304 Amendments of Marietta GIANNAKOU
Amendment 66 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EUsigning of the readmission agreement, as well as the initiation onf the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement anddialogue on visa liberalisation; calls on Turkey to implement the readmission agreement as well as the requirements of the rRoadm Map leading tofor the visa liberalisation fully, consistently and effectively vis-à-vis all member states; recalls that Turkey iremains one of the key transit countries for irregularllegal migration to the EU and therefore calls on Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay; calls on the Commission in parallel to take steps towards visa liberalisation and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academefficient implementation of existing bilateral readmission agreements remains a priority; stresses the importance of better management of mixed migration flows at all Turkey's borders, especially those with the EU, and calls on Turkey to align with the EU acquis in respect of the visa policsy, students and representatives of civil societyand those third countries whose nationals constitute a significant source if mixed migratory flows towards the EU;
Amendment 198 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Commends the decision by the Assembly of Foundations to return the lands of the historic Mor Gabriel Monastery to the Syriac community in Turkey, in compliance with the pledge taken by the Government in the Democratisation package; stresses the importance to continue the process of reform in the area of freedom of thought, conscience and religion by enabling religious communities to obtain legal personality, by eliminating all restrictions on the training, appointment and succession of clergy, by complying with the relevant judgments of the ECtHR and the recommendations of the Venice Commission and by eliminating all forms of discrimination or barriers based on religion; notes that progress has been particularly slow in extending the rights of the Alevi minority; underlines the importance of lifting all obstacles to a speedy reopening of the Halki Seminary and to the public use of the ecclesiastical title of the Ecumenical Patriarch;
Amendment 224 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Welcomes the reopening of a Greek minority school on the island of Gökçeada (Imbros), which constitutes a positive step towards the preservation of the bicultural character of the islands of Gökçeada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos), in line with Resolution 1625 (2008) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; In this regard, given the dwindling number of the members of the minority, calls on the Turkish authorities to encourage and facilitate expatriate minority families who wish to return to the island; also notes, that further steps are needed in order to address the problems encountered by members of the Greek minority, particularly with regard to their property rights;
Amendment 225 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Takes note that problems encountered by EU nationals in relation to inheriting and registering property continue to be reported; calls on Turkey to end discrimination policies and practices in this regard, and to align its legislation and practice with the ECHR and the case-law of ECtHR;
Amendment 226 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)
Paragraph 16 c (new)
16c. Expresses its regret over the conversion of the Hagia Sophia Museum in Trabzon and the Hagia Sophia Museum in Isnik into mosques, as well as over statements made by Turkish politicians on future plans for further similar decisions as regards other Christian monuments of renown historical, symbolic and cultural significance;
Amendment 240 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes the continuing efforts by Turkey and Greece to improve their bilateral relations including through bilateral meetings; considers it regrettable, however, that the casus belli threat declared by the TGNA against Greece has not been withdrawn; urges the Government of Turkey to end the repeated violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters as well as Turkish military aircraft flights over Greek islands; calls the Turkish government to respect international law, refraining from actions, such as offshore exploration activities in areas falling within the continental shelf or other maritime zones of EU member states;
Amendment 249 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify the United NationReiterates that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has been signed by the EU, its member states and all the candidate countries and that it is part of the acquis communautaire; calls Convention on the Law of the Sea ( the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify the UNCLOS) without further delay and recalls the full legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus’s exclusive economic zone;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Argues that the legitimate grounds for an anti-missile shield originate in the threat of a nuclear attack potentially orchestrated by actors who do not subscribe to traditional understandings of rationality. In real terms, certain ‘rogue’ stattotalitarian regimes or state-like actors could be prepared to attack, even in cases where doing so would ultimately result in their inevitable self-destruction;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes that convincing evidence exists that a number of ‘rogue’ stattotalitarian regimes are attempting to acquire nuclear weapons; notes, furthermore, some of these states have stated their preparedness to use these weapons should their interests be jeopardised; recalls, in this connection, the vast arsenal of nuclear weapons already in the possession of highly unstable states;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that ICBMs are by no means the only delivery system used in nuclear devices; points out that the AMS might provide a falserelevant sense of security;
Amendment 80 #
2013/2170(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that if the fifth phase of the AMS is ever concluded by the European Union, multiple key challenges must be met, considering that construction of the AMS would bring the EU closer to a defence union, thereby changing its strategic role;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2168(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Α
Recital Α
Α. whereas Pakistan’s regional conduct and EU-Pakistan relations are of major and growing consequence to EU interests, given the country’s pivotal location at the heart of a volatile neighbourhood, its centrality to security and development in Central and South Asia, and its crucial role in combating terrorism, non-proliferation, illegal migration, drug trafficking and other transnational threats, all of which affect the security and well-being of European citizens;
Amendment 53 #
2013/2168(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reiterates that progress in bilateral relations is linked to improvement in Pakistan’s human rights record, in particular as regards eradicating modern- day slavery, curbing gender-based violence, enhancing women’s rights, including that of access to education, promoting tolerance and protection of vulnerable minorities, preserving freedom of religion and belief, including by easing the strict anti-blasphemy legislation, taking measures in response to the growing flood of migrants and moving towards abolition of the death penalty;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to its recommendation to the Council of 2 February 2012 on the consistent policy towards regimes against which the EU applies restrictive measures,
Amendment 12 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Article 21 of the TEU recognises that the Union’s action on the international scene shall be guided by ‘democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law’;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Recognises the value of parliamentary diplomacy and highlights the work of Parliamentary Assemblies of International Organisations for the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue; welcomes to this direction, such initiatives as the recommendation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (March 2012, Rabat) to draft a ‘Mediterranean Charter of Values’;
Amendment 150 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
New subheading
New subheading
Recommendations to the European External Action Service
Amendment 151 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Calls on the EEAS and the EU Delegations worldwide to further engage with third countries and regional organisations in the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Stresses the importance of providing the EU staff with the appropriate training in this direction and underlines the relevant work of many organisations such as the Anna Lindh Foundation and the KAICIID Dialogue Centre in Vienna;
Amendment 153 #
2013/2167(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Highlights the multiple possibilities given by the new technologies to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue as well as the EU principles and values; encourages all Heads of EU Delegations to make full use of the digital diplomacy tools through their active and consistent presence in the social media; calls on the EEAS to explore the possibilities of new virtual programmes, such as Exchange 2.0 or the J.Christopher Stephens Virtual Exchange Initiative;
Amendment 71 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the effort to include activities by the European Parliament in the Annual Report and strongly encourages the VP/HR and the EEAS to specify which EU action has been taken to follow up on Parliament’s resolutions; calls for a constant flow of information and cooperation between the EP and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, particularly in emergency situations;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises the importance of the mandate given to the first EU Special Representative (SR) for Human Rights; encourages the EU SR to enhance the visibility, mainstreaming, coherence and effectiveness of EU human rights policy and to strike the right balance between silent and public diplomacy in carrying out his mandate; repeats its recommendation that the EU SR provide Parliament with a regular report on his activities and the practical results thereof;
Amendment 311 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71
Paragraph 71
71. Recalls the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights stating that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and are entitled to the rights and freedoms therein without distinction of any kind, including race, colour, sex, language, religion, social origin, birth, age or other status; reiterates its call for the EU to combat discrimination and intolerance as a key part of its human rights policy, and to base this policy on an inclusive and comprehensive definition of non-discrimination; emphasises that respect for the rights of minorities is a crucial element for peace, development and democracy; welcomes and further encourages EU engagement with the United Nations and regional organisations in this cause;
Amendment 332 #
2013/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75
Paragraph 75
75. Expresses its full support for the UN’s work on ensuring the rights and empowerment of women; supports the implementation of the Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Development; calls on the EU delegations to introduce specific measures on the role of external assistance and development co-operation in their local strategies for the implementation of the EU guidelines on violence against women and girls and combating all forms of discrimination against them, as well as any form of coercion, for example forced marriages;
Amendment 168 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Reiterates full support to the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to find the final solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, deplores the regular and increasing loss of human life on the Line of Contact; calls upon all conflicting parties to agree to withdraw snipers from the Line of Contact and to create a mechanism to investigate ceasefire violations;
Amendment 225 #
2013/2149(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Stresses the importance of regional co-operation and confidence-building initiatives among parties to protracted conflicts in the EaP area; underlines the importance of strengthening the principle of good neighborly relations as a crucial element of conflict resolution;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is an influential political, economic and religious actor in the Middle East and the Islamic world, the world´s leading oil producer, and a founder and leading member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and of the G-20 group; whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an important partner for the EU;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas KSA is a hereditary absolute monarchy without an elected parliament; whereas it faces the challenge of royal succession; whereas KSA has a population of 28 million, including 9 million foreigners and 10 million aged under 18; whereas some reforms have been implemented in KSA since 2001, but are not still institutionalised and can thus be easily reversed; whereas the country’s record in the field of human rights remains dismal, with fundamental gaps between its international obligation and their implementation;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas KSA plays a leading role in disseminating and promoting worldwide a particularly rigorous Salafi/Wahhabi interpretation of Islam; whereas the most extreme manifestations of Salafism/Wahhabism have inspired terrorist organisations such as Al-Qaeda and pose a global security threat, including for KSA itself; whereas KSA has developed a system to control financial transactions to ensure that no funds are being channelled into terrorist organisations, but no such control can be guaranteed regarding private charities or entities operating outside KSAwhich must be further reinforced;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the imports of goods from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the EU, and the exports of goods from the EU to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have increased considerably from 2010 to 2012;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F b (new)
Recital F b (new)
Fb. whereas the opening of a dialogue between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the EU on human rights could provide a very useful opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and promote further reforms in the country;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F c (new)
Recital F c (new)
Fc. whereas a number of gradual judicial reforms were initiated in 2007 by King Abdullah when he approved the plan for new judicial system, including the establishment of a Supreme Court and special commercial, labour and administrative courts;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F d (new)
Recital F d (new)
Fd. whereas on 12 November 2013 the United Nations General Assembly elected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve a three-years term, beginning on 1 January 2014, on the Human Rights Council;
Amendment 40 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F e (new)
Recital F e (new)
Fe. whereas in 2011, through a voluntary contribution of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Nations Secretariat was able to launch the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recognises the interdependence between the EU and KSA in terms of regional stability, relations with the Islamic world, the fate of the transitions in the Arab Spring countries, the Israel-Palestine peace process, counter-terrorism, stability of the global oil and financial markets, trade, investment and global governance issues, especially through the G-20 framework;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses again that the objective is a strategic partnership with the GCC and its member states; underlines that its geopolitical environment makes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the other GCC member states a focus of security challenges that have global and regional implications;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Welcomes the contribution agreement to launch the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre signed by the United Nations and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 19 September 2011, and the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to fund it for three years;
Amendment 62 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to honour its commitments to several human rights instruments, including the Arab Human Right Charter, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention against Torture, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women;
Amendment 70 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reiterates its call for the universal abolition of the death penalty and calls for an immediate moratorium on the carrying out of death sentences in KSA; regrets that KSA continues to apply the death penalty for a wide variety of crimes, including drug offences, apostasy, sorcery and witchcraft;
Amendment 76 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Regrets that there is noCalls on the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to respect freedom of religion in KSA; encourages the authorities to foster moderation and tolerance of religious diversity at all levels of the education system, including in religious establishments, as well as in the public discourse of officials and civil servants;
Amendment 85 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the King’s appointment in 2013 of the first women to serve in the Consultative Assembly (Shura council) of KSA, occupying 30 seats out of 150; expects the implementation of the King’s declaration that women will be allowed to vote and stand for office in the next municipal elections, to be held in 2015, and that they will subsequently be allowed to vote and stand for office in all other elections;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 89 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 97 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the authorities to revoke the medieval male guardianship system, and to take further steps aimed at lifting restrictions on women’s rights, including freedom of movement, employment opportunities, legal personality and representation in judicial processes, eliminating all forms of discrimination against women in private and public life and, promoting their participation in the economic, social, cultural and political spheres, and lifting the ban on women driving;
Amendment 112 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the first licences issued to women lawyers, but deplores the fact that the legal system is in the hands of male judges of religious background and asks for their further advancement in the judicial system; takes note of the gradual codification of the Sharia and urges that it be speeded up, since lack of codification and the judicial precedent tradition often result in considerable uncertainty in the scope and content of the country’s laws and in miscarriages of justice; asserts the crucial importance of securing judicial independence and adequate legal training for judges;
Amendment 129 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Rejects the zero-sum game logic as a paradigm for international relations in the Middle East, since it fuels distrust, sectarian hatred and the arms race in the region, including the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; in this connection, deplores the destabilising effects of arms sales by some EU Member States to KSA and other countries in the region; bBelieves that the solution to the region’s escalating security problems lies in establishing a common security framework, from which no country is excluded and in which the legitimate security interests of all countries are taken into consideration;
Amendment 140 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is concerned that KSA’s financial and political support for religious and political groups in North Africa may result in reinforcing fundamentalist and obscurantist forces that undermine efforts to create democratic governance and oppose the participation of women in public life; is further concerned that the unconditional political and financial support offered to the leaders of the military coup in Egypt is undermining the efforts of the EU to promote a peaceful and inclusive political solution to the Egyptian crisis;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on KSA to refrain from acting on the basis of a narrow sectarian-based zero-sum game logic regarding the Syrian conflict, and to contribute insteadcontribute to a peaceful, inclusive solution to the Syrian conflict, notably through support for the Geneva II talks, without preconditions; calls also for the more active involvement of KSA in humanitarian relief for victims of the Syrian civil war;
Amendment 168 #
2013/2147(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), the Council, the Commission, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Government and Consultative Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Secretary-General of the Centre for National Dialogue of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Amendment 8 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Draws attention to the changing strategic global landscape, reduced defence budgets and the fact that European defence companies are adjusting to this situation by putting an emphasis on exports to third countries, at the cost of transferring sensitive technologies, and intellectual property rights, and moving production outside the EU; is concerned about the reductions in defence investment which will at the expense of European small and medium-sized enterprises; is concerned about the reductions in defence investment and calls on the Member States, the EDA and the Commission to take countermeasures in response to the increasingly exposeure of the EDTIB in future to the risk of being controlled and constrained in its activities by third powers with different strategic interests;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Takes the view that small and medium-sized enterprises, which design and manufacture many innovative products, play a vital part in maintaining and consolidating the EDTIB;
Amendment 61 #
2013/2125(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Calls on the Member States, the EDA and the Commission to work together to develop ways and means of consolidating small and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating their access to defence procurement;
Amendment 2 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12 a (new)
Citation 12 a (new)
– having regard to its resolutions of 12 September 2013 on the maritime dimension of the Common Security and Defence Policy1 and on EU's military structures: state of play and future prospects2, __________________ 1 Text adopted, P7_TA-PROV(2013)0380 2 Text adopted, P7_TA-PROV(2013)0381
Amendment 88 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Points out that the European economy depends on the freedom of navigation and on open sea routes; calls therefore on the European Council to consider the strategic maritime interests of the EU and to mandate the HR/VP and the Commission to draw up an EU maritime security strategy, in line with the April 2010 Council conclusions, and to develop a specific implementation plan; points out that the integration of maritime surveillance across sectors and borders is already a cross-sectoral tool of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy (IPM); highlights the importance of swiftly implementing the Common Information Sharing Environment project and building a ‘bridge’ between the IPM and the CSDP to improve information sharing between them;
Amendment 106 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls for stronger cooperation between the EU and NATO structures throughin a complementary approach; is convinced that strengthening the CSDP does no harm to, and indeed reinforces, collective security and transatlantic links; asserts that the development of defence capabilities within an EU context also benefits NATO; considers that coordination and cooperation between the EU and NATO structures remains unsatisfactory due to thepolitical implications of the unresolved Cyprus issue, starting from the Berlin Plus agreements, the implementation of which is still blocked by Turkey; hopes that the Republic of Cyprus's intention to join NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme can be a game changer and urges Turkey to adopt an equally constructive attitude; urges the development of a comprehensive framework for EU-NATO cooperation and the deepening of political dialogue with full respect for the decision-making of each party;
Amendment 109 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Takes the view that the EU needs to be able to act autonomously when appropriate and necessary, but always in line with the provisions of the UN Charter and ensuring full respect for international humanitarian law;
Amendment 148 #
2013/2105(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Expresses its high hopes that this European Council will not be an isolated event, but the starting point of a continuous process that revisits security and defence matters at European Council level on a regular basis; favours, as a follow-up to the European Council, the establishment of a roadmap with benchmarkspecific benchmarks and timelines and a reporting mechanism; advocates the creation of a Council of Defence Ministers in the medium term in order to give security and defence matters the weight they deserve;
Amendment 40 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the VP/HR's initiative to develop the concept of a «Comprehensive Approach» in order to achieve the full potential of the Lisbon Treaty; stresses that military structures and capabilities form an integral part of such a comprehensive approach, underpinning the EU's ability to respond to threats, conflicts and crises, including humanitarian crises and natural disasters, should all other means fail; calls for the VP/HR to engage in a debate with Parliament on the best way to ensure that this comprehensive approach is consistently implemented, and in particular that our foreign policy priorities are further developed in a manner consistent with our interests and are supported by the necessary financial, operational and military means and by effective and flexible instruments;
Amendment 53 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses, therefore, that a comprehensive understanding of the CFSP covers all areas of foreign policy, including the progressive framing of the CSDP, which could lead to a common defence, with an emphasis on pursuing coherence and consistency while respecting the specificity of each component of external action; believes that there should be closer coordination, under the VP/HR's leadership, of EU internal policies and Member States' policy choices in key areas such as transport and energy, where these have clearly transnational implications;
Amendment 78 #
2013/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 – point 4
Paragraph 21 – point 4
· addressing acute problems in CSDP decision-making and funding procedures that result in incomprehensible delays between the taking of political decisions to launch a mission and the actual deployment of that mission on the ground, Libya and Mali being the most recent in a long line of examples;
Amendment 26 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2
Article 4 – paragraph 2
2. Before deciding on disembarkation in a third country, the participating unitshost member state shall take into account the general situation in that third country and intercepted or rescued persons shall not be disembarked in that third country when the host Member State or the participating Member States are aware or ought to be aware that this third country is engaged in practices as described in paragraph 1.
Amendment 29 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
3. In case of disembarkation in a third country, the participating units shall identify the intercepted or rescued persons and assess their personal circumstances to the extent possible before disembarkation. They shall inform the intercepted or rescued persons of the place of disembarkation in an appropriate way and they shall give them an opportunity to express any reasons for believing that disembarkation in the proposed place would be in violation of the principle of non-refoulement.
Amendment 33 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. In the territorial sea of the host Member State or a participating Member State, the participating units shall take one or more of the following measures when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a ship is carrying persons intending to circumvent checks at border crossing points or is engaged in the smuggling of migrants by sea:
Amendment 35 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2
Article 6 – paragraph 2
2. The host Member State or the participating Member State on whose territorial sea the interception takes place shall authorise the measures referred to in paragraph 1 and it shall instruct the participating unit appropriately through the International Coordination Centre. The participating unit shall inform the host Member State, through the International Coordination Centre, whenever the master of the ship requests that a diplomatic agent or a consular officer of the flag State be notified.
Amendment 36 #
2013/0106(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a ship without nationality or one that may be assimilated to a ship without nationality is carrying persons intending to circumvent the checks at border crossing points or is engaged in the smuggling of migrants by sea, the host Member State or the participating Member State in whose territorial sea the stateless ship is intercepted shall authorise and instruct the participating unit to stop it and to take any of the measures laid down in paragraph 1.
Amendment 104 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Council decision to invite the Commission to take steps towards visa liberalisation as a gradual and long term perspective, in parallel with the signature of the readmission agreement; urges Turkey to sign and implement the readmission agreement without further delay and to ensure that, until all the provisions of this agreement enters into force, existing bilateral agreements are fully implemented; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for illegal migration to the EU and underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls; stresses once again the importance of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society from Turkey; supports the efforts of the Commission and the Member States to implement the visa code, harmonise and simplify visa requirements and create visa facilitating centres in Turkey; Reminds the Member States of their commitments under the association agreement in line with the Soysal Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009;
Amendment 255 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18a (new)
Paragraph 18a (new)
18a. Reiterates its expectation for the implementation of the declaration of the Government of Turkey to reopen a Greek minority school on the island of Gökçeada (Imbros), which constitutes a positive step towards the preservation of the bicultural character of the Turkish islands of Gökçeada (Imbros) and Bozcaada (Tenedos), in line with Resolution 1625 (2008) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe; notes, however, that further steps are needed in order to address the problems encountered by members of the Greek minority, particularly with regard to their property rights;
Amendment 355 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25a (new)
Paragraph 25a (new)
25a. Takes note of the continuing intensified efforts by Turkey and Greece to improve their bilateral relations, including through bilateral meetings; considers it regrettable, however, that the casus belli threat declared by the Turkish Grand National Assembly against Greece has not yet been withdrawn; reiterates that Turkey needs to commit itself unequivocally to good neighbourly relations and to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice; urges the Government of Turkey to end the repeated violation of Greek airspace and Turkish military aircraft flights over Greek islands;
Amendment 361 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25b (new)
Paragraph 25b (new)
25b. Emphasises that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has been signed by the EU, the 27 Member States and all other candidate countries and that it is part of the acquis communautaire; calls, therefore, on the Government of Turkey to sign and ratify it without further delay; recalls the full legitimacy of the Republic of Cyprus' exclusive economic zone, in accordance with UNCLOS;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the discussion of the informal meeting of defence ministers of 12 February 2013 on the preparations for the European Council on Security and Defence in December 2013,
Amendment 58 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Invites the European Council to explore ways of streamlining the political decision- making process at EU level, and parliamentary procedures at national level, to make rapid reaction a reality; insists that the necessary political will be shown to address the challenges; encourages reflection on possible modalities for delegating to the VP/HR certain decision- making powers regarding deployments of battle-groups for limited periods of time, provided that certain, clearly defined pre- conditions are met, such as a specific request from the United Nations;
Amendment 64 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages further progress in the implementation of the EDA's Capability Development Plan and urges, in the context of its review in 2013, that it be better integrated into national defence planning, which needs to be further harmonised; reiterates its call on the Member States to launch an institutionalised process of increased defence planning coordination within the EU Military Committee, based in particular on EDA advice; expects the Heads of Government and State to launch a European defence review during the European Council on Security and Defence in December 2013;
Amendment 70 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls for an evaluation of the establishment of a permanent CSDP Warehouse (with functions similar to the NATO Support Agency) which will provide integrated multinational support for EU military structures and Member States, including essential equipment for all missions without cumbersome procurement procedures;
Amendment 76 #
2012/2319(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Emphasises the key importance of satellite assets for modern-day operations, in particular with regard to ISR, communication and navigation capabilities and to the need to maximise the use of scarce resources based on a common approach and on the exploitation of all possible civil-military synergies to avoid unnecessary duplication; in this respect, encourages further cooperation between the European Space Agency, the EDA and the Commission, and insists on continued EU funding of the Copernicus (GMES) and Galileo programmes;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas, given that the problem of truly degressive proportional representation in the European Parliament and the Council can be definitively solved only by changes to the Treaty on European Union, a temporary solution must be found pending the resolution of that question by changes to the Treaty,
Amendment 15 #
2012/2309(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that the only possible temporary solution, in order not to distort the balance of representation of the Member States within the Union, is to temporarily increase the number of seats in the European Parliament from the 2014- 2019 parliamentary term, pending changes to the Treaty;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2309(INI)
Proposal for a Decision establishing the composition of the European Parliament
Article 3 –introductory part
Article 3 –introductory part
Amendment 56 #
2012/2309(INI)
Proposal for a Decision establishing the composition of the European Parliament
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3 a (new)
Article 3a The above numbers do not represent a fair and logical redistribution of seats, as required by the Lisbon Treaty.
Amendment 6 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States, the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative to make full use of the potential of all relevant Treaty provisions, and in particular the mutual defence clause and the solidarity clause, in order to provide Europeans with a strong insurance policy against serious security risks, based onensure the indivisible security of all member states and to guarantee that all European citizens should have the same security guarantees and an equal level of protection against both traditional and non-conventional threats, taking into account the need for increased cost- efficiency and a fair burden sharing and division of costs;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reminds the Member States of their unequivocal obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power if a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory; stresses that, while large-scale aggression against a Member State appears improbable in the foreseeable future, both traditional territorial defence and defence against new threats need to remain high on the agenda; recalls also that the Treaty stipulates that, for the EU countries commitments and cooperation in thate are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation, and that commitments and cooperation in the area of mutual defence must be consistent with commitments under NATOa of mutual defence shall be consistent with commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which, for those States which are members of it, remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the importance of deterrence, and therefore the need for European countries to possess credible military capabilities; encourages Member States to step up their efforts on collaborative military capability development, notably through the complementary ‘Pooling and Sharing’ and ‘Smart Defence’ initiatives of the EU and NATO, which represent a critically important way ahead in times of restrained defence budgets; in this context, repeats its call for the work of the European Defence Agency to be more fully respected and exploited by national defence ministries; moreover, encourages member states and EEAS to continue the debate with the view to establishing the Permanent Structured Cooperation foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 21 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to prevent any moral hazard, in that some Member States may be tempted to excessively rely on the solidarity of others while under-for Member States to investing in their own security and disaster response capabilities and not to excessively rely on the solidarity of others; emphasises the primary responsibility of Member States for civil protection and security in their territory;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Member States, the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative to make full use of the potential of all relevant Treaty provisions, and in particular the mutual defence clause and the solidarity clause, in order to provide Europeans with a strong insurance policy against serious security risks, based onensure the indivisible security of all member states and to guarantee that all European citizens should have the same security guarantees and an equal level of protection against both traditional and non-conventional threats, taking into account the need for increased cost- efficiency and a fair burden sharing and division of costs;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Invites the Member States to enhance their capacities for providing and receiving assistance, as well as to exchange best practices on ways to streamline their national crisis coordination procedures and the interaction of their national crisis coordination centres with the EU; Takes the view that the planning and conduct of appropriate EU-wide crisis response exercises, involving national crisis response structures and the appropriate EU structures should also be considered;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33a. Considers that it is essential to establish the necessary procedural and organizational links between relevant member-states' services, in order to ensure proper functioning of the solidarity clause following its activation;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reminds the Member States of their unequivocal obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power if a Member State is the victim of armed aggression on its territory; stresses that, while large-scale aggression against a Member State appears improbable in the foreseeable future, both traditional territorial defence and defence against new threats need to remain high on the agenda; recalls also that the Treaty stipulates that, for the EU countries commitments and cooperation in thate are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, NATO remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation, and that commitments and cooperation in the area of mutual defence must be consistent with commitments under NATOa of mutual defence shall be consistent with commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which, for those States which are members of it, remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation.;
Amendment 54 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the importance of deterrence, and therefore the need for European countries to possess credible military capabilities; encourages Member States to step up their efforts on collaborative military capability development, notably through the complementary ‘Pooling and Sharing’ and ‘Smart Defence’ initiatives of the EU and NATO, which represent a critically important way ahead in times of restrained defence budgets; encourages Member States and EEAS to continue the debate with the view to establishing the Permanent Structured Cooperation foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 73 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need to prevent any moral hazard, in that some Member States may be tempted to excessively rely on the solidarity of others while under-for Member States to investing in their own security and disaster response capabilities and not to excessively rely on the solidarity of others; emphasises the primary responsibility of Member States for civil protection and security in their territory;
Amendment 80 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Considers that the solidarity clause can provide the impetus for enhancing the EU leverage among European citizens, giving tangible evidence of the benefits of increased EU cooperation on crisis management and disaster response capabilities;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Invites the Member States to enhance their capacities for providing and receiving assistance, as well as to exchange best practices on ways to streamline their national crisis coordination procedures and the interaction of their national crisis coordination centres with the EU; takes the view that the planning and conduct of appropriate EU-wide crisis response exercises, involving national crisis response structures and the appropriate EU structures should also be considered;
Amendment 96 #
2012/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Considers that it is essential to establish the necessary procedural and organizational links between relevant Member State services, in order to ensure proper functioning of the solidarity clause following its activation;
Amendment 58 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World, and the EU’s policy on the matter, should not only be a reflection and review of past achievements and flaws, but should also serve as a strategic document for the future; whereas each successive Annual Report should, ideally, tangibly and regularly contribute to improving the EU’s human rights policy in the world; whereas account must also be taken of current world economic and social hardship;
Amendment 204 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Reiterates its concern, however, with the persistently disappointing lack of progress in a number of human rights dialogues, and the lack of transparent benchmarks to genuinely assess improvements or deterioration in human rights; notes the continued EU difficulties to negotiate improved modalities for the dialogue with China and Russia; calls on the newly appointed EUSR on Human Rights to inject new momentum into these and other dialogues through ongoing cooperation with the European Parliament also;
Amendment 230 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Welcomes the commitment in the EU Human Rights Action Plan to develop a methodology to improve the analysis of the human rights situation in third countries in connection with the launch or conclusion of trade and/or investment agreements; stresses in particular the need for transparency in defending immigrants’ human rights;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 1
Citation 1
- having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 389/2006 of 27 February 2006, establishing an instrument of financial support for encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community,
Amendment 2 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas paragraph 5 of Regulation (EC) No 389/2006 states that "measures to be financed under this Regulation are of an exceptional and transitional nature" until a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus Problem;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Citation 1 a (new)
Citation 1 a (new)
- having regard to Special Report No 6/2012 of the European Court of Auditors entitled "European Union Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community",
Amendment 6 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, with a view to creating the foundations for an effective solution to the reunification of Cyprus, it is essential, inter alia, to support the process of reconciliation and confidence-building between the two Cypriot communities, to promote a strong and pluralistic civil society in the Turkish Cypriot community and to foster economic integration,
Amendment 7 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the Council (General Affairs and External Relations), shortly before the accession of Cyprus to the EU, requested the Commission to submit a proposal for an aid programme with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island and on improving contacts between the two communities and within the EU and that on 7 July 2004, the Commission proposed a package of two regulations: one for a financial support instrument to encourage the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and a ‘direct trade’ regulation; it proved, however, difficult for the Council to agree on the adoption of this package and the two regulations had the latter´s legal basis was rejected by the Committee on Legal Affairs on the 18th of Octo be decoupledr 2010;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the importance of continuing to provide assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community according to the Council Regulation, as also noted by the Commission in its reply to the Court of Auditors Special Report; takes the view that for the future, the resources allocated to fostering reconciliation, confidence- building measures and support to civil society should be increased and the related bi-communal programmes intensified;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out, in particular, the fundamental role of the Committee on Missing Persons in order to determine the fate of the missing persons and so contribute to inter- communal reconciliation and stresses the importance of securing the necessary funds for the operations of the Committee on Missing Persons; in this regard, asks the European Commission, in supporting the Committee on Missing Persons, to call upon the Turkish military forces to allow access to military zones;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas there is a need to have reliable data concerning the size of the Turkish Cypriot community as well as its dynamics after the division of Cyprus in 1974, especially the immigrantgiven the influx of Turkish settlers;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Also points out the importance of continuing to support the work of the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, in order to ensure the restoration and preservation of historical and religious sites which constitute an integral part of the cultural heritage of Cyprus and an inseparable part of world cultural heritage as a whole;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Asks the Commission and EUPSO to maximise the circulation of information on tenders for reconciliation and civil society strengthening programmes; points out, in particular, the need to support programmes on the socio-economic integration and empowerment of women in the Turkish Cypriot community;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 21 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that the existing de facto division of Cyprus dates back to Turkey's military invasion of in the Nnorthern part of the island in July 1974;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that an estimated 78% of privately owned land in the northern part of Cyprus legally belongs to Greek Cypriots and that a solution to the property issue will be essential for the support of future reunification plans; calls on the Commission and EUPSO to continue to strengthen the system of recording and earmarking of the rightsverify the ownership on such lands so that the rights of the legitimate owners can maintain visibility vis-á-vis third party private investorsare safeguarded;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the importance of the seawater desalination plant in the northern part of the island for the preservation of the groundwater reserves and asks the Commission to rescue this project without any discrimination based on the origin of tender; is deeply concerned that this project failed due to the restrictions imposed on the Greek-Cypriot contractor by the Turkish military forces; asks the Commission to report to the European Parliament any similar discrimination incidents in ongoing and future projects;
Amendment 33 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Observes that according to Protocol 10 of the Act of Accession while the whole island is legally part of the EU, the acquis communautaire is suspended in the Nnorthern part, an area over which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control; this constitutes a unique political, legal and diplomatic context,
Amendment 76 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Regrets the loss of the seawater desalination plant project which was an unfortunate setback; recalls that this project was not only the main project in the water sector but also the largest bi-communal project funded under the instrument and that the plant was intended to provide 23 000 m3 of clean drinking water per day covering the needs of an estimated 100 000 people and recalls that water supply is becoming an increasingly critical issue for the island following a 40 % decrease in the mean annual rainfall in the past 30 years; is deeply concerned that the cancellation of the project due to the restrictions, imposed byon the Greek Cypriot contractor by the Turkish army means that this serious environmental issue will not be addressed;
Amendment 83 #
2012/2107(DEC)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Takes noteIn light of the conclusions and recommendations of the Court of Auditors and urges the Commission to take fully into consideration the recommendationsconsider measures to further improve the management of the assistance based ofn the Court of Auditorsexisting legal framework and in line with the Aid Regulation;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the accession of the European Union to the European Convention for the protection of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms,
Amendment 18 #
2012/2088(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point h
Paragraph 1 – point h
(h) the EUSR for HR should be appointed for 2-2.5 years in order to ensure continuity. The mandate should be renewable once;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Α
Recital Α
Α. whereas the EU is founded on the principle of respect for human rights and, according to its treaties, has a legal obligation to place human rights at the core of its and the Member States’ external policies, whether they relate to foreign affairs, trade or development cooperation; whereas, consequently, the EU has sought to include respect for human rights as an essential element in all agreements with third countrieinternational agreements;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1α. Seeks to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration between the EP and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights;
Amendment 85 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15a (new)
Paragraph 15a (new)
15a. Calls for the protection of the fundamental rights of migrants in host countries to be regularly evaluated and given special attention;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E a. Whereas the challenge of energy security is to alleviate uncertainties that give rise to tensions between states and to reduce market inefficiencies that hamper the benefits of trade, both for suppliers and consumers;
Amendment 105 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Supports the EU's strategies towards the Western Balkans promoting stabilisation and socio-economic modernisation of both individual countries and the region as a whole; notes with concern that political instability, institutional weaknesses and unresolved bilateral and regional issues are hampering further progress of some countries towards EU integration; calls on the EU to maintain its central role in the region and to consider it a top priority;
Amendment 110 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates its support for improving the accession process of the Western Balkans by making it more benchmark-driven, transparent and mutually accountable; calls on the EU to continue to prioritise in its enlargement policy conditions such as constructive political dialogue, consolidation of the rule of law, including ensuring the freedom of expression, the effective fight against corruption and organised crime, enhancing the effectiveness and independence of the judiciary, improving administrative capacities and track records in enforcing acquis-related legislation, tackling inter- ethnic and inter-religious tensions, and addressing of the situation of refugees and displaced persons as well as resolution of open bilateral and regional issues;
Amendment 159 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Recalls Turkey's ambition to inspire and assist democratic transitions and socio- economic reforms in the southern neighbourhood; notes that participation of Turkish institutions and non-governmental organisations in ENP instruments would generate unique synergy effects, especially in areas such as institution-building and socio-economic and civil society development; believes that practical cooperation should be complemented with a structured dialogue between the EU and Turkey with a view to coordinating their respective neighbourhood policies; hopes that the conditions will improve for the opening of further chapters in the membership negotiations (e.g. ratification and implementation of the Ankara Protocol); recognises that the lack of cooperation in migration policy is having a very negative impact, especially on Greece and calls for the ratification and implementation of EU-Turkey readmission agreements the soonest possible;
Amendment 218 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39 a. Emphasises that as Member States set about connecting and integrating their national markets through investment in infrastructure and the approval of common regulations, continuous efforts should also be made into collaborating with Russia in order to identify creative and mutually acceptable measures aimed at reducing discrepancies between the two energy markets;
Amendment 238 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Is concerned at the resurgence in violence following the breakdown in peace negotiations; highlights the importance of a sub-regional Central Asian approach to tackling cross-border trafficking in people and goods and to fighting the illegal production and trafficking of drugs, which is a basic source of funding for organised crime and terrorism; calls for stepped-up support for building the capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the National Security Forces as well as for helping the wider population with agricultural and socio- economic development in order for the country to assume full responsibility for security after completion of the transfer of internal security to the Afghan forces by the end of 2014;
Amendment 386 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74
Paragraph 74
74. Notes that Article 194 of the Lisbon Treaty specifies that the EU is entitled to take measures at European level to ensure security of energy supply; believes that diversification of supply sources and transit routes is urgent and essential for the EU, which is highly dependent on external sources of energy; notes that the main directions for diversification are Northe Africarctic, the Mediterranean Basin and the Southern Corridor from Turkey to Central Asia and the Middle East ; believes that it should be ensured that the current main source of imports – Russia – complies with internal market rules, regulations under the Third Energy package and the Energy Charter Treaty.;
Amendment 388 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 74 a (new)
Paragraph 74 a (new)
74 a. Is concerned by delays being experienced regarding the completion of the Southern Corridor; Highlights the need to achieve energy security through energy diversity and emphasises the potential of a complementary LNG corridor in the East Mediterranean, as a flexible source of energy and an incentive for increased competition within the EU internal market;
Amendment 390 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 a (new)
Paragraph 75 a (new)
75 a. Stresses again all the sovereign rights of EU Member States which include, inter alia, entering into bilateral agreements, and to explore and exploit their natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Therefore highlights the emerging importance of exploration of oil and gas fields in the Mediterranean Sea to satisfy energy security of the EU with alternative sources of energy and to reduce import dependency
Amendment 391 #
2012/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 b (new)
Paragraph 75 b (new)
75 b. Emphasises that granting of licensing for drilling and the delineation of EEZ will become a source of friction with third countries and the EU should show a high political profile in this respect; Underlines that energy should be used as a motor for peace, cooperation and stability;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in all these cases, by definition the most important, the absence of formalised dialogue between Parliament and the European Council prevented Parliament from fully playing its role as co-legislator, as laid down in the treaties; whereas there are often unjustified delays on the part of the Council in the negotiations on key issues; whereas the official interlocutors of Parliament’s representatives have often not had the power to properly engage governments and the presentation and discussion of national governments' positions are often needlessly delayed; whereas, although theoretically responsible for preparing meetings of the European Council, the President-in-Office of the Council and the General Affairs Council appear to play only a marginal or formal role; whereas although there is greater interest in the introductory remarks by the President of the European Parliament at the opening of European Councils, their political impact remains limited;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ga (new)
Recital Ga (new)
Ga. whereas the exchange of political positions on activities and procedures with a legislative dimension is preceded by technical meetings between the co- legislators, which should produce a practical result rather than being formal in nature, so as to prepare the political procedure swiftly and effectively;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2034(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that, unlike the President of the Commission, the President of the European Council is not accountable to Parliament, and that the organisation of debates in which he takes part should take this into account, while allowing Members other than the group chairs to talk to the President of the European Council; considers, however, that the written questions procedure does not seem appropriate;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital Β
Recital Β
Amendment 9 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas EU-US relations are based on a strong partnership and cooperation in many fields, on the basis of common shared values of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights; whereas the EU and the United States have strengthened their engagement in the fight against terrorism since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, notably with the Joint Declaration on Counter Terrorism of 3 June 2010, but whereas it has became apparent that there is a divergence between declared commitments and practices, and between EU and US policies in the fight against terrorism;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph Ε
Paragraph Ε
Amendment 37 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates its call, required by international law and notably Article 12 of the CAT, for all states faced with credible allegations to end impunity andMember States to conduct thorough investigations and inquiries into all alleged acts of extraordinary rendition, secret prisons, torture and other serious human rights violations, so to determine responsibility and ensure accountability, including bringing individuals to justice where there is evidence of criminal liability;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. UrgesCalls upon NATO and United States authorities to conduct their own investigations, collaborate fulclosely with EU and Member State parliamentary or judicial inquiries on these issues1, and to disclose information on extraordinary rendition programmes and clarify that all NATO agreements and NATO-EU and other tpransatlantic arrangements comply withctices that damage human rights and fundamental rightfreedoms; ______________ 1 See inter alia European Parliament resolution of 9 June 2011 on Guantánamo: imminent death penalty decision (P7_TA(2011)0271).
Amendment 48 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on the relevant authorities to end the habit of routinelylimit the invoking of state secrecy in relation to international intelligence cooperation to block accountability and redress, and insists that only genuine national security reasons can justify secrecy, which is in any case overridden by non-derogableto genuine national security reasons with regard to international intelligence cooperation, given that the application of state secrecy may not lead to violations of fundamental rights obligations such as the absolute prohibition on torture;
Amendment 52 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on the EU to ensure that its own international obligations are fully observed and that EUits policies and foreign policy instruments, such as the torture guidelines and human rights dialogues, are fully implemented, so that it is in a stronger position tocan call for the rigorousinternational implementation of human rights clauses in association agreements and to urgevis-à-vis its major allies, such as the United States, to respect their own domestic and international law;
Amendment 65 #
2012/2033(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the United States, given the cardinal role of the transatlantic partnership and the United States’ leadership in this area, to fully investigate and secure accountability for any abuses that it has practiced, end the war paradigm which has in practice led to legal black holes, end military trials, fullyrefrain from any abuses, apply criminal law to terrorist suspects and restore review of detention and habeas corpus, due process, freedom from torture and non- discrimination between foreign and United States citizens;
Amendment 126 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to maintain and further develop a toolbox that draws on strict and fair conditionality, and to intensify its monitoring of progress in the accession process, so as to ensure that candidate and potential candidate countries achieve a high degree of preparedness which will benefit both them and the EU;
Amendment 181 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Strongly believes in the need to promote a climate of tolerance, good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, as prerequisites for stability and as means of facilitating reconciliation; in this regard, reiterates that regional cooperation and unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations remain essential parts of the accession process; considers that the prosecution of war crimes and the reintegration of refugees and displaced persons must be fundamental elements of the accession process in regions with a recent history of conflict;
Amendment 200 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates its position that bilateral issues should not represent or be used as an obstacle in the accession process, but should be addressed in a constructive spirit and as early as possible and preferably before the opening of accession negotiations, taking account of the EU's overall interests and its values; stresses that the accession negotiations should not be used to pre-empt the final settlement of such issues, notwithstanding the obligation to fully comply with the acquis and respect the principles on which the EU itself is founded;
Amendment 209 #
2012/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the EU to support efforts to resolve outstanding disputes, including border disputes, before accession; in line with the provisions of the UN Charter, encourages all parties to disputes whose continuation is likely to endanger the preservation of international peace and security to engage constructively in their peaceful resolution and, in case of proven inability to reach a bilateral agreement, to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice or to commit themselves to a binding arbitration mechanism of their choice;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Section 2 – paragraph 6
Section 2 – paragraph 6
6. The citizens’ right to information should be implemented by means of a rule obliging the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies to provide citizens promptly with any information that they may need in order to defend their rights and further, by affording them the access to documents provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents, together with the right to access their own file; the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies should be under an obligation to keep a register of their documents;·
Amendment 18 #
2012/0336(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012
Article 204 k – paragraph 2
Article 204 k – paragraph 2
2. Any part of the contribution not used within the financial year covered by this contribution shall be spent on any reimbursable expenditure incurred by 31 December of year n+2. by the European political parties and political foundations formally affiliated with them, as specified under Regulation (EU) No The remaining part of the contribution that is not spent within the n+2 time limit shall be recovered in accordance with Chapter 5 of Part One.
Amendment 21 #
2012/0336(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012
Article 204 l – paragraph 1
Article 204 l – paragraph 1
The European political party shall, in accordance with the conditions and time limits laid down in the call for contributions, submit annually to the authorising officer for approval a final report on the use of the contribution and its accounts.
Amendment 25 #
2012/0336(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012
Article 204 o – paragraph 1
Article 204 o – paragraph 1
1. European political parties shall keep records, supporting documents, and other records pertinent to the contribution for five years following the submission of the annual final report and accounts referred to in Article 204l.
Amendment 46 #
2012/0242(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Maintaining and deepening the internal market for banking services is essential in order to foster economic recovery in the Union. However this proves increasingly challenging. Evidence shows that the integration of banking markets in the Union is coming to a halt. It is expected that there will be a greater concentration of the banking system within the European Union and therefore a very significant reduction in the number of credit institutions operating in all eurozone Member States.
Amendment 59 #
2012/0242(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The ECB should be conferred those specific supervisory tasks which are crucial to ensure a coherent and effective implementation of the Union's policy relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions, while other tasks should remain with national authorities. The ECB's tasks should include measures taken in pursuance of macro-prudential stability. Consequently the assignment of supervisory tasks to a monetary authority should not divert it from its primary objective, which is to ensure the stability of price levels.
Amendment 78 #
2012/0242(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 35 a (new)
Recital 35 a (new)
(35a) .The design of the institutional, organizational and operational framework for the exercise by the ECB of supervisory tasks in respect of eurozone credit institutions should include the establishment of 'Chinese walls' within the ECB in order to ensure the effective separation of monetary and other tasks of the ECB from (future) supervisory tasks.
Amendment 117 #
2012/0242(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 3
Article 18 – paragraph 3
3. For the purposes of paragraphs 1 and 2, the ECB shall adopt any necessary internal rules, including rules regarding professional secrecy and rules to ensure the establishment of 'Chinese walls'.
Amendment 45 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) The European political parties and the European political foundations should be governed by the substantive rules set out in this Regulation, and, in matters not, or only partly, regulated by this Regulation by national law in the Member States, in particular that of the Member State where they have their respective seat and for the purposes of which they should identify the appropriate legal form, which must correspond to a form of legal entity recognised in the legal order of that Member State.
Amendment 113 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the name of the party, which mustshall be clearly distinguishable, also in its short form, from that of any existing European political party and its special logo and acronym,
Amendment 140 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new)
(g a) the gender representation in its internal bodies and promotion of gender parity in the composition of electoral lists.
Amendment 195 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
Before reaching its decision, the European Parliament shall hear in accordance with its Rules of Procedure, the representatives of the European political party or European political foundation concerned and ask a committee of independent eminent persons to give an opinion on the subject within a reasonable time period.
Amendment 217 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Unless restricted by their statutes, the European political party and the European political foundation shall have all rights necessary to pursue their activities, including the right to own movable and immovable property and they may, unless restricted by their statutes, carry out activities in all Member States and in third countries.
Amendment 218 #
2012/0237(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 b (new)
Member States shall ensure that the designations "European political party" and "European political foundation" may be used only by political alliances or foundations registered in conformity with this Regulation.
Amendment 4 #
2011/2316(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the statements by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation of human rights in Azerbaijan of 20 May, 27 May and 12 October 2011,
Amendment 13 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 – paragraph 1
Rule 70 – paragraph 1
1. Negotiations with the other institutions aimed at reaching an agreement in the course of a legislative procedure shall be conducted having regard toin accordance with the Code of Conduct for negotiating in the context of the ordinary legislative procedure.
Amendment 18 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 – paragraph 2
Rule 70 – paragraph 2
2. Before entering into such negotiations, the committee responsible should, in principle, take a decision by a majority of its members and adopt a mandate, orientations or priorities.all take a decision on entering into negotiations by a majority of its members and adopt a mandate. That decision shall include the composition of Parliament's negotiating team. The mandate shall, as a general rule, consist of a report. Exceptionally, where the committee responsible considers it appropriate to enter into negotiations prior to the adoption of a report at first reading, the mandate shall consist of a set of clearly defined objectives, priorities or orientations. The decision of the committee responsible on the opening of negotiations in a legislative procedure shall be translated into all the official languages, transmitted to the President and distributed to all Members of Parliament
Amendment 24 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Rule 70 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. As a general rule, the composition of the negotiating team shall reflect the political balance. It shall be chaired by the Chair of the committee responsible or a Vice-Chair, designated by the Chair. The negotiating team shall comprise the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs. The committee secretariat shall be responsible for the practical organisation of the meetings with the Council and the Commission ("trilogues").
Amendment 30 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Rule 70 – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Any negotiation document (in a four- column format) shall be circulated to the negotiating team at least 24 hours in advance of each meeting. After each trilogue the negotiating team shall report back to the committee at its subsequent meeting. Where it is not feasible to convene a meeting of the committee in a timely manner, the negotiating team shall report back to the Chair, the shadow rapporteurs and the coordinators of the committee, as appropriate. Any negotiation document (in a four- column format) reflecting the outcome of the last trilogue shall be made available to the committee.
Amendment 39 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 – paragraph 3
Rule 70 – paragraph 3
3. If the negotiations lead to a compromise with the Council following the adoption of the report by the committee, the committee shall in any case be reconsultedordinators of the committee responsible shall be informed without delay. The agreed text shall be submitted to the committee responsible for approval before the vote in plenary.
Amendment 48 #
2011/2298(REG)
Parliament's Rules of Procedure
Rule 70 a (new)
Rule 70 a (new)
Rule 70a Approval of a decision on the opening of interinstitutional negotiations prior to the adoption of a report at first reading 1. Any decision by a committee on the opening of negotiations prior to the adoption of a report at first reading shall be translated into all the official languages, distributed to all Members of Parliament and submitted to the Conference of Presidents. 2. If so requested by at least one political group, the Conference of Presidents shall include the item, for consideration with a debate, opening of a deadline for amendments and vote, in the draft agenda of the part-session subsequent to its adoption by the committee responsible and distribution in all the official languages. 3. In the absence of such decision by the Conference of Presidents, the decision on the opening of negotiations shall be announced by the President at the opening of the subsequent part-session. That decision shall be deemed to be adopted unless, within 48 hours after the announcement, 40 Members request in writing that the item be included in the draft agenda of the part-session subsequent to the announcement for consideration with a debate and vote. The President shall set a deadline for the tabling of amendments. 4. The report as adopted by plenary shall form the basis for the mandate of the negotiating team and shall be refered back to the committee responsible as such. The committee responsible shall take a decision on any agreement reached as an outcome of those negotiations.
Amendment 7 #
2011/2276(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, the Union will take action only and insofar as the objectives of a planned measure can be better implemented at Union level; takes the view that the aforesaid principle, as a dynamic concept, should be able to justify any extension of the activities of the Union within the framework of its powers; recalls that EU administrative law should be adjusted and simplified in order to reduce administrative and regulatory costs; states that, in this context, the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality should be applied accordingly;
Amendment 35 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses that the appropriate measures must be taken in order that civil rights and fundamental freedoms are not compromised or diminished in times of economic crisis
Amendment 66 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that facilitating citizens’ direct participation in public life through their direct participation in political parties at the national and European level, is an essential right to express one’s view and a democratic right.
Amendment 170 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36 a. Proposes the use of objective indicators and criteria in studies of impact on human rights and their assessment.
Amendment 288 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 69
Paragraph 69
69. Notes that the Internet has become one of the most important vehicles through which individuals exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression, and that it has played a crucial role in promoting human rights, democratic participation, accountability, transparency and economic development; at the same time, it stresses the need for human dignity not to come under attack and condemns any other form of discrimination occurring in the social media.
Amendment 304 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 76
Paragraph 76
76. Believes that disclosure by large companies of social and environmental information, including human rights impacts, is vital to transparency and to these companies’ effectiveness; welcomes the aim of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) to develop a globally accepted integrated reporting framework;
Amendment 307 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 78 a (new)
Paragraph 78 a (new)
78 a. Supports the increasing promotion of women onto executive boards at national, European and international levels.
Amendment 5 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recalls that democratic participation stemming from electoral rights cannot be imposed on citizens, but should originate in them; considers, in this respect, that the electoral process is a means of giving European citizens a feeling of ownership of democracy and points out that European political parties play a key role in forming a European demos and that they contribute to enriching the ‘European identity’ of citizens and also that natural persons will be able directly to become members of any European political party they wish to join;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Underlines that European political parties and European political institutions have become essential factors in the political life of the European Union, shaping and reflecting the respective positions of the various 'political families';
Amendment 8 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Recalls that the European political parties and the acquisition of legal personality under the law of the European Union, which the revision of Regulation 2003/2003 is expected to introduce, will demonstrate the practical benefits for citizens of acquiring citizenship of the European Union;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2182(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a Stresses that the removal of barriers to the acquisition of citizenship and a more direct activation of citizens through European political parties and the citizens' initiative are decisive steps for achieving 'more' Europe and a more essential democracy;
Amendment 4 #
2011/2176(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that effective unitary patent protection can only be ensured through a properly functioning specialised patent litigation system; believes that such a system must respect the primacy of Union law;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to avoid duplication, to concentrate on strategic issues within the multilateral fora of the ENP and to use subregional and bilateral contacts for specific investment projects and cooperation programmes; calls for more effective use to be made of existing financial instruments so as to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from them; stresses the importance of building effective subregional partnerships within the wider Mediterranean region;
Amendment 10 #
2011/2157(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the Union for the Mediterranean to have been misconceived, poorly executed and even counterproductive; insists, therefore, on the full incorporation of the European side of the partnership into the conventional EU framework under the auspices of the High Representative/Vice- President and the European External Action Serviceunderpins the interaction between bilateral and regional policies so as to achieve more effectively the objectives of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation based on the mutual recognition of common values;
Amendment 34 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Β
Recital Β
Β. whereas it is in the highest interest of the EU to be economically ambitious and politically focused in its support to democratic transitions, and defence of human rights;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU should in addition provide itself with flexible and properly funded instruments in order to match its ambitions,
Amendment 80 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Although the EU does not seek to impose unilaterally a model or a ready-made recipe for political reforms, underlines that the ENP is based on shared values and the commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law and good governance;
Amendment 178 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. States that differentiation should be applied to trade, invites ENP partner countries to move forward on creating the conditions that will allow the establishment of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) and calls on the EU to assist them in their reform efforts and to open its internal market accordingly, subject to the necessary alignment of safety and quality specifications to European standards; underlines that the EU should also assess the political, social and environmental circumstances of each country with reference to their participation in the future DCFTA;
Amendment 187 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the reference to Article 49 of the TEU and believes that all partner countries of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) have a legitimate right to strive for EU membership; believes that the conclusion of association agreements does not exclude this perspective but can, on the contrary,Stresses that a European perspective including Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union could constitute a driving force for reforms in these countries and further strengthen their commitment to shared values and principles such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance; believes that the conclusion of association agreements can be an important step towards further European integrationpolitical engagement;
Amendment 227 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recalls that the EU should improve the management of migration, providing better conditions for the establishment of legal migrants in the EU; considers that the EU needs to favour legal labour migration by concluding mobility partnerships, while at the same time taking the necessary measures to prevent illegal migration;
Amendment 323 #
2011/2157(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Emphasises that the funding of the ENP should not be affected by the current sovereign debt crisis; calls at the same time for the more effective utilisation of existing financial instruments, from the which maximum possible benefit has not yet been derived;
Amendment 31 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the consolidation of the economic and political power of the BRICS and other emerging countries as the world's largest economies may not necessarilyshould be associated with the transition from low- income economies to middle-income economies and, thereby, the emergence and consolidation of a large middle class; whereas the lack of a large middle class in such countries would mark the end of the substantial role in world affairs of countries characterised by affluent societies and a stable and moderate political orientation;
Amendment 38 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas EU companies have contributed significantly to the economic growth of BRICS countries and other emerging powers; whereas current trade agreements between the EU and the BRICS countries are not only mutually beneficial in economic terms but also politically beneficial to both sides;
Amendment 46 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the EU should play a proactive part in building a United Nations system with the active participation of BRICS countries that can effectively contribute to global solutions, peace and security, democracy and a rule-of-law-based international order; whereas, in accordance with Article 21 of the TEU, the EU is formally committed to effective multilateralism with a strong UN at its core;
Amendment 73 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly rejects the contention that, in view of the emergence of new economic and foreign policy powers and potential rivals, the West should agree to relinquish its leadership and focus on managing its decline. Contends, rather,Contends that the West and, in particular, the EU should focus on achieving the necessary economies of scale and develop concerted efforts to enable it to interact with the emerging powers constructively and effectively; points out to the need to develop an inclusive system of global governance based on cooperation and coordination with the BRICS and other emerging countries, as appropriate; points further to the key role of the West and, particularly, the EU in promoting an inclusive system of global governance such as this;
Amendment 135 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the importance that the overall coordination of EU foreign policy towards the BRICS and other emerging economies should lie with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; believes that the EU should strive to achieve, under the coordination by the High Representative, a better linking of foreign and security policy with EU sectoral policies, such as development, energy security, trade, access to raw materials and rare earths, climate change and migration, with a view to valorising synergies and ensuring a coherent and systemic foreign policy approach; to that end, considers that the concept of EU "strategic partners" should be further upgraded and better equipped;
Amendment 163 #
2011/2111(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the aforementioned Commission Communication on ‘A Budget for Europe 2020’, which draws up a proposal for the design of financial instruments and programmes under the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020; shares the view of the EEAS that the new partnership instrument aimed at supporting EU economic interests in the rest of the world and including non-ODA- eligible activities should be a foreign policy instrument; believes that such a partnership instrument could help consolidate stronger economic ties and thereby stronger political ties with select countries, and welcomes the promotion of regulatory convergence as one of its aims; believes that the new design of financial instruments and programmes should give particular relevance to ad hoc financing lines supporting emerging countries and potentially emerging countries in consolidating democratic structures, promoting human rights and developing good governance and the rule of law, good educational systems and progressive social inclusion; welcomes the proposal by the Commission to include the principle of conditionality in all EU programmes and instruments and believes that this is key to achieving more leverage in promoting universal values and good governance;
Amendment 19 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ca (new)
Recital Ca (new)
Ca. whereas maintaining the independence of the ICC is crucial not only to ensure that it is fully effective, but also to promote the universality of the Rome Statute,
Amendment 157 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Welcomes the participation of the United States as an observer at the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC and expresses the hope that it will soon become a State Party as soon as possible;
Amendment 165 #
2011/2109(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. EncouragesCalls on Turkey, the only official EU candidate who has not yet done so, to become a State Party to the Rome Statute and to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities (APIC) as soon as possible, stressing the need for any future candidate countries and the partner countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) to do the same;
Amendment 6 #
2011/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The European Semester and its assessment, in connection with coordination at EU level, aim to highlight the preventive action of the Stability and Growth Pact by ensuring, in a timely manner and in real time, that Member States pursue disciplined fiscal policies;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2071(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. The European Parliament is the appropriate venue for economic dialogue and cooperation between national parliaments and the European institutions.
Amendment 21 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Β a (new)
Recital Β a (new)
Ba. whereas EU accession to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) will strengthen the European system of protection of human rights and boost the EU's position vis-à-vis third countries,
Amendment 68 #
2011/2032(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that the EU's role as a 'soft power' in the international system can only be consolidated if protection of human rights constitutes a real priority for it in its policy towards third countries;
Amendment 6 #
2011/0901(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) Increased resources could provide an opportunity for reorganisation of proceedings in the 'other cases' category by order of priority, in particular competition cases, where special care must be taken to adhere to a reasonable deadline.
Amendment 7 #
2011/0901(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 b (new)
Recital 1 b (new)
(1b) An increase in the number of judges is not enough to remedy delays. It is also necessary for some of the chambers to be run on more specialised lines, improving flexibility and output in the General Court.
Amendment 8 #
2011/0901(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Consequently, the necessary measures should be taken to address this situation, and the possibility, provided for by the Treaties, of increasing the number of Judges of the General Court is such as to enable both the volume of pending cases and the excessive duration of proceedings before the General Court to be reduced within a short time. Similarly the more effective allocation of the General Court's caseload to the appropriate chambers could significantly limit delays in proceedings.
Amendment 40 #
2011/0436(NLE)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) It is also desirable to focus on publicising the actions of European political parties, with a view to increasing public interest in being involved.
Amendment 41 #
2011/0436(NLE)
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – indent 10
– Studies on issues related to citizenship and civic participation and public information regarding the workings of European political parties and the possibilities of direct involvement
Amendment 32 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) In particular, free movement and workers' mobility help addressing the consequences of demographic change on the labour market, while also increasing the employability of people and improving the competitiveness of European industries. At the same time, free movement either enables, as an essential condition, or stimulates the exercise by citizens of a broad range of rights available to them under Union law, such as their rights as consumers to access goods and services or their rights as passengers and tourists. Facilitating free movement haswill therefore the potential to enhance citizens' possibilities to fully benefit from the single market, whilst being a key driver for growth.
Amendment 36 #
2011/0217(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 15 a (new)
Recital 15 a (new)
(15 a) The possibility of direct involvement by European citizens in European political parties through the adoption of a common legal regime will contribute significantly to their active participation in the public life of the European Union.
Amendment 1 #
2010/2308(INI)
1. Recalls that the key common threats identified in the Internal Security Strategy – in particular organised crime, terrorism and cybercrimeradicalisation, cybercrime, corruption and border management – have indivisibleterlinked external and internal dimensions, and that coordinated and coherent action oin both frontareas is required for any response to be effective; also, critical action for disarmament, non-proliferation, CBRN risks and illicit trafficking, which are primarily addressed in external cooperation instruments, have undeniable implications in internal security;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2308(INI)
4. Reiterates the need for the EU to integrate a wide-ranging human security perspectiveapproach into its relationships with third countries, particularly on border management, migration, maritime security, fighting organised crime, state failure andterrorism and trafficking in human beings, and combating state fragility or underdevelopment;
Amendment 3 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the key common threats identified in the Internal Security Strategy – in particular organised crime, terrorism and cybercrimeradicalisation, cybercrime, and border management – have indivisible external and internal dimensions, and that coordinated and coherent action on both fronts is required for any response to be effective;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls, therefore, on the Commission to work on a communication setting guidelines on how best to translate the link between the external and internal dimensions of the European Security Strategy and the Internal Security Strategy into cross-cutting objectives and tangible policies; stresses that coherence and complementarity between the internal and external aspects of EU security are crucial for the successful implementation of our security objectives;
Amendment 13 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates the need for the EU to integrate a wide-ranging human security perspective into its relationships with third countries, particularly on border management, migration, fighting organised crime, maritime security, state failure and underdevelopment;
Amendment 15 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, reiterates that the internal security of the EU is inextricably linked to the security situation in its neighbourhood; underlines, in particular, the importance of European Neighbourhood Policy (Union for the Mediterranean, Eastern Partnership, Black Sea Synergy) on EU's external policies, and calls in this regard on the Commission and the EEAS to foster synergies between the EU and its neighbours in order to jointly address our common security challenges;
Amendment 17 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Takes the view that enhanced cooperation with other international institutions responsible for security strategy such as NATO and the OSCE should be further promoted;
Amendment 33 #
2010/2308(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the need for the EEAS to incorporate internal security experts, in particular police and rule of law experts, and, where appropriate, to also post them in EU delegations, as a means of effectively putting into practice the need for better coordination between the internal and external dimensions of EU security strategies; to this end, underlines that exchanging information and sharing resources with the JHA agencies - Europol, Eurojust, Frontex would be extremely beneficial;
Amendment 8 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
- having regard to the Stockholm Programme for 2010-2014 and the European Pact on Immigration and Asylum,
Amendment 9 #
2010/2269(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas flows of immigrants which result from instability and assume the form of illegal immigration put more pressure on those Member States located geographically at the EU’s external borders,
Amendment 20 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
- having regard to Article 80 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union stating that policies regarding border controls, asylum and immigration shall be governed by the principle of solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility, including its financial implications between the Member States and that whenever necessary the Union acts adopted pursuant to this chapter shall contain appropriate measures to give effect to this principle,
Amendment 46 #
2010/2269(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to develop a mechanism for apportioning responsibility for receiving asylum seekers and examining their applications, but also for addressing illegal immigration, two phenomena which disproportionately affect some Member States, especially owing to their geographical position or demographic situation;
Amendment 47 #
2010/2269(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Calls on the Commission to intensify cooperation with the countries of transit and origin of illegal immigrants through the agreements concluded – or due to be concluded – by the European Union, but also through the bilateral agreements signed between Member States and third countries so as to curb illegal immigration and encourage legal immigration for the benefit of immigrants, the societies of Member States and immigrants' countries of origin;
Amendment 57 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas the exploitation of irregular migration, which is unfortunately a lucrative commercial activity for those engaged in organised crime, is also combined with arms smuggling and drug trafficking - with an alarming strengthening of linkages between drug traffickers in Latin America and in States in West and Central Africa - and coincides with escape routes and enhanced mobility for terrorist groups, which can easily relocate to other regions and countries to pursue their activities; whereas the exploitation of irregular migration is a known source of funding for radical and terrorist groups,
Amendment 85 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas the pressure of migratory flows caused by instability and taking the form of illegal migration is being felt to a greater degree by Member States geographically situated close to the EU's external borders,
Amendment 116 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that support for politically and economically fragile states, as a source of irregular migration and security and stability tensions, should always include, in addition to budgetary relief and support, direct investment and EU market-access strategies, rural development and food security strategies, job-creation policies, infrastructure development, and strategies geared to promoting democratisation and good governance, social inclusion and religious tolerance, thereby maximising local prospects and alternatives for potential migrants; firmly believes that such strategies must be based on active partnerships which draw on the principles of ownership and empowerment of the beneficiary countries, but also on targets, clear roadmaps and conditions for their achievement co-defined with donor countries, and on benchmarks and strict accountability standards;· points out that programmes receiving such funding must have as their basic criterion the attainment of added value at both regional and local level, thereby contributing substantially to the development of local economies;
Amendment 129 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Commission to develop a mechanism for establishing where responsibilities lie for accommodating asylum seekers and examining their applications, as well as combating illegal migration, two areas in which a disproportionate burden is being borne by certain Member States because of their geographical location or their demographic breakdown;
Amendment 148 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the completion of negotiations for the EU-Turkey Readmission Agreement and calls for the successful completion of all the necessary phases to ensure that the Agreement is implemented fully as soon as possible by all parties;
Amendment 149 #
2010/2269(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on the Commission to step up cooperation with the countries of transit and origin of illegal migrants under agreements concluded or to be concluded by the EU and bilateral agreements between Member States and third countries, so as to curb illegal migration and encourage compliance with the law for the benefit of migrants and the inhabitants of the Member States and countries of origin;
Amendment 374 #
2010/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 79 a (new)
Paragraph 79 a (new)
79a. Calls on the EU accession countries to improve the level of human rights protection in their territories in the light of that provided for under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms;
Amendment 9 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the requirement of adoption of a legal statute for the European political parties and their political foundations based on the law of the European Union is a clear and substantial step towards enhancing democracy within the Union,
Amendment 10 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas organisational and functional convergence and improving the funding process can be accomplished only by adopting a uniform and common legal European statute for all the European political parties and their political foundations based on the law of the European Union,
Amendment 18 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas experience with the funding of European political parties and their European political foundations has shown that they need more flexibility with regard to the carry-over of funds to the following financial year and to building up reserves from own resources in excess of the prescribed minimum of their expenditure to be financed from their own funds,
Amendment 46 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that political parties have rights and responsibilities and should therefore have organisational uniformity; considers that this organisational convergence can be achieved only by establishing a common political, legal and fiscal status for the European political parties and their political foundations;
Amendment 51 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is convinced that authentic legal status for the European political parties and a legal personality of their own, based directly on the law of the European Union, will enable the European political parties and their political foundations to act as representative agents of the European public interest;
Amendment 93 #
2010/2201(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises, however, that the funding regime would have to be counterbalanced by providing for sanctions in the Funding Regulation where they are at present missing; considers that such sanctions could take the form of financial penalties in the case of infringement of the rules concerning, for example, the transparency of donations; underlines the necessity of providing the same conditions for building reserves and carry-over funds for both European political parties and their European political foundations;
Amendment 42 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that coherence will need to be sought between the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Member States and the Commission, synergies improved between the EU and the national level and coordination enhanced between institutional actors, with a view to better integrating all relevant instruments and policies and delivering a single EU message on key political issues; considers cooperation at all levels between the EEAS and the relevant services in the Commission to be essential with a view to shaping a strategic approach to our neighbourhood and to candidate and partners countries with membership prospectotential candidate and other countries, as well as to policy areas such as trade, development, energy security and justice and home affairs;
Amendment 88 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Considers it an EU strategicimportant EU priority to strengthen international crisis- management partnerships and enhance dialogue with other major crisis- management actors – such as the UN, NATO, the African Union (AU) and the OSCE and third countries such as the USA, Turkey, Norway and Canada – and to synchronise actions, share information and pool resources in the fields of peacekeeping and peace-building, including cooperation on crisis management and, in particular, maritime security, and the fight against terrorism under international law;
Amendment 163 #
2010/2124(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the fact that the situation in Kosovo remains stable and peaceful, but is concerned at the serious problems and breaches of electoral law which occurred in several municipalities during the recent elections; stresses the importance of fair elections as part of Kosovo's ongoing democratic transition; urges the Government of Kosovo to improve future electoral processes in order to secure the democratic rights of Kosovo citizens and to strengthen the countryKosovo's European perspective; calls for the planned talks between Kosovo and Serbia to start without delay, under the sponsorship of the EU, and stresses that they have vast potential to contribute to stability in Kosovo and to improving the situation for local people, including as regards upholding the rule of law in the north of the countryKosovo; reiterates the need for the EULEX Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo to ensure that it can function effectively throughout the entire territory of Kosovo, by stepping up its activities in the north of the countryKosovo, and to enjoy the trust and support of the entire population;
Amendment 146 #
2010/2071(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Points out that, since 21 out of 28 NATO members are EU Member States, close cooperation on the basis of the principle of decision making autonomy between the EU and NATO in the area of military capabilities is of vital importance to avoid duplication of effort; reiterates the urgent need to resolve the underlying political problems hamperingany outstanding issue having a negative influence in EU- NATO cooperation and calls for the improvementcomplete and more effective implementation of the 'Berlin Plus' arrangements in order to enable the two organisations to intervene effectively in current and future crises;
Amendment 50 #
2010/0821(NLE)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the European stability mechanism, and the strict conditionality incorporated therein, involves all Member States whose currency is the euro, even the small ones whose economy may be seen as not "indispensable" for the purposes of safeguarding the euro area as a whole;
Amendment 83 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order to ensure coherence and transparency in relation to proposed citizens' initiatives, it should be mandatory to register such initiatives on a website made available by the Commission prior to collecting the necessary statements of support from citizens; proposals that are abusive or devoid of seriousness should not be registered and the Commission should reject the registration of proposals which would be manifestly against the values of the Union. The Commission should deal with registration in accordance with the general principles of good administration and the provisions of this regulation. The Commission should justify with legal arguments the rejection of the registration of a proposed initiative.
Amendment 137 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In the interests of the greatest possible transparency, the means and source of funding of citizens’ initiatives must be made public. National and European political parties and their political foundations must be excluded as sources of funding.
Amendment 141 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission shall reject the registration of proposed citizens' initiatives which are manifestly against the values of the Union, especially as expressed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
Amendment 145 #
2010/0074(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5
Article 4 – paragraph 5
5. A proposed citizens' initiative that has been registered shall be made public in the register immediately and be easily accessible to all and registered not only in the register but also in a list according to the subject of the initiative for a legal act.
Amendment 2 #
2009/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the prospect of the European Union’s accession to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), which offers an historic opportunity to create a common framework for human rights across the Continent and an additional external control system and to ensure the harmonious development of the case- law of the Court of Justice of the European Communities and the European Court of Human Rights;·
Amendment 10 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas the limits set by the Lisbon Treaty and the Protocols thereto are upheld at the time of accession and more specifically, whereas Article 6(2) of the Treaty on European Union provides that the European Union shall accede to the ECHR and whereas Protocol No 8 to the Lisbon Treaty lists a series of points concerning which provision must be made at the time of that accession; whereas these provisions do not merely constitute an option allowing the Union to accede but require the Union institutions to act accordingly,
Amendment 15 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the main arguments in favour of accession of the Union to the ECHR, which may be summarised as follows: – while the Union's system for the protection of fundamental rights will be supplemented and enhanced by the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights into its primary law, its accession to the ECHR will send a strong signal concerning the coherence between the Union and 'wider Europe', constituted by the Council of Europe and its pan-European human rights system; this accession will also enhance the credibility of the Union in the eyes of third countries which it regularly calls upon in its bilateral reports to respect the ECHR, – accession to the ECHR will afford citizens protection against the action of the Union similar to that which they already enjoy against action by all the Member States; this is all the more worthwhile because the Member States have transferred substantial powers to the Union, - legislative and case law harmonisation in the field of human rights of the rule of law of the EU and the ECHR and the corresponding case law of the European courts is so advanced as to require attainment of commensurate progress in procedural harmonisation of the two European courts, the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court in Luxembourg, and the reshaping of the institutional bodies of the ECHR. – accession will contribute to the harmonious development of the case law of the two European courts in the field of human rights, particularly because of the increased need for dialogue, and cooperation – accession will not in any way call into question the principle of the autonomy of the Union's law, as the Court of Justice will remain the sole supreme court adjudicating on issues relating to EU law and the validity of the Union's acts, as the Court of Human Rights must be regarded not as a superior authority but rather as a specialised court exercising external supervision over the Union's compliance with obligations under international law arising from its accession to the ECHR; the relationship of the two European courts shall not be hierarchical but rather a relationship of specialisation; thus the Court of Justice will have a status analogous to that currently enjoyed by the supreme courts of the Member States in relation to the Court of Human Rights; - the Court of Justice has as its purpose the interpretation and application of EU law, the competence of which is restricted to the measure that by accession of the EU to the ECHR control of implementation of the ECHR on the part of the EU or Member States, in the case of individual recourse, is devolved to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. This does not imply alienation of the Court of Justice from the field of human rights since it may also be involved in this field within the context of other cases, in particular, when it is considered that social and economic rights protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights are not covered by the ECHR. - notwithstanding the excellent cooperation seen so far between the two European Courts, the accession of the EU to the ECHR necessarily involves direct communication which should not exclude possible suspension of proceedings if a case is pending in one or other of the courts.
Amendment 20 #
2009/2241(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes the view that, for the benefit of citizens, cooperation between the institutions of the European Union and the specialised bodies of the Council of Europe should be strengthened in order to help bring about greater consistency and greater complementarity in the sphere of human rights at pan-European level.
Amendment 40 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a (new)
Paragraph 7a (new)
Amendment 41 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7b (new)
Paragraph 7b (new)
7b. it should be determined by internal rules in those cases in which the EU becomes a co-defendant.
Amendment 42 #
2009/2241(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7c (new)
Paragraph 7c (new)
7c. The adoption of the institution of co- defendant should not impede other indirect options provided by the ECHR (Article 36, I) such as the right of the EU to intervene as a third party in cases of recourse by EU citizens against a state that is not a member of the EU.
Amendment 61 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas Afghanistan is not only the world’s leading source of opium production, and the main supplier to the EU and the Russian Federation, but also one of the world’s leading cannabis producers, according to a recent report by the UNODC,
Amendment 64 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas, according to a recent report from the UNODC, the number of Afghan citizens addicted to drugs has increased sharply in recent years, which will have major social repercussions for the country's future,
Amendment 66 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M
Recital M
M. whereas the EU has played an active role in supporting counter-narcotics efforts from the outset of the reconstruction process, without achieving any significant results,
Amendment 91 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that any long-term solution to the Afghan crisis will involve the elimination of poverty, an end to opium production, the dismantling of supply channels and the full integration of Afghanistan into the international community;
Amendment 98 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates that the EU and its Member States should support Afghanistan in the construction of its own state, with stronger democratic institutions capable of ensuring national sovereignty, state unity, territorial integrity, sustainable economic development, with particular emphasis on the sectors of education and health, and the prosperity of the people of Afghanistan, and respecting the historical, religious, spiritual and cultural traditions of all ethnic and religious communities in Afghan territory;
Amendment 110 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. IsExpresses deep concerned about the general human rights situation in Afghanistan and in particular the deterioration in women’s fundamental political and civil rights in Afghanistanthe country, as well as by the recent changes to the electoral code which weaken the quotas for seats in parliament for women;
Amendment 128 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that, despite the huge injections of foreign aid, the situation in Afghanistan continues to be discouraging, preventing humanitarian and medical aid from reaching the most vulnerable sections of the population, that more Afghans are dying through poverty than as a direct result of the armed conflict, and that, shockingly, since 2002 infant mortality has risen, and life expectancy at birth and levels of literacy have declined markedly; since 2004, the population living below the poverty threshold has increased by 130%;
Amendment 308 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Notes that there can be no stability or peace in Afghanistan without first of all guaranteeing security for its citizens, and that part of the Taliban’s early success in establishing themselves was due to an ability to maintain order and security;
Amendment 363 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Recalls that Afghanistan is the source of 90% of the world’s illicit opium, and yet that when coalition forces entered Kabul in 2001, no opium poppies were being grown in Afghanistan owing to the UN’s success in getting the Taliban to impose a ban on their cultivation in the 90% of the country under their controls well as one of the world’s main cannabis producers, with the result that the situation is worse than when coalition forces entered Afghanistan in 2001; points out that the illegal production and trafficking of drugs is a basic source of funding for terrorism and organised crime, undermining efforts to build strong State institutions, decent government and the rule of law;
Amendment 369 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 60 a (new)
Paragraph 60 a (new)
60a. Expresses deep concern at the sharp increase in the number of Afghans addicted to drugs, according to the recent UNODC report; calls for targeted measures to be taken immediately to reduce the number of drug addicts and provide them with medical care; with this in view, stresses the need to fund programmes to set up rehabilitation centres in the country, particularly in those areas which do not have access to medical treatment;
Amendment 372 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 62
Paragraph 62
62. Draws attention, however, to the findings of a recent UNODC report, whereby the Taliban only capture 4% of the annual narcotics trade, and local farmers 21%, with 75% going to government officials, the police, local and regional brokers, and traffickers; in short, notes that NATO allies are in fact getting the lion’s share of the profits from the drugs trade;
Amendment 373 #
2009/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63a. Points out that, unless the dependence of the Afghan economy on drugs is ended once and for all and a viable alternative economic growth model found, the goals of restoring security and stability to the region will not be achieved;
Amendment 20 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Β. whereas the European Union must adopt a strategic view of its relations with its southern neighbours and move beyond cooperation driven solthat is not driven solely and exclusively by considerations pertaining to security and migration,
Amendment 23 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is a means of boostfurther strengthening the regional and multilateral dimension of Euro-Mediterranean relations, opening up fresh prospects for the establishment of an area of peace, security and prosperity for 800 million people,
Amendment 33 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the neighbourhood policy conducted with the Mediterranean countries has its limitations and, by placing the emphasis on bilateral relations, is proving imbalanced and unable, in itself, to contribute to a shared process of significant reform in the region,
Amendment 39 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas limited cultural exchanges cannot, by themselves, bring the peoples of the Mediterranean closer together; whereas Europe is gradually losing its cultural significance as a point of reference among its Mediterranean partners,
Amendment 75 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. having regard to the recent entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the institutional changes it has produced, on the one hand, and the ongoing debate about the operation and financing of the UfM, on the other, which make it essential for the European Parliament to monitor developments connected with the UfM as closely as possible in order to help ensure the outright success of the Barcelona Summit,
Amendment 86 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the governments of the UfM member countries to establish an ongoing and open political dialogue characterised by mutual respect and understanding, and reaffirms its desire to see the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, political pluralism and respect for human rights and individual and collective freedoms made the central focus of that dialogue;
Amendment 91 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Reiterates the fact that the promotion of democracy must be achieved through genuine political reforms and strong and visible support for democratic political organisations and civil society on the southern shores of the Mediterranean; to that end, calls on the Council and the Commission to clearly enshrine the promotion of human rights and democracy in the objectives of this new initiative and to further strengthen the implementation of existing mechanisms;
Amendment 99 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is of the opinion that political tensions and regional conflicts in the Mediterranean basin must not hinder tangible progress towards multilateral cooperation in specific sectors, and that it is through substantive political dialogue and the implementation of major integration projects that the UfM will help to develop a climate of trust conducive to pursuing common security goals in a spirit of solidarity and peace;
Amendment 103 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. encourages the important contribution that the Union for the Mediterranean can make for the improvement of the relations between Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, among others by the cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian representatives within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean;
Amendment 130 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5α. Considers it particularly worthwhile to continuously evaluate and assess not only the results that have been achieved to date through the regional programmes implemented, but also the adequacy of the resources used within the framework of the partnership; is of the opinion that this procedure will provide an opportunity to correct any deficiencies and unfortunate choices in the future; points out that the fundamental criterion of the programmes funded within the framework of the UfM ought to be added value at both regional and local level, making a genuine contribution to the development of local economies;
Amendment 132 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to strengthen cooperation in the field of energy and calls for the immediate promotion of development plans to encourage the diversification of energy supply sources and routes, thus making a decisive contribution to energy security in the Mediterranean region;
Amendment 164 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on all the countries participating in the partnership, the Commission and the institutions of the UfM to inject fresh vigour into the structured management of migratory flows, in order to better harness human resources and strengthen exchanges between the peoples of the Mediterranean; considers that common immigration policies ought to focus on the possibilities for legal migration, combating illegal immigration, smoother integration of immigrants and the exercising of the right of asylum;
Amendment 183 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Emphasises the strategic importance of issues such as agriculture, food security, water and rural development in Mediterranean countries, and calls for cooperation in the farming sector to be made a political priority; encourages the UfM member countries to work on harmonising their positions in the context of WTO negotiations and to move towards greater convergence among Euro- Mediterranean agricultural policies, particularly in relation to the safety and quality specifications of agri-food goods;
Amendment 190 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission to take into account the interests of European producers within the framework of trade relations between the EU and the countries of the south-eastern Mediterranean, given that many similar agricultural products are also produced in these countries, as in the Mediterranean Member States of the EU;
Amendment 198 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. IWelcomes the contribution of the ministerial meetings on cultural issues and considers that efforts at regional and, in particular, local level should be integrated through innovative programmes involving civil society and bringing the peoples of the Mediterranean closer together; is keen to see new projects in the cultural field put on the UfM’s agenda in the very near future; suggests that priority be given to setting up a Euro- Mediterranean junior Erasmus programme called ‘Averroës’, as a way of stepping up exchanges between secondary school pupils in UfM member countries;
Amendment 202 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines the primary role that the UfM has assigned to EMUNI with the aim to enhance the rapprochement between the north and the south of the Mediterranean through culture and education, as well as the cooperation in higher education, research, training and exchanges of the university community on both sides; welcomes the commitment of EMPA to that end by creating the Working Group on EMUNI, which will follow its activities and will enable it to fulfil the objective of creating a Euro- Mediterranean Higher Education, Science and Research Area;
Amendment 209 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Reiterates its conviction that the UfM should have a strong parliamentary dimension, in order to improve its democratic legitimacy; believes that this objective can be achieved by reinforcing the role and the activity of EMPA with the aim of becoming a true consultative body for the different ministerial meetings of the UfM; notes, therefore, that the work of EMPA should be better aligned with that of the other institutions of the UfM;
Amendment 222 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Reaffirms the need to boost the status of women in the Mediterranean region through policies which give them a major role in their societies and which promote gender equality; recalls its consistent position that respect for traditions and customs must not be a pretext for the infringement of women’s fundamental rights;
Amendment 224 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Council, the Vice- President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and, the Commission and the newly-established European External Action Service to take the necessary steps to ensure coherent EU participation in the UfM, and to involve Parliament in framing EU policy;
Amendment 225 #
2009/2215(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes the recent accession to the UfM of countries of the Southern Balkans, which are applicants for accession to the EU; considers this development to be vitally important and calls for the immediate promotion of broader development initiatives and programmes, to include these countries in particular, with the aim of achieving swifter accession and mobilisation of these countries within the framework of the UfM;
Amendment 1 #
2009/2212(INI)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) The committee of inquiry must respect in full the rights of those called on by it to testify, in accordance with the ECHR and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Amendment 2 #
2009/2212(INI)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) However, in order to ensure that a committee of inquiry can be certain that its conclusions are based on elements which have evidential value, it should also have the right to summon any person who is resident in the European Union, including officials and other servants of the Union's institutions or of Member States, as a witness who should be obliged to answer questions willingly, fully and truthfully; moreover, in order to ensure that officials and other servants of the Union are able to comply with this obligation, it should be made clear that they are deemed to be authorised pursuant to Articles 17 and 19 of the Staff Regulations of officials of the European Union, laid down in Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68 , and Article 11 of the Conditions of employment of other servants of the European Union, laid down in the same Regulation, to obey the summons by the committee, to attend for examination as a witness and to submit statements and give evidence in person. Furthermore, it must be possible to summon before a committee of inquiry the Commissioners responsible for the matter under investigation if their testimony is considered to be of material importance and necessary for a thorough appraisal of the matter under investigation.
Amendment 10 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. Whereas support for human rights defenders is a long-established element of the European Union's human rights external relations policy, and whereas in particular the European Union is specifically concerned with strengthening protection of human rights, as provided for in the Lisbon Treaty, through the accession of the European Union to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR),
Amendment 34 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Regrets that despite existing tools and mechanisms, within the European Union no coherent and systematic protection for human rights defenders has been achieved; recommends the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to actively look into developing a more result-oriented methodology in this regardeffective methodology;
Amendment 38 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers that the EU needs to express its political and substantive support to the action of human rights defenders and thus, to use all existing tools and develop new mechanisms to support and promote the work of human rights defenders through a participative strategy, which should contribute to an enabling environment for defenders in which they can perform their duties and enjoy protection; underlines that this must be combined with a policy aimed at prevention and protection from hostilities, through both urgent and long term measures;
Amendment 40 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Considers that the EU must set specific criteria defining the concept of human rights defender, since, under the United Nations 1998 Declaration, the term human rights defender remains particularly broad and vague, thereby hampering the proper appreciation and evaluation of the work and contribution of genuine human rights defenders;
Amendment 49 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reminds that implementation by the EU missions of the guidelines on human rights defenders has so far been unsatisfactory, but through the Lisbon Treaty, Commission delegations in third countries will now have a rare opportunity to address this issue as they become Union delegations, with an increasingly important role in terms of representation of the EU and the implementation of the human rights policy; reiterates therefore its call to systematically appoint a highly qualified political official with a specific responsibility on human rights and democracy, and to integrate guidelines and develop best practices on human rights and their implementation in EU mission staff training programmes, job descriptions and appraisal processes;
Amendment 54 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers it necessary to improve contacts, and systematically follow up on the latter, with the independent civil society, as well as access for human rights defenders to EU delegations and missions on the ground; welcomes in this regard the request by the Spanish Presidency to appoint a common local liaison officer from amongst the EU missions for human rights defenders, with the responsibility to coordinate the activities of the European Union; considers that this would facilitate exchange of information with civil society by promoting increased access to information concerning human rights violations and cooperation with civil society which will at the same time ensure transparency in the way in which they exercise their responsibilities and the possibility of a rapid reaction in case of emergency; requests the EP to be informed of these appointments;
Amendment 76 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. As regards receipt of domestic and foreign funding, specific criteria which are, in principle, indicative and non- exhaustive must be adopted in order to boost transparency and controls. Criteria which may be taken into account purely indicatively include: the nature of the organisation of human rights defenders, the number of participants, the degree of urgency in seeking financial support, an analysis of the intervention plan for defending human rights and the needs of the local community. Measures must be taken to ensure that account is taken of any other criterion which may be invoked by human rights defenders if it is considered essential for carrying out their work;
Amendment 82 #
2009/2199(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Condemns the climate of impunity for violations committed against defenders prevailing in numerous countries of the world; calls upon the Council and the Commission to raise this issue in their bilateral contacts, urging all states to ensure that perpetrators, regardless of their position or function, are brought to justice through independent and effective disciplinary and criminal procedures, bearing in mind always the possibility of appealing finally, after exhausting the domestic judicial instances of a state, to the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 4 #
2009/2142(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Urges the Commission to make every effort to ensure that Parliament and the Council are treated as equals in the law- making process, in particular by simultaneously and comprehensively notifying both institutions of all events and developments affecting that process;
Amendment 47 #
2009/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. the redistribution of parliamentary seats among States needs to take place on a regular basis in order to reflect demographic change in the resident populations of the States and to respect strictly respect the principle of degressive proportionality; it may be possible to reach agreement on an apolitical, mathematical formula which would respect the criteria laid down in the Treaties and spelt out in the Act1,
Amendment 59 #
2009/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital X
Recital X
X. the TEU provides that ‘[p]olitical parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union’1, and to this end, European political parties are in the position to request for a common European statute,
Amendment 76 #
2009/2134(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Proposes that a redistribution of the existing 751 seats among States will take place, if justified objectively by figures established by Eurostat, based on the total resident population, before every election; the redistribution will be made in accordance with a mathematical formula respecting the criteria laid down in the Treaties, and will be announced at least twelve months before the end of the mandate;
Amendment 99 #
2009/2134(INI)
Article 14 – paragraph 2
2. The European Parliament shall be composed of representatives of the Union's citizens. 2a. Theyre shall not exceedbe seven hundred and fifty in number, plus the Presidentone seats allocated to constituencies established in the Member States. Representation of citizens shall be degressively proportional, with a minimum threshold of six members per Member State. No Member State shall be allocated more than ninety-six seats. The European Council shall adopt by unanimity, on the initiative of the European Parliament and with its consent, a decision establishing the composition of the European Parliament, respecting the principles referred to in the first subparagraphdistribution of those seats among the States shall be reviewed regularly. Not later than twelve months before the end of the mandate of each Parliament the European Council shall adopt by unanimity, on the initiative of the European Parliament and with its consent, a decision on the redistribution of seats. 2b. In addition, there shall be twenty-five seats allocated to a single constituency comprising the entire territory of the Union.
Amendment 115 #
2009/2134(INI)
Article 2 a (new)
Article 2a For the purposes of distributing seats between Member States in accordance with the principle of degressive proportionality pursuant to Article 14(2a) of the Treaty on European Union, the ratio between the population and the number of seats of each State must vary in relation to their respective populations in such a way that each Member from a more populous State represents more citizens than each Member from a less populous State and also, conversely, that no less populous State has more seats than a more populous State.
Amendment 8 #
2009/2002(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Points out that a failure to take specific initiatives with measurable outcomes so that European citizens learn the extent and far-reaching nature of the project of European construction and realise the benefits which have accrued and continue to accrue for the freedom of the peoples of Europe would be a very grave strategic error with incalculable repercussions.
Amendment 6 #
2009/0155(NLE)
Draft opinion
last paragraph
last paragraph
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to draw up an interim report under Rule 81(3)propose that Parliament give its consent.
Amendment 7 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The visa liberalisation dialogue initiated by the Commission with a regional approach and a European perspective, includes countries of the Western Balkans, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia on an equal footing and without any discrimination. The composition of the lists of third countries in Annexes I and II to Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 of 15 March 2001 should be, and should remain, consistent with the criteria laid down in recital (5) thereto. Some third countries, for which the situation has changed as regards these criteria, should be transferred from one Annex to the otherThe same criteria laid down in the roadmaps for visa liberalisation should be applied to all countries concerned.
Amendment 8 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) All of the Western Balkan countries that have met the benchmarks should be admitted to the visa-free travel regime from the beginning of 2010. Those countries that, despite having made substantial progress, have not fully met the benchmarks should be granted the same privilege as soon as they meet the benchmarks as set out in the corresponding roadmaps for visa liberalisation.
Amendment 11 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) With the aim of furthering the implementation of the Thessaloniki agenda and as part of its regional approach, the Commission should start a visa dialogue with Kosovo and establish a tailor-made roadmap for visa facilitation and liberalisation similar to those established with other Western Balkan countries. This should be without prejudice to Member States' competence as regards the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
Amendment 15 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) As regards Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Commission should, without delay and not later than in the spring of 2010, present its report on the achievements made by those two countries in meeting all the benchmarks set in the roadmap.
Amendment 16 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 b (new)
Recital 4 b (new)
Amendment 17 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 c (new)
Recital 4 c (new)
(4c) The Council, while commending the relevant recent progress achieved by Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina towards meeting the benchmarks, calls on the relevant Albanian and Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to adopt, without delay, the necessary reforms to fully meet the benchmarks.
Amendment 18 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 d (new)
Recital 4 d (new)
(4d) The Council asks the Commission to assist the relevant authorities of Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina in this respect.
Amendment 21 #
2009/0104(CNS)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
Article 1 - paragraph 1 - point a a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 539/2001
Annex I - part 1
Annex I - part 1
(aa) in Part 1, the references to Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina are replaced by the following: "Albania**, Bosnia and Herzegovina ** ------------------- ** The exemption from the visa requirement granted to holders of biometric passports will apply in accordance with Community law"
Amendment 28 #
0000/2013(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States and the political parties to ensure that the names of the candidates selected to stand for election to the European Parliament are made public at least sixten weeks before the start of polling, that is to say at the start of AprilMarch 2014;