Activities of Reinhard BÜTIKOFER related to 2020/2115(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Connectivity and EU-Asia relations (debate)
Reports (1)
REPORT on connectivity and EU-Asia relations
Amendments (7)
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that as Asia is home to the world’s largest population and fastest- growing economies, increasing connectivity between the EU and Asia, with an open, rules-based multilateral trading system that ensures a level playing field, will play a key role in mutual economic growth andsustainable growth and mutually beneficial integration will be an important factor in the recovery from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that trade policy should be instrumental in achieving the objectives of the Connectivity Strategy, by strengthening economic integration with partner countries based on sustainable development, multilateralism, transparency, fairness, level-playing field and international standards; Regrets that many countries in Asia still apply unjustified protectionist economic policies creating an unfair playing field for European businesses; notes that allowing free trade flows will buildand sustainable/fair trade flows should aim at improving economic resilience and ensure the globalthe availability of products through the diversification of supply chains, as well as contributing to stronger regional integration;
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Believes that efficient connections and networks between Europe and Asia through priority transport corridors, including air, sea and land transport, and high-capacity network links will increase trade flows between the EU and Asia in a manner that is sustainable; acknowledges the existence of an investment gap in connectivity and recognises the need to mobilise and strengthen cooperation with private investors, national and international institutions, and multilateral development banks and other stakeholders also with a view to identifying concrete flagship initiatives;
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of the existing network of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements and the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Asian partners, with successful examples of strategic partnerships in Japan, South Korea and Singapore; considers that provisions on e-commerce and digital trade in trade agreements should serve the purpose of the objectives of the digital pillar of the Connectivity Strategy; notes that the Adequacy Decision with Japan sets the example for furthering digital integration between the EU and its Partners; regarding data flows, notes that the EU side has already tabled proposals in negotiations with Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Chile, which should also be building blocks for other plurilateral or multilateral initiatives, and always fully in line with the EU acquis on data protection, namely the GDPR;
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Calls on the Commission to strengthen provisions on standardisation in trade agreements, by seeking binding commitments on the uptake of international standards and by stepping up open and transparent regulatory cooperation without infringing on the right to regulate;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4 b. Takes note of the decision to suspend the EBA scheme with Cambodia and underlines its concern with regard to the still worsening human rights situation in the country; urges the Commission to come up with a clear strategy to keep engaging with the country, aiming at reinstating Cambodia into the scheme; is of the view that the Commission and the EEAS should have a more strategic approach to GSP, including by stepping up action at the highest political level and with a view to strengthening the effectiveness of the instrument in improving the beneficiary countries’ record in implementing human rights, international labour, environmental and good governance standards;
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensure the enforcement of trade agreements and make existing ones more ambitious, in particular by promoting sustainable EU norms and standards; welcomes the recent initiatives and commitments to making the Paris Agreement an essential elements of trade and investment agreements or to improving the enforceability of trade and sustainable development chapters, since these are key tools to anchor the design and development of the Connectivity Strategy on sustainable integration; calls on the Commission and the Council to engage on the basis of concrete proposals without delay.