broadly worded Criminal Code provisions on “inciting national discord” and “spreading information that is known to be false”, including Maks Bokayev and Talgat Ayan, who serve 5-year prison term, following their participation in the peaceful land reform protests in Kazakhstan in Spring 2016; editor Guzyal Baydalinova, civil society activists Ermek Narymbaev and Bolatbek Blyalov and political activist Serikzhan Mambetalin; urges Kazakhstani government to release all of them and to drop charged against them;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 c (new)

9c. Is concerned by the large number of defamation lawsuits initiated by public officials and other public figures who demand large amounts in moral compensation because of articles about corruption allegations, alleged misconduct or other issues that do not please them;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 d (new)

9d. Notes that domestic legislation on Freedom of Assembly and Freedom of Association is extremely restrictive; several human rights groups have faced increased inspections from tax authorities, and some of these groups are facing excessive fines;

Amendment 48 #

10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive cooperation in international relations and its multi-vector foreign policy; encourages Kazakhstan to continue to engage and play a constructive role on the international stage; in this regard welcomes a “Manifesto: The World. The 21 Century” released by President Nazarbayev, which calls for the gradual eradication of armed conflict through nuclear non- proliferation and disarmament, and to initiate the Universal Declaration for a Nuclear- Weapons - Free World;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive cooperation in international relations and its multi-vector foreign policy; welcomes, in particular, the decision of Kazakhstan not to join the Russian ban on EU agricultural products and considers this a concrete and encouraging sign of the willingness of this country to step up the dialogue and the cooperation with the EU;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian ~~partner~~country to have signed an EPCA with the EU; whereas the EPCA, once ratified by all Member States and the European Parliament, will replace the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) of 1999, and whereas the text of the EPCA was made public on 15 July 2015;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive ~~cooperation~~ role, in the context of its multi-vector foreign policy, in shaping international relations ~~and its multi-vector foreign policy~~, for example in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue and by initiating the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive cooperation in international relations a~~nd its multi-vector foreign policy~~s an important contributor to peace and stability on both regional and global levels;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s constructive cooperation in international relations ~~and its multi-vector foreign policy~~;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Acknowledges that Kazakhstan, in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, has committed itself to actively contributing to a peaceful settlement of regional conflicts and, with regard to Syria, is unwavering in its support for ending hostilities in the country and for continuing direct talks and negotiations between the armed opposition and the forces of the Damascus government as a way to achieving peace in Syria;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s third modernisation strategy announced in January 2017, with the goal of becoming among the 30 most developed countries in the world;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expects that the EPCA will promote a strengthened rule of law and a more diverse political landscape, a better functioning, independent and impartial judiciary, increased transparency and accountability of the government, improvement in labour laws in line with ILO requirements and the sustainable development of environment, more business opportunities for small and medium enterprises, sustainable development of environment, water management, and of other resources such as an efficient use of energy and the development of renewable energy sources;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Expects that the EPCA will promote a strengthened rule of law and democratic participation by all citizens, and a more diverse political landscape, a better functioning, independent and impartial judiciary, increased transparency and accountability of the government, improvement in labour laws in line with ILO requirements and the sustainable development of environment;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Condemns the closure of the independent trade union CITUK and arbitrary sentencing of its president Larisa Kharkova in July 2017; reminds the Kazakh authorities the need to guarantee independent and impartial judiciary and to enable real social dialogue by also fostering the existence and functioning of independent trade unions;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Supports Kazakhstan in its efforts to save the Aral Sea in the framework of the action programme of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)

Ca. whereas the EPCA sets out a broad spectrum of new areas of cooperation which are not only in the political and economic interest of the EU but are also suited to supporting Kazakhstan in the next stage of modernisation to which it aspires, while at the same time securing cooperation in meeting global challenges, particularly as regards a sustainable social and economic development for all citizens, preservation of cultural diversity, conservation of the environment and management of the consequences of climate change in accordance with the requirements of the Paris Agreement, and peacekeeping and regional cooperation;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Stresses that further steps need to be based on the applica~~Reiterates its conviction that any form of cooperation under the EPCA should adhere to the principles of balance of interests and mutual benefit, and that any linkage of EU-Kazakhstan relations to global rivalries, or placing of conditions o~~f a ‘more for more’ principle~~n cooperation in line with the ‘more for more’ principle, would prove counter-productive in view of the geo- political and geo-economic realities;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 – point 1

– to ensure that ~~Kazakhstan~~both sides abides by the essential elements of the EPCA, because failure to observe them would lead to either a dispute settlement (Article 278 or even suspension in the event of serious violations (Article 279);

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Takes note of the ‘Kazakhstan 2050’ comprehensive modernisation programme, announced in 2015, seeking to enhance the country’s macro-economic stability and adapt its development to the changed conditions in the world economy, while securing the route of economic diversification as the basis for the country’s political stability; notes that the ‘Kazakhstan 2050’ programme still adheres to the existing axiom of modernisation: ‘economy first, then politics’;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Encourages Kazakhstan ~~to take pro- active and concrete steps~~, in the light of its own experiences of increasing social polarisation in the country and of social protests, some of them violent, to take pro-active and concrete steps, when implementing the ‘Kazakhstan 2050’ programme, on political ~~and~~, democratic and social reforms, including a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and introducing further checks and balances within the constitutional system, in line with the country’s international commitments under various UN, OSCE and Council of Europe instruments; reiterates its conviction that the transition which Kazakhstan seeks, towards a new type of growth with an intensive scientific focus, would not appear to be possible without high-quality education, access for much of the population to essential modern services, an inclusive social policy and a system of regulated social relationships, particularly in the economy;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Encourages Kazakhstan to take pro- active and concrete steps on political and democratic reforms, including a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and introducing further checks and balances within the constitutional system, in line with the country’s international commitments under various UN, OSCE and Council of Europe instruments; recognises the ‘100-step programme’ as an attempt to address urgent reforms in the country;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Encourages~~Calls on Kazakhstan to take pro- active and concrete steps on political and democratic reforms, including a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and introducing further checks and balances within the constitutional system, in line with the country’s international commitments under various UN, OSCE and Council of Europe instruments;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Encourages Kazakhstan to take ~~pro-active and~~ concrete steps on ~~political and~~ democratic reforms, including a clearer separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, and introducing further checks and balances within the constitutional system, in line with the country’s international commitments under various UN, OSCE and Council of Europe instruments;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Recomme~~Finds that the EU should consistently include in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan, the issues of the rule of law and democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Re~~commend~~quests that the EU consistently include in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan, the issues of the rule of law and democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. ~~Recommends that~~Calls on the EU to consistently include in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan, the issues of the rule of law and democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. whereas the European Parliament is prepared, within the framework of its competences, to involve itself actively in developing and fleshing out the specific areas of cooperation with Kazakhstan, including parliamentary relations;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recommends that the EU consistently ~~includ~~prioritise in its political dialogue with Kazakhstan, the issues of the rule of law and democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the Venice Commission and calls for full implementation of its recommendations in the area of democratic ~~reforms~~and judicial reforms in particular;

Amendment 72 #

17. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the Venice Commission and ~~calls for~~encourages Kazakhstan to fully implement~~ation of its~~ its relevant recommendations in the area of democratic reforms;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Takes note of~~Welcomes the current administrative reforms and recommends further reforms guaranteeing a genuinely independent and impartial judiciary and more efficient efforts in fighting corruption at all levels;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. ~~Takes note of the~~Welcomes current administrative reforms and recommends further reforms guaranteeing a genuinely independent and impartial judiciary and more efficient efforts in fighting corruption at all levels;

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. ~~Recommends that~~Calls on Kazakhstan to fully implement the recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR international observation mission to the 20 March 2016 elections according to which the country still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments for democratic elections;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)

19a. Takes note of the efforts of Kazakhstan to improve the country's international image as shown by the recent opening of the EXPO-2017 in Astana; points out, nevertheless, that these efforts are contradicted by the crackdown on dissenting voices that over the last months has continued unabated, dashing hopes that the Kazakh authorities may take some steps to ease pressure on civil society;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the reversal of the negative trends in terms of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of religion; recommends Kazakhstan to apply the standards of the Council of Europe in its laws; urges the country to implement fully 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;deleted

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. ~~Urges the reversal of the negative trends in terms of~~Expresses its concerns about the climate for freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of religion; points out that freedom of speech for independent media, bloggers and individual citizens is a universal value that must be upheld; recommends Kazakhstan to apply the standards of the Council of Europe in its laws; urges the country to implement fully 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;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)

Da. Whereas Kazakhstan joined the WTO on 1 January 2016;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Urges the reversal of the negative trends in terms of freedom of the media, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly, and freedom of religion; recommends Kazakhstan to a~~pply~~mend its laws in accordance with the standards of the Council of Europe ~~in its laws~~; urges the country to ~~implement fully~~take into account 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;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Regrets that environment for the independent media outlets has become ever more hostile and a few news broadcasters and other websites that report unfavourably on government policies have been facing defamation lawsuits, or are routinely blocked;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)

20b. Is concerned that the curtailment of freedom of expression in Kazakhstan includes restrictive legislation, pressure on independent and outspoken media, arbitrary blocking of websites, and criminal prosecution of journalists, political and civil society activists and social media users because of the exercise of their freedom of expression; is concerned that cases of blocking of news, social media and other websites are regularly reported;

Amendment 83 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes the multi-ethnic character of Kazakhstan and stresses the need for a protection of minorities and their rights, in particular with regard to the use of religion, languages, non-discrimination and equal opportunities; welcomes the peaceful co-existence of different communities in Kazakhstan;

Amendment 84 #

Lars ADAKTUSSON

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes the multi-ethnic, and multi- religious, character of Kazakhstan and stresses the need for a protection of minorities and their rights, in particular with regard to the use of languages, religious practices, non-discrimination and equal opportunities;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Notes the multi-ethnic character of Kazakhstan and stresses the need for a protection of minorities and their rights, in particular with regard to the use of languages, freedom of religion or belief; non-discrimination and equal opportunities;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)

21a. Appeals for enhanced governance and reform, with a truly independent judiciary and greater, more efficient efforts in fighting corruption, organised crime and drug trafficking; calls for improving, modernising and investing in core social sectors; further attention to the economic and social development in peripheral regions and outside the main cities will be important for the country's long-term stability;

Amendment 87 #

22. Is concerned that some of the provisions of the recently reformed Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedural Code restrict the freedom of expression; encourages Kazakhstan to revisit those in particular with regard to the criminalisation of defamation and corruption of the judiciary, which also need to tackle the right to a fair trial and defence rights;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Regrets that number of civil society activists and journalists are charged and imprisoned on the basis of a vaguely worded Criminal Code article 174 on “inciting” social, national or other discord and article 274 on “spreading information that is known to be false”; notes the list includes Maks Bokayev and Talgat Ayan, who serve 5-year prison terms for their role in peaceful land reform protests which took place in Kazakhstan on the Spring of 2016, editor Guzyal Baydalinova, civil society activists Ermek Narymbaev and Bolatbek Blyalov and political activist Serikzhan Mambetalin;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes the existence of civil society dialogue platforms; reiterates its concern about the legislation on NGOs, undermining their independence and ability to operate; recalls the importance of a vibrant civil society for the sustainable future of Kazakhstan; takes the view that the EPCA implies also an enhanced support for the development of a genuine civil society and calls on the Kazakh authorities to act accordingly and on the Commission to step up programmes aimed at strengthening and consolidating the action of independent NGOs;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)

Db. Whereas Kazakhstan joined the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission) in March 2012;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes the existence of civil society dialogue platforms; reiterates its concern about the legislation on NGOs, undermining their independence and ability to operate; recalls the importance of a vibrant civil society for the sustainable future of Kazakhstan; urges the Kazakh authorities to guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights activists and NGOs in Kazakhstan are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals, and free of all restrictions;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes the existence of civil society dialogue platforms; reiterates its concern about the legislation on NGOs, undermining their independence and ability to operate; urges the authorities to ensure that NGOs are able to carry out their legitimate activities and thus contribute to the sustainable development of society and the strengthening of democracy; recalls the importance of a vibrant and robust civil society for the sustainable future of Kazakhstan;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes the existence of civil society dialogue platforms; reiterates its concern about the legislation on NGOs, which should be controlled, but in such a way as not to undermininge their independence and ability to operate; recalls the importance of a vibrant civil society for the sustainable future of Kazakhstan;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)

24a. Asks to put an end to persecution, harassment and imprisonment of civil society activities, human rights defenders, opposition political figures and journalists; asks for full rehabilitation and release of all those activists currently in jail as well as for lifting of movement restrictions on others; requests an end to abuse of its Interpol’s extradition procedures and stop harassment of political opposition aboard;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)

25a. Regrets that Larisa Kharkova, President of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Kazakhstan (CITUK) was found guilty on 25 July 2017 by a court on charges of embezzlement and fraud related to the use of trade union funds, what is believed to be politically motivated charges; deplores the fact that she was sentenced to four years of court-imposed restrictions on her freedom of movement, in addition to 100 hours of community work and a ban on holding leading positions in public associations for five years; calls on Kazakhstan to drop the conviction and charges against her;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)

25b. Regrets that CITUK was closed down by a court order in January 2017 for allegedly failing to confirm its status under the country’s restrictive 2014 Law on Trade Unions; refers to the Conclusions of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards on the situation in Kazakhstan in June 2017 and calls on Kazakhstan to ensure that CITUK and its affiliates are able to exercise their trade union rights and their mandate;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)

25c. Regrets that in April and May 2017 two other trade union leaders, Nurbek Kushakbayev and Amin Yeleusinov, were sentenced to two and half and two years in prison, respectively, on criminal charges also considered to be politically motivated; notes that the sentences against the three trade union leaders are a blow to independent trade union activity in the country;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Calls on Kazakhstan’s authorities to stop harassing, detaining and prosecuting independent journalists, civil society activists, trade union leaders and other outspoken individuals in retaliation for their exercise of freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms and calls for their immediate release;

Amendment 99 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)

26a. Calls for the end of harassment of independent trade union activists and the release of the remaining political prisoners;

source: 609.634

2017/09/06 INTA 26 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Helmut SCHOLZ, Patrick LE HYARIC

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. Supports Parliament’s conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Kazakhstan, since it upgrades trade provisions and builds on WTO membership obligations and disciplines; but reserves the right to call on the Commission and the Council to suspend the agreement in case of flagrant breaches of human rights, in particular labours rights ;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)

Ba. Welcomes Kazakhstan’s economic and administrative modernisation, stemming from its accession to the WTO on 1 January 2016 and its chairing of the Committee for Trade and Environment.

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Recital B b (new)

Bb. Takes note of Kazakhstan’s commitment to fully liberalise movement of capital relating to direct investment and regrets that the Trade and Business part of the EPCA does not contain anti- corruption provisions; is of the view that particular attention should be paid to the issues of corporate governance and corruption in monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, in order to avoid increasing the risk of money laundering;

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Recital D

D. Calls on Kazakhstan not to align its import tariffs with those of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but to push instead for the continued fulfilment of its WTO and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) commitments in order to avoid costly compensation payments to WTO trading partners;deleted

Amendment 13 #

Godelieve QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Recital D

D. ~~Calls on Kazakhstan not to~~Welcomes the constructive behaviour of Kazakhstan on the issue of the Russian ban on EU agricultural products; encourages Kazakhstan to carefully consider the issue of aligning its import tariffs with those of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), b~~ut to push instead for~~ecause the continued fulfilment of its WTO and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) commitments ~~in order to~~would avoid costly compensation payments to WTO trading partners;

Amendment 14 #

Joachim STARBATTY

Draft opinion
Recital D

D. Calls on Kazakhstan not to align its import tariffs with those of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but to push instead for the continued fulfilment of its WTO and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) commitments ~~in order to avoid costly compensation payments to WTO trading partners~~;

Amendment 15 #

Joachim STARBATTY

Draft opinion
Recital D

D. Calls on Kazakhstan not to align its import tariffs with those of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but to push instead for the continued fulfilment of its WTO and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) commitments ~~in order to avoid costly compensation payments to WTO trading partners~~;

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Recital D

D. Calls on Kazakhstan ~~not to~~to fully align its import tariffs with ~~those of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but to push instead for the continued fulfilment of~~ its WTO and Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) commitments, irrespective of its participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), in order to avoid costly compensation payments to WTO trading partners;

Amendment 17 #

Helmut SCHOLZ, Patrick LE HYARIC

Draft opinion
Recital E a (new)

Ea. Welcomes Kazakhstan's participation in the voluntary Partnership Programme "Green Bridge"; believes it will provide a stable and long-term basis for green investment, transfer of new technologies and innovations, towards a carbon energy free society;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Recital F

F. ~~Accept~~Recalls the general five-year transitional period for public procurement and the eight-year transitional period for construction laid down in the EPCA~~, and looks forward to increased trade once these periods have drawn to a close~~. Notes that public procurement constitutes a significant public policy instrument for Kazakhstan and is relevant for strengthening and developing domestic industry as well as increasing employment; is concerned that these benefits might be diminished due to the liberalisation efforts of the EPCA;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Recital F

F. ~~Accepts~~Takes note of the general five-year transitional period for public procurement and the eight-year transitional period for construction laid down in the EPCA, and looks forward to increased trade once these periods have drawn to a close;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Recital A

A. Supports Parliament’s conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Kazakhstan, since it upgrades trade provisions and builds on WTO membership obligations and disciplinestresses the high importance of enhancing political and economic relations of the EU with Kazakhstan, which should be based on shared commitments to international values, including WTO obligations and disciplines, and guided by mutual interest;

Amendment 20 #

Draft opinion
Recital F a (new)

Fa. Is particularly concerned by the deterioration of labour standards in Kazakhstan, in particular by persecution reported of workers' representatives and trade union; calls the Kazakh government to put an end to actions against labour activists and unions and urges the Kazakh authorities to implement appropriate reform in order to effectively implement all ILO core conventions and to ensure labour right protection;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Recital G

G. CRecalls ~~on the Council and the Commission to use the EU’s leverage to pressure the Kazakh authorities to impl~~that human rights, including labour rights, are an essential element of the EPCA and regrets that the situation has deteriorated over the last few years, including in the area of freedom of association and the right to strike, with clear infringements of the core ILO cConventions ~~effectively and to ensure respect for human rights, the rule of law and the role of trade unions.~~ ; urges the Commission to activate the dispute settlement mechanism as provided by Article 155 under the Trade and Sustainable Development chapter without delay;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Recital G

G. Calls on the Council and the Commission to use the EU’s leverage to pressure the Kazakh authorities to implement the core ILO conventions effectively and to ensure respect for human rights, the rule of law and the role of trade unions, and to stand ready to suspend the Enhanced PCA in case of flagrant breaches of human rights principles.

Amendment 23 #

David BORRELLI, Tiziana BEGHIN

Draft opinion
Recital G

G. Calls on the Council and the Commission to use the EU’s full leverage to put pressure on the Kazakh authorities to implement the core ILO conventions effectively and to ensure respect for human rights, the rule of law ~~and~~, the ~~role~~freedoms of trade unions and their members and their role.

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Recital G

G. Calls on the Council and the Commission to use the EU’s leverage to pressure and assist the Kazakh authorities to implement the core ILO conventions effectively and to ensure respect for human rights, good governance, the rule of law and the role of trade unions.

Amendment 25 #

Godelieve QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Recital G

G. Calls on the Council and the Commission to use the EU’s leverage to continue to pressure the Kazakh authorities to implement the core ILO conventions effectively and to ensure respect for human rights, the rule of law and the role of trade unions.

Amendment 26 #

Helmut SCHOLZ, Patrick LE HYARIC

Draft opinion
Recital G a (new)

Ga. Calls on the Council and the Commission to monitor closely progress by the Kazakhs authorities in the fields of Human Rights, freedom of expression, and association, as well as labour laws and environmental protection, and to link those progresses to chapters of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation agreement; stresses that any setbacks in those fields in the legal framework or in practices should be met by warnings of the European Union, and followed by suspension of parts of the agreements if they are ignored;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)

Aa. Acknowledges the value of the significant trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the European Union. Also underlines the EU’s importance to Kazakhstan; the EU is the country’s first investment partner and plays a significant role in supporting the development and diversification of the Kazakh economy.

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. Notes that the EU is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner ~~and that bilateral trade has slowed considerably over the past years~~; believes that economic diversification, ~~liberalisation,~~ investments in sustainable development, ~~tackling corruption and opening up to~~including foreign direct investment ~~(FDI)~~, and tackling corruption could be important means to further develop and strengthen trade and economic relations, within the wider framework of the General Principles as enshrined in Article 1of the EPCA; calls on the Commission to assist the Kazakh authorities inand ensure they implement~~ing~~ the EPCA ~~effectively in these fields~~, including its essential elements, by developing benchmarks and deadlines for implementation and by providing for an effective and comprehensive monitoring mechanism between Parliament and the Commission/EEAS for the whole EPCA;

Amendment 5 #

David BORRELLI, Tiziana BEGHIN

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. Notes that the EU is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner and that bilateral trade has slowed considerably over the past years; believes that economic diversification, liberalisation, investments in sustainable development, tackling corruption and opening up to productive, real and sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) could be important means to further develop and strengthen trade and economic relations; calls on the Commission to assist the Kazakh authorities in implementing the EPCA effectively in these fields and to comply with international standards notably against tax avoidance and evasion as well as against money laundering;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. Notes that the EU is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner and that bilateral trade has slowed considerably over the past years; believes that economic diversification, liberalisation, investments in sustainable development, tackling corruption and opening up to foreign direct investment (FDI) could be important means to further develop and strengthen trade and economic relations; calls on the Commission to assist the Kazakh authorities in implementing the EPCA effectively in these fields; notes that regulatory approximation is an important enabler to facilitate the development of bilateral trade relations;

Amendment 7 #

David BORRELLI, Tiziana BEGHIN

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. Notes that the EU is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner and that bilateral trade has slowed considerably over the past years; believes that economic diversification, liberalisation, investments in research, education, vocational training and sustainable development, tackling corruption and opening up to foreign direct investment (FDI) could be important means to further develop and strengthen trade and economic relations; calls on the Commission to assist the Kazakh authorities in implementing the EPCA effectively in these fields;

Amendment 8 #

Godelieve QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Daniel CASPARY

Draft opinion
Recital B

B. Notes that the EU is Kazakhstan’s main trade and investment partner and that bilateral trade has slowed considerably over the past years; believes that economic diversification, liberalisation, investments in sustainable development, tackling corruption and opening up to foreign direct investment (FDI) could be important means to further develop and strengthen trade and economic relations; calls on the Commission to continue its efforts to assist the Kazakh authorities in implementing the EPCA effectively in these fields;

Amendment 9 #