7 Amendments of Fabio Massimo CASTALDO related to 2020/2041(INI)
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that Europe and Africa are in close geographical proximity, have strong historical and, cultural ties and are being brought ever closer by the increase in trade and shared challenges, which call for a continental-African approach and result-oriented use of EU resourcesand economic ties as well as shared challenges, which call for a stronger, equal, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the urgent need for a stronger long-term and multi-faceted partnership, which should also translate into stronger political cooperation built on equality, trust and shared values; and interests in order to tackle global issues such as, among others, climate change, food insecurity, access to water, population growth and urbanisation, youth unemployment and the attainment of the UN SDGs;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that Africa is still undergoing theSupports Africa's process of integration at regional, continental and international level andbut notes that as yet 54 African countries remain divided and diversified in areas of key strategic importance to the EU, such as meeting internationally recognised standards and practices in trade, human rights, sustainable development and positioning in international organisations; calls on the EU to take the lead, both directly and by engaging with the international community, especially in the context of post covid-19 recovery, in initiatives aimed at supporting Africa in the area of debt reduction and debt sustainability, in particular in cases of odious debt; believes this would be an important step in building a "partnership of equals", as stated by the Commission, thus moving away from the donor- recipient relationship that has long characterised EU-Africa relations.
Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Welcomes the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 9 March 2020 entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’ (JOIN(2020)0004); calls for strong and constant EU engagement in the security, stability and development of Africa; stresses the importance of assisting our partners in building more resilient states and societies, through capacity building and with a particular focus on good governance, parliamentary oversight and accountability; underlines the importance of building fairer societies and calls on the EU to cooperate and support African states in tackling the state capture phenomenon, characterised by oligarchic control and extractive practices by sections of state bureaucracies, which lies at the root of many of Africa’s socio-economic problems and political conflicts;
Amendment 86 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the five key areas of future cooperation identified by the joint communication "Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa" and the specific focus on the green transition and the digital transformation as key target areas for future cooperation; underlines that a green growth model has the potential to create virtuous cycles, boosting research, innovation, education, business environment and investment climate, ultimately leading to the creation of more jobs and a more inclusive society while at the same time combating climate change; calls on the EU to closely cooperate with Africa in order to maximise the mutual benefits of the green transition and minimise threats to the environment, in full compliance with the Paris Agreement;
Amendment 116 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU is among the first to bear the costs of all destructive policies employed against African nations, while other players, especially China and Russia, areObserves the growing strategic interest and foreign presence in Africa, involving the Gulf states, Turkey, and Iran, as well as China, Russia and the United States, and leading to a wave of investment in ports, bases and infrastructure and to an increased security and economic competition; is worried that these states activities are very often focused only on their own benefits at the expense of African sovereignty and European security; Insists that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms constitutes the cornerstone of EU’s engagement with its partners; calls for the EU to strengthen its support for democracy, the promotion of human rights, the rule of law, media freedom and accountable, transparent and responsive governance, which are vital elements for ensuring a stable and inclusive political, social and economic environment in Africa;
Amendment 145 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Shares the opinion that theEU should adopt a less paternalistic approach in its relations with Africa and African leaders, especially in the field of security; matter of the security of Africa should be transferred into the hands of Africans and that the EU should assist its African partners in the successful accomplishment of this ultimate goal. in a spirit of shared ownership and responsibility and with respect for the independence and sovereignty of African countries;