Progress: Procedure completed
Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
---|---|---|---|
Lead | INTA | SCHUSTER Joachim ( S&D) | ANDRIKIENĖ Laima Liucija ( PPE), MCCLARKIN Emma ( ECR), SCHAAKE Marietje ( ALDE), HAUTALA Heidi ( Verts/ALE) |
Committee Opinion | AFET | ||
Committee Opinion | DEVE | PREDA Cristian Dan ( PPE) | Bernd LUCKE ( ECR), Lola SÁNCHEZ CALDENTEY ( GUE/NGL), Jean-Luc SCHAFFHAUSER ( ENF), Elly SCHLEIN ( S&D) |
Committee Opinion | BUDG | ||
Committee Opinion | ECON | ||
Committee Opinion | EMPL | ||
Committee Opinion | ENVI | ||
Committee Opinion | ITRE | ||
Committee Opinion | TRAN | ||
Committee Opinion | REGI | ||
Committee Opinion | AGRI | KADENBACH Karin ( S&D) | Bas BELDER ( ECR) |
Committee Opinion | CULT | ZAMMIT DIMECH Francis ( PPE) | Emma McCLARKIN ( ECR), Helga TRÜPEL ( Verts/ALE) |
Committee Opinion | JURI | LEBRETON Gilles ( ENF) | Virginie ROZIÈRE ( S&D) |
Committee Opinion | LIBE |
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Subjects
Events
The European Parliament adopted by 115 votes to 32, with 131 abstentions, a resolution on harnessing globalisation: trade aspects.
Global trade openness and globalisation have had positive effects, lifting millions of people out of poverty and as such can contribute to the economic growth, prosperity and competitiveness of countries. However, globalisation also poses challenges and its benefits are spread unequally among people and regions.
Although Members welcomed the Commission reflection paper on the same issue and its focus on easing access to the positive effects of globalisation, they stressed the need to counter the negative effects. They recognised the growing responsibility of the EU to contribute to answering these challenges in its global trade and external relations.
However, they considered that protectionism would be a simplistic and weak answer to the challenges posed by globalisation, stressing that protectionist policies that are not implemented in line with WTO rules will have a domino effect on all, hurting importers, exporters and consumers.
European policy : Members noted that the EU is presented with the challenge of functioning successfully in a changing global economic setting, meaning that it needs to assure its competitiveness while preserving social and environmental standards, increase its cooperation with the rising economies in Southeast Asia as well as India, China and Latin America, and address the increasing arbitrary protectionism of the United States.
They stressed the importance of engaging in the restructuring of the world economic order and respecting the needs of developing countries as well as of the economically and socially deprived in developed countries. The achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement must serve as the overarching framework to pursue this commitment.
Parliament also called for structured, well-balanced free trade agreements , reiterating its support for the Commission’s trade policy and the promotion of trade policy tools and instruments in order to regulate and tackle the challenges of globalisation. Overall, it considered that the European Union offers an appropriate support framework for elaborating progressive rules on trade and investment, encouraging economic cooperation, solidarity between peoples and the fight against climate change.
Europe’s internal and external response : Parliament agreed with the Commission that preserving international competitiveness while guaranteeing high social and environmental standards is a prerequisite for a successful European strategy. It also pointed out that being internationally competitive depends strongly on successfully shaping automation and digitalisation in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, while preserving the protection of European citizens’ private lives.
It also stressed the need to ensure a more level playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Commission was invited to:
create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; Members called for the inclusion of dedicated chapters in trade agreements on the needs and interests of SMEs, especially with regard to market access facilitation; enhance the transparency of trade agreements, through constant dialogue with the European Parliament, national parliaments, social partners and civil society; ensure that imported agricultural products meet EU standards and to strengthen checks on imported agri-food products at their place of origin and upon their arrival in the EU; include solid and comprehensive sustainable development chapters in FTAs in order to support international trade, and to include a specific chapter which contributes to supporting and promoting international conventions on social, labour and human rights, and multilateral environmental agreements; promote international cooperation on fighting unfair competition and protectionism in third countries. In this context, the recently reformed trade defence instruments must be implemented in an effective and proportionate way to protect industries and jobs from dumped and unfairly subsidised imports.
Members also considered it essential to balance trade negotiations on copyright and called for trade agreements to ensure high standards of data protection.
As a response to globalisation-induced job losses, Member States need to strengthen their labour market policies and their offer of training. A reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is needed in order to meet the new challenges of globalisation, including a reform of the preconditions for receiving support. The EGF must become a more proactive tool aimed at preparing workers and companies to fight the negative impacts of globalisation.
The Committee on International Trade adopted an own-initiative report by Joachim SCHUSTER (S&D, DE) on harnessing globalisation: trade aspects.
Global trade openness and globalisation have had positive effects, lifting millions of people out of poverty and as such can contribute to the economic growth, prosperity and competitiveness of countries. However, globalisation also poses challenges and its benefits are spread unequally among people and regions.
Although Members welcomed the Commission reflection paper on the same issue and its focus on easing access to the positive effects of globalisation, they stressed the need to counter the negative effects . They recognised the growing responsibility of the EU to contribute to answering these challenges in its global trade and external relations.
European policy : Members noted that the EU is presented with the challenge of functioning successfully in a changing global economic setting, meaning that it needs to assure its competitiveness while preserving social and environmental standards, increase its cooperation with the rising economies in Southeast Asia as well as India, China and Latin America, and address the increasing arbitrary protectionism of the United States. They stressed that the aims of fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing the Paris Agreement must serve as the overarching framework for pursuing this engagement, with policy coherence for development being of utmost importance. Public finance, official development assistance and domestic resource mobilisation are necessary tools for achieving the SDGs.
The report stressed the importance of flanking policies to support the positive effects and opportunities provided by globalisation and the need for structured, well-balanced free trade agreements .
In general, Members considered that the European Union offers an appropriate support framework for elaborating progressive rules on trade and investment, encouraging economic cooperation, solidarity between peoples and the fight against climate change. However, they encouraged the Union to further develop its initiatives in order to better regulate globalisation through effective support measures.
Noting the difficulties encountered by Member States in dealing on their own with transnational challenges such as migration flows, financial crises, tax evasion, terrorism and climate change, Members emphasised the shared responsibility and role of regions and cities in harnessing globalisation.
Europe’s internal and external response : Members welcomed the further strengthening of the EU’s internal market as well as the consolidation of the economic union through the harmonisation of standards on social protection, wages and standards of living. They considered that such harmonisation is vital, as a solid internal market is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of international strategies.
Pointing out the need to ensure a more level playing field for SMEs, Members asked the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers. Access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to market participation for SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase.
The Commission is also called on to:
develop instruments in this context to facilitate the handling of rules of origin and the use of preferences for SMEs; set ambitious targets for increasing utilisation rates of unused preferences; further strengthen transparency in trade agreements, improve the monitoring of EU rules and legislation, and increase inclusiveness for citizens; conduct negotiations in full transparency, through constant dialogue with the European Parliament, national parliaments, social partners and civil society; inform and involve national parliaments and civil society before the approval of negotiating mandates and during negotiations; expressly include animal welfare in its next trade policy strategy and to use the review clauses in existing FTAs to further improve animal welfare provisions; include solid and comprehensive sustainable development chapters in FTAs in order to support international trade; promote international cooperation on fighting unfair competition and protectionism, which are detrimental to both businesses and citizens.
The report also noted that, as a response to globalisation-induced job losses, Member States need to strengthen their labour market policies and their offer of training. A reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is needed in order to meet the new challenges of globalisation, including a reform of the preconditions for receiving support. The EGF must become a more proactive tool aimed at preparing workers and companies to fight the negative impacts of globalisation.
Documents
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2019)4
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament: T8-0439/2018
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A8-0319/2018
- Committee opinion: PE622.118
- Committee opinion: PE619.291
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE623.890
- Committee opinion: PE620.759
- Committee opinion: PE619.357
- Committee draft report: PE622.206
- Committee draft report: PE622.206
- Committee opinion: PE619.357
- Committee opinion: PE620.759
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE623.890
- Committee opinion: PE619.291
- Committee opinion: PE622.118
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2019)4
Activities
- Nicola CAPUTO
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Bill ETHERIDGE
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Notis MARIAS
Plenary Speeches (1)
Votes
A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster - Am 1 25/10/2018 13:49:14.000 #
ES | IT | RO | HR | FR | SE | PT | EL | LV | EE | ?? | BE | LU | FI | IE | MT | SI | LT | SK | BG | AT | HU | GB | NL | DE | CZ | PL | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total |
24
|
20
|
17
|
2
|
38
|
4
|
11
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
15
|
3
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
6
|
4
|
7
|
4
|
26
|
13
|
41
|
12
|
21
|
|
S&D |
78
|
10
|
Romania S&DFor (7) |
1
|
2
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
United Kingdom S&DFor (8) |
Germany S&DFor (10) |
2
|
2
|
||||||||
Verts/ALE |
21
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
||||||||||||||||
GUE/NGL |
20
|
Spain GUE/NGLFor (7) |
1
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||||||
NI |
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
EFDD |
17
|
4
|
4
|
United Kingdom EFDDAgainst (7) |
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
ENF |
11
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
ALDE |
26
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Belgium ALDEFor (1)Against (4) |
2
|
2
|
Netherlands ALDEAgainst (2)Abstain (2) |
1
|
3
|
||||||||||||||
ECR |
29
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
United Kingdom ECRAgainst (6) |
2
|
2
|
2
|
Poland ECRAgainst (11) |
||||||||||||||||||
PPE |
81
|
Spain PPE |
4
|
Romania PPEFor (1)Against (6) |
France PPEFor (1)Against (12) |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
Germany PPEFor (1)Against (18) |
3
|
Poland PPEAgainst (7) |
A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster - Résolution 25/10/2018 13:49:33.000 #
DE | RO | PL | CZ | BE | NL | AT | LT | SE | FI | HU | IT | SK | EE | FR | LU | BG | HR | IE | SI | LV | ES | PT | EL | ?? | MT | GB | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total |
38
|
18
|
21
|
13
|
16
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
21
|
5
|
4
|
39
|
3
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
22
|
11
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
24
|
|
PPE |
76
|
17
|
Romania PPEFor (6) |
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||
ALDE |
30
|
2
|
4
|
Belgium ALDEFor (6) |
Netherlands ALDEAbstain (2) |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||
ECR |
28
|
2
|
1
|
Poland ECR |
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
United Kingdom ECRAbstain (5) |
|||||||||||||||||
Verts/ALE |
22
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|||||||||||||||
ENF |
11
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
4
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
NI |
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
GUE/NGL |
19
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Spain GUE/NGLAgainst (3) |
Portugal GUE/NGLAgainst (3)Abstain (1) |
|||||||||||||||||||
S&D |
80
|
Germany S&D |
Romania S&DAgainst (1) |
2
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
Italy S&DFor (1)Against (2) |
1
|
1
|
France S&DFor (1)Against (9)Abstain (1) |
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Spain S&DAgainst (1) |
Portugal S&DAbstain (4) |
1
|
United Kingdom S&DAbstain (8) |
||||||
EFDD |
16
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
United Kingdom EFDDAgainst (6) |
A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster - Am 1 #
ES | IT | RO | HR | FR | SE | PT | EL | LV | EE | ?? | BE | LU | FI | IE | MT | SI | LT | SK | BG | AT | HU | GB | NL | DE | CZ | PL | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total |
23
|
20
|
17
|
2
|
38
|
4
|
11
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
1
|
15
|
3
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
6
|
4
|
7
|
4
|
26
|
13
|
41
|
12
|
21
|
|
S&D |
77
|
10
|
Romania S&DFor (7) |
1
|
2
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
United Kingdom S&DFor (8) |
Germany S&DFor (10) |
2
|
2
|
||||||||
Verts/ALE |
21
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
||||||||||||||||
GUE/NGL |
20
|
Spain GUE/NGLFor (7) |
1
|
3
|
1
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||||||
NI |
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
EFDD |
17
|
4
|
4
|
United Kingdom EFDDAgainst (7) |
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
ENF |
11
|
1
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
ALDE |
26
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
Belgium ALDEFor (1)Against (4) |
2
|
2
|
Netherlands ALDEAgainst (2)Abstain (2) |
1
|
3
|
||||||||||||||
ECR |
29
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
United Kingdom ECRAgainst (6) |
2
|
2
|
2
|
Poland ECRAgainst (11) |
||||||||||||||||||
PPE |
81
|
Spain PPE |
4
|
Romania PPEFor (1)Against (6) |
France PPEFor (1)Against (12) |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
Germany PPEFor (1)Against (18) |
3
|
Poland PPEAgainst (7) |
A8-0319/2018 - Joachim Schuster - Résolution #
DE | RO | PL | CZ | BE | NL | AT | LT | SE | FI | HU | IT | SK | EE | FR | LU | BG | ES | HR | IE | SI | LV | PT | EL | ?? | MT | GB | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total |
38
|
18
|
21
|
13
|
16
|
13
|
7
|
5
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
21
|
5
|
4
|
39
|
3
|
4
|
22
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
11
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
24
|
|
PPE |
76
|
17
|
Romania PPEFor (6) |
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||
ALDE |
31
|
2
|
4
|
Belgium ALDEFor (6) |
Netherlands ALDEAbstain (2) |
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
|||||||||||||||
ECR |
28
|
2
|
1
|
Poland ECR |
2
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
United Kingdom ECRAbstain (5) |
|||||||||||||||||
Verts/ALE |
22
|
4
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
3
|
|||||||||||||||
ENF |
11
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
1
|
4
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
NI |
5
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
GUE/NGL |
19
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
Spain GUE/NGLAgainst (3) |
Portugal GUE/NGLAgainst (3)Abstain (1) |
|||||||||||||||||||
S&D |
79
|
Germany S&D |
Romania S&DAgainst (1) |
2
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
Italy S&DFor (1)Against (2) |
1
|
1
|
France S&DFor (1)Against (9)Abstain (1) |
1
|
1
|
Spain S&DAgainst (1) |
1
|
1
|
Portugal S&DAbstain (4) |
1
|
United Kingdom S&DAbstain (8) |
||||||
EFDD |
16
|
1
|
1
|
4
|
4
|
United Kingdom EFDDAgainst (6) |
Amendments | Dossier |
519 |
2018/2005(INI)
2018/05/03
AGRI
206 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph –1 (new) -1. Acknowledges that the industrialised world is a net importer of the biosphere of other regions, as its ecological footprint impacts upon their ecosystems, including land and water use; acknowledges that liberalised global trade contributes towards environmental degradation and the depletion of resources in less industrialised countries
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Citation 1 – having regard to Article
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 d (new) – having regard to Articles 10 and 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 2010;
Amendment 100 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of strong coordination between Member States for the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the EU market; draws attention to the need to avoid the excessive concentration of farmland and forests in foreign (non-EU) hands; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 27 April 2017 on the state of play of farmland concentration in the EU
Amendment 101 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of strong coordination between Member States for the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the EU market, especially in the areas of farmland and forests; draws attention to the need to avoid the excessive concentration of farmland and forests in foreign (non-EU) hands; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 27 April 2017 on the state of play of farmland concentration in the EU3 ; _________________ 3 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0197. Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0197.
Amendment 102 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of strong coordination between Member States for the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the EU market; draws attention to the need to avoid the
Amendment 103 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 104 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Highlights the strategic importance for the EU of maintaining a high level of food sufficiency; takes the view that the globalisation of trade should not jeopardise the viability of European agri-food producers, since in the long term this could lead to the kind of external dependence already seen in the energy sector;
Amendment 105 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Calls for legislation that requires and enables due diligence in the supply chain, to trace raw materials to their origin and to put the duty of vigilance with regard to human rights, environmental and social standards on companies at each step of the supply chain;
Amendment 106 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to react strongly to US attacks against the WTO- compatible mechanisms of the CAP through the imposition of unjustified trade defence measures and to defend that policy which is essential for our farmers and European rural areas; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 15 March 2018 on US measures on EU farm support under the CAP (in the context of Spanish olives)4; stresses that such a decision by the US, calling into question the legitimacy of our common policy, is an attack on the efforts made by European farmers over several decades to comply with international constraints; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0091.
Amendment 107 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to react strongly to US attacks against the WTO- compatible mechanisms of the CAP through the imposition of unjustified trade defence measures; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 15 March 2018 on US measures on EU farm support under the CAP (in the context of Spanish olives)4 and expresses its concern with respect to the possible proliferation of such measures against other recipients of payments under the CAP; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0091.
Amendment 108 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to react strongly to US attacks against the WTO- compatible mechanisms of the CAP through the imposition of unjustified trade defence measures; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 15 March 2018 on US measures on EU farm support under the CAP (in the context of Spanish olives)4
Amendment 109 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Commission to react
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that, in order to achieve our climate commitments and in the interest of policy coherence for development, it is vital that all trade agreements are developed and implemented in conformity with the Paris Agreement and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; calls for the Trade and Sustainable Development Chapters of FTAs between the EU and third countries to include the implementation of the Paris Agreement as a mandatory commitment, with sanctions for noncompliance;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas the EU has the right to adopt policies on trade in cultural and audiovisual services with the aim of protecting and promoting the diversity of European cultural expressions, and whereas this cultural exception should be applied systematically in trade agreements concluded by the EU in the form of a global exemption;
Amendment 110 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the Commission promptly to take the necessary measures in respect of US agricultural imports that do not comply with EU standards, such as pistachios which have aflatoxin levels five times higher than those allowed in the EU;
Amendment 111 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Points out that trade barriers create challenges for European farmers by diminishing the exports of agricultural products, bearing in mind that in the long term the import and production structure in the export market change, such as in the case of the Russian embargo;
Amendment 112 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Points out that European agricultural products, including pig meat, continue to be banned from the Russian market; in this context, once again highlights the importance of a strong WTO and a rules-based multilateral trading system;
Amendment 113 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Urges the Commission to investigate, for its part, possible trade- distorting US farm subsidies, for example in the case of aid for the almond sector;
Amendment 114 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Calls on the EU to make proposals in the World Trade Organisation that would promote transparency in industrial subsidies and limit the use of harmful subsidies in the agricultural sector;
Amendment 115 #
7b. Expresses concern at the 40% increase in imports of Indica rice from Cambodia since 2009, as a consequence of the ‘Everything but arms’ duty-free import regime, and at the intention to grant a duty-free quota of 45 000 tonnes to Japonica rice producers in Mercosur as part of the free trade agreement now being negotiated with that region; takes the view that the Commission should draw up a study on the impact that all the existing trade concessions and those under negotiation, designed to favour imports of these products into the EU, will have on the Community rice sector, which is already showing signs of collapse in some regions;
Amendment 116 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to create an advisory group on EU trade negotiations composed of representatives of a wide and balanced group of stakeholders; insists on the need for
Amendment 117 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to create an advisory group on EU trade negotiations composed of representatives of stakeholders; insists on the need for the strong representation of EU farming organisations, small- and medium-scale farmers, subsistence farmers and indigenous peoples in such a group.
Amendment 118 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to create an advisory group on EU trade negotiations composed of representatives of stakeholders and waits for the establishment of this group as soon as possible; insists on the need for the strong representation of EU farming organisations in such a group.
Amendment 119 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 8. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to create an advisory group on EU trade negotiations composed of representatives of stakeholders; insists on the need for the strong representation of EU farming organisations representing s
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Stresses the need for subsidiarity in trade, giving preference to short supply chains, which ensure greater security for consumers and farmers, and reduce farmers' exposure to volatility, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of supply chains; stresses the need for fair agricultural supply chains that first and foremost protect citizens and environment over investors’ or multinationals’ interests
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas the EU has the right to adopt policies on trade in cultural and audiovisual services with the aim of protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions; whereas these other provisions include the common commercial policy as defined in Article 207 of the TFEU;
Amendment 120 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Urges the Commission and Member States to make the negotiations transparent, provide full information and promote public debate; takes the view that debates should also be promoted in state and autonomous community parliaments;
Amendment 121 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Commission to take account of the ongoing Brexit negotiations and the impact of Brexit on the EU’s agriculture sector when it executes its intensive trade agenda;
Amendment 122 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Commission to keep a public register of all meetings held with interest groups and lobbyists regarding the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements;
Amendment 123 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Asks the Commission to ensure that recommendations of the advisory group are binding and enforceable.
Amendment 124 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Stresses that transporting and marketing staple foods around the world generates greenhouse gases and wastes energy, and the export priority should therefore be abandoned and staple foods removed from trade negotiations;
Amendment 125 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Welcomes that the Commission will now publish its recommendations for negotiating directives for trade agreements and automatically transmit them to national Parliaments while also making these recommendations available to the public;
Amendment 126 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Rejects recommendations to open multilateral negotiations to establish a multilateral court for the settlement of investment disputes, which has the potential to lower food safety and environmental standards.
Amendment 127 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 c (new) 8c. Firmly rejects the use of agriculture as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Acknowledges that the EU is the single largest exporter of agri-food products; perceives in this context the double phenomenon that on one hand, there is the need to maintain its market orientation and its compatibility with WTO rules whilst, on the other, that specific agricultural sectors cannot withstand full trade liberalisation and unfettered competition with imports;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas the EU has the right to adopt policies on trade in cultural and audiovisual services with the aim of protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Points out that the globalisation of trade brings benefits such as growth, better living standards and economic opportunities, but that the benefits are not always shared equally between countries or within countries;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Recital A A. whereas the EU has the right to adopt policies on trade in cultural and audiovisual services with the aim of protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions as well as cultural heritage;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Regrets that the communication fails to spell out the known causes of these distortions of competition, such as social dumping linked to the Posting of Workers Directive and complete disregard for health and environmental standards brought about by free trade agreements;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas Article 3(3) TEU states that the EU is to respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and ensure that Europe's cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Reminds that EU's agricultural sector has a great export potential, which should be supported by balanced trade agreements with third countries;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions calls for bilateral, regional and international cooperation to
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Reminds, that EU trade policy is not just about interest but also about values;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Recital B B. whereas the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions calls for bilateral, regional and international cooperation to boost the diversity of cultural expressions, and this convention should be referred to in all the EU's trade agreements;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Underlines that the trade and agricultural policies are intertwined and that the EU trade policy is a tool in promoting EU’s agricultural interests and therefore can contribute to the achievement of objectives of the common agricultural policy (CAP);
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the European Union must take responsibility for modernising its European Agenda for Culture in a Globalising World, which includes providing a precise definition of media services and a clear framework for the media in public institutions and private undertakings in Europe;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 d (new) 1d. Highlights that trade and agricultural policies lie at the core of implementing Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on inclusive, free and fair trade policies and aligning trade with the SDGs can significantly contribute to eradicating poverty and hunger worldwide.
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the free flow of information, including access to European news channels, can improve governance in the developing world;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 – having regard to Articles 1, 7 and 12 of the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions,
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 e (new) 1e. Underlines that trade agreements and globalization can lead to increasing inequalities in and between countries, threatening ecological and social stability and fostering unsustainable production and consumption patterns. EU trade policy include the Agenda 2030 as their guiding principle to avoid negative impacts.
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas the European Union must further develop intellectual property rights to cover the legal exploitation of orphan works in museums, archives, libraries and other research facilities which safeguard cultural heritage;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 f (new) 1f. Calls on the EU to systematically evaluate the impact of its trade policies on the objectives of sustainable development and calls for establishing an evaluation mechanism to assure policy coherence of all EU strategies and policies
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas Europe has a rich variety of traditions and strong cultural and creative industries,
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 g (new) 1g. Acknowledges in this context that the WTO itself is a negotiating forum that offers rules and that the member countries themselves decide how far they want to go in removing trade barriers and distortions; reminds that with bilateral agreements the EU can set trade conditions over and above the WTO safety net;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas Europe has a rich variety of traditions and strong cultural and creative industries, and whereas the promotion of European cultural diversity must remain a guiding principle; whereas, however, a global definition for cultural and cultural activities must be found for the purposes of trade agreements, and this definition must be easily adapted to keep abreast of technological advances in the area of ICT;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Recital C C. whereas Europe has a rich variety of traditions and strong cultural and creative industries, and whereas the promotion of cultural diversity must remain a guiding principle just as it has been in other EU trade agreements;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural sectors to competition from imports of products that are not subject to
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas in the context of globalisation, international cooperation and exchange, a broad definition of culture is needed to include new hybrid forms of cultural expression as well as tangible and intangible cultural heritage including indigenous and traditional art practices, in order to reflect the fluid and evolving nature of culture;
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the cultural and creative industries contribute
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture,
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the cultural and creative industries contribute approximately 2.6 % of the EU’s GDP, with a higher growth rate than the rest of the economy, and whereas these sectors contribute more to the EU's GDP than the chemicals and plastic products industry (2.3%) or the property sector (2.1%), as Parliament noted in a study dated 16 July 2014;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses th
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the cultural and creative industries contribute approximately 2.6 % of the EU’s GDP, with a higher growth rate than the rest of the economy; whereas the development of trade in cultural and creative industry goods and services will constitute an important driver of economic growth and job creation in Europe;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural sectors to competition from imports of products that are not subject to similar standards, costs and constraints as regards, for example,
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Recital D D. whereas the cultural and creative industries contribute approximately 2.6 % of the EU’s GDP, with a higher growth rate than the rest of the economy, and notably remained one of the most resilient sectors during the financial crisis;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the term 'culture' can cover a large number of sectors, from audiovisual media to the creative industries; whereas the Member States must therefore agree on a definition for culture and cultural activities, in particular for the purposes of any trade agreements with third countries which contain exemptions for the cultural sector; whereas this definition must be both sufficiently precise and adaptable enough to keep abreast of technological advances, in particular in the area of ICT;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 a (new) – having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 10 May 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture in a Globalising World (COM (2007)0242) and the Council Resolution of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (2007(C287)01);
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural sectors to competition from imports of products that are not subject to similar standards, costs and constraints as regards, for example, environmental, human, plant and animal health or consumer protection;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the Data Protection Regulation lays down high standards of personal data processing which require a certain level of responsibility on the part of platforms and streaming services in the regulation of international trade;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural sectors to competition from imports of products that are not subject to similar standards, costs and constraints as regards, for example, environmental protection and animal welfare;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the EU has a surplus in trade in cultural goods and cultural services with the rest of the world;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that harnessing globalisation should involve both strengthening global discipline to prevent unfair competition and distortions of trade in agriculture, and avoiding undue exposure of sensitive EU agricultural sectors to competition from imports of products that are not subject to similar standards, costs and constraints as regards, for example, environmental protection and food safety;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Recital D b (new) Db. whereas the EU has a deficit with the rest of the world in trade in audiovisual and related services;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Urges that no trade agreement will ever lower levels of regulatory protection; stresses that consumer rights need to be safeguarded when comprehensive trade agreements are negotiated and concluded and consumer welfare should be added among the objectives of future agreements; calls therefore on a self- standing chapter on “trade and consumer” within trade agreements commit to a high level of consumer protection;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Recital E E. whereas
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses the need to implement an instrument that will make it possible to re- establish fairer conditions of competition and to take action against countries or undertakings practising unfair competition; takes the view that a more rigorous application of EU rules will also ensure that all undertakings that have a presence or are active in the EU and which infringe the rules are effectively punished;
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas innovation and creativity are needed to ensure a more sustainable development of cities, regions and societies as a whole, and are key to providing solutions to the societal challenges our societies face today;
Amendment 35 #
2a. Draws attention to the growing impact of external factors on the situation of the EU agri-food sector, as exemplified by the Russian embargo, the speculation on the global agri-food commodities market, which is one of the causes of the recent crisis in the dairy sector, or the ongoing liberalisation of trade, among other things;
Amendment 35 #
Ea. whereas the protection of personal data and the right to privacy are fundamental rights and therefore are non-negotiable in any trade agreements;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Warns against the danger of a serious imbalance in the agricultural provisions of trade agreements, to the detriment of the EU, and against the temptation to use agriculture as a bargaining chip to secure increased access to third countries' market for industrial products and services;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 also includes the fight against illicit trade in cultural goods;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses further the inherent dangers in increased globalisation of the environmental fallout from the subsequent increased transport of goods by land, sea and air; stresses in this regard that an equal emphasis at least should be put on localisation of food production;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Recital E b (new) Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Emphasises that the EU promotes high animal welfare, environmental and food safety standards; stresses, in that regard, that EU standards must be fully respected by trading partners;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas the harnessing globalisation in trade aspects concerning cultural goods implies strict compliance with all international conventions on the protection of the cultural heritage in particular with the provisions of the 1954 Hague Convention, the 1970 UNESCO Convention and the Convention of the UNIDROIT of 1995;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses that trade in agricultural goods must ensure food security and healthy, balanced diets in EU and third countries whilst ensuring minimum use of energy and resources;
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Recital E c (new) Ec. whereas craft and the production of artworks are particularly key to local development;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the Commission communication on a balanced and progressive trade policy to harness globalisation1 ; underlines the importance of this communication for a European agriculture sector that is suffering from unbalanced competition on both the EU and foreign markets
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 a (new) – having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 26 September 2012 entitled 'Promoting cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU' (COM(2012)0537),
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Asks the Commission to ensure that each imported agricultural product meets the same sanitary and social standards that EU products are held to;
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Recital E d (new) Ed. whereas intercultural dialogue fosters respect and mutual understanding, and encourages fairer social and economic exchanges, including trade, helping to develop practices that promote the interests of all parties in a more balanced and respectful way, and fight unfair practices such as abusive clauses and imposed unilateral conditionalities;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls for common measures of product information and labelling, the introduction of a mandatory country-of- origin labelling scheme;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that culture and education
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Calls for EU trade agreements to include strict rules prohibiting transfer mispricing, amongst other means of avoiding taxation liabilities;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that culture and education cannot be considered or managed in the same way as a discretionary good or service, but rather as commons to preserve and continually improve; calls, therefore, for cultural, audiovisual and educational services, including those provided online, to be clearly excluded in trade agreements between the Union and third countries, such as TTIP;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Highlights that trade agreements must be balanced, contain safeguards for EU sensitive agricultural sectors, promote fair competition and protect EU's geographical indications and its high environmental, food safety and animal welfare standards;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Stresses that culture and education cannot be considered or managed in the same way as a discretionary good or service and so should be subject to global exemptions in any trade agreements;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Calls for common measures of product information and labelling, the introduction of a mandatory country-of- origin labelling scheme for meat;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Insists therefore on the key role played by the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions among international trade treaties which shall take into account and respect the relevant provisions of this convention;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 c (new) 2c. Urges to incorporate the precautionary principle as laid down in Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU in all trade agreements under negotiations and future agreements, to ensure a higher level of protection through preventative decision- taking in the case of risk to human health or the environment without restrictions from trade partners or the WTO whenever required;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that globalisation constitutes an opportunity for the European Union's Cultural and Creative Industries through improved access to European culture from the rest of the world and the creation of a global pool of talent;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 d (new) 2d. Reminds that the precautionary principle as laid down within the framework of the WTO agreement does not reflect the precautionary principle as practised in Europe; demands therefore, in contrast to the WTO provisions in force, that precautionary measures can be adopted in the case of legitimate suspicion without a scientific proof (e.g. trade- restrictive measures like placing ban on imports, rejecting market authorisation, etc.) and therefore calls for the reversal of burden of proof of scientific evidence onto the proponent/developer/producer/importer of substances/products which have been considered to harm human health or are considered as environmental hazard in particular with regard to lower sanitary and phytosanitary standards, hygiene problems at meat-production facilities and with regard to possible pesticide residues;
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Calls on the Commission to work with partners towards effective intellectual property enforcement in an open, rules-based trade environment, which is essential for the European Union's Cultural and Creative Industries to prosper;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 e (new) 2e. Calls for an improvement in the control of imports of goods to ensure they strictly meet European health, food safety, social and environmental rules notably by strengthening the checks on imported agri-foods at origin and upon their arrival in the EU;
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Reiterates its call for the EU to exercise its right to adopt or maintain any measure, including a legally binding general clause (in particular of a regulatory and/or financial nature) with respect to the protection and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, media pluralism and media freedom, irrespective of the technology or distribution platform used, in trade negotiations with third countries
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU offensive interests with respect to processed and unprocessed food products, they also entail a significant risk for more sensitive EU agricultural sectors
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Reiterates its call for the EU to
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 a (new) – having regard to the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU offensive interests with respect to processed and unprocessed food products, they also entail a significant
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Reiterates its call for the EU to exercise its right to adopt or maintain any measure (in particular of a regulatory and/or financial nature) with respect to the protection and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, cultural heritage and media pluralism and media freedom in trade negotiations with third countries;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU offensive interests with respect to processed and unprocessed food products for a small number of large farmers and undertakings, they also entail a significant risk for more sensitive EU agricultural sectors and small and medium-sized farms that are already crisis- hit or have been particularly exposed to price volatility;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Reiterates its call for the EU to exercise its right to adopt or maintain any measure (in particular of a regulatory and/or financial nature) with respect to the protection and promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity, media pluralism and
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of some EU offensive interests
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Stresses that trade agreements should not aim to unnecessarily and disproportionately increase the terms, scope and enforcement of intellectual property rights, but rather to favour and enhance creativity, the dissemination of knowledge and content as well as users' rights in the digital age; calls, therefore, on the Commission to refrain from extending copyright terms and including technical protection measures that limit the exercise of individual and institutional user rights, but rather to expand limitations and exceptions with a view to increasing access to and the dissemination of, creative content, information and knowledge;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU offensive interests with respect to processed and unprocessed food products, they also entail a significant risk for more sensitive EU agricultural sectors that are already crisis-hit or have been particularly exposed to price volatility; expresses its concern about the cumulative impact of trade agreements on vulnerable agricultural sectors;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Expresses concern at the tendency, as seen in the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada, for a global exemption on cultural services and activities to be substituted by a 'chapter- by-chapter' approach, which does not make it possible for all cultural services and activities to be covered adequately or for technological advances in the area of ICT to be factored in on an ongoing basis;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU offensive interests with respect to processed and unprocessed
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls on the Commission to promote access to European information services in future trade negotiations;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Considers that cultural and educational exchanges between the EU and its partners can contribute to mutual sustainable development, growth and the creation of quality jobs, in line with the
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements could open up opportunities for the promotion of EU
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Considers that cultural and educational exchanges between the EU and its partners
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Points out that while trade agreements
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Considers that cultural and educational exchanges between the EU and its partners contribute to mutual development, growth and the creation of jobs in the context of globalisation, provided that the national cultures of all Member States involved are respected;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Takes the view that, in the framework of trade agreements, a further opening-up of the EU market in sensitive agricultural sectors could have disastrous consequences for European producers; reminds therefore the Commission that it would be unacceptable to sacrifice the interests of European agriculture and its sensitive sectors in order to secure any trade agreement;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Considers it essential that public media bodies are not treated like general telecommunications companies and platforms in international trade agreements but are regarded as exceptions;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes that for some agricultural sectors it is often the cumulative impact of a number of agreements as opposed to one free trade deal that has the ability to inflict damage on prices and production; in this regard therefore calls for the European Commission to regularly update the information it has with regard to the potential impact of increased competition;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Considers it essential that provisions concerning copyright and intellectual property rights in international trade agreements are not negotiated down to the lowest common denominator but aim to secure the best possible rules for protecting cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity and ensuring an income for those working in culture and the media;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the Commission communication on a balanced and progressive trade policy to harness globalisation
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 a (new) – having regard to Article 27 of the UN Convention on Human Rights on the right to participate in cultural life;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Asks the Commission to conduct a systematic impact assessment of the provisions regarding the agricultural sector in each trade agreement, and to offer specific strategies to ensure that no agricultural sector will suffer as a result of a trade agreement concluded with a third country ;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 c (new) 3c. Is of the opinion that achieving a high level of data protection and personal data processing should be a priority in trade agreements but that data concerning culture should at the same time be accessible to everybody;
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Recognises that an export orientation in agricultural goods often leads to intensive industrial farming methods that are environmentally damaging and jeopardise the livelihoods of small-scale and subsistence farmers and the wellbeing of rural communities;
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 d (new) 3d. Is of the opinion that in a globalised world, editorial responsibility in media services and online platforms should be a fundamental tool in the fight against fake news and hate speech and that fair competition in advertising must be achieved in international trade agreements;
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Urges to exercise utmost care when it comes to the liberalisation of the market access in vulnerable agricultural sectors and consideration of various procedures when it comes to the most sensitive products (including their exclusion);
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Recalls that culture and education and vocational training policies are key to ensuring resilience, progress, innovation and fair distribution of wealth, and
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Reminds of the importance of efficient implementation of the concluded trade agreements to guarantee that our farmers can benefit to the full extent from the export opportunities provided by these agreements, such as CETA;
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Recalls that culture and education policies are key to ensuring
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Stresses the need to develop new trade rules and regulations at a global level in order to regulate and harmonise production, social and environmental standards in the agri-food sector;
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Recalls that culture and education policies are key to ensuring resilience, fair distribution of wealth and competitiveness, and can provide the s
Amendment 65 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Stresses the need for more effective European legislation to protect trade in agricultural products, geared to current challenges and to increased transparency and predictability;
Amendment 65 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Recalls that culture, media and education policies based on democratic and shared values, as well as access to cultural heritage, are key to ensuring resilience
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes that trade agreements lead to the closure of small and medium-sized farms and small businesses, resulting in the depopulation of rural areas;
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Recalls that culture and education policies are key to ensuring resilience, fair distribution of wealth and competitiveness, and can provide the skills required to face globalisation; encourages the strengthening of quality networks of universities, schools and museums fostering mutual learning and the promotion of global and comprehensive citizenship;
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Emphasizes our responsibility towards developing countries; calls on indicators that drive fair and sustainable trade for poor communities - not just trade for its own sake; reminds to integrate sustainable development goals into trade policy at all levels to avoid the risks of damage to livelihoods by giving real opportunities to developing countries and to ensure that development cooperation, which also aims to strengthen agricultural production in these countries, will not be undermined by trade agreements;
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Therefore calls for mainstreaming education for sustainability, fair trade and ecological citizenship across disciplines, in particular in entrepreneurship learning, including social entrepreneurship, and digital literacy and skills;
Amendment 68 #
3b. Regrets the incompatibility of the European Commission's free trade agenda with its commitments to protect and preserve the small, family farm model; notes that the Commission's own Impact Assessments observe that increased market access for primary agriculture may negatively affect the standard of living and traditional lifestyle of small farmers in the EU and have adverse impacts on rural employment in terms of both skilled and unskilled agricultural labour1a _________________ 1aEuropean Commission Impact Assessment Accompanying the document Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand, 13.08.2017 at p 40
Amendment 68 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the Commission to keep data protection and data flows fully out of the scope of any EU’s trade agreements;
Amendment 69 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU and calls therefore for the cessation of these negotiations or at least the withdrawal of agricultural sectors from this agreement;
Amendment 69 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Asks the Commission and Member States to promote and develop
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 b (new) – having regard to Directive 2012/28/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on certain permitted uses of orphan works;
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Asks the Commission and Member States to promote and develop tailor-made high-quality mobility and scientific cooperation schemes to enable international collaboration and knowledge exchange; asks the Commission and Member States to promote further education and training together with funding for research as the tool through which globalisation can work more effectively and the best means to remove barriers;
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU;
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Asks the Commission and Member States to promote and develop tailor-made high-quality mobility and scientific cooperation schemes to enable international collaboration and knowledge exchange, whilst also broadening STEM to STEAM;
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU and have unwanted consequences for biodiversity and the workforce; recommends supporting initiatives aimed at consolidating labour rights;
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 73 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the
Amendment 73 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Asks the Commission and Member States to promote and develop inclusive, tailor-made and high-quality mobility and scientific cooperation schemes to enable international collaboration and knowledge exchange;
Amendment 74 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU, particularly mountain areas whose economies are heavily dependent on beef farming;
Amendment 74 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Recalls the specific role of culture in external relations and in development policies, in particular for conflict prevention and resolution, peace-building and empowerment of local populations; therefore considers that an ambitious and sound cultural strategy, including cultural diplomacy, is needed to achieve a new consensus on development;
Amendment 75 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible forthcoming conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, poultry, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability and future of local production in certain parts of the EU;
Amendment 75 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to
Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, sugar, orange juice, rice and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU;
Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Encourages the Commission and the Member States to use existing EU structures for future cultural diplomacy actions and activities promoting EU cultures and languages, and to develop concrete EU initiatives in line with the principles of solidarity and sustainability that aim to foster poverty reduction and international development
Amendment 77 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Expresses its serious concerns with respect to the possible conclusion of the ongoing free-trade negotiations with Mercosur involving major concessions in sectors such as beef, poultry meat, sugar and biofuels which could endanger the viability of local production in certain parts of the EU;
Amendment 77 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Recalls that sport is a highly globalised economic activity but also a social tool for inclusion, empowerment and individual and collective development, hence recalls the need to ensure high standards of ethics and transparency in governance of international trade and economic activity in the sports sector;
Amendment 78 #
4. Expresses its
Amendment 78 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Encourages the Commission to make mutual recognition of academic qualifications a priority in future negotiations, taking the Bologna Process as an example;
Amendment 79 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Believes that the Brazilian authorities are not yet able to guarantee the safety and quality of Brazilian poultry meat due to anomalies in their food control system; calls on the European Commission to remove poultry meat from the scope of the free trade negotiations with the Mercosur until the Brazilian meat scandal will be properly screened and a 100 % guarantee of compliance with South American meat imports to EU rules will be provided.
Amendment 79 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Recalls the need to ensure transparency and democracy in trade agreements and decision-making processes, furthermore encourages participation in decision-making processes by citizens whose working conditions, environments, health and well-being will be affected.
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the Commission communication on a balanced and progressive trade policy to harness the consequences of globalisation1; underlines the importance of this communication for a European agriculture sector that is suffering from unbalanced competition on both the EU and foreign markets;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 b (new) – having regard to the Commission and European External Action Service Joint Communication ‘Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations’;
Amendment 80 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses that, in view of the blatant irregularities concerning health, identification and traceability of the Brazilian control system highlighted by the various scandals of March 2017 in the beef and veal sectors and in March 2018 in the poultry meat sector, the signing of any agreement with Mercosur would appear to be premature and dangerous from the point of view of the health of European citizens;
Amendment 81 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Regrets that while agriculture is often used as a bargaining chip in these negotiations, the sector itself is given very little information until after the deals have already been made; deplores, in this respect, ongoing EU offers to increase the TRQ offered to the US for beef imports as a response to the threatened imposition of duties on European steel and aluminum;
Amendment 82 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Points out that, in light of the WTO crisis and growing US protectionism, the European Union is faced with the opportunity and the necessity of becoming a creator of global solutions in international trade, owing, among other things, to its extensive experience in harmonising standards acquired during the construction of the common market or in the process of integrating countries from the former socialist bloc into it;
Amendment 83 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Emphasises the cumulative impact of the concessions that the EU has already made in the agricultural sector, in both multilateral and bilateral trade agreements, and calls for this impact to be taken into account when assessing what concessions could be offered to Mercosur;
Amendment 84 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses the need, therefore, to integrate considerations of trade subsidiarity in trade agreements and within trade policy as a whole, to give preference to sustainable short supply chains, both in the EU and in third countries, and local production for local consumption;
Amendment 85 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Recalls that Member States have voted to delist twenty Brazilian establishments from which imports of meat and meat products are currently authorised, given deficiencies detected in the Brazilian control system;
Amendment 86 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Welcomes the EU trade agreement with Japan, EU’s fourth biggest agriculture export market, which will provide a good export opportunities for many European agri-products, such as dairy;
Amendment 87 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Is of the opinion that the main aim of the negotiations with Mercosur should be the quality of their outcome, not the deadline for their completion;
Amendment 88 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Expresses its concerns about the results of Brexit on the agricultural sector;
Amendment 89 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2 and draws attention to the resolution of the Parliament on the current situation and future prospects for the sheep and goat sectors in the EU adopted on 2 May 2018 and especially its paragraph 62 which urges the Commission to exercise caution in negotiating the new FTAs with New Zealand and Australia pending its analysis of the impact of Brexit on sheep and goat farming, especially as regards the future of the 287 000 tonnes carcass weight equivalent quota for sheep meat granted by the EU to New Zealand;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the Commission communication on a balanced and progressive trade policy to harness globalisation1 ; underlines the importance of this communication for a European agriculture sector
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Citation 2 c (new) – having regard to the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which has been in force since 25 April 2018;
Amendment 90 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2, bearing in mind that New Zealand and Australia have increased their shipments of fresh or chilled meat in recent years and reduced their traditional exports of frozen meat, which is heightening their impact on the EU market for fresh meat and triggering a decline in the prices paid to European producers, and believes that the ongoing trade negotiations should be used as an opportunity to separate these items into distinct quotas; _________________ 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0419 and P8_TA(2017)0420 respectively.
Amendment 91 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2 and the emphasis placed by this Parliament on the need of “respecting the fact that there are a number of sensitive agricultural products which should be given appropriate treatment, for example, through tariff-rate quotas or allocated adequate transition periods, taking into proper consideration the cumulative impact of trade agreements on agriculture and potentially excluding from the scope of the negotiations the most sensitive sectors”; _________________ 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0419 and P8_TA(2017)0420 respectively.
Amendment 92 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2
Amendment 93 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2 and notes that the Commission intends to conclude negotiations with Australia and New Zealand by March 2019 and intends to conduct negotiations "at an accelerated pace" but highlights that a swift conclusion of negotiations cannot be to the detriment of any sector, particularly the EU's agricultural sector; _________________ 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0419 and P8_TA(2017)0420 respectively.
Amendment 94 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Recalls its two resolutions of 26 October 2017 on the negotiating mandates for trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand2 which produce products that compete with those of the EU countries; _________________ 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2017)0419 and P8_TA(2017)0420 respectively.
Amendment 95 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Re
Amendment 96 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Stresses the importance, firstly, of including effective and readily available bilateral safeguard clauses allowing the temporary suspension of preferences if, as a result of the entry into force of the trade agreement, an increase in imports seriously damaged - or might seriously damage - sensitive sectors and, secondly, of revising the existing multilateral safeguard mechanisms within Regulation 1308/2013 (Single CMO), which should play a preventive role for sensitive sectors on the basis of reference volume and price thresholds allowing the automatic triggering with suspensive effect of the safeguard mechanisms where these thresholds have been reached;
Amendment 97 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Reminds that the total number of farms in the EU has dropped by 26% from 2005 to 2013; points out that the agricultural production in some MS within the EU now takes place in fewer, larger and more capital-intensive farms and points out that this consolidation process is expected to be continued and already has and will continue to have an impact on the generational renewal in particular in the context with access to land and maintaining farm viability;
Amendment 98 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of strong coordination between Member States for the screening of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the EU market; draws attention to the need to avoid the excessive concentration of farmland and forests in foreign (non-EU) hands; recalls, in this respect, its resolution of 27 April 2017 on the state of play of farmland concentration in the EU3
Amendment 99 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the importance of strong coordination between Member States for
source: 621.040
2018/06/28
DEVE
63 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1 a. whereas at least 218 million children are exploited as child labour; tens of them in order for corporations to have lower costs and/or cheaper row material;
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on the EU to ensure that its activities, both in the field of development and trade, promote and respect human rights; strongly encourages the EU to continue its work on operationalising its Rights Based Approach in all development activities and to set up a Task Force with Member States for this purpose; likewise, reaffirms the need to fully implement extraterritorial human rights obligations of EU Member States, as set out in the Maastricht Principles, and building on the various instruments of the Council of Europe, in particular the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR);
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on the EU to ensure that its activities,
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on the EU to ensure that its activities with developing countries, both in the field of development and trade,
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on the EU to ensure that its activities, both in the field of development and trade, are aligned with the principle of Policy Coherence for Development established in TFUE Article 208 and promote and respect human rights;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3.
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3 a. Recalls that there is a profound asymmetry between Trans National Corporations’ rights and obligations, particularly in investment protection treaties, where investors are being granted broad rights, such as “fair and equitable treatment”, that are not matched by enforceable obligations in terms of compliance with human rights, labour and environmental law; strongly believes that a binding and enforceable UN Treaty on Business and Human Rights could address such imbalance;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Calls on the EU, at the same time, to ensure that its activities, in the fields of both development and trade, are in accordance with the principles of international law, and specifically with respect for States' national sovereignty and the principle of non-interference in internal matters;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3 b. Warns against developing a double standard policy regarding the rights and obligations of corporations in investment and trade treaties; considering that the Commission has proposed to create a Multilateral Investment Court as a permanent body to enforce investor rights, stresses the importance of the EU being actively involved in the process of the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights (OEIGWG) and to uphold the primacy of human rights over trade interests;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, f
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that ODA
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, free and fair trade policy aligned with the SDGs can contribute to poverty eradication, which (under Article 208 TFEU) is the primary objective of Union development cooperation policy; recalls the principle of policy coherence for development, requiring that the objectives of development cooperation be taken into account in policies that are likely to affect developing countries; calls on the EU to systematically evaluate the impact of its trade policies on developing countries;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, rules-based, free and fair trade policy if aligned with the SDGs can contribute to poverty eradication
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, free and fair trade policy aligned with the SDGs can contribute to poverty eradication; in connection with this calls for ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, recalls the principle of policy coherence for development, requiring that the objectives of development cooperation be taken into account in policies that are likely to affect developing countries; calls on the EU to systematically evaluate the impact of its trade policies on developing countries;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, free and fair trade policy aligned with the SDGs can contribute to poverty eradication provided trading partners ensure property rights, the rule of law and competitive markets; recalls the principle of policy coherence for development, requiring that the objectives of development cooperation be taken into account in policies that are likely to affect developing countries; calls on the EU to systematically evaluate the impact of its trade policies on developing countries;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive, free and fair trade policy aligned with the SDGs can contribute to poverty
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that trade is not an end in itself, but that an inclusive
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Highlights that trade agreements can impact negatively on food security in developing countries; regrets that the two instruments proposed by developing countries in the remit of negotiations at the WTO to promote the livelihoods of small farmers, food security and rural development, namely Special Products (SP) and a Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) have not been established; calls on the EU to support developing countries' demands to protect their food production and to protect their population from the potentially destructive effects of cheap imports, including in the remit of Economic Partnership Agreements;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Reiterates that environmental consequences of trade policy are unevenly distributed, and risk jeopardising inequality reduction and broader development goals; calls, to this extent, on the EU to comprehensively mainstream environmental sustainability principles, sustainable management of natural resources, land tenure rights and the effective consideration and inclusion of local and indigenous communities as interested and affected stakeholders within the EUs trade policy;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4 a. Calls on the EU to ensure that goods circulated in the EU under ethical certifications schemes are free from forced labour, including child labour, to both guarantee the reliable use of the words fair and ethical, as well as an informed choice to the consumers;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4 b. Notes with concern that bilateral and regional free trade agreements (RTAs) contain provisions which are more stringent than those adopted at WTO, often covering areas not under WTO jurisdiction, and which place considerable restrictions on national governments;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that ODA alone is not sufficient to meet development needs and that
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4 b. Calls on the EU to include robust sustainable development chapters in all its trade agreements and to effectively ensure them through sanction-based mechanisms;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 c (new) 4 c. In particular, notes with concern that, while WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is already frequently criticized for not taking sufficient account of the needs of developing countries to pursue policies necessary to promote their food security and rural development, regional and bilateral FTAs, including EPA with ACP countries, require developing countries to reduce or eliminate their tariffs even further, thereby preventing developing countries from using the flexibilities in the WTO agreements;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of the multilateral rules-based order as the most effective way to achieve an inclusive global trading system; emphasises the importance of comprehensive provisions on social, labour and environmental standards in trade agreements
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of the multilateral
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of the multilateral
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of the multilateral rules-based order as the most effective way to achieve an inclusive global trading system; emphasises the importance of comprehensive binding provisions on social, labour and environmental standards in trade agreements; welcomes the Commission’s commitment to include a chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development in all trade agreements;
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates the importance of the multilateral rules-based order as the most effective way to achieve an inclusive global trading system; emphasises the importance of
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Recalls that Africa is still marginalized in the global context, calls on the EU to support its ambitions of creating a genuine intra-African market and avoid taking steps which might hinder these ambitions; underlines in this regard the need to maximise the development and the positive impact of migration and mobility;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that ODA alone is not sufficient to meet development needs and that the private sector can play
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Points out that, given the aim of making development sustainable, combating CO2 emissions is not compatible with the continuing growth of international trade;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5 a. Insists on the inclusion of strong provisions to tackle tax evasion and avoidance in EU FTAs and preferential trade regimes;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5 b. Calls on the EU to take into account the different level of development and capabilities of developing countries and to support African countries in strengthening its productive and transformation capacities in order to become less dependent on raw materials and simple processed products, enhancing their competitiveness and participation in global markets, and to help create quality jobs particularly strengthening the role of women in the formal and informal economy; stresses the need for any trade agreement with developing countries to provide for sufficiently asymmetrical liberalisation schedules, protection for infant industries, development-supportive rules of origin and effective safeguard clauses;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Supports the establishment of a continental free trade area in Africa; stresses that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that while Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 47 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Highlights the damaging impact of tax evasion on developing countries, which are deprived in this way of substantial amounts of public money that could be used, for example, not only to improve economic growth, protection of the environment and public services but also to promote social cohesion; calls on the Commission, in negotiating trade agreements, to prioritise combating this serious problem, using all the tools at its disposal;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Recalls that ODA alone is not sufficient to meet development needs, which represent a cost well in excess of the sums it can provide, and that the private sector plays an
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Deplores the facts that, each year, a sum exceeding total annual ODA is drained out of Africa in the form of illicit financial flows; reiterates its call to create effective tools to combat tax dodging globally and to enhance cooperation on tax matters with developing countries, including domestic resource mobilisation; recalls the need to establish a UN intergovernmental body to engage on an equal footing with developing countries in the reform of global tax rules;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Recalls the effects that EU`s PAC has on developing countries; calls, in this regard, to the EU to ensure the future PAC will surpass the problems related to the current export-oriented agricultural model by enhancing EU´s internal markets and short food supply chains in a sustainable manner so that, on the one hand it will not undermine developing country's development, and on the other, that it ensures resilience to external shocks;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Stresses the importance to adapt trade policies to support national efforts to combat climate change in order to comply with the Paris Agreement, which should be considered as an “essential clause” in all future EU trade agreements;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6 a. Underline that general reliance on voluntary measure to promote business respect for human right by Member States has proven insufficient, and call on the EU for mandatory measures as essential steps toward the main goals.
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6 b. Recalls that Article 8 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) states: ‘In all its activities, the Union shall aim to eliminate inequalities, and to promote equality, between men and women’; Stresses that trade and trade liberalisation have very different impacts on women and men, which can also be negative, resulting in fundamental shifts in gender roles, relationships and inequalities; insists that all EU trade agreements should promote gender equality;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6 b. Notes with concern that many difficulties remain to assess the relationship between trade and gender, due to a number of factors, including a lack of data; stresses the need to better understand the gender dynamics associated to trade agreements, which requires to use sex-disaggrated statistics in every single sector of the economy concerned;
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6 b. Calls for transparency in trade agreements and for the full involvement of civil societies of the partner countries concerned in the negotiations and implementations of future trade agreements, including the inclusion of structured and well-financed civil society monitoring process;
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Strongly supports the further
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Strongly supports the further mainstreaming of digital technologies and services in the EU’s development policy; calls on the Commission to increase investments in developing digital infrastructure in the Global South, while taking care to see that development programmes initiated in this regard are effective.
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Recalls that human rights abuses committed by corporations have been a cause of serious concern for decades; Stresses that when acting in development, the private sector should abide by shared principles and common values, and that development objectives and effectiveness should prevail; to this end, encourages the EU and its Member States to pursue the adoption of a coherent framework establishing mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for European corporations, based on lessons learned from EU initiatives to regulate supply chains, such as the Conflict Mineral Regulation, the Timber Regulation and the legislation on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU);
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Strongly supports the further mainstreaming of digital technologies and services in the EU’s development policy; calls on
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Welcomes the EU external investment plan with the aim to foster sustainable growth, investment and job creation inside developing countries; calls for an expansion of the current EIB external lending mandate, to increase its role in achieving sustainable development –through blending, co-financing of projects and local private sector development– with a focus on least- developed countries and fragile states;
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7 a. Stresses that there are profound gaps in transparency and traceability, raising serious questions over the integrity of many ethical auditing and certification scheme in the supply chains.
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 b (new) 7 b. Welcomes the Commission’s “Aid for Trade” updated 2017 strategy aiming to strengthen and modernise EU support to developing countries; stresses that more efforts are necessary in order to help developing countries, especially LDCs, achieve prosperity through trade and investments and support their efforts towards realizing the SDGs;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that when acting in development, the private sector
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that, when acting in development, the private sector
source: 623.937
2018/07/02
INTA
250 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 4 a (new) – having regard its resolution of 30 May 2018 on the Annual Report on the implementation of the Common Commercial Policy,
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph –1 (new) -1. Welcomes the reflection paper entitled ‘Harnessing globalisation’ and its focus on easing access to the positive effects of globalisation while pointing out the need to counter the negative effects;
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 21 a (new) – having regard to the policy paper of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, WTO on Making trade an engine of growth for all: the case for trade and for policies to facilitate adjustment, 2017,
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that this adjustment should take place in at least
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Notes that strengthening the EU’s internal market as well as consolidating the economic union is vital, since a solid internal market is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of international strategies; points out that being internationally competitive depends strongly on shaping digitalisation successfully and in a socially responsible manner; notes that the shift towards energy efficiency and renewable energies needs to happen as soon as possible;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Notes that the continued strengthening of the EU’s internal market as well as consolidating the economic union is vital, since a solid internal market is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of international strategies; points out that being internationally competitive depends strongly on shaping digitalisation successfully and in a socially responsible manner; notes that the shift to renewable energies needs to happen as soon as possible;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 (new) Points out that in accordance with article 12 of the Treaty on the functioning of the EU which recognises that consumer protection requirements shall be taken into account in defining and implementing other Union policies and activities, a dedicated chapter on consumer protection could contribute to achieve a high level of consumer protection by means of legal safeguards, for instance on the right to regulate and the precautionary principle but also to deliver tangible benefits to consumers and foster consumer trust, including online services, to promote sustainable consumption, integrate the consumer interest in the implementation of the whole agreement and to contribute to the effective enforcement of consumer law, also in cross border situations;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Notes that new technologies will transform the foundation of international trade; points out that blockchain has an inherent ability to allow more secure, transparent, and easy tracking of different transactions and objects to revolutionise the supply chain; In addition to its track and trace abilities, blockchain can also help connect customers with a product’s ‘origin story’ and give reassurance of provenance and can make trade more secure and transparent by facilitating fast international payments, eliminating paper contracts and intermediaries, accurately detecting risks, guaranteeing secure identification to the purchased goods and preventing money laundering;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Considers that the opportunities and challenges that globalisation entails as well as recent actions by certain third countries should be met with an EU trade policy that favours open and free trade with transparent rules, a strong multilateral system within the WTO and a complementing agenda of ambitious and comprehensive bilateral agreements on trade and investment;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Asks the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; points out that access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to the market participation of SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase; calls in this connection on the Commission to develop instruments to make it easier, notably for SMEs, to deal with rules of origin and utilise preferences; notes the large potential of unused preferences and calls on the Commission to set ambitious targets for their utilisation;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Asks the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; points out that access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to the market participation of SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase; calls therefore for separate chapters in trade agreements taking into account the needs and interests of micro-enterprises and SMEs with regard to market access facilitation issues in order to generate concrete business opportunities;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Asks the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; points out that access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to the market participation of SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase; recalls the importance of specific provisions for SMEs in the common commercial policy and of negotiating specific chapters for SMEs in EU trade agreements;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Asks the Commission to create a European trade strategy for SMEs in order to integrate SMEs into international value chains and overcome trade-specific hurdles such as non-tariff barriers; points out that access to information is one of the biggest obstacles to the market participation of SMEs, meaning that transparency and support need to increase; notes that the SDGs cannot be met without engagement from the private sector as they hold the key to development of sustainable solutions;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 21 b (new) – having regard to the OECD Key issues paper: making globalisation work; better lives for all’, C(2017) 32, 2017,
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Stresses that this adjustment should take place in at least f
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8.
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Asks the Commission to
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Notes that effective trade defence instruments are needed, welcomes the recent reform of
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Notes that the recent reform of EU trade defence instruments must be checked regarding its capacity as a protective measure against arbitrary protectionism, on top of its ability to protect against dumping; welcomes the bold steps taken in integrating the dimension of social and environmental dumping into those instruments and calls on the Commission to continue developing solid methods in order to fully take those dimensions into account, including with regard to social and environmental standards applicable in exporting countries;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Notes that the recent reform of EU trade defence instruments must be checked regarding its capacity as a protective measure against arbitrary protectionism, on top of its ability to protect against dumping; proposes that the Union adopt, as of the next legislative term, a process for the modernisation of its trade defence instruments to bring them to a level comparable to those in force in the United States and China;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Notes that the recent reform of EU trade defence instruments must be checked regarding its capacity as a protective measure against arbitrary
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital -A (new) -A. whereas the share of World population living in extreme poverty has decreased significantly from 44 percent in 1980 to 10 percent in 2015;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Recalls and welcomes European Union commitment to pursuing a transparent and responsible trade policy that exploits the positive aspects of globalisation, guarantees fair distribution of the benefits of trade in accordance with its principles of solidarity and sustainability and offers modern solutions for the realities of today's economy in an increasingly technological world, enabling all individuals and businesses, especially SMEs, to benefit from its advantages;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Notes the importance of a vital trade policy to create a framework where the rights and duties are clearly set up in a rules based system; underlines the need for reinforced trade defence instruments, e.g. the Foreign Direct Investment screening mechanism and the International Procurement Instrument;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a minimum reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed; stresses that the EGF must become more proactive tool aiming at preparing workers and companies to fight the negative impacts of globalisation; points out that the Commission needs to reform the preconditions for receiving support; notes that employees of smaller enterprises must have access to EGF funding; notes that the resources of the fund must be increased ; points out that its scope should be widened to other policy-induced adjustments; calls for a reform of the programs monitoring and evaluation- mechanism;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed; points out the urgent need for an independent and credible ex-post assessment of the Union's FTAs entered into force regarding gains and losses in decent jobs in both the European Union Member States and the partner economies, and stresses that the findings should be used for improved assessments of further trade agreements;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses,
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed in order to meet the new challenges of globalisation and provide help to the most affected sectors;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed which should result in a simplification of procedures for the activation the funds and the provision of financial assistance commensurate with the needs;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses and to enhance its effectiveness, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Notes that a solid EU internal market is a prerequisite for the successful implementation of international strategies; points out in this regard that, in order to ensure that the EU's trade policy is geared towards achievement of its overall economic and political objectives, in particular sustainable development, all EU institutions should ensure greater consistency between trade policy and other EU internal and external policies;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with a credible initiative
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with a credible initiative on transparency; calls on the EU Member States to allow for a meaningful involvement of national parliaments when considering the ratification of trade agreements in the current framework;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with a credible and participatory initiative
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with a credible initiative on transparency, particularly in the field of taxation by means of effective sanction mechanisms directed at third countries whose economic models are based on tax avoidance;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Commission to meet
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls on Council and Commission to assess and debate the impact of the whole international trade policy on environment and climate change and to come up with proposals for possible improvements and alternatives;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas income inequality levels have remained at historic highs, while in 2014 the average Gini coefficient of disposable household income reached the highest value on record in the last 30 years; therefore agrees with the EU Commission that globalisation poses challenges also because its benefits are spread unequally among people and regions, and that unless active steps are taken, there is a risk that globalisation would compound the effect of technological advances and the recent economic crisis and contribute to further widening inequalities and social polarisation;
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Stresses the need for more global governance and rules in order to harness globalisation better; underlines the importance of supportive domestic policies to boost the EU‘s competitiveness and resilience;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to include sustainability-related measures in every chapter of trade agreements and not to reduce them to one toothless chapter; calls on the Council and Commission to be more ambitious when negotiating with industrialised partner countries regarding the ILO conventions to be referenced in the agreement; demands that in sustainable development chapter in future trade agreements with the EU, an article should state that each Party shall promote compliance with and effectively enforce its labour law through appropriate government action, such as: I. establishing and maintaining effective labour inspection services, including by appointing and training inspectors; II. monitoring compliance and investigating suspected violations, including through onsite inspections; III. requiring record keeping and reporting; IV. encouraging the establishment of worker-management committees to address labour regulation of the workplace; V. providing or encouraging mediation, conciliation and arbitration services; and, VI. initiating, in a timely manner, proceedings to seek appropriate sanctions or remedies for violations of its labour law;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to make the SDGS and the Paris agenda the guiding principles of trade policy, notes that in order to do so, reforms that were mentioned in the trade for all strategy are not sufficient; Calls on the Commission to include sustainability-related measures in every chapter of trade agreements and not to reduce them to one toothless chapter;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to include s
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to include sustainability-related measures in every chapter of trade agreements
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12.
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Calls on the Commission to include sustainability-related
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Recalls that the European Court of Justice stated, in its 2/15 Opinion on EU- Singapore FTA, that sustainable development forms an integral part of the common commercial policy of the EU and therefore the EU has a legal obligation to integrate the objective of preserving and improving the quality of the environment and the sustainable management of global natural resources into the EU’s common commercial policy, that trade and sustainable development chapters have a direct and immediate effect on trade and that a breach on sustainable development provisions authorises the other Party to terminate or suspend the liberalisation provided for on other provisions of the FTA;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas global income inequality
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Recalls that, as regards intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks and copyright, the
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Notes the importance of a balanced and progressive trade policy to meet the challenges of globalisation through balanced free trade agreements already concluded or still under negotiation, for example with Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Mexico;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Asks the Commission to pursue an ambitious trade policy, and maintain an open investment environment; adds that the ratification of concluded and signed trade agreements should take place swiftly in order to uphold commitments to our partners;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Calls on the Commission to develop ambitious proposals to make fair and ethical trade principles the guiding standard of the Union's international trade relations;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Calls on the Commission to include rules relating to digital trade in EU FTAs, including cross-border data flows to demonstrate that trade in digital goods and services can bring real benefit to businesses and consumers;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Congratulates the Commission for its decision to establish the new Award for the European City of Fair and Ethical Trade;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 c (new) 12c. Calls on the Commission to assess how Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) and blockchain can be used to enhance international trade, and address issues such as transparency, flexibility, and tackle counterfeiting;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations must take their possible effects on the
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations must take their possible effects on the fulfilment of the SDGs into account; notes that national sustainability strategies and implementation plans for the Paris Agreement must form the starting point for impact assessments; points out that every single provision of an agreement and its possible impacts must be checked on its compatibility with the SDGs; notes that if parts of an agreement hamper the fulfilment of the SDGs or the Paris Agreement, adjustments must be made; notes that
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13.
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas income inequality levels have remained at historic highs, while in 2014 the average Gini coefficient of disposable household income reached the highest value on record in the last 30 years; whereas these imbalances are mainly caused by the hypertrophy of the financial sphere and a long-term shift in the manner in which added value is shared to the detriment of employees and to the benefit of capital holders;
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Emphasises the importance and recognition of the exponential growth of data flows and data economy. Welcomes the Commission proposal on the free flow of non-personal data (COM(2017)495) which will boost Europe's technological potential, will create job places as well as strengthen the Union's position in international trade;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations must take their possible effects on the
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Notes that impact assessments conducted before the start of negotiations must take their possible effects on the fulfilment of the SDGs into account; notes that national sustainability strategies and implementation plans for the Paris Agreement must
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Reminds the Commission and Member States of their legal obligations on the basis of the Human Rights Conventions and Environmental Agreements; reiterates that these obligations should not be seen as a mere paper exercise; calls on the Commission and Member States to take up their duties to ensure compliance with internationally recognised human rights and environmental norms and standards;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that, in
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that, in line with SDG 17, the Commission must reform its system for implementing policy coherence for development, including a reform of its international trade policy, and the related intra-institutional consultation process; calls for a mandatory PCD assessment attached to trade-related legislative proposals;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes th
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Notes that responsible business conduct and responsible management of global value chains are a prerequisite for achieving the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda as irresponsible business practices undermine support for open trade and investment regimes; emphasises that there is an urgent need for an EU action plan on responsible business conduct that would foster policy coherence and consistency at the EU level;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards must be a pr
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas globalisation will look completely different seven years from today
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Recognises data protection as a fundamental right in the European Union; calls to guarantee high standards of data protection in trade agreements through a so called mutual adequacy decision between the European Union and a non-EU country;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards and the Paris Agreement must be a precondition for the
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards must be a precondition for the
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards must be a precondition for the implementation of any agreement; notes that organised civil society and social partners should be included in the formative stages of agreements, the implementation phase and the monitoring phase after implementation via bilateral meetings with the negotiating partners; notes that
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15.
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Calls on the Commission to finance aid for trade measures only in countries that have transposed at least the ILO core labour standards into their national legislation, and fight effectively against the exploitation of child labour;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16.
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with clear transparency and due diligence obligations for the whole supply chain; for that purpose, calls on the Commission to build on existing EU legislation in the area of conflict minerals and timber, as well as on recent Member States legislation such as the French “duty of vigilance law”, and the recently published OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Responsible Business Conduct, calls on the EU to show leadership in this area at the multilateral level and to bring forth an effective, comprehensive mandatory human rights due diligence legislation;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with clear transparency and diligence obligations for the whole supply chain; Stresses the importance of decent wage levels and decent safety at work standards for a sustainable global trade system and new global production chains; reminds the Commission in this regard of its communication Promoting Decent Work for All;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas globalisation
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Stresses th
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Asks the Commission to
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with clear transparency and diligence obligations
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Reiterates its recommendations following the inquiry on money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion, in particular: – to refrain from concluding trade agreements with jurisdictions defined by the EU as tax havens; – to include tax good governance clauses, transparency requirements and anti-money laundering provisions when negotiating future free trade, partnership and cooperation agreements ; – to include a binding clause of tax conditionality, including compliance with the international standards of the OECD BEPS Action Plan, and the FATF recommendations when future trade or partnership agreements are negotiated, or existing agreements are revised; – to request that the ‘Investment’ or ‘Financial Services’ chapters of future trade or partnership agreements be negotiated on the basis of the positive list principle, so that only the financial sectors necessary for commercial development, the real economy and households benefit from the facilitation and liberalisation brought about by the agreement between the Union and the third party concerned;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Points out that active measures aiming to enhance opportunities for women to benefit from the opportunities provided by an FTA are necessary to reach the goal of gender equality; calls for trade agreements that include a specific chapter on trade and gender equality and women's empowerment, foreseeing to provide for measures aimed at, inter alia, a better work-family life balance and access to social and health services, to pursue an enhanced participation of women enterprises (particularly micro-enterprises and SMEs) in public procurement, to support the internationalisation of women enterprises and the participation of women in Mode 4 opportunities;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Finds it incomprehensible that the Commission acknowledges on the one hand the negative consequences of globalisation, but on the other hand pursues its current proposal for a Multilateral Investment Court; calls on the Commission to take note of the serious arguments against the proposed model, mentioning among others the 'regulatory chill', the huge claims against upcoming economies, the lack of investors' obligations and the absence of court- access for third parties;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Calls on the Commission to be committed, in accordance with the four strategic objectives of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, to respecting, promoting and realising the fundamental principles and rights at work and international labour standards; employment and income opportunities; social protection and social security; and social dialogue and tripartism, in all partner countries along the value chains related to EU based corporations;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Reaffirms its support for the initiative launched under the auspices of the UN for the negotiation and elaboration of a binding treaty on corporations and human rights; reiterates its encouragement to both the Union and the Member States not only to adopt a positive and constructive approach to these negotiations, but to take the lead, adopting the defence and promotion of human rights as their badge of honour;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Highlights the importance of a stable multilateral rules-based trading system; asks the Commission to do all it can to engage with trade partners to advance issues pertaining to the multilateral trade agenda, and to strengthen the role of the WTO;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to step up their engagement in deliberations within the UN regarding a Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Underlines that tax fraud and tax evasion limit the capacity of EU countries to raise money and implement their economic and social policies; it represents a huge problem and affects all European citizens; notes that tax fraud and evasion knows no borders; therefore trade agreements should include binding tax good governance clauses and transparency standards that reaffirm the parties’ commitment to implement international standards in the fight against tax evasion, avoidance and elusion, in particular the relevant OECD recommendations on taxation and that includes obligations for country-by- country reporting, automatic exchange of information and the establishment of public registers of beneficial ownership; asks the Commission to start leading by example regarding tax havens and start working with Member States towards this aim;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas global trade openness and globalisation as such contributes to the economic growth, prosperity and the competitiveness of countries; whereas globalisation has had positive effects lifting millions of people out of poverty and guaranteeing higher incomes, though poverty and social exclusion remain the issue to be addressed;
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Stresses that, with regard to PGIs
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Notes that enhancing the transparency and traceability of global value chains would facilitate and accelerate legitimate EU trade; recalls that greater access to customs data on imports entering the EU would increase global value chain transparency and accountability and improve customs risk management; calls on the Commission to extend customs data requirements and include the exporter and the manufacturer as mandatory customs data elements, thereby enhancing the transparency and traceability of global value chains;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 c (new) 16c. Recalls that restoring a level playing field after the EU rules or agreements have been violated does not entail only effective enforcement but also access to justice and access to remedy for victims of business-related human rights abuse; in this regard acknowledges the FRA Opinion 1/2017 and considers that it lays foundations for further actions;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 c (new) 16c. Urges the Commission to include in its FTAs anti-corruption provisions that are enforceable and which must be effectively and fully implemented;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order, it is vitally important to preserve this order since any backsliding into protectionism would be damaging and would lead to trade war; notes that the multilateral order can only be upheld if it is reformed; notes that it is not the goal to secure free trade but to secure fair trade that fulfils the SDGs and gives room to the needs of developing countries, as referenced in the trade for all strategy; notes that, since multilateral initiatives currently bare little chance for success, the EU should strive for bilateral and plurilateral agreements in the meantime, in which fair trade is one of the guiding principles;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order, it is vitally important to preserve this order since any backsliding into protectionism would be damaging and would lead to trade war; calls on the European Union to play an active role in unblocking the replacement of the judges in the WTO Appellate Body; calls on the Commission to step up international and multilateral cooperation in the fight against unfair competition and protectionist practices by third countries;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order,
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order, it is vitally important to preserve this order since any backsliding into protectionism would be damaging and would lead to trade war and calls on the Commission to show strong leadership in this respect; is of the view that, in order to preserve such order, the UN Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement on Climate should be better integrated therein;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Notes that, in view of attacks on the multilateral world economic order, it is vitally important to preserve this order since
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) – having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2017 on towards a digital trade strategy,
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph –1 a (new) -1a. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on mid-range incomes, as well as on social and labour rights; expresses the view that the combination of a declining citizens’ concerns over losing their social and economic position, and scepticism towards globalisation, can result in nationalist and authoritarian tendencies, which then lead to the promotion of protectionism and extremism as a populist answer to these concerns;
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the Union’s citizens are increasingly demanding that the Union’s trade policy ensure that goods entering the EU market have been produced under decent and sustainable conditions and that, in the changing global context, that the EU promotes a value-based trade agenda;
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free, fair and sustainable
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free, mutually fair and sustainable trade is economically desirable and has vital political implications; notes that it is important for Europe to
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free, fair and sustainable trade is economically desirable and has vital political implications;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free, fair and sustainable trade is economically desirable and has vital political implications; notes that it is important for Europe to use trade as an instrument for the promotion of democratic and sustainable development in our partner countries and regions, in particular in the states of the Eastern Partnership, in Central Asia, in Latin America as well as the African states;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free,
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Notes that free,
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Notes that this is the first Commission paper mentioning the importance of enhancing animal welfare standards through the EU trade and investment agenda; welcomes the willingness expressed by the Commission to work towards enhanced global governance in the field; calls on the Commission to expressly include animal welfare in its next trade policy strategy and to use the review clauses in existing FTAs to further improve animal welfare provisions; calls on the Commission to ensure trade preferences are conditional upon compliance with EU animal welfare standards, guaranteeing a better level playing field and respecting the wishes of most EU citizens; calls on the Commission to recognise the important role higher animal welfare standards can play in achieving several SDGs, notably on health in connection with antimicrobial resistance, and on climate change;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Notes that globalisation has given extra opportunities for multinational companies of using loopholes in international law and shifting profits to low-tax jurisdictions rather than paying taxes where they produce and sell; states that these strategies deprive EU governments of tax revenues and contribute to unfairness and the self- fulfilling prophecy that globalisation only benefits the bigger companies and well-off citizens; points out that public country-by- country reports for each country where a multinational company has an activity could be an instrument to tackle tax avoidance;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Recalls the importance for the European Union to continue and step up cooperation with international organisations such as, inter alia, the United Nations, the ILO, the OECD and the World Bank, in the conduct of its trade policy to address the challenges of globalisation;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas globalisation has accelerated environmental degradation in many regions of our planet; whereas the continued increase of transport in goods in globalised trade is detrimental to achieving the goals agreed in the Paris Agreement on climate change;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Insists that opinion 2/15 of the CJEU be taken into account, in particular in that it offers a key for the clear division of the competences between the Union and the Member States
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Urges the Commission to progress with proposals to make TSD provisions enforceable and to provide practical and adequate mechanism to achieve results in conflicts in all existing or future trade deals;
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18b. States that despite the Commission's positive view on it, digitalisation will also have its impact on jobs and workers; calls on the Commission to tackle the challenges posed by digitalisation and to come up with a proposal ensuring the same level playing field for all economic players and guaranteeing the enforcement of workers' rights in the digital economy;
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18b. Reiterates its call for a reinforced engagement of the EU and its Member States in the deliberations within the UN regarding a Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas these upheavals are likely to result in the destruction of tens of millions of jobs owing to the lack of wide- ranging and binding public policies in favour of retraining, the appropriation of critical technologies and the reduction of working times;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas the last report of the Club of Rome 2017/2018 “Come ON!” suggests solutions to both global ecological and social crises, taking into consideration that measuring success in development just by GDP growth has proven inadequate to deal with the task of shaping globalisation challenges, and orientate therefore for new enlightening of both economic and environmental development and for introducing quickly the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) as benchmark;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Asks the Commission to meet the growing complexity of value chains and the increasing interdependence of producers with clear transparency and diligence obligations for the whole supply chain;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas ‘open and fair trade’ and investment policies need a range of effective flanking policies in order to maximise the gains and minimise the losses of trade liberalisation for the EU and for third countries’ populations and economies; whereas the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in order to end poverty and to achieve social and environmental progress should become the decisive benchmark for the success of the Union’s trade policy and relations; whereas it is currently sufficient for a country to be an LDC in order to benefit from Everything But Arms trade preferences, regardless of that country’s government willingness to cooperate in achieving the SDGs;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas ‘open and fair trade’ and investment policies need a range of effective flanking policies in order to maximise the gains and minimise the losses of trade liberali
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the need, in order to
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Stresses the need, in order to protect the public interest, to replace the arbitration courts with a multilateral court to settle investment disputes
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7. Supports, in the light of the above, initiatives likely to
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas ‘
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 7.
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas protectionism is intellectually a simple and weak answer to the challenges posed by globalisation; the closure of borders and protectionism will have a domino effect for all, hurting importers, exporters and consumers;
Amendment 29 #
7. Supports,
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 a (new) – having regards to the resolution 26/9 adopted by the UN Human Rights Council at its 26th session, and the decision “to establish an open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, whose mandate shall be to elaborate an international legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises,”
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph –1 b (new) -1b. Notes the importance of engaging in the restructuring of the world economic order and of respecting the needs of developing countries, while stressing that the aim of fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the conditions of the Paris Agreement must provide the overarching framework;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas fair and ethical trade relations should become the normality in international economic relations;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Emphasises that high European standards regarding social protection, working conditions, the environment, consumers and fundamental rights as a basis for the prosperity of the Union must be promoted through trade policy instruments deployed in accordance with sustainable development objectives; notes in this regard the need for the European Union to ensure that international agreements are based on the above standards, so as to ensure that globalisation benefits all Europeans and that its economic, social and environmental effects are beneficial for individuals and businesses both inside and outside Europe;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas climate change caused by human activity is leading to an acceleration beyond the worst predictions of the IPCC of the collapse in biodiversity and the medium-term threat to the survival of ecosystems – especially marine ecosystems – by pollution, particularly in connection with the exploitation of hydrocarbons,
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Stresses, in the light of the above, the need for the strengthening of global governance and global rules in order to avoid trade wars;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C b (new) Cb. including through a complete overhaul of the free trade agreements between the European Union and the least advanced countries, especially in the African, Caribbean and Pacific region, in order to address the problem of migration at its roots;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Notes that, as a reply to globalisation-induced job losses, a reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is needed;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the reflection paper entitled ‘Harnessing globalisation’ and its focus on easing access to the positive effects of globalisation while pointing out the need to counter the negative effects, and the growing scepticism among our population; deplores that the text falls short with regard to the necessary responses to those challenges, in particular the increasingly unequal distribution of wealth, the phenomenon of job losses as a result of relocations, market concentration, and technological development, an increase in environmental destruction, and loss of cultural diversity;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls on the European Commission to pay closer attention to internal policy measures adopted by certain EU partners that are likely to undermine the rule-based multilateral trading system and to take the necessary countermeasures;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the reflection paper
Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls on the Commission to meet scepticism towards globalisation with a credible initiative on transparency and on strengthening the application of fundamental rights;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses the need for a rebalancing in the era of globalisation and a growing interdependence in all nations and peoples between humans and nature, between markets and law, between private companies and public goods, between short-term and long-term thinking, between social justice and incentives for excellence;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 c (new) 7c. Points out that the ratification and implementation of the ILO’s core labour standards must be a precondition for the implementation of any agreement; notes that organised civil society and social partners should be included in the formative stages of agreements, the implementation phase and the monitoring phase after implementation via bilateral meetings with the negotiating partners; notes that in case of a breach of the sustainability provisions of an agreement, the dispute settlement mechanism must be accessible to civil society as well as the negotiating partners;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Stresses that International Trade plays not only a decisive role on the economic development and cooperation of countries in the globalised economy, but has a fundamental influence on peace, social and ecological sustainable growth, employment, eradication of poverty and food security, human rights as well as fighting climate change; recognises therefore the growing responsibility of the EU to contribute to answer these challenges in its global trade and external relations;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 c (new) 7c. Given that 45% of Europeans consider globalisation to be a threat, calls on the European Commission to launch a campaign to promote its positive aspects, especially in those regions where it is having a predominantly negative effect; calls on the Commission also to identify and implement the most effective measures to support small and medium- sized enterprises that are still suffering the effects of both the economic crisis and globalisation;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 c (new) 1c. Points out the need for effectively strengthening the control of trading dual use goods, and for the consequent implementation of the Union’s International Arms Trade Treaty obligations;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 d (new) 7d. Stresses that, in order to shield citizens more effectively from large-scale globalisation, the EU institutions must provide an effective and ongoing response to challenges in respect of privacy, data protection and cybersecurity;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 7 d (new) 7d. Notes that free, fair and sustainable trade is economically desirable and has vital political implications; notes that it is important for Europe to use trade as an instrument for the promotion of democratic and sustainable development across the world;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that in the course of globalisation, international value chains have emerged; points out that these value chains restructure the international division of labour as well as the interdependence of countries; recalls that their extremely complex nature, lack of transparency and dilution of liabilities may lead to a higher risk of human and labour rights violations, factual impunity for environmental crimes and large-scale tax avoidance and tax fraud;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 b (new) – having regard to the United Nations’ Guiding principles on human rights impact assessments of trade and investment agreements,
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Believes that
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that in the course of globalisation,
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that in the course of globalisation, international value chains have emerged; points out that these value chains restructure the international division of labour as well as the interdependence of countries; notes that the fact that large multinational companies have the value chain at their free disposition directly compromises the sustainable development objectives adopted as part of the Paris Agreement and the employability of millions of European workers;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes that as a side effect of globalisation, finance has tended to generate huge private rewards disproportionate to its social returns and non-financial corporations have also become adept at using rent-seeking strategies to bolster their profits, therefore contributing to rising inequality; Notes with concern that despite the efforts since 2009 to address the excesses of the financial sector the underlying macro- financial structures have remained broadly intact and there has been almost no effort to tackle the connections between inequality and instability that have marked the rise of unregulated finance;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes that the most effective way to harness globalisation is to insert clear rules to address inequalities and protect citizens and the environment; in this context, is of the view that trade policy must contribute to these goals by ensuring a transparent production process throughout Global value chains as well as compliance with fundamental environmental, social and safety standards;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes that in general enforceable regulation for the protection of workers and the environment did not keep pace with the development of increasing globalisation, in which governments' neo- liberal policies have facilitated companies under the pretext of economic growth, leading to profit-maximizing and value for private shareholders, with neglect of the protection of public interests;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; some regions and sectors profit to a large extent, while others suffer from structural change and rising unemployment; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on mid-range incomes; notes that the middle class has shrunk in many EU Member States, while their share of the overall income equally decreased; expresses the view that the combination of a declining middle class, citizens’ fears
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on mid-range incomes; expresses the view that the combination of a declining middle class, citizens’ fears over losing their social and economic position, and scepticism towards globalisation, can result in nationalist and authoritarian tendencies,
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that globalisation and freer trade have lifted many people out of extreme poverty, although the benefits of globalisation to some extent are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that th
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 – having regard to
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Believes that Europe faces many opportunities and some challenges linked to globalisation
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that despite the
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on mid-range incomes; expresses the view that the combination of a declining
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial and economic crises had a particularly negative effect on modest and mid-range incomes; expresses the view that the combination of a declining middle class, citizens’ fears over losing their social and economic position, and scepticism towards globalisation, can result in nationalist and authoritarian tendencies, which then lead to the promotion of protectionism as an easy
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Notes that the benefits of globalisation are unequally distributed between regions and within societies; notes that this is a reason for the rising scepticism or rejection of globalisation within societies; notes that the financial
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Points out that in its reflection paper on “Harnessing Globalisation”, the European Commission rightly refers to the negative aspect of globalisation of companies abusing differences in living, social, environmental, tax and other standards outside Europe and inside Europe by relocating production or their tax address to their competitive advantage, in order to maximise profit, and that this has led to factory closures, job losses, and downward pressure on workers' pay and conditions, leaving a lasting impact on those laid off, their families and the wider region;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes that the benefits and other impacts of globalisation affect women and men differently due to structural gender inequalities such as women and men being structured in different sectors of the economy; emphasises that the EU should move towards a trade policy that promotes the change of traditional gender roles instead of reinforcing them, for example by carrying out gender assessments with clear and measurable indicators and disaggregated data that allow the analysis of the effects of trade policies on gender equality and women empowerment;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Points out that the outlook of a sustainable and thriving domestic future supports the reduction and facilitates the management of illegal migration flows to Europe;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Notes that where the economy fails, democracy also suffers and is now in decline almost everywhere; underlines that citizens are more empowered than ever but many feel that democracy no longer serves them well; points out that this trend leads to autocratic and undemocratic states successfully weaponising our societies and capitalise on the popular backlash against globalisation;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 a (new) – having regard to the non-paper of Commission services ‘Feedback and way forward on improving the implementation and enforcement of Trade and Sustainable Development chapters in EU Free Trade Agreements’,
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Believes that Europe faces many challenges linked to globalisation, but it is important to adapt the texts in force in a measured way, on an area-by-area basis, with due respect for
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries is growing significantly; understands that this leads to a relative loss of importance for the present global economic centres of Europe and North America, as well as to new challenges as regards the preservation of a value-based international trade policy;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries is growing significantly; understands that this
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries is growing significantly; points out that this trend will persist within the next years, while understands that this leads to a relative loss of importance for the present global economic centres of Europe and North America;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Notes that the economic importance of China and other Southeast Asian countries is growing significantly; understands that this leads to a relative loss of importance for the present global economic centres of Europe and North America; stresses that these developments are likely to compromise European strategic interests;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes that globalisation led to a faster and wider spread of technology and innovation, and that technology can be a key enabler of trade; highlights that the EU has yet not delivered on a digital trade strategy, and addressed the benefits that the internet and digital ledger technologies can bring to international trade;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes that China is growing significantly at the expense of Europe and North America but where Europe and North America lose economic clout, China fills the gap; underlines that China’s influence is spreading to Europe itself, which is not just economic but has a strategic component with security implications;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes that the Chinese new silk road strategy is China’s attempt at becoming the leading world economic power, while the America First strategy is an attempt at confronting the United states’ downturn that willingly accepts its own destructive force for the rule-based world economic order;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses that the transatlantic axis has in recent decades always been a guarantor of global free trade based on values and that it can again assume this role in future; notes in this connection that a transatlantic agreement could provide a new impetus;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 a (new) – having regard to the OECD Due Diligence Guidance on Responsible Business Conduct published on 31 May 2018,
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Believes that Europe faces many challenges linked to globalisation, but it is important to adapt the texts in force in a measured way, on an area-by-area basis, with due respect for national identities and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality so as to take into account the fears expressed by a growing number of citizens about their future; points out in this regard that the role of the EU is to ensure that world trade is proactively conceived and managed, so as to guarantee that it is fair, that it reflects certain values - particularly those of the EU - and that it remains firmly anchored in a rule-based system;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Points out that
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5.
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Points out that the multilateral world economic order with the WTO in its centre does not achieve the incorporation of these profound changes as well as the changed interests of countries in international agreements; notes that the increasing protectionism in the United States and beyond, as well as the lack of consideration for the needs and expectations of developing countries in international agreements, shows the weakness of the WTO;
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