9 Amendments of András LÁSZLÓ related to 2024/0071(COD)
Amendment 21 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) In line with the Partnership Priorities, the EU and Egypt are committed to ensuring accountability, the rule of law, the full respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, combatting anti- Semitism and extremism, promoting democracy, gender equality and equal opportunities as constitutional rights of all their citizens. These commitments contribute to the advancement of the partnership and to Egypt’s sustainable development and stability. The increased and constructive engagement between the EU and Egypt in the last period has opened the path to more meaningful dialogue on human rights related issues. The subcommittee on Political Matters, Human Rights and Democracy, International and Regional issues of December 2022 and the Association Committee of May 2023 provided the institutional platforms to exchange on an array of human rights issues, which the EU would like to continue and build on. The improvement of the human rights situation in Egypt will have a positive impact on EU-Egypt relations.
Amendment 27 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The EU recognises Egypt's key role for regional security and stability. Terrorism, organised crime and, conflicts and illegal migration are common threats against our security and the social fabric of nations across both sides of the Mediterranean. Therefore, the EU and Egypt have a common interest in strengthening cooperation highlighted in the Partnership Priorities, in full compliance with international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law.
Amendment 29 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) Recalling the geo-political challenges, such as the consequences of the brutal Hamas terrorist attacks across Israel on 7 October 2023 as well as the conflict in Sudan, with far-reaching implications on civilians in the region, the ongoing attacks by the Houthis on cargo and energy vessels in the Red Sea with a huge impact on regional stability, trade and cargo traffic in the area, the conflict in Sudan, as well as the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the strategic importance of Egypt as the largest country in the region and a pillar of stability for the whole Middle East, where the country can play a constructive role, the Union is embarking on concluding a Strategic and Comprehensive partnership with Egypt as outlined in the Joint Declaration. There are concerns about the growing tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, particularly in regards to Egypt’s and Somalia’s closer security cooperation.
Amendment 37 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) The objective of the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership with Egypt is to elevate the EU-Egypt political relations to a strategic partnership and enable Egypt to fulfil its key role of providing stability in the region with special regards to countering illegal migration flows to Europe. The partnership aims to contribute to support Egypt’s macroeconomic resilience and enable the implementation of ambitious socio- economic reforms in a manner that complements and reinforces the reform process foreseen under the IMF programme for Egypt. As outlined in the Joint Declaration, the partnership will address a wide set of policy measures clustered across six pillars of intervention, namely: political relations; economic stability; investment and trade; migration; security and law enforcement cooperation; demography and human capital.
Amendment 43 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Egypt’s macro-fiscal situation has faced significant challenges and deteriorated substantially over recent months, as external pressures have intensified and public debt has increased further, with substantial downside risks to the economic outlook persisting. The repercussions of Russia’s war on Ukraine and of Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel have led to protracted capital outflows and lower foreign currency receipts, notably due to sharply falling income from tourism and Suez Canal proceeds., as well as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea This is particularly challenging amid Egypt’s difficult fiscal situation, which is characterised by constant fiscal deficits and high and growing debt to GDP ratios.
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Given that Egypt is a country covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, and it plays a significant role in curbing migration flows to Europe, it should be considered to be eligible to receive macro-financial assistance from the Union.
Amendment 48 #
Proposal for a decision
Recital 17
Recital 17
(17) The Union's macro-financial assistance should aim to support the restoration of a sustainable external financing situation for Egypt thereby supporting its economic and, social development and also its efforts in curbing migration flows to Europe.
Amendment 63 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. The Union shall make macro- financial assistance of a maximum amount of up to EUR 4 billion available to Egypt ("the Union's macro-financial assistance"), with a view to supporting Egypt's economic stabilisation and a substantive reform agenda, as well as fighting mass illegal migration. The release of the Union's macro-financial assistance is subject to the approval of the Union budget for the relevant year by the European Parliament and the Council. The assistance shall contribute to covering Egypt's balance of payments needs as identified in the IMF programme.
Amendment 103 #
Proposal for a decision
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(b a) assess the measures Egypt has taken to stop illegal migration flows to Europe;