264 Amendments of Metin KAZAK
Amendment 6 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to Decision No 1/95 of the EC-Turkey Association Council of 22 December 1995 on implementing the final phase of the Customs Union (Decision 1/95),
Amendment 21 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)
Citation 13 a (new)
– having regard to the visa dialogue between the EU and Turkey, which has been launched in December 2013 and is paving the way for visa free travel for Turkish citizens,
Amendment 27 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
– having regard to the fact that Turkey, for the eighth consecutive year, has still not implemented the provisions stemming from the EC-Turkey Association Agreement and the Additional Protocol thereto as well as the failure of the European Union to lift the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community promised in the EU Council Conclusions of 26 April 2004,
Amendment 52 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that a renewed mutual engagement in the context of the negotiation process is needed to maintain a constructive relationship; stresses the importance of creating the conditions for a constructive dialogue and the foundations for a common understanding;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the transformative power of accession negotiations between the Union and Turkey, which have provided Turkey with a clear reference for its reform process; stresses therefore the importance of credible negotiations based on a mutual commitment by Turkey and the Union to effective reforms furthering the democratic foundations of Turkish society, promoting fundamental values and producing positive change in the institutions, in legislation and, in the mentality of society; welcomes, therefore the opening of Chapter 22;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressWelcomes the importance of achieving a common understanding between Turkey and the EU on the relevance for both the EU and Turkey of the readmission agreement and the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular 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 liberalisationsignature by Turkey of the readmission agreement on 16 December 2013 , which enables the launch of the roadmap leading to visa liberalisation; welcomes the establishment of the General Directorate of Migration Management with the enacted Law on Foreigners and International Protection; recalls that Turkey is one of the key transit countries for irregular migration to the EU and stresses the clear benefits of facilitating access to the EU for business people, academics, students and representatives of civil society;
Amendment 131 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the establishment of new institutions, namely the Ombudsman Institution and the Turkish National Human Rights Institution which have become operational in 2013, thus creating additional mechanisms for individuals to apply for the protection of their fundamental rights and freedoms;
Amendment 170 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Welcomes the establishment of individual application to the Turkish Constitutional Court which enables Turkish citizens to use their right of individual application first in the Constitutional Court before they applied to the ECHR;
Amendment 177 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Welcomes the initiatives taken by the High Council of Judges and Prosecutors to promote the training of a large number of judges and prosecutors in the field of human rights and to promote a thorough, operational understanding of the ECtHR case law; encourages the Government to adopt the Human Rights Action Plan based on the ECtHR case law and aimed at addressing issues raised in judgements of the Court where Turkey was found to have violated ECHR provisions; encourages the Government to continue with ambitious judicial reforms built on the need to advance the defence and the promotion of fundamental rights; stresses, in this regard, the need to continue to reform the anti- terror law as a matter of priority;
Amendment 216 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Strongly supports the Government’s initiative to strive for a settlement of the Kurdish problem on the basis of negotiations with the PKKhat aims at putting an end to the armed terrorist attacks and the activities of the PKK terrorist organization; encourages the Government to devise the reforms directed at promoting the social, cultural and economic rights of the Kurdish community on the basis of adequate consultation of relevant stakeholders and the opposition; calls on the opposition to actively support the negotiations and the reforms as an important step for the benefit of Turkish society at large; calls on the Turkish authorities to cooperate closely withand the European Commission to cooperate closely to assess which programs under IPA could be used to promote sustainable development in the South East in the framework of negotiations on Chapter 22;
Amendment 232 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is of the opinion that social dialogue and involvement of social partners are vital for the development of a prosperous society; Underlines the importance of further progress in the areas of social policy and employment, in particular to remove all obstacles to the effective functioning of trade unions, to establish a national employment strategy, address undeclared work, widen the coverage of social protection mechanisms, and increase employment rates among women and people with disabilities; stresses the importance of opening Chapter 19 on social policy and employment;
Amendment 257 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates its strong support for the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement with established UN parameters of bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality for both communities; asks Turkey to continue supporting actively support the negotiations aimed at a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General and in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions; calls on Turkey to begin withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls on the Republic ofthe Republic of Cyprus to allow the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation which would enable the Turkish Cypruiots to open the port of Famagusta, under EU customs supervision, in ordertrade directly with the EU, in a manner that is acceptable to all and to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations, and to allow Turkish Cypriots to trade directly in a legal manner that is acceptable to all; takes note of the proposals by the Government of Cyprus to address the above issues;
Amendment 312 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses the importance of free trade agreements (FTA) to establish global value chains and boost the EU’s global competitiveness; calls on the Commission to develop a comprehensive dialogue and cooperation with Turkey regarding FTA negotiations with third countries, to fully benefit from these agreements taking into account the high level of economic and industrial integration between the EU and Turkey, as well as the obligation to conduct the Common Commercial Policy within the Customs Union that requires the Parties to have the same preferential trade regimes;
Amendment 314 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Calls on the Commission to develop closer coordination with Turkey in the TTIP negotiations to make full use of the EU’s and Turkey’s joint economic potential;
Amendment 315 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Notes that road transportation restrictions between the EU and Turkey create an obstacle to further development of bilateral trade between the parties; asks the Commission, the Member States and Turkey to find a mutually acceptable solution for those issues;
Amendment 316 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)
Paragraph 25 d (new)
25d. Notes that the increased involvement of Turkey to EU’s decision making mechanisms in areas related to the functioning of the Customs Union and especially in the formation of the common commercial policy could facilitate Turkey’s implementation of the EU legislation relevant to the Customs Union;
Amendment 328 #
2013/2945(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Welcomes Turkey’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrian refugees; notes that a large number ofCalls for an immediate resolution to the conflict in Syria in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for democracy, foreign fighters in Syria gain access to Syria via Turkey and asks Turkey to increase border patrols, restrict the entry of fighters and arm flows to groups credibly found to be implicated in systematic human rights violations; believedom, dignity and political pluralism within the territorial integrity and national unity of Syria; expresses the grave concern with respect to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Syria and the urgency for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access that the EU and Turkey should actively seek to develop a joint strategic vision to promote a political solution in Syria and support political and economic stability in the region, with particular reference to Jordan, Lebanon and Iraqroughout the country; welcomes Turkey’s pivotal role in its region and international arena to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people by hosting more than 600 000 Syrians in its territory and also addressing the needs of the IDPs through cross border operations; urges the international community to increase their bilateral contributions to the neighbouring countries in line with the burden sharing principle;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2177(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. supports the Commission in its efforts to do everything in its power to guarantee freedom of access to primary and secondary raw materials markets, particularly markets for iron ore, coking coal and recyclable materials, and considers that such freedom of access is an absolute pre-condition for ensuring the competitiveness of the European steel industry in global terms;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2177(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. voices its concern regarding the length of time – on average two years – that the European Commission needs to instigate anti-dumping measures whereas, in the case of the USA, this period is only six months, and calls on the Commission to take steps that will enable it to work more swiftly to address cases of dumping;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2177(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. urges the Commission to verify that the 'Surveillance 2' system ensures at least the same surveillance and monitoring guarantees against unfair subsidies dumping as the 'system of prior surveillance of imports of certain iron and steel products' ((EU) No 1241/2009);
Amendment 42 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
Amendment 46 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
Amendment 83 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Any draft guidelines should consist of a non-binding and non-legislative text that has the sole purpose of clarifying and supporting the existing practice of the Commission in conducting its anti-dumping and anti-subsidy proceedings. The aim of a guideline should be, in particular, to inform interested parties on the calculation of dumping and injury margins, on how the Union interest is taken into account, how the analogue country is determined, expiry reviews or any other information which may be considered useful to them.
Amendment 86 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article -1 (new)
Article -1 (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 1 – paragraph 4b
Article 1 – paragraph 4b
The following Article is added: ‘Article -1 For the purpose of this Regulation, it shall be understood that a raw material is the input of a given product which has a significant impact on its cost of production.’
Amendment 87 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph -1 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph -1 (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. A raw material shall be considered to be subject to structural distortion when its price is not solely the result of a normal operation of market forces reflecting supply and demand. Such distortions are the outcome of interference from third countries, which includes, inter alia, export taxes, export restrictions and dual pricing schemes.
Amendment 104 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 5 – paragraph 6
Article 5 – paragraph 6
(1a) In Article 5, paragraph 6 is replaced by the following: 6. If, in special circumstances, in particular in cases in which the industry sectors concerned consist largely of SMEs and are typically extremely diverse and fragmented, it is decided to initiate an investigation without having received a written complaint by or on behalf of the Community industry for the initiation of such investigation, this shall be done on the basis of sufficient evidence of dumping, injury and a causal link, as described in paragraph 2, to justify such initiation.
Amendment 122 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 1 (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point 1 (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 6 – paragraph 10
Article 6 – paragraph 10
Upon request, SMEs may obtain questionnaires translated into their own language. In this regard, the Commission shall duly inform them of this option when initiating its investigation.
Amendment 124 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 6 – paragraph 9
Article 6 – paragraph 9
2a. In Article 6, paragraph 9 is replaced by the following: 9. For proceedings initiated pursuant to Article 5(9), an investigation shall, whenever possible, be concluded within onine yearmonths. In any event, such investigations shall in all cases be concluded within 152 months of initiation, in accordance with the findings made pursuant to Article 8 for undertakings or the findings made pursuant to Article 9 for definitive action.
Amendment 134 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Amendment 141 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Article 7 – paragraph 1
(aa) Article 7(1) shall be replaced by the following: 1. Provisional duties mayshall be imposed if proceedings have been initiated in accordance with Article 5, if a notice has been given to that effect and interested parties have been given adequate opportunities to submit information and make comments in accordance with Article 5(10), if a provisional affirmative determination has been made of dumping and consequent injury to the Community industry, and if the Community interest calls for intervention to prevent such injury. The provisional duties shall be imposed no earlier than 60 days from the initiation of the proceedings but no later than ninesix months from the initiation of the proceedings.
Amendment 189 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
5a. In Article 11, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following: ‘2. A definitive anti-dumping measure shall expire five years from its imposition or five years from the date of the conclusion of the most recent review which has covered both dumping and injury, unless it is determined in a review that the expiry would be likely to lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. Such an expiry review shall be initiated on the initiative of the Commission, or upon request made by or on behalf of Community producers, and the measure shall remain in force pending the outcome of such review. An expiry review shall be initiated where the request contains sufficient evidence that the expiry of the measures would be likely to result in a continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. Such likelihood may, for example, be indicated by evidence of continued dumping and injury or evidence that the removal of injury is partly or solely due to the existence of measures or evidence that the circumstances of the exporters, or market conditions, are such that they would indicate the likelihood of further injurious dumping. Such likelihood may also be indicated by continuing interference by other countries. In carrying out investigations under this paragraph, the exporters, importers, the representatives of the exporting country and the Community producers shall be provided with the opportunity to amplify, rebut or comment on the matters set out in the review request, and conclusions shall be reached with due account taken of all relevant and duly documented evidence presented in relation to the question as to whether the expiry of measures would be likely, or unlikely, to lead to the continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury. A notice of impending expiry shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union at an appropriate time in the final year of the period of application of the measures as defined in this paragraph. Thereafter, the Community producers shall, no later than three months before the end of the five-year period, be entitled to lodge a review request in accordance with the second subparagraph. A notice announcing the actual expiry of measures pursuant to this paragraph shall also be published.’
Amendment 200 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 6 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 14 – paragraph 6
Article 14 – paragraph 6
6a. In Article 14, paragraph 6 is replaced by the following: ‘6. Member States shall report to the Commission every month, on the import trade in products subject to investigation and to measures, and on the amount of duties collected pursuant to this Regulation. The Commission may, upon receiving a specific reasoned request from an interested party, and after receiving the opinion of the Advisory Committee, decide to provide them with information concerning the volume and import values of these products.’
Amendment 209 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Regulation (EC) No 1225/2009
Article 19 a
Article 19 a
Amendment 242 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Article 10 – paragraph 8
Amendment 252 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 11 – paragraph 9
Article 11 – paragraph 9
2a. In Article 11, paragraph 9 is replaced by the following: ‘9. For proceedings initiated pursuant to Article 10(11), an investigation shall, whenever possible, be concluded within onine yearmonths. In any event, such investigations shall in all cases be concluded within 130 months of their initiation, in accordance with the findings made pursuant to Article 13 for undertakings or the findings made pursuant to Article 15 for definitive action. ’
Amendment 256 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 2 b (new)
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 11 – paragraph 11 (new)
Article 11 – paragraph 11 (new)
2b. Upon request, SMEs may obtain questionnaires translated into their own language. In this regard, the Commission shall duly inform them of this option when initiating its investigation.
Amendment 274 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 283 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 310 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7 a (new)
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 24 – paragraph 6
Article 24 – paragraph 6
7a. Article 24(6) shall be replaced by the following: ‘6. Member States shall report to the Commission every month, on the import trade in products subject to investigation and to measures, and on the amount of duties collected pursuant to this Regulation. The Commission may, upon receiving a specific reasoned request from an interested party, and after consulting the Advisory Committee, take decide to inform the interested parties about the volume and import values of these products.’
Amendment 318 #
2013/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 9
Regulation (EC) No 597/2009
Article 29b
Article 29b
Amendment 47 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the fact that there is an economic interdependence between the European Union and Turkey with trade between the EU and Turkey totalling EUR 120 billion in 2011; having regard to the current problems hindering the effective functioning of the Customs Union,
Amendment 50 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19
Citation 19
– having regard to Turkey's potential to play a pivotal role in diversifying energy resources and routes for oil and gas, gas and electricity transit from neighbouring countries to the EU; having regard to the potential for both Turkey and the EU to benefit from Turkey's rich renewable energy resources in creating a sustainable low-carbon economy,
Amendment 53 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 20
Citation 20
– having regard to the fact that EU dialogue and cooperation with Turkey on stability, democracy and security with particular reference to the broader Middle East are strategic; having regard to Turkey's fundamental role as a source of inspiration for the democratisation of the Arab countries in essential areas such as political and economic reforms and the establishment of institutional capacity; having regard to the fact that Turkey strongly and repeatedly condemned the Syrian regime's violence against civilians and provides vital humanitarian assistance to Syrians fleeing violence across the border,
Amendment 97 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the Council decision to iInvites the Commission to take steps towards visa liberalisation as a gradual and long term perspectiveresult- oriented process, 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 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 EUcombating illegal migration in a determined way and underlines the need to intensify cooperation with the EU on migration management, the fight against human trafficking and border controls; stresses once again before visa liberalisation 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 as a basis for bringing closer the citizens of both sides ; Reminds the Member States of their commitments to implement visa exemption under the association agreement in line with the Soysal and Savatli Ruling of the European Court of Justice of 19 February 2009;
Amendment 268 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates the need to strengthen cohesion among Turkish regions and between rural and urban areas to open opportunities for the population at large and promote economic and social inclusion; highlights the particular role of education and the need to tackle persistent and substantial regional disparities in the quality of education and enrolment rates; calls for steps conducive to the opening ofto be taken to open Chapter 22 on Regional Policy, and hopes that the impending visit of President Hollande to Turkey will provide the occasion for progress in this regard;
Amendment 285 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Deeply regrets Turkey's decision to abstain from meetings and contacts with the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and takes the view that Turkey missed an important opportunityRegrets that a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem was not reached before Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the EU, which would have enabled the new partnership state to assume the EU Presidency; recalls that Turkey had expressed its readiness to estart a process of engagement and normalisation of relations with Cyprus; recalls that the EU is based on the principles of sincere cooperation and mutublish relations with the new partnership state that would emerge following a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus through the UN; underlines that steps towards normalisation of the relations need to be taken simultaneously by all solidarity amongst all its Member Stateides concerned and that each step taken to this aend respect for the institutional frameworkshall contribute to the wellbeing of all sides;
Amendment 303 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Expresses once again its strong support to the reunification of Cyprus, based on a fair and viable settlement with agreed UN parameters of bi-zonality, bi-communality and political equality for both communities; underlines the urgency of an agreement between the two communities on how to proceed with the substantive settlement negotiations and stresses the importance of setting up a timeframe, so that the negotiating process, under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, can soon regain momentum; at leaders level; recalls onthat Turkey to beginhas often expressed its readiness to withdrawing its forces from Cyprus and transfer Famagusta to the UN in accordance with UNSC Resolution 550 (1984); calls, in parallel, on the Republic of Cyprus to open the port of Famagusta under EU customs supervision in order to promote a positive climate for the successful solution of the ongoing reunification negotiations and allowupon a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus as also stipulated in the 2004 Annan Plan; calls on the Republic of Cyprus to allow the adoption of the Direct Trade Regulation which would enable Turkish Cypriots to trade directly with the EU in a legal manner that is acceptable to all;
Amendment 322 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Encourages Turkey to intensify itsand all other sides to continue their intensive support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) which is one of the most sensitive and important projects in the island as its work affects equally lives of thousands of people on both sides of the island;
Amendment 364 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Deplores Turkey's refusal to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement towards all Member States; recalls that this refusal continues to deeply affect the process of negotiationsEmphasizes that the difference of interpretation between the EU Commission and Turkey as regards the implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement negatively affects the process of the EU- Turkey relations and therefore calls on all sides concerned to make a concerted effort towards the resolution of the Cyprus problem;
Amendment 394 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. SRecognizes the fact that the repercussions of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Syria on the security and stability of the region are multiplying; supports Turkey's commitment to democratic forces in Syria and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Syrians who fled the country; asks the Commission, the Member States and the international community to support Turkey's efforts to cope with the growing humanitarian dimension of the Syrian crisis; underlines the importance of a common understanding between the EU and Turkey on how to deliver the available humanitarian assistance to the displaced Syrians currently on Turkish territory or waiting at its borders;
Amendment 402 #
2012/2870(RSP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Welcomes the decision to enhance cooperation between the EU and Turkey on a number of important energy issues and calls onencourages Turkey to commintinue its commitment to this cooperation; believes that, in view of Turkey's strategic role, initialwelcomes the meeting of the steering group in Ankara on 14 February 2013; believes that, in view of Turkey's strategic role and plentiful wind, solar and geothermal energy resources, consideration should be given to the value of opening negotiations on Chapter 15 on energy with a view to furthering the EU-Turkey strategic dialogue on energy; considers that both the enhanced EU- Turkey energy cooperation and any eventual negotiations on Chapter 15 should encourage the development of renewable energy potential and cross- border electricity transmission infrastructure;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2711(RSP)
Paragraph 7
7. Accordingly, requests that, as a condition for authorising the Commission to negotiate an FTA with Japan, the Council insists on a binding review clause within one year of the launch of negotiations to allow for a thorough assessment of the implementation of the roadmaps for NTBs and the roadmap on public procurement for railways and urban transport agreed in the scoping exercise;
Amendment 79 #
2012/2711(RSP)
Paragraph 11, eighth indent e (new)
The elimination of regulatory barriers which impede access for European service industries particularly in investment, access to all tiers of government procurement and in addressing the dominant position of Japan Post;
Amendment 80 #
2012/2711(RSP)
Paragraph 11, eighth indent f (new)
The strengthening and extension of regulatory cooperation dialogues with binding disciplines to improve respect of international standards and regulatory harmonisation.
Amendment 17 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
- having regard to the draft UN Principles and Guidelines on effective elimination of discrimination based on Work and Descent published by the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/11/CRP.3),
Amendment 18 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 b (new)
Citation 22 b (new)
- having regard to observations and recommendations on caste discrimination by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Treaty Bodies and UN Special Procedures, noting in particular the Report of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance of 24 May 2011 (A/HRC/17/40),
Amendment 183 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Underlines that a longer-term approach covering the whole election cycle is required to appropriately follow up on the reports and recommendations of the EU Election Observation Missions; stresses the importance of drawing up realistic and achievable recommendations and of ensuring that these recommendations are monitored and become part of political dialogue and assistance by the EU delegations; considers that Parliament's standing delegations and the joint parliamentary assemblies should also play an enhanced role in following up these recommendations and analysing progress with regard to human rights and democracy;
Amendment 208 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 b (new)
Paragraph 40 b (new)
40b. Reiterates its call for the need to appoint an EU Special Representative for Tibet who would be responsible for the defence of human rights and, among other topical issues, the right to freely practice one's religion and culture in China;
Amendment 301 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71
Paragraph 71
71. Condemns the continued human rights violations committed against people suffering from caste-based discrimination, including the denial of equality and access to justice, continued segregation and caste- induced barriers to the achievement of basic human rights; requests the Council, the EEAS and the Commission to take joint action on caste-based discrimination, including in EU human rights communications, frameworks and country- based strategies and dialogues, wherever appropriate; , and to promote the draft UN Principles and Guidelines for the elimination of discrimination based on work and descent as a guiding framework to eliminate caste discrimination, and work for their endorsement by the UN Human Rights Council;
Amendment 303 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 71 a (new)
Paragraph 71 a (new)
71a. Requests the High Representative and the Special Representative for Human Rights to give full recognition to caste discrimination as a cross-cutting human rights and poverty predicament affecting most severely women;
Amendment 309 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Paragraph 72 a (new)
Amendment 321 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75
Paragraph 75
75. Urges the EU to enhance its action to end the practices of female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages, and gender-selective abortion; insists that these policies should be essential elements in EU approach to development cooperation; stresses the importance of adequate access to medical means, and of information about sexual and reproductive health and rights, to the wellbeing of women in all countries;
Amendment 327 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 75 a (new)
Paragraph 75 a (new)
75a. Notes that there continues to be insufficient attention given to sexual and reproductive rights violations that undermine efforts towards the Cairo Programme of Action (ICPD) commitments; underlines that progress on reproductive health has been limited in some contexts by violations such as child, early and forced marriage and failure to enforce a legal minimum age of marriage, coercive practices such as forced sterilisation or FGM, as well as denial of autonomy to women and girls to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health free of discrimination, coercion and violence;
Amendment 400 #
2012/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83 a (new)
Paragraph 83 a (new)
83a. Recalls that in a number of countries the prohibition, confiscation and destruction of both places of worship and religious publications, and prohibition of the training of clergy, are still common practice; urges the EU institutions, in their contacts with the relevant governments, to counter such violations;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commits itself to continue to raise consistently its expectation that EU institutions and officials, including the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, as well as the country and region specific EU Special Representatives undertake efforts to advance the human rights and business agenda in all EU external relations and actions;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Insists, in order to ensure that the implementation of the new EU CSR strategy promotes society's interests, the respect for human rights, and a route to sustainable and inclusive recoveryprogress and development, that the legislative proposal on the mandatory disclosure of non- financial information (including environmental, social, and governance information) of companies ensures transparency by providing a clear, unambiguous, common and predetermined framework, with specific reference to human rights, that is fully aligned with the UN Guiding Principles and based on objective indicators, such as the gender pay gap, and indicators and reporting guidelines referring to disability;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for human rights due diligence standards at EU level, addressing, among other issues, potentially high human rights impact and risk areas such as global and local supply chains, conflict minerals, land-grabbing and outsourcing;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for the development of more effective transparency and accountability standards for EU technology companies in relation to export of technologies that can be used to violate human rights or to act against the EU´s security interest;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls for human rights impact assessments as early as in the research and development phase of new technologies;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for the implementation of ´know your end user´ to ensure the prevention of human rights violations up or down stream in a production or market flow;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2098(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Calls for the monitoring of restrictive measures (sanctions, boycotts, embargos) at the EU level;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Commits itself to continue to raise consistently its expectation that EU institutions and officials, including the EU Special Representative on Human Rights, as well as the country and region specific EU Special Representatives undertake efforts to advance the human rights and business agenda in all EU external relations and actions;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Insists, in order to ensure that the implementation of the new EU CSR strategy promotes society's interests, the respect for human rights, and a route to sustainable and inclusive recoveryprogress and development, that the legislative proposal on the mandatory disclosure of non- financial information (including environmental, social, and governance information) of companies ensures transparency by providing a clear, unambiguous, common and predetermined framework, with specific reference to human rights, that is fully aligned with the UN Guiding Principles and based on objective indicators, such as the gender pay gap, and indicators and reporting guidelines referring to disability;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls for human rights due diligence standards at EU level, addressing, among other issues, potentially high human rights impact and risk areas such as global and local supply chains, conflict minerals, landgrabbing and outsourcing;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls for the development of more effective transparency and accountability standards for EU technology companies in relation to export of technologies that can be used to violate human rights or to act against the EU´s security interest;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Calls for human rights impact assessments as early as in the research and development phase of new technologies;
Amendment 45 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls for the implementation of ´know your end user´ to ensure the prevention of human rights violations up or down stream in a production or market flow;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14 d (new)
Paragraph 14 d (new)
14d. Calls on the monitoring of restrictive measures (sanctions, boycotts, embargos) on the EU level;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. 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 particular emphasis on internationally recognized labour and environmental standards and their enforcement in third countries;
Amendment 27 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas, as part of the review process, the Council rationalised and reframed the EU's policy on human rights and democracy in the context of its external action; whereas this redefinition is embodied in the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy, which was adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council of 25 June 2012 and complemented by an action plan clearly setting out specific objectives, a timeline, milestones for action and the allocation of responsibilities; whereas the Council nominated a Special Representative for Human Rights to enhance the visibility, effectiveness and coherence of EU human rights policy and to contribute to the implementation of its objectives, with a special by assessing the current HR instruments, consulting different partners and institutions in the field and through focusing on the implementation of the action plasubstantive issues that require immediate attention;
Amendment 108 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recommends that the EEAS develop a set of qualitative and quantitative indicators and country-specific public benchmarks that could serve as a coherent and consistent basis for the annual assessment of EU policies in the framework of the human rights country strategies and the human rights dialogues with third countries;
Amendment 120 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses that these events have demonstrated wilful blindness on the part of the EU to the reaof 2011 illustrate the shortfalls of EU politcies of Arab Spring societies, including the situation of young people in those countries, which suggests the need totowards the region, including towards the youth which could be improved by, for instance, createing exchange programmes or opening up European programmes to Arab Spring youthfor young people from the region, and for civil-society-based reflection on the causes and consequences of the lack of awareness in relation to these societies; points out that such a reflection could be enhanced by the establishment of a Euro-ArabMENA Youth Convention/Euro-Med (Mediterranean) Youth Convention;
Amendment 126 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Insists that the High Representative and the Commission implement with conviction the renewed European Neighbourhood Policy by applying with equal attention the ‘more for more’ and ‘less for less’ principles; believes that countries clearly assessed as not making progress on deep democracyly embedded institutional and social change, with primacy given to the rule of law, should see the Union's support reduced in line with the aims of this policy; is concerned about the perpetuation of past attitudes whereby excessive political reward is given for steps taken by partner governments which do not contribute to the direct achievement of the objectives;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Takes the view that the EU Strategic Framework on Human Rights and Democracy and the corresponding action plan are particularly significant, as they represent a common commitment endorsed by the High Representative, the Council, the Commission and the Member States; welcomes the recognition of the leading role played by Parliament in promoting human rights and democracy; expects that Parliament will be duly involved in the implementation phase of the action plan, inter alia through exchanges in the Contact Group on Human Rights, so that efforts can be combined;
Amendment 141 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Recommends that Parliament improve its own procedures in relation to human rights issues, including through the revision of its Guidelines for EP Interparliamentary Delegations on promoting human rights and democracy; is of the opinion that each standing delegation of Parliament should have a Member, selected among its Chair and Vice-Chairs, specifically tasked with monitoring the human rights portfolio on the region or country concerned, and that the persons designated should report regularly to Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights; calls for improved cooperation on human rights issues with the EU's national parliaments; stresses the need for a revision of the model for the plenary debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in order to allow for more frequent debates with broader participation by Members, a greater degree of responsiveness to human rights violations and other unforeseen events on the ground, and greater potential for follow-up to past debates and resolutions;
Amendment 144 #
2012/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30 a. Recommends that the Parliament in cooperation with EU national parliaments organize an annual event on human rights defenders from around the world, which would provide the Parliament with a unique opportunity to show its support for human rights defenders worldwide and help advance their rights to speak up and pursue their rights in their own respective countries;
Amendment 13 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) The current use of different reporting formats makes it difficult for manufacturers and importers to fulfil their reporting obligations and burdensome for the Member States and the Commission to compare, analyse and draw conclusions from the information received. In this light there should be a common mandatory format for the reporting of ingredients and emissions. The greatest possible transparency of product information should be ensured for the general public, while ensuring that appropriate account is taken of the commercial and intellectual property rights of the manufacturers of tobacco products and fulfils the Union’s international obligations contained in the WTO treaties.
Amendment 18 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) The likelihood of diverging regulation is further increased by concerns over tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products, having a characterising flavour other than tobacco, which may facilitate uptake of tobacco consumption or affect consumption patterns. For example, in many countries, sales of mentholated products gradually increased even as smoking prevalence overall declined. A number of studies indicated that mentholated tobacco products can facilitate inhalation as well as smoking uptake among young people. Measures introducing unjustified differences of treatment between flavoured cigarettes (e.g. menthol and clove cigarettes) should be avoided36.
Amendment 23 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
Amendment 25 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 23
Recital 23
(23) In order to ensure the integrity and the visibility of health warnings and maximise their efficacy, provisions should be made regarding the dimension of the warnings as well as regarding certain aspects of the appearance of the tobacco package, including the opening mechanism. The package and the products may mislead consumers, in particular young people, suggesting that products are less harmful. For instance, this is the case with certain texts or features, such as ‘low-tar’, ‘light’, ‘ultra-light’, ‘mild’, ‘natural’, or ‘organic’, ‘without additives’, ‘without flavours’, ‘slim’, names, pictures, and figurative or other signs. Likewise, the size and appearance of individual ciga. In case the package cretates cana mislead consumers by creating theing impression that they cigarettes are less harmful. A recent study has also shown that smokers of slim cigarettes were more likely to believe that their own brand might be less harmful. This should be addressed, health warnings must be adapted accordingly.
Amendment 40 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 40
Recital 40
(40) A Member State that deems it necessary to maintain more stringent national provisions for aspects falling inside the scope of this Directive should be allowed to do so, for all products alike, on grounds of overriding needs relating to the protection of public health. A Member State should also be allowed to introduce more stringent provisions, applying to all products alike, on grounds relating to the specific situation of this Member State and provided the provisions are justified by the need to protect public health. More stringent national provisions should be necessary and proportionate, not constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between Member States and consistent with WTO international obligations. Stricter national provisions require prior notification to, and approval from, the Commission taking into account the high level of health protection achieved through this Directive.
Amendment 45 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 41
Recital 41
(41) Member States should remain free to maintain or introduce national legislations applying to all products alike for aspects falling outside the scope of this Directive, provided they are compatible with the Treaty and do not jeopardise the full application of this Directive. Accordingly, Member States could, for instance, maintain or introduce provisions providing standardisation of packaging of tobacco products provided that those provisions are compatible with the Treaty, with WTO obligations and do not affectwith the WTO provisions, and do not jeopardise the full application of this Directive. A prior notification is required for technical regulations pursuant to Directive 98/34/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and on rules on Information Society services44.
Amendment 50 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 43 a (new)
Recital 43 a (new)
(43a) This Directive should not lead to deterioration in the living conditions of people whose livelihoods depend on tobacco growing in Europe and who often live in disadvantaged areas. Given that the aim of the Directive is solely to discourage consumption of tobacco products, any decisions concerning ingredients and additives should take due account of the possible socioeconomic repercussions for groups whose livelihoods depend on tobacco growing. The European tobacco growing sector should be protected because it accounts for only a very small proportion of consumption in the EU and, at the same time, contributes to the economic stability of certain European regions where the range of alternative crops is limited. A decrease in or an end to tobacco growing in the EU would have no impact on consumption levels, but would lead to an increase in imports from third countries and a reduction in quality standards.
Amendment 64 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 4
(4) ‘characterising flavour’ means a distinguishable aroma or taste other than tobacco,ctive sweet, fruity or confectionary- like taste resulting from an additive flavouring or combination of additives, including but not limited to fruit, spice, herb, alcohol, cflavourings, observable before or upon intended use of the tobacco product. For the purpose of this definition, tobacco andy, menthol or vanilla observable before or upon intended use of the tobacco productare not considered a sweet, fruity or confectionary-like taste;
Amendment 68 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 13
(13) ‘flavouring’ means an additive that imparts aroma and/or taste; except for menthol
Amendment 80 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Article 3 – paragraph 2
Amendment 83 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. Member States shall notify the Commission of the maximum yields that they set for other emissions of cigarettes and for emissions of tobacco products other than cigarettes. Taking into account internationally agreed standards, where available, and based on scientific evidence and on the yields notified by Member States, the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 22 to adopt and adapt maximum yields for other emissions of cigarettes and for emissions of tobacco products other than cigarettes that increase in an appreciable manner the toxic or addictive effect of tobacco products beyond the threshold of toxicity and addictiveness stemming from the yields of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide fixed in paragraph 1.
Amendment 84 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Amendment 85 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Member States shall notify the Commission of the methods of measurement that they use for other emissions of cigarettes and for emissions of tobacco products other than cigarettes. Based on these methods, and taking into account scientific and technical developments as well as internationally agreed standards the Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 22 to adopt and adapt methods of measurement.
Amendment 95 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Amendment 98 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 6 – paragraph 9
Article 6 – paragraph 9
Amendment 105 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. For cigarette packets the general warning and the information message shall be printed on the lateral sides of the unit packets. These warnings shall have a width of not less than 20 mm and a height of not less than 43 mm. For roll-your-own tobacco the information message shall be printed on the surface that becomes visible when opening the unit packet. Both the general warning and the information message shall cover 50% of the surface on which they are printed.
Amendment 107 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Article 8 – paragraph 4
Amendment 110 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) cover 750 % of the external area of both the front and back surface of the unit packet and any outside packaging;
Amendment 118 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g
Amendment 123 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Article 9 – paragraph 3
Amendment 140 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Article 11 – paragraph 3
Amendment 141 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Article 12 – paragraph 1
Amendment 148 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 2
Article 12 – paragraph 2
2. Prohibited elements and features may include but are not limited to texts, symbols, names, trade marks, figurative or other signs, misleading colours, inserts or other additional material such as adhesive labels, stickers, onserts, scratch-offs and sleeves or relate to the shape of the tobacco product itself. Cigarettes with a diameter of less than 7.5 mm shall be deemed to be misleading.
Amendment 155 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 13
Article 13
Amendment 218 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Amendment 220 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Article 18 – paragraph 5
Amendment 230 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 2
Article 24 – paragraph 2
2. However, a Member State may maintain more stringent national provisions, applicable to all products alike, in areas covered by the Directive, on grounds of overriding needs relating to the protection of public health. A Member State may also introduce more stringent provisions, on grounds relating to the specific situation of this Member State and provided the provisions are justified by the need to protect public health. Such national provisions shall be notified to the Commission together with the grounds for maintaining or introducing them. The Commission shall, within six months from the date of receiving the notification, approve or reject the provisions after having verified, taking into account the high level of health protection achieved through this Directive, whether or not they are justified, necessary and proportionate to their aim, compliant with the Treaty and the EU’s international obligations, including WTO obligations, and whether or not they are a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between the Member States. In the absence of a decision by the Commission within this period the national provisions shall be deemed to be approved.
Amendment 118 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
(1a) Member States or their contracting authorities/entities shall not restrict the access of non-covered goods or services to their tendering procedures by any measure other than those provided for in this Regulation. 2. Non-covered goods and services may be subject to restrictive measures taken by the Commission:
Amendment 119 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Amendment 125 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Upon request of contracting authorities/entities the Commission shall assess whether to approvWhere the Commission takes a decision in accordance with Article 10, contracting authorities/entities shall exclude, for contracts with an estimated value equal or above EUR 5.000.000 exclusive of value- added tax (VAT) the exclusion from procedures for the award of contracts tenders comprising goods or services originating outside the Union, if the value of the non- covered goods or services exceeds 750 % of the total value of the goods or services constituting the tender, under the following conditions.
Amendment 132 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Where contracting authorities/entities intend to request the exclusionare obliged to exclude tenders in accordance with paragraph 1 from procedures for the award of contracts on the basis of paragraph 1 they shall indicate this in the contract notice they publish pursuant to Article 35 of Directive 2004/18/EC or pursuant to Article 42 of Directive 2004/17/EC or Article 26 of the Directive on the award of concession contracts.
Amendment 134 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 3
Where contracting authorities/entities receive tenders that meet the conditions of paragraph 1 for which they intend to request the exclusionde for that reason, they shall notify the Commission. During the notification procedure the contracting authority/entity may continue its analysis of the tenders.
Amendment 136 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 4 – point c
(c) the name and contact details of the economic operator whose tender would beis excluded;
Amendment 137 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 6
That information shall be provided within eight working days, commencing on the first working day following the date on which it receives the request for additional information. If the Commission receives no information within this period the period established in paragraph 3 shall be suspended, until the Commission receives the requested information.
Amendment 140 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Amendment 145 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Amendment 158 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Amendment 160 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point a
Amendment 164 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 5 – point b
Amendment 169 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Amendment 173 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Article 6 – paragraph 8
Amendment 194 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Amendment 199 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. TWhen pursuing an investigation referred to in paragraph 1 is conducted on the basis of the criteria laid down in Article 6.under paragraph 1, the Commission shall examine the following:
Amendment 200 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)
(2a) if the third country has concluded an agreement listed in Annex I, whether the third country maintains restrictive procurement measures leading to a lack of substantial reciprocity in market opening between the Union and the third country concerned where there are explicit market access reservations taken by the Union.
Amendment 201 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 2 b (new)
(2b) if an agreement referred to in Annex I does not exist, whether the third country maintains restrictive procurement measures leading to a lack of substantial reciprocity in market opening between the Union and the third country concerned. A lack of substantial reciprocity is presumed where restrictive procurement measures result in serious and recurring discriminations of Union economic operators, goods and services.
Amendment 205 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The assessment by the Commission of whether restrictive procurement measures are maintained by the third country concerned shall be made on the basis of the information supplied by interested parties and Member States and/or facts collected by the Commission during its investigation, and shall be concluded within a period of ninesix months after the initiation of the investigation. In duly justified cases this period may be extended by threewo months.
Amendment 207 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 8 – paragraph 3 a (new)
(3a) When assessing whether a lack of substantial reciprocity exists, the Commission shall examine the following: (a) to what degree public procurement laws of the country concerned ensure transparency in line with international standards in the field of public procurement and preclude any discrimination against Union goods, services and economic operators; (b) to what degree public authorities and/or individual procuring entities maintain or adopt discriminatory practices against Union goods, services and economic operators.
Amendment 241 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 6
Article 9 – paragraph 6
6. In the event that a consultation with a third country does not lead to satisfactory results within 152 months from the day the consultation with the third country started, the Commission shall terminate the consultation and consider acting under Article 10 to adopt implementing acts to limit the access of goods and services originating in a third country .
Amendment 249 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Where it is found in an investigation pursuant to Article 8, and after following the procedure foreseen in Article 9, that restrictive procurement measures adopted or maintained by that third country leads to an lack of substantial reciprocity in market opening between the Union and the third country as referred to in Article 68, the Commission may adopt implementing acts to temporarily limit the access of non- covered goods and services originating in a third country for up to five years. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 17(2).
Amendment 251 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 10 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) in accordance with article 6, the exclusion of tenders of which more than 750 % of the total value is made up of non- covered goods or services originating in the country adopting or maintaining a restrictive procurement practice; and/or
Amendment 254 #
2012/0060(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)
(3 a) The Commission shall not approve an intended exclusion where it would violate market access commitments entered into by the Union in its international agreements.
Amendment 33 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. whereas different EU Member States have unique experiences to offer in terms of overcoming authoritarian regimes in their own past, and whereas this transition experience should be better utilised in the Union's relations with partner countries in strengthening democracy and human rights;
Amendment 68 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Believes that the promotion and support of non-violence reflects an international value that should constitute a priority for the EU's human rights and democracy policies, particularly considering that the non-violent methodology offers an effective and appropriate means and outcomes in terms of the prevention of conflict and support for democracy, rule of law and civil society around the world;
Amendment 73 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. InvitUrges the HR/VP in her drafting of future Annual Reports to consult actively and, systematically and in a transparent fashion with Parliament, and to report on the way that Parliament's resolutions have been taken into account; asks the HR/VP to more regularly provide information on the stage of preparation of future Annual Reports whenever requested to do so by Parliament;
Amendment 90 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Further recommends that, whenever a gross breach of human rights occurs by a partner country with which an international agreement such as a PCA has been concluded, the EU takes bolder steps in carrying out the appropriate sanctions as stipulated in the human rights clauses of the agreement, including possible temporary suspension of the agreement;
Amendment 167 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Stresses that the application of the clause as it currently stands , for example with the Colombia/Peru Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) due to come before Parliament, provides an opportunity for the European Parliament itself to explore the potential for setting human rights benchmarks in advance of ratification, in order to achieve concrete and verifiable progress in respect for human rights; encourages the Commission to draft a new ‘model clause’ referring to the parties' international obligations, comprising a procedure for consultation and specifying political and legal mechanisms to be used in the event of a request for cooperation to be suspended on the grounds of repeated or systemic human rights violations in breach of international law; recommends that a clear system of sanctions short of suspension be developed; insists strongly on the need for Parliament to be a joint decision-maker with the Commission and the Council in this respect;
Amendment 231 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 58
Paragraph 58
58. Welcomes the indefatigable championingemphasis put ofn women's empowerment by the HR/VP and calls on her to institutionalise the EU Inter- institutional Informal Task Force on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) by providing it with a full- time chair, who will also act as the gender focal point in the EEAS, as part of allocating adequate human and financial resources to its task;
Amendment 276 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 66 a (new)
Paragraph 66 a (new)
66 a. Recommends initiatives for EU legislation to ensure attention is paid in EU human rights policy and instruments of cooperation to eliminate caste discrimination, and action in caste- affected countries, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Yemen;
Amendment 314 #
2011/2185(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 80
Paragraph 80
80. Recognises the need for human rights concerns to be mainstreamed through the work of all parliamentary committees and delegations dealing with external relations; recommends that Members of the European Parliament systematically meet with human rights defenders during official missions to third countries, including with imprisoned activists wherever possible, to provide the latter with greater visibility; welcomes the decision to augment the resources available to the Subcommittee on Human Rights in the light of the changes arising from the Treaty of Lisbon;
Amendment 40 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that the same time thatwhile trade policy should not be overburdened with issues not directly related to international trade, which could be better addressed in other contexts; encourages other political disciplines to take into consideration more often how other policy areas could on the one hand negatively affect, and on the other hand positively contribute to,it cannot be dealt with in vacuum and underlines the need to find a balance between the Union’s commercial objectives and other aspects of its external policy, such as environmental strategy and humanitarian goals, calls on the Commission to give high priority to EU’s trade interests vis-à-vis its trading partners when negotiating trade agreements and to achieve a better intra-and inter- institutional coordination when dealing with trade policyissues;
Amendment 45 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises that trade policy is an important element of the Union’s new industrial policy and that trade should be based on fair global competition and full reciprocity to maintain a healthy manufacturing base in Europe;
Amendment 61 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates its strong support for a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round, bearing in mind that a good conclusion should reflect the shifts in the world’s trading patterns and distribution of the benefits of world trade since the launch of the Round, bearing in mind also the need for a balanced NAMA text to guarantee access to emerging markets such as India, China and ASEAN countries while preventing emerging economies to use NAMA flexibilities to shelter specific key sectors by maintaining peak tariffs;
Amendment 65 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 10
Subheading 10
Parliament sees Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as a second-best but necessary solutionimportant instruments for market access
Amendment 88 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Reminds the Commission to carry out a better evaluation of European interests as well as the interests of EU’s Customs Union partners before deciding on future FTA partners and negotiation mandates; calls on the Commission to open and close FTA negotiations at the same time as its Customs Union partners; reminds the Commission and the Council to take seriously into account Parliament’s views when deciding about the mandates;
Amendment 98 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates that the strengthening of transatlantic economic relations must proceed; regrets that little progress has been achieved in the world’s biggest trade relationship, in particular in respect of standards and technical barriers to trade; welcomes the re launching of the TEC and encourages the parties to the TEC to strive for an integrated transatlantic marketplace in the very near future; but considers that, to be successful, this dialogue needs to be further intensified at all levels and that high-level meetings should occur on a more regular basis with the participation of the European Parliament;
Amendment 106 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that Parliament is interested in improving the EU-Japan trade relationship by focusing on removing non-tariff barriers to trade and investment as a first step; is not satisfied with the negligible progress in this area during recent years; asks the Commission to present Parliament in due course with a comprehensive impact assessment with the possible advantages and disadvantages of an EU-Japan FTA, taking into account the impacts of the recent disaster in Japan, before making any commitments;
Amendment 119 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Reiterates that the pursuit of further trade liberalisation makes it all the more necessary for the EU to preserve its ability to protect itself against unfair trading practices; regards Trade Defence Instruments (TDI) therefore as an indispensable component of the EU’s strategy; welcomes all efforts to streamline its TDI procedures and accessibility for Union industry, especially SMEs such as the market access helpdesk complaint tool;
Amendment 132 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises the strongly increased potential of goods and services in international trade, but reiterates that market access and the abolition of trade barriers at WTO level and in FTA negotiations has not been able to keep pace with these developments; is aware that many barriers to trade in goods and services are caused in particular by national regulations;
Amendment 135 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Demands that the Commission force our trading partners to grantpursue better market access tofor our service providers from industrialised countries or major emerging economies, bearing in mind that the EU internal market is already quite open to foreign service providers; notes, however, that some public services have to remain excluded on the basis of national or regional cultural diversities;
Amendment 167 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29a. Recalls that micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises represent 99 % of all enterprises in the EU and have great potential to create new jobs and innovation; therefore, considers that internal and external policies should better address their specific needs to enhance their competitiveness; a special focus has to be laid upon the improvement of the EU cohesion funds in terms of accessibility and transparency in order to boost the competitiveness of SMEs.
Amendment 181 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Stresses the need for more transparency and democratic accountability on how the investigation processes are initiated and conducted; therefore asks to be fully informed and adequately involved by the Commission at all the various stages of GSP and GSP+ procedures, including with regard to the lists of beneficiary countries;
Amendment 201 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Urges the Commission to not only complain about the unacceptable behaviour of some trading partners, but also to react in a stringent and proper way, for instance by withdrawing GSP benefits in the event of a GSP beneficiary country making use of unfair trade practices; not offering EU companies a level playing field and sustainable access; reminds the Commission of the fact that, besides trade policy, there are other policies such as environment, development, research and foreign affairs that have to support a joint policy on raw materials supply;
Amendment 212 #
2010/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Reminds the Commission that European IPR policy towards the least developed and poor developing countries should remain within the TRIPS Agreement obligations and must fully respect the 2011 Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, especially in the field of generic medicines and public health;
Amendment 5 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that the Black Sea Synergy (BSS) initiative, presented in 2007, did provide new impetus to regional cooperation in the Black Sea region, but deplores the fact that the administrative and fiscal resources allocated for its implementation have been insufficient; considers that EU regional initiatives should not be duplicatedpoints out that lessons should be drawn from experiences of the Baltic, the Balkans and the Danube regions in order to eliminate similar shortcomings; considers that EU policies such as the European Neighbourhood Policy, the Black Sea Synergy and the Eastern partnership should not be duplicative but complementary in order to avoid overlapping agendas, regional rivalry and insufficient institutional capacity and that the strategy for the Black Sea should not be overshadowed by similar regional initiatives; recommends that all partners in the Black Sea region should be included in a future Black Sea Strategy; underlines the urgent need to tackle the protracted conflicts of the region;
Amendment 9 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that the BSEC needs to be reformed in order to meet new challenges efficiently, and considers that the 20th anniversary in 2012 would be a good occasion for proposals to that end, including for revision of the BSEC Economic Agenda, adopted in 2001, organisational reform and increased operational efficiency, as well as an upgrade of related bodies, such as the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) and the BSEC Business Council; considers that the resources of these bodies could be harnessed for augmenting BSEC budget;
Amendment 14 #
2010/2087(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the project-based approach under the BSS, notably the Environment Partnership, and considers that the planned partnerships on transport and energy are crucial for sustainable development in the region; considers that green development and energy efficiency, which can drive market incentives and long-term investment, should be further prioritised; takes the view that the Black Sea Ring Highway and the Motorways of the Sea would considerably increase the opportunities for trade and development in the region; underlines, however, the need for thorough environmental impact assessments and improved marine safety as well enhanced development of ports, and stresses the need to allocate more resources to the civil society sector and SME development;
Amendment 16 #
2010/2050(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
– having regard to the Vienna GroupIAEA's proposal for transferring Iranian uranium to Russia and France and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil in an attempt to delay the passage of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1929 (2010)an agreement to provide nuclear fuel to the Tehran Research Reactor in exchange for Low Enriched Uranium from Iran's stocks and to the bridging proposal sponsored by the governments of Turkey and Brazil,
Amendment 6 #
2010/0816(CNS)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. In the area of trade, the Lisbon Treaty empowers the European Parliament to act as a co-legislator with the Council. Consequently, the European Parliament should be involved in the trade-related aspects of foreign and security policy in order to ensure democratic legitimacy and to exercise scrutiny over the Union's external action. The EEAS must ensure that the European Parliament has contact persons in EU delegations that deal with any trade-related aspect of the EU's external policy, so as to guarantee close cooperation with the European Parliament.
Amendment 4 #
2010/0248(NLE)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Declines to cConsents to conclusion of the Agreement;
Amendment 5 #
2010/0248(NLE)
Proposal for a recommendation
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 6 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for all EU trade negotiations and arrangements with third countries to include a human rights impact assessment measuring the consequences of specific trade advantages granted by or to the EU; notes that international trade agreements should include binding commitments with respect to human rights standards and must allow for revision in case of violation of these standards;
Amendment 14 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2a (new)
Paragraph 2a (new)
2a. Notes that 'Trips-Plus' provisions in international trade agreements should respect human rights, especially those relating to the right to health;
Amendment 25 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to table a proposal for a regulation banning the import into the EU of goods produced using slave or forced labour in violation of human rights standards; emphasises that such a regulation would have to enable the EU to investigate specific claims; calls on the Commission to abstain from trading with third countries where there is strong evidence that worker's rights, especially those of women and children are abused;
Amendment 28 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5a (new)
Paragraph 5a (new)
5. Calls upon all Member States to implement the Council Regulation (EC) of 27 June 2005 concerning trade in certain goods which could be used for capital punishment, torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and to make its provisions binding in all international trade agreements;
Amendment 32 #
2009/2219(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6a (new)
Paragraph 6a (new)
6a. Calls for regular evaluations of human rights commitments provided in international trade agreements;
Amendment 1 #
2009/2216(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the geopolitical situation of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan in relation to Russia, Iran and TurkeyTurkey as a candidate for accession to the European Union on the one hand, and to Russia and Iran on the other hand, and considers it therefore of the utmost importance that cooperation with the South Caucasus be given the highest priority, not least in matters relating to energy;
Amendment 2 #
2009/2200(INI)
having regard to the latest WTO Trade Review on Turkey, published in 19982007,
Amendment 7 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
whereas Turkey is the fifteenth largest economy in the world; whereas FDI inflow, amounting to EUR 18 billion in 2008, has placed Turkey in twentieth position in the world and made it and the sixth largest economy in Europe, with industrial goods amounting to over 90% of its exports,
Amendment 11 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H (new)
Recital H (new)
whereas Turkey ranked as the world's 20th largest receiver of FDI and its FDI inflow amounted to 18 billion in 2008,
Amendment 23 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Notes Turkey's potential for further economic development, given its young and dynamic population; encourages both the EU and Turkey to pay due attention to their interlinked economies, to pursue further openness, to refrain from hidden protectionism and to capitalise more on Turkey's geo-political position when setting trade targetpolicy priorities;
Amendment 34 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Highlights that the CU covers manufactured goods and processed agricultural products; looks forward to the inclusion of agricultural products in the CU, with the adoption of the CAP; considers that the CU can be deepened with the coverage of other areas such as services and public procurement should fall within its scope;
Amendment 37 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Stresses that the CU would greatly benefit from a review of the Dispute Settlement Mechanism,the establishment of a joint decision making and consultation mechanism between the parties; which would allow a swift and fair resolution of pending issues;
Amendment 49 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Encourages the Commission and Turkey to remove all technical barriers to trade, such as non-recognition of certification, duplicative testing, multiplduplicative inspections, mandatory technical regulations and standards; and calls on the Commission to provide greater support and to share good practice in this area;
Amendment 55 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
Acknowledges the difficulties faced by Turkey in concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with third countries, due to the unwillingness of certain countries to strike trade deals in the absence of binding mechanisms, and the detrimental effects of this on the Turkish economy; which particularly take the form of actual trade diversion in the Customs Union area that enables unilateral preferential access to the Turkish market for the EU's FTA partners with which Turkey has not yet been able to sign FTAs;
Amendment 71 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Notes that Russia has becomewhile EU remains Turkey's largest trade partner, Russia, China, the United States and Iran were amongst Turkey's largestmain trade partners as of 2009; and that Turkey is striving to diversify its trade partners by establishing close ties with Middle Eastern and African countries; asks the Commission to conduct a study on the causes and economic impact of Turkey's trade diversion away from the EU;
Amendment 81 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
Regrets that the recurrent visa problems under GATS Mode 4deletion substantially limit the movement of Turkish businessmen and lorry drivers into the EU, constituting a non-tariff- barrier which is contrary to the spirit of the CU; underlines the successive ECJ rulings on this matter and calls on the Commission to ensure Member States respect these rulings; welcomes the decision of the Turkish Government to resume formal negotiations on an EU- Turkey readmission agreement;
Amendment 89 #
2009/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
Stresses that counterfeit products represent a major problem in EU-Turkey trade relations and reduce the attractiveness of Turkey for FDI; welcomes the adoption of new IPR legislation in Turkey wbut calls for iths effective enforcement;
Amendment 3 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council entitled 'Eastern Partnership' (SEC(2008)2974) and the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council entitled 'Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean',
Amendment 15 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission, together with the partner governments, to further develop mechanisms for consultation with civil society, in order to better involve them in the design and monitoring of the implementation of the ENPI and of the national reform programmes; is of the view that the ENPI is a genuine tool to increase engagement with civil society and calls upon the Commission to adopt a more balanced approach for selecting priority areas, i.e. allocating more resources to civil society organisations rather than focusing solely on administrative capacity building; asks the Commission to speed up publication of the annual action programmes on its website and to persuade the partner governments to make their national programming documents regularly available to the public;
Amendment 22 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Finds that, despite the increased flexibility and simplicity of the Community assistance instruments, as evidenced in particular by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights, the procedures and timeframes under the ENPI remain burdensome for civil society organisations, especially for small NGOs; due to excessive bureaucracy, complicated reporting requirements, complexity of rules; slow, laborious and costly procedures, lack of responsibility sharing; calls on the Commission to intensify its efforts to provide assistance to and to cooperate with NGOs; calls on the Commission to conduct a comparative analysis of the procedures applied by other major donors and to present the results thereof to Parliament;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that sectoral and general budget support under the ENPI should be made available only to countries which are able to implement it in a transparent, effective and accountable manner; calls on the Commission to review the appropriateness of budget support in countries which have problems with budgetary management and control procedures and high levels of corruption; asks the Commission to strike the right balance between flexibility and transparency during the selection, implementation and monitoring of ENPI programmes;
Amendment 27 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses the need for a country-specific approach with regard to political conditionality; emphasises the importance of the independence of the judiciary as a factor underlying conditionalit, which aims, inter alia, at promoting democracy, rule of law and good governance, respect for human rights, minority rights and independence of judiciary;
Amendment 32 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the importance of enhancing the coordination and complementarity of the ENP initiatives, such as the Black Sea Synergy, the UfM and the future Eastern Partnership, and of the different Community assistance instruments; calls for improved synchronisation between ENPI programmes and the financial cooperation provided by the Member States, as well as international organisations;
Amendment 33 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the need for enhanced cooperation on the part of the ENPI countries with the EU agencies and increased opportunities for the ENPI countries to participate in the Community programmes; calls upon the Commission to take effective measures to minimise the financial burden that falls upon third Countries to participate in these Community programmes;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Calls for greater emphasis to be placed on increased mobility, particularly via establishment of mobility partnerships with ENP countries, and people-to-people contacts, particularly in the areas of education, research and development, business and political dialogue; supports urgent action to reduce visa fees for nationals of all ENPI countries, with an ultimate goal of visa liberalisation;
Amendment 49 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that the recent geopolitical developments in the EU's Eastern neighbourhood underscore the importance of developing the ENP further by adapting it better to the needs of the partners, including an enhanced EU involvement in the Black Sea region and an ambitious Eastern Partnership; stresses the need to speed up, in relation to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in particular, the establishment of a free trade zone as soon as partner countries are ready and the need to finalise as soon as possible steps towards visa freedom with the EU, as well as the need to enhance regional cooperation to promote stability and prosperity in the European neighbourhood;
Amendment 62 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses that the financial envelope for Belarus needs to be increased and cooperation broadened to cover areas beyond energy, the environment and migration, with a view to pursuing the policy of re-engagement initiated by the Council in September 2008; recalls that the EU-Belarus relations will strongly depend on the commitment of the government of Belarus to democratic values; underlines the need for effective political conditionality and for guarantees that the assistance will have an immediate positive impact on citizens and will not be misused by the authorities against their political opponents;
Amendment 66 #
2008/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. In view of the unsatisfactory implementation of the 1997 Partnership and Cooperation agreement, takes the view that, with regard to the programming and implementTakes the view that the EU should be focusing on the following issues during the negotiations of EU aid to the Russian Federation, the EU should strive for: n a new EU-Russia agreement : – greater Russian cooperation in identifying clear financial cooperation priorities, which would lead to better planning and multi-annual programming of aid; – guarantees that any financial assistance granted to the Russian authorities takes into consideration the strengthening of democratic standards in the Russian Federation; – increased joint ownership of projects identified for funding;
Amendment 2 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that the proposal ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’ (BP: UfM), adopted by the Heads of State and Government at the Summit for the Mediterranean that took place in Paris on 13 July 2008, constitutes a step towards economic and regional integration in the political, economic and social spheres between the Mediterranean countries; welcomes the opening-up to countries not involved in the partnershipactive involvement of all EU Member States, candidate states and potential Member States in BP:UfM and the objective of establishing parity relations between the European Union and the Mediterranean partner countries;
Amendment 8 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Agrees with the decision to place the emphasis on a multilateral framework by pinpointing certain large-scale projects to be implemented us; welcomes, ing the new instruments under the BP:UfM; nevertheless highlights the lack of any strategies for economic or regional integration in the Mediterranean basin to support those projectsis regard, the Quartet’s package of measures; nevertheless highlights the lack of evaluation and monitoring of those projects and emphasises the need for a robust and comprehensive strategy for the Mediterranean basin;
Amendment 14 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for new and broader means of funding to be identified for projects, including from the private sectorUnderstands the fact that the initiative will be supported by funding from the Community using existing EU instruments , as well as from Member States, international financial institutions and the private sector; however, calls for a systematic, coherent and effective approach to be adopted with regard to the funding of the initiative; reiterates its support for the creation of a Euro -Mediterranean Investment Bank;
Amendment 24 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Takes the view that the institutional arrangements proposed for the BP:UfM, and especially introduction of the co-presidency, biennial summits, a joint permanent committee, senior officials’ meetings and creation of and a joint secretariat, help to even out responsibilities whilst endorsing co-ownership within the partnership; looks forward, in this respect, to the decisions of the first meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of the BP:UfM member countries, scheduled for 3 November 2008;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls for the decisions on the arrangements concerning the institutional set-up of this initiative to reflect the role played by EMPA and the European Parliament as an integral part of the institutional set-up establishing a legal basis for EMPA and a formal link between the executive and parliamentary branches of BP:UfM;
Amendment 32 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the recognition of EMPA as the legitimate parliamentary expression of the BP:UfM; calls for EMPA’s role to be strengthened by entitling it to propose and assess economic and regional integration strategies and projects, andby allowing it to make recommendations to the meetings of foreign affairs ministers and by giving it a role in scrutinising the funding of BP:UfM;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the fact that some of the countries participating in the BP:UfM are not part of the Barcelona Process; calls on the Council, the Commission and all the States participating in the BP:UfM to maintain, in this connection, a cohesive framework of relations in which it is clear that the Union for the Mediterranean is an expression of that partnership process and that its purpose is political, economic and regionsocial integration between the countries of the Mediterranean basin; underlines that the BP:UfM is a parallel and by no means an alternative process to the ongoing accession negotiations between the EU and candidate states; considers that the BP:UfM will not hamper other regional cooperation initiatives such as the Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Cooperation, South-East Europe and Black Sea Synergy;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Welcomes the recent positive developments in the Middle East in the aftermath of the Annapolis Conference, namely the relaunch of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on all issues with the aim of reaching a peace agreement by the end of 2008, the achievement of an Egyptian-brokered truce in Gaza, the initiation of talks between Israel and Syria under the auspices of Turkey, the establishment of diplomatic relations between Lebanon and Syria, and Egyptian leadership in achieving a truce in Gaza; emphasises that the settlement of these conflicts is a sine qua non for the success of the BP:UfM and that the EU should play an active mediation role in the peace process as the biggest donor; urges both Israel and the Palestinian Territories to take the necessary measures to facilitate the peace process, the most urgent of these being a cessation of further settlement development, discontinuance of rocket attacks and normalisation of the situation in Gaza;
Amendment 57 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates the importance of promoting human rights and the rule of law; calls for an assessment of what has been achieved so far and for adjustment review of the instruments implemented under the partnership, including as regards other international organisations such aswith the aim of simplifying, better coordinating and avoiding the duplication of instruments; urges the Commission to set precise criteria for eligibility of these instruments, to put in place an effective system to monitor their implementation and to cooperate more closely with other international organisations actively involved in the region (e.g. the Council of Europe);
Amendment 64 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Expresses its concern at the prevailWhilst conscious of the importance of the security dimension ing tendency among Member State governments to adopt a ‘security first’ approach in Mediterranean policies, and especially in the management of immigrathe partnership, calls on EU Member States to join together in cooperating closely with their southern partners with a view to tackling common challenges such as migration, environmental degradation and sustainable development, whilst encouraging partner states to endorse south-south cooperation by widening and deepening regional structures such as the Arab Maghreb Union;
Amendment 97 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
– having regard to the Declaration of the Paris Summit for the Mediterranean, held in Paris on 13 July 2008, as well as the conclusions of the international conferences held in Bethlehem on 21-23 May 2008 and in Berlin on 24 June 2008,
Amendment 98 #
2008/2231(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
– having regard to the Declaration of the Bureau of the Euro -Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) of 12 July 2008, the EMPA Declaration on the Middle East Peace Process of 13 October 2008 and the EMPA Recommendation to the First Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean of 13 October 2008,
Amendment 2 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the peaceful rise that has made China a key global player; supports the positive role it plays in several international peace-keeping efforts and in the DPRK 6-party talks; believes that increased global influence and increased responsibility go hand-in-hand; asks that China reconsider its "no-strings" aid to dubious regimes, including as regards arms supplies; believes that some of the world's most intractable problems, such as climate change, poverty, food supply and safety, disaster relief and nuclear proliferation, cannot be solved without China;
Amendment 5 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that Chinese society has changed much during the last 30 years and that lasting progress can happen only slowlwhich have brought gradual progress in economic, social and environmental spheres, whilst pointing out that further reforms, especially in the environmental and social areas, are needed to ensure overall and lasting progress; takes note of the Chinese way to achieve deliberative democracy; believes that democracy requires an effective civil society, which is in turn strengthened by trade and economic relations with the EU; therefore believes that "change through trade" is a way to aid China's transformation towards being an open and democratic society benefiting all sections of society;
Amendment 6 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Urges China to fulfil its commitments within the World Trade Organization, notably by dealing with outstanding problems such as protection of intellectual property rights, discrimination against foreign companies, and barriers to market access in a number of sectors;
Amendment 7 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is concerned at the lackfrequent violations of basic human rights such as freedom of expression and religious belief, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press and of religion; is deeply disturbed by systematic torture and lack of judicial independence; calls on China to respect minority rights, e.g. those of Tibetans and Uighurs; calls on China to abolish the death penalty and the offence of "threatening public security"; asks China to allow unrestricted internet access; while noting som and to do away with the golden shield system aimed at censoring the internet; welcoming the pgrogreswing awareness of human rights among Chinese citizens, believes that, overall, the cause of human rights in China is not advancing;
Amendment 12 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges China to abide by its commitment to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Is deeply concerned at the suspension of The EU-China dialogue on human rights, following the award to Hu Jia of the Sakharov Prize 2008 by the European Parliament;
Amendment 15 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Regrets the limited progress achieved during the negotiations between China and Tibet; looks forward to the advancement of the negotiations so as to ensure the cultural and religious rights of Tibetans and to adopt suitable policies to this end, especially by ceasing Han Chinese settlements in Tibet and by overhauling the patriotic education policy;
Amendment 16 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Welcomes the rapprochement between China and Taiwan whilst urging China to continue an engaging and constructive dialogue with Taiwan and to ensure Taiwan's active participation in the World Health Organization and ASEAN Plus Three; encourages China to allow elections by universal suffrage in Hong Kong;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. IApproves Chinese non-intervention policy; however is concerned at China's growing military budget; supports the continuation of the arms embargo on China; notes China's very active pursuit of energy security, e.g. in Africa; believes that the EU needs a common foreign energy policy and an effective dialogue with China on this; welcomes the Commission's proposal to establish trilateral dialogue and cooperation between the European Union, China and Africa aiming at promoting peace and security and achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Africa;
Amendment 20 #
2008/2171(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Believes that the EU and China are becoming more interdependent and that the complexities and importance of EU-China relations require more coordination among the Member States and with the Commission; therefore welcomes the last EU-China Summit and the resulting high- level trade mechanism dialogue of April 2008; is looking forward to an effective and outcome-oriented dialogue with China concerning global challenges such as the global financial crisis during the next EU-China Summit in December 2008; invites China to play a constructive role in regional cooperation; endorses the strategic partnership between EU and China; welcomes, in this context, the ongoing negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, yet takes the view that the conclusion of the negotiations should not be considered in isolation from the human rights situation in China; urges the Commission to increase transparency in the negotiation process of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and China.
Amendment 4 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. SPoints out the need for greater regional integration and enhanced intraregional cooperation, especially in the areas of human capital, telecommunications and power; encourages Western Balkan states to intensify their trade and economic relations with a view to establishing a regional labour market; stresses the vital role that regional organisations, and in particular the Regional Cooperation Council, can play in facilitating economic and trade cooperation in the region; calls on the Commission to continue to support their activities;
Amendment 9 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the existing infrastructure and road safety deficits and the pressing need to upgrade trade routes in the region;
Amendment 10 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on the Commission to provide further institutional support to Western Balkan countries, particularly with regard to quality certification and export facilitation, whilst calling on the Western Balkan states once again to improve their institutional capabilities;
Amendment 13 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on all authorities of the region to continue to make the necessary efforts to create a business-friendly environment and to attach particular importance to encouraging private-sector development, strengthening small and medium-sized undertakings and increasing innovative capacity by establishing links between business and tertiary education; underlines in that respect the need to step up the fight against corruption at all levels and to improve transparency;
Amendment 16 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is worried about the skills gap and poor social cohesion in the Western Balkan region; highlights the fact that stability and sustainable economic growth can be achieved by addressing both economic and social reforms; points out the massive rate of brain drain among young people and underlines the need to encourage return migration; invites Western Balkan countries to develop employment and fiscal policies so as to address problems of unemployment, relatively high wages and the large size of the informal economy;
Amendment 18 #
2008/2149(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the region has seen an increase in investment from international players, particularly in the fields of energy and natural resources; stresses the beneficial influence of foreign direct investment on the economies of countries in that region; underlines, however, that suche need for more and better foreign direct investment and for more export-oriented growth; expresses concern regarding low- skill and natural-resource-intensive exports as well as the small share of exports of goods; stresses that foreign direct investment should be fully transparent, with the same rules for all the investors, and that it should not be linked to any political pressure from the governments of the investing entities.
Amendment 5 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1.Notes that peace and stabilecurity are beneficial for development progress; notprerequisites for stability and sustainable development; acknowledges that the absenceend of hostilities that marksin post-conflict situations does not automatically lead to entrenched and lasting stability;
Amendment 11 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it vitally important that causes of instability only be tackled byUnderlines the importance of tackling the root causes of instability, such as poverty, degradation, exploitation, unequal distribution of, and access to, land and natural resources, weak governance, violations of human rights and minority rights and gender inequality, by means of development measures that are broadly in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals and othe, whilst affirming the need for social and economic measures aimed at eliminating poverty and fostering economic and social development that can create the environment required to prevent thein order to prevent any potential resurgence of conflicts;
Amendment 22 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that many Africandeveloping countries have the basic naturalare rich in the energy, natural resources and human resources required for their development; highlights the need for the propereffective management and redistribution of these resources; deplores the implication of various (local, regional, international and transnational) actors in the misappropriation and exploitation of these resources (e.g. diamonds in Angola and Sierra Leone and coltan in the Democratic Republic of Congo)neffective use and exploitation of these resources; draws attention to the need for transparency in the extractive industries and welcomes initiatives such as the Kimberley process in avoiding major conflict potentialthis regard; points out the importance of education in furthering development;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that light arms account for 9 out of 10 deaths in armed conflicts in Africaa considerable number of deaths resulting from armed conflicts in the developing world; considers that EU policyies on controlling the export of weapons should be clear, effective and harmonised on the basispreventing and combating illicit trafficking in conventional arms must be further clarified, harmonised and rendered more effective, in full accordance with the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports; underlines the importance of thmine clegally binding Code of Conduct; aring, demilitarisation, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration, as well as security sector reform in post-conflict situations;
Amendment 34 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Highlights the importancrole of regional cooperation in areas that transcend political borders;cross-cutting issues; welcomes the increasing cooperation between the EU and regional structures such as the African Union and the Pacific Islands Forum; and calls on the Commission and the Council to intensify their efforts to adopt a regional approach to tackling the situation in a given countryly adjusted and tailored approaches enabling specific conflicts to be tackled;
Amendment 44 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Affirms the vitality of fair migration policies towards developing countries; notes that migration can be turned into a positive force in the development process, notably by means of remittances sent by migrants living in the EU, by curtailing the brain drain, by facilitating return migration and by preventing trafficking in human beings;
Amendment 51 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the need to strike a balance between civilian and military components of development aid in order to guarantee the functioning of basic infrastructure and government services without downplaying requirements for reconstruction, rehabilitation and the relaunching of democratic and economic processes; appraises the work of the newly established United Nations Peacebuilding Commission; and points out the need to cooperate with international partners, notably the United Nations, in aid-related issues;
Amendment 52 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Reiterates its commitment to protect the rights of women and children in post- conflict situations with the ultimate aim of taking the necessary measures for the empowerment of women – an indispensable requirement for the attainment of lasting peace and stability;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Supports the EU Programme for the Prevention of Violent Conflicts and the security and development measures envisaged in the EU Action Plan for 2009, and urges the Commission to attach high priority to the implementation of measures linked to peace-building.
Amendment 113 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Deplores the fact that the technical agreements already drafted between ISAF and EUPOL Afghanistan as well as between KFOR and the EU (with a view to the future ESDP Kosovo mission) have not yet been signed, putting at risk the security of personnel and threatening the success of those missions; urges Turkey to desist from blocking such signature for reasons unrelated to the two missionthe Council and NATO to finalise the relevant technical arrangements in line with the jointly agreed framework, with a view to contributing to peace and stability in Afghanistan and Kosovo;
Amendment 114 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Calls for the full and effective implementation of the Nice provisions on the involvement of the non-EU European allies in ESDP (the Nice Implementation Document), which was agreed by the European Council in October 2002;
Amendment 125 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C – point g (new)
Recital C – point g (new)
g. the failure to conclude the Agreement between Turkey and the EU on Security Procedures for the Exchange of Classified Information (the Security Agreement),
Amendment 32 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is of the opinion that the ESS should be updated, especially with a view to addressing the most pressing security challenges; invites the High Representative to assess the progress made, and any shortcomings, in the implementation of the ESS since 2003;
Amendment 49 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Reiterates that terrorism constitutes one of the main threats to the EU’s security butand in this regard welcomes the efforts made by the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator to consolidate implementation of the EU counter- terrorism strategy; in this context, notes that the fight against terrorism must be conducted with due respect for the universal values of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the protection thereof, in close cooperation with international partners and in keeping with the strategy laid down by the United Nations;
Amendment 76 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is of the view that, given the current situation in Serbia, dialogue with BelgradeSerbia should be based on concrete assistance, implementation of mutually made commitments and cooperation measures, and that particular emphasis should be placed on strengthening ties with civil society in areas of common interest;
Amendment 82 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes the view that the EULEX mission in Kosovo should safeguard the interests of national minorities in order to preserve the multi-ethnic character of the territory, protect the cultural, religious and historical heritage, consolidate the rule of law and promote economic development; points out that EULEX will assist Kosovo institutions in combating crime and corruption and enhancing the functioning of justice and customs and peacekeeping, but that it is the local ownership of these efforts that will ensure a successful transition and sustainable social, political and economic development in Kosovo;
Amendment 124 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
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; 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; remains particularly concerned by the situation in Burma;
Amendment 128 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Stresses the need to give substantial follow-up during 2008 to the decisions reached at the EU-Africa Summit held in December 2007 in Lisbon; in this context, welcomes the appointment of a double- hatted EU Special Representative/Head of Delegation of the European Commission for the African Union, based in Addis Ababa; believes in this regard that the Union, in cooperation with the United Nations, should make every effort to reinforce the peace-building and peace- keeping capacity of the African Union; welcomes in this regard the EU Security Sector Reform missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, and calls for a coordinated use of CFSP and Community instruments such as the Instrument for Stability;
Amendment 131 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Recommends that the Union strengthen its political dialogue with third countries and regions, in particular with major partners; reiterates in this regard the important role that parliamentary diplomacy plays as a complementary tool in the Union’`s relations with third countries and regions, principally through the threefour major multilateral interparliamentary assemblies (the ACP–- EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP- EU JPA) the Euro–-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EuroMed), the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) and the Euro–-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat)); undertakes to set up an EU–-Neighbourhood-East Parliamentary Assembly (Euro–-Nest) by 2009, in order to enhance the parliamentary dimension of the political partnership between the European Parliament and the countries involved in the eastern part of the ENP;
Amendment 145 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Further underlines that Council- Parliament relations also need to be reconsidered in order to take account of the major reforms of the future CSDP and of Parliament's strengthened powers of scrutiny, following the transfer of the remaining Western European Union competences to the EU; in this regard, welcomes provisions for closer cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments;
Amendment 148 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Recalls its right to be consulted on the establishment of the EEAS in accordance with Article 13a(3) of the EU Treaty; requests full association with the preparatory work in this regard; refers to its ongoing report on this matter; hopes that the establishment of the EEAS will provide greater clarity with regard to the criteria for, and the appointment and evaluation of, EU Special Representatives, including the definition and purpose of their tasks, the length of their mandate, and coordination and complementarity with EC delegations;
Amendment 149 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Calls on the future High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission, as well as the Council and the Commission, to reinforce collaboration with the existing multilateral parliamentary assemblies (ACP-EU JPA, EuroMed, PABSEC, EuroLat and , once it is established, Euro- Nest), which bring parliamentarians of the Union together with some of their most important counterparts, as this clearly provides added value for the consistency and efficiency of the Union's external action;
Amendment 159 #
2007/2219(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas an increased political unity within the European Union is necessary in order to strengthen and make effective the CFSP, since otherwise the credibility of the European Union as a global player risks being undermined, as has happened in the way in which the EU has dealt with Turkey, Russia, the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan; whereas it is to be hoped that the Lisbon Treaty and the strengthened role of the High Representative will facilitate a more forward-looking foreign policy strategy and the establishment of a comprehensive approach that commands the support of all Member States,
Amendment 3 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
- having regard to Council Directive 2000/43/EC of 29 June 2000 implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of racial or ethnic origin and Council Directive 2000/78/EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, and to the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities,
Amendment 60 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Underlines the importance of protecting and promoting regional or minority languages noting that the right to speak and to be educated in one's mother tongue is one of the most basic fundamental rights; and welcomes Member State activities on endorsement of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, which is vital for full enjoyment of the rights of cultural and religious minorities;
Amendment 63 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Considers that stateless persons permanently resident in Member States are in a unique position in the European Union, given that some Member States impose unwarranted demands on them or demands which are not strictly necessary, thus discriminating against them by comparison with citizens belonging to the majority community; calls therefore on all Member States concerned to ratify the United Nations Convention as relating to the status of stateless persons and on the reduction of statelessness (1954, 1961); calls on the Member States which gained or regained a new sovereignty in the 1990s to treat all persons previously resident in their territory in the same way as the majority communities, and calls on them to systematically bring about just solutions, based on the recommendations of international organisations, to the problems encountered by all victims of discriminatory practices; condemns , in particular, practices of deliberate erasure of registered permanent residents within the European Union and calls upon concerned governments to take effective measures to restore the status of those stateless persons.
Amendment 66 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Considers that the Roma community needs special protection, since, following enlargement of the Union, it has become one of the largest minorities in the EU; stresses that that community has been marginalised, historically, and prevented from developing in particular key areas because of discrimination ,stigma and exclusion problems which have become more and more acute;
Amendment 70 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Stresses the need for a global, human rights based approach to non- discrimination reflecting the European dimension of discrimination against the Roma; takes the view that a European Union framework strategy for Roma inclusion should seek to tackle the following problems: - segregation of the Roma as regards access to housing, and their exclusion from employment and public education, - frequent denial of their rights by public authorities by providing a road map for member states setting up objectives and priorities, synchronising policies within the Union and facilitating the monitoring and evaluation processes: - segregation of the Roma as regards access to housing, widespread human rights violations such as forced evictions and their exclusion from employment, public education and social welfare by means of developing policies aiming at providing safer socially mixed houses, enforcing anti-discrimination laws and developing policies to address high levels of unemployment (i.e. encouraging self employed; designing microcredit schemes and diversity policies; taking positive measures and mainstreaming them into relevant EU policies; enhancing cooperation and sharing of good practices on Roma issues), - frequent denial of their rights by public authorities, their social exclusion triggered by violent rioting, social unrest, racist attacks, mass migration and Anti-Gypsism and their political under- representation, - the very inadequate guarantees against racial discrimination at local level and too few appropriate integration programmes; blatant discrimination in health care, including forced sterilisation, and segregation, a lack of appropriate information on family planning and access to contraception, as well as frequent violations of Romani women's rights, - discrimination by the police, in particular (deliberate) shootings, arson, assault or other violent acts, which are not impartially investigated and prosecutions are not brought; the police’s racial profiling – inter alia by taking fingerprints or other forms of data collection – and wide discretionary powers, which give rise to abuses with no disciplinary consequences; training and awareness-raising programmes on non- discrimination by the police, which are largely non-existent;
Amendment 76 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. Calls on the Member States to increase respect for and protection and implementation of the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and asks the Member States concerned to set aside their reservations and ratify the Optional Protocol to that Convention; whilst underlining the need for firmly pursuing their commitments made in the United Nations Declaration and the Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing 1995;
Amendment 82 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Calls for special attention to be given to the situation of women belonging to ethnic minorities and to immigrant women, since their marginalisation is made worse by multiple discrimination both within and outside their own communities; recommends the adoption of national integrated action plans so as to deal effectively with multiple discrimination, especially where different organisations address discrimination issues within a particular state; and notes the necessity of fighting against discrimination of the elderly women and of boosting their labour market participation (i.e. by life- long learning programmes) given their vulnerability and increasing number within the Union;
Amendment 85 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Paragraph 46 a (new)
Amendment 86 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Stresses the need to raise public awareness of the right to reproductive and sexual health, and calls on the Member States to put in place appropriate sex education, information and confidential advisory services, and to facilitate access to contraception in order to prevent all unwanted pregnancies and illegal and high- risk abortions and to provide protection for single parents who are vulnerable to social exclusion;
Amendment 94 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses that, although progress has been made on the employment of women and despite their high level of education, they continue to be clustered in certain professions, to be paid less than men for the same work and under-represented in decision-taking positions and continue to be regarded with suspicion by employers owing to pregnancy and maternity;
Amendment 95 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Stresses the need for women to be supported in their careers; presses the Commission and Member States to promote both shared parental leave and paternity leave, and to mutualise the cost of maternity and parental leave so that women no longer represent a workforce which is more costly than men; and underlines the need for awareness raising campaigns to avoid gender stereotyped family patterns while highlighting the importance of ensuring flexible working conditions, increasing access to childcare and guaranteeing full participation in pensions schemes for women with children;
Amendment 123 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Presses the Member States to resolutely prosecute any expression of hatred in racist media programmes and articles propagating intolerant views, in the form of hate crimes against Roma, immigrants, foreign nationals and other minority groups, or by bands and at neo-Nazi concerts, which can often take place in public without any repercussions; also urges political parties and movements who exercise strong influence over mass media to abstain from the discourse of hatred and from the use of defamation against minority groups within the Union;
Amendment 127 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Considers that it is important to make sure that anyone who needs geriatric care or treatment for an illness or disability has access to high-quality care and treatment; and points out the necessity to give particular attention to care provision and protection of disabled children;
Amendment 160 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 83
Paragraph 83
83. Calls for greater coordination of national policies for integrating third- country nationals and of European initiatives in this area; stresses that common basic principles for a coherent European framework in this connection should ensure that integration policy encompasses, but also goes beyond, anti- discrimination policy and extends to a variety of areas, such as employment, education and eduvocational training;
Amendment 167 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 86
Paragraph 86
86. Is concerned that the lack of effective integration policies is causing the exclusion of hundreds of thousands of non-nationals and stateless persons from working life, society and politics; which undermines the EU's aim of increasing labour mobility in order to enhance competitiveness and economic prosperity;
Amendment 177 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 93
Paragraph 93
93. Welcomes the overall satisfactory situation with regard to press freedom in the Member States, given that 25 of themall 27 Member States are among the top 506 in the World Wide Press Freedom Index 2007 produced by Reporters Without Borders, Bulgaria and Poland being ranked 51st and 56th respectively;
Amendment 186 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 103
Paragraph 103
103. Calls on the Commission to make efforts to incorporate all the various strategies specifically relating to child poverty, youth unemployment and social inclusion of minorities in all the relevant development policies, including the Strategy Documents on poverty reduction and the indicative programmes; and urges Member States to act effectively against child trafficking, increasing cross-border cooperation, providing specialised training and implementing legal standards to prevent to this end;
Amendment 220 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 132
Paragraph 132
132. Encourages businesses to adopt responsible, non-discriminatory recruitment and career development policies in order to stimulate employment for women, young and disadvantaged people on the employment market;
Amendment 224 #
2007/2145(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 133
Paragraph 133
133. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose strategies with the aim of offering high-quality employment to the people who are furthest from the employment market and to tackle the reality of ‘poor workers’; takes the view that such strategies should address the issues of fair wages, work-life balance, good working conditions, social protection and job security;