2011/2179(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Notes that the Mediterranean macro- region, within the meaning of human civilisation and history, is much broader than in the strict geographic sense, and may include the countries on the Atlantic seaboard such as Portugal and Morocco, or from other regions such as the Black Sea;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation in strengthening cross-regional policy and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, eco~~logy~~nomic growth, sustainable development, energy, transport, research and cultural and educational partnerships;

Amendment 12 #

Hannu TAKKULA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation in strengthening cross-regional ~~policy~~decision-making and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, ecology and cultural and educational partnerships;

Amendment 13 #

Zoltán BAGÓ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation in strengthening cross-regional policy and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, ecology and cultural ~~and~~, educational and youth partnerships;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation and as a geographical crossroads for Europe in strengthening cross-regional policy and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, ecology, sport and cultural and educational partnerships

Amendment 15 #

Katarína ROTH NEVEĎALOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation in strengthening cross-regional policy and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, ecology and cultural and educational partnerships, where education can serve as an catalyst for democratic transition;

Amendment 16 #

Marek Henryk MIGALSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation in strengthening cross-regional policy and the sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, human rights, the rule of law, ecology and cultural and educational partnerships;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Emphasises the importance of the Mediterranean as a decentralised area of cooperation that goes beyond strict geographic boarders in strengthening cross-regional policy and ~~the~~ sharing of good practices, not least concerning democracy, ecology and cultural and educational partnerships;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Considers that the Mediterranean macro-region must develop in accordance with international legislation on economic, social and cultural rights in particular the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Stresses the importance of creative and cultural industries and considers that this sector of the economy will increase in importance for economic growth and employment in this region; calls for particular attention to be afforded to the implementation of cultural and academic exchange programmes, as well as to strengthening cultural and stable tourism links;

Amendment 2 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Recognise~~Considers that macro-regions, as catchment areas bound by a common history, geography and culture, are an appropriate reference framework for the setting of strategic priorities for the coordination of programmes and European financing in a functional geographical area;

Amendment 20 #

Iosif MATULA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Considers that cultural tourism can have a particular impact on the Mediterranean region, both from an economic point of view and also as a factor of reciprocal knowledge and intercultural understanding;

Amendment 21 #

Marco SCURRIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that athe Mediterranean macro- region would facilitate intercultural dialogue and encourage Mediterranean people to participate in EU cultural and educational programmes;

Amendment 22 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that a Mediterranean macro- region would fa~~cilitate~~vour intercultural dialogue, mobilise civil society and encourage Mediterranean people to participate in EU cultural and educational programmes;

Amendment 23 #

Sabine VERHEYEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that a Mediterranean macro- region would facilitate intercultural dialogue and the enrichment of the shared cultural heritage of the European Union and therefore encourage Mediterranean people to participate in EU cultural and educational programmes;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Stresses that a Mediterranean macro- region would facilitate intercultural dialogue and encourage NGOs and Mediterranean people to participate in EU cultural and educational programmes;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Recalls the fundamental role that education plays in democracy and social and economic development, as well as the importance of professional training in fighting youth unemployment;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses that, in the context of the Mediterranean macro-region and taking into account the motivation of young people particularly in the southern countries, it is important to strengthen cooperation in the field of youth by promoting European programmes and creating synergies with the work of the Mediterranean Office for Youth;

Amendment 27 #

Katarína ROTH NEVEĎALOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Stresses the importance of focusing especially on the young people, because they will be the foundation of a new generation, and they will have the biggest influence on the future faces of their countries;

Amendment 28 #

Iosif MATULA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Highlights that cooperation in the audio-visual domain can have an important role in transmitting democratic values in all the countries in the macro- region;

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Expresses its concern with the asymmetric impact that the financial and economic crises had on the countries from this macro-region forming part of the EU and emphasises that particular attention should be given to counter these effects;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recognises that macro-regions, as catchment areas bound by a common history and memories, geography, climate and culture, are an appropriate reference framework for the setting of priorities for programmes and European financing·

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of ~~more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universitie~~improving exchange programmes and encouraging dynamic research, innovation and creation, closer cooperation between higher education and research institutions in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students ~~and t~~, teachers researchers and administrative staff; stresses the need to strengthen networks between euro- Mediterranean ~~university networks by building on the good practices of~~education and research institutions by supporting the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes;

Amendment 31 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universities in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students and teachers; stresses the need to strengthen euro-Mediterranean university networks bythrough remote collaboration, building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes; especially in view of the low number of Erasmus Mundus programme beneficiaries in the Mediterranean area and the poor south-south mobility;

Amendment 32 #

Zoltán BAGÓ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universities in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students ~~and teach~~, persons undergoing training, young volunteers, teachers and trainers; stresses the need to strengthen euro- Mediterranean university networks by building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes;

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universities in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students and teachers; stresses the need to strengthen euro-Mediterranean university networks by adequately financing and building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes·

Amendment 34 #

Sabine VERHEYEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universities in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students and teachers; stresses the need to strengthen the quality of teaching and research in euro-Mediterranean university networks by building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes;

Amendment 35 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, improving lifelong learning, closer cooperation between universities in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students and teachers; stresses the need to strengthen euro-Mediterranean university networks by building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes;

Amendment 36 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Recommends, in the interests of more harmonious cohabitation, closer cooperation between universities and development of educational infrastructure in the future Mediterranean macro-region and the removal of obstacles to the movement of students and teachers; stresses the need to strengthen euro- Mediterranean university networks by building on the good practices of the Tempus and Erasmus Mundus programmes;

Amendment 37 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Finds that the mobility of artists and arts in the euro-Mediterranean area is faced with numerous obstacles which vary according to the country and the region and are linked to difficulties in obtaining visas but also to a lack of status of artists and to the conditions of artistic production, particularly in southern countries; considers that a Mediterranean macro-region will work towards mutual recognition of the status of artists, reflect on granting opportunities for mobility and the optimum use of training programmes, networking and the free movement of cultural actors, artists and works;

Amendment 38 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Calls for the implementation, in the next programming period, of a ‘Euro- Mediterranean Erasmus’ programme intended to encourage the transnational mobility of students from both sides of the Mediterranean as well as a ‘Euro- Mediterranean Leonardo da Vinci’ programme for young people who want to acquire professional training abroad, in the framework of a macro-regional strategy;

Amendment 39 #

Katarína ROTH NEVEĎALOVÁ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Reminds the necessity of cooperation with other neighbouring countries and countries participating in the Eastern Partnership programme, where further democratization is needed;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Recognises that the macro-regions, as catchment areas bound by a common history, geography and culture, are an appropriate reference framework for the setting of priorities for programmes and European financing and, in this context, recognises that the Mediterranean’s south bank is undergoing unprecedented development, which the European Union must sustain through new initiatives;

Amendment 40 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Emphasises the need to adopt measures to counter the growing trend towards the “brain drain” from this region;

Amendment 41 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls for the most to be made of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Mediterranean area, which is a source of ~~innovation providing an impetus to the cultural and creative industries~~mutual understanding, creativity and innovation.

Amendment 42 #

Zoltán BAGÓ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls for the most to be made of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Mediterranean area notably by encouraging the learning of at least two EU languages and encouraging linguistic and cultural preparation before any mobility measure, which is a source of innovation providing an impetus to the cultural and creative industries.

Amendment 43 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls for the most to be made of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Mediterranean area, which is a source of innovation providing an impetus to the cultural and creative industries; calls for cooperation between museums and cultural establishments to be encouraged and supported.

Amendment 44 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls for the most to be made of the historical, cultural and linguistic diversity of the Mediterranean area, which is a source of innovation providing an impetus to the cultural and creative industries.

Amendment 45 #

Sabine VERHEYEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 46 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recalls that the Mediterranean basin is particularly interested in European cinema and audiovisual productions, and that this continues to exert significant influence on the dialogue between cultures in the area as part of the current stage of democratic development of those societies;

Amendment 47 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Suggests greater cooperation and trade with third countries, to improve European production within the global market and particularly in the Mediterranean area, in order to promote cultural exchange and also to launch new initiatives to encourage Euro- Mediterranean dialogue and democratic progress across the entire region, particularly in light of the commitments made during the Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Cinema;

Amendment 5 #

Marek Henryk MIGALSKI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Acknowledges that the ‘Arab Spring’ and the changes underway in the Mediterranean represent an opportunity for greater cooperation in this region, and, in view of the key role played by other macro-regions, calls for the development of macro-regional strategies for all areas involved in cooperation under the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy to be treated on an equal basis;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Considers that a macro-regional strategy in the Mediterranean must coordinate existing EU funds, particularly neighbourhood policy, cohesion policy and territorial cooperation funds to implement projects aimed at confronting common challenges such as the protection and enhancement of Euro-Mediterranean cultural heritage; recalls the importance of a coordinated and balanced neighbourhood policy for the South and the eligibility of cultural projects financed by ERDF to address these challenges;

Amendment 7 #

Hannu TAKKULA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Stresses that macro-regions provide an environment conducive to the involvement of local political stakeholders and non- governmental stakeholders, as these regions foster the development of effective coordination systems which facilitate bottom-up approaches with a view to ensuring the meaningful involvement of civil society in policy tical decision-making;

Amendment 8 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

Amendment 9 #

Marco SCURRIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Encourages the plan for an Adriatic- Ionian macro-region, an area to bring together Member States and extra- European countries in the same economic, historical and cultural reality;

source: PE-480.652

2012/02/10 AFET 37 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the concept of a macro- regional strategy, which, on the basis of the experience gained in existing macro- regions (Baltic Sea and Danube regions), can encourage Member States, regions, local authorities and third countries to ~~manage resources in such a way as to foster growth, prosperity, security and sustainable protection of the~~develop territorial cooperation projects, particularly concerning economic and environmental issues, in areas sharing common geographic, historic and cultural characteristics;

Amendment 10 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. ~~Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to lend specific support to the idea of an Ionian- Adriatic macro-region, taking due account of neighbourhood policies;~~Emphasises, in the light of the many economic, social and environmental challenges faced by all Mediterranean regions, the importance of creating a macro-region for the Mediterranean as a whole, so as to promote closer cooperation within athis specific area which includes EU Member States and neighbouring countries which have the Mediterranean Sea as the major, but not sole, element of their common heritage~~; and to seek synergies with r~~, taking due account of neighbourhood policies; believ~~ant institutions, such~~es that this macro-region should, ast the ~~European Investment Bank and the Union for the Mediterranean~~same time, facilitate cooperation on a sub-regional level for specific projects;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to lend specific support to the idea of an Ionian- Adriatic macro-region, taking due account of nthe European Neighbourhood pPolic~~ies~~y; to promote closer cooperation within a specific geographic area which includes EU Member States, EU candidate- and neighbouring countries, which have the Mediterranean Sea as the major, but not sole, element of their common heritage; and to seek synergies with relevant institutions and partnerships, such as the European Investment Bank and the Union for the Mediterranean;

Amendment 12 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to lend specific support to the idea of an Ionian- Adriatic macro-region, taking due account of neighbourhood policies; to promote closer cooperation within a specific area which includes EU Member States and neighbouring countries which have the Mediterranean Sea as the major, but not sole, element of their common heritage; and to seek synergies with relevant institutions~~, such as the European Investment Bank and the Union for the Mediterranean~~;

Amendment 13 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Emphasises that a Mediterranean macro-region could give the Union for the Mediterranean’s specific projects real added value, so that they complement each other, particularly in the form of financial contributions, where appropriate;

Amendment 14 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Stresses that the Adriatic-Ionian macro-regional strategy is a significant factor in reconciliation between territories of the Western Balkans and may assist these countries’ efforts to join the EU;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2b. Believes that it is necessary, in order to implement a Mediterranean macro- regional strategy, to build on the experience and work of existing regional institutions and to seek possible synergies with them, particularly, in addition to the UFM, the European Investment Bank and ARLEM;

Amendment 16 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that ~~appropriate~~ resources should be devoted to the development of a new Ionian-Adriatic macro-regional strategy from the existing budgets for this area, with sufficient safeguards to ensure that ~~existing~~ financing is used in an effective manner, promoting, where necessary, the principle of 'more for more', and always in strict compliance with the rule of law and on the basis of respect for human rights;

Amendment 17 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that appropriate resources should be devoted to the development of a ~~new Ionian-Adriatic~~Mediterranean macro-regional strategy, w~~ith sufficient safeguards to~~hile ensureing that existing financing is used ~~in an~~as effective ~~manner~~ly as possible, promoting, where necessary, the principle of 'more for more', and always in strict compliance with the rule of law and on the basis of respect for human rights;

Amendment 18 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that appropriate resources should be devoted to the development of a new Ionian-Adriatic macro-regional strategy, with sufficient safeguards to ensure that existing financing is used in an effective manner, benefiting the social classes most affected by the economic crisis and promoting, where necessary, the principle of 'more for more', and always in strict compliance with the rule of law and on the basis of respect for human rights;

Amendment 19 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Considers that appropriate resources shcould be devoted to the development of a new Ionian-Adriatic macro-regional strategy, with sufficient safeguards to ensure that existing financing is used in an effective manner, promoting, where necessary, the principle of ‘more for more’, and always in strict compliance with the rule of law and on the basis of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy;

Amendment 2 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the concept of a macro- regional strategy, which, on the basis of the experience gained in existing macro- regions (Baltic Sea and Danube regions), can encourage Member States, regions, local authorities and third countries to manage resources in such a way as to ~~foster~~mitigate the devastating effects of the crisis and foster job creation, growth, prosperity, security and sustainable protection of the environment in areas sharing common geographic, historic and cultural characteristics;

Amendment 20 #

Pino ARLACCHI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls for any resources intended for the Ionian-Adriatic macro-region to be allocated according to criteria reflecting the demographic and territorial scale of each sub-entity;

Amendment 21 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Emphasises the need to involve, right from when the strategy is laid down, the non-EU Member States and regions to be integrated into a Mediterranean macro- region, using the Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument for this purpose;

Amendment 22 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for ~~the Ionian-Adriatic~~a Mediterranean macro- region shcould, in particular, be the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution; ~~and the strengthening of effective public administration, to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governance~~maritime security and safety and protection of the maritime environment, by establishing an integrated network of reporting and surveillance systems for maritime activities; the development of transregional energy networks; and scientific and academic cooperation;

Amendment 23 #

Nikolaos SALAVRAKOS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for the Ionian-Adriatic macro- region should be the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the creation of networks for culture, education and training, promoting employment and enhancing good neighbourly relations; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution, overfishing and illegal fishing; and the strengthening of effective public administration, to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governance;

Amendment 24 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for the Ionian-Adriatic macro- region should be the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; as well as the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution; ~~and the strengthening of~~development of strategies for more effective public administration, to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governance, and drafting strategies for combating illegal immigration into the EU;

Amendment 25 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for the Ionian-Adriatic macro- region should be the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution; ~~and~~ the strengthening of effective public administration, ~~to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governance~~with a particular focus on management training and the tackling of any possible issues of inefficient governance; considers that the macro- regional strategy also needs to take account of issues such as environmental protection and conservation, energy, climate change, research and innovation, preservation of cultural resources, increasing competitiveness and job creation;

Amendment 26 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

Amendment 27 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Emphasises that major areas of intervention for the Ionian-Adriatic macro- region should be job creation through the promotion of sustainable tourism, which could help small and medium-sized enterprises; the development of sustainable maritime transport, which could alleviate the problems relating to road transport; the introduction of measures to protect the Mediterranean Sea against pollution; and the strengthening of effective public administration, to tackle any possible issues of inefficient governance;

Amendment 28 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

~~5. Regards it as crucial that the new macro-region should contribute to the definition of a new strategy for the proper management of immigration flows;~~deleted

Amendment 29 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Regards it as crucial that the new macro- region should contribute to the definition of a new strategy for the proper management of immigration flows, approaching it on the basis of a strategy, involving third countries, of combating poverty and championing employment and fair trade, thus contributing to stability in the macro-region;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Welcomes the concept of a macro- regional strategy, which, on the basis of the experience gained in existing macro- regions (Baltic Sea and Danube regions), can encourage Member States, regions, local authorities and third countries to manage resources in such a way as to foster growth, prosperity, security and sustainable protection of the environment in areas sharing common geographic, historic and cultural characteristics; calls also for more synergy effects between the different macro-regional strategies;

Amendment 30 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Regards it as crucial that the new macro- region should make a major contributeion to ~~the definition of a new~~an effective strategy for the proper management of immigration flows;

Amendment 31 #

Vincent PEILLON, Carmen ROMERO LÓPEZ, Ana GOMES, Raimon OBIOLS, Pier Antonio PANZERI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Regards it ~~as crucial~~important that the new macro-region should contribute to the definition of a new strategy for the proper management of immigration flows and mutual benefits of increased mobility;

Amendment 32 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Union to consider developing an EU macro-regional strategy specific to the Mediterranean, covering countries or regions which share one or more common features or common challenges in the area of defence and security, such as maritime security, maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment; through the creation of an integrated network of reporting and surveillance systems for maritime activities.deleted

Amendment 33 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 34 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Calls on the Union to consider developing an EU macro-regional strategy specific to the Mediterranean, covering countries or regions which share one or more common features or common challenges in the area of ~~defence and security, such as~~ maritime security, maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment; through the creation of an integrated network of reporting and surveillance systems for maritime activities.

Amendment 35 #

Göran FÄRM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Considers that the creation of future macro-regional strategies must be the result of a 'bottom-up' process, based on genuine motivation of stakeholders on the ground, avoiding a random approach, and preventing incoherence;

Amendment 36 #

Mario MAURO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Calls for such a strategy to include as one of its main priorities the development of south-south trade, the creation of regional markets and reduction of trade tariffs and barriers between countries in the region;

Amendment 37 #

Mario MAURO

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Underlines that innovation, energy, education and tourism are key areas for growth where synergies and regional cooperation could and should be strengthened in order to create sustainable growth in the Mediterranean region;

Amendment 4 #

Göran FÄRM

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Requests a more long-term financing solution for macro-regional strategies, within the framework of the EU budget, in order to finance actions not covered by the Cohesion Policy i.e. cooperation with third countries; experiences from the Baltic Sea strategy show furthermore a need for "seed money" for planning and preparing projects supporting the strategy;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Notes that macro-regions are not an institutional level of the European Union; considers that macro-regional strategies should not cover all policy areas, but should home in on those challenges that are common to an entire macro-region and that can be identified in accordance with the principle of partnership;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Calls on the Commission and Council to take into account EU macro- regional strategies when deciding on budgetary envelopes such as cohesion and structural funds, research and development, and in particular regional cooperation; in addition, calls on the Commission and Council to evaluate whether macro-regional strategies need direct funding to guarantee successful implementation;

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Notes that a coordinated policy between the EU and non-EU member countries within the macro-regional strategies should be encouraged for the common concerns (environment, migration etc) with the support of the neighbourhood policies;

Amendment 8 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Welcomes the macro-regional strategy as a tool to encourage dialogue and increase relations and cooperation in the framework of the EU neighbourhood policy, both in the Eastern and Southern dimensions;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Welcomes the events of the Arab Spring and considers them to be a powerful incentive to develop new and active neighbourhood policies linking these, at least in part, with a macro- regional strategy;

source: PE-480.898

2012/06/04 REGI 83 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 13 a (new)

- Having regard to The Belgrade Declaration approved at the XIV Adriatic Ionian Council on 30 April 2012,

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)

Gb. having regard to the multilateral and bilateral regional cooperation initiatives, within the framework of EU instruments and programmes including the MED and the ENPI under the European Neighbourhood Policy;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)

Gc. having regard to the current development of the Union in respect of Mediterranean and given that its potential as a catalyst in the region will increase;

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital H

H. whereas a macro-regional approach wcould enable an overall project to be set out in this area vital to the EU’s future, with a view to emerging from the present crisis and responding to the expectations of all its neighbours, particularly those in the Southern Mediterranean;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital I

I. whereas the Mediterranean is a coherent whole, constituting a single cultural and environmental area, and sharing very many characteristics and priorities common to the ‘Mediterranean climate’: the same crops, ~~water shortages,~~ abundant renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, the importance of tourism, the same natural disaster risks (fires, floods, earthquakes, water shortages) and the risks from human ~~error~~activity, particularly maritime pollution;

Amendment 14 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

J. whereas the Mediterranean is a very large area stretching nearly 4 000 km from east to west, with numerous islands~~, and whereas a huge network of maritime routes should be promoted therein, enabling increased trade whilst reducing related CO2 emissions~~;

Amendment 15 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Recital J

J. whereas the Mediterranean is a very large area stretching nearly 4 000 km from east to west, with numerous islands and with territories with land and sea borders with North Africa, and whereas a huge network of maritime routes should be promoted therein, enabling increased trade whilst reducing related CO2 emissions;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)

Ja. whereas, notwithstanding the fact that Article 174 of the TFEU commits the European Union to promoting uniform development by reducing the gap of the least favoured regions, including insular regions, the European institutions have not yet adopted an ad hoc strategy that takes into account the specific needs of the islands;

Amendment 17 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Recital J b (new)

Jb. whereas the full accessibility of Mediterranean insular regions can only be ensured through the allocation of additional resources in the field of maritime and aviation transport;

Amendment 18 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Recital J c (new)

Jc. whereas the economic and social development of the European Union is achieved through a better integration of the insular territories within the European Single Market and to that end, the Commission should adopt an integrated approach on the insularity issue;

Amendment 19 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Recital J d (new)

Jd. whereas the Commission's action towards insularity has been so far lacking despite the fact that the Treaties recognize the long-standing structural disadvantage faced by island populations in terms of cost to be incurred in the fields of energy and transport;

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)

– having regard to the own-initiative opinion ‘Territorial cooperation in the Mediterranean through the Adriatic- Ionian macro-region’, adopted unanimously at the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions on 11 October 2011,

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital K

K. whereas the proposal for an Adriatic- Ionian macro- regional strategy is progressing, taking place in the context of longstanding cooperation and solidarity in a contiguous territory around the Adriatic ~~Sea~~and Ionian Seas, and supported by the eight participating states of the Adriatic- Ionian Initiative (AII), as repeatedly demonstrated in the statements made by the eight foreign ministers who signed up to the Initiative in Ancona (2010), Brussels (2011) and Belgrade (2012);

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital K

K. whereas the Adriatic-Ionian macro- regional strategy is progressing, taking place in the context of longstanding cooperation and solidarity in a contiguous territory around the Adriatic Sea; and has the support of the eight Members of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII), as expressed several times in the Declarations by the eight Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative – AII in Ancona (2010), Brussels (2011) and Belgrade (2012);

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)

La. whereas experience has been acquired through regional cooperation in the Mediterranean; whereas there have been bilateral and multilateral cooperation initiatives for EU programmes such as MED and ENPI within the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Endorses the macro-regional approach to territorial cooperation policies between territories belonging to a services and working area: maritime area, mountain range or river basin; believes that macro- regional strategies opened a new chapter in European territorial cooperation by applying a bottom-up approach and spreading cooperation to more and more areas via the better use of available resources; recommends that, in view of their clear European added value, macro- regional strategies should receive more attention in the framework of European territorial cooperation to be reinforced as of 2013;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 (new)

notes that, after the accession to the EU of the new Member States, a number of new initiatives were launched which clearly changed attitudes to Europe's social and economic development and, by so doing, strengthened it and accelerated development at territorial level;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Considers that this type of territorial cooperation strategy is justified, particularly when these territories have historically been divided by borders, bequeathing ~~low~~noticeable levels of cooperation between neighbouring territories;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Considers that this type of territorial cooperation strategy is justified, particularly when these territories have historically been divided by borders, bequeathing ~~low~~notable levels of cooperation between neighbouring territories;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Considers that this type of territorial cooperation strategy is jus~~tified~~eful, particularly when these territories have historically been divided by borders, bequeathing low levels of cooperation between neighbouring territories;

Amendment 28 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – point 1 (new)

(1) notes that a strategic approach to regional development policy, or in other words the creation of new macroregions, will encourage the focusing of attention on areas which are particularly important for the EU

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Takes the view that the overview provided by a macro-regional strategy would make territorial cooperation projects and the EGTC more beneficial, and that this would enhance synergies with the major EU strategies, such as the trans- European transport network or the Integrated Maritime Policy; considers that it would also be easier to involve other European policy instruments, such as those proposed by the EIB; considers that these steps would improve the coordination of EU policies at a transnational and inter- regional level;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)

- Having regard to the Opinion on ‘Territorial cooperation in the Mediterranean through the Adriatic- Ionian macro-region’ adopted unanimously by the Committee of the Regions on 11 October 2011,

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recommends basing macro-regional strategies on multi-level governance, ensuring the involvement of local- and regional-government ~~involvement~~authorities and all other stakeholders such as universities, research centres and representatives of civil society;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Recommends basing macro-regional strategies on multi-level governance, ensuring local- and regional-government involvement, involving the greatest possible number of partners and stakeholders in both the process of elaboration and implementation of macro-regional strategies in order to increase their ownership at local and regional level;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Takes the view that the macro-regional strategy could ~~frame~~steer the European Neighbourhood Policy and/or pre- accession policy ~~in such a way as to render them~~towards being more effective;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 (new)

considers that ideas on development should involve integrating the potential of many countries, both EU Member States and countries from outside the EU, in order to achieve a high and consistent level of regional development as a result;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Calls for this ~~first example~~strategy to be the subject of a complete evaluation based on objective criteria and measurable indicators for each of the priority areas;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Considers it necessary, if this strategy is to be fully successful, to retain the governance structure, by extending it to include local and regional authorities, in the long term by including it in the upcoming programming period 2014– 2020;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Calls on the Commission and the Council to support fully the approach taken with the Danube basin, which should also be evaluated and regularly monitored~~, and should be adequately funded~~;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Suggests that the Commission coordinate a consultation and dialogue process for future macro-regional strategies; takes the view that lack of cooperation between European territories belonging to different Member States but the same services and working area should be the basis for identifying priority areas; considers that the result of this dialogue should be a ‘projected European macro- regions map’, which ~~would not be binding and~~ could change depending on local dynamics;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Suggests that the Commission coordinate a consultation and dialogue process for future macro-regional strategies; takes the view that lack of cooperation or the need to strengthen existing cooperation between European territories belonging to different Member States but the same services and working area should be the basis for identifying priority areas; considers that the result of this dialogue should be a ‘projected European macro- regions map’, which would not be binding and could change depending on local dynamics;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Suggests that the Commission coordinate a consultation and dialogue process for future macro-regional strategies; takes the view that lack of cooperation between European territories belonging to different Member States but the same services and working area should be the basis for identifying priority areas; considers that the result of this dialogue should be a ‘projected European macro- regions map’, mainly coordinated with the Member States and the regions concerned, which would not be binding and could change depending on local dynamics;

Amendment 4 #

Alain CADEC

Motion for a resolution
Citation 20 a (new)

- Having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the regions ‘Developing a Maritime Strategy for the Atlantic Ocean Area’ COM(2011) 782 final,

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Takes the view that the macro-regional strategy does not require further funding, institutional instruments or regulation~~, but considers funding for the monitoring thereof in the form of technical assistance appropriations justified~~;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Takes the view that ~~the~~ macro-regional strateg~~y does~~ies need better alignment of funding, more efficient utilisation of existing resources and coordination of instruments and although such strategies do not require further funding, institutional instruments or regulation, ~~but considers~~ funding for the monitoring thereof in the form of technical assistance appropriations justified;

Amendment 42 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Takes the view that the macro-regional strategy does not require further funding, institutional instruments or regulation, but considers funding for the monitoring thereof in the form of technical assistance appropriations justified and that the macro-regional strategy should promote structural projects taking the multi- annual financial framework 2014-2020 into account;

Amendment 43 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Takes the view that the macro-regional strategy does not require further funding, institutional instruments or regulation, but considers funding for the monitoring thereof in the form of technical assistance appropriations justified and the smooth coordination of policies and funds in different areas;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Takes the view that the macro-regional strategy does not require further funding, institutional instruments or regulation, but considers funding for the monitoring thereof in the form of technical assistance appropriations and appropriations for the preliminary evaluation and data- collection phase and for any start-up justified;

Amendment 45 #

Alain CADEC

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Calls for the operational programmes to be closely geared to the corresponding priorities of the macro- regional strategies in order to ensure the best possible coordination of objectives and means;

Amendment 46 #

Jan OLBRYCHT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Considers that it should be possible to allocate territorial cohesion funding to a macro-regional strategy in two stages: the first the pre-development phase, lasting around two years – to help it become established, and the second the implementation phase, lasting longer – to consolidate it;deleted

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Considers that it should be possible to allocate territorial cohesion funding to a macro-regional strategy in two stages: the first — the pre-development phase~~, lasting around two years~~ – to help it become established, and the second — the implementation phase, lasting longer – to consolidate it;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Supports the implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean basin, so as to give structure to this key area for Europe’s future, and calls on the Council and the Commission to facilitate the ~~emergence thereof~~development of a strategy accompanied by an action plan by the end of the year;

Amendment 49 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Supports the implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean basin, so as to give structure to this key area for Europe’s ~~future~~development and integration, and calls on the Council and the Commission to fac~~ilitate the emergence thereof~~t accordingly;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the ~~Mediterranean has~~so-called ‘Arab Spring’ recently took place, southern European countries have played a major role in ~~Europ~~Mediterranean history, and the geographic, political and economic links between the two sides of the Mediterranean have strategic potential;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Supports the implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean basin, in which the Union for the Mediterranean would have a central role, so as to give structure to this key area for Europe's future, and calls on the Council and the Commission to facilitate the emergence thereof;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Supports the implementation of a macro-regional strategy for the Mediterranean basin, so as to offer a common perspective for addressing the common and problematic challenges facing the Mediterranean countries and regions and to give structure to this key area for Europe’s future, and calls on the Council and the Commission to facilitate the emergence thereof;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that a macro-regional strategy that involves European, national, regional and local authorities, regional organisations, financial institutions, and NGOs from the European side of the Mediterranean basin, and that is open to neighbouring countries and/or countries at the pre-accession stage, would significantly improve territorial cooperation in this area in ~~political and~~ operational terms;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that a macro-regional strategy that involves European, national, regional and local authorities, the Union for the Mediterranean, regional organisations, financial institutions, and NGOs from the European side of the Mediterranean basin, and that is open to neighbouring countries and/or countries at the pre-accession stage, would significantly improve territorial cooperation in this area in political and operational terms;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that a Mediterranean macro-regional strategy that involves European, national, regional and local authorities, regional organisations, financial institutions, and NGOs from the European side of the Mediterranean basin, and that is open to neighbouring countries and/or countries at the pre-accession stage, would significantly improve territorial cooperation in this area in political and operational terms;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Takes the view that a macro-regional strategy that involves European, national, regional and local authorities and their organisations, regional organisations, financial institutions, and NGOs from the European side of the Mediterranean basin, and that is open to neighbouring countries and/or countries at the pre-accession stage, would significantly improve territorial cooperation in this area in political and operational terms;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14a. Considers that, given the Mediterranean territories with sea and land borders with North Africa, a macro- regional strategy would boost the development of new active neighbourhood policies, taking on a concrete territorial dimension which guarantees greater effectiveness, security and control of migration flows, and positively impacts on the performance of their own economies;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Hop~~Urges ~~that~~ the Council ~~will~~to quickly adopt the Adriatic-Ionian macro-regional strategy, preferably by 2013, so as to realise a first step towards a Mediterranean macro- regional strategy;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Hopes that the Council, following on from the decision of 24 June 2011 and taking into account the willingness shown by the territories concerned nationally, regionally and locally, historical links, traditions and the initiatives undertaken, will quickly adopt the Adriatic-Ionian macro-regional strategy, so as to realise a first step towards a Mediterranean macro- regional strategy;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the Mediterranean has played a major role in European ~~histor~~strategy;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Hopes that the Council, in view of the willingness expressed by all players involved on a local, regional and national level, will quickly adopt the Adriatic- Ionian macro-regional strategy, in the follow-up to its Declaration of 24 June 2011, so as to realise a first step towards a Mediterranean macro-regional strategy;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a. Hopes that the European Union will place greater emphasis on the southern dimension in its Neighbourhood Policy;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Hopes that macro-regional strategies that ~~have significant~~include maritime aspects ~~and that take into account island terri~~, the territorial dimension, regional connections, urban and rural development, the promotion of sustainable touri~~es and their development needs will also emerge for the western and eastern Mediterranean~~sm, the protection of the ecosystem and the biodiversity of the Mediterranean region will emerge as soon as possible for the western and eastern Mediterranean; asks that they take into account island territories and their development needs;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Hopes that macro-regional strategies that have significant maritime aspects and that take into account island territories and their development needs will also emerge for the western and eastern Mediterranean; believes that such future strategies should pay increased attention to the protection of the environment and sustainable tourism;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Hopes that macro-regional strategies that have significant maritime aspects and that take into account the numerous Mediterranean island territories and their development needs will also emerge for the western and eastern Mediterranean;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Hopes that macro-regional strategies that have significant maritime aspects and that take into account coastal and island territories and their development needs will also emerge for the western and eastern Mediterranean;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Hopes that the strategy fosters cooperation on tourism in the Mediterranean regions, to improve the prospects of this economic sector which is vital to most of these territories, which are major global tourist destinations;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a. Urges the European Commission to determine what instruments are required to evaluate and launch any new macro- regional initiatives in the western and eastern Mediterranean, such as pilot projects;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that ~~coordin~~integration of these three macro-regional strategies – western Mediterranean, Adriatic-Ionian, and eastern Mediterranean – will enable the implementation of an overall policy for the whole Mediterranean basin that is in synergy with the priorities set out by regional and international organisations;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that coordination of these three macro-regional strategies – western Mediterranean, Adriatic-Ionian, and eastern Mediterranean – will enable the implementation of an overall policy for the whole Mediterranean basin that is in synergy with the priorities set out by regional and international organisations, and in particular those defined by the Union for the Mediterranean;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital G

G. whereas the Mediterranean has played a major role in European history and wherever the EU has geopolitical and economic importance for the Mediterranean;

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Takes the view that coordination of these three macro-regional strategies – western Mediterranean, Adriatic-Ionian, and eastern Mediterranean – will enable the implementation of an overall policy for the whole Mediterranean basin that is in synergy with the priorities set out by regional and international organisations and the implementation of best practices that can contribute towards achieving the EU Strategy objectives of smart and sustainable economic growth;

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Calls on the ~~involved~~ Member States, t~~o encourage the~~he Commission and the Council, in line with the existing cooperative spirit, t~~hat has emerged during the drafting of the present report, and~~o focus their efforts on drafting and implementing this macro-strategy; urges the future Cypriot Presidency of the EU to ~~support~~make this project a priority;

Amendment 72 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18

18. Calls on the involved Member States to encourage the cooperative spirit that has emerged during the drafting of the present report, and urges the future Cypriot Presidency of the EU to support this project; highlights moreover the importance of inter-governmental and inter-regional cooperation in the development of a macro-regional strategy;

Amendment 73 #

Giommaria UGGIAS

Motion for a resolution
Sub-heading after paragraph (new)

The insular dimension within the Mediterranean macroregion (This sentence is intended to be the title to a new small section on insularity at the very end of this report, right after "Prospects in the Mediterranean".)

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)

18b. Urges the Commission to take concrete actions aimed at implementing Article 174 of the TFEU and overcoming the handicap of insularity through the promotion of a strategy which guarantees uniform European economic and social development;

Amendment 75 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)

18c. Believes that the Mediterranean insular territories should be eligible for additional funding, with particular reference to the transport sector, in order to ensure full accessibility and territorial continuity of these territories with the European continent and their effective integration with the Single Market;

Amendment 76 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)

18 d. Deems a better integration of islands with the European Single Market a key factor in promoting their social cohesion and economic growth within the European Union; to that aim, urges the Commission to adopt ad hoc measures that contribute to making insular territories equally competitive with the mainland territories;

Amendment 77 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)

18 e. Hopes that the Commission may overcome its punitive attitude towards the insular territories whereas it considers state aids those which constitute legitimate compensation with respect to the discriminated condition of insularity;

Amendment 78 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 f (new)

18 f. Calls on the Commission to formulate a comprehensive proposal aimed at overcoming the structural handicaps of islands territories;

Amendment 79 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 g (new)

18 g. Considers necessary an increase in the threshold of de minimis aid for islands with special reference to the agriculture, transport and fishery sectors, in order to reduce the gap between different levels of development among European regions;

Amendment 8 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Maria da Graça CARVALHO

Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)

G a. having regard to the extensive and successful experience in regional cooperation in the Mediterranean within the framework of political processes such as the Barcelona Process, the Union for the Mediterranean or the 5+5 Dialogue, which have served as models to existing strategies (Baltic and Danube); having regard to the initiatives of multilateral or bilateral regional cooperation in the framework of some instruments and EU programs such as the MED or ENPI CBC MED under the Neighborhood Policy of the EU; having regard to the current evolution of the Union for the Mediterranean and its potential as a catalyst in the region that will continue to increase;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 h (new)

18 h. Calls for the adaptation of cohesion policy and research and innovation policies to the specific needs of the insular regions and for the development of synergies between the Research Framework Programme Horizon 2020 and the Structural Funds, so as to encourage the first sprouts of excellence and increase investment in training;

Amendment 81 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Maria da Graça CARVALHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 i (new)

18 i. Recommends the appropriate use of the "Connecting Europe Facility" for transport, energy and information and communication technologies (ICT) in order to increase the integration of these regions into continental Europe;

Amendment 82 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Maria da Graça CARVALHO

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 j (new)

18 j. Stresses the importance of culture and creative industry as a fundamental pillar for development and job creation in the insular regions;

Amendment 83 #

Giommaria UGGIAS, Georgios STAVRAKAKIS, Spyros DANELLIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 k (new)

18 k. Calls on the Commission to adopt an Action Plan for the Mediterranean macroregion strategy by the end of 2013, incorporating specific projects with broad involvement of all relevant stakeholders and regional partners and using all available financial instruments;

Amendment 9 #