Parltrack

Draft opinion
Paragraph B

B. having regard to all of the resolutions adopted by Parliament in the context of the Arab Spring~~, on the freedoms of religion, belief and conscience as fundamental and universal values that are essential for democratic and economic development~~;

Amendment 3 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Reiterates its ~~strong~~full support for the legitimate democratic aspirations expressed by the peoples of several countries in the EU’s southern Mediterranean neighbourhood; encourages the transitional authorities to bring about a peaceful transition to genuine democracy ~~as quickly as possible; calls on~~; urges the national authorities to respect their peoples’ right to demonstrate peacefully, and to refrain from any violent repression;

Amendment 4 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls the importance of ~~tolerance for a stable society~~economic development and a higher standard of living of the population, which are essential for long term political and social stability, in the countries concerned and calls on the countries in political transition to ensure full respect for all fundamental rights, including freedom of expression ~~and freedom~~, of peaceful assembly, of association, and of religion, conscience and thought for all citizens~~, including the members of Coptic Christian communities~~;

Amendment 5 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls the importance of tolerance for a stable society and calls on the countries in ~~poli~~democratical transition to ensure full respect for all fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of religion, conscience and thought for all citizens, both men and women, including the members of Coptic Christian communities; emphasises that free access to information and communications and uncensored access to the Internet (Internet freedom) are universal rights that are essential to ensure transparency and accountability in public life;

Amendment 6 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

Amendment 7 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Welcomes the tailor-made approach towards the partner countries followed in the joint communication of the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative (VP/HR) entitled ’A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood‘; calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS) ~~to provide more details on how principles such as mutual accountability and conditionality (‘more for more‘) will be put into practice.~~, at this point in time when the Commission has just opened negotiations aimed at establishing deep and comprehensive free trade areas (DCFTA) with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, to provide as soon as possible more details on how principles such as mutual accountability and conditionality (‘more for more‘) will be put into practice and requests that Parliament be fully involved in assessing compliance with the conditionality established; insists on the EU’s trade and investment policy for the southern Mediterranean going hand in hand with an effective implementation of clauses on respect for human rights;

Amendment 8 #

Marielle de SARNEZ, Pier Antonio PANZERI, José Ignacio SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes, in this context, the launch of the EU-Tunisia Task Force, the first task force put in place with a southern Mediterranean country with a view to ensuring better coordination of European and international support for the country's transition; welcomes the fact that Parliament was involved in the first meeting; asks the VP/HR and the Commission to continue to involve Parliament~~, as an observer,~~ in this and future initiatives;

Amendment 9 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4

4. Welcomes, in this context, the launch of the EU-Tunisia Task Force, the first task force put in place with a southern Mediterranean country with a view to ensuring better coordination of European and international support for the country’s transition; welcomes the fact that Parliament was involved in the first meeting; asks the VP/HR and the Commission to continue to involve Parliament, as an observer, in this and future initiatives; welcomes the creation within the European Parliament of a monitoring group on the Southern Mediterranean to monitor the EU response to the crises in the Mediterranean countries;

Amendment 10 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls for the conclusion of ambitious, balanced and mutually beneficial trade agreements on goods and services, preceded by the appropriate impact studies;

Amendment 11 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

Amendment 12 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Urges the Commission to adopt a strategy that strengthens its role as an investor by developing specific guidelines for responsible investment, with a view to reducing social inequalities and territorial gaps and promoting the diversification of local economies, and stresses that combating corruption at all levels should be a top priority for the EU in the development of trade and financial relations with its Southern partners; welcomes the work undertaken by the European Investment Bank, notably through the Facility for Euro- Mediterranean Investment and Partnership, and by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and emphasises the importance and necessity of establishing more synergies with other national and international financial establishments also active in these countries;

Amendment 13 #

Tokia SAÏFI

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5

5. Urges the Commission to adopt a strategy that strengthens its role as an investor by developing specific guidelines for responsible investment, with a view to reducing social inequalities and territorial gaps and promoting the diversification of local economies~~, and~~; urges it, in this context, to take account of the investment programmes already deployed in the region (in particular programmes by national agencies in Member States, the Deauville Partnership, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), in order to ensure their coherence and to optimise the efficiency of its own strategy; stresses that combating corruption at all levels should be a top priority for the EU in the development of trade and financial relations with its Southern partners;

Amendment 14 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Emphasises the importance of the role that countries in the Southern neighbourhood play in the supply of energy to various Member States and highlights the high potential for cooperation in the energy field; notes the need to encourage Euro-Mediterranean interconnections in the gas and electricity sectors;

Amendment 15 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the recent fair and transparent elections in Tunisia, which provide a good example for other countries in the region; underlines the importance of free and fair elections in creating inclusive, transparent and democratic societies, thus laying the groundwork for increased stability, which is itself a necessary precondition for attracting international investment and generating sustainable growth.deleted

Amendment 16 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

Amendment 17 #

Sergio Paolo Francesco SILVESTRIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 6

6. Welcomes the recent fair and transparent elections in Tunisia, which provide a good example for other countries in the region; underlines the importance of free and fair elections in ~~creating inclusive, transparent and democratic societies,~~enabling the unity of these countries to be ensured by the establishment of democratic and pluralistic institutions thus laying the groundwork for increased stability, which is itself a necessary precondition for attracting international investment and generating sustainable growth.

source: PE-478.670

2012/02/02 AGRI 14 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the ongoing process of transformation of the Southern Mediterranean, triggered by the ‘Arab Spring’, holds an uncertain outcome for the countries involved and unknown repercussions for the wider region and the EU; underlines that the promotion of and support for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region would be decisive in securing democracy and bringing about political stability; points to the importance of agriculture, which employs over a third of the active population in the countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean, and rural development in the stabilisation process, given that they contribute, especially under conditions of increased volatility in the world markets, to the advancement of food security, more equitable income generation and distribution, job creation, and the integration of women and smallholders in the economy;

Amendment 2 #

Elisabeth JEGGLE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the ongoing process of transformation of the Southern Mediterranean, triggered by the ‘Arab Spring’, holds an uncertain outcome for the countries involved and unknown repercussions for the wider region and the EU; underlines that the promotion of and support for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region, leading to a rise in prosperity and in the standard of living, would be decisive in securing democracy and the rule of law and bringing about political stability; points to the importance of agriculture and rural development in the stabilisation process, given that they contribute, especially under conditions of increased volatility in the world markets, to the advancement of food security, more equitable income generation and distribution, job creation, and the integration of women and smallholders in the economy;

Amendment 3 #

Rolandas PAKSAS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1

1. Notes that the ongoing process of transformation of the Southern Mediterranean, triggered by the ‘Arab Spring’, holds an uncertain outcome for the countries involved and unknown repercussions for the wider region and the EU; underlines that the promotion of and support for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the region would be decisive in securing democracy and bringing about political stability; points to the importance of agriculture and rural development in the stabilisation process, given that they contribute, especially under conditions of increased volatility in the world markets, to the advancement of food security, more equitable income generation and distribution, job creation, and the integration of women and smallholders in the economy; calls on the EU to assist this region in improving the efficiency and productivity of its agricultural sector and to guarantee food security;

Amendment 4 #

Spyros DANELLIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Welcomes, therefore, the Commission's intention to support rural development through the programme "European Neighbourhood Facility for Agriculture and Rural Development" that would integrate investment support and develop administrative capacities by building on EU best practice in developing rural areas, so as to facilitate the modernisation of the agricultural production in alignment with EU quality and food safety standards;

Amendment 5 #

Spyros DANELLIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1 b. Welcomes also the Commission's commitment stated in its Joint Communication of 25/05/2011 (COM(2011)303) to finance pilot programmes for agricultural, rural, and regional development, drawing on the EU's extensive experience in these fields and making the best possible use of a close cooperation with the FAO, the World Bank and possibly the EIB;

Amendment 6 #

Marit PAULSEN, Britta REIMERS, George LYON

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the EU to support both the development of healthy agricultural production and rural development in the region, in order to strengthen the stabilisation process; stresses, to that end, the importance of institutional and infrastructural (e.g. irrigation, handling, storage, packaging, transportation, marketing systems) improvements, in addition to the technological ones, as well as the significance of education and training programmes, especially for women; emphasises the role of extension services in facilitating diffusion of knowledge; underlines that global environmental and climate change concerns should direct the support to the promotion of sustainable uses of natural resources and energy, and compatible methods of production; stresses that diversification of production to increase resilience during market fluctuations and environmental crisis should be encouraged in face of an increasing global demand for food;

Amendment 7 #

Sergio Paolo Francesco SILVESTRIS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 2

2. Calls on the EU to support both the development of healthy agricultural production and rural development in the region, in the fight against poverty, a persistent evil in the countryside, and in order to strengthen the stabilisation process; stresses, to that end, the importance of institutional and infrastructural (e.g. irrigation, handling, storage, packaging, transportation, marketing systems and access to services) improvements, in addition to the technological ones, as well as the significance of education and training programmes, especially for women, includingsituations where producers are poorly organised and civil society is weak, which also slow down the development of an efficient agri-food system; emphasises the role of extension services in facilitating diffusion of knowledge; underlines that global environmental and climate change concerns should direct the support to the promotion of sustainable uses of natural resources and energy, and compatible methods of production;

Amendment 8 #

Michel DANTIN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission to take ~~the~~ necessary measures to ~~enhance the export potential of~~help the Southern Mediterranean~~, by helping it~~ achieve regulatory convergence in priority areas for the EU and the region – including competition, investment, and trade related standards and procedures – as well as alignment of production to the EU standards for quality and food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare; believes that these changes would strengthen those countries’ potential to export to the European Union; underlines, however, the imperative of simultaneously protecting sensitive sectors in EU agriculture from the potential of full liberalisation;

Amendment 9 #

Marit PAULSEN, George LYON, Britta REIMERS

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission to take the necessary measures to enhance the export potential of the Southern Mediterranean, by helping it achieve regulatory convergence in priority areas for the EU and the region – including competition, investment, and trade related standards and procedures – as well as alignment of production to the EU standards for quality and food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare; underlines~~, however, the imperative of simultaneously~~ that, in parallel, the regional trade protecnti~~ng sensitive sectors in EU agriculture from the potential of full liberalisat~~al in the Southern Mediterranean should be further encouraged, facilitating an increased access to markets for producers in the region;

Amendment 10 #

Giovanni LA VIA

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission to take the necessary measures to enhance the export potential of the Southern Mediterranean, by helping it achieve regulatory convergence in priority areas for the EU and the region – including competition, investment, and trade related standards and procedures – as well as alignment of ~~the~~ production to the EU standards for quality and food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare in compliance with the reciprocity principle; underlines, however, the imperative of simultaneously protecting sensitive sectors in EU agriculture, particularly those of Mediterranean countries, from the potential of full market liberalisation;

Amendment 11 #

Elisabeth JEGGLE

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3

3. Calls, furthermore, on the Commission to take the necessary measures to enhance the export potential of the Southern Mediterranean, by helping it achieve regulatory convergence in priority areas for the EU and the region – including competition, investment, and trade related standards and procedures – as well as alignment of production to the EU standards for quality and food safety, environmental protection, plant protection, and animal welfare; underlines, however, the imperative of simultaneously protecting sensitive sectors in EU agriculture from the potential of full liberalisation; points out that trade must be stepped up in a balanced fashion for all stakeholders in order to avoid giving greater advantage to one particular side;

Amendment 12 #

José BOVÉ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Calls also - so that there is no social and environmental dumping between the countries concerned and with the EU - for the measures proposed by the Commission to step up the introduction of innovative actions for the promotion of local know- how, training for the organisation of producers and the development of local and regional markets as part of exchanges of good practices between countries and with the EU, as previously practised in pre-accession procedures and relations with the EU neighbourhood countries;

Amendment 13 #

Vasilica Viorica DĂNCILĂ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Requests the Commission to support the special programmes for young people and women in agriculture and stresses the need to take measures at European level to attract young people in particular to work in agriculture;

Amendment 14 #

Vasilica Viorica DĂNCILĂ

Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Calls on the Commission to evaluate, in close collaboration with the Southern Mediterranean Member States and with national players in the agricultural sector, the innovative actions that they can adopt for promoting the need to act to encourage the involvement of agriculturalists and farmers, coupled with the creation of local and regional markets;

source: PE-480.779

2012/02/03 INTA 82 amendments...

Amendment 1 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)

- having regard to its resolutions of 7 April 2011 on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Southern Dimension1, and of 14 December 2011 on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy 2,

Amendment 2 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 17 a (new)

- having regard to its resolution of 6 April 2011 on the future European international investment policy3,

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Arab Spring is the greatest ~~1 Text adopted of that date P7_TA(2011)0154. 2 Text adopted of that date P7_TA(2011)0576. 3 Text adopted of that date P7_TA(2011)0141.~~ political transformation in the European Neighbourhood since the fall of the Berlin Wall and ~~has~~ offereds the EU the opportunity to ~~match its commercial and foreign policy interests with~~pursue its core values of human rights, democracy and a free society, among others through a sensitive implementation of commercial tools; whereas a prosperous and stable neighbourhood is key to the security and the economic progress of Europe;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A

A. whereas the Arab Spring is the greatest political transformation in the European Neighbourhood since the fall of the Berlin Wall and has offered the EU the opportunity to match its commercial and foreign policy interests with its core values of human rights, democracy and a free society; whereas ~~a prosperous and stable neighbourhood is key to the~~, in accordance with Article 8 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU must develop a special relationship with neighbouring countries, with the aim of establishing an area of prosperity and good neighbourliness, founded on the values of the Union and characterised by close and peaceful relations based on cooperation, which is the only key to permanent stability, security and the economic development and progress of Europe;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B

B. whereas the EU has exclusive competence over trade and investment policy, which allows the EU to provide an effective response to the upheavals and to contribute to economic and social progress in Southern Mediterranean countries (SMCs);

Amendment 6 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)

B a. whereas the EU and its Member States have failed the majority of the people in North Africa and the Middle East through their political support and economic ties with the dictatorships in countries like Tunisia, Egypt and Libya; whereas this has contributed towards prolonging the suffering of the majority of the people in this region;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)

E a. whereas no specific Euro- Mediterranean financial institution exists, while the experience gained by the EBRD during the transition of Central and Eastern Europe in previous years should allow it to play a positive role in SMCs; noting with regret, however, that several EU Member States have not yet ratified the amendments to the EBRD Agreement which will help the EBRD to be fully operational in the Mediterranean region;

Amendment 8 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET, Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas, thus far, the economies of SMCs have been run by undemocratic leaders to the benefit of the few, often overlooking the needs of the most vulnerable; whereas the fact that many dictators have now been deposed opens up new opportunities to open up the economies of the region and create a true market economy;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

Amendment 10 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital F

F. whereas, thus far, the economies of SMCs have been run by undemocratic leaders to the benefit of the few; whereas the fact that many dictators have now been deposed opens up new opportunities ~~to open up the economies of the region and create a true market economy~~for the political, social and economic development of the region; underlines that the revolutionary process is not yet completed; points out that there is a real danger that the new political leaders will thwart the justified aspirations of the masses and continue to ignore the interests of the majority of the populations;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital K

K. whereas the Arab Spring has uncovered the structural and systemic commercial and fiscal weaknesses of the region, in particular a susceptibility to spikes in commodity markets, and whereas any new trade strategy for the Mediterranean must tackle these shortcomings, foster food sovereignty and food security and end the financial speculation on food commodities if it hopes to fulfil the aspirations of the citizens;

Amendment 12 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)

K a. whereas the total foreign debt of Egypt stands at USD 34.7 billion, that of Tunisia at USD 18.76 billion and that of Libya at USD 6.38 billion;

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital L

L. whereas chronic unemployment, especially of young people, and lack of trade diversification remain a serious concern; whereas long-term structural unemployment and informal labour, including child labour, remains high in most SMCs and has further deteriorated in those countries which have experienced severe social unrest during the Arab Spring; whereas the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates that the region needs to create around 25 million new jobs over the next decade to maintain the current level of employment;

Amendment 14 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Recital M

M. whereas adolescents (aged 10-19) represent 20 % of the population and unemployment rates for those aged between 15 and 24 are around 25- 30 % while the participation of women in the labour market remains very low; whereas unemployment is particularly high amongst university graduates, leading to a brain drain and a waste of human resources;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Believes that the Arab Spring is an unparalleled historical event instigated by the peoples' aspirations for freedom; expresses its profound sadness at the loss of life during the struggle to overthrow corrupt dictatorships; regrets and apologises if the EU's long-lasting maintenance of trade agreements and negotiations with corrupt dictators, which in the case of Libya were abandoned only at the outbreak of hostilities, may have contributed to prolonging the oppression of peoples;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Believes that the Arab Spring is an unparalleled historical event instigated by the peoples' aspirations for freedom, democratic rights and an improvement of their living standards; expresses its profound sadness at the loss of life during the struggle to overthrow corrupt dictatorships;

Amendment 17 #

Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Notes that the gains of the revolutions of the Arab Spring have not yet been fully consolidated and that the EU must act swiftly to implement its Trade for Change agenda as, aside from the immediate economic benefits, trade is an effective means to consolidate democracy and promote stability, as it helps prevent corruption, facilitates a more equitable distribution of wealth and empowers the general population;

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Takes the view that the revolutionary process in the region is not complete and that a renewed and decisive intervention by the masses in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East is needed to take full control of shaping the political and economic future of their countries;

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Is aware that, following these sacrifices, there is a huge expectation in SMC societies of far greater and fairer EU support for democratic reforms and genuine economic development to the benefit of all;

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Is of the opinion that the EU and its Member States have been complicit in legitimising the former dictatorial regimes in North Africa and the Middle East through maintaining political relations and economic ties that benefited EU companies in general and the EU-based arms industry in particular;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)

2 b. Considers the public external debt of the countries in North Africa and the Middle East to be odious debt considering that the debt was built by the dictatorial regimes, mostly through the personal enrichment of the political and economic elite and the purchasing of arms, often used to oppress their own populations; therefore calls for the cancellation of this debt;

Amendment 22 #

Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Recognises that the EU must enact a coordinated policy for SMCs, but cautions against a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to the Arab Spring, as although the SMCs have many similarities, they have experienced different forms of repressive government, vary in their levels of economic development and face disparate social and demographic challenges;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Stresses that one of the European Parliament's main roles is strengthening political dialogue, mutual understanding and confidence between Europe and third countries, including SMCs, where the European Parliament should focus on spreading and promoting democratic reforms, fully-fledged freedom and the rule of law; underlines that these important tasks, based on direct relations, could also be a way to assess the fulfilment of the forthcoming criteria (in the light of events and the progresses achieved) and to make the necessary adjustments to bilateral and multilateral cooperation arrangements, specially in the areas of trade, investment or finances;

Amendment 24 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET, Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Is aware of the fact that in the last ten years the EU has fostered a more deep and comprehensive approach to Free Trade Agreements with the rulers of most SMCs, notwithstanding the apparent lack of democratic legitimacy of negotiation partners; considers that an entirely new approach to trade relations is needed which takes into account the immediate concern of stabilising democratic processes in the build-up of new social and political institutions, which then may act as legitimate and informed partners in negotiations for trade agreements;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that the EU is the biggest consumer market in the world, to which access should only be granted if partner countries are serious about engaging in the bilateral opening of markets, if the benefits of economic reforms are enjoyed by the whole population of the partner country, including the most vulnerable, and if the appropriate political, social and environmental commitments are given and fulfilled;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Points out that the EU is the ~~biggest consumer market in the world, to which access~~natural partner for the shou~~ld only be granted if partner countries are ser~~thern Mediterranean economies and that trade relatiouns ~~about engaging in the bilateral opening of markets, if the benefits of~~in this region have to be judged on a broader set of criteria, including that the benefits of trade agreements and economic reforms are enjoyed by the whole population of the partner countryies and ~~if the~~that appropriate political, social and environmental commitments are given and fulfilled;

Amendment 27 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, María Auxiliadora CORREA ZAMORA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Points out th~~at the EU is the biggest consumer market in the world, to which access should only be granted if partner countries are serious ab~~e vulnerability and fragility of the economies of the Southern Mediterranean countries and insists that those asymmetries need to be taken into account when engaging in t~~he bilateral open~~rade relations with those countries ing o~~f markets, if~~rder for the benefits of economic reforms ar, political, social and environmental commitments to be enjoyed by the whole population of the partner country ~~and if the appropriate political, social and environmental commitments a~~; is therefore convinced that a DCFTA and a fully fledged Southern Mediterranean Free Trade Area are not the right tools to advance regional integration and the social and economic development of the re gi~~ven and fulfilled~~on;

Amendment 28 #

Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Indicates that many SMCs have huge economic potential, with some inheriting large quantities of assets and natural resources, that, if managed correctly, provide an opportunity for economic growth and development on both sides of the Mediterranean;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. States that the measures and mechanisms needed to guarantee equivalent social, environmental and phyto-sanitary standards should therefore be put in place;

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Welcomes the differentiated~~Remains entirely unconvinced about the approach suggested by the Commission (‘more for more’) ~~and~~which presumes that the western intrinsic relation between civil and consumer liberties is of primary attractiveness to the region; believes that achievements on democratic reforms and individual freedoms ~~should~~will be mirrored ~~by a similar process~~ in the economic and trade landscape ~~with accompanying freedoms to set up and conduct business in order to dismantle the oligarchies which~~and lead to specific forms of economic organisation and, hopefully, more economic democracy than haves traditionally dominated SMCs;

Amendment 31 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Welcomes the ~~differentiated~~tailor-made bottom-up approach ~~suggest~~envisaged by the Commission ~~(‘more for more’) and~~, based on stronger conditionality and stronger differentiation in the recent ENP Revision, and the principle of 'more for more', ensuring better targeted assistance to each EU neighbouring country and guaranteeing that funding matches political ambition; believes that achievements on democratic reforms and individual freedoms should be mirrored by a similar process in the economic and trade landscape with accompanying freedoms to set up and conduct business in order to dismantle the oligarchies which have traditionally dominated SMCs;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. Is of the opinion that trade can play an important role in developing the countries of the Southern Mediterranean if the needs and interests of the majority of the people in the SMCs take priority over commercial interests; is therefore convinced that the main objectives of stimulating trade relations with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean must be the creation of well paid jobs, full respect for trade union rights, a guarantee of food security and food sovereignty and the diversification of the economies;

Amendment 33 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that the EU already has strong preferential trade agreements with many SMCs under the Association Agreements; nevertheless underlines that nthe dimensione of ~~these processes have been fully completed and is convince~~cooperation among SMCs is lagging behind which would increase the value of these trade agreements and that therefore there is still great potential to deepen economic relations on a regional level, particularly also in the regulatory field, w~~ith the long-term goal of integration into the EU's internal market~~hich would need to be explored before moving into extending trade agreements to new sectoral fields;

Amendment 34 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Notes that the EU already has strong preferential trade agreements with many SMCs under the Association Agreements; nevertheless underlines that none of these processes have been fully completed and is convinced that there is still great potential to deepen economic relations, particularly in the regulatory field~~, with the long-term goal of integration into the EU’s internal market~~;

Amendment 35 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcome~~Regrets, therefore, the Council decision to authorise the opening of bilateral DCFTA negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia ~~as soon a~~; believes theat necessary preparatory processes are completed; believes that the subsequent scoping exercises should draw from the experiences of the preparatory phases conducted with the Eastern partners whilst recognising the great political importance of avoiding unnecessary delays for those partners who are ready to commence negotiationgotiations should be conducted with this group of countries in the framework of the Agadir Agreement on a sub-regional level, in order to foster a coordinated economic reform process among these four countries;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. ~~Welcom~~Notes, therefore, the Council decision to authorise the opening of DCFTA negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia as soon as the necessary preparatory processes are completed; believes that the subsequent scoping exercises should draw from the experiences of the preparatory phases conducted with the Eastern partners whilst recognising the great political importance of avoiding unnecessary delays for those partners who are ready to commence negotiations, but also of not rushing into anything;

Amendment 37 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)

7 a. Recalls that the Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) on a Mediterranean- wide FTA, carried out by Manchester University on behalf of the Commission, comes to the conclusion that in an FTA social hardships and environmental stress are likely to increase in the short term, especially in the Maghreb region; considers that, in order to sustain the success of the Arab Spring, any trade- related measure resulting in additional social or environmental stress must be avoided; calls on the Commission to propose principles to the partners for achieving an optimal convergence of social and environmental criteria which should guide the negotiations, including options for carve-outs or highly asymmetrical treatment of socially and environmentally sensitive sectors, such as public services, agricultural products, retail and investor duties;

Amendment 38 #

Ioannis KASOULIDES

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is concerned that the European External Action Service (EEAS) has not yet made public the details of the ‘more for more’ criteria that will determine, together with the commercial scoping exercise, whether a country is eligible for a DCFTA; asks the EEAS, therefore, to establish these criteria so that the process is transparent and so that partner countries know in advance where adjustments need to be made; insists that respect for democratic institutions and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression ~~and~~, freedom of association and protection of religious minorities, must be central to this process and considers that it should be responsive to significant improvements or deteriorations in partner countries during the preparatory phase and the negotiations themselves; insists that these criteria should include an appropriate level of economic opening and an index of how all levels of society benefit from trade and foreign direct investment (FDI);

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is concerned that the European External Action Service (EEAS) has not yet made public the details of the ‘more for more’ criteria that will determine, together with the commercial scoping exercise, whether a country is eligible for a DCFTA; asks the EEAS, therefore, to establish these criteria so that the process is transparent and so that partner countries know in advance where adjustments need to be made; insists that respect for democratic institutions and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of association, and respect for international labour laws, ILO conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), must be central to this process and considers that it should be responsive to significant improvements or deteriorations in partner countries during the preparatory phase and the negotiations themselves; insists that these criteria should include an appropriate level of economic opening and an index of how all levels of society benefit from trade and foreign direct investment (FDI);

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is concerned that the European External Action Service (EEAS) has not yet made public the details of the ‘more for more’ criteria that will determine, together with the commercial scoping exercise, whether a country is eligible for a DCFTA; asks the EEAS, therefore, to establish these criteria so that the process is transparent and so that partner countries know in advance where adjustments need to be made; insists that respect for democratic institutions and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of association, must be central to thise process ~~and considers that i~~of deepening economic relations with the EU and considers that offers for increased access to the EU market should be responsive to significant improvements or deteriorations in partner countries during the preparatory phase and the negotiations themselves; insists that these criteria should include an appropriate level of economic opening and an index of how all levels of society benefit from trade and foreign direct investment (FDI);

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is concerned that the European External Action Service (EEAS) has not yet made public the details of the ‘more for more’ criteria that will determine, together with the commercial scoping exercise, whether a country is eligible for an DCFTA; asks the EEAS, therefore, to establish these criteria so that the process is transparent and so that partner countries know in advance where adjustments need to be made; insists that respect for democratic institutions and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of association, must be central to this process and considers that it should be responsive to significant improvements or deteriorations in partner countries during the preparatory phase and the negotiations themselves; insists that these criteria should include an appropriate level of economic opening and an index of how all levels of society benefit from trade and foreign direct investment (FDI);

Amendment 42 #

Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Is concerned that the European External Action Service (EEAS) has not yet made public the details of the ‘more for more’ criteria that will determine, together with the commercial scoping exercise, whether a country is ~~eligible~~ready for a DCFTA; asks the EEAS, therefore, to establish these criteria so that the process is transparent and so that partner countries know in advance where adjustments need to be made; insists that respect for democratic institutions and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of association, and abolishment of capital punishment must be central to this process and considers that it should be responsive to significant improvements or deteriorations in partner countries during the preparatory phase and the negotiations themselves; insists that the~~se criteria~~ scoping exercise should ~~inclu~~consider an appropriate level of economic opening and an index of how all levels of society benefit from trade and foreign direct investment (FDI);

Amendment 43 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET, Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)

8 a. Underlines that, in particular, service liberalisation and regulatory alignment of SMCs with EU rules will have deep consequences on the social organisation and social relations in the partner countries, which can easily be disruptive for the build-up of a more stable socio- political fabric in the partner countries; regards it as indispensable that all social forces, especially NGOs and trade union organisations, are involved and consulted from the outset of any trade negotiations;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Recalls that FTAs are not an end in themselves and that they should serve to benefit each country; Maintains that the trade provisions should be supported by strengthened human rights clauses with improved monitoring and implementing provisions, and an ambitious sustainable development chapter with a central role for civil society, including provisions on corporate social responsibility (CSR) which will strengthen the joint ownership of the process;

Amendment 45 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. Asks the Commission to specifically support and promote Fair Trade and organic farming initiatives, in particular in support of small-holder farmers, producers and cooperatives, as a way to integrate sustainable agricultural practices and rural development, simultaneously developing the supply chain to ensure European consumers of the products' quality, traceability and social and environmental credentials;

Amendment 46 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)

9 b. Deplores the role of European companies in the exportation of arms and dual-use items to repressive regimes, and in complying with technological disruptions organised by the dictatorship regimes; calls on the Commission to produce guidelines for EU companies to act in a manner consistent with the EU's fundamental principles in such situations;

Amendment 47 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the focus on unjustified behind-the- border barriers to trade and alignment with the EU's acquis, but notes that there is still scope for further tariff reductions with certain countries; stresses that, for ~~DCFTAs~~any trade agreement to be of true value to SMCs, the EU must be prepared to make genuine concessions in sensitive areas such as agriculture and Mode IV services; notes, in this context, that the EU actually has a significant total trade surplus in agriculture with these countries, while the food security index of most of the SMCs is negative and deteriorating; recalls that social unrest in some of the partner SMCs has started with raising prices for imported cereals, which makes it imperative to look at the agricultural sector in terms of its sustainable development for feeding local populations; regards export orientation through the liberalisation of agricultural goods as secondary to the goal of restoring food security;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the focus on behind-the- border barriers to trade and alignment with the EU’s acquis, but notes that there is still scope for further tariff reductions with certain countries; stresses that, for DCFTAs to be of true value to SMCs, the EU must be prepared to make genuine concessions in sensitive areas such as agriculture and Mode IV services; notes, in this context, that the EU actually has a significant total trade surplus in agriculture with these countries;

Amendment 49 #

Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the focus on behind-the- border barriers to trade and alignment with the EU's acquis, but notes that there is still scope for further negotiations on tariff reductions with certain countries; stresses that, for DCFTAs to be of true value to SMCs, the EU must be prepared to make ~~genuine concession~~additional efforts in sensitive areas such as agriculture and Mode IV services; notes, in this context, that the EU actually has a significant total trade surplus in agriculture with these countries;

Amendment 50 #

Ramon TREMOSA i BALCELLS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Welcomes the focus on behind-the- border barriers to trade and alignment with the EU's acquis, but notes that there is still scope for further tariff reductions with certain countries; stresses that, for DCFTAs to be of true value to SMCs, the EU must be prepared to make genuine concessions in sensitive areas ~~such as agriculture and Mode IV services; notes, in this context, that the EU actually has a significant total trade surplus in agriculture with these countrie~~in all productive sectors;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Underlines that FDI is particularly important for the economic development of SMCs, since levels of investment are either insufficient or overly targeted at raw material extraction industries; ~~asks the Commission to ensure that DCFTAs and investment efforts in the region are coordinated to promote economic diversification~~is aware that FDI must be better orientated towards supporting local economic processes, national development goals and regional economic diversification; regrets, in this respect, that the Council mandates for trade negotiations with Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Morocco in the respective investment chapters demand the highest possible level of investor protection and unconditional national treatment, thus neglecting a balanced vision of investor rights and duties and disregarding the demands of the Parliament in its resolution on the future European international investment policy of April 2011;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes~~, however,~~ that previous attempts to bilaterally negotiate sectoral arrangements under the Association Agreements have not proved successful; asks the Commission to ~~incentivise SMCs to negotiate on investment and other so-called ‘Singapore issues’ such as services within the context of DCFTAs; considers that the Commission should apply~~explore whether within the sub-regional Agadir Agreement group of SMCs there is openness to tackle additional trade issues under conditions of asymmetrical implementation~~, where appropriate,~~ and be flexibleility regarding the sensitive sectors of partner countries;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes, however, that previous attempts to negotiate sectoral arrangements under the Association Agreements have not proved successful; asks the Commission to incentivise SMCs to negotiate on investment and other so-called ‘Singapore issues’ such as services within the context of DCFTAs; considers that the Commission should apply asymmetrical implementation, where appropriate, and be flexible regarding the sensitive sectors of partner countries;

Amendment 55 #

Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. ~~Ask the Commission to use DCFTAs to align~~Stresses the economic potential of a higher degree of alignment of standards in the regulatory field, namely regarding technical standards and regulations, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures (SPS), transparency rules for public procurement, trade/customs facilitation and the elimination of non- tariff barriers (NTBs); points out that this cooperation is not satisfactorily addressed in Association Agreements and that the level of EU involvand trade/customs facilitation; points out that these topics should be high on the agenda for trade negotiations with the countries of the Agadir Agreement, s~~hould be intensified~~ince progress in these areas would yield immediate economic gains;

Amendment 57 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, María Auxiliadora CORREA ZAMORA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Ask the Commission to use DCFTAs to align standards in the regulatory field, namely regarding technical standards and regulations, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures (SPS), transparency rules for public procurement, trade/customs facilitation and the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs); points out that this cooperation is not satisfactorily addressed in Association Agreements and that the level of EU involvement should be intensified;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Ask the Commission to use DCFTAs to align standards in the regulatory field, namely regarding technical standards and regulations, sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures (SPS), transparency rules for public procurement, intellectual-property protection rules, trade/customs facilitation and the elimination of non- tariff barriers (NTBs); points out that this cooperation is not satisfactorily addressed in Association Agreements and that the level of EU involvement should be intensified;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Re~~cognises that DCFTAs should be the main objective but that, in the meantime,~~minds that the Commission is pursuing sectoral negotiations under the existing bilateral Association Agreements, including agreements on conformity assessment and acceptance of industrial products (ACAAs), agriculture and fisheries agreements, services and investment agreements, and dispute settlement arrangements; calls on the Commission to also consider updating the existing sectoral agreements with countries where offers can be improved and where a DCFTA is not immediately possible; asks the Commission to give better consideration to when and how these processes will be finally merged with the future DCFTAsexplore with the Agadir Agreement group of SMCs whether these ongoing bilateral efforts should be transposed into the regional frame, and to ensure that the loss of membership of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in 2014 will not negatively affect SMC access to the EU market in any product line;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Recognises that DCFTAs should be the main objective but that, in the meantime, the Commission is pursuing sectoral negotiations under the existing Association Agreements, including agreements on conformity assessment and acceptance of industrial products (ACAAs), agriculture and fisheries agreements, services and investment agreements, and dispute settlement arrangements; calls on the Commission to also consider updating the existing sectoral agreements with countries where offers can be improved and where an DCFTA is not immediately possible; asks the Commission to give better consideration to when and how these processes will be finally merged with ~~the~~ future DCFTAs, and to ensure that the loss of membership of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) in 2014 will not negatively affect SMC access to the EU market in any product line;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Demands that the Commission ~~also prepa~~explores a strategy for those ‘more for more’ partners with which either no prior agreement exists or which are not the immediate targets of DCFTAs, especially those, such as Libya and Lebanon, which are not yet members of the WTOies to integrate Libya and Lebanon in regional trade cooperation schemes; underlines that, while technical assistance to help these countries' progress towards WTO membership should continue in earnest, this alone is not sufficient and should be complemented, as appropriate, by WTO-compatible agreements which will bring benefits in the shorter term;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Demands that the Commission also prepares a strategy for those ‘more for more’ partners with which either no prior agreement exists or which are not the immediate targets of DCFTAs, especially those, such as Libya and Lebanon, which are not yet members of the WTO; underlines that, while technical assistance to help these countries’ progress towards WTO membership should continue in earnest, this alone is not sufficient and should be complemented, as appropriate, by WTO-compatible agreements which will bring benefits in the shorter term;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19

19. Is concerned about the high number of unregistered SMEs operating on the ‘black market’ and that the percentage of informal employment (excluding agriculture) in certain SMCs is as high as 70 %; is convinced that, if the region is to engage in serious economic growth, the EU's commercial strategy should incentivise unregistered businesses to legitimise their status; urges the Commission to support administrative capacity-building programmes, namely in business registration, employment and social affairs, paying special attention to building capacity in legal services, which will ensure better preparation for leading the required reforms;

Amendment 64 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, María Auxiliadora CORREA ZAMORA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20

20. Regrets that SMEs and cooperatives have very limited access to investment and insists on the need to provide proper access to financing through the reliable, accessible and user-friendly provision of micro-credit and counter guarantee schemes by the European Investment Bank (EIB); believes that such schemes will allow them to innovate and restructure in a manner that would enable them to tap the potential of the EU’s Internal Market; insists, in this context, on effective controls to avoid bad investments;

Amendment 65 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)

20a. Highlights the importance of fostering entrepreneurial activity by adopting the measures necessary for creating an environment that encourages society’s involvement in such activity;

Amendment 66 #

Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, María Auxiliadora CORREA ZAMORA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Acknowledges the role of the EIB, through the Facility for Euro- Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), in helping SMEs in the Southern Mediterranean; welcomes the decision to raise the ceiling for its operations in the region by €EUR 1 billion, which will bring the EIB's operations in the region to €EUR 6 billion over the coming three years; reaffirms that the EIB should specifically target its investment projects towards SMEs and the development of infrastructure projects; insists that the EIB needs to increase its administrative capacities in order to control its intermediary partner banks distributing ‘Global Loans’ under the criteria of the EU's external action goals, in order to render its operations fully accountable to the public;

Amendment 67 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21

21. Acknowledges the role of the EIB, through the Facility for Euro- Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), in helping SMEs in the Southern Mediterranean; welcomes the decision to raise the ceiling for its operations in the region by €1 billion, which will bring the EIB’s operations in the region to €6 billion over the coming three years; reaffirms that the EIB should specifically target its investment projects towards SMEs and the development of infrastructure projects, especially those relating to energy, given the region’s potential and the support that the EU could provide for their development and utilisation;

Amendment 68 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22

22. Welcomes the recent involvement of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the Mediterranean region and the extra funds pledged by the EU and several individual EU Member States for the Bank's activities; urges the European Council and the European Parliament to speedily ratify the amendments to the EBRD Agreement which will help the EBRD to be fully operational in the Mediterranean region; considers that the total funds available for EBRD investment in the region should be increased and that SMEs should be major beneficiaries of these investments; encourages SMCs to demonstrate their commitment by applying the principles of democracy, pluralism and market economics so that they may have access to investment according to the Bank's Statute;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23

23. Is convinced that flexible movement of business people across borders is essential in order for a free trade area to function properly; is firmly of the opinion that the EU should seek more coherence between its immigration and trade policies;deleted

Amendment 70 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24

24. Notes that visa facilitation remains a problem for many SMC business representatives who need to visit the EU for meetings, training or other business reasons; in this light, welcomes the recent communication on ‘A Dialogue for migration, mobility and security with the Southern Mediterranean Countries’, in which the Commission envisages visa facilitation agreements to support the mobility, inter alia, of business people; considers that ‘integrity’ and ‘reliability’ procedures for visas should be made easier and asks the Commission to negotiate such agreements in coordination with trade negotiations to ensure that their implementation is not too bureaucratic for SMEs;deleted

Amendment 71 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Regrets that the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area was not established by 2010 and hopes that all partners will use the momentum created by the Arab Spring to push forward with the necessary reforms for the creation of a functioning and fully fledged free trade area;deleted

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. Re~~grets that the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area was not established by 2010~~calls the set-backs of the Barcelona Process and hopes that all partners will use the momentum created by the Arab Spring to push forward wia balanced progress of the th~~e necessary reforms for~~ree areas of the Barcelona approach, namely political, economic and cultural cooperation, including the creation of a functioning ~~and fully fledged~~ free trade area;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

25. ~~Regret~~Notes that the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area was not established by 2010 ~~and hopes that all partners will use the momentum created by the Arab Spring to push forward with the necessary reforms for the creation of a functioning and fully fledged free trade area~~;

Amendment 74 #

Ramon TREMOSA i BALCELLS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

28. Furthermore, asks the Commission to include certain flexibilities in the DCFTAs which would eventually allow the individual agreements to merge with the Agadir Agreement to form a single Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area;deleted

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28

Amendment 77 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)

30 a. Is opposed to the Commission's proposal for the EU's new GSP scheme; is convinced that the asymmetries in trade relations with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean need to be taken into account;

Amendment 78 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31

31. Encourages EU Member States to play a more ambitious role in the EU's strategy for the Southern Neighbourhood by providing major programmes of fellowships for SMC students of both genders and from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, particularly in the fields of economics, business, IT, communication and trade; calls on the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative to immediately propose the establishment of the Euromed Erasmus and Da Vinci programmes; observes that other players in the region, such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, have been more effective in providing this support to SMCs; believes that these exchanges can provide lasting connections with future business partners in SMCs;

Amendment 79 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Maria BADIA i CUTCHET

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)

31 a. Recalls the role played by artists, cultural actors and bloggers in allowing some Arab civil societies to liberate themselves from dictatorship and open up the path to democracy; calls on the EU to integrate in its trade policy cultural cooperation, including joint initiatives in the fields of arts, education, media, the Internet and other crucial sectors to promote human rights and democracy;

Amendment 80 #

Niccolò RINALDI, Cristiana MUSCARDINI, Robert STURDY

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32

32. Calls for the imminent creation of EU Chambers of Commerce with partner countries to serve as a conduit for the promotion of joint trade activities and mutual exchanges between economic partners, including seminars and business fairs; regrets that there are no bilateral EU Chambers of Commerce in the region other than the EU-Israel Chamber of Commerce;

Amendment 81 #