2008/0187(COD)

Hannes SWOBODA

Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Article 1 – point 5 – point a

Regulation (EC) No 717/2007
Article 4 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3

By way of derogation from the second subparagraph, the home provider may apply an initial minimum charging period not exceeding 30 seconds to calls made which are subject to a Eurotariff. If the retail operator makes use of this possibility, a termination charge can also be levied at wholesale level for no more than 30 seconds, but not for a greater number seconds than the retail operator charges for.

2009/02/02
Committee: ITRE

2008/0083(COD)

Pervenche BERÈS, Ieke van den BURG, Manuel MEDINA ORTEGA, Hannes SWOBODA

Robert GOEBBELS, Françoise GROSSETÊTE, Philippe BUSQUIN, Hannes SWOBODA

Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 1 – point 8

Directive 2003/87/EC
Article 10b

Measures to support certain energy intensive industries in the event of carbon Not later than June 2011, the Commission shall, in the light of the outcome of the international negotiations and the extent to which these lead to global greenhouse gas emission reductions, and after consulting with all relevant social partners, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council an analytical report assessing the situation with regard to energy-intensive sectors or sub-sectors that have been determined to be exposed to significant risks of carbon leakage. This shall be accompanied by any appropriate proposals, which may include: – adjusting the proportion of allowances received free of charge by those sectors or sub-sectors under Article 10a; – inclusion in the Community scheme of importers of products produced by the sectors or sub-sectors determined in accordance with Article 10a. Any binding sectoral agreements which lead to global emissions reductions of the magnitude required to effectively address climate change, and which are monitorable, verifiable and subject to mandatory enforcement arrangements shall also be taken into account when considering what measures are appropriate. Requirement for importers to surrender allowances leakage 1. As from 1 January 2013, importers of products determined in accordance with the conditions laid down in paragraph 2 below and for which a methodology has been established in accordance with the conditions laid down in paragraph 3 shall be, respectively, required to surrender allowances or authorised to receive free allowances in accordance with the procedures laid down in paragraph 3. 2. The products giving rise to the provisions of paragraph 1 are those which present a risk of carbon leakage and which come from countries which, in the case of developed countries, have not undertaken commitments comparable to those of the European Union in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and, in the case of emerging countries, have not put in place appropriate new actions which can be measured, communicated and verified. In the light of the outcome of the international negotiations, the Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 23(2), shall establish, by 30 June 2010, a list of the countries of origin affected by these provisions. Also in the context of the procedure provided for in Article 23(2), the Commission shall establish a list of sectors and products giving rise to those provisions by assessing the risk of emissions leakage based on the sectors referred to in Article 10a(8) and the following criteria: (a) the impact of the emissions trading scheme, in terms of marginal cost (including through an opportunity cost) in the case of a free allocation or average cost in the case of an auction, on production costs; (b) the extent to which it is possible for individual installations in the sector concerned to reduce emission levels, for instance by using the most efficient technologies; (c) market structure, relevant geographic and product market and exposure of the sectors to international competition; (d) the effect of climate change and energy policies implemented, or expected to be implemented, outside the EU in the sectors concerned; (e) predictable changes in global and regional demand for each sector; (f) the cost of transport of goods for the sector; (g) the cost of investing in the construction of a new production unit for the sector in question. The provisions laid down in paragraph 1 shall not apply to imports of goods produced in countries or regions linked to the EU emissions trading scheme under the provisions of Article 25 of this Directive. 3. The quantity of allowances which importers shall be required to surrender shall be equivalent to the difference between: - on the one hand, the average greenhouse gas emission per tonne produced resulting from the Community- wide production of the goods concerned, multiplied by the tonnage of imported goods. In this second calculation, the average emission may be replaced by a more favourable emission factor if the importer is able to provide proof, on the basis of an audit carried out by a verifying entity accredited by the European Union, that the production process at the origin of his products produces lower emissions than the European average; and, on the other hand, the average quantity of free allowances for the production of those products Community- wide. The difference between the first and second aggregate shall determine, if positive, the quantity of allowances which the importers are required to surrender, or, if negative, the quantity which they may receive free of charge. To determine the average quantity of greenhouse gas resulting from the Community-wide production of various goods or categories of goods, the Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 23(2), shall take into account the reported emissions, verified in accordance with the conditions laid down in Article 14. 4. To facilitate the establishment of the method for calculating the surrender of allowances on import in accordance with paragraph 3, the Commission may require operators to report on the manufacture of the products concerned, and require independent verification of that reporting in accordance with the guidelines adopted pursuant to Articles 14 and 15. Those requirements may include reporting on the levels of emissions covered by the EU emissions trading scheme which are associated with the manufacture of each product or category of products. 5. A regulation adopted in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 23(2) shall lay down the conditions for surrender or free allocation of allowances for importers. That regulation shall also set out the conditions under which importers to whom this article applies shall declare the necessary surrender of allowances with regard to the quantity of goods imported. 6. The total quantity of allowances which the Member States may auction in accordance with Article 10 shall be increased by the quantity of allowances surrendered by importers to meet the requirement referred to in paragraph 1, and reduced by the quantity of allowances received by importers pursuant to that same paragraph. These variations shall be divided up among the Member States in accordance with the rules laid down in Article 10(2). 7. The additional auction revenue generated by the requirement for importers to surrender allowances shall be divided up among the Member States in accordance with the procedures provided for in paragraph 6. The Member States shall pay 50% of that additional revenue into the global adaptation fund. 8. To meet their surrender requirement under paragraph 1, importers may use allowances, ERUs and CERs up to the percentage used by operators during the preceding year, or allowances from the emissions trading scheme of a third country which is recognised as corresponding to a level of constraint equivalent to that of the Community scheme. 9. Not later than June 2010, the Commission shall, in the light of the outcome of the international negotiations and the extent to which these lead to global greenhouse gas emission reductions, and after consulting with all relevant social partners, submit to the European Parliament and to the Council an analytical report assessing the situation with regard to energy-intensive sectors or sub-sectors that have been determined to be exposed to significant risks of carbon leakage. This shall be accompanied by any appropriate proposals for, in particular, adjusting the proportion of allowances received free of charge by those sectors or sub-sectors under Article 10a. The report shall also describe the progress of the implementing measures for setting up a border adjustment mechanism as provided for in paragraphs 1 to 8. Any binding sectoral agreements which lead to global emissions reductions of the magnitude required to effectively address climate change, and which are monitorable, verifiable and subject to mandatory enforcement arrangements shall also be taken into account when considering what measures are appropriate.

2008/06/30
Committee: ITRE

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Recital C

C. whereas the internal dimension of the Enlargement Strategy ~~directly~~ affects the Union's ability to pursue its policy objectives ~~and to achieve an ever closer Union,~~ as laid down in the Treaties,

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Reaffirms its firm commitment to the countries with which it has started membership negotiations and to the countries which have been given clear membership prospects, with the understanding that full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria ~~and compatibility with~~is imperative and that the Union's integration capacity must be ful~~filled before these countries can join the Union~~ly taken into account;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recalls that this ability not only has institutional and financial implications but also involves ~~sufficient~~the need to ensure a high level of political, social and economic cohesion within the Union;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Therefore takes the view that every enlargement must be followed by adequate consolidation and political concentration, that is to say, by a serious reassessment of the Union's policies and means in order to ensure consensus around such policies and to focus on objectives which respond to the expectations of our citizens and which guarantee the viability of the Union as a political project;deleted

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Welcomes in this respect the launch, within the framework of the EU, of the Union for the Mediterranean as a positive step in our relations with the southern neighbours; believes that this new development strengthens the argument in favour of specific contractual multilateral relations with our eastern neighbours, which, compared to their southern partners, have clear European ambitions and perspectives; recalls that, as a first step, these relations shcould translate themselves into the establishment of a Free Trade Area, to be followed by closer relations along the lines of a European Economic Area Plus (EEA +), of a European Commonwealth or of specific regional cooperation frameworks~~, for example in the Black Sea area~~;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a. Reiterates the importance of devising a more sophisticated and comprehensive EU strategy for the Black Sea region, that goes beyond the current synergy initiative; is of the opinion that the challenges for regional cooperation around the Black Sea merit a parallel initiative for the establishment of a Union for the Black Sea, which should include the EU, Turkey and all Black Sea littoral states as equal partners, while seeking the full involvement of Russia; believes that such a multilateral framework would not only offer the countries involved the possibility of strengthening their relations with the EU and benefiting from cooperation across a wide variety of policy fields, but would also allow the European Union to play a more active role in finding peaceful solutions to the region's conflicts, thus contributing positively to security in the region;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Believes at the same time that countries which enjoy clear membership prospects but still have considerable ground to cover before they can attain the political, economic and social conditions necessary to achieve candidate status, could usefully benefit from an incremental approach in their EU integration process and that this approach could involve, besides increased assistance and cooperation measures, voluntary participation in arrangements similar to the above bilateral or multilateral framework as an intermediate step towards full membership;deleted

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2271(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Welcomes ~~in this context~~ the Commission Communication on the Western Balkans of 5 March 2008 (COM(2008)0127), which outlines a range of measures for supporting the countries in the region in their efforts towards EU integration and for deepening our relations with them, whether in the areas of trade, energy, education and/or research, as a significant step towards fulfilling the European Union's 2003 Thessaloniki commitments; believes that such measures should include also the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia and calls on all Member States to overcome their reservations in this respect;

2008/04/28
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Is pleased to record considerable progress achieved since the last Progress Report, published by the Commission in November 2007; welcomes in particular the adoption of the Law on the Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Council of Prosecutors as well as the Law on the Committee for Inter-Community Relations and the decision on the final appointment to the Judicial Council;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. AWelcomes the continued efforts in the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia isare increasingly emphasising recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work, such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday days, and the agreement reached on the choice of 45 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that the renewed political momentum on the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia results from a strong commitment expressed by all political forces; welcomes the regular and intensive dialogue pursued between the leaders of the four major political parties (VMRO- DPMNE, SDSM, DPA and DUI), which has resulted in the adoption of a number of laws, as well as measures relevant for further EU integration;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Commends the commitment of the leaders of the major political parties represented in the Parliament to continue to work towards achieving progress on the remaining issues on which there are differences, such as the use of languages and the social package for the victims of the 2001 conflict;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Welcomes the progress made in respect of economic reforms; however, urges the government to address the issue of high unemployment;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the 2005 Law on the Use of Community Flags allows ~~communities’ national symbols be placed on and near local government offices~~a minority community which is in a majority within a municipality to use its flag; notes that disquiet arose following the Constitutional Court judgment of 24 October 2007 on the use of national community symbols by local authorities, which gave the impression that, contrary to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, use of the ~~flag depicting the~~state flag of Albania~~n eagle~~ would no longer be allowed, and welcomes the government’s interpretation that the Constitutional Court judgment on national symbols does not mean that flags at local government offices, including Albanian symbols, must be removed; calls on all parties to discuss this issue in the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and international standards;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes the Institutional Platform and the principles adopted by the government for the negotiation process for accession of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union; observes that the Platform – chaired by the opposition leader – sets the institutional priorities of the country in the preparatory stage of the negotiation process, by precisely allocating the necessary institutional set-up, human resources and budgetary funding;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability; trusts that there will be further consultations in order to achieve a consensus;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Welcomes the fact that marked progress has been achieved in the fight against organised crime and corruption in 2007, as well as significant progress in the fight against trafficking in persons and narcotics;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty Int~~Notes that, on 7 November 2007, a large police operation took place around the village of Brodec, north of Tetovo, with the aim of apprehending a number of alleged criminals, including those who had escaped from the Dubrava prison in Kosovo in July 2007; notes that six members of the so-called "Brodec gang" were killed during the opernation~~al to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo di~~, that a further 13 individuals from the village were detained by the Ministry of Interior and that light and heavy weaponry was found in Brodec that included heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles; acknowledges that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional and effective manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties and that the composition of the police forces involved was ethnically mixed;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes the fact that the government has publicly stated that it will rebuild the mosque and other infrastructure damaged in the police operation in Brodec; expresses concern about some reports that detainees may have been subjected to maltreatment on being arrested; calls on the Ombudsman to fully investigate the situation;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European Union; Welcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to people contacts between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece, regrets, however that since the adoption of its Resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find mutually acceptable solution to the differences that has arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to overcome the issue, that in no circumstances should become an obstacle to the membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the international organizations, as provided in the Interim Accord of 1995;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Doris PACK, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Welcomes the active participation of the country in the establishment of the Regional Cooperation Council and its constructive position on the Kosovo status process; expresses serious concern over the delay on the technical demarcation of the border with Kosovo; welcomes the good cooperation with Kosovo in trade, customs and police matters maintaining at same time good neighbourly relations with Serbia;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b (new). Commends the country for its cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), notably its participation in the EU mission ALTHEA and its willingness to contribute to the development of the ESDP capabilities and future EU-led civilian and military crisis management missions; pays tribute to the soldiers of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who participated in ALTHEA mission and who lost their lives in a tragic crash of a helicopter outside Skopje in January 2008; expresses deepest condolences to their families;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2268(INI)

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)

16c (new). Welcomes the entry into force of the visa facilitation and readmission agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; supports the intention of the European Commission to launch a dialogue on visa liberalisation with the objective of establishing a road map with an ultimate aim of a visa free regime; commends the introduction of passports with biometric security features, the establishment of the National visa information system and the Visa Center, the implementation of the Integrated Border Management system;

2008/02/12
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas membership of the European Union involves a commitment to overcoming nationalistic divisions and achieving reconciliation between peoples, all of which entails a voluntary delegation of powers in certain key policy areas, whereas Croatia has undertaken substantial and successful efforts in this regard, efforts which have borne visible results,

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Congratulates the Croatian authorities on their continued efforts towards an impartial prosecution of domestic war crimes, and urges them to exercise continuous vigilance in order to avert the risk of ethnically biased rulings and to ensure that all measures are in place to protect the integrity of the judicial process; calls in this context for urgent additional measures for the protection of witnesses, including the adoption of strengthened legal provisions;

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recalls the need to ensure adequate implementation of the Constitutional Law for National Minorities (CLNM), particularly with regard to bilingual teaching in schools and bilingualism in public administration and the planned employment guarantees concerning the adequate representation of minorities within the judiciary and public administration; commends Croatia for the exemplary measures taken in order to facilitate the integration of minorities into social and political mainstream system; refers in particular to the representation and role within the Sabor and to the appointment as Deputy Prime Minister of a representative of the Serb community;

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8a. Takes the view that the Croatia educational system, whilst preserving and enhancing the cultural and social tradition of each national community, should strongly promote greater integration and cohesion within Croatia society;

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Regrets the fact that the Croatian government has decided to introduce unilaterally the Ecological and Fishing Protection Zone (ZERP) in the Adriatic, thus reneging on the agreement reached in 2004 with the Italian and Slovenian authorities; reminds Croatia that, unless a commonly agreed solution is found, this could have serious repercussions on the pace of the accession negotiations; urges at the same time the Italian and Slovenian authorities to engage constructively in overcoming the current stalemate and reaching a compromise which, whilst safeguarding the ecological balance in the Adriatic, a common concern for all parties, takes the interests of all parties into account;

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2267(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Calls in this context on the Commission to step up its efforts and increase the resources allocated for preparing, processing and finalising negotiating material so that the EU can respond rapidly and efficiently to progress made by Croatia in meeting the relevant opening and closing benchmarks;

2008/02/13
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Strongly believes that European Union can make an impact and conduct a genuine, effective and credible CFSP only if it ~~speak~~clearly defines wit~~h one voice, has the appropriate instruments at its disposal~~s common objectives, provides itself with the appropriate instruments, in such a way as to ensure consistency between objectives and means, speaks with one voice and enjoys the strong democratic legitimacy afforded by the European Parliament's scrutiny; at the same time, considers that the key objectives of the CFSP can only be attained if the European Parliament itself speaks with a common voice and, in this respect, encourages a clearer delimitation of competences between its specialised bodies dealing with the CFSP, from a thematic and geographic perspective;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Calls on the Member States to commit themselves to consult~~ing~~ their EU partners and the High Representative before adopting strategic decisions in the area of foreign policy, particularly in multilateral organisations, ~~which may~~in order that their positions with respect to strategic decisions are at least coherent, convergent and compatible and do not affect the coherence and cohesion of the EU's external action ~~and may~~or undermine the EU's credibility as a global player vis-à-vis third countries;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. While recognising progress in the structure of the report, especially the inclusion of more forward-looking planning alongside the description of activities carried out in the previous year, invites the Council~~, where appropriate,~~ to take into account for the next annual report the resolutions and/or recommendations adopted by Parliament;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Recognises that considerable progress has been achieved in relations between the Council and Parliament, especially through the establishment of new and more flexible channels of communication an; considers, however that Parliament has to adopt a firmer position towards the issues discussed, which should be systematically dealt with in the Council; points out that progress has also been achieved through the increased contacts between the institutions, including regular exchanges of views with the High Representative and more frequent appearances by EU Special Representatives as well as other senior officials before Parliament, however, considers that there is room for further progress, particularly with regard to the timing of such appearances, which should also reflect the agenda of Parliament and its competent bodies;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Proposes that priority be given in 2008 to a limited number of subjects which better relate to the concerns of European citizens and to their expectations as regards the role to be played by the Union in international affairs; takes the view that those subjects are: security through cooperation and development, including energy security, climate change, ~~migration management, human rights and civil liberties~~the development of stability in the neighbouring regions, challenges stemming from economic and social cleavages with a potential negative impact on global security and stability, including the management of global terrorism and global organised crime, and also migration management, and that they complement the priorities and objectives pursued by the Community's external action; in this context, welcomes the report by the Commission and the High Representative to the Council on climate change and international security;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Is of the view that the importance of the foreign policy dimension of energy security, including the Union's dependence on energy and other strategic supplies from unstable or undemocratic countries and regions, will continue to increase in 2008; recommends wide-ranging diversification of energy sources and energy transport routes and increased energy efficiency as well as solidarity in energy policy among EU Member States; deplores the ~~use of energy by third parties as a political instrument and the~~ uncoordinated signing of bilateral energy agreements by Member States, which undermine the interests of the EU as a whole and of other Member States; reiterates its call for the creation of the post of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy under the authority of the future double- hatted High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, with responsibility for coordinating the Union's activities in this field; regrets in this connection the lack of any response from the Council and the Commission to Parliament's above- mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Reiterates that strengthening global governance, international institutions and the value of international law remains a vital interest for the Union's external action; underlines in this regard the crucial role to be played by the United Nations in support of effective multilateralism, and stresses that the Union must stand united while urging its partners to pursue the development and consolidation of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, as a common basis for a prosperous and secure world; reaffirms its commitment to the UN Millennium Goals, in particular the global fight against poverty;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Asks those permanent members of the UN Security Council that are EU Member States to cooperate more closely with EU Member States that are not permanent members;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Insists on the need for the effective implementation of human rights clauses and of non-proliferation and counter- terrorism provisions ~~and the inclusion of an energy security clause~~ in agreements with third countries, in order to ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the EU's external policies;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Is of the view that the Union's enlargement process remains a key issue for 2008 and that it should be based on the Union's capacity to integrate new Member States (taking account of the impact of enlargement on its institutions, its financial resources and its capacity to pursue its political objectives);deleted

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

~~17.~~ Considers that stability in the Western Balkans should be the top priority for the EU in 2008, in line with the Council's view as set out in its Annual Report for 2006; therefore attaches the utmost importance to the redoubling of efforts to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU, including the introduction of a visa-free regime, the stepping-up of regional cooperation in areas such as trade, transport, energy, and the participation of Western Balkans countries in Community programmes; believes that the~~se step~~ stronger emphasis on economic and social issues which this involves would facilitate and underpin those countries' preparations for EU accession, in line with the Thessaloniki Agenda;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Is of the view that, given the current situation in Serbia following Kosovo's declaration of independence, dialogue with Belgrade should be based on concrete assistance and cooperation measures, and that particular emphasis should be placed on strengthening ties with all democratic parties and civil society in areas of common interest; considers that the EU should develop adequate policies and initiate appropriate processes in order to integrate Kosovo in the international legal order and to avoid the self-imposed isolation of Serbia in relation to the European legal order;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

~~22.~~ Believes in this context that the Union should focus its attention on developing economic cooperation, political stability and democracy in the three key regional cooperation areas, namely the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)

22a. Recommends that new multilateral structures for dialogue and cooperation with our southern and eastern neighbours should be created, and that an EU- Mediterranean Union and an EU-Black Sea Union could give our neighbours a chance of being involved as partners in a wide range of important policies such as economic and social development, security, migration, energy, the environment, etc; is convinced that, besides improving coordination of EU policies with those of our neighbours, this would also enhance regional cooperation between our neighbours; believes that Turkey as a candidate country should play an important role in both communities, and that Russia should be invited to cooperate with the EU within the EU-Black Sea Union; underlines that this initiative does not affect any present or future enlargement process;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Recommends that political and economic relations with China and ASEAN be deepened in 2008, on condition that substantial progress be made in the field of democracy and human rights, maintaining a constructive dialogue with the authorities in this connection, a fortiori in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics; asks China to develop a forward-looking comprehensive approach to the reconstruction of the country, with enhanced respect for its different peoples and its cultural traditions; recognises ASEAN’s growing role as a force for regional stability and prosperity; believes that the EU and ASEAN have great potential for increased cooperation based in part on ASEAN's progress with regard to regional integration and in the fields of democracy and human rights;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2219(INI)

Adrian SEVERIN, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46

46. Invites the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to organise meetings with chairpersons of the relevant Committee and Subcommittees and inter- parliamentary delegations on emerging crises or international security events, building on the current practice of informal joint meetings between members of the PSC and the chairpersons of Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs and of its Security and Defence and Human Rights Subcommittees;

2008/04/15
Committee: AFET

2007/2217(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Véronique DE KEYSER, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Reaffirms the precedence of ODIHR election observation missions in the OSCE area, where the EU does not as a rule deploy election observation missions; commends the ODIHR for the quality of its work and its adherence to high standards of transparency and independence; expresses its concern about statements and actions of some OSCE participating States that call into question the ODIHR’s mandate and undermine the effectiveness of its missions; calls on OSCE participating States and on the European Council to uphold the ODIHR’s position as the principal election-monitoring body in the OSCE area;

2008/03/07
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph – 1a (new)

-1 a. Underlines the importance of a thorough and objective environmental impact assessment of Nord Stream, particularly given the fragility of the Baltic seabed; is of the opinion that full account should be taken of all relevant environmental and safety aspects in the preparation, construction and operational phases of any gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea; emphasises that a final judgment of the environmental effects of Nord Stream can only be made after the completion of the impact assessment, and welcomes the Commission’s commitment to monitor closely all developments concerning the environmental impact assessment within the framework of the Espoo Convention;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Is of the opinion that Nord Stream is an infrastructure project with a wide political and strategic dimension for both the EU and Russia; underlines that it is primarily driven by Russian commercial and political interests, aimed at delivering gas straight from Russia to Western Europe, bypassing the transit states; underlines that this project increases Russia's energy leverage over the EU and its neighbours and decreasestakes due note of the concerns expressed by the Baltic littoral states regarding the construction and maintenance of the pipeline; underlines that the ability of small littoral states to act as security providers in the Baltic Sea region; c~~onsiders that since the project goes against the priorities of several EU Member States, it~~annot be seen in isolation from the EU's ability to act as a unified entity and speak with one voice on energy issues and recalls its resolution of 26 September 2007 on a common European foreign policy on energy1; undermlines th~~e EU's ability to act as a unified entity and speak with one vo~~at the project has been labelled a project of European interest in the latest guidelines on Trans-European Energy Networks (TENE-E), adopted in September 2006, and that it should be planned in the spirit of the common European foreign policey on energy ~~issues; 1~~; Or. en Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0413.

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Reiterates the importance of the EU's energy partnership with Russia and draws attention once again to the fact that this strategic partnership can only be based on the principle of non-discrimination and fair treatment and on equal market access conditions;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)

3b. Considers that aspects of energy solidarity within the European Union should be taken into account by all Member States in their decisions on energy infrastructure projects; underscores that European energy solidarity critically depends on both transparent and mutually enforceable agreements with producer countries and the existence of a functioning internal energy market, as well as an interconnecting energy infrastructure;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)

3c. Calls on the Council and the Commission to address environmental issues and energy security concerns within the framework of the EU’s energy dialogue with Russia; recalls its opinion that the principles and substance of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Transit Protocol thereto must be included in cooperation agreements with third countries, including the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Russia;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Therefore asks the Commission and the Member States ~~to put forward the following demands and to call for: - a thorough assessment of~~: - to assess the various transparency, economic ~~and~~, budget-related, regulatory and legal aspects of the Nord Stream and its affiliated companies; - a thorough legal assessment aimed at determining whether a broader set of legal framework is applicable; - a thorough assessment of the need for the project and consideration of all alternatives, including the Amber and Yamal II pipelines; - a truly independentproject; - to undertake a study of Nord Stream’s contribution to Europe’s energy needs, including a consideration of all alternatives; - to ensure that the concerns of all littoral states are duly taken into account in the environmental impact assessment,; - to ~~be commissioned with the approval of all littoral States; - R~~reiterate its call for the ratification of, and commitment to the full implementation of the provisions of, the Espoo Convention and the Energy Charter Treaty, including its Transit Protocol, ~~as an act of good faith and to encourage the Russian Federation's confidence in the project; - opportunities for equal participation by all the littoral States~~by Russia;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Suggests, further, that the permission for the construction and maintenance of the pipeline should be managed~~Underlines the importance of open and transparent communication on all relevant environmental, security and safety aspects by anthe Executive Board ~~nominated by all the littoral states with the participation, where appropriate, of the Commission~~of Nord Stream with all littoral states at all times;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2118(INI)

Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA, Vural ÖGER

Draft opinion
Paragraph 7

7. Notes the lack of institutional structures capable of responding adequately to the environmental and geopolitical security issues associated with th~~is project~~e development of external energy infrastructure, and once again calls on the Council to consider the proposal for the creation of the office of High Official for Foreign Energy Policy, who, wearing a "double hat", would act under the authority of the newly created strengthened High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a Vice-President of the Commission;

2008/04/18
Committee: AFET

2007/2038(DEC)

Hannes SWOBODA, Dan JØRGENSEN, Paulo CASACA

Proposal for a decision
Paragraph 1

1. GPostpones its decision on grantsing its President discharge for implementation of the European Parliament budget for the financial year 2006;

2008/03/10
Committee: CONT

2007/2038(DEC)

Hannes SWOBODA, Dan JØRGENSEN, Paulo CASACA

Motion for a resolution
Heading before paragraph -1 (new)

Reasons for postponement

2008/03/10
Committee: CONT

2007/2038(DEC)

Hannes SWOBODA, Dan JØRGENSEN, Paulo CASACA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)

-1. Urges its President to set up a working group which should immediately prepare, together with the competent Commission services, an assistants' statute to be proposed to the Council for adoption under the French presidency so that it can be applied as from the same day as the new Members' Statute;

2008/03/10
Committee: CONT

Hannes SWOBODA

Proposal for a regulation – amending act
Recital 3

(3) However, at present, the right to sell gas in any Member State on equal terms, without discrimination or disadvantage cannot be guaranteed to anyll companyies in ~~the Community~~all Member States. In particular, non- discriminatory network access and an equally effective level of regulatory supervision in each Member State do not yet exist.

2008/04/14
Committee: ITRE

Hannes SWOBODA

Norbert GLANTE, Robert GOEBBELS, Edit HERCZOG, Atanas PAPARIZOV, Anni PODIMATA, Bernhard RAPKAY, Hannes SWOBODA, Catherine TRAUTMANN

Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. The Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council annually on the formal and practical implementation of this Directive in each Member State."

2008/03/19
Committee: ITRE

2007/0195(COD)

Norbert GLANTE, Robert GOEBBELS, Edit HERCZOG, Atanas PAPARIZOV, Anni PODIMATA, Bernhard RAPKAY, Hannes SWOBODA, Catherine TRAUTMANN

Proposal for a directive – amending act
Article 2 – paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. On the basis of public consultations and of discussions with the competent authorities and after having received an opinion by the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, and six years following the entry into force of this Directive, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council on the desirability of maintaining or amending this Directive. The several versions of restructuring electricity companies laid down in Articles 8a to 8d, 10 and 10b of Directive 2003/54/EC shall be verified in particular in terms of the effectiveness of their impact on network access and the necessary investments.

2008/03/19
Committee: ITRE

443 Amendments of Hannes SWOBODA