2023/2106(INI) EU strategy on Central Asia
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
LUCKE Karsten ( S&D)
|
KUBILIUS Andrius ( EPP),
GROŠELJ Klemen ( Renew),
VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL Viola ( Verts/ALE),
MARIANI Thierry ( ID)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Events
2024/01/17
EP - Text adopted by Parliament, single reading
Documents
2024/01/17
EP - Decision by Parliament
Documents
2023/12/06
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Karsten LUCKE (S&D, DE) on the EU strategy on Central Asia.
Since the adoption of the EU strategy on Central Asia in 2019, the region has been affected by significant external factors, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan and China’s increasingly assertive foreign policy.
EU engagement with Central Asia
Members underlined that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts and challenges, which provide significant impetus for them to work towards long-term, structured and mutually beneficial cooperation in matters of common interest. They strongly encouraged the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region, and to promote a strategic partnership with these countries by expanding cooperation at political and economic level. The report encouraged the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights. Members noted that Parliament is ready to promote parliamentary cooperation with Central Asia. They also considered that a review of the EU-Central Asia strategy is necessary in order to update it in the light of the geopolitical events that have taken place in recent years.
Regional cooperation
The report underlined the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable development, connectivity, energy, critical raw materials and security, with Central Asia being a key region for connectivity between East and West. The Commission is called on to investigate the possibility of the European Investment Bank’s support for investments in infrastructure development in Central Asian states, especially in the Middle Corridor.
Members are concerned with the creation of dependency on Russia as a result of the signing of the natural gas deal between Gazprom and Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan.
Noting the increasing strain on water resources in Central Asia, the report stressed the need for closer regional cooperation on this matter between upstream and downstream countries in order to prevent conflicts over the distribution and use of water resources.
The report underlined the importance of the delimitation and demarcation of disputed border areas between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to prevent further military clashes between the two countries and welcomed the steps taken by both sides in this regard.
Democracy and human rights
Members insisted that respect for human rights and compliance with international obligations are important for the EU’s relations with Central Asia. They urged the Central Asian states to adhere to their democracy and human rights obligations. They are also concerned about the lack of accountability for serious human rights violations on a large scale, including the employment of harsh measures by authorities to end mass protests.
Moreover, the report noted the need to boost Central Asia’s resilience against disinformation by promoting independent media and content in local languages, increasing media literacy and organising targeted courses for local journalists. It stressed the need to strengthen media independence and pluralism and freedom of expression in Central Asia in line with the highest democratic standards.
Documents
2023/11/28
EP - Vote in committee
2023/10/11
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2023/09/14
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2023/07/18
EP - LUCKE Karsten (S&D) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
2023/07/12
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
Documents
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0027/2024
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0027/2024
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0407/2023
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE754.712
- Committee draft report: PE752.889
- Committee draft report: PE752.889
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE754.712
- Text adopted by Parliament, single reading: T9-0027/2024
Votes
EU strategy on Central Asia – A9-0407/2023 – Karsten Lucke – Motion for a resolution (text as a whole) #
2024/01/17 Outcome: +: 543, 0: 44, -: 42
PPE
ECR
NI
The Left| Amendments | Dossier |
| 124 |
2023/2106(INI)
2023/10/11
AFET
124 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 a (new) – having regard to the joint declaration by the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany following their summit on 29 September 2023 in Berlin,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas there is a need to ensure connectivity between Europe and Asia in a way that avoids crossing Russian territory; whereas the European Union has a strong interest in the deployment of efficient trade and energy corridors between Europe and Asia, as demonstrated by the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference held in Samarkand on 18 November 2022;
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11.
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes the need to boost Central Asia’s resilience against disinformation by promoting independent media and content in local languages, increasing media
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes the need to boost Central Asia’s resilience against disinformation by promoting independent media and content in local languages, increasing media literacy and organising targeted courses for local journalists; is concerned about the increasing number of arrests of journalists and bloggers and about threats to close independent media outlets; insists that respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls on the authorities of Central Asia to release all political prisoners, specifically on the authorities of Kazakhstan: Aigerim Tleuzhan, Marat Zhylanbayev, Bekizhan Mendygaziyev, Timur Danebayev, Kairat Klyshev; on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan: Azimbek Beknazarov, Aibek Buzurmankulov, Aidanbek Akmatov, Temir Makhmudov, Marat Bayazov; on the authorities of Uzbekistan: Dauletmurat Tazhimuratov, Allabai Tokymbetov, Nurlan Naiypov, Amirbek Adilbekov; on the authorities of Tajikistan: Faromuz Irgashov, Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, Khursand Mamadshoev, Khushruz Djumaev; and on the authorities of Turkmenistan: Omruzak Omarkuliev, Murat Dushemov, Murat Ovezov, Mansur Mingelov, Nurgeldy Khalykov;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Regrets that Central Asian authorities have exploited the fight against disinformation to restrict the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression, including by accusing those who speak out on corruption, injustice and government abuse of allegedly spreading “false’’ information, inciting “discord’’ and promoting “extremism’’; emphasises the importance of ensuring unhindered access to independent sources of information on the internet;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls for actions addressing the root causes of irregular migration such as the creation of quality workplaces with adequate salaries and decent working conditions, by ensuring long term- cooperation and peace in the region while also ensuring the support of legal channels of migration;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is concerned that gender-based violence, discrimination and harassment of minorities and LGTBIQ people are still widespread in Central Asia and urges the Central Asian governments to prevent these human rights violations through appropriate laws and measures; expresses concern that criminalisation of LGBTI people remains in place, basic anti- discrimination legislation is lacking in most countries, corrective rape is used against lesbians and there is a lack of safe spaces for LGBTI people to gather, with raids on bars and social spaces ongoing, and police brutality rife; calls, in particular, on Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to decriminalise consensual sexual relations between men;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is concerned that gender-based violence, domestic violence, child marriage, discrimination and harassment of minorities and LGTBIQ people are still widespread in Central Asia and urges the Central Asian governments to prevent these human rights violations through appropriate laws and measures, including increasing awareness and qualification of public officers, notably police officers, strengthen the capacity of CSOs to advocate for legislative changes, improving frontline support services for survivors and raising awareness to combat existing stereotypes and promote equality in society;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Is concerned that gender-based violence, discrimination and harassment of
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas none of the Central Asian states supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine and do not recognise Ukrainian regions annexed by Russia as parts of the Russian Federation;
Amendment 110 #
12. Is concerned that gender-based violence, discrimination and harassment of minorities and LGTBIQ people are still widespread in Central Asia and urges the Central Asian governments to prevent these human rights violations through appropriate laws
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Stresses that conservative tendencies and nationalist-patriotic rhetoric in the region impinges on women’s rights, even though gender equality is supposedly protected by law in all countries; welcomes some noteworthy improvements on women’s rights in Uzbekistan, where a big step was taken in modernising legislation on domestic violence; reiterates, in the context of the EU’s strategy towards Central Asia, its call on European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission and the EU agencies to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the EU’s foreign and security policy, to systematically support sexual and reproductive health and rights, and take into account the multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) experienced by marginalised individuals and groups; stresses that any EU strategy towards Central Asia must be in line with the EU’s Gender Action Plan III 2021-2025;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Reiterates its concerns about rampant corruption and kleptocracy in Central Asia, which erodes trust in government, fuels inequality, deprives citizens of public services and slows down economic growth; calls upon the Central Asian governments to take actions beyond widespread anti-corruption rhetoric and to finally commit to fighting corruption and kleptocracy, as well as to increase transparency and access to information, and to limit private influence;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Underlines that the EU should capitalise on its positive image in Central Asia by engaging in more cultural and public diplomacy; advocates for strengthening ties and increasing opportunities for collaboration between European and Central Asian institutions and fostering people-to-people contact and mobility, offering opportunities in education and science through the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programmes and increasing tourism;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Underlines that the EU should capitalise on its positive image in Central Asia by engaging in more cultural and public diplomacy; advocates fostering people-to-people contact and mobility, offering opportunities in education and science through the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programmes and increasing sustainable tourism;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Notes that Kazakhstan is the first Central Asian country with a ratified EPCA, which provides a solid foundation for expanding cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, such as connectivity, energy efficiency, green economy and digitalisation; welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the EU on a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, batteries and renewable hydrogen value chains; calls on Kazakh authorities to continue implementing political and economic reforms, which should strengthen democracy, rule of law and good governance; underlines that implementation of the vision of “Just and Fair Kazakhstan” must entail ensuring respect for human rights and freedoms of expression, association and assembly and improving the electoral framework in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations; calls on the authorities to complete the investigation into the January 2022 events, to publish its findings and to ensure justice for victims of torture; notes the potential benefits of increased people- to-people exchanges with Kazakhstan through a visa facilitation agreement, the formal consultations on which started in May 2023;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Stresses that the EU should ensure that the promotion of human rights, democratic values, gender equality, free media, and the green transition is mainstreamed into all aspects of its relations with the countries of Central Asia;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Takes note of the corruption levels in Central Asia countries and calls for the adoption of national stategies focusing on an integrated approach to the prevention and repression of corruption;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Underlines that the upcoming signing of the EPCA and the ongoing GSP+ implementation put further emphasis on the need to ensure the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kyrgyzstan in line with its international commitments; observes with concern the deterioration of democratic standards and human rights in recent years, considering that Kyrgyzstan has been regarded as the most democratic country in the region with a vibrant civil society and free media; is concerned about the persecution of the political opposition, amongst others representatives of the Social Democrats party, and the negative impact of legislative initiatives that target the activities of independent media and civil society, notably the law on ‘false information’ and draft laws on ‘foreign representatives’, ‘mass media’ and ‘protecting children from harmful information’, and the increasing number of cases against human rights defenders, media workers and journalists as well as media outlets; calls on the EU to continue supporting the civil society and the independent media;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B c (new) Bc. whereas Russian officials and propagandists continue to use aggressive rhetoric against some Central Asian countries, in particular against Kazakhstan, questioning its territorial integrity and national identity;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Calls for the respect of worker's rights and the implementation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions on labour inspections, occupational helath and safety and working conditions; recognises the positive role trade unions can have in social cohesion and improving workers' standars or living;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 c (new) 13c. Underlines the importance of the delimitation and demarcation of disputed border areas between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to prevent further military clashes between the two countries and welcomes the steps taken by both sides in this regard; reiterates the EU’s offer to support the peaceful settlement of the conflict through technical assistance and confidence-building measures;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 d (new) 13d. Notes that the start of negotiations on the EPCA agreement with Tajikistan is an opportunity to broaden the scope of bilateral cooperation and exchanges; underlines the need for continued close cooperation on security issues as Afghanistan continues to be a source of instability and security concerns due to harsh rule by the Taliban and ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country; reiterates that the legitimate fight against terrorism and violent extremism should not be used as a pretext to suppress opposition activity, hinder freedom of expression or hamper the independence of the judiciary; welcomes Tajikistan’s interest in joining GSP+, which can support sustainable economic growth and boost trade and requires effective implementation of international human and labour rights standards; calls on Tajikistan to improve the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of expression, and to stop intimidating and persecuting media workers, human rights defenders, independent lawyers and civil society as well as the repression of the Pamiri minority in the GBAO;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 e (new) 13e. Notes that Turkmenistan remains the only Central Asian country without a PCA with the EU, which limits the scope for bilateral engagement; stresses that Turkmenistan needs to demonstrate the improvement of its dire democracy and human rights record in order for Parliament to reconsider its position and ratify the PCA; urges the government to decriminalise consensual sexual relations between men; notes that it should be in Turkmenistan’s interest to open up to avoid being the outlier in the region with limited options for cooperation; recognises the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, connectivity as well as trade, and welcomes Turkmenistan’s expressed interest in supplying gas to Europe by means of building a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 f (new) 13f. Notes the announced reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at achieving genuine change in the country in terms of socioeconomic development, efficient administration, a more independent judicial system and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; stresses that the constitutional reform is an opportunity to strengthen the rule of law and to give the reforms a solid legal foundation; reiterates nevertheless its deep concern over Uzbekistan’s poor record on democracy, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law, including the brutal crackdown of the Karakalpakstan protest and restrictions of freedom of association both for NGOs and political parties and persecution of and threats against journalists, independent bloggers, content producers and human rights defenders; reminds the authorities of the importance of upholding the freedom of expression, both online and offline, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association and the independence of the media; urges the government to decriminalise consensual sexual relations between men; welcomes the completion of negotiations on the EU- Uzbekistan EPCA and reiterates its call for a swift completion of the necessary legal and technical procedures for the signature of the EPCA; welcomes Uzbekistan’s leading role in promoting regional cooperation in various fields, including connectivity and use of water resources;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B d (new) Bd. whereas overall democracy in Central Asia is in decline; whereas all five Central Asian states are considered “not free” by Freedom House’s 2023 Freedom in the World report;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B e (new) Be. whereas all five Central Asian countries ratified the Paris Agreement; whereas they are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change; whereas glaciers in Central Asia continue to shrink rapidly, exacerbating one of the most severe water crises on Earth and exposing the vulnerable population of the area to disastrous health, ecological, and social problems; whereas frequent water conflicts and political instability have limited unified planning and efficient allocation of transboundary rivers, leading to the ineffective exploitation and utilisation of water resources in the region;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B f (new) Bf. whereas the geopolitical shifts in the wider region pose opportunities for more meaningful regional cooperation; whereas such regional cooperation has proven impactful in the context of water diplomacy and resolving border disputes and will be even more crucial to address the growing transboundary threats posed by climate change;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs) are new-generation agreements that are the cornerstone of the EU’s engagement with Central Asia; whereas Kazakhstan was the first Central Asian country to sign an EPCA in 2015, which came into force in 2020; whereas negotiations on the EU- Kyrgyzstan EPCA were concluded on 6 July 2019, but the agreement still has not been signed due to a legal dispute between Council and Commission; whereas negotiations on the EU-Uzbekistan EPCA were concluded on 6 July 2022; whereas at the beginning of 2023, the EU and Tajikistan have started negotiations on an EPCA; whereas a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Turkmenistan was signed in 1998 but the Parliament has not given its consent to ratify the agreement because of its deep concern over the short-term benchmarks for Turkmenistan’s progress on human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs) are new-generation agreements that are the cornerstone of the EU’s engagement with Central Asia; whereas there are grounds to believe that these agreements as well as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus are abused by the Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the field of their human rights obligations as well as their assistance to Russia, undermining the European and international sanction regimes established after Russia’s full- scale invasion of Ukraine;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (EPCAs) are new-generation agreements that are the cornerstone of the EU’s engagement with Central Asia; whereas the EPCA entered into full force on 1 March 2020 following its ratification by all Member States and should be periodically reviewed;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas on 28 March 2023, the European Union’s Special Envoy on Sanctions called on the countries in the region to avoid assisting Moscow’s attempts to evade sanctions imposed on Russia over its was of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 a (new) – having regard to the EU Gender Action Plan III 2021-2025,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas, since the collapse of the Soviet Union and its disastrous ideologically-driven agricultural policy and water management systems, the region has been greatly affected by environmental disasters intensified by climate change, affecting water resources; whereas reckless water mismanagement and pollution of major rivers for irrigation of cotton fields resulting in ineffective use and exploitation of water resources in the region, initiated by the Soviet regime and largely continued in the modern era, affecting the six countries of the region, has resulted in the almost complete disappearance of the Aral Sea and many of its sub-basins, exposing the vulnerable populations of the region to catastrophic health, environmental and social problems as well as affecting various sectors of economy;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs visited Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on 21-25 February 2022 and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on 21-25 August 2023; whereas its Delegation to the EU-Kazakhstan, EU-Kyrgyzstan, EU- Uzbekistan and EU-Tajikistan Parliamentary Cooperation Committees and for relations with Turkmenistan and Mongolia maintains regular inter- parliamentary relations with the Central Asian countries;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the first C5+1 Summit between Central Asia leaders and the President of the United States was held in New York on 19 September 2023; whereas the C5+Germany summit took place in Berlin on 29 September 2023;
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas Freedom House's 2023 'Nations in Transit' report, which assesses the level of democratic governance, identifies all Central Asian countries as consolidated authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas all five Central Asia countries have low and declining democracy scores and are classified as authoritarian regimes;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas in Central Asia there are well grounded fears of radicalisation, growing extremism, and a terrorist threat, with a very high number of former ISIS fighters returning to the region and a dire security situation in Afghanistan; whereas this threat was used by the Kazakh authorities as an excuse to invite CSTO forces under Russian lead and legitimize the violent crackdown;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas the 2023 World Press Freedom Index reports a marked deterioration in the press freedom situation in Central Asia, with a remarkable 50-place drop by Kyrgyzstan;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) Dc. whereas Reporters Without Borders reports numerous cases of Central Asian authorities pressurising their media to cover Russia's invasion of Ukraine in a "neutral" manner, or to ignore it altogether, including arrests of journalists under the threat of long prison terms;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D d (new) Dd. whereas women and girls in Central Asia remain highly vulnerable to abuse, especially as there is a high level of acceptance of violence against women and low awareness of gender stereotypes;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D e (new) De. whereas child marriage remains common in Central Asia, particularly in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan where one in every eight girls are married before 18 years of age;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 b (new) – having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2020 on Gender Equality in EU’s foreign and security policy1a, _________________ 1a OJ C 404, 6.10.2021, p. 202.
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D f (new) Df. whereas the average score for Central Asia in the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index is 27 – well below the global average of 43;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in particular the meetings between the Central Asian heads of state and the President of the European Council, and the work of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia; welcomes the intention to adopt a joint EU-Central Asia roadmap to advance dialogue and cooperation in specific areas; reiterates that the EU is committed to the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the area; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region, and to foster a strategic partnership with those countries by expanding political and economic cooperation; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in particular the meetings between the Central Asian heads of state and the President of the European Council, and the work of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia; welcomes the intention to adopt a joint EU-Central Asia roadmap to advance dialogue and cooperation in specific areas; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts and are both experiencing the growing impact of the climate crisis, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; encourages the EU, guided by the European Green Deal, to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in particular the meetings between the Central Asian heads of state and the President of the European Council, and the work of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia; welcomes the intention to adopt a joint EU-Central Asia roadmap to advance dialogue and cooperation in specific areas;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation and non-exlusive partnership; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in particular the meetings between the Central Asian heads of state and the President of the European Council, and the work of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia; welcomes the intention to adopt a joint EU-Central Asia roadmap to advance dialogue and cooperation in specific areas; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts and challenges, which provide significant impetus for them to engage in stronger mutually beneficial cooperation; strongly encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the geostrategic importance of the region; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia, in particular the meetings between the Central Asian heads of state and the President of the European Council, and the work of the EU Special Representative for Central Asia; welcomes the intention to adopt a joint EU-Central Asia roadmap to advance dialogue and cooperation in specific areas; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas since the adoption of the EU strategy on Central Asia in 2019, the region has been affected by significant external factors, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and China’s global ambitions, as well as by internal instability, particularly the violent
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Believes that the EU's policy in the fields of energy, connectivity and resource diversification should be based on mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with Central Asia, ensuring Central Asian states' access to modern technologies and qualitative jobs while guaranteeeing the EU secure and competitive access to raw materials and energy;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Underlines the importance of a transatlantic cooperation on Central Asia and invites the EU to take initiative in working out with the United States a joint strategy for Central Asia, which should include cooperation in the areas of democracy promotion, investments and trade, economy and regional security;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has weakened its standing in the region and has encouraged Central Asia to pursue cooperation with other actors, and that these actors have stepped up their cooperation with Central Asia;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and increased nationalistic narratives has weakened its standing in the region and
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has weakened its standing in the region and has encouraged Central Asia to pursue cooperation with other actors, and that these actors have stepped up their cooperation with Central Asia; underlines that the EU should use this window of opportunity to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and offer to Central Asia the partnership, which can become a special track in a broader strategy of the Eastern Partnership;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has weakened its standing in the region and has encouraged Central Asia to pursue cooperation with other actors, and that these actors have stepped up their cooperation with Central Asia; takes note also of Chinese engagement in the region; underlines that the EU should use this window of opportunity to foster mutually beneficial cooperation;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has weakened
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Reiterates the commitment of the EU to work together with the countries of Central Asia for peace, security stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in full respect for international law as well as the principles of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, non-use of force or threat of its use and the peaceful settlement of international disputes;
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Notes the willingness of Central Asia to start a visa liberalisation dialogue with the EU and would urge the EU to intensify consultations on working out targeted and comprehensive reform roadmaps for the Central Asian states to pave the way for visa facilitation and readmission agreements under a special track of a broader Eastern Partnership strategy;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas since the adoption of the EU strategy on Central Asia in 2019, the region has been affected by significant external factors, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; expresses deep concern about Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy; notes individual efforts of the Central Asian states to ensure that their territories are not used to circumvent the EU sanctions; invites the EU to use a differentiated approach in Central Asia strategy, which will assess the level of cooperation with the EU on the sanctions policy towards Russia;
Amendment 52 #
3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; expresses deep concern about Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy; notes the role Member States play themselves in ensuring that export goods that will likely still make their way to Russia via Central Asia undergo the appropriate preventative controls;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; expresses deep concern about Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy; welcomes Kazakhstan’s administrative measures and high-level political commitment to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have traditionally maintained close relations with Russia; expresses deep concern about some Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Recognises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications present both challenges and opportunities for the Central Asian states, which have
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Rejects any action to facilitate or assist in any way the international recognition of the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus, in particular in relation to its alleged acceptance as observer in the Organisation of Turkic States; reminds that this decision goes against relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and is contradicting the fact that several Central Asian members of this Organisation expressed strong support to the principle of territorial integrity and the UN Charter;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes with concern efforts to upgrade the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus at the Organization of Turkic States and calls on the Central Asian states concerned to effectively uphold the respect of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and to not ratify the amended Statute of the Organization of Turkic States, which would put into effect the decision to grant observer status to the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas since the adoption of the EU strategy on Central Asia in 2019, the region has been affected by significant external factors, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and China’s global ambitions, as well as by internal instability, particularly the violent unrest in Kazakhstan in January 2022, violent crackdowns following protests of Pamiris in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast of Tajikistan in November 2021 and May 2022 and in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, in July 2022, and repeated clashes on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border;
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Notes with concern efforts to upgrade the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus at the Organization of Turkic States and calls on the Central Asian states concerned to effectively uphold the respect of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and not to ratify the amended Statute of the Organization of Turkic States, which would put into effect the decision to grant observer status to the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the key role of EPCAs as the framework for cooperation with the Central Asian states; notes with concern that the EPCA with Kyrgyzstan, negotiations on which were concluded in 2019, remains unsigned; calls on the Council and the Commission to resolve the outstanding issues and to sign the EPCAs with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Considers that is is necessary to review the EU Strategy for Central Asia in order to update it in light of the geopolitical developments of recent years; Reiterates the key role of EPCAs as the framework for cooperation with the Central Asian states; notes with concern that the EPCA with Kyrgyzstan, negotiations on which were concluded in 2019, remains unsigned; calls on the Council and the Commission to resolve the outstanding issues and to sign the EPCAs with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan without further delay in order for Parliament to
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Reiterates the key role of EPCAs as the framework for cooperation with the Central Asian states; notes with concern that the EPCA with Kyrgyzstan, negotiations on which were concluded in 2019, remains unsigned; calls on the Council and the Commission to rapidly progress in the on-going negotiations of an EPCA with Tajikistan and to resolve the outstanding issues and to sign the EPCAs with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan without further delay in order for Parliament to exercise its prerogatives regarding the ratification of these agreements; stresses that failure to sign such agreements after the conclusion of negotiations calls into question the EU’s credibility as a global actor;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Takes note of the potential of Central Asia´s natural resources in the EU´s energy diversification in the context of sustainable partnerships, while at the same time recognises the crucial role of the EU in financing of Central Asia´s sectoral reforms and improving its energy efficiency and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions; in this regard is concerned with the creation of dependency on Russia as a result of the signing of the natural gas deal between Gazprom and Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Strongly encourages the EU to use all available opportunities to enhance cooperation with Central Asia in the fields of economics, security, energy and infrastructure development; recalls the need to take into account the peculiarities of each Central Asian state and develop ad-hoc, merit-based cooperation strategies;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes that the EPCAs with the Central Asian countries, negotiated to date, put strong emphasis on respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, and stresses the importance of mainstreaming such issues in all interactions with the Central Asian governments;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Notes with concern efforts to upgrade the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus at the Organization of Turkic States and calls on the Central Asian states concerned to effectively uphold the respect of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and to not ratify the amended Statute of the Organization of Turkic States, which would put into effect the decision to grant observer status to the secessionist entity in occupied Cyprus;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Calls on the Commission to begin negotiations on visa regime simplification for Central Asian citizens and in particular for residents of Kazakhstan and to strengthen cooperation in the field of R&D, including academic level exchange;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable development, connectivity, energy, critical raw materials and security, with Central Asia being a key region for connectivity between East and West;
Amendment 7 #
B. whereas Central Asia is a region of strategic interest to the EU in terms of security, connectivity, energy and resource diversification, conflict resolution and the defence of the multilateral rules-based international order, challenged by Russia’s attack on our values, exacerbation of global food crisis, aggression and atrocities, spread of disinformation, weaponised corruption and meddling in elections;
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation, guided by the European Green Deal, on sustainable development, connectivity, energy, critical raw materials and security, with Central Asia being a key region for connectivity between East and West; stresses that in order to make the Global Gateway a success, the EU must back up its ambitious plans with deeds and mobilise funds; underlines the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian Corridor as an alternative and sustainable connection between Asia and Europe and of working on attracting investment and eliminating the bottlenecks identified in the study conducted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Underlines the great potential of mutually beneficial cooperation on sustainable development, connectivity, energy, critical raw materials and security, with Central Asia being a key region for connectivity between East and West; stresses that in order to make the Global Gateway a success, the EU must back up its ambitious plans with deeds and mobilise funds; underlines the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian Corridor as an alternative connection between Asia and Europe that avoids crossing Russian territory, and of working on attracting investment and eliminating the bottlenecks
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Welcomes the 2022 launch of the Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project and looks forward to its positive impact on strengthening national policies of transition to a sustainable energy system, and increasing investment, capacity and awareness in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region; further welcomes that the SECCA project will mainstream gender by supporting gender- inclusive policies and legislation both for energy efficiency and renewable energy and promoting the role of women in the sector;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Underlines the importance of a positive investment climate for the economic development of Central Asia and EU-Central Asian trade and cooperation; highlights that a positive investment climate depends on stable democratic institutions, respect for human rights and the rule of law, as well as business and civil society’s capacity for due diligence application;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls on the Commission to investigate the possibility of EIB support for investments in infrastructure development in Central Asian states, especially in the Middle Corridor;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Notes the Central Asian states’
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Notes the Central Asian states’ long-standing close relations with Afghanistan and their evolving pragmatic engagement with the Taliban, which they nevertheless do not recognise, since the takeover in 2021; underlines that countries of the region, in particular Pakistan and China, but also the Central Asian states, play a key role in ensuring stability in Afghanistan through the provision of humanitarian aid, electricity, trade opportunities and joint connectivity projects; encourages the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan to continue cooperating closely with counterparts in the Central Asian states as part of the EU-
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the EU’s role as an important donor of aid to the region; underlines the importance of taking a united approach as Team Europe, as this makes it possible to create synergies and maximise the impact of the action taken and showcases the benefits of multilateral cooperation; stresses the need to ensure the visibility of EU assistance and investment; recognises the importance of linking EU assistance schemes targeted at the countries of the region to concrete benchmarks for progress on democratic reforms, human rights protection, rule of law and sustainable development; stresses the importance of coordinated cooperation with other partners and international organisations to enable synergies and avoid duplication;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the EU’s role as an
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Highlights the EU’s role as an important donor of aid to the region; underlines the importance of taking a united approach as Team Europe, as this makes it possible to create synergies and maximise the impact of the action taken and showcases the benefits of multilateral cooperation, as well as brings together the best tools and partners, such as CSOs, human rights defenders, independent media and experts, public and private sector, to deliver the intended impact; stresses the need to ensure the visibility of EU assistance and investment;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas Central Asia is a region of strategic interest to the EU in terms of security
Amendment 80 #
7. Highlights the EU’s role as an important donor of aid to the region; underlines the importance of taking a
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Notes that climate change, a growing population and economic needs are putting increasing strain on water resources in Central Asia; stresses the need for closer regional cooperation on this matter between upstream and downstream countries in order to prevent conflicts over the distribution and use of water resources; welcomes regional platforms, such as the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which encourage dialogue and cooperation between Central Asian states; recalls that the EU-Central Asia environmental dialogue was established in order to support the stabilisation of the Aral Sea and foster better management of water resources; highlights that reconciling conflicts, including concerning water distribution, is crucial for achieving long- term regional stability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals; welcomes the settlement of the border delimitation issue between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in January 2023;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Notes that climate change, a growing population and economic needs are putting increasing strain on water resources in Central Asia; stresses the need for closer regional cooperation on this matter between upstream and downstream countries in order to prevent conflicts over the distribution and use of water resources; welcomes regional platforms, such as the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, which encourage dialogue and cooperation between Central Asian states; recalls that the EU-Central Asia environmental dialogue was established in order to support the stabilisation of the Aral Sea and foster better management of water resources; calls for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate change and stands ready to provide expertise and cooperation to achieve this;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on Central Asian countries to settle all border and water disputes in line with international law and good neighbourly relations, avoiding at all costs the use or threat of force;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9.
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Insists that respect for human rights and compliance with international obligations is an important condition for the EU's relations with Central Asia; Urges the Central Asian states to adhere to their democracy and human rights obligations, noting that this is also in line with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus; underlines the importance of maintaining regular human rights dialogues with the Central Asian states, as these dialogues are an instrument to promote respect for human rights
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Urges the Central Asian states to adhere to their democracy and human rights obligations, noting that this is also in line with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus; underlines the importance of maintaining regular human rights dialogues with the Central Asian
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Urges the Central Asian states to adhere to their democracy and human rights obligations, noting that this is also in line with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus; underlines the importance of maintaining regular human rights dialogues with the Central Asian states, as these dialogues are an instrument to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and a forum to raise issues of concern; calls on the EU delegations and the Member States’ representations in Central Asia to continue playing an active role in monitoring the situation on the ground, working with human rights defenders and reacting to human rights violations and politically- motivated persecution, including by attending trials and visiting political
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Urges the Central Asian states to adhere to their democracy and human rights obligations, noting that this is also in line with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Is concerned about the lack of accountability for serious human rights violations on a large scale, including when the authorities employed harsh measures to end mass protests and ensuing unrest during the so-called ‘Bloody January’ events in Kazakhstan, in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) in Tajikistan and in the Republic of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan; calls on the authorities in all five Central Asian countries to take effective measures to launch independent and thorough investigations into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment and other serious human rights violations;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Calls on Central Asian states to continue the on-going democratic reforms and not to allow backsliding on fundamental rights and citizens' liberties; underlines the need to make election processes more transparent, open and fair for all political actors;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 b (new) 9b. Calls on the governments of Central Asian countries to carry out judicial reforms with a view to ensuring greater independence and transparency;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Underlines the fundamental democratic shortcomings in Central Asia, w
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Underlines the fundamental democratic shortcomings in Central Asia, which still persist, and highlights the
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Underlines the fundamental democratic shortcomings in Central Asia, which still persist, and highlights the important role that civil society can play in supporting reforms and good governance in the region; regrets the restrictive approach taken in legislative initiatives on non- governmental organisations and the media, which reduce the space for civil society activities; underlines the necessity of ensuring freedom of expression and media pluralism; notes that the Central Asian states have young and dynamic populations that should be given opportunities to get meaningfully involved in shaping their countries’ future; welcomes the activities of the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum and calls on the EU to enhance its support to civil society;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Underlines the fundamental democratic shortcomings in Central Asia, which still persist, and highlights the important role that civil society can play in supporting reforms and good governance in the region; regrets the restrictive approach taken in legislative initiatives on non- governmental organisations and the media, as well as the use of anti-disinformation legislation, which reduce the space for civil society activities; notes that the Central Asian states have young and dynamic populations that should be given opportunities to get meaningfully involved in shaping their countries’ future; welcomes the activities of the EU-Central Asia Civil Society Forum and calls on the EU to enhance its support to civil society;
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Urges Central Asian states to strive for greater democratization of their political systems, incuding by adopting legislation allowing NGOs and CSOs to operate in a free and safe environment;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Stresses the need to strengthen media independence and freedom in Central Asia in line with the highest democratic standards;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Notes the need to boost Central Asia’s resilience against disinformation by promoting independent media and content in local languages, increasing media literacy and organising targeted courses for local journalists; is concerned about the increasing number of arrests of journalists and bloggers and about threats to close independent media outlets as authorities use criminal prosecution as a tool to intimidate and silence critical voices; insists that respect for the rights of journalists, independent bloggers and human rights defenders must be ensured, that they must be guaranteed protection against harassment, pressure and threats and that any attacks against them must be investigated; condemns the number of recent government initiatives to shut down independent media services and block access to their sites in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the draft media legislation currently under consideration in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan that threaten to result in increased state control over media operations;
source: 754.712
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