# Official Journal C 66E/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 66E |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5220 March 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 66E

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5220 March 2009

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 11 to 13 March 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this part-session have been published in OJ C 113 E, 8.5.2008. |
| | |
| | Tuesday 11 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/01 | Sustainable European transport policyEuropean Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account European energy and environment policies (2007/2147(INI)) | 1 |
| 2009/C 066E/02 | Early warning in major emergenciesDeclaration of the European Parliament on early warning for citizens in major emergencies | 6 |
| | Wednesday 12 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/03 | CAP Health CheckEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the CAP Health Check (2007/2195(INI)) | 9 |
| 2009/C 066E/04 | The situation of women in rural areas of the EUEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the situation of women in rural areas of the EU (2007/2117(INI)) | 23 |
| 2009/C 066E/05 | Sustainable agriculture and biogas: review of EU legislationEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on sustainable agriculture and biogas: a need for review of EU legislation (2007/2107(INI)) | 29 |
| | Thursday 13 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/06 | Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy FundEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (2007/2188(INI)) | 35 |
| 2009/C 066E/07 | The challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the new Member StatesEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the New Member States (2007/2140(INI)) | 38 |
| 2009/C 066E/08 | European Code of Conduct on Arms ExportsEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports — Failure of the Council to adopt the Common Position and transform the Code into a legally binding instrument | 48 |
| 2009/C 066E/09 | The particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family lifeEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life (2007/2116(INI)) | 49 |
| 2009/C 066E/10 | Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development CooperationEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation (2007/2182(INI)) | 57 |
| 2009/C 066E/11 | ArmeniaEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Armenia | 67 |
| 2009/C 066E/12 | RussiaEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Russia | 69 |
| 2009/C 066E/13 | Afghan journalist Perwiz KambakhshEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh | 71 |
| 2009/C 066E/14 | The case of the Iranian citizen Seyed Mehdi KazemiEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Iranian citizen Sayyed Mehdi Kazemi | 73 |
| | RECOMMENDATIONS |
| | Thursday 13 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/15 | The European Union's role in IraqEuropean Parliament recommendation to the Council of 13 March 2008 on the European Union's role in Iraq (2007/2181(INI)) | 75 |

Notice No

Contents

page

European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 11 to 13 March 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this part-session have been published in OJ C 113 E, 8.5.2008.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

2009/C 066E/01

Sustainable European transport policyEuropean Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account European energy and environment policies (2007/2147(INI))

1

2009/C 066E/02

Early warning in major emergenciesDeclaration of the European Parliament on early warning for citizens in major emergencies

6

Wednesday 12 March 2008

2009/C 066E/03

CAP Health CheckEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the CAP Health Check (2007/2195(INI))

9

2009/C 066E/04

The situation of women in rural areas of the EUEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the situation of women in rural areas of the EU (2007/2117(INI))

23

2009/C 066E/05

Sustainable agriculture and biogas: review of EU legislationEuropean Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on sustainable agriculture and biogas: a need for review of EU legislation (2007/2107(INI))

29

Thursday 13 March 2008

2009/C 066E/06

Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy FundEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (2007/2188(INI))

35

2009/C 066E/07

The challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the new Member StatesEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the New Member States (2007/2140(INI))

38

2009/C 066E/08

European Code of Conduct on Arms ExportsEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports — Failure of the Council to adopt the Common Position and transform the Code into a legally binding instrument

48

2009/C 066E/09

The particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family lifeEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life (2007/2116(INI))

49

2009/C 066E/10

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development CooperationEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation (2007/2182(INI))

57

2009/C 066E/11

ArmeniaEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Armenia

67

2009/C 066E/12

RussiaEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Russia

69

2009/C 066E/13

Afghan journalist Perwiz KambakhshEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh

71

2009/C 066E/14

The case of the Iranian citizen Seyed Mehdi KazemiEuropean Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Iranian citizen Sayyed Mehdi Kazemi

73

RECOMMENDATIONS

Thursday 13 March 2008

2009/C 066E/15

The European Union's role in IraqEuropean Parliament recommendation to the Council of 13 March 2008 on the European Union's role in Iraq (2007/2181(INI))

75

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES |
| | Wednesday 12 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/16 | Request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter MartinEuropean Parliament decision of 12 March 2008 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin (2007/2215(IMM)) | 82 |

II   Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Wednesday 12 March 2008

2009/C 066E/16

Request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter MartinEuropean Parliament decision of 12 March 2008 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin (2007/2215(IMM))

82

| | III   Preparatory Acts |
| --- | --- |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 11 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/17 | Management of the assets of the ECSC and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 2003/77/EC laying down multiannual financial guidelines for managing the assets of the ECSC in liquidation and, on completion of the liquidation, the Assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0435 — C6-0276/2007 — 2007/0150(CNS)) | 83 |
| 2009/C 066E/18 | EC-United Arab Emirates Agreement on certain aspects of air services *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Community and the United Arab Emirates on certain aspects of air services (COM(2007)0134 — C6-0472/2007 — 2007/0052(CNS)) | 84 |
| 2009/C 066E/19 | Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) (COM(2007)0854 — C6-0033/2008 — 2007/0290(CNS)) | 84 |
| 2009/C 066E/20 | Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) (COM(2008)0027 — C6-0061/2008 — 2008/0011(CNS)) | 85 |
| 2009/C 066E/21 | Statistical classification of economic activities in the EC ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (codified version) (COM(2007)0755 — C6-0437/2007 — 2007/0256(COD)) | 86 |
| 2009/C 066E/22 | Identification and registration of pigs *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the identification and registration of pigs (codified version) (COM(2007)0829 — C6-0037/2008 — 2007/0294(CNS)) | 86 |
| 2009/C 066E/23 | Marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed (codified version) (COM(2007)0852 — C6-0038/2008 — 2007/0296(CNS)) | 87 |
| 2009/C 066E/24 | Common rules in the field of civil aviation security ***IIIEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules in the field of civil aviation security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (PE-CONS 3601/2008 — C6-0029/2008 — 2005/0191(COD)) | 88 |
| 2009/C 066E/25 | European Institute of Innovation and Technology ***IIEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the Council common position for adopting a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (15647/1/2007 — C6-0035/2008 — 2006/0197(COD)) | 89 |
| 2009/C 066E/26 | Mobilisation of the European Union's Solidarity FundEuropean Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund in application of point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0014 — C6-0036/2008 — 2008/2019(ACI)) | 89 |
| 2009/C 066E/27 | Amending budget No 1/2008Amendment to draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD)) | 91 |
| 2009/C 066E/28 | Amending budget No 1/2008European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on Draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD)) | 92 |
| 2009/C 066E/29 | EC-Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Partnership Agreement *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (COM(2007)0580 — C6-0391/2007 — 2007/0209(CNS)) | 93 |
| 2009/C 066E/30 | EC-Côte d'Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and Côte d'Ivoire (COM(2007)0648 — C6-0429/2007 — 2007/0226(CNS)) | 95 |
| | Wednesday 12 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/31 | Energy statistics ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics (COM(2006)0850 — C6-0035/2007 — 2007/0002(COD)) | 97 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2007)0002Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics | 97 |
| 2009/C 066E/32 | Statistics on plant protection products ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on plant protection products (COM(2006)0778 — C6-0457/2006 — 2006/0258(COD)) | 98 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2006)0258Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides (Text with EEA relevance) | 98 |
| 2009/C 066E/33 | Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products as regards the national quotas for milk *European Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (single CMO Regulation) as regards the national quotas for milk (COM(2007)0802 — C6-0015/2008 — 2007/0281(CNS)) | 124 |
| | Thursday 13 March 2008 |
| 2009/C 066E/34 | Enhancing the quality of life of older people ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0329 — C6-0178/2007 — 2007/0116(COD)) | 128 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2007)0116Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 13 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community's participation in a research and development programme undertaken by several Member States aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies | 128 |
| 2009/C 066E/35 | Taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil *European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2003/96/EC as regards the adjustment of special tax arrangements for gas oil used as motor fuel for commercial purposes and the coordination of taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil used as motor fuel (COM(2007)0052 — C6-0109/2007 — 2007/0023(CNS)) | 129 |

III   Preparatory Acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 11 March 2008

2009/C 066E/17

Management of the assets of the ECSC and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 2003/77/EC laying down multiannual financial guidelines for managing the assets of the ECSC in liquidation and, on completion of the liquidation, the Assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0435 — C6-0276/2007 — 2007/0150(CNS))

83

2009/C 066E/18

EC-United Arab Emirates Agreement on certain aspects of air services *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Community and the United Arab Emirates on certain aspects of air services (COM(2007)0134 — C6-0472/2007 — 2007/0052(CNS))

84

2009/C 066E/19

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) (COM(2007)0854 — C6-0033/2008 — 2007/0290(CNS))

84

2009/C 066E/20

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) (COM(2008)0027 — C6-0061/2008 — 2008/0011(CNS))

85

2009/C 066E/21

Statistical classification of economic activities in the EC ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (codified version) (COM(2007)0755 — C6-0437/2007 — 2007/0256(COD))

86

2009/C 066E/22

Identification and registration of pigs *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the identification and registration of pigs (codified version) (COM(2007)0829 — C6-0037/2008 — 2007/0294(CNS))

86

2009/C 066E/23

Marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed (codified version) (COM(2007)0852 — C6-0038/2008 — 2007/0296(CNS))

87

2009/C 066E/24

Common rules in the field of civil aviation security ***IIIEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules in the field of civil aviation security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (PE-CONS 3601/2008 — C6-0029/2008 — 2005/0191(COD))

88

2009/C 066E/25

European Institute of Innovation and Technology ***IIEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the Council common position for adopting a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (15647/1/2007 — C6-0035/2008 — 2006/0197(COD))

89

2009/C 066E/26

Mobilisation of the European Union's Solidarity FundEuropean Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund in application of point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0014 — C6-0036/2008 — 2008/2019(ACI))

89

2009/C 066E/27

Amending budget No 1/2008Amendment to draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD))

91

2009/C 066E/28

Amending budget No 1/2008European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on Draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD))

92

2009/C 066E/29

EC-Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Partnership Agreement *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (COM(2007)0580 — C6-0391/2007 — 2007/0209(CNS))

93

2009/C 066E/30

EC-Côte d'Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement *European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and Côte d'Ivoire (COM(2007)0648 — C6-0429/2007 — 2007/0226(CNS))

95

Wednesday 12 March 2008

2009/C 066E/31

Energy statistics ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics (COM(2006)0850 — C6-0035/2007 — 2007/0002(COD))

97

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0002Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics

97

2009/C 066E/32

Statistics on plant protection products ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on plant protection products (COM(2006)0778 — C6-0457/2006 — 2006/0258(COD))

98

P6_TC1-COD(2006)0258Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides (Text with EEA relevance)

pesticides

98

2009/C 066E/33

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products as regards the national quotas for milk *European Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (single CMO Regulation) as regards the national quotas for milk (COM(2007)0802 — C6-0015/2008 — 2007/0281(CNS))

124

Thursday 13 March 2008

2009/C 066E/34

Enhancing the quality of life of older people ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0329 — C6-0178/2007 — 2007/0116(COD))

128

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0116Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 13 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community's participation in a research and development programme undertaken by several Member States aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies

128

2009/C 066E/35

Taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil *European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2003/96/EC as regards the adjustment of special tax arrangements for gas oil used as motor fuel for commercial purposes and the coordination of taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil used as motor fuel (COM(2007)0052 — C6-0109/2007 — 2007/0023(CNS))

129

| * | Consultation procedure |
| --- | --- |
| **I | Cooperation procedure: first reading |
| **II | Cooperation procedure: second reading |
| *** | Assent procedure |
| ***I | Codecision procedure: first reading |
| ***II | Codecision procedure: second reading |
| ***III | Codecision procedure: third reading |

*

Consultation procedure

**I

Cooperation procedure: first reading

**II

Cooperation procedure: second reading

***

Assent procedure

***I

Codecision procedure: first reading

***II

Codecision procedure: second reading

***III

Codecision procedure: third reading

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 11 to 13 March 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this part-session have been published in OJ C 113 E, 8.5.2008.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/1

---

Sustainable European transport policy

P6_TA(2008)0087

European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account European energy and environment policies (2007/2147(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Presidency Conclusions issued following the European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007, relating to the European Council's adoption of a ‘European Council Action Plan (2007-2009)’ entitled ‘Energy policy for Europe’ (7224/1/07), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency Conclusions issued following the European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007, relating to the European Council's adoption of a ‘European Council Action Plan (2007-2009)’ entitled ‘Energy policy for Europe’ (7224/1/07),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Communication on a European Ports Policy’ (COM(2007)0616), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Communication on a European Ports Policy’ (COM(2007)0616),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Towards a rail network giving priority to freight’ (COM(2007)0608), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Towards a rail network giving priority to freight’ (COM(2007)0608),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan’ (COM(2007)0607), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan’ (COM(2007)0607),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘The EU's freight transport agenda: Boosting the efficiency, integration and sustainability of freight transport in Europe’ (COM(2007)0606), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘The EU's freight transport agenda: Boosting the efficiency, integration and sustainability of freight transport in Europe’ (COM(2007)0606),

| — | having regard to the Commission Green Paper entitled ‘Towards a new culture for urban mobility’ (COM(2007)0551), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Green Paper entitled ‘Towards a new culture for urban mobility’ (COM(2007)0551),

| — | having regard to the Commission Green Paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes (COM(2007)0140), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Green Paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes (COM(2007)0140),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Competitive Automotive Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century — Commission's position on the CARS 21 High Level Group Final Report — A contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy’ (COM(2007)0022), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘A Competitive Automotive Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century — Commission's position on the CARS 21 High Level Group Final Report — A contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy’ (COM(2007)0022),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Results of the review of the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles’ (COM(2007)0019), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Results of the review of the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles’ (COM(2007)0019),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius — The way ahead for 2020 and beyond’ (COM(2007)0002), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius — The way ahead for 2020 and beyond’ (COM(2007)0002),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘An Energy Policy for Europe’ (COM(2007)0001), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘An Energy Policy for Europe’ (COM(2007)0001),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Renewable Energy Road Map — Renewable energies in the 21st century: building a more sustainable future’ (COM(2006)0848), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Renewable Energy Road Map — Renewable energies in the 21st century: building a more sustainable future’ (COM(2006)0848),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Biofuels Progress Report: Report on the progress made in the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels in the Member States of the European Union’ (COM(2006)0845), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Biofuels Progress Report: Report on the progress made in the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels in the Member States of the European Union’ (COM(2006)0845),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential’ (COM(2006)0545), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential’ (COM(2006)0545),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Keep Europe moving — Sustainable mobility for our continent — Mid-term review of the European Commission's 2001 Transport White Paper’ (COM(2006)0314), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Keep Europe moving — Sustainable mobility for our continent — Mid-term review of the European Commission's 2001 Transport White Paper’ (COM(2006)0314),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2007 on the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2007 on the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 5 September 2007 on freight transport logistics in Europe — the key to sustainable mobility (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 5 September 2007 on freight transport logistics in Europe — the key to sustainable mobility (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on keeping Europe moving — sustainable mobility for our continent (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on keeping Europe moving — sustainable mobility for our continent (3),

| — | having regard its position at first reading of 5 September 2006 on the proposal for a Council Directive on passenger car related taxes (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard its position at first reading of 5 September 2006 on the proposal for a Council Directive on passenger car related taxes (4),

| — | having regard to Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (5) (Eurovignette Directive), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999 on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (5) (Eurovignette Directive),

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0014/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0014/2008),

| A. | whereas sustainable development — an EU objective applying across the board — is intended to bring about continuing improvement in the quality of life and in the well-being of our planet for present and future generations, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas sustainable development — an EU objective applying across the board — is intended to bring about continuing improvement in the quality of life and in the well-being of our planet for present and future generations,

| B. | whereas about a third of total energy consumption in EU 25 is linked to the transport sector, excluding shipping and pipelines, and whereas road transport, accounting as it does for 83 %, is the mode that uses up the largest volume of energy, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas about a third of total energy consumption in EU 25 is linked to the transport sector, excluding shipping and pipelines, and whereas road transport, accounting as it does for 83 %, is the mode that uses up the largest volume of energy,

| C. | whereas the transport sector accounts for 70 % of the demand for oil in EU 25; whereas the sector relies on fossil fuels for 97 % of its power supplies, leaving a figure of just 2 % for electricity (much of which is nuclear generated) and as little as 1 % for biofuels, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the transport sector accounts for 70 % of the demand for oil in EU 25; whereas the sector relies on fossil fuels for 97 % of its power supplies, leaving a figure of just 2 % for electricity (much of which is nuclear generated) and as little as 1 % for biofuels,

| D. | whereas the energy efficiency of the different modes of transport has been greatly enhanced in recent years and whereas this has enabled the corresponding CO2 emissions per km to be reduced substantially; whereas these improvements are, however, being counteracted by the effects of ever growing demand in the transport sector, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the energy efficiency of the different modes of transport has been greatly enhanced in recent years and whereas this has enabled the corresponding CO2 emissions per km to be reduced substantially; whereas these improvements are, however, being counteracted by the effects of ever growing demand in the transport sector,

| E. | whereas, therefore, emissions in the transport sector, taken as a whole, are continuing to rise: in 2005 alone the transport sector accounted for 24,1 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) in EU 27 and according to Commission forecasts its demand for energy will increase by at least 30 % between now and 2030, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, therefore, emissions in the transport sector, taken as a whole, are continuing to rise: in 2005 alone the transport sector accounted for 24,1 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) in EU 27 and according to Commission forecasts its demand for energy will increase by at least 30 % between now and 2030,

| F. | whereas the noxious emissions produced by road transport have lessened as a result of technological innovations and the extensive efforts of the motor industry; whereas this outcome has been achieved specifically through the introduction of catalytic converters, fine particle filters, and other technologies which have helped to cut NOx and polluting particulate emissions by between 30 % and 40 % over the past 15 years; whereas, however, despite these improvements, the CO2 emission reduction targets stemming from the motor manufacturers' voluntary agreement have been met only in part, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the noxious emissions produced by road transport have lessened as a result of technological innovations and the extensive efforts of the motor industry; whereas this outcome has been achieved specifically through the introduction of catalytic converters, fine particle filters, and other technologies which have helped to cut NOx and polluting particulate emissions by between 30 % and 40 % over the past 15 years; whereas, however, despite these improvements, the CO2 emission reduction targets stemming from the motor manufacturers' voluntary agreement have been met only in part,

| G. | whereas urban traffic generates 40 % of CO2 emissions and 70 % of other pollutant emissions from vehicles and whereas road congestion, concentrated mainly in the big cities, entails a cost to the EU equivalent to about 1 % of GDP, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas urban traffic generates 40 % of CO2 emissions and 70 % of other pollutant emissions from vehicles and whereas road congestion, concentrated mainly in the big cities, entails a cost to the EU equivalent to about 1 % of GDP,

| H. | whereas 70 % of the priority trans-European transport projects approved in 2004 relate to railway and shipping transport, which are recognised as being less polluting modes of transport, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas 70 % of the priority trans-European transport projects approved in 2004 relate to railway and shipping transport, which are recognised as being less polluting modes of transport,

| I. | whereas in the abovementioned European Council Presidency Conclusions the EU committed itself firmly and unilaterally to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % compared with 1990 levels, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas in the abovementioned European Council Presidency Conclusions the EU committed itself firmly and unilaterally to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % compared with 1990 levels,

| 1. | Believes that mobility has been one of the greatest achievements and challenges of the 20th century and that sustainable transport should strike a fair balance between different and often conflicting interests while seeking to reconcile mobility, a basic right that citizens enjoy, the importance of the transport sector in economic and employment terms, the responsibility for the local and global environment and the right of citizens to safety, quality of life and health; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Believes that mobility has been one of the greatest achievements and challenges of the 20th century and that sustainable transport should strike a fair balance between different and often conflicting interests while seeking to reconcile mobility, a basic right that citizens enjoy, the importance of the transport sector in economic and employment terms, the responsibility for the local and global environment and the right of citizens to safety, quality of life and health;

| 2. | Stresses that the transport sector must also meet the EU goals of reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % over 1990 levels by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that the transport sector must also meet the EU goals of reducing oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 % over 1990 levels by 2020;

| 3. | Points to the importance of the transport sector for employment, growth, and innovation, and considers safe and affordable guaranteed mobility to be a sine qua non of our lifestyle; consequently believes — with regard to the priority that should be accorded to the requirements of sustainable mobility from an environmental point of view — that citizens are likely to support measures that guarantee their mobility in the long term (6); |
| --- | --- |

3.

Points to the importance of the transport sector for employment, growth, and innovation, and considers safe and affordable guaranteed mobility to be a sine qua non of our lifestyle; consequently believes — with regard to the priority that should be accorded to the requirements of sustainable mobility from an environmental point of view — that citizens are likely to support measures that guarantee their mobility in the long term (6);

| 4. | Is of the opinion that, to achieve the aim of making European transport sustainable in energy and environmental terms, it is necessary to combine a range of mutually supportive and corrective policies, thus securing the involvement of more and more stakeholders representing the transport sector, government, and citizens; is convinced that only by applying the right combination of measures will it be possible both to mitigate the adverse effects of individual actions and to help persuade citizens to accept those actions; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Is of the opinion that, to achieve the aim of making European transport sustainable in energy and environmental terms, it is necessary to combine a range of mutually supportive and corrective policies, thus securing the involvement of more and more stakeholders representing the transport sector, government, and citizens; is convinced that only by applying the right combination of measures will it be possible both to mitigate the adverse effects of individual actions and to help persuade citizens to accept those actions;

| 5. | Considers that a policy mix of this kind should encompass the following in particular:






  (a) | technological developments (measures to increase energy efficiency, new standards/regulations for engines and fuels, use of new technologies and alternative fuels); |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

Considers that a policy mix of this kind should encompass the following in particular:

(a)

technological developments (measures to increase energy efficiency, new standards/regulations for engines and fuels, use of new technologies and alternative fuels);

| (b) | market-based instruments (charges/fares based on environmental impact or congestion, tax incentives, Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) allowing for the specific features of the different modes of transport); and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

market-based instruments (charges/fares based on environmental impact or congestion, tax incentives, Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) allowing for the specific features of the different modes of transport); and

| (c) | flanking measures to enable means of transport and infrastructure to be used as efficiently as possible and encourage companies and citizens to change their ways. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

flanking measures to enable means of transport and infrastructure to be used as efficiently as possible and encourage companies and citizens to change their ways.

| 6. | Maintains that the EU and the Member States need to focus their efforts on the key elements of the system, namely:






  (a) | congested large cities and urban areas, where most movements take place; |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

Maintains that the EU and the Member States need to focus their efforts on the key elements of the system, namely:

(a)

congested large cities and urban areas, where most movements take place;

| (b) | the main European intercity corridors, the routes for the highest proportion of EU internal and international trade; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the main European intercity corridors, the routes for the highest proportion of EU internal and international trade; and

| (c) | environmentally sensitive areas (the Alpine region, the Baltic Sea, etc.); |
| --- | --- |

(c)

environmentally sensitive areas (the Alpine region, the Baltic Sea, etc.);

| 7. | Stresses the importance of the signing of the Transport Protocol to the Alpine Convention by the Council in December 2006; underscores the fact that, because of ratification of that protocol, tangible implementing measures to promote sustainable transport in sensitive mountain regions and densely populated areas must be immediately launched by the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses the importance of the signing of the Transport Protocol to the Alpine Convention by the Council in December 2006; underscores the fact that, because of ratification of that protocol, tangible implementing measures to promote sustainable transport in sensitive mountain regions and densely populated areas must be immediately launched by the Commission;

| 8. | Maintains that market-based instruments should likewise be employed to promote vehicles with low fuel consumption and low emissions, making use of, for example, tax exemptions, reform of vehicle excise duties to take account of pollutant emissions and fuel consumption efficiency, incentives to scrap highly polluting vehicles and buy low-emission new cars; considers these to be important measures that would also help motor manufacturers to recoup the cost of compliance with the obligations imposed under the new legislative framework; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Maintains that market-based instruments should likewise be employed to promote vehicles with low fuel consumption and low emissions, making use of, for example, tax exemptions, reform of vehicle excise duties to take account of pollutant emissions and fuel consumption efficiency, incentives to scrap highly polluting vehicles and buy low-emission new cars; considers these to be important measures that would also help motor manufacturers to recoup the cost of compliance with the obligations imposed under the new legislative framework;

| 9. | Urges the Council and the Member States, therefore, to match the determination shown at the European Council meeting of 8 and 9 March 2007 by






  (a) | adopting the abovementioned proposal for a directive on passenger car-related taxes in order to link car-related taxation to pollutant emissions and fuel consumption efficiency; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

Urges the Council and the Member States, therefore, to match the determination shown at the European Council meeting of 8 and 9 March 2007 by

(a)

adopting the abovementioned proposal for a directive on passenger car-related taxes in order to link car-related taxation to pollutant emissions and fuel consumption efficiency; and

| (b) | reforming their tax systems, without further delay, in such a way as to provide more substantial incentives in favour of cleaner vehicles; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

reforming their tax systems, without further delay, in such a way as to provide more substantial incentives in favour of cleaner vehicles;

| 10. | Endorses the question raised by the Commission in the abovementioned Green Paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes, regarding the option of using a coordination procedure and exchange of experience and best practice in order to promote, while bringing more active scrutiny to bear on, national reforms of transport charging systems and environmental taxation; calls on the Commission to take steps to achieve that end; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Endorses the question raised by the Commission in the abovementioned Green Paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes, regarding the option of using a coordination procedure and exchange of experience and best practice in order to promote, while bringing more active scrutiny to bear on, national reforms of transport charging systems and environmental taxation; calls on the Commission to take steps to achieve that end;

| 11. | Calls on the Council and the Member States to step up their investment in infrastructure and intelligent transport systems (ITSs), in particular with a view to:






  (a) | completing the trans-European network priority projects as soon as possible, since these are vitally important for freight transport logistics and a sustainable European transport policy; |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Council and the Member States to step up their investment in infrastructure and intelligent transport systems (ITSs), in particular with a view to:

(a)

completing the trans-European network priority projects as soon as possible, since these are vitally important for freight transport logistics and a sustainable European transport policy;

| (b) | tackling congestion in urban areas and along corridors in sensitive areas; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

tackling congestion in urban areas and along corridors in sensitive areas; and

| (c) | improving intermodal transport; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

improving intermodal transport;

| 12. | Urges the Commission to submit by June 2008 at the latest, a comprehensible, transparent, generally applicable model for assessing the external costs of all modes of transport, on which to base future calculation of the charges to be paid for the use of infrastructure; observes that, under the Eurovignette Directive, that model must be accompanied by an analysis of the impact of internalising external costs for all modes of transport and by a strategy for phasing in the model for all modes of transport; looks to the Commission, alongside the above initiative to produce legislative proposals, starting with the revision of the Eurovignette Directive; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Urges the Commission to submit by June 2008 at the latest, a comprehensible, transparent, generally applicable model for assessing the external costs of all modes of transport, on which to base future calculation of the charges to be paid for the use of infrastructure; observes that, under the Eurovignette Directive, that model must be accompanied by an analysis of the impact of internalising external costs for all modes of transport and by a strategy for phasing in the model for all modes of transport; looks to the Commission, alongside the above initiative to produce legislative proposals, starting with the revision of the Eurovignette Directive;

| 13. | Is convinced that the problem of urban congestion, which causes 40 % of CO2 emissions and 70 % of other pollutant emissions from vehicles, needs to be tackled more ambitiously, without infringing the subsidiarity principle, by applying a Europe-wide cooperation and coordination strategy; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Is convinced that the problem of urban congestion, which causes 40 % of CO2 emissions and 70 % of other pollutant emissions from vehicles, needs to be tackled more ambitiously, without infringing the subsidiarity principle, by applying a Europe-wide cooperation and coordination strategy;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to analyse the way in which transport infrastructure and the tariffs applied to it influence urban development and future demand for transport services; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to analyse the way in which transport infrastructure and the tariffs applied to it influence urban development and future demand for transport services;

| 15. | Is of the opinion that an effective urban mobility policy should take into account the transport of persons as well as of freight and must therefore be based on as fully integrated an approach as possible, bringing together the solutions best suited to each individual problem; firmly believes that urban areas have economically sound potential to offer for further modal shift policies in favour of public transport, walking, and cycling and for a new approach to urban logistics; considers it essential in this connection to focus on technological innovation (wider use of ITSs), better exploitation of existing infrastructure, especially by means of demand management measures (congestion charges and road pricing), and innovative solutions for the optimum integration of urban freight flows; and, lastly, new ways to optimise the use of private cars such as car-sharing, carpooling and arrangements for working at home; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Is of the opinion that an effective urban mobility policy should take into account the transport of persons as well as of freight and must therefore be based on as fully integrated an approach as possible, bringing together the solutions best suited to each individual problem; firmly believes that urban areas have economically sound potential to offer for further modal shift policies in favour of public transport, walking, and cycling and for a new approach to urban logistics; considers it essential in this connection to focus on technological innovation (wider use of ITSs), better exploitation of existing infrastructure, especially by means of demand management measures (congestion charges and road pricing), and innovative solutions for the optimum integration of urban freight flows; and, lastly, new ways to optimise the use of private cars such as car-sharing, carpooling and arrangements for working at home;

| 16. | Points to the importance of light measures in attaining the goal of more sustainable transport and considers it important that citizens should be able to make informed choices about means of transport and driving behaviour; calls for better consumer information and for more active education and promotion campaigns in support of more sustainable means of transport or transport models; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Points to the importance of light measures in attaining the goal of more sustainable transport and considers it important that citizens should be able to make informed choices about means of transport and driving behaviour; calls for better consumer information and for more active education and promotion campaigns in support of more sustainable means of transport or transport models;

| 17. | Believes that rail transport — a mode with lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions — has considerable untapped potential not just where freight transport logistics are concerned, but also as regards short to medium-haul passenger transport; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Believes that rail transport — a mode with lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions — has considerable untapped potential not just where freight transport logistics are concerned, but also as regards short to medium-haul passenger transport;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States, and the rail industry to:






  (a) | complete a single European railway area or rail market as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States, and the rail industry to:

(a)

complete a single European railway area or rail market as soon as possible;

| (b) | with that end in view, eliminate the technical obstacles and move towards a single European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and interoperable solutions; and |
| --- | --- |

(b)

with that end in view, eliminate the technical obstacles and move towards a single European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and interoperable solutions; and

| (c) | improve freight and passenger transport services and the quality of service; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

improve freight and passenger transport services and the quality of service;

| 19. | Considers that, although airlines have cut their fuel consumption by 1 %-2 % per passenger-kilometre in the last 10 years and noise emissions have been greatly lowered, the overall environmental impact of civil aviation has risen on account of the substantial expansion in traffic; calls, therefore for:






  (a) | air transport to be included in the ETS and greater use to be made of the new-generation European air traffic management system (SESAR — Single European Sky ATM Research); |
| --- | --- | --- |

19.

Considers that, although airlines have cut their fuel consumption by 1 %-2 % per passenger-kilometre in the last 10 years and noise emissions have been greatly lowered, the overall environmental impact of civil aviation has risen on account of the substantial expansion in traffic; calls, therefore for:

(a)

air transport to be included in the ETS and greater use to be made of the new-generation European air traffic management system (SESAR — Single European Sky ATM Research);

| (b) | emissions-based differential take-off and landing charges at airports; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

emissions-based differential take-off and landing charges at airports;

| (c) | the establishment of the ‘Clean Sky a Joint Technology Initiative’ that aims at reducing CO2 and NOx emissions and noise pollution; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

the establishment of the ‘Clean Sky a Joint Technology Initiative’ that aims at reducing CO2 and NOx emissions and noise pollution;

| (d) | an end to the fragmentation of European airspace through the speedy creation of a real Single European Sky; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

an end to the fragmentation of European airspace through the speedy creation of a real Single European Sky;

| (e) | practical steps to be taken to relieve airport congestion; and |
| --- | --- |

(e)

practical steps to be taken to relieve airport congestion; and

| (f) | ensuring better co-modal and logistics integration of airports, facilitating their access to railways; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

ensuring better co-modal and logistics integration of airports, facilitating their access to railways;

| 20. | Notes that cost reflectiveness in air transport and air ticket price transparency are most important in terms of passenger interests and fair competition in the transport sector, and therefore gives the Commission backing to take further initiatives in this connection; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Notes that cost reflectiveness in air transport and air ticket price transparency are most important in terms of passenger interests and fair competition in the transport sector, and therefore gives the Commission backing to take further initiatives in this connection;

| 21. | Notes that emissions from shipping are continuing to increase and recommends in particular that:






  (a) | CO2, SO2, nitrogen oxide, and other emissions from ships be reduced; |
| --- | --- | --- |

21.

Notes that emissions from shipping are continuing to increase and recommends in particular that:

(a)

CO2, SO2, nitrogen oxide, and other emissions from ships be reduced;

| (b) | the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power be started and encouraged; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power be started and encouraged;

| (c) | vessels that come to anchor to be fuelled from land-based sources; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

vessels that come to anchor to be fuelled from land-based sources;

| (d) | the use of emission allowance trading to contain emissions be treated as a possibility deserving careful consideration, without punishing this mode of transport which is the most environmentally friendly (together with inland waterways) nor favour other modes which impose a heavier burden on the environment; and |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the use of emission allowance trading to contain emissions be treated as a possibility deserving careful consideration, without punishing this mode of transport which is the most environmentally friendly (together with inland waterways) nor favour other modes which impose a heavier burden on the environment; and

| (e) | an integrated European rivers policy to be agreed and therefore endorses initiatives such as Naiades (An Integrated European Action Programme for Inland Waterway Transport), which further improve inland waterway transport and the environmental performance of inland waterway transport; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

an integrated European rivers policy to be agreed and therefore endorses initiatives such as Naiades (An Integrated European Action Programme for Inland Waterway Transport), which further improve inland waterway transport and the environmental performance of inland waterway transport;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in the modernisation of port facilities both for the EU's seaports and for those located on internal waterways, in order to permit the swift transfer of goods and passengers from one transport system to another, thereby enabling a reduction in energy consumption in the field of transport; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest in the modernisation of port facilities both for the EU's seaports and for those located on internal waterways, in order to permit the swift transfer of goods and passengers from one transport system to another, thereby enabling a reduction in energy consumption in the field of transport;

| 23. | Considers it essential to improve logistics, load factors in freight transport and intermodal transport; therefore advocates full completion of the internal market in transport and urges the Commission to build as soon as possible on its abovementioned action plan for freight transport logistics in Europe, placing particular emphasis on developing the concept of ‘green corridors’; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Considers it essential to improve logistics, load factors in freight transport and intermodal transport; therefore advocates full completion of the internal market in transport and urges the Commission to build as soon as possible on its abovementioned action plan for freight transport logistics in Europe, placing particular emphasis on developing the concept of ‘green corridors’;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest more in research in the field of transport, to enable more energy-efficient and CO2-emission-reducing technologies to be developed; calls on the Commission in the 2009 review of the multi-annual financial framework to increase significantly the overall financial effort towards R&D concerning the environment, energy and transport; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to invest more in research in the field of transport, to enable more energy-efficient and CO2-emission-reducing technologies to be developed; calls on the Commission in the 2009 review of the multi-annual financial framework to increase significantly the overall financial effort towards R&D concerning the environment, energy and transport;

| 25. | Gives the Commission backing for initiatives which interlink sustainable transport and tourism more effectively, such as the use of more environmentally friendly means of transport, e.g. combining public-transport use and cycling; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Gives the Commission backing for initiatives which interlink sustainable transport and tourism more effectively, such as the use of more environmentally friendly means of transport, e.g. combining public-transport use and cycling;

| 26. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

26.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0469.

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0375.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0345.

(4)  OJ C 305 E, 14.12.2006, p. 85.

(5)  OJ L 187, 20.7.1999, p. 42. Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/103/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 344).

(6)  See ‘Attitudes on issues related to EU Transport Policy’, Flash Eurobarometer No 206b, EU Transport Policy.

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| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/6

---

Early warning in major emergencies

P6_TA(2008)0088

Declaration of the European Parliament on early warning for citizens in major emergencies

(2009/C 66 E/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas it is important to have efficient early warning (EW) for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies, with a view to reducing suffering and the loss of human life, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas it is important to have efficient early warning (EW) for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies, with a view to reducing suffering and the loss of human life,

| B. | whereas the establishment of EW and alert systems has been repeatedly requested by Parliament and is provided for in several existing and upcoming legislative acts, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the establishment of EW and alert systems has been repeatedly requested by Parliament and is provided for in several existing and upcoming legislative acts,

| C. | whereas EW systems involve warning authorities by means of regional networks for the prevention of risks (natural, technological, social) and alerting citizens via telecommunications networks (radio, TV, sirens, mobile phones, etc.), |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas EW systems involve warning authorities by means of regional networks for the prevention of risks (natural, technological, social) and alerting citizens via telecommunications networks (radio, TV, sirens, mobile phones, etc.),

| D. | whereas the EU lacks a general, multilingual, simplified and efficient system for alerting citizens about imminent or developing emergencies, and whereas the implementation of such a system is directly relevant to several EU policies (telecommunications, environment, health, internal security and civil protection) and also affects others (transport, energy and tourism), |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the EU lacks a general, multilingual, simplified and efficient system for alerting citizens about imminent or developing emergencies, and whereas the implementation of such a system is directly relevant to several EU policies (telecommunications, environment, health, internal security and civil protection) and also affects others (transport, energy and tourism),

| E. | whereas the EU should establish such a system, in combination with appropriate information and training campaigns, to promote life-saving behaviour among threatened citizens, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the EU should establish such a system, in combination with appropriate information and training campaigns, to promote life-saving behaviour among threatened citizens,

| 1. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to implement the necessary processes and resources to develop an efficient EW system for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to implement the necessary processes and resources to develop an efficient EW system for citizens in case of imminent or developing major emergencies throughout the EU;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to present appropriate legislative proposals in this field, taking into account all the risks and policies involved; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to present appropriate legislative proposals in this field, taking into account all the risks and policies involved;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council and the Commission.

List of signatories

Adamos Adamou, Vittorio Agnoletto, Vincenzo Aita, Gabriele Albertini, Alexander Alvaro, Jan Andersson, Georgs Andrejevs, Alfonso Andria, Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Roberta Angelilli, Alfredo Antoniozzi, Kader Arif, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Francisco Assis, Alexandru Athanasiu, Marie-Hélène Aubert, Jean-Pierre Audy, Margrete Auken, Liam Aylward, Peter Baco, Mariela Velichkova Baeva, Etelka Barsi-Pataky, Alessandro Battilocchio, Edit Bauer, Jean Marie Beaupuy, Christopher Beazley, Zsolt László Becsey, Angelika Beer, Ivo Belet, Irena Belohorská, Monika Beňová, Thijs Berman, Slavi Binev, Sebastian Valentin Bodu, Guy Bono, Mario Borghezio, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Umberto Bossi, Victor Boștinaru, Costas Botopoulos, Bernadette Bourzai, John Bowis, Sharon Bowles, Iles Braghetto, Hiltrud Breyer, Jan Březina, André Brie, Renato Brunetta, Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg, Wolfgang Bulfon, Udo Bullmann, Nicodim Bulzesc, Ieke van den Burg, Niels Busk, Cristian Silviu Bușoi, Philippe Busquin, Simon Busuttil, Jerzy Buzek, Marco Cappato, Marie-Arlette Carlotti, David Casa, Paulo Casaca, Michael Cashman, Carlo Casini, Françoise Castex, Giuseppe Castiglione, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Giulietto Chiesa, Ole Christensen, Silvia Ciornei, Luigi Cocilovo, Carlos Coelho, Richard Corbett, Dorette Corbey, Giovanna Corda, Jean Louis Cottigny, Michael Cramer, Brian Crowley, Magor Imre Csibi, Marek Aleksander Czarnecki, Ryszard Czarnecki, Daniel Dăianu, Joseph Daul, Dragoș Florin David, Bairbre de Brún, Arūnas Degutis, Véronique De Keyser, Gianni De Michelis, Gérard Deprez, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Harlem Désir, Nirj Deva, Christine De Veyrac, Mia De Vits, Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Valdis Dombrovskis, Beniamino Donnici, Bert Doorn, Brigitte Douay, Den Dover, Mojca Drčar Murko, Constantin Dumitriu, Michl Ebner, Edite Estrela, Harald Ettl, Göran Färm, Carlo Fatuzzo, Emanuel Jardim Fernandes, Anne Ferreira, Elisa Ferreira, Ilda Figueiredo, Věra Flasarová, Hélène Flautre, Alessandro Foglietta, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Nicole Fontaine, Glyn Ford, Janelly Fourtou, Armando França, Ingo Friedrich, Sorin Frunzăverde, Urszula Gacek, Kinga Gál, Milan Gaľa, Iratxe García Pérez, Giuseppe Gargani, Patrick Gaubert, Jean-Paul Gauzès, Jas Gawronski, Evelyne Gebhardt, Eugenijus Gentvilas, Georgios Georgiou, Bronisław Geremek, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Claire Gibault, Adam Gierek, Ioannis Gklavakis, Bogdan Golik, Bruno Gollnisch, Ana Maria Gomes, Donata Gottardi, Genowefa Grabowska, Louis Grech, Nathalie Griesbeck, Elly de Groen-Kouwenhoven, Mathieu Grosch, Françoise Grossetête, Lilli Gruber, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Ambroise Guellec, Pedro Guerreiro, Umberto Guidoni, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines, Fiona Hall, David Hammerstein, Benoît Hamon, Gábor Harangozó, Marian Harkin, Rebecca Harms, Satu Hassi, Adeline Hazan, Anna Hedh, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, Edit Herczog, Esther Herranz García, Jim Higgins, Ian Hudghton, Stephen Hughes, Alain Hutchinson, Jana Hybášková, Filiz Hakaeva Hyusmenova, Monica Maria Iacob-Ridzi, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Lily Jacobs, Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, Lívia Járóka, Rumiana Jeleva, Anne E. Jensen, Pierre Jonckheer, Romana Jordan Cizelj, Madeleine Jouye de Grandmaison, Jelko Kacin, Filip Kaczmarek, Gisela Kallenbach, Sajjad Karim, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Metin Kazak, Tunne Kelam, Glenys Kinnock, Evgeni Kirilov, Ewa Klamt, Wolf Klinz, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Jaromír Kohlíček, Maria Eleni Koppa, Magda Kósáné Kovács, Miloš Koterec, Sergej Kozlík, Guntars Krasts, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Jan Jerzy Kułakowski, Sepp Kusstatscher, André Laignel, Alain Lamassoure, Jean Lambert, Stavros Lambrinidis, Vytautas Landsbergis, Anne Laperrouze, Romano Maria La Russa, Stéphane Le Foll, Roselyne Lefrançois, Bernard Lehideux, Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen, Fernand Le Rachinel, Janusz Lewandowski, Bogusław Liberadzki, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Alain Lipietz, Pia Elda Locatelli, Andrea Losco, Caroline Lucas, Sarah Ludford, Elizabeth Lynne, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Mary Lou McDonald, Edward McMillan-Scott, Jamila Madeira, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Vladimír Maňka, Thomas Mann, Mario Mantovani, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Helmuth Markov, David Martin, Maria Matsouka, Mario Mauro, Manolis Mavrommatis, Manuel Medina Ortega, Erik Meijer, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Emilio Menéndez del Valle, Willy Meyer Pleite, Rosa Miguélez Ramos, Miroslav Mikolášik, Gay Mitchell, Nickolay Mladenov, Viktória Mohácsi, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Luisa Morgantini, Philippe Morillon, Elisabeth Morin, Roberto Musacchio, Cristiana Muscardini, Francesco Musotto, Alessandra Mussolini, Pasqualina Napoletano, Robert Navarro, Cătălin-Ioan Nechifor, Catherine Neris, Bill Newton Dunn, James Nicholson, Rareș-Lucian Niculescu, Ljudmila Novak, Raimon Obiols i Germà, Vural Öger, Cem Özdemir, Seán Ó Neachtain, Gérard Onesta, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Dumitru Oprea, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Csaba Őry, Siiri Oviir, Justas Vincas Paleckis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Marco Pannella, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Atanas Paparizov, Georgios Papastamkos, Neil Parish, Ioan Mircea Pașcu, Vincent Peillon, Alojz Peterle, Maria Petre, Tobias Pflüger, Willi Piecyk, Rihards Pīks, João de Deus Pinheiro, Józef Pinior, Gianni Pittella, Zita Pleštinská, Rovana Plumb, Guido Podestà, Anni Podimata, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Bernard Poignant, Adriana Poli Bortone, José Javier Pomés Ruiz, Mihaela Popa, Nicolae Vlad Popa, Bernd Posselt, Christa Prets, Pierre Pribetich, Vittorio Prodi, Jacek Protasiewicz, Luís Queiró, Bilyana Ilieva Raeva, Miloslav Ransdorf, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Vladimír Remek, Karin Resetarits, José Ribeiro e Castro, Teresa Riera Madurell, Frédérique Ries, Karin Riis-Jørgensen, Giovanni Rivera, Michel Rocard, Bogusław Rogalski, Luca Romagnoli, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Wojciech Roszkowski, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Libor Rouček, Martine Roure, Christian Rovsing, Heide Rühle, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Eoin Ryan, Tokia Saïfi, Aloyzas Sakalas, Katrin Saks, María Isabel Salinas García, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Manuel António dos Santos, Amalia Sartori, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Gilles Savary, Toomas Savi, Pierre Schapira, Margaritis Schinas, Olle Schmidt, Pál Schmitt, György Schöpflin, Inger Segelström, Adrian Severin, Brian Simpson, Kathy Sinnott, Csaba Sógor, Bogusław Sonik, Bart Staes, Grażyna Staniszewska, Margarita Starkevičiūtė, Petya Stavreva, Dirk Sterckx, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Dimitar Stoyanov, Daniel Strož, Alexander Stubb, Margie Sudre, László Surján, Gianluca Susta, Hannes Swoboda, József Szájer, Andrzej Jan Szejna, István Szent-Iványi, Antonio Tajani, Hannu Takkula, Andres Tarand, Salvatore Tatarella, Britta Thomsen, Marianne Thyssen, Radu Țîrle, Gary Titley, Patrizia Toia, László Tőkés, Ewa Tomaszewska, Jacques Toubon, Antonios Trakatellis, Catherine Trautmann, Kyriacos Triantaphyllides, Claude Turmes, Evangelia Tzampazi, Feleknas Uca, Vladimir Urutchev, Inese Vaidere, Nikolaos Vakalis, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Johan Van Hecke, Anne Van Lancker, Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Ari Vatanen, Yannick Vaugrenard, Armando Veneto, Riccardo Ventre, Donato Tommaso Veraldi, Bernadette Vergnaud, Marcello Vernola, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Kristian Vigenin, Cornelis Visser, Oldřich Vlasák, Dominique Vlasto, Johannes Voggenhuber, Sahra Wagenknecht, Diana Wallis, Henri Weber, Anders Wijkman, Iuliu Winkler, Janusz Wojciechowski, Corien Wortmann-Kool, Francis Wurtz, Anna Záborská, Zbigniew Zaleski, Stefano Zappalà, Tomáš Zatloukal, Tatjana Ždanoka, Dushana Zdravkova, Josef Zieleniec, Roberts Zīle, Gabriele Zimmer, Marian Zlotea, Jaroslav Zvěřina, Tadeusz Zwiefka

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Wednesday 12 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/9 |
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20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/9

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CAP ‘Health Check’

P6_TA(2008)0093

European Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the CAP ‘Health Check’ (2007/2195(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 20 November 2007 entitled ‘Preparing for the “Health Check” of the CAP reform’ (COM(2007)0722), |
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—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 20 November 2007 entitled ‘Preparing for the “Health Check” of the CAP reform’ (COM(2007)0722),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (1) of 29 September 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, |
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—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (1) of 29 September 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers,

| — | having regard to its position of 11 December 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 and Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (2), |
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—

having regard to its position of 11 December 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 and Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2007 on rising feed and food prices (3), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2007 on rising feed and food prices (3),

| — | having regard to its position of 26 September 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation derogating from Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 as regards set aside for the year 2008 (4), |
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—

having regard to its position of 26 September 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation derogating from Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 as regards set aside for the year 2008 (4),

| — | having regard its position of 14 February 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down rules for voluntary modulation of direct payments provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 (5), |
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—

having regard its position of 14 February 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down rules for voluntary modulation of direct payments provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 8 June 2005 on Policy Challenges and Budgetary Means of the enlarged Union 2007-2013 (6), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 8 June 2005 on Policy Challenges and Budgetary Means of the enlarged Union 2007-2013 (6),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the European Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (7), and in particular Annexes I and III thereto and Declarations Nos 3 and 9 thereof, |
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—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the European Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (7), and in particular Annexes I and III thereto and Declarations Nos 3 and 9 thereof,

| — | having regard to the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded (8), |
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—

having regard to the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded (8),

| — | having regard to Council Decision of 22 March 2004 adapting the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, following the reform of the common agricultural policy (9), |
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—

having regard to Council Decision of 22 March 2004 adapting the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, following the reform of the common agricultural policy (9),

| — | having regard to the mandate given by the European Council to the European Commission for negotiations in the field of agriculture in the European Council Conclusions in preparation of the Third WTO Ministerial Conference of 26 October 1999, |
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—

having regard to the mandate given by the European Council to the European Commission for negotiations in the field of agriculture in the European Council Conclusions in preparation of the Third WTO Ministerial Conference of 26 October 1999,

| — | having regard to Article 33(2) of the EC Treaty, which has been incorporated, unamended, into the Treaty of Lisbon, |
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—

having regard to Article 33(2) of the EC Treaty, which has been incorporated, unamended, into the Treaty of Lisbon,

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0047/2008), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0047/2008),

| A. | whereas agriculture, together with the downstream food industry, is one of the biggest economic sectors in the EU, plays a decisive role in security of food supply in the EU and is also playing an increasingly important part in building EU energy security, |
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A.

whereas agriculture, together with the downstream food industry, is one of the biggest economic sectors in the EU, plays a decisive role in security of food supply in the EU and is also playing an increasingly important part in building EU energy security,

| B. | whereas a common EU agricultural policy (CAP), based on an economic, ecological and social European agricultural model guaranteeing sustainability and security of food supply, will also be necessary in the future; whereas, however, the successful introduction of reforms must be continued, including further boosting rural development, |
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B.

whereas a common EU agricultural policy (CAP), based on an economic, ecological and social European agricultural model guaranteeing sustainability and security of food supply, will also be necessary in the future; whereas, however, the successful introduction of reforms must be continued, including further boosting rural development,

| C. | whereas in future the CAP will need to remove the current obstacles to young people entering agriculture by establishing transfer from one generation to the next as one of its priorities, |
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C.

whereas in future the CAP will need to remove the current obstacles to young people entering agriculture by establishing transfer from one generation to the next as one of its priorities,

| D. | whereas reducing bureaucracy in the agricultural sector through the introduction of transparent, simpler and less cumbersome provisions would lead to both lower costs for agricultural holdings and producers and lower administrative expenditure, |
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D.

whereas reducing bureaucracy in the agricultural sector through the introduction of transparent, simpler and less cumbersome provisions would lead to both lower costs for agricultural holdings and producers and lower administrative expenditure,

| E. | whereas the CAP must evolve to deal with very different agricultural and regional structures, while at the same time responding to new challenges such as climate change, soil and water protection, greater openness to the world market and the provision of biomass, raw materials and renewable energy; whereas it needs to be equipped with sufficient resources and to maintain the original objectives of the CAP, as recently reaffirmed in the Treaty of Lisbon, which may be summarised as the production of healthy food products of high quality, thereby guaranteeing supplies for all Europeans at reasonable prices and enabling farmers to maintain their income levels, |
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E.

whereas the CAP must evolve to deal with very different agricultural and regional structures, while at the same time responding to new challenges such as climate change, soil and water protection, greater openness to the world market and the provision of biomass, raw materials and renewable energy; whereas it needs to be equipped with sufficient resources and to maintain the original objectives of the CAP, as recently reaffirmed in the Treaty of Lisbon, which may be summarised as the production of healthy food products of high quality, thereby guaranteeing supplies for all Europeans at reasonable prices and enabling farmers to maintain their income levels,

| F. | Whereas any future changes to the CAP should take into account the specific situation of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, and avoid endangering the production and commercialisation of agricultural products in such countries, |
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F.

Whereas any future changes to the CAP should take into account the specific situation of developing countries, in particular the least developed countries, and avoid endangering the production and commercialisation of agricultural products in such countries,

| G. | whereas the system of direct support has, largely successfully, undergone fundamental reform on three occasions since 1992, and all the major market organisations, with the exception of the dairy sector, have done so since 2004, |
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G.

whereas the system of direct support has, largely successfully, undergone fundamental reform on three occasions since 1992, and all the major market organisations, with the exception of the dairy sector, have done so since 2004,

| H. | whereas all developed countries have an agricultural policy; whereas new circumstances, such as the increasing world population, climate change, increasing demand for energy, a reduction in price support and greater openness to the world market are leading, on the one hand, to a rise in market prices for agricultural products in the EU and, on the other hand, to considerably wider fluctuations in yields and greater price volatility, and it is therefore more necessary than ever to continue with the common agricultural policy, |
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H.

whereas all developed countries have an agricultural policy; whereas new circumstances, such as the increasing world population, climate change, increasing demand for energy, a reduction in price support and greater openness to the world market are leading, on the one hand, to a rise in market prices for agricultural products in the EU and, on the other hand, to considerably wider fluctuations in yields and greater price volatility, and it is therefore more necessary than ever to continue with the common agricultural policy,

| I. | whereas security of food supply (understood in both the quantitative and the qualitative sense) will remain one of the key aims of the CAP, alongside the preservation of ecosystems, without which there can be no sensible, sustainable production, and optimisation of land use throughout the EU, |
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I.

whereas security of food supply (understood in both the quantitative and the qualitative sense) will remain one of the key aims of the CAP, alongside the preservation of ecosystems, without which there can be no sensible, sustainable production, and optimisation of land use throughout the EU,

| J. | whereas the EU has made a considerable effort to reduce agricultural spending in relation to the total budget, as a proportion of which it has fallen from almost 80 % in the 1970s to 33 % by the end of the current financial perspective, while the total area given over to farming has increased by 37 % since 2003, owing to the accession of new Member States, |
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J.

whereas the EU has made a considerable effort to reduce agricultural spending in relation to the total budget, as a proportion of which it has fallen from almost 80 % in the 1970s to 33 % by the end of the current financial perspective, while the total area given over to farming has increased by 37 % since 2003, owing to the accession of new Member States,

| K. | whereas the Heads of State and Government made commitments at the Berlin Summit regarding the guarantee of total expenditure for the first pillar of the CAP until 2013, |
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K.

whereas the Heads of State and Government made commitments at the Berlin Summit regarding the guarantee of total expenditure for the first pillar of the CAP until 2013,

| L. | whereas the 2004 Act of Accession provides derogations from the application of certain rules of the CAP to the new Member States in order to offset the lower level of direct payments, |
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L.

whereas the 2004 Act of Accession provides derogations from the application of certain rules of the CAP to the new Member States in order to offset the lower level of direct payments,

| M. | whereas there is, in some regions, no alternative to some traditional types of agricultural production, which often constitute key agricultural activities for the regions in question and must therefore be preserved and supported at all costs, on imperative environmental and regional policy grounds and in order to safeguard the economic and social fabric especially in view of the CAP's role in the so-called convergence regions, where agriculture and stockbreeding tend to be of major importance as an instrument of economic development and job creation, |
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M.

whereas there is, in some regions, no alternative to some traditional types of agricultural production, which often constitute key agricultural activities for the regions in question and must therefore be preserved and supported at all costs, on imperative environmental and regional policy grounds and in order to safeguard the economic and social fabric especially in view of the CAP's role in the so-called convergence regions, where agriculture and stockbreeding tend to be of major importance as an instrument of economic development and job creation,

| N. | whereas farmers in the EU must be guaranteed stability so as to ensure that their expectations are met and that they are not defrauded of their investments, while in some sectors the regulatory systems need to allow for medium and long-term forecasts, |
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N.

whereas farmers in the EU must be guaranteed stability so as to ensure that their expectations are met and that they are not defrauded of their investments, while in some sectors the regulatory systems need to allow for medium and long-term forecasts,

| O. | whereas the EU legislator must avoid discrimination against EU farmers and stockbreeders both within the EU itself and vis-à-vis competitors from third countries, or use suitable instruments to create equal opportunities for EU farmers and stockbreeders (level playing-field); whereas, in particular, it should be ensured that the quality, health, environmental, animal welfare and other standards with which EU farmers are required to comply are also observed by anyone exporting agricultural products to the EU, |
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O.

whereas the EU legislator must avoid discrimination against EU farmers and stockbreeders both within the EU itself and vis-à-vis competitors from third countries, or use suitable instruments to create equal opportunities for EU farmers and stockbreeders (level playing-field); whereas, in particular, it should be ensured that the quality, health, environmental, animal welfare and other standards with which EU farmers are required to comply are also observed by anyone exporting agricultural products to the EU,

| P. | whereas the aims of the CAP are formulated in Article 33 of the EC Treaty and, subject to the full ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, all essential legal and budgetary decisions concerning the CAP will require the approval of Parliament, |
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P.

whereas the aims of the CAP are formulated in Article 33 of the EC Treaty and, subject to the full ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, all essential legal and budgetary decisions concerning the CAP will require the approval of Parliament,

| Q. | whereas guaranteeing security of food supply for EU citizens is a priority, and whereas this can best be achieved through a combination of supporting EU food production and through imports within the framework of the WTO rules; such security of food supply also depends on the EU's contribution to the building up of world stocks (which today are dramatically low), allowing the EU not only to protect itself against shortages, but also to take responsibility with regard to global security of food supply, |
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Q.

whereas guaranteeing security of food supply for EU citizens is a priority, and whereas this can best be achieved through a combination of supporting EU food production and through imports within the framework of the WTO rules; such security of food supply also depends on the EU's contribution to the building up of world stocks (which today are dramatically low), allowing the EU not only to protect itself against shortages, but also to take responsibility with regard to global security of food supply,

| R. | whereas there is a need for more detailed reflection on the evolution of the markets and its repercussions on the internal market, given the international context regarding raw material production and prices, |
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R.

whereas there is a need for more detailed reflection on the evolution of the markets and its repercussions on the internal market, given the international context regarding raw material production and prices,

Introduction

| 1. | Insists on upholding the concept of a sustainable, competitive and multifunctional agriculture, which maintains the specific character of each sector and area of production and whose basic objective is to supply the population with healthy and safe food products, in sufficient quantities and at reasonable prices for the consumer; |
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1.

Insists on upholding the concept of a sustainable, competitive and multifunctional agriculture, which maintains the specific character of each sector and area of production and whose basic objective is to supply the population with healthy and safe food products, in sufficient quantities and at reasonable prices for the consumer;

| 2. | Believes that the 2003 CAP reform was, in key aspects, a great success as it markedly improved the transparency and efficiency of the CAP and the responsibility and market orientation of farmers, and believes that this process must be continued on the basis of respect for the undertaking given by the Heads of State and Government in December 2002 to maintain the first-pillar agricultural funds in full until 2013; points out that, in return, the administration of the CAP and the many EU Directives and Regulations which have an impact on farmers must undergo further, significant simplification so as to relieve the burden on farmers, although this simplification must not lead to a renationalisation of the CAP or to a larger cut in the aids received by farmers in the EU; |
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2.

Believes that the 2003 CAP reform was, in key aspects, a great success as it markedly improved the transparency and efficiency of the CAP and the responsibility and market orientation of farmers, and believes that this process must be continued on the basis of respect for the undertaking given by the Heads of State and Government in December 2002 to maintain the first-pillar agricultural funds in full until 2013; points out that, in return, the administration of the CAP and the many EU Directives and Regulations which have an impact on farmers must undergo further, significant simplification so as to relieve the burden on farmers, although this simplification must not lead to a renationalisation of the CAP or to a larger cut in the aids received by farmers in the EU;

| 3. | Considers the scrapping of all form of regulation within the CMOs to be politically undesirable since, as the current situation shows, European and global reserves stand at dramatically low levels, which is having negative repercussions on consumer purchasing power and farmers' incomes, while at the same time encouraging speculation; emphasises that, besides this, instruments are needed to combat a potential economic downturn and the risks posed by health incidents and increasingly frequent natural disasters arising from the unsettled climate; |
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3.

Considers the scrapping of all form of regulation within the CMOs to be politically undesirable since, as the current situation shows, European and global reserves stand at dramatically low levels, which is having negative repercussions on consumer purchasing power and farmers' incomes, while at the same time encouraging speculation; emphasises that, besides this, instruments are needed to combat a potential economic downturn and the risks posed by health incidents and increasingly frequent natural disasters arising from the unsettled climate;

| 4. | Welcomes, therefore, the technical adjustments arising from the above-mentioned Commission Communication aimed at ensuring that the 2003 reform works, and calls on the Commission to underwrite the basic economic principle of stability within the CAP; |
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4.

Welcomes, therefore, the technical adjustments arising from the above-mentioned Commission Communication aimed at ensuring that the 2003 reform works, and calls on the Commission to underwrite the basic economic principle of stability within the CAP;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission, with a view to future reforms, to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the CAP in terms of security of food supply, self-sufficiency of supply and the preservation of rural communities; calls on the Commission to undertake an analysis of the potential cost to the consumer of higher food prices arising from increased world demand vis-à-vis the expenditure represented today by agricultural policy for the public; |
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5.

Calls on the Commission, with a view to future reforms, to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of the CAP in terms of security of food supply, self-sufficiency of supply and the preservation of rural communities; calls on the Commission to undertake an analysis of the potential cost to the consumer of higher food prices arising from increased world demand vis-à-vis the expenditure represented today by agricultural policy for the public;

| 6. | Believes that the challenge for the EU as regards the WTO negotiations is to match any future constraints in a way that maximises its domestic welfare; stresses that it is for the EU to make the best use of the available flexibility, e.g. in the case of ‘sensitive products’; stresses, however, that the condition for any WTO agreement on agriculture is to reach an agreement on intellectual property covering geographical indications and recognition of the Non-Trade Concerns as import criteria; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Believes that the challenge for the EU as regards the WTO negotiations is to match any future constraints in a way that maximises its domestic welfare; stresses that it is for the EU to make the best use of the available flexibility, e.g. in the case of ‘sensitive products’; stresses, however, that the condition for any WTO agreement on agriculture is to reach an agreement on intellectual property covering geographical indications and recognition of the Non-Trade Concerns as import criteria;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission, in the context of the current WTO negotiations, to take account of the specific characteristics of agricultural production as a food production sector and a structuring element for territorial balance, preservation of the environment and the safeguarding of adequate quantitative and qualitative levels of food safety; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission, in the context of the current WTO negotiations, to take account of the specific characteristics of agricultural production as a food production sector and a structuring element for territorial balance, preservation of the environment and the safeguarding of adequate quantitative and qualitative levels of food safety;

| 8. | Considers, however, that the EU must still have sufficient instruments to be able to safeguard against market and supply crises in the agricultural and health sectors in the future; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers, however, that the EU must still have sufficient instruments to be able to safeguard against market and supply crises in the agricultural and health sectors in the future;

| 9. | Stresses the need to proceed to the recognition, in an effective manner and by suitable means (financial and others), of agriculture's productive, environmental and rural functions; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses the need to proceed to the recognition, in an effective manner and by suitable means (financial and others), of agriculture's productive, environmental and rural functions;

| 10. | Supports, in principle, the integration of general aims into the CAP, in particular those of security of food supply, territorial coherence, the protection of consumers, the environment, the climate, animals, renewable energy and biodiversity; points out, however, that this must form part of a sustainable development policy combining economic performance, the conservation of natural environments and resources, local development and social justice; points out, however, that the Heads of State and Government have confirmed the aims of the CAP by retaining the substance of Article 33 of the EC Treaty in the Treaty of Lisbon signed on 13 December 2007; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Supports, in principle, the integration of general aims into the CAP, in particular those of security of food supply, territorial coherence, the protection of consumers, the environment, the climate, animals, renewable energy and biodiversity; points out, however, that this must form part of a sustainable development policy combining economic performance, the conservation of natural environments and resources, local development and social justice; points out, however, that the Heads of State and Government have confirmed the aims of the CAP by retaining the substance of Article 33 of the EC Treaty in the Treaty of Lisbon signed on 13 December 2007;

| 11. | Stresses that the integration of general aims into the CAP should not call into question the production of agricultural and livestock products in the mountain, disadvantaged, remote and island regions of the EU, which use extensive production systems, produce agricultural and livestock products in large measure for the local market but also sell such products on Member States' national markets; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that the integration of general aims into the CAP should not call into question the production of agricultural and livestock products in the mountain, disadvantaged, remote and island regions of the EU, which use extensive production systems, produce agricultural and livestock products in large measure for the local market but also sell such products on Member States' national markets;

| 12. | Takes the view that, if the EU introduces stringent requirements for EU farmers and producers, it should ensure that those same requirements are met by anyone exporting agricultural products to the EU and that the EU must push for the inclusion of the general aims referred to above in the WTO negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Takes the view that, if the EU introduces stringent requirements for EU farmers and producers, it should ensure that those same requirements are met by anyone exporting agricultural products to the EU and that the EU must push for the inclusion of the general aims referred to above in the WTO negotiations;

| 13. | Rejects a reduction in the total budget of the first pillar for the period up to 2013 and points out that, at a time of sudden upheavals in agricultural and stockbreeding markets and with ongoing reforms at their mid-term stage, reliability, security and, in particular, respect for the decisions taken in 2003 are crucial concerns for farmers; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Rejects a reduction in the total budget of the first pillar for the period up to 2013 and points out that, at a time of sudden upheavals in agricultural and stockbreeding markets and with ongoing reforms at their mid-term stage, reliability, security and, in particular, respect for the decisions taken in 2003 are crucial concerns for farmers;

| 14. | Rejects any discrimination according to farm size and legal form in the direct payments but acknowledges at the same time that all redistribution of aid in the first pillar must be based on a holistic assessment of its effects on social and regional cohesion, employment, environment, competitiveness and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Rejects any discrimination according to farm size and legal form in the direct payments but acknowledges at the same time that all redistribution of aid in the first pillar must be based on a holistic assessment of its effects on social and regional cohesion, employment, environment, competitiveness and innovation;

| 15. | Calls for aid to be reserved exclusively for farmers actively involved in agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls for aid to be reserved exclusively for farmers actively involved in agriculture;

| 16. | Points out that the above-mentioned Commission Communication pays too little attention to the problems, needs and challenges facing the agricultural sector of the 12 new Member States, and urges that this be taken into account in the forthcoming reforms, and that targeted additional funding for restructuring and modernisation also be considered; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Points out that the above-mentioned Commission Communication pays too little attention to the problems, needs and challenges facing the agricultural sector of the 12 new Member States, and urges that this be taken into account in the forthcoming reforms, and that targeted additional funding for restructuring and modernisation also be considered;

Direct payments

| 17. | Considers that direct payments will remain vitally necessary in the future as a basic income guarantee, not only in the event of market failure but also for the provision of public goods by farmers and as compensation for Europe's environmental, food safety and security, traceability, animal welfare and social standards, which are very high by international comparison; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Considers that direct payments will remain vitally necessary in the future as a basic income guarantee, not only in the event of market failure but also for the provision of public goods by farmers and as compensation for Europe's environmental, food safety and security, traceability, animal welfare and social standards, which are very high by international comparison;

| 18. | Notes, however, that the level of payments does not always seem to be in balance with the compliance efforts made by the farmers concerned, because payments still depend to a large extent on historic spending; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Notes, however, that the level of payments does not always seem to be in balance with the compliance efforts made by the farmers concerned, because payments still depend to a large extent on historic spending;

| 19. | Calls, therefore, for a report by the Commission, which should assess the extra costs which farmers incur due to their compliance with the common standards in the field of the environment, animal welfare and food safety in comparison with their main competitors on the world market; the report should further compare these costs with the actual amount received by farmers in direct payments; the report should be sufficiently specific for different kinds of farmers in the separate Member States; the report should also be published before the decision-making procedures for the common agricultural policy after 2013 start; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls, therefore, for a report by the Commission, which should assess the extra costs which farmers incur due to their compliance with the common standards in the field of the environment, animal welfare and food safety in comparison with their main competitors on the world market; the report should further compare these costs with the actual amount received by farmers in direct payments; the report should be sufficiently specific for different kinds of farmers in the separate Member States; the report should also be published before the decision-making procedures for the common agricultural policy after 2013 start;

| 20. | Welcomes the proposal of the Commission to allow Member States, on a voluntary basis, more flexibility in moving towards a separation of direct payments from historical reference values and towards a flatter system, and calls on the Commission to clarify, together with the submission of the legislative proposal, whether in view of positive experience in the Member States a faster transition to an area-based regional or national single premium of decoupled payments would be feasible for Member States on a voluntary basis by 2013; notes, however, that those Member States with full (or partial) decoupling based on historical payments may choose to leave this system in place until 2013; calls on the Commission to undertake a study of the potential impact of an area-based premium, in particular with regard to farms with high livestock densities on comparatively small areas; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Welcomes the proposal of the Commission to allow Member States, on a voluntary basis, more flexibility in moving towards a separation of direct payments from historical reference values and towards a flatter system, and calls on the Commission to clarify, together with the submission of the legislative proposal, whether in view of positive experience in the Member States a faster transition to an area-based regional or national single premium of decoupled payments would be feasible for Member States on a voluntary basis by 2013; notes, however, that those Member States with full (or partial) decoupling based on historical payments may choose to leave this system in place until 2013; calls on the Commission to undertake a study of the potential impact of an area-based premium, in particular with regard to farms with high livestock densities on comparatively small areas;

| 21. | Stresses that, by opting for a transition to a regional model, account should be taken of the difficulties arising from the particular nature of specific rights for livestock farming, i.e. the fact that some livestock farmers do not have any, or have only a small area of agricultural land, and also the fact that extensive livestock farming in many regions within the EU is based on collective use of commonly held grazing land, which belongs to municipalities, communities or government bodies; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Stresses that, by opting for a transition to a regional model, account should be taken of the difficulties arising from the particular nature of specific rights for livestock farming, i.e. the fact that some livestock farmers do not have any, or have only a small area of agricultural land, and also the fact that extensive livestock farming in many regions within the EU is based on collective use of commonly held grazing land, which belongs to municipalities, communities or government bodies;

| 22. | Believes that, given the increasing number of sectors covered by the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), and in light of the experience obtained in implementing that regime, certain decisions and implementing rules appear to be unnecessarily rigid and complicated, and that it therefore seems necessary to redefine the rules, scope and suitable management patterns of its implementation in those Member States and sectors which so wish; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Believes that, given the increasing number of sectors covered by the Single Payment Scheme (SPS), and in light of the experience obtained in implementing that regime, certain decisions and implementing rules appear to be unnecessarily rigid and complicated, and that it therefore seems necessary to redefine the rules, scope and suitable management patterns of its implementation in those Member States and sectors which so wish;

| 23. | Considers that decoupling of direct payments has in general led to a successful market orientation of EU agriculture, given the increased effect on income and greater autonomy in decision-making on the part of farmers and the associated simplification of the CAP; calls on the Commission to push through the decoupling policy at a faster pace, unless this were to result in considerable social, economic or environmental drawbacks in certain regions, in particular the least favoured regions; notes however, that further impact assessments are to be prepared in order to comprehensively determine the effects of decoupling for specific regions, for production and the land market; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Considers that decoupling of direct payments has in general led to a successful market orientation of EU agriculture, given the increased effect on income and greater autonomy in decision-making on the part of farmers and the associated simplification of the CAP; calls on the Commission to push through the decoupling policy at a faster pace, unless this were to result in considerable social, economic or environmental drawbacks in certain regions, in particular the least favoured regions; notes however, that further impact assessments are to be prepared in order to comprehensively determine the effects of decoupling for specific regions, for production and the land market;

| 24. | Believes that, in general, decoupling direct aid from agricultural production can in the long term contribute to reducing the negative environmental impact of EU agriculture, provided that it is accompanied by increased support for sustainable practices in rural development; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Believes that, in general, decoupling direct aid from agricultural production can in the long term contribute to reducing the negative environmental impact of EU agriculture, provided that it is accompanied by increased support for sustainable practices in rural development;

| 25. | Points out, that any further decoupling should only take place after careful consideration of the potential effects including, but not limited to, the balance between the different agricultural sectors, the increased danger of monocultures, and the threat to labour-intensive agricultural sectors; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Points out, that any further decoupling should only take place after careful consideration of the potential effects including, but not limited to, the balance between the different agricultural sectors, the increased danger of monocultures, and the threat to labour-intensive agricultural sectors;

| 26. | Recognises that the situation regarding headage-based premiums, including milk premiums, is not comparable, in view of serious market distortions caused, inter alia, by rising feed prices, which have a greater effect on certain livestock production systems practised in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Recognises that the situation regarding headage-based premiums, including milk premiums, is not comparable, in view of serious market distortions caused, inter alia, by rising feed prices, which have a greater effect on certain livestock production systems practised in the EU;

| 27. | Considers that, in certain regions, such as mountain regions and other regions with specific difficulties (islands, dry or humid areas, outermost regions etc.), where there are no alternatives to relatively labour-intensive livestock farming, a complete decoupling of headage-based premiums may be accompanied by substantial social, economic and environmental drawbacks following changing input prices, which are incompatible with the goals of the Treaty; calls for accurate reference data to be used as a base for awarding payment entitlements in case (partial) decoupling takes place; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Considers that, in certain regions, such as mountain regions and other regions with specific difficulties (islands, dry or humid areas, outermost regions etc.), where there are no alternatives to relatively labour-intensive livestock farming, a complete decoupling of headage-based premiums may be accompanied by substantial social, economic and environmental drawbacks following changing input prices, which are incompatible with the goals of the Treaty; calls for accurate reference data to be used as a base for awarding payment entitlements in case (partial) decoupling takes place;

| 28. | Is aware of the key role played by livestock farming in European agriculture, especially in certain countries and regions with large-scale animal husbandry and, as a result, considers that it would be reasonable to partially maintain coupled animal premiums for the time being; recognises the important role these very successful farm holdings play in the regional economy; recalls that Articles 47 to 50 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 contain a solution for high livestock densities that should be further explored for the period after 2013; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Is aware of the key role played by livestock farming in European agriculture, especially in certain countries and regions with large-scale animal husbandry and, as a result, considers that it would be reasonable to partially maintain coupled animal premiums for the time being; recognises the important role these very successful farm holdings play in the regional economy; recalls that Articles 47 to 50 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 contain a solution for high livestock densities that should be further explored for the period after 2013;

| 29. | Considers, however, that this in itself will not be enough; welcomes, therefore, as a first step in the right direction, the announced amendment of Article 69 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Article 69’); notes, however, that this instrument should not be used as a disguised way of introducing voluntary modulation and a double strengthening of the second pillar; furthermore, this instrument should not lead to renationalisation of the CAP and the level playing field between Member States should be respected as much as possible; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Considers, however, that this in itself will not be enough; welcomes, therefore, as a first step in the right direction, the announced amendment of Article 69 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (hereinafter referred to as ‘Article 69’); notes, however, that this instrument should not be used as a disguised way of introducing voluntary modulation and a double strengthening of the second pillar; furthermore, this instrument should not lead to renationalisation of the CAP and the level playing field between Member States should be respected as much as possible;

| 30. | Calls for appropriations under Article 69 to be allocated primarily for measures to promote territorial coherence and strengthen individual sectors, in particular measures to prevent agricultural production, and especially livestock farming, from being abandoned in areas where this would have highly detrimental effects on nature, the countryside or regional development (in particular mountain areas, wetlands or areas affected by water scarcity, other especially disadvantaged areas and grassland in extreme locations), measures designed to restructure and boost key agricultural sectors (e.g. the dairy and beef cattle and sheep sectors), and area-based environmental measures (e.g. organic farming) which to date have not been included in the second pillar and risk management; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls for appropriations under Article 69 to be allocated primarily for measures to promote territorial coherence and strengthen individual sectors, in particular measures to prevent agricultural production, and especially livestock farming, from being abandoned in areas where this would have highly detrimental effects on nature, the countryside or regional development (in particular mountain areas, wetlands or areas affected by water scarcity, other especially disadvantaged areas and grassland in extreme locations), measures designed to restructure and boost key agricultural sectors (e.g. the dairy and beef cattle and sheep sectors), and area-based environmental measures (e.g. organic farming) which to date have not been included in the second pillar and risk management;

| 31. | Considers that the budget for the revised Article 69 could, subject to the results of an impact assessment and on a voluntary basis, cover up to 12 % of direct payments per Member State; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Considers that the budget for the revised Article 69 could, subject to the results of an impact assessment and on a voluntary basis, cover up to 12 % of direct payments per Member State;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission to submit proposals for common rules in respect of Member States' application of Article 69 in order to avoid barriers to trade and distortion of competition as far as possible, incorporating them, where necessary, within the common organisation of the market; calls also for all measures requiring the application of Article 69 to be notified to the Commission; calls, finally, on the Commission to draw up an impact analysis, which should be annexed to its legislative proposal; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Commission to submit proposals for common rules in respect of Member States' application of Article 69 in order to avoid barriers to trade and distortion of competition as far as possible, incorporating them, where necessary, within the common organisation of the market; calls also for all measures requiring the application of Article 69 to be notified to the Commission; calls, finally, on the Commission to draw up an impact analysis, which should be annexed to its legislative proposal;

| 33. | Considers that measures designed to strengthen individual sectors should in principle be funded under the first pillar in the long term; considers, therefore, that the Commission must carry out a thorough evaluation of the results of the implementation of the revised Article 69 in preparation for post-2013 reform; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that measures designed to strengthen individual sectors should in principle be funded under the first pillar in the long term; considers, therefore, that the Commission must carry out a thorough evaluation of the results of the implementation of the revised Article 69 in preparation for post-2013 reform;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission, in addition, to submit, by 30 June 2010, a report setting out comprehensively how Community production of arable products as well as security of supply for livestock farming in Europe can be safeguarded in the long term with regard to the different production systems within the EU, multi-functionality and regional aspects (such as mountain, disadvantaged and small island areas); considers that the report should also deal with the question of how far the aims of the CAP, including as they relate to sustainability and social aspects, can be achieved in a more efficient, targeted way by means of decoupled, indirect support, e.g. premiums for extensive grassland and pasture land, a special milk and meat production payment, premiums for stables which are constructed and furnished in line with common animal welfare and environmental standards, or specific instruments for crisis management; stresses that the report needs to answer the question of whether, or to what extent, in view of the specific needs of regions with intensive animal holdings, coupled animal premiums or solutions along the lines of those suggested in Articles 47 to 50 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 will still be needed after 2013; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Commission, in addition, to submit, by 30 June 2010, a report setting out comprehensively how Community production of arable products as well as security of supply for livestock farming in Europe can be safeguarded in the long term with regard to the different production systems within the EU, multi-functionality and regional aspects (such as mountain, disadvantaged and small island areas); considers that the report should also deal with the question of how far the aims of the CAP, including as they relate to sustainability and social aspects, can be achieved in a more efficient, targeted way by means of decoupled, indirect support, e.g. premiums for extensive grassland and pasture land, a special milk and meat production payment, premiums for stables which are constructed and furnished in line with common animal welfare and environmental standards, or specific instruments for crisis management; stresses that the report needs to answer the question of whether, or to what extent, in view of the specific needs of regions with intensive animal holdings, coupled animal premiums or solutions along the lines of those suggested in Articles 47 to 50 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 will still be needed after 2013;

| 35. | Recommends that those new Member States who so wish should be permitted to apply the Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS) until 2013, and calls on the Commission to examine whether implementation of the SAPS could be further simplified by amending the rules on areas eligible for aid; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Recommends that those new Member States who so wish should be permitted to apply the Single Area Payment Scheme (SAPS) until 2013, and calls on the Commission to examine whether implementation of the SAPS could be further simplified by amending the rules on areas eligible for aid;

| 36. | Believes that all budgetary appropriations earmarked for CAP implementation that are saved, or are not utilised, should be spent within the CAP; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Believes that all budgetary appropriations earmarked for CAP implementation that are saved, or are not utilised, should be spent within the CAP;

| 37. | Considers that direct payments will also be required after 2013, but that these need to be based on new objective criteria, notably on direct employment generated by farms, or developed more clearly in the direction of a reward for farmers for land stewardship or compensation for certain effective services of general interest or for specific standards, including animal welfare standards, and that the extent to which the significant differences between regional area payments within Europe and the different funding for the second pillar are appropriate, should be examined; calls on the Commission to propose suitable measures designed to ensure that the full rate of direct payments is received only by persons and undertakings which are actually involved in agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Considers that direct payments will also be required after 2013, but that these need to be based on new objective criteria, notably on direct employment generated by farms, or developed more clearly in the direction of a reward for farmers for land stewardship or compensation for certain effective services of general interest or for specific standards, including animal welfare standards, and that the extent to which the significant differences between regional area payments within Europe and the different funding for the second pillar are appropriate, should be examined; calls on the Commission to propose suitable measures designed to ensure that the full rate of direct payments is received only by persons and undertakings which are actually involved in agriculture;

Simplification, cross-compliance and market orientation

| 38. | Supports, after an appropriate phasing-out period, the gradual integration of production-based payment schemes which are smaller and therefore very cumbersome to administer (dried fodder, hemp, flax, potato starch) into the single area payment scheme, unless this were to result in considerable social, economic or environmental drawbacks in particular regions; if necessary, for reasons of regional policy, accompanying measures should be provided for in accordance with Article 69; calls on the Commission to carry out a case-by case analysis of its economic and regional impact, which demonstrates that this is the appropriate solution and identifies the necessary timeframe for its implementation; stresses that decoupling should not jeopardise the very existence of the forms of production concerned; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Supports, after an appropriate phasing-out period, the gradual integration of production-based payment schemes which are smaller and therefore very cumbersome to administer (dried fodder, hemp, flax, potato starch) into the single area payment scheme, unless this were to result in considerable social, economic or environmental drawbacks in particular regions; if necessary, for reasons of regional policy, accompanying measures should be provided for in accordance with Article 69; calls on the Commission to carry out a case-by case analysis of its economic and regional impact, which demonstrates that this is the appropriate solution and identifies the necessary timeframe for its implementation; stresses that decoupling should not jeopardise the very existence of the forms of production concerned;

| 39. | Supports the immediate abolition of the set-aside obligation, a volume control instrument which has lost its significance in a decoupled direct payment system and is extremely cumbersome to administer, and the conversion of set-aside entitlements into normal entitlements; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Supports the immediate abolition of the set-aside obligation, a volume control instrument which has lost its significance in a decoupled direct payment system and is extremely cumbersome to administer, and the conversion of set-aside entitlements into normal entitlements;

| 40. | Considers that, against the background of a reduction in the areas under set-aside following the increase in demand for agricultural products, any environmental advantages procured through set-aside, such as crop pollination by bees, can be better and more directly obtained by Member States through measures under the second pillar and by altering the definition of the maintenance of good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) to facilitate development of the biodiversity of wildlife and its habitats; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Considers that, against the background of a reduction in the areas under set-aside following the increase in demand for agricultural products, any environmental advantages procured through set-aside, such as crop pollination by bees, can be better and more directly obtained by Member States through measures under the second pillar and by altering the definition of the maintenance of good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC) to facilitate development of the biodiversity of wildlife and its habitats;

| 41. | Calls for the gradual abolition of the energy crop premium in the course of a phasing-out period, because energy crop premiums are very cumbersome to administer and have little or no energy policy advantages in the current market environment; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls for the gradual abolition of the energy crop premium in the course of a phasing-out period, because energy crop premiums are very cumbersome to administer and have little or no energy policy advantages in the current market environment;

| 42. | Calls for the appropriations which have not been used as a result of abolishing the energy crop premium to be made available, inter alia, specifically for accompanying measures in connection with the organisation of the milk market, especially in mountain areas and other areas with specific difficulties; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls for the appropriations which have not been used as a result of abolishing the energy crop premium to be made available, inter alia, specifically for accompanying measures in connection with the organisation of the milk market, especially in mountain areas and other areas with specific difficulties;

| 43. | Calls on the Commission to make available unused appropriations under the agriculture budget which were earmarked for market management measures such as intervention, export subsidies or storage, primarily on the basis of Article 69 for strengthening the economy in rural areas, in particular agricultural holdings, in keeping with rural development objectives; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Commission to make available unused appropriations under the agriculture budget which were earmarked for market management measures such as intervention, export subsidies or storage, primarily on the basis of Article 69 for strengthening the economy in rural areas, in particular agricultural holdings, in keeping with rural development objectives;

| 44. | Considers that direct payments without cross-compliance (CC) can no longer be justified; emphasises in that respect that the new Member States must be assisted by the EU in the application of the CC rules in the course of a transitional period; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Considers that direct payments without cross-compliance (CC) can no longer be justified; emphasises in that respect that the new Member States must be assisted by the EU in the application of the CC rules in the course of a transitional period;

| 45. | Rejects any widening of the scope of CC, in view of reductions in direct payments, as long as Member States and the Commission fail to make substantial progress in simplifying and harmonising monitoring rules and the Commission does not present an overview of the costs connected with CC to farmers; refers in this context to its position of 11 December 2007; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Rejects any widening of the scope of CC, in view of reductions in direct payments, as long as Member States and the Commission fail to make substantial progress in simplifying and harmonising monitoring rules and the Commission does not present an overview of the costs connected with CC to farmers; refers in this context to its position of 11 December 2007;

| 46. | Considers that CC should be restricted to checks on essential standards of the European model of production and standards to which systematic and harmonised checks in the different Member States can be applied; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Considers that CC should be restricted to checks on essential standards of the European model of production and standards to which systematic and harmonised checks in the different Member States can be applied;

| 47. | Calls for greater effectiveness of CC in relation to its objectives and a more homogeneous implementation across the Member States; calls on the Commission to develop clearer guidelines to assist the Member States in implementation; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls for greater effectiveness of CC in relation to its objectives and a more homogeneous implementation across the Member States; calls on the Commission to develop clearer guidelines to assist the Member States in implementation;

| 48. | Calls for an end to disproportionate burdens placed on livestock farming by CC; calls, in particular, for a critical examination of certain hygiene and identification standards (e.g. ear tags); |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls for an end to disproportionate burdens placed on livestock farming by CC; calls, in particular, for a critical examination of certain hygiene and identification standards (e.g. ear tags);

| 49. | Could envisage a modest adaptation of the requirements to maintain GAEC and sustainable land management with regard to altered environmental and production conditions (climate change, biomass), if the introduction of the new requirements in a comparable way throughout Europe were guaranteed; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Could envisage a modest adaptation of the requirements to maintain GAEC and sustainable land management with regard to altered environmental and production conditions (climate change, biomass), if the introduction of the new requirements in a comparable way throughout Europe were guaranteed;

| 50. | Considers that Member States applying the SAPS should be entitled to implement the CC principle progressively, in order to be able to properly prepare for the introduction of the necessary control systems and convince farmers of the need to meet the appointed standards; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Considers that Member States applying the SAPS should be entitled to implement the CC principle progressively, in order to be able to properly prepare for the introduction of the necessary control systems and convince farmers of the need to meet the appointed standards;

| 51. | Calls on the Commission to press on with the simplification of the CAP and, in so doing, regularly to review items of legislation to determine whether they are necessary and whether their actual provisions are expedient; states, in this regard, that it should propose additional measures, such as simplified transfer rules for payment entitlements in the event of non-activation, merging of minimum payment entitlements, introduction of a single premium in the case of small recipients, simplification, reduction or abolition of the rules governing the national reserve, depending on the transition to the regional/national single area payment, waiving the cancellation of payment entitlements in the event of non-use, abolition of handwritten registries for cattle and other livestock; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission to press on with the simplification of the CAP and, in so doing, regularly to review items of legislation to determine whether they are necessary and whether their actual provisions are expedient; states, in this regard, that it should propose additional measures, such as simplified transfer rules for payment entitlements in the event of non-activation, merging of minimum payment entitlements, introduction of a single premium in the case of small recipients, simplification, reduction or abolition of the rules governing the national reserve, depending on the transition to the regional/national single area payment, waiving the cancellation of payment entitlements in the event of non-use, abolition of handwritten registries for cattle and other livestock;

| 52. | Calls further on the Member States to ensure timely payments, and on the Commission to allow prepayments to be made to farmers; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls further on the Member States to ensure timely payments, and on the Commission to allow prepayments to be made to farmers;

| 53. | Calls on the Commission to create the necessary mechanisms to ensure that third-country imports meet the same standards as Community products in terms of conditionality, food safety, etc; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls on the Commission to create the necessary mechanisms to ensure that third-country imports meet the same standards as Community products in terms of conditionality, food safety, etc;

Safety net

| 54. | Considers that, in view of the anticipated increase in environmental and climate dangers and in the risk of epidemics and considerable price fluctuations in the agricultural markets, additional risk prevention is of vital importance as a safety net; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Considers that, in view of the anticipated increase in environmental and climate dangers and in the risk of epidemics and considerable price fluctuations in the agricultural markets, additional risk prevention is of vital importance as a safety net;

| 55. | Recalls that market-oriented production, appropriate crop rotation, diversification, financial market instruments, supply chain contracts and insurance are all important ways in which farmers can protect themselves against risk and that, in principle, responsibility for appropriate risk prevention lies with farmers; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Recalls that market-oriented production, appropriate crop rotation, diversification, financial market instruments, supply chain contracts and insurance are all important ways in which farmers can protect themselves against risk and that, in principle, responsibility for appropriate risk prevention lies with farmers;

| 56. | Believes that, in order to address market failure, the intervention system should be kept and reformed into a strict safety net for exceptional circumstances with rules based on world market trends; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Believes that, in order to address market failure, the intervention system should be kept and reformed into a strict safety net for exceptional circumstances with rules based on world market trends;

| 57. | Supports, therefore, the Commission's proposal to lower the intervention thresholds for market crops to zero, maintaining an — if appropriate reduced — intervention threshold only in the case of wheat; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Supports, therefore, the Commission's proposal to lower the intervention thresholds for market crops to zero, maintaining an — if appropriate reduced — intervention threshold only in the case of wheat;

| 58. | Considers that private sector or mixed insurance schemes, such as multi-hazard insurance, must be developed as a matter of urgency in view of increasing risks; is aware of the fact that this can only succeed with public contributions to the financing; underlines the fact that the introduction of these schemes must not under any circumstances endanger the level playing field between the different Member States; calls on the Commission to consider introducing or supporting a Community-wide reinsurance system in the future, with a view to dealing with problems arising from climate-related or environmental disasters; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Considers that private sector or mixed insurance schemes, such as multi-hazard insurance, must be developed as a matter of urgency in view of increasing risks; is aware of the fact that this can only succeed with public contributions to the financing; underlines the fact that the introduction of these schemes must not under any circumstances endanger the level playing field between the different Member States; calls on the Commission to consider introducing or supporting a Community-wide reinsurance system in the future, with a view to dealing with problems arising from climate-related or environmental disasters;

| 59. | Recalls that almost all relevant third countries operate this kind of State-aided system; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Recalls that almost all relevant third countries operate this kind of State-aided system;

| 60. | Considers that, as a result, a first step should be the creation of sources of financing for the national or regional funding of risk insurance schemes starting in 2009, to take account of the various potential risks in Europe; considers also that the Commission should examine the extent to which producer groups, sectoral and interprofessional associations and private insurance companies can be incorporated into the schemes; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Considers that, as a result, a first step should be the creation of sources of financing for the national or regional funding of risk insurance schemes starting in 2009, to take account of the various potential risks in Europe; considers also that the Commission should examine the extent to which producer groups, sectoral and interprofessional associations and private insurance companies can be incorporated into the schemes;

| 61. | Considers that, in view of the completely different conditions in the individual sectors, different sectoral solutions (comparable to the solution in the fruit and vegetable sector) are probably preferable to horizontal approaches; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Considers that, in view of the completely different conditions in the individual sectors, different sectoral solutions (comparable to the solution in the fruit and vegetable sector) are probably preferable to horizontal approaches;

| 62. | Considers that these measures should be partly funded under the first pillar on the basis of Article 69, since they fall within the scope of market policy; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Considers that these measures should be partly funded under the first pillar on the basis of Article 69, since they fall within the scope of market policy;

| 63. | Requests the Commission to consider the possibility of introducing instruments for managing market crises and climate crises, aimed at producer groups and cooperatives, to help them bear the costs associated with a fall in the aggregate amount contributed by their members; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Requests the Commission to consider the possibility of introducing instruments for managing market crises and climate crises, aimed at producer groups and cooperatives, to help them bear the costs associated with a fall in the aggregate amount contributed by their members;

| 64. | Considers that risk management and risk prevention measures must not be allowed to lead to the reintroduction of support measures based on production; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Considers that risk management and risk prevention measures must not be allowed to lead to the reintroduction of support measures based on production;

| 65. | Considers, therefore, that the Commission must develop a common framework for the funding of risk management systems by Member States on the basis of respect for the systems currently in use or approved by the Commission in the past, in order to exclude, as far as possible, effects that distort competition and trade, if necessary by establishing common rules within the single market organisations; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Considers, therefore, that the Commission must develop a common framework for the funding of risk management systems by Member States on the basis of respect for the systems currently in use or approved by the Commission in the past, in order to exclude, as far as possible, effects that distort competition and trade, if necessary by establishing common rules within the single market organisations;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission to submit, by 30 June 2010, a comprehensive analysis of existing risk management systems and possibilities for their further development at Community level after 2013; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Commission to submit, by 30 June 2010, a comprehensive analysis of existing risk management systems and possibilities for their further development at Community level after 2013;

Modulation/capping ceiling/degressivity/minimum threshold

| 67. | Points out that the imposition of degressive ceilings, modulation and budgetary discipline may, if the Commission's proposals are implemented, have a substantial redistributive impact in certain regions; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Points out that the imposition of degressive ceilings, modulation and budgetary discipline may, if the Commission's proposals are implemented, have a substantial redistributive impact in certain regions;

| 68. | Considers that any change in rural development appropriations which is incompatible with the agreed (sub)ceilings of Annex III of the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006, must be agreed by all three signatory parties; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Considers that any change in rural development appropriations which is incompatible with the agreed (sub)ceilings of Annex III of the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) of 17 May 2006, must be agreed by all three signatory parties;

| 69. | Points out that there has been as yet no impact assessment of the effects of further modulation, degressivity and minimum thresholds on the labour market in rural areas and regional cohesion; points out that, for that reason, an assessment of the first pillar must be carried out; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Points out that there has been as yet no impact assessment of the effects of further modulation, degressivity and minimum thresholds on the labour market in rural areas and regional cohesion; points out that, for that reason, an assessment of the first pillar must be carried out;

| 70. | Stresses that the lower limits proposed by the Commission could have a non-negligible impact in some Member States and may affect the distribution of CAP payments between Member States, whereas the upper limit implies a transfer of some 500 million euro from the first to the second pillar; recalls that there are serious doubts remaining regarding the present cost-effectiveness of second pillar measures; believes, therefore, that savings coming from the possible application of this measure should remain within the first pillar; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Stresses that the lower limits proposed by the Commission could have a non-negligible impact in some Member States and may affect the distribution of CAP payments between Member States, whereas the upper limit implies a transfer of some 500 million euro from the first to the second pillar; recalls that there are serious doubts remaining regarding the present cost-effectiveness of second pillar measures; believes, therefore, that savings coming from the possible application of this measure should remain within the first pillar;

| 71. | Rejects the Commission proposal on degressivity (with a reduction of up to 45 %) in its present form, as there is no clear link between the size and wealth of a farm, and as it fails to factor in the workforce needed to maintain a large scale agricultural holding; the Commission proposal would put large farms or associations at an unjustifiable disadvantage and lead to a reduction in the workforce and the destruction of well-developed, competitive structures and would result in the splitting of farms purely for support-related reasons, which would cause structural fracturing in some regions of Europe; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Rejects the Commission proposal on degressivity (with a reduction of up to 45 %) in its present form, as there is no clear link between the size and wealth of a farm, and as it fails to factor in the workforce needed to maintain a large scale agricultural holding; the Commission proposal would put large farms or associations at an unjustifiable disadvantage and lead to a reduction in the workforce and the destruction of well-developed, competitive structures and would result in the splitting of farms purely for support-related reasons, which would cause structural fracturing in some regions of Europe;

| 72. | Considers that degressivity and/or the establishment of maximum ceilings can only be acceptable on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the consequences for the job market and regional policies, and only if it became possible for account to be taken of the number of full-time workers covered by social security or certain farm structures (farms run by several families, cooperative organisations, etc.) compram or the total farm labour costs, with a view to a reduction of degressivity; calls on the Commission to bear in mind that smaller farms joining together to form a single legal entity in order to create economies of scale and become more competitive should not be disadvantaged; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Considers that degressivity and/or the establishment of maximum ceilings can only be acceptable on the basis of a comprehensive assessment of the consequences for the job market and regional policies, and only if it became possible for account to be taken of the number of full-time workers covered by social security or certain farm structures (farms run by several families, cooperative organisations, etc.) compram or the total farm labour costs, with a view to a reduction of degressivity; calls on the Commission to bear in mind that smaller farms joining together to form a single legal entity in order to create economies of scale and become more competitive should not be disadvantaged;

| 73. | Calls for any funds resulting from degressivity to be kept in the regions or Member State concerned, where they will be used, for example, to finance measures in accordance with Article 69 or under the second pillar; calls for these funds to be applied directly for the benefit of farmers; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls for any funds resulting from degressivity to be kept in the regions or Member State concerned, where they will be used, for example, to finance measures in accordance with Article 69 or under the second pillar; calls for these funds to be applied directly for the benefit of farmers;

| 74. | Supports the proposed raising of the minimum thresholds, in light also of the 2006 annual report of the Court of Auditors, which could be set at one hectare or the corresponding amount of 250 euro, combined with the introduction of a single premium or a minimum lump sum for small recipients; states, however, that in duly justified cases of major differences in agricultural structures, Member States should be granted the option of setting the minimum thresholds; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Supports the proposed raising of the minimum thresholds, in light also of the 2006 annual report of the Court of Auditors, which could be set at one hectare or the corresponding amount of 250 euro, combined with the introduction of a single premium or a minimum lump sum for small recipients; states, however, that in duly justified cases of major differences in agricultural structures, Member States should be granted the option of setting the minimum thresholds;

| 75. | Supports, however, the efforts of the Commission to secure appropriate financing for a sustainable policy for rural areas under the second pillar of the CAP, although that objective must not be attained at the expense of the first pillar; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Supports, however, the efforts of the Commission to secure appropriate financing for a sustainable policy for rural areas under the second pillar of the CAP, although that objective must not be attained at the expense of the first pillar;

| 76. | Points out that, in view of the already drastic nature of individual reductions, a further reduction in direct payments of 8 % cannot, in the absence of an impact assessment, be accepted; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Points out that, in view of the already drastic nature of individual reductions, a further reduction in direct payments of 8 % cannot, in the absence of an impact assessment, be accepted;

| 77. | Considers that, in light of widespread calls for a reduction in large payments, a progressive modulation could be envisaged, on the basis of the available information and on the basis of an impact assessment taking into account farm structure (associations etc), farm labour and/or labour costs and specific production types in the different direct payment systems (for example, specific problems of farms and regions with high density livestock on comparatively small areas).
  The funds from the progressive modulation are to be distributed according to the prevailing rules governing modulation funds and to remain in the regions or Member State in which they accrue;
  The European Parliament could envisage a progressive modulation in the following form:






  Direct payments of EUR 10 000-100 000 | – 1 % (for the entire period 2009-2013) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Direct payments of EUR 100 000-200 000 | – 2 % (for the entire period 2009-2013) |
| Direct payments of EUR 200 000-300 000 | – 3 % (for the entire period 2009-2013) |
| Direct payments of over EUR 300 000 | – 4 % (for the period period 2009-2013) |

77.

Considers that, in light of widespread calls for a reduction in large payments, a progressive modulation could be envisaged, on the basis of the available information and on the basis of an impact assessment taking into account farm structure (associations etc), farm labour and/or labour costs and specific production types in the different direct payment systems (for example, specific problems of farms and regions with high density livestock on comparatively small areas).

The funds from the progressive modulation are to be distributed according to the prevailing rules governing modulation funds and to remain in the regions or Member State in which they accrue;

The European Parliament could envisage a progressive modulation in the following form:

Direct payments of EUR 10 000-100 000

– 1 % (for the entire period 2009-2013)

Direct payments of EUR 100 000-200 000

– 2 % (for the entire period 2009-2013)

Direct payments of EUR 200 000-300 000

– 3 % (for the entire period 2009-2013)

Direct payments of over EUR 300 000

– 4 % (for the period period 2009-2013)

| 78. | Calls for voluntary modulation to be replaced by compulsory modulation; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Calls for voluntary modulation to be replaced by compulsory modulation;

| 79. | Considers that modulation funds should be made available primarily using the Leader method and for measures aimed at combating the loss of biodiversity, risk insurance, adapting to climate change, measures targeting the sustainable use of biomass, accompanying measures for structural reform (e.g. organisation of the milk market), safeguarding production in mountain or small island regions and other similarly disadvantaged areas, quality assurance including animal welfare measures, organic farming, disposal measures and adapting to technical advances; calls for all these measures to be targeted directly at farmers; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Considers that modulation funds should be made available primarily using the Leader method and for measures aimed at combating the loss of biodiversity, risk insurance, adapting to climate change, measures targeting the sustainable use of biomass, accompanying measures for structural reform (e.g. organisation of the milk market), safeguarding production in mountain or small island regions and other similarly disadvantaged areas, quality assurance including animal welfare measures, organic farming, disposal measures and adapting to technical advances; calls for all these measures to be targeted directly at farmers;

Milk market organisation

| 80. | Is aware that the current system of milk quotas in its present form is unlikely to be continued after 2015, and calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive examination of how the organisation of the milk market might look in the future; calls on the Commission to put forward for the period after 2015 a convincing plan for the milk sector that guarantees the continuation of milk production in Europe, including in mountain regions, outlying regions, and other regions with specific difficulties; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Is aware that the current system of milk quotas in its present form is unlikely to be continued after 2015, and calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive examination of how the organisation of the milk market might look in the future; calls on the Commission to put forward for the period after 2015 a convincing plan for the milk sector that guarantees the continuation of milk production in Europe, including in mountain regions, outlying regions, and other regions with specific difficulties;

| 81. | Draws the Commission's attention to its decisions (10) in connection with the mini-milk package concerning market measures and the milk fund; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Draws the Commission's attention to its decisions (10) in connection with the mini-milk package concerning market measures and the milk fund;

| 82. | Calls on all parties involved to use the time up until 2015 to stabilise or strengthen market positions, and ensure a ‘soft landing’ for the European dairy sector, preferably by structural quota increases; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Calls on all parties involved to use the time up until 2015 to stabilise or strengthen market positions, and ensure a ‘soft landing’ for the European dairy sector, preferably by structural quota increases;

| 83. | Calls for the milk quota to be adjusted according to the market in response to changes in demand on world markets; considers, therefore, that quotas should be increased by 2 % in the milk year 2008/2009 on a voluntary basis for each Member State; calls on the Commission to allocate the increase to the national reserve; calls for an annual review of the quota; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Calls for the milk quota to be adjusted according to the market in response to changes in demand on world markets; considers, therefore, that quotas should be increased by 2 % in the milk year 2008/2009 on a voluntary basis for each Member State; calls on the Commission to allocate the increase to the national reserve; calls for an annual review of the quota;

| 84. | Calls, furthermore, for a substantial reduction in the super-levy for the 2009/2010 milk year and further decreases in subsequent years in order to counterbalance a rise in quota prices and for Europe-wide ex-post offsetting of quotas in order to enable quotas to be better utilised; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Calls, furthermore, for a substantial reduction in the super-levy for the 2009/2010 milk year and further decreases in subsequent years in order to counterbalance a rise in quota prices and for Europe-wide ex-post offsetting of quotas in order to enable quotas to be better utilised;

| 85. | Calls for specific accompanying measures to prevent the dairy industry in mountain regions and other regions with particular difficulties from being abandoned in cases where there are no alternatives to the traditional dairy industry or where abandoning agricultural activity would lead to the loss of areas of natural significance; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Calls for specific accompanying measures to prevent the dairy industry in mountain regions and other regions with particular difficulties from being abandoned in cases where there are no alternatives to the traditional dairy industry or where abandoning agricultural activity would lead to the loss of areas of natural significance;

| 86. | Considers that sufficient funds to maintain the dairy industry — especially in mountain areas, outermost regions (such as the Azores) and other regions with comparable difficulties — must be made available, primarily by means of Article 69, e.g. by means of top-ups to area payments (comparable to measures in the sugar sector), in the form of premiums for dairy cattle, for grassland or extensive grazing, of a specific milk payment or special regional programmes to reinforce or restructure the sector and to promote specific high-quality products; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Considers that sufficient funds to maintain the dairy industry — especially in mountain areas, outermost regions (such as the Azores) and other regions with comparable difficulties — must be made available, primarily by means of Article 69, e.g. by means of top-ups to area payments (comparable to measures in the sugar sector), in the form of premiums for dairy cattle, for grassland or extensive grazing, of a specific milk payment or special regional programmes to reinforce or restructure the sector and to promote specific high-quality products;

| 87. | Considers that strengthening of producer associations, sectoral and inter-professional organisations could constitute a further element of the revised Article 69; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Considers that strengthening of producer associations, sectoral and inter-professional organisations could constitute a further element of the revised Article 69;

| 88. | Asks the Commission and the Member States to examine the possibility of a non-linear increase in national quotas with a view to introducing additional increases for Member States where the production quotas have traditionally been in deficit; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Asks the Commission and the Member States to examine the possibility of a non-linear increase in national quotas with a view to introducing additional increases for Member States where the production quotas have traditionally been in deficit;

| 89. | Considers that, in order to finance these measures, it is necessary to create a specific fund (Milk Fund), which could be partly financed from the savings arising from the reform of the sector; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Considers that, in order to finance these measures, it is necessary to create a specific fund (Milk Fund), which could be partly financed from the savings arising from the reform of the sector;

Other matters

| 90. | Points out that the strengths, and the future, of European agriculture are to be found in regional, traditional and other recognised high quality products and value-added products; |
| --- | --- |

90.

Points out that the strengths, and the future, of European agriculture are to be found in regional, traditional and other recognised high quality products and value-added products;

| 91. | Calls on the Commission, in this connection, to introduce a ‘European mark’ to identify the quality of EU agricultural and food production on the European market as well as the international markets, and identifying the strict standards, in relation to the environment, animal welfare and food safety under which production takes place; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Calls on the Commission, in this connection, to introduce a ‘European mark’ to identify the quality of EU agricultural and food production on the European market as well as the international markets, and identifying the strict standards, in relation to the environment, animal welfare and food safety under which production takes place;

| 92. | Calls, therefore, on the Commission to present a comprehensive plan for improving the marketing of high quality European products at home and abroad, e.g. by means of information and promotion campaigns, support for the formation and development of the activities of producer organisations or other forms of sectoral organisation and introducing targeted labelling which sets out, in particular, the origin of the agricultural raw materials used and that is clearer and more transparent for consumers; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Calls, therefore, on the Commission to present a comprehensive plan for improving the marketing of high quality European products at home and abroad, e.g. by means of information and promotion campaigns, support for the formation and development of the activities of producer organisations or other forms of sectoral organisation and introducing targeted labelling which sets out, in particular, the origin of the agricultural raw materials used and that is clearer and more transparent for consumers;

| 93. | Calls on the Commission to increase, as part of a budget adjustment process, the appropriations earmarked for information and promotion campaigns on the internal market and external markets; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Calls on the Commission to increase, as part of a budget adjustment process, the appropriations earmarked for information and promotion campaigns on the internal market and external markets;

| 94. | Calls on the Commission to consider the need for a genuine communication policy dealing with the CAP which would be designed to reduce the gulf between the agricultural world and society, and which would not function solely as a promotional and advertising mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Calls on the Commission to consider the need for a genuine communication policy dealing with the CAP which would be designed to reduce the gulf between the agricultural world and society, and which would not function solely as a promotional and advertising mechanism;

| 95. | Considers that producer and inter-professional organisations require further bolstering and support, particularly in Member States in which there are only a small number of such organisations, so as to give farmers a better market position with regard to retail and trade and, concurrently, quality assurance systems in the food production chain should be promoted, including alternatives to existing manufacturing practices; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Considers that producer and inter-professional organisations require further bolstering and support, particularly in Member States in which there are only a small number of such organisations, so as to give farmers a better market position with regard to retail and trade and, concurrently, quality assurance systems in the food production chain should be promoted, including alternatives to existing manufacturing practices;

| 96. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent speculative activity, capturing of the market in food products and the formation of cartels by food companies exploiting the present absence of legislation or controls, producers' and consumers' lack of organisation, and the lack of suitable infrastructures, measures which are aimed exclusively at boosting profits, reducing producer prices and imposing high prices on consumers; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take the necessary measures to prevent speculative activity, capturing of the market in food products and the formation of cartels by food companies exploiting the present absence of legislation or controls, producers' and consumers' lack of organisation, and the lack of suitable infrastructures, measures which are aimed exclusively at boosting profits, reducing producer prices and imposing high prices on consumers;

| 97. | Regrets that the Commission missed the opportunity to tackle more broadly the problems linked to increased imports of food and feed which do not correspond to EU standards and thus risk undermining the EU's achievements in environmental, animal welfare and social conditioning of public aid; calls on the Commission to propose measures to remedy this situation as soon as possible, and to ensure compliance with Community environmental and health legislation; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Regrets that the Commission missed the opportunity to tackle more broadly the problems linked to increased imports of food and feed which do not correspond to EU standards and thus risk undermining the EU's achievements in environmental, animal welfare and social conditioning of public aid; calls on the Commission to propose measures to remedy this situation as soon as possible, and to ensure compliance with Community environmental and health legislation;

| 98. | Calls on the Commission to develop as a matter of urgency a comprehensive plan to push through European non-trade concerns in world trade talks, in particular the issue of the recognition and protection of geographical indications, animal welfare, the state of health of imported animal and plant products etc., so as to prevent unfair competition against European producers and to avoid the export of animal welfare and environmental problems to third countries; calls on the Commission to actively advocate in the WTO negotiations the concept of qualified market access with a view to promoting sustainability standards in agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Calls on the Commission to develop as a matter of urgency a comprehensive plan to push through European non-trade concerns in world trade talks, in particular the issue of the recognition and protection of geographical indications, animal welfare, the state of health of imported animal and plant products etc., so as to prevent unfair competition against European producers and to avoid the export of animal welfare and environmental problems to third countries; calls on the Commission to actively advocate in the WTO negotiations the concept of qualified market access with a view to promoting sustainability standards in agriculture;

| 99. | Points out that European agriculture will not be sustainable in future without appropriate external protection; calls, therefore, for application of the same quality and safety standards to third-country products as to EU products; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Points out that European agriculture will not be sustainable in future without appropriate external protection; calls, therefore, for application of the same quality and safety standards to third-country products as to EU products;

| 100. | Takes the view that the abolition of export subsidies should be combined with promotional activities conducted in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

100.

Takes the view that the abolition of export subsidies should be combined with promotional activities conducted in third countries;

| 101. | Recalls that in the context of climate change, two main policy challenges emerge for agriculture: the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change and the adaptation to climate change impacts; stresses that this means that agriculture faces a double challenge: reducing its own emissions while adapting to the expected effects of global warming; |
| --- | --- |

101.

Recalls that in the context of climate change, two main policy challenges emerge for agriculture: the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change and the adaptation to climate change impacts; stresses that this means that agriculture faces a double challenge: reducing its own emissions while adapting to the expected effects of global warming;

| 102. | Stresses that climate change is not only an environmental but also a social and economic problem and, therefore, environmental concerns and efforts in the agricultural sector, one of the most vulnerable sectors that directly depend on climatic factors, should take into account the need to guarantee the economic and social viability of rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

102.

Stresses that climate change is not only an environmental but also a social and economic problem and, therefore, environmental concerns and efforts in the agricultural sector, one of the most vulnerable sectors that directly depend on climatic factors, should take into account the need to guarantee the economic and social viability of rural areas;

| 103. | Recalls that agriculture's contribution to the greenhouse effect (as a source of two powerful greenhouse gases: methane and nitrous oxide) is limited, and is diminishing in the EU, due to the implementation of measures already in place within the CAP framework such as CC, agri-environmental schemes and other rural development measures; |
| --- | --- |

103.

Recalls that agriculture's contribution to the greenhouse effect (as a source of two powerful greenhouse gases: methane and nitrous oxide) is limited, and is diminishing in the EU, due to the implementation of measures already in place within the CAP framework such as CC, agri-environmental schemes and other rural development measures;

| 104. | Calls on the Commission to examine the extent to which these achievements can be further improved by integrating agriculture into the Kyoto Mechanisms; |
| --- | --- |

104.

Calls on the Commission to examine the extent to which these achievements can be further improved by integrating agriculture into the Kyoto Mechanisms;

| 105. | Considers that the supply of renewable energy from agriculture should not be pursued one-sidedly to the detriment of livestock farming and of the security of food supply of people in Europe and throughout the world, of sustainability and of biodiversity; calls on the Commission, therefore, to carry out an impact assessment of support measures for renewable energy in the context of security of food supply and the environment; calls for appropriate funding for research and the introduction of recent and efficient energy technologies which exploit biomass to the full (e.g. second generation biofuels); strongly reiterates the fact that, in the short term, biogas plants based on animal-origin residues have the largest, most sustainable potential for growth in terms of providing additional energy from biomass; |
| --- | --- |

105.

Considers that the supply of renewable energy from agriculture should not be pursued one-sidedly to the detriment of livestock farming and of the security of food supply of people in Europe and throughout the world, of sustainability and of biodiversity; calls on the Commission, therefore, to carry out an impact assessment of support measures for renewable energy in the context of security of food supply and the environment; calls for appropriate funding for research and the introduction of recent and efficient energy technologies which exploit biomass to the full (e.g. second generation biofuels); strongly reiterates the fact that, in the short term, biogas plants based on animal-origin residues have the largest, most sustainable potential for growth in terms of providing additional energy from biomass;

| 106. | Underlines the strong relationship between agricultural activity and water quality and quantity, and stresses that pressures from agriculture on the water environment need to be managed in a sustainable manner; believes that environmental legislation in combination with the ‘polluter pays’ principle should be the guiding principle for the effective achievement of sustainable water management and environmental objectives; |
| --- | --- |

106.

Underlines the strong relationship between agricultural activity and water quality and quantity, and stresses that pressures from agriculture on the water environment need to be managed in a sustainable manner; believes that environmental legislation in combination with the ‘polluter pays’ principle should be the guiding principle for the effective achievement of sustainable water management and environmental objectives;

| 107. | Considers that development of the system of agricultural payments must continue beyond 2013 and calls on the Commission to present, by 30 June 2010, not least in view of the fact that European farmers need long-term planning security, a comprehensive analysis of possible ways of reshaping the system, in particular by setting strategic objectives which reflect the development of European agriculture as a means of exploiting innovation, making good use of land, guaranteeing production quality, maintaining farmers' incomes and safeguarding the environment and security of food supply; calls on the Commission to examine a thorough-going administrative simplification, in particular for annual premium payments of less than 20 000euro per recipient; |
| --- | --- |

107.

Considers that development of the system of agricultural payments must continue beyond 2013 and calls on the Commission to present, by 30 June 2010, not least in view of the fact that European farmers need long-term planning security, a comprehensive analysis of possible ways of reshaping the system, in particular by setting strategic objectives which reflect the development of European agriculture as a means of exploiting innovation, making good use of land, guaranteeing production quality, maintaining farmers' incomes and safeguarding the environment and security of food supply; calls on the Commission to examine a thorough-going administrative simplification, in particular for annual premium payments of less than 20 000euro per recipient;

| 108. | Points out that biodiversity is affected, created and threatened by agriculture; considers that global, local and EU efforts are needed to protect the valuable ecosystem services that biodiversity provides, namely air and water purification, pollination of crops and protection from erosion; |
| --- | --- |

108.

Points out that biodiversity is affected, created and threatened by agriculture; considers that global, local and EU efforts are needed to protect the valuable ecosystem services that biodiversity provides, namely air and water purification, pollination of crops and protection from erosion;

| 109. | Points out that in the current programme period 2007-2013, rural development (and its financing instrument EARDF) as the second pillar of CAP has an important regional impact; urges the Commission to exploit the possibilities for a more coherent implementation in relation to the regional policy programmes (structural funds) in order to come to an integrated approach in fields where synergy can be obtained; |
| --- | --- |

109.

Points out that in the current programme period 2007-2013, rural development (and its financing instrument EARDF) as the second pillar of CAP has an important regional impact; urges the Commission to exploit the possibilities for a more coherent implementation in relation to the regional policy programmes (structural funds) in order to come to an integrated approach in fields where synergy can be obtained;

| 110. | Believes that there can be no rural development without agricultural activity, and that the objective must be to ensure economic viability for the inhabitants of rural areas and to improve their quality of life; |
| --- | --- |

110.

Believes that there can be no rural development without agricultural activity, and that the objective must be to ensure economic viability for the inhabitants of rural areas and to improve their quality of life;

| 111. | Urges the Commission to present a coherent set of proposals in order to maintain and develop sustainable agricultural activity, especially in less-favoured areas and areas with natural disadvantages, as these are of crucial importance for protecting biodiversity and preserving ecosystems; |
| --- | --- |

111.

Urges the Commission to present a coherent set of proposals in order to maintain and develop sustainable agricultural activity, especially in less-favoured areas and areas with natural disadvantages, as these are of crucial importance for protecting biodiversity and preserving ecosystems;

| 112. | Calls on the Commission to step up research and technology transfer measures, particularly in order to promote more environmentally and ecosystem-friendly production methods in the interests of sustainable agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

112.

Calls on the Commission to step up research and technology transfer measures, particularly in order to promote more environmentally and ecosystem-friendly production methods in the interests of sustainable agriculture;

| 113. | Draws attention to successful projects around the EU where cooperation at local and regional level between farmers, environmental groups and authorities has successfully reduced the environmental impact of agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Draws attention to successful projects around the EU where cooperation at local and regional level between farmers, environmental groups and authorities has successfully reduced the environmental impact of agriculture;

| 114. | Considers, especially, that any future system must focus more strongly on aspects of the social, economic and territorial coherence and integrated development of rural and also peri-urban areas, reinforcing key agricultural sectors, rewarding effort and compensating for extra burdens, and risk management; considers that the relationship between the first and the second pillar must be entirely redefined for this purpose; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Considers, especially, that any future system must focus more strongly on aspects of the social, economic and territorial coherence and integrated development of rural and also peri-urban areas, reinforcing key agricultural sectors, rewarding effort and compensating for extra burdens, and risk management; considers that the relationship between the first and the second pillar must be entirely redefined for this purpose;

| 115. | Takes the view that European agriculture can provide environmentally-friendly solutions to the most pressing problems facing our urbanised society in peri-urban regions as well, and can thus contribute to achieving the objectives of the both the Lisbon and Göteborg strategies; |
| --- | --- |

115.

Takes the view that European agriculture can provide environmentally-friendly solutions to the most pressing problems facing our urbanised society in peri-urban regions as well, and can thus contribute to achieving the objectives of the both the Lisbon and Göteborg strategies;

| 116. | Draws attention to the particular role played by farmers in peri-urban areas; peri-urban farmers and land managers can promote solutions that meet both Lisbon (knowledge, research, innovation) and Goteborg (sustainability) objectives;
  *
  ** |
| --- | --- |

116.

Draws attention to the particular role played by farmers in peri-urban areas; peri-urban farmers and land managers can promote solutions that meet both Lisbon (knowledge, research, innovation) and Goteborg (sustainability) objectives;

*

**

| 117. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

117.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 146/2008 (OJ L 46, 21.2.2008, p. 1).

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0598.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0480.

(4)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0411.

(5)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 341.

(6)  OJ C 124 E, 25.5.2006, p. 373.

(7)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

(8)  OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 33.

(9)  OJ L 93, 30.3.2004, p. 1.

(10)  Texts adopted of 5.9.2007, P6_TA(2007)0371, P6_TA(2007)0372, P6_TA(2007)0373.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/23 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/23

---

The situation of women in rural areas of the EU

P6_TA(2008)0094

European Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on the situation of women in rural areas of the EU (2007/2117(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the EC Treaty, and in particular Articles 3 and 13 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EC Treaty, and in particular Articles 3 and 13 thereof,

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2006/144/EC of 20 February 2006 on Community strategic guidelines for rural development (programming period 2007 to 2013) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2006/144/EC of 20 February 2006 on Community strategic guidelines for rural development (programming period 2007 to 2013) (1),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (2),

| — | having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 of 15 December 2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 of 15 December 2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (3),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 of 21 June 2005 on the financing of the common agricultural policy (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1290/2005 of 21 June 2005 on the financing of the common agricultural policy (4),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 86/613/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 86/613/EEC of 11 December 1986 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity, including agriculture, in a self-employed capacity, and on the protection of self-employed women during pregnancy and motherhood (5),

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (6),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds (7),

| — | having regard to the Council Resolution of 2 December 1996 on mainstreaming equal opportunities for men and women into the European Structural Funds (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council Resolution of 2 December 1996 on mainstreaming equal opportunities for men and women into the European Structural Funds (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2003 on the objectives of equality of opportunities between women and men in the use of the Structural Funds (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2003 on the objectives of equality of opportunities between women and men in the use of the Structural Funds (9),

| — | having regard to the Council Conclusions of 22 July 2003 on employment in rural areas under the European Employment Strategy (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council Conclusions of 22 July 2003 on employment in rural areas under the European Employment Strategy (10),

| — | having regard to the ‘Review of the EU's Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) — Renewed Strategy’ (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ‘Review of the EU's Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS) — Renewed Strategy’ (11),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication to the Spring European Council entitled ‘Working together for growth and jobs. A new start for the Lisbon Strategy’ (COM(2005)0024), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication to the Spring European Council entitled ‘Working together for growth and jobs. A new start for the Lisbon Strategy’ (COM(2005)0024),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Tackling the pay gap between women and men’ (COM(2007)0424), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Tackling the pay gap between women and men’ (COM(2007)0424),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap’ (COM(2006)0857) and the accompanying Commission staff working document (SEC(2006)1772), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Employment in rural areas: closing the jobs gap’ (COM(2006)0857) and the accompanying Commission staff working document (SEC(2006)1772),

| — | having regard to the publication ‘Women active in rural development: Assuring the future of rural Europe’ (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the publication ‘Women active in rural development: Assuring the future of rural Europe’ (12),

| — | having regard to SERA — Study of Employment in Rural Areas 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to SERA — Study of Employment in Rural Areas 2006,

| — | having regard to the 2006 Report ‘Rural Development in the European Union — Statistical and Economic Information’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2006 Report ‘Rural Development in the European Union — Statistical and Economic Information’,

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000 on the Lisbon Strategy for employment and growth, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the Lisbon European Council of 23 and 24 March 2000 on the Lisbon Strategy for employment and growth,

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the second European conference on rural development in Salzburg ‘Planting seeds for rural futures — building a policy that can deliver our ambitions’, held on 12 to 14 November 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the second European conference on rural development in Salzburg ‘Planting seeds for rural futures — building a policy that can deliver our ambitions’, held on 12 to 14 November 2003,

| — | having regard to the reports of the European Foundation for Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) on ‘First European Quality of Life Survey: Urban-rural differences’, ‘Social capital and job creation in rural Europe’ and ‘Women's entrepreneurship in rural areas’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reports of the European Foundation for Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) on ‘First European Quality of Life Survey: Urban-rural differences’, ‘Social capital and job creation in rural Europe’ and ‘Women's entrepreneurship in rural areas’,

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2005/600/EC of 12 July 2005 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2005/600/EC of 12 July 2005 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (13),

| — | having regard to the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2007 (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2007 (14),

| — | having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality adopted by the Brussels European Council of 23 and 24 March 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Pact for Gender Equality adopted by the Brussels European Council of 23 and 24 March 2006,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 June 1993 on the assessment of women's unwaged work (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 June 1993 on the assessment of women's unwaged work (15),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2003 on women in rural areas of the European Union in the light of the mid-term review of the common agricultural policy (16), and its resolution of 13 March 2007 on a roadmap for equality between women and men (2006-2010) (17), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 July 2003 on women in rural areas of the European Union in the light of the mid-term review of the common agricultural policy (16), and its resolution of 13 March 2007 on a roadmap for equality between women and men (2006-2010) (17),

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0031/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0031/2008),

| A. | whereas, from a European perspective, rural areas (18) are dealt with via the common agricultural policy (CAP); whereas this resolution deals with the second pillar of the CAP, i.e. rural development, and whereas, however, social and economic policies must also be taken into consideration, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, from a European perspective, rural areas (18) are dealt with via the common agricultural policy (CAP); whereas this resolution deals with the second pillar of the CAP, i.e. rural development, and whereas, however, social and economic policies must also be taken into consideration,

| B. | whereas one of the major rural development policy objectives of the European Union is to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and to promote diversification of economic activities, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas one of the major rural development policy objectives of the European Union is to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and to promote diversification of economic activities,

| C. | whereas making rural areas more attractive requires the promotion of sustainable, integrated growth and the generation of new employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people, as well as the provision of high-quality health and social services, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas making rural areas more attractive requires the promotion of sustainable, integrated growth and the generation of new employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people, as well as the provision of high-quality health and social services,

| D. | whereas the economic and social changes that rural areas are undergoing do not affect all women in the same way, offering opportunities to some and causing very serious challenges to, and problems for, others, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the economic and social changes that rural areas are undergoing do not affect all women in the same way, offering opportunities to some and causing very serious challenges to, and problems for, others,

| E. | whereas the Lisbon targets on generating growth and promoting the social market economy can only be met by making full use of the significant potential of women in the labour market in both rural and urban areas, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Lisbon targets on generating growth and promoting the social market economy can only be met by making full use of the significant potential of women in the labour market in both rural and urban areas,

| F. | whereas women's labour is often regarded as an unlimited natural resource to be exploited and whereas, furthermore, the inequitable segregation of the labour market is becoming ever more rigid, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas women's labour is often regarded as an unlimited natural resource to be exploited and whereas, furthermore, the inequitable segregation of the labour market is becoming ever more rigid,

| G. | whereas, for both men and women, employment rates are lower in rural areas, and, additionally, a lot of women are never active in the official labour market and, therefore, are neither registered as unemployed nor included in unemployment statistics; whereas rural areas are badly affected by the lack of high-quality employment opportunities, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, for both men and women, employment rates are lower in rural areas, and, additionally, a lot of women are never active in the official labour market and, therefore, are neither registered as unemployed nor included in unemployment statistics; whereas rural areas are badly affected by the lack of high-quality employment opportunities,

| H. | whereas the implementation of Directive 86/613/ΕEC has not been effective nor fulfilled the original objectives of the Directive, in particular that of improving the status of assisting spouses, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the implementation of Directive 86/613/ΕEC has not been effective nor fulfilled the original objectives of the Directive, in particular that of improving the status of assisting spouses,

| I. | whereas many women in rural areas are engaged in occupations which are comparable to a professional activity but are not recognised, protected or paid as such, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas many women in rural areas are engaged in occupations which are comparable to a professional activity but are not recognised, protected or paid as such,

| J. | whereas only a small number of women are the owners of farms — typically small-sized economic operations with low profitability — and most women in rural areas work alongside their male companions (fathers, brothers or husbands), who have exclusive property rights to the farm in question (agriculture or stockbreeding), |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas only a small number of women are the owners of farms — typically small-sized economic operations with low profitability — and most women in rural areas work alongside their male companions (fathers, brothers or husbands), who have exclusive property rights to the farm in question (agriculture or stockbreeding),

| K. | whereas situations in rural areas vary considerably, both between the Member States and within individual Member States, and whereas, therefore, rural areas with differing development potential all have to be given adequate support, as do the people living in those areas, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas situations in rural areas vary considerably, both between the Member States and within individual Member States, and whereas, therefore, rural areas with differing development potential all have to be given adequate support, as do the people living in those areas,

| L. | whereas rural areas can offer a high quality of life for families with children and for elderly people, but still posit a wide range of challenges, such as a lack of education and training infrastructureat all levels and inadequate social services networks without, for example, a sufficient number of appropriate child-care facilities, outreach services and care for elderly or sick people or those with disabilities, as well as facing pressure from ongoing agricultural restructuring and environmental protection measures, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas rural areas can offer a high quality of life for families with children and for elderly people, but still posit a wide range of challenges, such as a lack of education and training infrastructureat all levels and inadequate social services networks without, for example, a sufficient number of appropriate child-care facilities, outreach services and care for elderly or sick people or those with disabilities, as well as facing pressure from ongoing agricultural restructuring and environmental protection measures,

| M. | whereas the significant contribution made by women to local and community development is inadequately reflected in their participation in the relevant decision-making processes, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the significant contribution made by women to local and community development is inadequately reflected in their participation in the relevant decision-making processes,

| N. | whereas women mostly volunteer for work within and in relation to their families, and the family is the fundamental social unit, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas women mostly volunteer for work within and in relation to their families, and the family is the fundamental social unit,

| O. | whereas rural areas are particularly affected by ageing populations, low population density and, in some areas, depopulation, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas rural areas are particularly affected by ageing populations, low population density and, in some areas, depopulation,

| P. | whereas the emigration of females in economically active age groups continues to result in a degree of ‘masculinisation’ of the rural population, with negative consequences for the quality of life of the community and demographic trends, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the emigration of females in economically active age groups continues to result in a degree of ‘masculinisation’ of the rural population, with negative consequences for the quality of life of the community and demographic trends,

| Q. | whereas women in rural areas, in particular, spend a lot of time driving their children and other family members to doctors, schools and sports and whereas young people are disadvantaged by the lack of local public transport services and therefore have fewer opportunities to find vocational training or work, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas women in rural areas, in particular, spend a lot of time driving their children and other family members to doctors, schools and sports and whereas young people are disadvantaged by the lack of local public transport services and therefore have fewer opportunities to find vocational training or work,

| R. | whereas the obstacles to access to information and communication technologies are greater in rural areas, especially for women, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the obstacles to access to information and communication technologies are greater in rural areas, especially for women,

| S. | whereas rural areas offer real opportunities in term of their potential for growth in new sectors and the provision of rural amenities, craft activities and tourism, which are mostly run by women and are a significant economic factor for underdeveloped, but scenically interesting, areas, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas rural areas offer real opportunities in term of their potential for growth in new sectors and the provision of rural amenities, craft activities and tourism, which are mostly run by women and are a significant economic factor for underdeveloped, but scenically interesting, areas,

| T. | whereas more consideration should be given to gender budgeting with a view to effective governance of rural development programmes and, in particular, better targeting of funding at the specific needs of women in such areas, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas more consideration should be given to gender budgeting with a view to effective governance of rural development programmes and, in particular, better targeting of funding at the specific needs of women in such areas,

| U. | whereas the elimination of inequalities and the promotion of equal opportunities for men and women are prime objectives of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the elimination of inequalities and the promotion of equal opportunities for men and women are prime objectives of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999,

| 1. | Is convinced that mainstreaming gender into the rural sector is a key strategy not only for the promotion of equality between women and men but also for economic growth and sustainable rural development; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is convinced that mainstreaming gender into the rural sector is a key strategy not only for the promotion of equality between women and men but also for economic growth and sustainable rural development;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to improve statistical data and information as regards this phenomenon and to analyse the patterns of, main reasons for and consequences of emigration from rural areas in the EU; calls on the Member States to develop strategies aimed at curbing emigration of women from rural areas, especially those who are highly educated; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to improve statistical data and information as regards this phenomenon and to analyse the patterns of, main reasons for and consequences of emigration from rural areas in the EU; calls on the Member States to develop strategies aimed at curbing emigration of women from rural areas, especially those who are highly educated;

| 3. | Calls on the Member States, in collaboration with regional and local government and business, to create incentives to improve the level of education and training of women and promote their participation in the labour force, in particular by getting rid of any discrimination against women on the labour market, with the aim of addressing the problem of poverty and social exclusion in rural areas; notes that poverty is widespread in rural communities, especially in the new Member States; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Member States, in collaboration with regional and local government and business, to create incentives to improve the level of education and training of women and promote their participation in the labour force, in particular by getting rid of any discrimination against women on the labour market, with the aim of addressing the problem of poverty and social exclusion in rural areas; notes that poverty is widespread in rural communities, especially in the new Member States;

| 4. | Calls on the Member States to adopt suitable measures for self-employed women with regard to maternity and sick leave; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Member States to adopt suitable measures for self-employed women with regard to maternity and sick leave;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to provide statistics on poverty and social exclusion disaggregated not only by gender and age but also by the urban/rural dimension; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission to provide statistics on poverty and social exclusion disaggregated not only by gender and age but also by the urban/rural dimension;

| 6. | Calls on the Member States to support the transition from agricultural-based rural areas to rural areas with broader economic bases; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Member States to support the transition from agricultural-based rural areas to rural areas with broader economic bases;

| 7. | Calls on the Member States to implement policies to improve the general living conditions of women in rural areas with a special focus on women who are disabled, victims of gender-related violence, immigrants, members of ethnic minorities or subject to various forms of discrimination, and to safeguard the future of rural areas by offering accessible rural services, such as postal services, broadband and new applied-technology services, cultural and sports centres, fire brigades and general public services; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Member States to implement policies to improve the general living conditions of women in rural areas with a special focus on women who are disabled, victims of gender-related violence, immigrants, members of ethnic minorities or subject to various forms of discrimination, and to safeguard the future of rural areas by offering accessible rural services, such as postal services, broadband and new applied-technology services, cultural and sports centres, fire brigades and general public services;

| 8. | Calls on the European Union institutions, the Member States and the regional and local authorities to facilitate access to information and communication technologies in the countryside, and to foster equal opportunities as regards that access, through policies and activities aimed at women in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the European Union institutions, the Member States and the regional and local authorities to facilitate access to information and communication technologies in the countryside, and to foster equal opportunities as regards that access, through policies and activities aimed at women in rural areas;

| 9. | Calls on the Member States to promote women's entrepreneurship, support female business networks, such as tutoring/coaching models or alliances of female entrepreneurs, and design initiatives targeted at improving the entrepreneurial attitude, skills and capabilities of women in rural areas and to promote women's representation on the managerial bodies of enterprises and associations; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the Member States to promote women's entrepreneurship, support female business networks, such as tutoring/coaching models or alliances of female entrepreneurs, and design initiatives targeted at improving the entrepreneurial attitude, skills and capabilities of women in rural areas and to promote women's representation on the managerial bodies of enterprises and associations;

| 10. | Calls on the European Union institutions, the Member States and the regional and local authorities to support projects to promote — and business start-up advice for — the creation of innovative primary agricultural production enterprises in rural areas that are apt to provide new jobs taken up predominantly by women, with the main spheres of action being unused or under-utilised products, adding value to agricultural products and seeking sales outlets for these, the use of new technologies and contributing to the economic diversification of the area and the provision of services enabling the reconciliation of working and family life; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the European Union institutions, the Member States and the regional and local authorities to support projects to promote — and business start-up advice for — the creation of innovative primary agricultural production enterprises in rural areas that are apt to provide new jobs taken up predominantly by women, with the main spheres of action being unused or under-utilised products, adding value to agricultural products and seeking sales outlets for these, the use of new technologies and contributing to the economic diversification of the area and the provision of services enabling the reconciliation of working and family life;

| 11. | Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to increase financing for innovative measures for women in rural areas; calls on the Commission to set up Leader networking projects for the exchange of experiences and best practice; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to increase financing for innovative measures for women in rural areas; calls on the Commission to set up Leader networking projects for the exchange of experiences and best practice;

| 12. | Stresses the need to give the greatest possible value to women's work, including that of immigrant women, who do not belong to families owning farms and provide labour in the fields, and are especially affected by the difficulties related to their position as women in the world of agriculture; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Stresses the need to give the greatest possible value to women's work, including that of immigrant women, who do not belong to families owning farms and provide labour in the fields, and are especially affected by the difficulties related to their position as women in the world of agriculture;

| 13. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take account of the substantial group of — usually female — partners assisting with farming and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who, in many Member States, suffer from a lack of legal status, which leads to specific financial and legal problems in relation to the right to maternity and sick leave, the acquisition of pension rights and access to social security, as well as in the event of divorce; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to take account of the substantial group of — usually female — partners assisting with farming and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who, in many Member States, suffer from a lack of legal status, which leads to specific financial and legal problems in relation to the right to maternity and sick leave, the acquisition of pension rights and access to social security, as well as in the event of divorce;

| 14. | Calls on the Member States to develop the legal construct of shared ownership, in order to ensure that women's rights in the agricultural sector are fully recognised, appropriate protection in the field of social security and recognition of their work; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Member States to develop the legal construct of shared ownership, in order to ensure that women's rights in the agricultural sector are fully recognised, appropriate protection in the field of social security and recognition of their work;

| 15. | Calls on the Member States to provide ideological and financial support for unremunerated work and voluntary work; highlights the important social tasks that women's associations perform in this regard; calls, nevertheless, for structural changes that allow women greater access to active paid employment; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Member States to provide ideological and financial support for unremunerated work and voluntary work; highlights the important social tasks that women's associations perform in this regard; calls, nevertheless, for structural changes that allow women greater access to active paid employment;

| 16. | Points out that women in rural areas are more affected by hidden unemployment than men due to traditional role models and the poor endowment of many areas with the appropriate infrastructure, such as childcare facilities; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Points out that women in rural areas are more affected by hidden unemployment than men due to traditional role models and the poor endowment of many areas with the appropriate infrastructure, such as childcare facilities;

| 17. | Calls on the Member States, in cooperation with regional authorities, to encourage the establishment of regional resource centres for women, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 60 who face unemployment, and to support them in taking steps towards self-employment or in developing services within their own communities through grassroots consultation and needs assessment; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the Member States, in cooperation with regional authorities, to encourage the establishment of regional resource centres for women, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 60 who face unemployment, and to support them in taking steps towards self-employment or in developing services within their own communities through grassroots consultation and needs assessment;

| 18. | Calls on the Member States to improve education and training facilities and to promote the development of social service networks for childcare and care for the elderly, sick and disabled, as a vehicle for the reconciliation of men and women's working, family and personal lives in rural areas; calls also for the improvement of health services, especially the availability of primary health care; calls on the Member States to assure the provision of paramedical and emergency doctors' services in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Member States to improve education and training facilities and to promote the development of social service networks for childcare and care for the elderly, sick and disabled, as a vehicle for the reconciliation of men and women's working, family and personal lives in rural areas; calls also for the improvement of health services, especially the availability of primary health care; calls on the Member States to assure the provision of paramedical and emergency doctors' services in rural areas;

| 19. | Draws attention to the strong taboos surrounding sexual and/or domestic violence against women and girls in rural areas; calls on the Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure better protection of and support for of victims and those at risk of becoming victims of such violence; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Draws attention to the strong taboos surrounding sexual and/or domestic violence against women and girls in rural areas; calls on the Member States to take appropriate measures to ensure better protection of and support for of victims and those at risk of becoming victims of such violence;

| 20. | Urges the Member States to address the lack of good transport infrastructure in rural areas and to develop positive policies to improve access to transport for all, particularly disabled persons, as transport continues to be a factor in entrenching social exclusion and inequality in society, primarily affecting women; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Urges the Member States to address the lack of good transport infrastructure in rural areas and to develop positive policies to improve access to transport for all, particularly disabled persons, as transport continues to be a factor in entrenching social exclusion and inequality in society, primarily affecting women;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission, in the framework of the revision of rural development programmes, to closely monitor the integration of the gender perspective into the rural development programmes submitted by the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Commission, in the framework of the revision of rural development programmes, to closely monitor the integration of the gender perspective into the rural development programmes submitted by the Member States;

| 22. | Welcomes, in this connection, ESF/EQUAL projects which seek to highlight and improve the position of women within agriculture and in rural areas; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote such projects within the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Welcomes, in this connection, ESF/EQUAL projects which seek to highlight and improve the position of women within agriculture and in rural areas; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote such projects within the European Union;

| 23. | Calls on the Member States to support companies that invest in rural areas and offer high-quality employment to women; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Member States to support companies that invest in rural areas and offer high-quality employment to women;

| 24. | Calls on the EU institutions, the Member States and regional and local authorities to encourage the holding of fora for the exchange of knowledge or similar activities, both nationally and internationally, specifically regarding the situation of women in rural areas; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the EU institutions, the Member States and regional and local authorities to encourage the holding of fora for the exchange of knowledge or similar activities, both nationally and internationally, specifically regarding the situation of women in rural areas;

| 25. | Points to the fact that women are under-represented in formal rural or regional leadership positions, despite the fact that they play an important role in the ‘informal’ community, where women often play an essential social role by influencing the emergence of social capital through their involvement in informal local networks (e.g. in the framework of voluntary community work or various thematic associations); |
| --- | --- |

25.

Points to the fact that women are under-represented in formal rural or regional leadership positions, despite the fact that they play an important role in the ‘informal’ community, where women often play an essential social role by influencing the emergence of social capital through their involvement in informal local networks (e.g. in the framework of voluntary community work or various thematic associations);

| 26. | Calls on the relevant national, regional and local authorities to encourage the participation of women in local action groups and the development of local partnerships under the Leader axis, as well as to ensure gender-balanced participation on their management boards; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the relevant national, regional and local authorities to encourage the participation of women in local action groups and the development of local partnerships under the Leader axis, as well as to ensure gender-balanced participation on their management boards;

| 27. | Regrets the fact that the Commission has not responded to Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 3 July 2003 by undertaking a radical revision of Directive 86/613/ΕEC, despite the fact that the Commission itself acknowledges that the application of that directive to date has been ineffective and that minimal progress has been made in recognising the work of, and providing adequate protection for, assisting spouses of persons engaged in self-employed or agricultural activity in the Member States; calls again on the Commission to submit, by the end of 2008, a proposal for a revised directive providing for independent social and pension rights for women assisting on agricultural holdings and women assisting in SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Regrets the fact that the Commission has not responded to Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 3 July 2003 by undertaking a radical revision of Directive 86/613/ΕEC, despite the fact that the Commission itself acknowledges that the application of that directive to date has been ineffective and that minimal progress has been made in recognising the work of, and providing adequate protection for, assisting spouses of persons engaged in self-employed or agricultural activity in the Member States; calls again on the Commission to submit, by the end of 2008, a proposal for a revised directive providing for independent social and pension rights for women assisting on agricultural holdings and women assisting in SMEs;

| 28. | Deeply regrets, moreover, the fact that the Commission has yet to make any practical response to Parliament's previous resolutions on the situation of spouses assisting persons engaged in self-employed activities, which included calls for:






  — | compulsory registration of assisting spouses so that they are no longer invisible workers; |
| --- | --- | --- |

28.

Deeply regrets, moreover, the fact that the Commission has yet to make any practical response to Parliament's previous resolutions on the situation of spouses assisting persons engaged in self-employed activities, which included calls for:

—

compulsory registration of assisting spouses so that they are no longer invisible workers;

| — | the obligation for Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that assisting spouses are able to take out insurance cover for health care, retirement pension, maternity benefit and replacement services and disability benefits; |
| --- | --- |

—

the obligation for Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that assisting spouses are able to take out insurance cover for health care, retirement pension, maternity benefit and replacement services and disability benefits;

| 29. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions, and to the executive and elective bodies responsible for equal opportunities at local, regional, and national level in the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

29.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions, and to the executive and elective bodies responsible for equal opportunities at local, regional, and national level in the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 55, 25.2.2006, p. 20.

(2)  OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 368, 23.12.2006, p. 15.

(4)  OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 1.

(5)  OJ L 359, 19.12.1986, p. 56.

(6)  OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23.

(7)  OJ L 161, 26.6.1999, p. 1.

(8)  OJ C 386, 20.12.1996, p. 1.

(9)  OJ C 61 E, 10.3.2004, p. 370.

(10)  OJ C 186, 6.8.2003, p. 3.

(11)  Council document 10117/06, 9.6.2006.

(12)  Directorate-General for Agriculture, European Commission 2000.

(13)  OJ L 205, 6.8.2005, p. 21.

(14)  Council document 6694/07, 23.2.2007.

(15)  OJ C 194, 19.7.1993, p. 389.

(16)  OJ C 74 E, 24.3.2004, p. 882.

(17)  OJ C 301 E, 13.12.2007, p. 56.

(18)  The definition of rural areas applied in this resolution was drawn up in the context of Decision 2006/144/EC. The Commission has consistently used the OECD methodology. The OECD methodology is based on population density (OECD, Creating rural indicators for shaping territorial policy, Paris, 1994). It is based on a two-step approach: First, local units (e.g. municipalities) are identified as rural if their population density is below 150 inhabitants per square kilometre. Then, regions (e.g. NUTS 3 or NUTS 2), are classified in one of the 3 categories:

| — | Predominantly Rural region (PR): if more than 50 % of the population of the region is living in rural communes (with less than 150 inhabitants/km2) |
| --- | --- |

—

Predominantly Rural region (PR): if more than 50 % of the population of the region is living in rural communes (with less than 150 inhabitants/km2)

| — | Intermediate Region (IR): if 15 % to 50 % of the population of the region is living in rural local units |
| --- | --- |

—

Intermediate Region (IR): if 15 % to 50 % of the population of the region is living in rural local units

| — | Predominantly Urban region (PU): if less than 15 % of the population of the region is living in rural local units. |
| --- | --- |

—

Predominantly Urban region (PU): if less than 15 % of the population of the region is living in rural local units.

The 1 284 NUTS 3 regions of the EU-27 are broadly evenly divided between the three rural-urban categories. The Commission is currently undertaking work on alternative definitions that better reflect the diversity of significantly rural areas, including peri-urban areas.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/29 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/29

---

Sustainable agriculture and biogas: review of EU legislation

P6_TA(2008)0095

European Parliament resolution of 12 March 2008 on sustainable agriculture and biogas: a need for review of EU legislation (2007/2107(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/05)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 7 December 2005 entitled ‘Biomass action plan’ (COM(2005)0628), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 7 December 2005 entitled ‘Biomass action plan’ (COM(2005)0628),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 10 January 2007 entitled ‘Renewable Energy Road Map — Renewable energies in the 21st century: building a more sustainable future’ (COM(2006)0848), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 10 January 2007 entitled ‘Renewable Energy Road Map — Renewable energies in the 21st century: building a more sustainable future’ (COM(2006)0848),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 26 November 1997 entitled ‘Energy for the future: renewable sources of energy — White Paper for a Community strategy and action plan’ (COM(1997)0599), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of 26 November 1997 entitled ‘Energy for the future: renewable sources of energy — White Paper for a Community strategy and action plan’ (COM(1997)0599),

| — | having regard to Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market (1),

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 26 May 2004 entitled ‘The share of renewable energy in the EU — Commission Report in accordance with Article 3 of Directive 2001/77/EC, evaluation of the effect of legislative instruments and other Community policies on the development of the contribution of renewable energy sources in the EU and proposals for concrete actions’ (COM(2004)0366), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament of 26 May 2004 entitled ‘The share of renewable energy in the EU — Commission Report in accordance with Article 3 of Directive 2001/77/EC, evaluation of the effect of legislative instruments and other Community policies on the development of the contribution of renewable energy sources in the EU and proposals for concrete actions’ (COM(2004)0366),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1230/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 adopting a multiannual programme for action in the field of energy: ‘Intelligent Energy — Europe’ (2003-2006) (2) and the Communication from the Commission of 8 February 2006 entitled ‘An EU Strategy for Biofuels’ (COM(2006)0034), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1230/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2003 adopting a multiannual programme for action in the field of energy: ‘Intelligent Energy — Europe’ (2003-2006) (2) and the Communication from the Commission of 8 February 2006 entitled ‘An EU Strategy for Biofuels’ (COM(2006)0034),

| — | having regard to Directive 2003/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2003/30/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 May 2003 on the promotion of the use of biofuels or other renewable fuels for transport (3),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (4) of 29 September 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, and Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003 (4) of 29 September 2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, and Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (5),

| — | having regard to Decision No 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 concerning a mechanism for monitoring Community greenhouse gas emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 280/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 concerning a mechanism for monitoring Community greenhouse gas emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol (6),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 29 September 2005 on the share of renewable energy in the EU and proposals for concrete actions (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 29 September 2005 on the share of renewable energy in the EU and proposals for concrete actions (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on the promotion of crops for non-food purposes (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on the promotion of crops for non-food purposes (9),

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0034/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0034/2008),

| A. | whereas the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 26 November 1997 sets the target of increasing energy from renewable sources from 6 % in 1995 to 12 % by 2010, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 26 November 1997 sets the target of increasing energy from renewable sources from 6 % in 1995 to 12 % by 2010,

| B. | whereas the Commission stated, in its above-mentioned Communication of 7 December 2005 that, to achieve this goal, the amount of energy produced from biomass would need to more than double, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Commission stated, in its above-mentioned Communication of 7 December 2005 that, to achieve this goal, the amount of energy produced from biomass would need to more than double,

| C. | whereas agriculture and forestry in the EU have substantially contributed to mitigating the effects of climate change, as evidenced by the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 10 % between 1990 and 2004 in the EU-15, and by 14 % in the EU-25; whereas it is expected that, by 2010, EU agriculture emissions will be 16 % below their 1990 level, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas agriculture and forestry in the EU have substantially contributed to mitigating the effects of climate change, as evidenced by the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 10 % between 1990 and 2004 in the EU-15, and by 14 % in the EU-25; whereas it is expected that, by 2010, EU agriculture emissions will be 16 % below their 1990 level,

| D. | whereas there is significant potential for a considerable increase in biogas production, particularly given the potential contributions from livestock production (livestock manure), sludge, waste, and plants unsuitable for food and feed production as preferred biogas materials; whereas, however, account must be taken of the impact of using farm manure for energy on soil structure and soil life, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas there is significant potential for a considerable increase in biogas production, particularly given the potential contributions from livestock production (livestock manure), sludge, waste, and plants unsuitable for food and feed production as preferred biogas materials; whereas, however, account must be taken of the impact of using farm manure for energy on soil structure and soil life,

| E. | whereas so far only 50 PJ of biogas are produced yearly using livestock manure, energy plants, sludge and organic waste, while the potential from manure alone is 827 PJ, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas so far only 50 PJ of biogas are produced yearly using livestock manure, energy plants, sludge and organic waste, while the potential from manure alone is 827 PJ,

| F. | whereas the production of biogas and biogas installations are unevenly distributed in the EU, further demonstrating the fact that this potential is not used to its full extent, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the production of biogas and biogas installations are unevenly distributed in the EU, further demonstrating the fact that this potential is not used to its full extent,

| G. | whereas biogas can be exploited in many useful ways, including electricity production, heating, cooling, fuelling cars, etc., |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas biogas can be exploited in many useful ways, including electricity production, heating, cooling, fuelling cars, etc.,

| H. | whereas the use of biomass for electricity can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is considered to be one of the cheapest energy sources for heating, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the use of biomass for electricity can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it is considered to be one of the cheapest energy sources for heating,

| I. | whereas the development of biogas installations based on energy plants has slowed considerably due to fast-rising grain prices, food supply and environmental concerns, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the development of biogas installations based on energy plants has slowed considerably due to fast-rising grain prices, food supply and environmental concerns,

| J. | whereas concerns in relation to the connection between bioenergy production (primarily bioethanol and biodiesel) and rising grain and food prices on the world market do not relate to biogas production using livestock manure, sludge, organic waste and crop by-products unsuitable for food and feed production, and safe processing of these materials is, in any event, a necessary task, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas concerns in relation to the connection between bioenergy production (primarily bioethanol and biodiesel) and rising grain and food prices on the world market do not relate to biogas production using livestock manure, sludge, organic waste and crop by-products unsuitable for food and feed production, and safe processing of these materials is, in any event, a necessary task,

| K. | whereas livestock manure in the new Member States comes mainly in the mixed form of 20 % straw, or more, and there can be lengthy periods between manure production and manure removal, which is not suitable for any type of fermentation, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas livestock manure in the new Member States comes mainly in the mixed form of 20 % straw, or more, and there can be lengthy periods between manure production and manure removal, which is not suitable for any type of fermentation,

Biogas as a vital resource

| 1. | Recognises that biogas is a vital energy source that contributes to sustainable economic, agricultural and rural development and environmental protection; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recognises that biogas is a vital energy source that contributes to sustainable economic, agricultural and rural development and environmental protection;

| 2. | Stresses the contribution that biogas can make to reducing the EU's energy dependence; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses the contribution that biogas can make to reducing the EU's energy dependence;

| 3. | Stresses that biogas production from livestock manure, sludge and municipal, animal and organic waste contributes to energy diversification and can, therefore, not only contribute increasingly to the security, competitiveness and sustainability of energy supply, but also offer farmers new income opportunities; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Stresses that biogas production from livestock manure, sludge and municipal, animal and organic waste contributes to energy diversification and can, therefore, not only contribute increasingly to the security, competitiveness and sustainability of energy supply, but also offer farmers new income opportunities;

| 4. | Believes that the use of biogas, especially for heat and electricity production, could contribute significantly to the binding target of 20 % renewable energy in overall EU energy consumption by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Believes that the use of biogas, especially for heat and electricity production, could contribute significantly to the binding target of 20 % renewable energy in overall EU energy consumption by 2020;

| 5. | Stresses that, in the long term, renewable energy sources such as biogas and biofuels, together with solar power and wind energy, subject to further intensified research efforts, can bring about a higher degree of independence from fossil-fuel energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that, in the long term, renewable energy sources such as biogas and biofuels, together with solar power and wind energy, subject to further intensified research efforts, can bring about a higher degree of independence from fossil-fuel energy sources;

| 6. | Encourages both the EU and Member States to exploit the huge potential of biogas by creating a favourable environment, as well as maintaining and developing support schemes to promote investment in, and sustenance of, biogas installations; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Encourages both the EU and Member States to exploit the huge potential of biogas by creating a favourable environment, as well as maintaining and developing support schemes to promote investment in, and sustenance of, biogas installations;

Environment, energy-efficiency and sustainability

| 7. | Emphasises that biogas from livestock manure has numerous environmental advantages, such as the reduction of methane and CO2-emissions, reduction of emissions of particulate matter and nitrous oxides, a far less obnoxious odour, hygienisation of slurry and better fertilising capacity of the nitrogen in the treated manure, which means that less nitrogen is needed to achieve the same fertilising effect; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Emphasises that biogas from livestock manure has numerous environmental advantages, such as the reduction of methane and CO2-emissions, reduction of emissions of particulate matter and nitrous oxides, a far less obnoxious odour, hygienisation of slurry and better fertilising capacity of the nitrogen in the treated manure, which means that less nitrogen is needed to achieve the same fertilising effect;

| 8. | Stresses that producing agrofuels from waste should not become a goal in itself; notes that reducing waste should continue to be a priority in the environmental policy of the EU and in that of Member States; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Stresses that producing agrofuels from waste should not become a goal in itself; notes that reducing waste should continue to be a priority in the environmental policy of the EU and in that of Member States;

| 9. | Calls for greater use to be made of slurry as a source of biogas, since there is immense potential for greater use thereof, while also encouraging the decentralisation of energy-producing biogas installations; notes that the increased use of slurry to this end can lead to a significant reduction in the release of methane in slurry storage; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls for greater use to be made of slurry as a source of biogas, since there is immense potential for greater use thereof, while also encouraging the decentralisation of energy-producing biogas installations; notes that the increased use of slurry to this end can lead to a significant reduction in the release of methane in slurry storage;

| 10. | Stresses that livestock manure, municipal sewage and agro-industrial waste can contain substances (bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, harmful organic substances) that can potentially be a threat to public health or the environment; urges the Commission to ensure that adequate precautions are taken to avoid contamination and the spreading of these substances and any diseases they induce; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Stresses that livestock manure, municipal sewage and agro-industrial waste can contain substances (bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, harmful organic substances) that can potentially be a threat to public health or the environment; urges the Commission to ensure that adequate precautions are taken to avoid contamination and the spreading of these substances and any diseases they induce;

| 11. | States that the use of sludge and animal or organic waste will improve efficiency of biogas installations; states that hygienic problems in the use of animal waste can, in most cases, be relatively easily kept under control; |
| --- | --- |

11.

States that the use of sludge and animal or organic waste will improve efficiency of biogas installations; states that hygienic problems in the use of animal waste can, in most cases, be relatively easily kept under control;

| 12. | Calls also for the products of first-stage processing, such as potato peelings or fruit flesh, to be used as biomass for biogas installations; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls also for the products of first-stage processing, such as potato peelings or fruit flesh, to be used as biomass for biogas installations;

| 13. | Stresses that technical and management developments are expected in the near future which will further increase environmental and health benefits of biogas installations which use livestock manure, slurry and organic waste; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that technical and management developments are expected in the near future which will further increase environmental and health benefits of biogas installations which use livestock manure, slurry and organic waste;

| 14. | Believes that, for biogas installations just as for livestock farms, sustainability and a size that is adapted to the particular region are essential if the environmental benefits are to also lead to greater acceptance of livestock farms, which encounter many problems due to an increased number of complaints from neighbours and the general public; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Believes that, for biogas installations just as for livestock farms, sustainability and a size that is adapted to the particular region are essential if the environmental benefits are to also lead to greater acceptance of livestock farms, which encounter many problems due to an increased number of complaints from neighbours and the general public;

| 15. | Points out that biogas installations which use livestock manure, sludge or organic waste may lead to higher rates of leaching of ammonia;states, however, that this side effect can be contained relatively easily, and preventive measures ought to be incorporated into national laws concerning biogas installations as well as into aid grants for such installations; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Points out that biogas installations which use livestock manure, sludge or organic waste may lead to higher rates of leaching of ammonia;states, however, that this side effect can be contained relatively easily, and preventive measures ought to be incorporated into national laws concerning biogas installations as well as into aid grants for such installations;

| 16. | Urges Member States and the Commission to ensure that biogas installations do not leak methane, as that could compromise their positive effect on global warming; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Urges Member States and the Commission to ensure that biogas installations do not leak methane, as that could compromise their positive effect on global warming;

Economic viability and support schemes

| 17. | Reiterates that all financial support for biogas installations ought to be based on efficiency, technical development, a positive greenhouse gas balance, the creation of added value for livestock farms and in rural regions, and other economic and environmental advantages of such installations; stresses that security of food supply to the population must not be jeopardised; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Reiterates that all financial support for biogas installations ought to be based on efficiency, technical development, a positive greenhouse gas balance, the creation of added value for livestock farms and in rural regions, and other economic and environmental advantages of such installations; stresses that security of food supply to the population must not be jeopardised;

| 18. | Notes with deep concern the increasing competition in many Member States between energy use and use in the food and feed chain of certain agricultural products like maize; emphasises the fact that such competition has led to a considerable increase in feedingstuff prices; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Notes with deep concern the increasing competition in many Member States between energy use and use in the food and feed chain of certain agricultural products like maize; emphasises the fact that such competition has led to a considerable increase in feedingstuff prices;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission and Member States, when presenting future proposals on regulation of the biogas sector, to examine not only the environmental aspects but also the effect on high-quality, sustainable food production; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission and Member States, when presenting future proposals on regulation of the biogas sector, to examine not only the environmental aspects but also the effect on high-quality, sustainable food production;

| 20. | Emphasises that biogas production based on livestock manure, sludge and animal and organic waste should be prioritised as the sustainability and environmental benefits of these methods are unequivocal; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Emphasises that biogas production based on livestock manure, sludge and animal and organic waste should be prioritised as the sustainability and environmental benefits of these methods are unequivocal;

| 21. | Notes that the optimal size of a biogas installation depends on various circumstances determining the economics of scale, that should be thoroughly studied; considers that, in addition to an economic assessment and the greenhouse gas balance, it is above all necessary to assess the effect of the size of the installation on the surrounding landscape with regard to expansion of monoculture in respect of certain crops; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Notes that the optimal size of a biogas installation depends on various circumstances determining the economics of scale, that should be thoroughly studied; considers that, in addition to an economic assessment and the greenhouse gas balance, it is above all necessary to assess the effect of the size of the installation on the surrounding landscape with regard to expansion of monoculture in respect of certain crops;

| 22. | Stresses that it would be best for biogas installation operators to combine and use all available organic matter both from an environmental and an economic perspective; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses that it would be best for biogas installation operators to combine and use all available organic matter both from an environmental and an economic perspective;

| 23. | Considers that, whilst the young and innovative biogas sector needs start-up support, such support schemes should only last until the sector has become commercially viable; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Considers that, whilst the young and innovative biogas sector needs start-up support, such support schemes should only last until the sector has become commercially viable;

| 24. | States that funding for solely plant-based biogas installations needs to be continued under careful monitoring and refocusing on the most advanced and efficient installations or systems to ensure the EU's economic and technical advantage in the field and to explore options for the future; |
| --- | --- |

24.

States that funding for solely plant-based biogas installations needs to be continued under careful monitoring and refocusing on the most advanced and efficient installations or systems to ensure the EU's economic and technical advantage in the field and to explore options for the future;

| 25. | Asks the Commission to report on how criteria on economic and environmental efficiency and sustainability can be introduced for energy crops, which would lead to this relatively new technique becoming more environmentally friendly, and which would ensure that the concerns relating to food production and supply are properly addressed; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Asks the Commission to report on how criteria on economic and environmental efficiency and sustainability can be introduced for energy crops, which would lead to this relatively new technique becoming more environmentally friendly, and which would ensure that the concerns relating to food production and supply are properly addressed;

| 26. | Calls for greater effort to be put into researching and promoting new technologies for biogas, particularly into the exploitation of biomass (second generation biogas) as a biofuel and improving the profitability of biogas installations that offer the greatest environmental benefits, since it is only by means of innovative technology, such as gas recovery techniques, that the effectiveness of biogas installations can be significantly increased; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls for greater effort to be put into researching and promoting new technologies for biogas, particularly into the exploitation of biomass (second generation biogas) as a biofuel and improving the profitability of biogas installations that offer the greatest environmental benefits, since it is only by means of innovative technology, such as gas recovery techniques, that the effectiveness of biogas installations can be significantly increased;

| 27. | Reminds Member States and the Commission that further advancement of biogas is not possible without additional funding; recalls that funding needs to be provided for research and development, for the promotion of results from specific projects, for installations and for the increased support of ‘green electricity’ and ‘green gas’; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Reminds Member States and the Commission that further advancement of biogas is not possible without additional funding; recalls that funding needs to be provided for research and development, for the promotion of results from specific projects, for installations and for the increased support of ‘green electricity’ and ‘green gas’;

| 28. | Recalls that those Member States that are providing extra incentives for ‘green energy’, by means of adequate price subsidies or through other measures, are also the most successful in promoting biogas; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recalls that those Member States that are providing extra incentives for ‘green energy’, by means of adequate price subsidies or through other measures, are also the most successful in promoting biogas;

| 29. | Considers that ‘green gas’ production should be subsidised in the same way as ‘green electricity’; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Considers that ‘green gas’ production should be subsidised in the same way as ‘green electricity’;

| 30. | Urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that funds from EU and national programmes go to the most efficient and sustainable installations, especially to installations that produce electricity and heat, or to the installation of facilities and grids for upgrading and feeding biogas into the natural gas network; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that funds from EU and national programmes go to the most efficient and sustainable installations, especially to installations that produce electricity and heat, or to the installation of facilities and grids for upgrading and feeding biogas into the natural gas network;

| 31. | Stresses in this regard that the supply of electricity, heat and natural gas to networks must be non-discriminatory, and calls for biogas to be treated in the same way as natural gas to enable it to achieve its full potential once it has been introduced into the natural gas network; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Stresses in this regard that the supply of electricity, heat and natural gas to networks must be non-discriminatory, and calls for biogas to be treated in the same way as natural gas to enable it to achieve its full potential once it has been introduced into the natural gas network;

| 32. | Believes that simplification of the procedures for trade in CO2 can significantly contribute to the economic viability and sustainability of biogas installations; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Believes that simplification of the procedures for trade in CO2 can significantly contribute to the economic viability and sustainability of biogas installations;

| 33. | Stresses that biogas installations may assist farmers who do not yet have enough storage capacity for livestock manure to solve this problem in an economically viable manner; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Stresses that biogas installations may assist farmers who do not yet have enough storage capacity for livestock manure to solve this problem in an economically viable manner;

| 34. | Asks the Commission and Member States to ensure that the setting up of biogas installations, as well as authorisation of the use of organic waste and sludge, is not impeded by unnecessarily lengthy administrative procedures and regulations; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Asks the Commission and Member States to ensure that the setting up of biogas installations, as well as authorisation of the use of organic waste and sludge, is not impeded by unnecessarily lengthy administrative procedures and regulations;

| 35. | Draws attention to the major differences in terms of length and content that exist between national approval procedures for biogas installations, and calls on Member States to ensure that national requirements in the area of regional planning and the granting of licences and approvals do not form an unnecessary hindrance; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Draws attention to the major differences in terms of length and content that exist between national approval procedures for biogas installations, and calls on Member States to ensure that national requirements in the area of regional planning and the granting of licences and approvals do not form an unnecessary hindrance;

| 36. | Calls for a simplified planning permission procedure to be introduced for the construction of biogas installations; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls for a simplified planning permission procedure to be introduced for the construction of biogas installations;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission to establish a common positive list of products which are permitted for use in biogas installations, so as to ensure a level playing field between farmers in different Member States; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission to establish a common positive list of products which are permitted for use in biogas installations, so as to ensure a level playing field between farmers in different Member States;

| 38. | Encourages farmers to cooperate in setting up and operating biogas installations; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Encourages farmers to cooperate in setting up and operating biogas installations;

The need for review of EU legislation

| 39. | Urges the Commission and Member States to develop a coherent biogas policy; asks the Commission to present a specific report on biogas and its promotion in the EU, outlining the necessary changes in Community and national law to facilitate further expansion of the biogas sector and pointing out the most efficient ways of using EU funds and programmes, as well as giving best practice examples; asks also, in this regard, for an impact assessment of the various forms of biogas production on climate, the ecology of the landscape, rural incomes and worldwide security of food supply; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Urges the Commission and Member States to develop a coherent biogas policy; asks the Commission to present a specific report on biogas and its promotion in the EU, outlining the necessary changes in Community and national law to facilitate further expansion of the biogas sector and pointing out the most efficient ways of using EU funds and programmes, as well as giving best practice examples; asks also, in this regard, for an impact assessment of the various forms of biogas production on climate, the ecology of the landscape, rural incomes and worldwide security of food supply;

| 40. | Proposes that the promotion of biogas be fully included in the framework of the proposed Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (COM(2008)0019), with special emphasis on the following:






  a) | annual statistics and reports on agricultural biogas production in order to be able to follow up on the targets, |
| --- | --- | --- |

40.

Proposes that the promotion of biogas be fully included in the framework of the proposed Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (COM(2008)0019), with special emphasis on the following:

a)

annual statistics and reports on agricultural biogas production in order to be able to follow up on the targets,

| b) | measures for the construction and promotion of biogas installations based on a national or regional impact assessment, promoting those installations that, nationally and/or regionally, are most beneficial to the environment and which are economically sustainable; measures for the dissemination and promotion of results gained from prior experiences or demonstration projects need to be included in all plans; if regional and rural development regulations do not allow funding of such measures, they must be amended, |
| --- | --- |

b)

measures for the construction and promotion of biogas installations based on a national or regional impact assessment, promoting those installations that, nationally and/or regionally, are most beneficial to the environment and which are economically sustainable; measures for the dissemination and promotion of results gained from prior experiences or demonstration projects need to be included in all plans; if regional and rural development regulations do not allow funding of such measures, they must be amended,

| c) | provisions encouraging or requiring Member States to engage in national and regional planning in order to limit legal and administrative impediments, for instance natural gas or other fossil fuels should not be preferred in areas in which it is feasible to sell heat generated from biogas to local heating providers; |
| --- | --- |

c)

provisions encouraging or requiring Member States to engage in national and regional planning in order to limit legal and administrative impediments, for instance natural gas or other fossil fuels should not be preferred in areas in which it is feasible to sell heat generated from biogas to local heating providers;

| 41. | Urges the Commission to present as soon as possible a proposal for a biowaste directive, which shall include quality standards; invites the Commission to explore the possibility for a joint biogas and biowaste directive; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Urges the Commission to present as soon as possible a proposal for a biowaste directive, which shall include quality standards; invites the Commission to explore the possibility for a joint biogas and biowaste directive;

| 42. | Asks the Commission to present proposals for legislation on the use of residues from biogas installations; asks the Commission to ensure that only organic material that allows residues to be used without endangering the environment may be used in biogas installations; asks the Commission to consider banning growth enhancers in animal feed containing heavy metals if this should prove to be a EU-wide problem for subsequent use of biogas residues in fields; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Asks the Commission to present proposals for legislation on the use of residues from biogas installations; asks the Commission to ensure that only organic material that allows residues to be used without endangering the environment may be used in biogas installations; asks the Commission to consider banning growth enhancers in animal feed containing heavy metals if this should prove to be a EU-wide problem for subsequent use of biogas residues in fields;

| 43. | Asks the Commission to ensure that Directive 2008/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (10), the Nitrates Directives (11), the Sewage Sludge Directive (12), the Water Framework Directive (13), the Birds Directive (14), the Habitats Directive (15) and the Heavy Metals legislation are enforced effectively in all Member States and regions, thereby making biogas installations which use livestock manure and sludge more attractive; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Asks the Commission to ensure that Directive 2008/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (10), the Nitrates Directives (11), the Sewage Sludge Directive (12), the Water Framework Directive (13), the Birds Directive (14), the Habitats Directive (15) and the Heavy Metals legislation are enforced effectively in all Member States and regions, thereby making biogas installations which use livestock manure and sludge more attractive;

| 44. | Urges the Commission to present as soon as possible a strategy to include biogas installations in the Kyoto Mechanisms, for example through ‘green certificates’, special premiums or tax credits for electricity and heat generated in biogas installations or other measures; points out that this would increase the cost-efficiency of biogas installations and, at the same time, make efforts in the area of agriculture to combat climate change more transparent; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Urges the Commission to present as soon as possible a strategy to include biogas installations in the Kyoto Mechanisms, for example through ‘green certificates’, special premiums or tax credits for electricity and heat generated in biogas installations or other measures; points out that this would increase the cost-efficiency of biogas installations and, at the same time, make efforts in the area of agriculture to combat climate change more transparent;

| 45. | Calls for an assessment of whether or not the Nitrates Directive will be superfluous once the Water Framework Directive is fully implemented; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Calls for an assessment of whether or not the Nitrates Directive will be superfluous once the Water Framework Directive is fully implemented;

| 46. | Re-emphasises that the use of artificial fertilisers should not be favoured in EU legislation over the use of livestock manure and by-products of biogas installations; calls urgently, therefore, as a first step, for a review of the definition of livestock manure under the Nitrates Directive; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Re-emphasises that the use of artificial fertilisers should not be favoured in EU legislation over the use of livestock manure and by-products of biogas installations; calls urgently, therefore, as a first step, for a review of the definition of livestock manure under the Nitrates Directive;

| 47. | Asks the Commission to promote the feeding of biogas into natural gas networks by way of recommendations or a directive; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Asks the Commission to promote the feeding of biogas into natural gas networks by way of recommendations or a directive;

| 48. | Asks the Commission to present as soon as possible its proposals for further enhancing the use of animal and agricultural crop by-products for the production of biogas as announced in the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 7 December 2005; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Asks the Commission to present as soon as possible its proposals for further enhancing the use of animal and agricultural crop by-products for the production of biogas as announced in the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 7 December 2005;

| 49. | Urges Member States that have not incorporated any measures or have not incorporated sufficient measures in existing national development programmes to include biogas in their mid-term evaluation of existing rural and regional development programmes, and to propose actions for the future; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Urges Member States that have not incorporated any measures or have not incorporated sufficient measures in existing national development programmes to include biogas in their mid-term evaluation of existing rural and regional development programmes, and to propose actions for the future;

| 50. | Calls on the Commission to ensure cooperation and coordination between Member States, including those who currently have no biogas installations, or just a small number thereof, so that they may learn about each other's best practices in relation to biogas installations through the sharing of knowledge and technology; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the Commission to ensure cooperation and coordination between Member States, including those who currently have no biogas installations, or just a small number thereof, so that they may learn about each other's best practices in relation to biogas installations through the sharing of knowledge and technology;

| 51. | Asks the Commission to present a coherent report on EU biogas production and future prospects in this area, including an impact assessment, to Parliament by 15 December 2008 at the latest, which will take into account Parliament's proposals and progress made; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Asks the Commission to present a coherent report on EU biogas production and future prospects in this area, including an impact assessment, to Parliament by 15 December 2008 at the latest, which will take into account Parliament's proposals and progress made;

| 52. | Invites the current and future Presidencies of the Council of the European Union to advance further discussions on how to promote sustainable biogas production; notes that, in this regard, the sustainable promotion of biogas facilities should also include combined heat and electricity production;
  *
  ** |
| --- | --- |

52.

Invites the current and future Presidencies of the Council of the European Union to advance further discussions on how to promote sustainable biogas production; notes that, in this regard, the sustainable promotion of biogas facilities should also include combined heat and electricity production;

*

**

| 53. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

53.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 283, 27.10.2001, p. 33. Directive last amended by Directive 2006/108/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 414).

(2)  OJ L 176, 15.7.2003, p. 29. Decision last amended by Decision No 787/2004/EC (OJ L 138, 30.4.2004, p. 12).

(3)  OJ L 123, 17.5.2003, p. 42.

(4)  OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 1. Regulation last amended by Regulation (EC) No 146/2008 (OJ L 46, 21.2.2008, p. 1).

(5)  OJ L 277, 21.10.2005, p. 1. Regulation last amended by Regulation (EC) No 146/2008.

(6)  OJ L 49, 19.2.2004, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 283, 31.10.2003, p. 51. Directive last amended by Directive 2004/75/EC (OJ L 157, 30.4.2004, p. 100).

(8)  OJ C 227 E, 21.9.2006, p. 599.

(9)  OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 140.

(10)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2008, p. 8.

(11)  Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1). Directive amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

(12)  Council Directive 86/278/EEC of 12 June 1986 on the protection of the environment, and in particular of the soil, when sewage sludge is used in agriculture (OJ L 181, 4.7.1986, p. 6). Directive last amended by Regulation (EC) No 807/2003 (OJ L 122, 16.5.2003, p. 36).

(13)  Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). Directive amended by Decision No 2455/2001/EC (OJ L 331, 15.12.2001, p. 1).

(14)  Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1). Directive last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 368).

(15)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). Directive last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC.

---

Thursday 13 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/35 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/35

---

Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund

P6_TA(2008)0096

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (2007/2188(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled Mobilising public and private finance towards global access to climate-friendly, affordable and secure energy services: The Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (COM(2006)0583), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled Mobilising public and private finance towards global access to climate-friendly, affordable and secure energy services: The Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (COM(2006)0583),

| — | having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 September 2007 on the Road Map for renewable energy in Europe (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 September 2007 on the Road Map for renewable energy in Europe (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on energy efficiency or doing more with less — Green Paper (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on energy efficiency or doing more with less — Green Paper (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2006 on a strategy for biomass and biofuels (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2006 on a strategy for biomass and biofuels (3),

| — | having regard its resolution of 29 September 2005 on the share of renewable energy in the EU and proposals for concrete actions (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard its resolution of 29 September 2005 on the share of renewable energy in the EU and proposals for concrete actions (4),

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0006/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0006/2008),

| A. | whereas, in the context of limiting the increase in average world temperatures to a maximum of 2 °C, renewable energies and energy efficiency must be boosted so that, after peaking in 2015, global emissions will diminish, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, in the context of limiting the increase in average world temperatures to a maximum of 2 °C, renewable energies and energy efficiency must be boosted so that, after peaking in 2015, global emissions will diminish,

| B. | whereas the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (October 2006) and reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicate that the poorest countries and people will suffer earliest and most from the effects of climate change, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (October 2006) and reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicate that the poorest countries and people will suffer earliest and most from the effects of climate change,

| C. | whereas renewable sources of energy and energy savings are key elements in sustainable access to energy services, contributing to:






  a) | lower CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, |
| --- | --- | --- |

C.

whereas renewable sources of energy and energy savings are key elements in sustainable access to energy services, contributing to:

a)

lower CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions,

| b) | increased energy supply independence, |
| --- | --- |

b)

increased energy supply independence,

| c) | the development of new innovative technologies, |
| --- | --- |

c)

the development of new innovative technologies,

| d) | employment and regional development opportunities, |
| --- | --- |

d)

employment and regional development opportunities,

| e) | reductions in deficits in the balance of payments, |
| --- | --- |

e)

reductions in deficits in the balance of payments,

| f) | business opportunities for SMEs, |
| --- | --- |

f)

business opportunities for SMEs,

| g) | cost savings, |
| --- | --- |

g)

cost savings,

| D. | whereas global leaders agreed at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development to halve the number of people currently deprived of basic energy services, which currently stands at 1,6 billion; whereas, if current trends persist, this target will never be reached, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas global leaders agreed at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development to halve the number of people currently deprived of basic energy services, which currently stands at 1,6 billion; whereas, if current trends persist, this target will never be reached,

| E. | whereas sustainable solutions to the energy challenges facing developing countries should be achieved through increased use of renewable energy sources, greater improvements in energy efficiency and energy savings, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas sustainable solutions to the energy challenges facing developing countries should be achieved through increased use of renewable energy sources, greater improvements in energy efficiency and energy savings,

| F. | whereas transparency and accountability towards public and private investors will be of key importance in assessing and, possibly, further increasing the support offered by the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, and whereas scrutiny will be intense, especially in the first years of implementation of this fund, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas transparency and accountability towards public and private investors will be of key importance in assessing and, possibly, further increasing the support offered by the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund, and whereas scrutiny will be intense, especially in the first years of implementation of this fund,

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission's proposal for a Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (Geeref); |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the Commission's proposal for a Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (Geeref);

| 2. | Believes that sustainable development, in particular in developing countries and emerging economies, with low greenhouse gas emissions, clean air and a sustainable energy supply, can only be achieved through ensuring the deployment of renewable technologies tapping into local energy resources and improving access to energy by favouring investment in remote and decentralised supply; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Believes that sustainable development, in particular in developing countries and emerging economies, with low greenhouse gas emissions, clean air and a sustainable energy supply, can only be achieved through ensuring the deployment of renewable technologies tapping into local energy resources and improving access to energy by favouring investment in remote and decentralised supply;

| 3. | Believes that key objectives of the fund should be the promotion of energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energies, the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and of other risks, the improvement of access to energy services in the poorest countries and the diversification of energy sources in the developing world; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that key objectives of the fund should be the promotion of energy efficiency, energy saving and renewable energies, the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and of other risks, the improvement of access to energy services in the poorest countries and the diversification of energy sources in the developing world;

| 4. | Particularly welcomes the fund's focus on leveraging private investment by providing risk capital, since this will be critical for the successful development of sustainable energy projects in the developing world in the long term; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Particularly welcomes the fund's focus on leveraging private investment by providing risk capital, since this will be critical for the successful development of sustainable energy projects in the developing world in the long term;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that all support for projects and choice of technology is conditional on the fulfilment of comprehensive sustainability criteria and on a contribution being made to sustainable development as well as on geographical characteristics and available regional resources; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that all support for projects and choice of technology is conditional on the fulfilment of comprehensive sustainability criteria and on a contribution being made to sustainable development as well as on geographical characteristics and available regional resources;

| 6. | Urges the Commission to focus, when implementing the fund, on small-scale projects in which it is the most difficult to attract private sector investment; believes that the Commission should keep under regular review its upper limit on investments of 10 million euro for individual projects, while earmarking at least one third of the funds available for small-scale projects requiring less than 1 million euro; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Urges the Commission to focus, when implementing the fund, on small-scale projects in which it is the most difficult to attract private sector investment; believes that the Commission should keep under regular review its upper limit on investments of 10 million euro for individual projects, while earmarking at least one third of the funds available for small-scale projects requiring less than 1 million euro;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that support for all biomass projects, including projects involving water and sewerage treatment, in developing countries is subject to the fulfilment of rigorous sustainability criteria that ensure that only the most sustainable technologies are supported, taking into account the full lifecycle effects of biomass on greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, rural management, socio-economic conditions and biodiversity, including the preservation of natural forests and securing food supply to all by improving best local agricultural practices; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that support for all biomass projects, including projects involving water and sewerage treatment, in developing countries is subject to the fulfilment of rigorous sustainability criteria that ensure that only the most sustainable technologies are supported, taking into account the full lifecycle effects of biomass on greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, rural management, socio-economic conditions and biodiversity, including the preservation of natural forests and securing food supply to all by improving best local agricultural practices;

| 8. | Urges the Commission to ensure that the Geeref supports photovoltaic projects and calls on it to support the development of intelligent grid technologies; encourages in particular investment suitable to the rural poor, such as electrification through renewable energy (including hydro, solar and wind power and biomass), solar heaters, solar pasteurisers, solar cookers, wind pumps and improved cooking stoves, as well as support to micro-credit schemes to enhance local participation in energy projects; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Urges the Commission to ensure that the Geeref supports photovoltaic projects and calls on it to support the development of intelligent grid technologies; encourages in particular investment suitable to the rural poor, such as electrification through renewable energy (including hydro, solar and wind power and biomass), solar heaters, solar pasteurisers, solar cookers, wind pumps and improved cooking stoves, as well as support to micro-credit schemes to enhance local participation in energy projects;

| 9. | Insists that the Geeref must not support large projects requiring more than 1 million euro for conventional energy sources and for the co-firing of biomass in existing or new coal power stations, the small scale use of fossil fuels (for example in diesel generators) or large agrofuel production; urges the Commission to ensure that investments from the sub-funds supported by the Geeref do not support these types of technology; calls, therefore, on the Commission to ensure that relevant management contracts and the criteria for project selection exclude the selection of these projects; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Insists that the Geeref must not support large projects requiring more than 1 million euro for conventional energy sources and for the co-firing of biomass in existing or new coal power stations, the small scale use of fossil fuels (for example in diesel generators) or large agrofuel production; urges the Commission to ensure that investments from the sub-funds supported by the Geeref do not support these types of technology; calls, therefore, on the Commission to ensure that relevant management contracts and the criteria for project selection exclude the selection of these projects;

| 10. | Believes that, where possible, support should be focussed on projects which combine renewable energy technologies with improved energy efficiency, for example projects for improving the building stock, lighting and the refrigeration chain; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Believes that, where possible, support should be focussed on projects which combine renewable energy technologies with improved energy efficiency, for example projects for improving the building stock, lighting and the refrigeration chain;

| 11. | Calls for full coordination between the Geeref and future work under the platform for International Cooperation on Energy Efficiency proposed by the Commission, so as to improve collaboration on research and development and benchmarking; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls for full coordination between the Geeref and future work under the platform for International Cooperation on Energy Efficiency proposed by the Commission, so as to improve collaboration on research and development and benchmarking;

| 12. | Urges the Commission to ensure that the fund supports the development of local markets, manufacturing and capacity in the developing world, for example by supporting local SMEs so that they can take on responsibility for merchandising new technologies in a particular region; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Urges the Commission to ensure that the fund supports the development of local markets, manufacturing and capacity in the developing world, for example by supporting local SMEs so that they can take on responsibility for merchandising new technologies in a particular region;

| 13. | Believes that the fund should also be used to create opportunities, in particular, for SMEs from Member States to contribute their technical know-how to the development and use of sustainable energy technologies in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Believes that the fund should also be used to create opportunities, in particular, for SMEs from Member States to contribute their technical know-how to the development and use of sustainable energy technologies in developing countries;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund will be coherent with and supplement other Member State and EU development policies and energy initiatives targeted at developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund will be coherent with and supplement other Member State and EU development policies and energy initiatives targeted at developing countries;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund complements and works effectively alongside the many other international initiatives and funds that currently support sustainable energy projects in the developing world, including those led by the World Bank and regional development banks as well as those launched at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund complements and works effectively alongside the many other international initiatives and funds that currently support sustainable energy projects in the developing world, including those led by the World Bank and regional development banks as well as those launched at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund contributes to reducing barriers to the use of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in certain countries, in particular the least developed countries, and that it further encourages CDM projects that have real added value, have a positive sustainable development impact and fulfil the Gold Standard criteria; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the fund contributes to reducing barriers to the use of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in certain countries, in particular the least developed countries, and that it further encourages CDM projects that have real added value, have a positive sustainable development impact and fulfil the Gold Standard criteria;

| 17. | Invites the Commission to explore ways of enlarging the fund in the future context of a post-2012 regime under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking into account that sustainable energy in developing countries will be crucial to achieving the objective of this Convention; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Invites the Commission to explore ways of enlarging the fund in the future context of a post-2012 regime under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking into account that sustainable energy in developing countries will be crucial to achieving the objective of this Convention;

| 18. | Regrets the fact that the suggested minimum funding target of 100 million euro — with a contribution of only 15 million euro for each of the years 2007 and 2008 — is woefully inadequate as the Geeref's contribution when the goal is to ‘boost the share of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and substantially contribute to sustainable development’, and that, as yet, only a few countries have chosen to participate financially in the fund; therefore urges the Commission to increase its contribution while at the same time encouraging Member States as well as multilateral financial institutions to join forces in order to significantly increase the size of the fund; calls for many more Members States to offer financial support; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Regrets the fact that the suggested minimum funding target of 100 million euro — with a contribution of only 15 million euro for each of the years 2007 and 2008 — is woefully inadequate as the Geeref's contribution when the goal is to ‘boost the share of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and substantially contribute to sustainable development’, and that, as yet, only a few countries have chosen to participate financially in the fund; therefore urges the Commission to increase its contribution while at the same time encouraging Member States as well as multilateral financial institutions to join forces in order to significantly increase the size of the fund; calls for many more Members States to offer financial support;

| 19. | Considers that a key aim in the first years of the Geeref, which is an open-ended fund, should be the development of exemplars that can inspire further contributions, increasing the flow of investments in renewable energies and energy efficiency to developing countries and transition economies and sparing far more people than the anticipated 1 to 3 million people from energy poverty; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Considers that a key aim in the first years of the Geeref, which is an open-ended fund, should be the development of exemplars that can inspire further contributions, increasing the flow of investments in renewable energies and energy efficiency to developing countries and transition economies and sparing far more people than the anticipated 1 to 3 million people from energy poverty;

| 20. | Stresses that the Geeref must give priority to serving the specific needs of the Least Developed Countries and to interventions that have demonstrated strong linkages to poverty reduction; notes that the scope of the Geeref is to support regional subfunds for Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Island States, the countries of the European Neighbourhood (including North Africa and non-EU Eastern Europe), Latin America and Asia; calls, however, for special emphasis on serving the needs of the ACP countries; calls on the Commission to ensure that funding is not allocated to only one or two subfunds when appropriations are distributed; strongly recommends that any subfunds for China and Russia, if included in the portfolio, do not absorb all the available resources and that they should be of particular interest as pilot-projects; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Stresses that the Geeref must give priority to serving the specific needs of the Least Developed Countries and to interventions that have demonstrated strong linkages to poverty reduction; notes that the scope of the Geeref is to support regional subfunds for Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Island States, the countries of the European Neighbourhood (including North Africa and non-EU Eastern Europe), Latin America and Asia; calls, however, for special emphasis on serving the needs of the ACP countries; calls on the Commission to ensure that funding is not allocated to only one or two subfunds when appropriations are distributed; strongly recommends that any subfunds for China and Russia, if included in the portfolio, do not absorb all the available resources and that they should be of particular interest as pilot-projects;

| 21. | Recognises however that, as currently envisaged, the Geeref may have difficulty in complying with the criteria for Official Development Assistance established by the OECD Development Assistance Committee, as investment will be steered by prospects for financial returns rather than development needs; recognises the risk that poverty reduction, mentioned as a specific objective of the Geeref, might become only a secondary priority of the fund; stresses, therefore, that, in addition to developing clear development criteria to screen projects eligible for Geeref funding, the Commission must also significantly increase grant-based development aid in order to provide sustainable energy services to the poorest; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Recognises however that, as currently envisaged, the Geeref may have difficulty in complying with the criteria for Official Development Assistance established by the OECD Development Assistance Committee, as investment will be steered by prospects for financial returns rather than development needs; recognises the risk that poverty reduction, mentioned as a specific objective of the Geeref, might become only a secondary priority of the fund; stresses, therefore, that, in addition to developing clear development criteria to screen projects eligible for Geeref funding, the Commission must also significantly increase grant-based development aid in order to provide sustainable energy services to the poorest;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to report regularly on progress in implementing the fund and on projects supported, and specifically to provide an annual progress report to Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission to report regularly on progress in implementing the fund and on projects supported, and specifically to provide an annual progress report to Parliament;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission to propose ways of facilitating intensive communication and the exchange of experience relating to the various projects, their specific results and their contribution to sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission to propose ways of facilitating intensive communication and the exchange of experience relating to the various projects, their specific results and their contribution to sustainable development;

| 24. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

24.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0406.

(2)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 273.

(3)  OJ C 317 E, 23.12.2006, p. 890.

(4)  OJ C 227 E, 21.9.2006, p. 599.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/38 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/38

---

The challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the new Member States

P6_TA(2008)0097

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Challenge of EU Development Cooperation Policy for the New Member States (2007/2140(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/07)

The European Parliament,

Development cooperation legislation

| — | having regard to Articles 177 to 181 of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 177 to 181 of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1), as amended by the Agreement amending the Partnership Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (1), as amended by the Agreement amending the Partnership Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (2),

| — | having regard to the Millennium Declaration endorsed by the United Nations in 2000, the 2005 UN Report entitled ‘Investing in Development’ and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Millennium Declaration endorsed by the United Nations in 2000, the 2005 UN Report entitled ‘Investing in Development’ and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),

| — | having regard to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted on 2 March 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness adopted on 2 March 2005,

| — | having regard to the 2002 Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2002 Monterrey Consensus on Financing for Development,

| — | having regard to the Joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (the European Consensus on Development) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (the European Consensus on Development) (3),

| — | having regard to the joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission: ‘The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission: ‘The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid’ (4),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 15 May 2007 on an EU Code of Conduct on Complementarity and Division of Labour in Development Policy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council of 15 May 2007 on an EU Code of Conduct on Complementarity and Division of Labour in Development Policy,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Policy Coherence for Development: Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals’ (COM(2005)0134), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Policy Coherence for Development: Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals’ (COM(2005)0134),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals — Financing for Development and Aid Effectiveness’ (COM(2005)0133), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Accelerating progress towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals — Financing for Development and Aid Effectiveness’ (COM(2005)0133),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘EU Aid: Delivering more, better and faster’ (COM(2006)0087) and the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 11 April 2006 based thereon, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘EU Aid: Delivering more, better and faster’ (COM(2006)0087) and the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 11 April 2006 based thereon,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Annual Report 2006 on the European Community's Development Policy and the Implementation of External Assistance’ (COM(2006)0326), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Annual Report 2006 on the European Community's Development Policy and the Implementation of External Assistance’ (COM(2006)0326),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (5) (DCI), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (5) (DCI),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Governance in the European Consensus on Development: Towards a harmonised approach within European Union’ (COM(2006)0421), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Governance in the European Consensus on Development: Towards a harmonised approach within European Union’ (COM(2006)0421),

| — | having regard to the international development cooperation policy of the Czech Republic, including the Plan for Bilateral Development Cooperation 2007 and the country strategy papers for Angola and Zambia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the international development cooperation policy of the Czech Republic, including the Plan for Bilateral Development Cooperation 2007 and the country strategy papers for Angola and Zambia,

| — | having regard to the international development cooperation policy of Hungary, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the international development cooperation policy of Hungary,

| — | having regard to the development cooperation policy programme of Latvia for the period 2006 to 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the development cooperation policy programme of Latvia for the period 2006 to 2010,

| — | having regard to the development cooperation policy of Lithuania for the period 2006 to 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the development cooperation policy of Lithuania for the period 2006 to 2010,

| — | having regard to the development cooperation and humanitarian aid strategy of Estonia for the period 2006 to 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the development cooperation and humanitarian aid strategy of Estonia for the period 2006 to 2010,

| — | having regard to the strategy for Poland's development cooperation issued in 2003 and the Polish aid programme 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the strategy for Poland's development cooperation issued in 2003 and the Polish aid programme 2007,

| — | having regard to the national strategy of international development cooperation of Romania, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the national strategy of international development cooperation of Romania,

| — | having regard to the medium-term strategy for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Slovakia for the period 2003 to 2008 and the 2006 ODA national programme of Slovakia, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the medium-term strategy for the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Slovakia for the period 2003 to 2008 and the 2006 ODA national programme of Slovakia,

| — | having regard to Slovenian development cooperation for 2002 to 2004, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Slovenian development cooperation for 2002 to 2004,

| — | having regard to the 2007 Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Aid Watch report entitled ‘Hold the Applause! EU governments risk breaking aid promises’ by the European NGO confederation for relief and development (Concord), which includes an NGO assessment of each Member State's performance in terms of ODA, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2007 Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Aid Watch report entitled ‘Hold the Applause! EU governments risk breaking aid promises’ by the European NGO confederation for relief and development (Concord), which includes an NGO assessment of each Member State's performance in terms of ODA,

| — | having regard to the EU strategy for Central Asia (Strategy for a New Partnership) 2007 to 2013, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU strategy for Central Asia (Strategy for a New Partnership) 2007 to 2013,

| — | having regard to ‘The European Consensus on Development: the Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising’, a strategy framework drawn up by representatives of the EU institutions, the Member States, civil society and other stakeholders, and presented at the European Development Days in Lisbon in November 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to ‘The European Consensus on Development: the Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising’, a strategy framework drawn up by representatives of the EU institutions, the Member States, civil society and other stakeholders, and presented at the European Development Days in Lisbon in November 2007,

| — | having regard to the European Consensus on NGO Communication held from 7 to 9 November 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Consensus on NGO Communication held from 7 to 9 November 2006,

| — | having regard to the Council (Development) resolution of 8 November 2001 on development education and raising European public awareness of development cooperation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council (Development) resolution of 8 November 2001 on development education and raising European public awareness of development cooperation,

| — | having regard to the Maastricht Declaration by the Europe-wide Global Education Congress of 15 to 17 November 2002 representing parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society organisations from the member states of the Council of Europe on a European Strategy Framework for Improving and Increasing Global Education in Europe to the Year 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Maastricht Declaration by the Europe-wide Global Education Congress of 15 to 17 November 2002 representing parliamentarians, local and regional authorities and civil society organisations from the member states of the Council of Europe on a European Strategy Framework for Improving and Increasing Global Education in Europe to the Year 2015,

| — | having regard to the Palermo Process of 2003, which was launched with a view to creating an informal forum in which players could debate major developments and issues in European development aid in order to complement, informally, the Commission's official consultation procedures, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Palermo Process of 2003, which was launched with a view to creating an informal forum in which players could debate major developments and issues in European development aid in order to complement, informally, the Commission's official consultation procedures,

| — | having regard to the European Conference on Awareness-Raising and Development Education for North-South Solidarity held in Brussels on 19 and 20 May 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Conference on Awareness-Raising and Development Education for North-South Solidarity held in Brussels on 19 and 20 May 2005,

| — | having regard to the Helsinki Conference on European Development Education held on 3-4 July 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Helsinki Conference on European Development Education held on 3-4 July 2006,

| — | having regard to the 18-month programme on development policy of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 18-month programme on development policy of the German, Portuguese and Slovenian Presidencies,

| — | having regard to Article 49 of the EU Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 49 of the EU Treaty,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours’ (COM(2003)0104) and Parliament's resolution of 20 November 2003 on Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours’ (COM(2003)0104) and Parliament's resolution of 20 November 2003 on Wider Europe — Neighbourhood: A New Framework for Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours (6),

| — | having regard to ‘A Secure Europe In A Better World — The European Security Strategy’ approved by the European Council in Brussels on 12 December 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to ‘A Secure Europe In A Better World — The European Security Strategy’ approved by the European Council in Brussels on 12 December 2003,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy — Strategy Paper’ (COM(2004)0373), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy — Strategy Paper’ (COM(2004)0373),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘On the Commission Proposal for Action Plans Under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)’ (COM(2004)0795), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘On the Commission Proposal for Action Plans Under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)’ (COM(2004)0795),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy — Recommendations for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and for Egypt and Lebanon’ (COM(2005)0072), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy — Recommendations for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and for Egypt and Lebanon’ (COM(2005)0072),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication to the Council and the European Parliament entitled ‘On Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (COM(2006)0726), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication to the Council and the European Parliament entitled ‘On Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (COM(2006)0726),

| — | having regard to the Action Plan for the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) adopted by the Commission on 14 November 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Action Plan for the South Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia) adopted by the Commission on 14 November 2006,

| — | having regard to the Commission staff working document accompanying its above-mentioned communication entitled ‘On Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (SEC(2006)1504), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission staff working document accompanying its above-mentioned communication entitled ‘On Strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (SEC(2006)1504),

| — | having regard to the Commission staff working document (SEC(2007)0840) annexed to its Communication entitled ‘Annual Report 2007 on the European Community's Development Policy and the Implementation of External Assistance in 2006’ (COM(2007)0349), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission staff working document (SEC(2007)0840) annexed to its Communication entitled ‘Annual Report 2007 on the European Community's Development Policy and the Implementation of External Assistance in 2006’ (COM(2007)0349),

| — | having regard to the ENP progress reports on Ukraine (SEC(2006)1505) and Moldova (SEC(2006)1506), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ENP progress reports on Ukraine (SEC(2006)1505) and Moldova (SEC(2006)1506),

| — | having regard to the Commission publication of 24 November 2005 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: A Year of Progress’ (IP/05/1467), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission publication of 24 November 2005 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: A Year of Progress’ (IP/05/1467),

| — | having regard to the communication to the College from Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner entitled ‘Implementing and Promoting the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (SEC(2005)1521), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication to the College from Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner entitled ‘Implementing and Promoting the European Neighbourhood Policy’ (SEC(2005)1521),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (7) (ENPI), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (7) (ENPI),

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2006/62/EC of 23 January 2006 enabling countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as Russia, to benefit from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) Programme (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2006/62/EC of 23 January 2006 enabling countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as Russia, to benefit from the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) Programme (8),

| — | having regard to Council Decision 2005/47/EC of 22 December 2004 amending Decision 2000/24/EC to take into account the enlargement of the European Union and the European Neighbourhood Policy (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Decision 2005/47/EC of 22 December 2004 amending Decision 2000/24/EC to take into account the enlargement of the European Union and the European Neighbourhood Policy (9),

| — | having regard to the report entitled ‘European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument Belarus/Moldova/Ukraine/Armenia/Azerbaijan/Georgia (separately): Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 and National Indicative Programme 2007-2010’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report entitled ‘European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument Belarus/Moldova/Ukraine/Armenia/Azerbaijan/Georgia (separately): Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 and National Indicative Programme 2007-2010’,

| — | having regard to EC-ENPI Eastern Regional Strategy Paper (RSP) 2007-2013, which complements the Country Strategy Papers adopted by the Commission, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to EC-ENPI Eastern Regional Strategy Paper (RSP) 2007-2013, which complements the Country Strategy Papers adopted by the Commission,

| — | having regard to the ENPI Eastern Regional Indicative Programme 2007-2010, which defines in more detail the focus of intervention under the Eastern regional envelope of the new ENPI, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ENPI Eastern Regional Indicative Programme 2007-2010, which defines in more detail the focus of intervention under the Eastern regional envelope of the new ENPI,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Black Sea Synergy — A New Regional Cooperation Initiative’ (COM(2007)0160), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Black Sea Synergy — A New Regional Cooperation Initiative’ (COM(2007)0160),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘On the General Approach to Enable ENP Partner Countries to Participate in Community Agencies and Community Programmes’ (COM(2006)0724), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘On the General Approach to Enable ENP Partner Countries to Participate in Community Agencies and Community Programmes’ (COM(2006)0724),

| — | having regard to the paper of June 2006, part of the Occasional Papers series of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Economic Review of ENP Countries’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the paper of June 2006, part of the Occasional Papers series of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Economic Review of ENP Countries’,

| — | having regard to Capacity Building Scheme II to support the new Member States and candidate countries in the area of development cooperation, launched by the Commission in July 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Capacity Building Scheme II to support the new Member States and candidate countries in the area of development cooperation, launched by the Commission in July 2007,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 January 2006 on the European Neighbourhood Policy (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 January 2006 on the European Neighbourhood Policy (10),

| — | having regard to partnership and cooperation agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to partnership and cooperation agreements,

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (A6-0036/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (A6-0036/2008),

General comments

| A. | whereas in 2006 the EU provided ODA of 47 524 million euro, which accounts for 57 % of ODA worldwide, a figure which is expected to rise to 78 626 million euro by 2010, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas in 2006 the EU provided ODA of 47 524 million euro, which accounts for 57 % of ODA worldwide, a figure which is expected to rise to 78 626 million euro by 2010,

| B. | whereas the new Member States have committed themselves to achieving an ODA target of 0,17 % of gross national income (GNI) by 2010 and of 0,33 % by 2015, with future contributions to strengthen the EU's role in international development cooperation, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the new Member States have committed themselves to achieving an ODA target of 0,17 % of gross national income (GNI) by 2010 and of 0,33 % by 2015, with future contributions to strengthen the EU's role in international development cooperation,

| C. | whereas the development aid of the new Member States concerns European development cooperation policy as well as the European Neighbourhood Policy, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the development aid of the new Member States concerns European development cooperation policy as well as the European Neighbourhood Policy,

| D. | whereas the priority countries targeted by the development cooperation of the new Member States are the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and the countries in the Western Balkans, as well as a few countries which are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the priority countries targeted by the development cooperation of the new Member States are the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and the countries in the Western Balkans, as well as a few countries which are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States,

| E. | whereas the institutional framework remains one of the most important challenges of efficient development cooperation for the new Member States, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the institutional framework remains one of the most important challenges of efficient development cooperation for the new Member States,

| F. | whereas one of the major challenges facing the new Member States is the need to build up cross-party political and public support for development co-operation, including support for the least developed countries of the world, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas one of the major challenges facing the new Member States is the need to build up cross-party political and public support for development co-operation, including support for the least developed countries of the world,

| G. | whereas awareness of development co-operation topics needs further improvement in most of the Member States, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas awareness of development co-operation topics needs further improvement in most of the Member States,

| H. | whereas the right of Member States to pursue development strategies as shaped by their nationally determined priorities is a fully legitimate expression of their sovereignty and should always be acknowledged and respected as such, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the right of Member States to pursue development strategies as shaped by their nationally determined priorities is a fully legitimate expression of their sovereignty and should always be acknowledged and respected as such,

Priority countries for the new Member States

| I. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Estonia and Latvia is targeted at CIS countries, especially Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and Afghanistan; whereas Estonia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,08 % and Latvia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,07 %, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Estonia and Latvia is targeted at CIS countries, especially Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and Afghanistan; whereas Estonia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,08 % and Latvia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,07 %,

| J. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Lithuania is targeted at Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, the countries of the South Caucasus, Afghanistan (Ghor province) and Iraq, and only one ACP country, Mauritania, and in 2005 Lithuania spent 0,06 % on ODA, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Lithuania is targeted at Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, the countries of the South Caucasus, Afghanistan (Ghor province) and Iraq, and only one ACP country, Mauritania, and in 2005 Lithuania spent 0,06 % on ODA,

| K. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Poland is targeted at Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and Poland's ODA in 2005 amounted to 0,07 %, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Poland is targeted at Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and Poland's ODA in 2005 amounted to 0,07 %,

| L. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Hungary is targeted at the Western Balkans (Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), and in 2005 Hungary's ODA spending was 0,11 %, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Hungary is targeted at the Western Balkans (Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina), and in 2005 Hungary's ODA spending was 0,11 %,

| M. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Romania is targeted at Moldova, Serbia and Georgia, and Romania's ODA amounted to 0,04 % in 2006, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Romania is targeted at Moldova, Serbia and Georgia, and Romania's ODA amounted to 0,04 % in 2006,

| N. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Slovenia is targeted at the Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Albania) and Moldova, and in 2005 Slovenia spent 0,11 % on ODA, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Slovenia is targeted at the Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Albania) and Moldova, and in 2005 Slovenia spent 0,11 % on ODA,

| O. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Slovakia is targeted at Serbia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus, and Slovakia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,12 %, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of Slovakia is targeted at Serbia, Montenegro, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Belarus, and Slovakia's ODA spending in 2005 was 0,12 %,

| P. | whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of the Czech Republic is targeted at Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and Vietnam, and in 2005 the Czech Republic spent 0,11 % on ODA, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the major part of the bilateral ODA of the Czech Republic is targeted at Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and Vietnam, and in 2005 the Czech Republic spent 0,11 % on ODA,

| Q. | whereas Bulgaria adopted its national strategy for development cooperation only at the end of 2007, and its priorities lie with Albania, FYROM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova, and its ODA spending for 2005 is estimated to be around 0,04 %, which equals Bulgaria's contribution to multilateral institutions, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas Bulgaria adopted its national strategy for development cooperation only at the end of 2007, and its priorities lie with Albania, FYROM, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova, and its ODA spending for 2005 is estimated to be around 0,04 %, which equals Bulgaria's contribution to multilateral institutions,

Relationship between the new Member States and the ACP countries

| R. | whereas Estonia, Latvia and Romania do not target any ACP countries under European development cooperation policy; although Estonia has not ruled out that in future it will establish bilateral co-operation with one least-developed sub-Saharan African state, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas Estonia, Latvia and Romania do not target any ACP countries under European development cooperation policy; although Estonia has not ruled out that in future it will establish bilateral co-operation with one least-developed sub-Saharan African state,

| S. | whereas Bulgaria intends to target African countries with which it had bilateral agreements before 1989, such as Ghana, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas Bulgaria intends to target African countries with which it had bilateral agreements before 1989, such as Ghana,

| T. | whereas the Czech Republic targets Angola and Zambia, with Angola receiving 8 % (956 000euro in 2007) and Zambia 4 % (775 000euro in 2007) of allocated funds; whereas in Angola it funds programmes in the sectors of agriculture and rural development and education and cross-cutting programmes such as mine-clearance, strengthening public sector capacity and promoting civil society and gender equality, as well as the environment; whereas in Zambia it funds programmes in the health sector aimed at achieving MDGs such as reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, targeting the Western province, which has a particularly hostile natural environment, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the Czech Republic targets Angola and Zambia, with Angola receiving 8 % (956 000euro in 2007) and Zambia 4 % (775 000euro in 2007) of allocated funds; whereas in Angola it funds programmes in the sectors of agriculture and rural development and education and cross-cutting programmes such as mine-clearance, strengthening public sector capacity and promoting civil society and gender equality, as well as the environment; whereas in Zambia it funds programmes in the health sector aimed at achieving MDGs such as reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, targeting the Western province, which has a particularly hostile natural environment,

| U. | whereas Hungary targets Ethiopia, and Poland targets mainly Angola and Tanzania, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas Hungary targets Ethiopia, and Poland targets mainly Angola and Tanzania,

| V. | whereas Slovakia targets Kenya, Sudan and Mozambique, the business and health sectors in Kenya, and offers support for the use of renewable resources; whereas its development cooperation with Sudan involves debt-reduction and targets technical infrastructure such as water management, and the social sector, especially fostering primary education and basic healthcare, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas Slovakia targets Kenya, Sudan and Mozambique, the business and health sectors in Kenya, and offers support for the use of renewable resources; whereas its development cooperation with Sudan involves debt-reduction and targets technical infrastructure such as water management, and the social sector, especially fostering primary education and basic healthcare,

| W. | whereas Slovenia intends to target Madagascar, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi through Slovenian non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) and to assist local communities in sectors such as infrastructure, education, water, sanitation and sustainable energy supply, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas Slovenia intends to target Madagascar, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi through Slovenian non-governmental development organisations (NGDOs) and to assist local communities in sectors such as infrastructure, education, water, sanitation and sustainable energy supply,

| X. | whereas in 2006 Lithuania initiated its first bilateral project in Mauritania (assistance with the development of natural resources), |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas in 2006 Lithuania initiated its first bilateral project in Mauritania (assistance with the development of natural resources),

| Y. | whereas in all the new Member States, a considerable share of development aid is channelled through multilateral channels including the EU, and thus all those countries contribute indirectly to the development of ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas in all the new Member States, a considerable share of development aid is channelled through multilateral channels including the EU, and thus all those countries contribute indirectly to the development of ACP countries,

Relationship between the new Member States and their neighbours

| Z. | whereas the ENP is one of the top priorities of the EU's external relations, with the aim of promoting good governance and economic development in its vicinity and thus decreasing political, economic and social differences between the Member States and their neighbours, |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas the ENP is one of the top priorities of the EU's external relations, with the aim of promoting good governance and economic development in its vicinity and thus decreasing political, economic and social differences between the Member States and their neighbours,

| AA. | whereas the ENP Action Plans for the three South Caucasus States (Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) were released on 14 November 2006, despite the fact that the inclusion of the South Caucasus countries in the ENP had initially been rejected in a footnote in the above-mentioned Commission Communication on a wider Europe, |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas the ENP Action Plans for the three South Caucasus States (Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan) were released on 14 November 2006, despite the fact that the inclusion of the South Caucasus countries in the ENP had initially been rejected in a footnote in the above-mentioned Commission Communication on a wider Europe,

| AB. | whereas the Action Plans are supposed to be tailor-made for each country, |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas the Action Plans are supposed to be tailor-made for each country,

| AC. | whereas the EU traditionally favours a regional approach in its external relations, |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas the EU traditionally favours a regional approach in its external relations,

| AD. | whereas the Georgian government expresses the hope that Georgia will be included in the Black Sea region, with Ukraine and Moldova, rather than in the South Caucasus region, which has also been acknowledged in the Action Plan, |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas the Georgian government expresses the hope that Georgia will be included in the Black Sea region, with Ukraine and Moldova, rather than in the South Caucasus region, which has also been acknowledged in the Action Plan,

| AE. | whereas the EU-Georgia Action Plan shows that EU is ready to offer some increased political support to Georgia in the area of conflict resolution, which it had refused up until now, |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas the EU-Georgia Action Plan shows that EU is ready to offer some increased political support to Georgia in the area of conflict resolution, which it had refused up until now,

| AF. | whereas the new Member States were involved in developing the ENP before their membership of the EU, |
| --- | --- |

AF.

whereas the new Member States were involved in developing the ENP before their membership of the EU,

| AG. | whereas the new Member States did not have any influence on the Action Plans, nor were they involved in decision-making and procedure before membership, |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas the new Member States did not have any influence on the Action Plans, nor were they involved in decision-making and procedure before membership,

| AH. | whereas in order to sign up to the ENP, neighbouring countries have to have a contractual relationship in force, such as a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement or an Association Agreement; thus Belarus, Libya and Syria are excluded from the ENP because they do not have any contractual relationship in force, |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas in order to sign up to the ENP, neighbouring countries have to have a contractual relationship in force, such as a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement or an Association Agreement; thus Belarus, Libya and Syria are excluded from the ENP because they do not have any contractual relationship in force,

| AI. | whereas the EU aims at a balanced bilateral and regional approach towards Central Asia, |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas the EU aims at a balanced bilateral and regional approach towards Central Asia,

| AJ. | whereas the relationship between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the EU is based upon Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and cooperation frameworks such as the BAKU initiative, as well as a variety of Common Security and Foreign Policy instruments, |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas the relationship between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and the EU is based upon Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and cooperation frameworks such as the BAKU initiative, as well as a variety of Common Security and Foreign Policy instruments,

| AK. | whereas all the EU's neighbours, irrespective of the issue of possible membership, have an equal opportunity to establish privileged relationships with the EU that are founded on both common interests and common values, according to their own aspirations, |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas all the EU's neighbours, irrespective of the issue of possible membership, have an equal opportunity to establish privileged relationships with the EU that are founded on both common interests and common values, according to their own aspirations,

| AL. | whereas the main advantage of the Action Plans is to help the country in question to identify priorities and to guide the EU's support for its efforts, |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas the main advantage of the Action Plans is to help the country in question to identify priorities and to guide the EU's support for its efforts,

| AM. | whereas Bulgaria and Romania are already included in cross-border cooperation with relevant ENP partners, |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas Bulgaria and Romania are already included in cross-border cooperation with relevant ENP partners,

| AN. | whereas the new Member States' role in sharing the transition experience will be harnessed and will contribute to expertise within the old Member States through the TAIEX and twinning programmes, |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas the new Member States' role in sharing the transition experience will be harnessed and will contribute to expertise within the old Member States through the TAIEX and twinning programmes,

Raising public awareness

| AO. | whereas the current level of expenditure in most countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for raising public awareness of development issues totals approximately 190 million euro, or 0,25 % of total ODA, |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas the current level of expenditure in most countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for raising public awareness of development issues totals approximately 190 million euro, or 0,25 % of total ODA,

| AP. | whereas all the new Member States, with the exception of Poland and Malta, regard development education as a priority for their NGDO national platforms, |
| --- | --- |

AP.

whereas all the new Member States, with the exception of Poland and Malta, regard development education as a priority for their NGDO national platforms,

| AQ. | whereas none of the new Member States has a national strategy for development education as yet, |
| --- | --- |

AQ.

whereas none of the new Member States has a national strategy for development education as yet,

| AR. | whereas only 12 % of OECD citizens have actually heard of the MDGs, 62 % of those who have heard of the MDGs are not aware of what they mean, 17 % of European citizens do not know, in the light of corruption and the perception that aid does not benefit the poor, whether aid makes a difference (a figure which rises to 34 % in Portugal, 24 % in Italy, 23 % in Ireland and 22 % in Spain), |
| --- | --- |

AR.

whereas only 12 % of OECD citizens have actually heard of the MDGs, 62 % of those who have heard of the MDGs are not aware of what they mean, 17 % of European citizens do not know, in the light of corruption and the perception that aid does not benefit the poor, whether aid makes a difference (a figure which rises to 34 % in Portugal, 24 % in Italy, 23 % in Ireland and 22 % in Spain),

| AS. | whereas only 29 % of European citizens think that a reduction in extreme poverty and hunger will be achieved by 2015, the most frequently cited obstacles being lack of money or resources (18 %), lack of will (18 %) and the magnitude of the task ahead (14 %), |
| --- | --- |

AS.

whereas only 29 % of European citizens think that a reduction in extreme poverty and hunger will be achieved by 2015, the most frequently cited obstacles being lack of money or resources (18 %), lack of will (18 %) and the magnitude of the task ahead (14 %),

| AT. | whereas a United Nations Development Programme report has proposed that the Commission and the Member States move towards or beyond a figure of 3 % of ODA as a minimum target for public awareness raising and development education expenditure, |
| --- | --- |

AT.

whereas a United Nations Development Programme report has proposed that the Commission and the Member States move towards or beyond a figure of 3 % of ODA as a minimum target for public awareness raising and development education expenditure,

| 1. | Stresses that development policy is entirely part of the acquis communautaire and recalls the international commitments of the new Member States in this field; underlines that the EU needs to support the new Member States so as to assist them in integrating the acquis communautaire; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Stresses that development policy is entirely part of the acquis communautaire and recalls the international commitments of the new Member States in this field; underlines that the EU needs to support the new Member States so as to assist them in integrating the acquis communautaire;

| 2. | Considers that the ten new Member States subscribed to the European Consensus on Development within a year of their accession, agreeing to implement an ambitious development paradigm and to work towards achieving the MDGs within the set time-frame; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considers that the ten new Member States subscribed to the European Consensus on Development within a year of their accession, agreeing to implement an ambitious development paradigm and to work towards achieving the MDGs within the set time-frame;

| 3. | Expresses its concern that many of the new Member States are not on course to meet the target of 0,17 % of GNI to be spent on ODA by 2010, though some may see ODA fall in line with overall budget cuts due to the need to reduce government debt; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Expresses its concern that many of the new Member States are not on course to meet the target of 0,17 % of GNI to be spent on ODA by 2010, though some may see ODA fall in line with overall budget cuts due to the need to reduce government debt;

| 4. | Stresses the experience of the new Member States, in particular during the transition process, and considers that good governance and the promotion of democracy must be the priorities for the EU in development cooperation matters; calls on the EU institutions to put to good use, in order to enrich its development policy, the experience accumulated in the field by the new Member States; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses the experience of the new Member States, in particular during the transition process, and considers that good governance and the promotion of democracy must be the priorities for the EU in development cooperation matters; calls on the EU institutions to put to good use, in order to enrich its development policy, the experience accumulated in the field by the new Member States;

| 5. | Considers that, due to an active cooperation policy, the new Member States will contribute to the promotion of respect for fundamental rights and solidarity with the new generations in third countries within the scope of the ENP; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Considers that, due to an active cooperation policy, the new Member States will contribute to the promotion of respect for fundamental rights and solidarity with the new generations in third countries within the scope of the ENP;

| 6. | Stresses the concrete benefit for the new Member States of participating in development cooperation policy, in particular in the areas of economic development and trade; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses the concrete benefit for the new Member States of participating in development cooperation policy, in particular in the areas of economic development and trade;

| 7. | Welcomes the Commission's new approach of going beyond traditional development policies and creating new partnership relations with developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the Commission's new approach of going beyond traditional development policies and creating new partnership relations with developing countries;

| 8. | Welcomes the fact that the international community is willing to accept the principle of ‘common responsibility’ in the case of humanitarian urgency; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the fact that the international community is willing to accept the principle of ‘common responsibility’ in the case of humanitarian urgency;

| 9. | Suggests that the new and old Member States should work together more proactively within the EU to ensure that the situation in particular countries included in the ENP is monitored in a more timely fashion so that the EU can react with greater flexibility in its policy towards these countries; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Suggests that the new and old Member States should work together more proactively within the EU to ensure that the situation in particular countries included in the ENP is monitored in a more timely fashion so that the EU can react with greater flexibility in its policy towards these countries;

| 10. | Stresses the link between development and migration, which is a major challenge for most of the new Member States which are at the external borders of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Stresses the link between development and migration, which is a major challenge for most of the new Member States which are at the external borders of the EU;

| 11. | Recognises the progress made by the new Member States in their evolution from being aid recipient countries to becoming donor countries, and acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Recognises the progress made by the new Member States in their evolution from being aid recipient countries to becoming donor countries, and acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead;

| 12. | Notes that the priorities of the new Member States after the transition period are determined by their historical relations and ties with their neighbours, and that the major part of the development cooperation budget of the new Member States targets their immediate neighbours and the CIS countries; calls on the EU to seize the occasion of the accession of the new Member States to reinforce its strategic presence in eastern Europe, central Asia and the Caucasus as regions of the world hitherto less concerned by European aid but which are nonetheless facing numerous development challenges; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Notes that the priorities of the new Member States after the transition period are determined by their historical relations and ties with their neighbours, and that the major part of the development cooperation budget of the new Member States targets their immediate neighbours and the CIS countries; calls on the EU to seize the occasion of the accession of the new Member States to reinforce its strategic presence in eastern Europe, central Asia and the Caucasus as regions of the world hitherto less concerned by European aid but which are nonetheless facing numerous development challenges;

| 13. | Stresses that effective action in the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, key fields of intervention for the new Member States, is also a means of acting in the long term for poverty reduction, which is a priority objective of EU development policy as fixed by the DCI; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that effective action in the promotion of democracy and the rule of law, key fields of intervention for the new Member States, is also a means of acting in the long term for poverty reduction, which is a priority objective of EU development policy as fixed by the DCI;

| 14. | Recalls the Eastern dimension of EU external relations and considers that a new assembly of EU and neighbouring countries (similar to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Euromed) and the Parliamentary Assembly for EU-Latin America (Eurolat)) could build on historical experience, boost the input of the new Member States in EU politics and help to co-shape the ENP and to make neighbouring countries aware of new political fields; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Recalls the Eastern dimension of EU external relations and considers that a new assembly of EU and neighbouring countries (similar to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (Euromed) and the Parliamentary Assembly for EU-Latin America (Eurolat)) could build on historical experience, boost the input of the new Member States in EU politics and help to co-shape the ENP and to make neighbouring countries aware of new political fields;

| 15. | Recognises that most Member States have departments within their Ministries of Foreign Affairs dealing specifically with development cooperation, but nonetheless recommends that they strengthen coordination both within their own ministries and between each other and with other Member States to the extent approved by national parliaments and local authorities in the decision-making process; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recognises that most Member States have departments within their Ministries of Foreign Affairs dealing specifically with development cooperation, but nonetheless recommends that they strengthen coordination both within their own ministries and between each other and with other Member States to the extent approved by national parliaments and local authorities in the decision-making process;

| 16. | Recognises that building the relevant institutions and implementing policies is a time-consuming process; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recognises that building the relevant institutions and implementing policies is a time-consuming process;

| 17. | Recognises that the biggest challenges for the new Member States in the coming years will be the increase in budgets and awareness-raising activities; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Recognises that the biggest challenges for the new Member States in the coming years will be the increase in budgets and awareness-raising activities;

| 18. | Welcomes the above-mentioned strategy framework ‘The European Consensus on Development: The Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising’ and stresses that Parliament has an important role to play in highlighting the actual and potential role of development education and awareness in both formal and informal education in the new Member States; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Welcomes the above-mentioned strategy framework ‘The European Consensus on Development: The Contribution of Development Education and Awareness Raising’ and stresses that Parliament has an important role to play in highlighting the actual and potential role of development education and awareness in both formal and informal education in the new Member States;

| 19. | Considers that long-term projects which target partners and sectors where the new Member States have a comparative advantage and can transfer experience are of optimal utility in the global poverty eradication process; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Considers that long-term projects which target partners and sectors where the new Member States have a comparative advantage and can transfer experience are of optimal utility in the global poverty eradication process;

| 20. | Calls for a division of labour between the Member States with regard to the added-value of each actor's input and with the objective of working together effectively; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls for a division of labour between the Member States with regard to the added-value of each actor's input and with the objective of working together effectively;

| 21. | Believes that a large majority of the new Member States could give greater priority to their development policy and furthermore ensure an approach to strategy planning with greater internal coordination (with the exception of Lithuania, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the lead ministry for ODA planning and management); |
| --- | --- |

21.

Believes that a large majority of the new Member States could give greater priority to their development policy and furthermore ensure an approach to strategy planning with greater internal coordination (with the exception of Lithuania, where the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the lead ministry for ODA planning and management);

| 22. | States that the objective of the EU with regard to the new Member States is not only to capitalise on their experience but also to help them strengthen their role as new donors; encourages, therefore, the old and new Member States to decide jointly on a realistic calendar with a view to bringing the new Member States into line with the EU's development aid objectives, while taking due account of both the potential and the limits of the partnership between new and old Member States; |
| --- | --- |

22.

States that the objective of the EU with regard to the new Member States is not only to capitalise on their experience but also to help them strengthen their role as new donors; encourages, therefore, the old and new Member States to decide jointly on a realistic calendar with a view to bringing the new Member States into line with the EU's development aid objectives, while taking due account of both the potential and the limits of the partnership between new and old Member States;

| 23. | Stresses that the new Member States need to be fully included in the sharing of experience and in specific training in fields related to the programming, implementation and evaluation of development cooperation policy; recalls the different CBS (Capacity Building Scheme) experiences and calls for further improvements, to put an end for instance to the turnover of civil servants; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Stresses that the new Member States need to be fully included in the sharing of experience and in specific training in fields related to the programming, implementation and evaluation of development cooperation policy; recalls the different CBS (Capacity Building Scheme) experiences and calls for further improvements, to put an end for instance to the turnover of civil servants;

| 24. | Recalls the importance of a permanent dialogue with officials responsible for the new Member States and acceding or candidate countries; underlines the importance of EuropeAid's technical assistance in the organisation of training courses, seminars, conferences and specific technical assistance to meet the needs expressed by these countries; stresses the importance of the activities funded by the Directorate-General Development of the Commission in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Recalls the importance of a permanent dialogue with officials responsible for the new Member States and acceding or candidate countries; underlines the importance of EuropeAid's technical assistance in the organisation of training courses, seminars, conferences and specific technical assistance to meet the needs expressed by these countries; stresses the importance of the activities funded by the Directorate-General Development of the Commission in this regard;

| 25. | Regrets the fact that the special working party on strengthening the new Member States' capacities held no further meetings in 2007, even though the new Member States have a pressing need to increase their development-cooperation capacities and the EU enlargement process is still under way; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Regrets the fact that the special working party on strengthening the new Member States' capacities held no further meetings in 2007, even though the new Member States have a pressing need to increase their development-cooperation capacities and the EU enlargement process is still under way;

| 26. | Calls for that working party to be reactivated and for representatives of Parliament's Committee on Development (or its secretariat) and of Trialog (a project conducted in close cooperation with European development NGOs) to be also involved in the working party's activities, and for the working party's remit to be enlarged to include the new Member States' specific development-cooperation problems; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls for that working party to be reactivated and for representatives of Parliament's Committee on Development (or its secretariat) and of Trialog (a project conducted in close cooperation with European development NGOs) to be also involved in the working party's activities, and for the working party's remit to be enlarged to include the new Member States' specific development-cooperation problems;

| 27. | Stresses the importance of projects on ‘twinning’ and ‘light twinning’ in training the personnel of new Member States through quality technical assistance, funds which only Hungary and Slovakia have called for; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses the importance of projects on ‘twinning’ and ‘light twinning’ in training the personnel of new Member States through quality technical assistance, funds which only Hungary and Slovakia have called for;

| 28. | Calls for bi-annual inter-parliamentary meetings between Parliament and the parliaments of the new Member States focused on development and cooperation issues and the creation of a specific network in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls for bi-annual inter-parliamentary meetings between Parliament and the parliaments of the new Member States focused on development and cooperation issues and the creation of a specific network in this regard;

| 29. | Believes that the participation of the new Member States in the European Development Fund committee would bring an additional dimension to the debates and further help to build their technical capacities; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Believes that the participation of the new Member States in the European Development Fund committee would bring an additional dimension to the debates and further help to build their technical capacities;

| 30. | Notes the lack of public recognition of development cooperation priorities in some of the new Member States and calls for an overall communication and education strategy to remedy this deficit; stresses the importance of raising awareness of development issues in school curricula, as well as the role of the media in creating public awareness and developing an international volunteer tradition; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Notes the lack of public recognition of development cooperation priorities in some of the new Member States and calls for an overall communication and education strategy to remedy this deficit; stresses the importance of raising awareness of development issues in school curricula, as well as the role of the media in creating public awareness and developing an international volunteer tradition;

| 31. | Takes a positive view of the importance of a report on development education awareness raising and its role in the implementation of the European Consensus on Development, highlighting the actual and potential role of development education and awareness raising in formal and informal education in Europe, especially in the new Member States; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Takes a positive view of the importance of a report on development education awareness raising and its role in the implementation of the European Consensus on Development, highlighting the actual and potential role of development education and awareness raising in formal and informal education in Europe, especially in the new Member States;

| 32. | Considers that the public in the new Member States is already aware of humanitarian aid issues, as was demonstrated by their large-scale mobilisation over the 2004 tsunami — a starting-point for making people aware of the need for specific longer-term commitments within an effective development policy; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Considers that the public in the new Member States is already aware of humanitarian aid issues, as was demonstrated by their large-scale mobilisation over the 2004 tsunami — a starting-point for making people aware of the need for specific longer-term commitments within an effective development policy;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to launch a specific awareness-raising campaign focusing on the comparative advantages and added value of the new Member States with regard to cooperation and development issues; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the Commission to launch a specific awareness-raising campaign focusing on the comparative advantages and added value of the new Member States with regard to cooperation and development issues;

| 34. | Calls for greater coordination among the relevant national stakeholders and an appropriate involvement on the part of NGOs and local authorities in national policy-making processes; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls for greater coordination among the relevant national stakeholders and an appropriate involvement on the part of NGOs and local authorities in national policy-making processes;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to actively involve the new Member States in the preparation and negotiation of Action Plans, and in monitoring their implementation; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission to actively involve the new Member States in the preparation and negotiation of Action Plans, and in monitoring their implementation;

| 36. | Notes that, by fully untying their development aid, the new Member States could be a positive example for all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Notes that, by fully untying their development aid, the new Member States could be a positive example for all Member States;

| 37. | Notes that all Member States should set deadlines to untie their development aid, since in the long term tied development aid neither serves good governance nor the efficient allocation of resources, nor does it contribute to the goals of development cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Notes that all Member States should set deadlines to untie their development aid, since in the long term tied development aid neither serves good governance nor the efficient allocation of resources, nor does it contribute to the goals of development cooperation;

| 38. | Notes that the links between the private sector and development cooperation constitute a promising new avenue for the new Member States, and that a more active participation on the part of private undertakings from those Member States in the procurement of development cooperation projects at EU level could raise awareness of development cooperation;
  *
  ** |
| --- | --- |

38.

Notes that the links between the private sector and development cooperation constitute a promising new avenue for the new Member States, and that a more active participation on the part of private undertakings from those Member States in the procurement of development cooperation projects at EU level could raise awareness of development cooperation;

*

**

| 39. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

39.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. Agreement last amended by Decision No 1/2006 of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers (OJ L 247, 9.9.2006, p. 22).

(2)  OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 27.

(3)  OJ C 46, 24.2.2006, p. 1.

(4)  The Statement on the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid was approved by Council on 19 November and by the European Parliament on 29 November and was signed by the Presidents of the Commission, Council and the European Parliament on 18 December 2007.

(5)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41.

(6)  OJ C 87 E, 7.4.2004, p. 506.

(7)  OJ L 310, 9.11.2006, p. 1.

(8)  OJ L 32, 4.2.2006, p. 80.

(9)  OJ L 21, 25.1.2005, p. 9.

(10)  OJ C 287 E, 24.11.2006, p. 312.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/48 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/48

---

European Code of Conduct on Arms Exports

P6_TA(2008)0101

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports — Failure of the Council to adopt the Common Position and transform the Code into a legally binding instrument

(2009/C 66 E/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas in 2008 the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (‘the Code’) will celebrate its tenth anniversary, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas in 2008 the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (‘the Code’) will celebrate its tenth anniversary,

| B. | whereas more than two years ago, on 30 June 2005, Coreper agreed at the technical level the text of a Common Position as the result of a thorough process of revision of the Code, with the aim of transforming the Code into an efficient instrument to control arms exports from EU territory and by EU companies, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas more than two years ago, on 30 June 2005, Coreper agreed at the technical level the text of a Common Position as the result of a thorough process of revision of the Code, with the aim of transforming the Code into an efficient instrument to control arms exports from EU territory and by EU companies,

| C. | whereas the adoption of this Common Position will make the Code a legally binding arms export control instrument for all Member States, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the adoption of this Common Position will make the Code a legally binding arms export control instrument for all Member States,

| D. | whereas Parliament has strongly welcomed this Common Position on several occasions, inter alia in its resolution of 18 January 2007 on the Council's Seventh and Eighth Annual Reports according to Operative Provision 8 of the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (1), |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Parliament has strongly welcomed this Common Position on several occasions, inter alia in its resolution of 18 January 2007 on the Council's Seventh and Eighth Annual Reports according to Operative Provision 8 of the European Union Code of Conduct on Arms Exports (1),

| E. | whereas, nevertheless, the Council has since 2005 failed to adopt this Common Position at the political level, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, nevertheless, the Council has since 2005 failed to adopt this Common Position at the political level,

| F. | whereas the reasons for this have never been officially explained but are evidently linked to the wish of some Member States to lift the current EU embargo on arms exports to the People's Republic of China, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the reasons for this have never been officially explained but are evidently linked to the wish of some Member States to lift the current EU embargo on arms exports to the People's Republic of China,

| G. | whereas this issue has acquired a new sense of urgency due to the following developments:






  (i) | the signing of the Lisbon Treaty, which commits the EU to being a globally responsible actor, |
| --- | --- | --- |

G.

whereas this issue has acquired a new sense of urgency due to the following developments:

(i)

the signing of the Lisbon Treaty, which commits the EU to being a globally responsible actor,

| (ii) | the evolving European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), in which EU external military and civilian missions are being increasingly deployed and in the pursuit of which EU personnel might be threatened with arms previously supplied by Member States, |
| --- | --- |

(ii)

the evolving European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), in which EU external military and civilian missions are being increasingly deployed and in the pursuit of which EU personnel might be threatened with arms previously supplied by Member States,

| (iii) | recent announcements by Member States indicating a willingness to increase arms exports as a tool to promote economic interests, |
| --- | --- |

(iii)

recent announcements by Member States indicating a willingness to increase arms exports as a tool to promote economic interests,

| (iv) | several initiatives to harmonise national arms procurement policies and intra-Community arms transfers and sales, |
| --- | --- |

(iv)

several initiatives to harmonise national arms procurement policies and intra-Community arms transfers and sales,

| H. | whereas the positive efforts by COARM (Council Working Group on Arms) to further improve the Code and its application are being undermined by arms exports from Member States to countries which are in a situation of conflict, instability or failure to respect human rights, and which are regarded as ‘irresponsible destinations’ under the Code, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the positive efforts by COARM (Council Working Group on Arms) to further improve the Code and its application are being undermined by arms exports from Member States to countries which are in a situation of conflict, instability or failure to respect human rights, and which are regarded as ‘irresponsible destinations’ under the Code,

| I. | whereas the lack of political will to turn the Code into a Common Position runs counter to the leading role played by the European Union and its Member States in promoting legal instruments aimed at controlling all international public and private arms transfers, notably the Arms Trade Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the lack of political will to turn the Code into a Common Position runs counter to the leading role played by the European Union and its Member States in promoting legal instruments aimed at controlling all international public and private arms transfers, notably the Arms Trade Treaty,

| 1. | Deplores the current political impasse on the adoption of this Common Position, in the light of the tenth anniversary of the Code; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Deplores the current political impasse on the adoption of this Common Position, in the light of the tenth anniversary of the Code;

| 2. | Calls on the Slovenian Presidency to make the adoption of the Common Position a permanent item on the agenda of each General Affairs Council meeting until such time as the issue has been resolved; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Slovenian Presidency to make the adoption of the Common Position a permanent item on the agenda of each General Affairs Council meeting until such time as the issue has been resolved;

| 3. | Urges those EU Member States that are opposed to a legally binding Code to reconsider their position; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Urges those EU Member States that are opposed to a legally binding Code to reconsider their position;

| 4. | Believes that the EU's contribution to an internationally binding Arms Trade Treaty will gain in credibility as soon as its own arms control regime becomes legally binding; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Believes that the EU's contribution to an internationally binding Arms Trade Treaty will gain in credibility as soon as its own arms control regime becomes legally binding;

| 5. | Is convinced also that, in parallel with the adoption of the Common Position, action should be taken, inter alia, to:






  (a) | prevent irresponsible arms transfers by strict application of the Code's criteria to both companies and national armed forces; |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

Is convinced also that, in parallel with the adoption of the Common Position, action should be taken, inter alia, to:

(a)

prevent irresponsible arms transfers by strict application of the Code's criteria to both companies and national armed forces;

| (b) | improve and apply brokering controls, and prevent illegal arms trafficking by air and sea; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

improve and apply brokering controls, and prevent illegal arms trafficking by air and sea;

| (c) | ensure prompt investigation of recent allegations of violations of arms embargoes; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

ensure prompt investigation of recent allegations of violations of arms embargoes;

| (d) | prevent the selling-off to private brokers of arms collected in the course of ESDP and SSR operations and other EU initiatives and their subsequent transfer; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

prevent the selling-off to private brokers of arms collected in the course of ESDP and SSR operations and other EU initiatives and their subsequent transfer;

| (e) | improve the transparency and quality of data submitted by Member States in the context of the Annual Report on the Code; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

improve the transparency and quality of data submitted by Member States in the context of the Annual Report on the Code;

| 6. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ C 244 E, 18.10.2007, p. 210.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/49 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/49

---

The particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life

P6_TA(2008)0102

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the particular situation of women in prison and the impact of the imprisonment of parents on social and family life (2007/2116(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Articles 6 and 7 of the EU Treaty and Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, signed on 12 December 2007 (1), which concern the protection of human rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 6 and 7 of the EU Treaty and Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, signed on 12 December 2007 (1), which concern the protection of human rights,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Article 5 thereof, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular Article 7 thereof, the 1987 European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture) and the Optional Protocol to that Convention on the establishment of a system of regular visits by international and national bodies to places of detention, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular Article 5 thereof, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular Article 7 thereof, the 1987 European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture) and the Optional Protocol to that Convention on the establishment of a system of regular visits by international and national bodies to places of detention,

| — | having regard to Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, its protocols and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 3 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, its protocols and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights,

| — | having regard to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, which established the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane and Degrading Treatment, and the Committee's reports, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture, which established the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane and Degrading Treatment, and the Committee's reports,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners of 1957, and the declarations and principles adopted in this regard by the United Nations General Assembly, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners of 1957, and the declarations and principles adopted in this regard by the United Nations General Assembly,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child of 20 November 1989,

| — | having regard to the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and in particular Resolution (73)5 on Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, Recommendation R(87)3 on the European Prison Rules and Recommendation R(2006)2 on the European Prison Rules, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, and in particular Resolution (73)5 on Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, Recommendation R(87)3 on the European Prison Rules and Recommendation R(2006)2 on the European Prison Rules,

| — | having regard to the recommendations adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and in particular Recommendation R(2006)1747 on a European prisons charter and Recommendation R(2000)1469 on Mothers and Babies in Prison, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendations adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, and in particular Recommendation R(2006)1747 on a European prisons charter and Recommendation R(2000)1469 on Mothers and Babies in Prison,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 26 May 1989 on women and children in prison (2), its resolution of 18 January 1996 on poor conditions in prisons in the European Union (3), its resolution of 17 December 1998 on prison conditions in the European Union: improvements and alternative penalties (4) and its recommendation to the Council of 9 March 2004 on the rights of prisoners in the European Union (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 26 May 1989 on women and children in prison (2), its resolution of 18 January 1996 on poor conditions in prisons in the European Union (3), its resolution of 17 December 1998 on prison conditions in the European Union: improvements and alternative penalties (4) and its recommendation to the Council of 9 March 2004 on the rights of prisoners in the European Union (5),

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0033/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0033/2008),

| A. | whereas under international and European conventions (6), anyone imprisoned should be treated with respect for their human rights, and prison conditions should be in line with the principles of human dignity, non-discrimination and respect for privacy and family life and be subject to regular evaluations by independent bodies, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas under international and European conventions (6), anyone imprisoned should be treated with respect for their human rights, and prison conditions should be in line with the principles of human dignity, non-discrimination and respect for privacy and family life and be subject to regular evaluations by independent bodies,

| B. | whereas the specific needs and circumstances of women in prison should be taken into account in judicial rulings and criminal law and by Member States' penal institutions, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the specific needs and circumstances of women in prison should be taken into account in judicial rulings and criminal law and by Member States' penal institutions,

| C. | whereas visible measures adapted to the specific needs of women should be put in place, including the application of alternative sentences, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas visible measures adapted to the specific needs of women should be put in place, including the application of alternative sentences,

| D. | whereas pregnant women in prison should be able to receive the required support and information and essentials for a healthy pregnancy and motherhood, in particular a balanced diet, appropriate sanitary conditions, fresh air, exercise and antenatal and postnatal care, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas pregnant women in prison should be able to receive the required support and information and essentials for a healthy pregnancy and motherhood, in particular a balanced diet, appropriate sanitary conditions, fresh air, exercise and antenatal and postnatal care,

| E. | whereas all prisoners, male and female, should have equal access to health care, but prison policies should be particularly attentive to the prevention, monitoring and treatment of physical and mental health problems specific to women, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas all prisoners, male and female, should have equal access to health care, but prison policies should be particularly attentive to the prevention, monitoring and treatment of physical and mental health problems specific to women,

| F. | whereas a mother's mental and physical health is linked to that of her child, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas a mother's mental and physical health is linked to that of her child,

| G. | whereas a large number of women in prison suffer or have suffered from addiction to drugs or other substances that may be the cause of mental or behavioural disorders and require medical treatment as well as appropriate social and psychological support, as part of a comprehensive prison health policy, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas a large number of women in prison suffer or have suffered from addiction to drugs or other substances that may be the cause of mental or behavioural disorders and require medical treatment as well as appropriate social and psychological support, as part of a comprehensive prison health policy,

| H. | whereas it is known today that a large number of women prisoners have been the victims of violence, sexual abuse or mistreatment by their family or partner and suffered a state of deep economic and psychological dependence, and that this has contributed directly to their criminal record and brought physical and psychological consequences, such as post-traumatic stress, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas it is known today that a large number of women prisoners have been the victims of violence, sexual abuse or mistreatment by their family or partner and suffered a state of deep economic and psychological dependence, and that this has contributed directly to their criminal record and brought physical and psychological consequences, such as post-traumatic stress,

| I. | whereas prison staff should be adequately trained and have sufficient awareness as regards equal opportunities and the specific needs and circumstances of women prisoners; whereas particular attention should be paid to the most vulnerable, i.e. minors and those with disabilities, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas prison staff should be adequately trained and have sufficient awareness as regards equal opportunities and the specific needs and circumstances of women prisoners; whereas particular attention should be paid to the most vulnerable, i.e. minors and those with disabilities,

| J. | whereas the maintenance of family ties is an essential means of preventing repeat offences and aiding social reintegration and is the right of all prisoners, their children and other family members, and the exercise of this right is often complicated for women in particular by the scarceness and, therefore, potential geographical remoteness of women's detention centres, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the maintenance of family ties is an essential means of preventing repeat offences and aiding social reintegration and is the right of all prisoners, their children and other family members, and the exercise of this right is often complicated for women in particular by the scarceness and, therefore, potential geographical remoteness of women's detention centres,

| K. | whereas the best interests of children should always be a consideration in decisions on whether to separate them or keep them with an imprisoned parent, bearing in mind that, in all cases, the enjoyment of parental rights by the other parent should be guaranteed, along with appropriate procedures for ensuring that emotional ties are maintained with the original family circle (siblings, grandparents and other family members), |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the best interests of children should always be a consideration in decisions on whether to separate them or keep them with an imprisoned parent, bearing in mind that, in all cases, the enjoyment of parental rights by the other parent should be guaranteed, along with appropriate procedures for ensuring that emotional ties are maintained with the original family circle (siblings, grandparents and other family members),

| L. | whereas, by signing the above-mentioned Convention on the Rights of the Child (and other international instruments), the States Parties undertook to guarantee all children, without discrimination and regardless of the legal status of their parents, the enjoyment of all rights provided for under the Convention, including the right to adequate health care, leisure and education, and this commitment should also apply to children living with the imprisoned parent, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas, by signing the above-mentioned Convention on the Rights of the Child (and other international instruments), the States Parties undertook to guarantee all children, without discrimination and regardless of the legal status of their parents, the enjoyment of all rights provided for under the Convention, including the right to adequate health care, leisure and education, and this commitment should also apply to children living with the imprisoned parent,

| M. | whereas the role of penal institutions, beyond the punishment of illegal activities, should be to aid social and professional reintegration, bearing in mind the situations of social exclusion and poverty that many prisoners, male and female, have often experienced, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the role of penal institutions, beyond the punishment of illegal activities, should be to aid social and professional reintegration, bearing in mind the situations of social exclusion and poverty that many prisoners, male and female, have often experienced,

| N. | whereas many women who are imprisoned are, at that point, involved in ongoing legal proceedings (abandonment, the fostering or adoption of children, divorce or separation, eviction etc.), which remain unresolved, placing them in a position of defencelessness and a permanent state of uncertainty and stress, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas many women who are imprisoned are, at that point, involved in ongoing legal proceedings (abandonment, the fostering or adoption of children, divorce or separation, eviction etc.), which remain unresolved, placing them in a position of defencelessness and a permanent state of uncertainty and stress,

| O. | whereas prisoners are often unaware of the social resources available to them, and, in many cases, the lack, loss or invalidity of their administrative documents (identity papers, health card, family record card, etc.) prevents them, in practice, from exercising the rights enjoyed by nationals of each Member State, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas prisoners are often unaware of the social resources available to them, and, in many cases, the lack, loss or invalidity of their administrative documents (identity papers, health card, family record card, etc.) prevents them, in practice, from exercising the rights enjoyed by nationals of each Member State,

| P. | whereas equal access for male and female prisoners to employment, vocational training and leisure activities during their imprisonment is fundamental to their psychological wellbeing and their reintegration into society and the world of work, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas equal access for male and female prisoners to employment, vocational training and leisure activities during their imprisonment is fundamental to their psychological wellbeing and their reintegration into society and the world of work,

| Q. | whereas the educational, training, employment, leisure and personal development opportunities available to male and female prisoners, however extensive, are not sufficient by themselves, and mentoring programmes should be drawn up to facilitate prisoners' involvement in the planning and development of their journey towards reintegration, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the educational, training, employment, leisure and personal development opportunities available to male and female prisoners, however extensive, are not sufficient by themselves, and mentoring programmes should be drawn up to facilitate prisoners' involvement in the planning and development of their journey towards reintegration,

| R. | whereas women in prison should have access, without encountering discrimination of any kind, to employment, voluntary work and varied vocational training and civic education measures designed to facilitate their reintegration once the sentence has been served and adapted to job market requirements, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas women in prison should have access, without encountering discrimination of any kind, to employment, voluntary work and varied vocational training and civic education measures designed to facilitate their reintegration once the sentence has been served and adapted to job market requirements,

| S. | whereas the successful social reintegration of male and female prisoners and the prevention of repeat offences depend on the quality of supervision given during the sentence and, in particular, on the partnerships established with businesses and social assistance organisations, as well as on the monitoring and social and professional assistance provided after the sentence has been served, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the successful social reintegration of male and female prisoners and the prevention of repeat offences depend on the quality of supervision given during the sentence and, in particular, on the partnerships established with businesses and social assistance organisations, as well as on the monitoring and social and professional assistance provided after the sentence has been served,

| T. | whereas there is a serious need for gender-disaggregated, comprehensive, comparable and updated data and statistics, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas there is a serious need for gender-disaggregated, comprehensive, comparable and updated data and statistics,

Prison conditions

| 1. | Encourages Member States to invest sufficient resources in modernising and adapting their prison infrastructures and to implement the above-mentioned Recommendation R(2006)2 of the Council of Europe so that prison conditions ensure respect for human dignity and fundamental rights, in particular as regards accommodation, health, hygiene, diet, ventilation and light; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Encourages Member States to invest sufficient resources in modernising and adapting their prison infrastructures and to implement the above-mentioned Recommendation R(2006)2 of the Council of Europe so that prison conditions ensure respect for human dignity and fundamental rights, in particular as regards accommodation, health, hygiene, diet, ventilation and light;

| 2. | Repeats its call for the Commission and Council to adopt a framework decision, on the basis of Article 6 of the EU Treaty, on minimum standards to protect the rights of prisoners (as recommended, moreover, by the Council of Europe in its above-mentioned Recommendation R(2006)2), and asks the Council to circulate and promote the application of the Council of Europe's prison rules for the greater harmonisation of prison conditions in Europe, including the consideration of the distinct needs of women, and to set out clearly the rights and obligations of male and female prisoners; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Repeats its call for the Commission and Council to adopt a framework decision, on the basis of Article 6 of the EU Treaty, on minimum standards to protect the rights of prisoners (as recommended, moreover, by the Council of Europe in its above-mentioned Recommendation R(2006)2), and asks the Council to circulate and promote the application of the Council of Europe's prison rules for the greater harmonisation of prison conditions in Europe, including the consideration of the distinct needs of women, and to set out clearly the rights and obligations of male and female prisoners;

| 3. | Asks the Commission to include in its annual human rights report an evaluation of respect for male and female prisoners' fundamental rights and of special prison conditions for women; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Commission to include in its annual human rights report an evaluation of respect for male and female prisoners' fundamental rights and of special prison conditions for women;

| 4. | Urges Member States and candidate countries to ratify the Optional Protocol to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture on the establishment of a system of regular visits by international and national bodies to places of detention and asks the Council and Commission to encourage the ratification of this convention and its protocol as part of the external policy of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Urges Member States and candidate countries to ratify the Optional Protocol to the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture on the establishment of a system of regular visits by international and national bodies to places of detention and asks the Council and Commission to encourage the ratification of this convention and its protocol as part of the external policy of the European Union;

| 5. | Underlines that compliance with national and international legal standards in the running of detention centres should be verified by regular inspections by the competent authorities; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Underlines that compliance with national and international legal standards in the running of detention centres should be verified by regular inspections by the competent authorities;

| 6. | Asks Member States to adopt the necessary measures to ensure the smooth running of penal institutions and the safety of staff and all prisoners by putting a stop to the situations of violence and abuse to which women and people from ethnic and social minorities are particularly vulnerable; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Asks Member States to adopt the necessary measures to ensure the smooth running of penal institutions and the safety of staff and all prisoners by putting a stop to the situations of violence and abuse to which women and people from ethnic and social minorities are particularly vulnerable;

| 7. | Calls on each Member State to facilitate access for women prisoners to prevention campaigns targeting the general public, dealing with issues such as the early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer, and to ensure that they have the same access to national programmes concerning family planning; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on each Member State to facilitate access for women prisoners to prevention campaigns targeting the general public, dealing with issues such as the early detection of breast cancer and cervical cancer, and to ensure that they have the same access to national programmes concerning family planning;

| 8. | Recalls the ‘specific nature’ of women's prisons and insists that security and reintegration arrangements aimed at women should be put in place; recalls further that for women who have been abused, exploited and excluded resettlement arrangements in a supportive environment responsive to their individual needs is important; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Recalls the ‘specific nature’ of women's prisons and insists that security and reintegration arrangements aimed at women should be put in place; recalls further that for women who have been abused, exploited and excluded resettlement arrangements in a supportive environment responsive to their individual needs is important;

| 9. | Asks Member States to incorporate gender equality into their prison policies and detention centres and to take greater account of women's specific circumstances and the often traumatic past of women prisoners, in particular through awareness-raising and appropriate training for medical and prison staff and the re-education of women in fundamental values by:






  a) | incorporating gender mainstreaming into data collection wherever possible to render visible the problems and needs of women; |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

Asks Member States to incorporate gender equality into their prison policies and detention centres and to take greater account of women's specific circumstances and the often traumatic past of women prisoners, in particular through awareness-raising and appropriate training for medical and prison staff and the re-education of women in fundamental values by:

a)

incorporating gender mainstreaming into data collection wherever possible to render visible the problems and needs of women;

| b) | setting up, in each Member State, an investigatory committee and permanent monitoring systems for an effective assessment of prison conditions, in order to be able to detect and remedy any aspects of discrimination still affecting women in the prison system; |
| --- | --- |

b)

setting up, in each Member State, an investigatory committee and permanent monitoring systems for an effective assessment of prison conditions, in order to be able to detect and remedy any aspects of discrimination still affecting women in the prison system;

| c) | highlighting in local, regional and national debates the needs of women prisoners and former prisoners to encourage the adoption of positive measures in relation to social resources, housing and training, etc.; |
| --- | --- |

c)

highlighting in local, regional and national debates the needs of women prisoners and former prisoners to encourage the adoption of positive measures in relation to social resources, housing and training, etc.;

| d) | having a predominance of female staff and women medical staff where women are detained; |
| --- | --- |

d)

having a predominance of female staff and women medical staff where women are detained;

| 10. | Calls on Member States to guarantee women equal, non-discriminatory access to health care of all kinds, which should be at a standard equivalent to that provided for the rest of the population in order effectively to prevent and treat illnesses specific to women; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on Member States to guarantee women equal, non-discriminatory access to health care of all kinds, which should be at a standard equivalent to that provided for the rest of the population in order effectively to prevent and treat illnesses specific to women;

| 11. | Recalls the need to take measures to ensure that the distinct needs of women prisoners in terms of hygiene in penal institutions and the provision of the necessary hygiene facilities are better taken into account; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Recalls the need to take measures to ensure that the distinct needs of women prisoners in terms of hygiene in penal institutions and the provision of the necessary hygiene facilities are better taken into account;

| 12. | Asks Member States to adopt a comprehensive prison health policy that allows the identification and treatment of physical and mental disorders occurring following imprisonment and to provide medical and psychological assistance to all prisoners, male and female, suffering from addictions, with respect, however, for the specific circumstances of women; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Asks Member States to adopt a comprehensive prison health policy that allows the identification and treatment of physical and mental disorders occurring following imprisonment and to provide medical and psychological assistance to all prisoners, male and female, suffering from addictions, with respect, however, for the specific circumstances of women;

| 13. | Asks Member States to take all measures necessary to provide psychological support to all women prisoners and, in particular, those that have been the victims of violence or mistreatment, mothers raising children alone and juvenile offenders, in order to assure them better protection and improve their family and social relations and, therefore, their chances with regard to social reintegration; recommends that prison staff should receive training on and be made aware of the particular vulnerability of these prisoners; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Asks Member States to take all measures necessary to provide psychological support to all women prisoners and, in particular, those that have been the victims of violence or mistreatment, mothers raising children alone and juvenile offenders, in order to assure them better protection and improve their family and social relations and, therefore, their chances with regard to social reintegration; recommends that prison staff should receive training on and be made aware of the particular vulnerability of these prisoners;

| 14. | Recommends that the imprisonment of pregnant women and mothers with young children should only be considered as a last resort and that, in this extreme case, they should be entitled to a more spacious cell, and an individual cell if possible, and should be given particular attention, especially in terms of diet and hygiene; considers, furthermore, that pregnant women should receive antenatal and postnatal care and parenting classes of a standard equivalent to those provided outside the prison environment; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Recommends that the imprisonment of pregnant women and mothers with young children should only be considered as a last resort and that, in this extreme case, they should be entitled to a more spacious cell, and an individual cell if possible, and should be given particular attention, especially in terms of diet and hygiene; considers, furthermore, that pregnant women should receive antenatal and postnatal care and parenting classes of a standard equivalent to those provided outside the prison environment;

| 15. | Draws attention to the fact that when women give birth without complications in prison, the child is usually separated from the mother within 24 to 72 hours after birth, and welcomes any alternative solution from the Commission and the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Draws attention to the fact that when women give birth without complications in prison, the child is usually separated from the mother within 24 to 72 hours after birth, and welcomes any alternative solution from the Commission and the Member States;

| 16. | Stresses the need for the judicial system to ensure that children's rights are respected in the consideration of matters relating to the imprisonment of mothers; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Stresses the need for the judicial system to ensure that children's rights are respected in the consideration of matters relating to the imprisonment of mothers;

| 17. | Calls on Member States to respect fully the development of sexual orientation and the different forms of family life, provided they are in conformity with the law; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on Member States to respect fully the development of sexual orientation and the different forms of family life, provided they are in conformity with the law;

| 18. | Stresses the needs to end the detention of girls and boys aged 18 and under in adult prisons; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Stresses the needs to end the detention of girls and boys aged 18 and under in adult prisons;

Maintaining family ties and social relations

| 19. | Recommends that alternative penalties to imprisonment, such as community-based sentences, should be favoured to a greater extent, particularly for mothers, provided that the sentence imposed is short and the risk to public safety low, where their imprisonment could result in serious disruptions to family life, in particular if they are single parents or have young children, or are responsible for looking after dependent or incapacitated persons; underlines that the judicial authorities should take account of these factors, in particular the best interests of the accused parent's child, when deciding on the sentence; recommends, likewise, considering the possibility of adopting similar measures to those established for mothers for male prisoners with custody of children or who have other family responsibilities; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Recommends that alternative penalties to imprisonment, such as community-based sentences, should be favoured to a greater extent, particularly for mothers, provided that the sentence imposed is short and the risk to public safety low, where their imprisonment could result in serious disruptions to family life, in particular if they are single parents or have young children, or are responsible for looking after dependent or incapacitated persons; underlines that the judicial authorities should take account of these factors, in particular the best interests of the accused parent's child, when deciding on the sentence; recommends, likewise, considering the possibility of adopting similar measures to those established for mothers for male prisoners with custody of children or who have other family responsibilities;

| 20. | Underlines that the repercussions of isolation and distress for the health of pregnant women prisoners could also have, in turn, harmful, or even dangerous, consequences for the child, and that these consequences should be considered very carefully in handing down a prison sentence; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Underlines that the repercussions of isolation and distress for the health of pregnant women prisoners could also have, in turn, harmful, or even dangerous, consequences for the child, and that these consequences should be considered very carefully in handing down a prison sentence;

| 21. | Insists, moreover, on the need for the judiciary to ascertain whether there are children to consider before taking a decision to remand a defendant in custody, and when handing down the sentence, and to ensure that measures are taken to guarantee their rights in full; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Insists, moreover, on the need for the judiciary to ascertain whether there are children to consider before taking a decision to remand a defendant in custody, and when handing down the sentence, and to ensure that measures are taken to guarantee their rights in full;

| 22. | Asks Member States to increase the number of women's detention centres and to spread them more evenly across their territory so that it is easier for women prisoners to maintain family ties and friendships and to take part in religious services; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Asks Member States to increase the number of women's detention centres and to spread them more evenly across their territory so that it is easier for women prisoners to maintain family ties and friendships and to take part in religious services;

| 23. | Recommends that Member States should encourage penal institutions to adopt flexible rules concerning arrangements for the frequency, duration and scheduling of the visits that family members, friends and others should be entitled to make; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recommends that Member States should encourage penal institutions to adopt flexible rules concerning arrangements for the frequency, duration and scheduling of the visits that family members, friends and others should be entitled to make;

| 24. | Asks Member States to make it easier for families to stay in touch, in particular imprisoned parents and their children, unless this is counter to the child's best interests, by creating a visiting environment with an atmosphere distinct from that of prison that allows joint activities and the appropriate emotional contact; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Asks Member States to make it easier for families to stay in touch, in particular imprisoned parents and their children, unless this is counter to the child's best interests, by creating a visiting environment with an atmosphere distinct from that of prison that allows joint activities and the appropriate emotional contact;

| 25. | Urges Member States to fulfil their international obligations by ensuring equal rights and treatment for children residing with the imprisoned parent and to create living conditions adapted to their needs through the provision of separate cells removed, where possible, from the ordinary prison environment, through their attendance at local nurseries or schools and through flexible and generous arrangements for outings with other family members or with child protection officials, enabling their healthy physical, mental, emotional and social development, and with suitable facilities and qualified staff to assist prisoners who are mothers with their parental responsibilities and the necessary care; recommends also that, in the case of minors residing in prison, the other parent should be able to exercise his or her parental authority; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Urges Member States to fulfil their international obligations by ensuring equal rights and treatment for children residing with the imprisoned parent and to create living conditions adapted to their needs through the provision of separate cells removed, where possible, from the ordinary prison environment, through their attendance at local nurseries or schools and through flexible and generous arrangements for outings with other family members or with child protection officials, enabling their healthy physical, mental, emotional and social development, and with suitable facilities and qualified staff to assist prisoners who are mothers with their parental responsibilities and the necessary care; recommends also that, in the case of minors residing in prison, the other parent should be able to exercise his or her parental authority;

| 26. | Notes with regret that many women in prison are single mothers who lose contact with their children, sometimes forever; asks the Commission and the Member States to deliver and implement alternative policies in order to avoid total separation; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Notes with regret that many women in prison are single mothers who lose contact with their children, sometimes forever; asks the Commission and the Member States to deliver and implement alternative policies in order to avoid total separation;

| 27. | Urges Member States to guarantee free legal assistance for all prisoners on matters relating to imprisonment, which, in the case of women prisoners, should be specifically geared to family law in order to address issues relating to fostering, adoption, legal separation and gender violence, etc.; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Urges Member States to guarantee free legal assistance for all prisoners on matters relating to imprisonment, which, in the case of women prisoners, should be specifically geared to family law in order to address issues relating to fostering, adoption, legal separation and gender violence, etc.;

| 28. | Recommends the development of awareness and information campaigns concerning local social services, as well as ongoing procedures to update personal and family administrative documents and those pertaining to health care, so that women prisoners can exercise their full rights as citizens; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recommends the development of awareness and information campaigns concerning local social services, as well as ongoing procedures to update personal and family administrative documents and those pertaining to health care, so that women prisoners can exercise their full rights as citizens;

| 29. | Asks Member States to provide psycho-social treatment to ensure the best possible preparation for the separation of women prisoners from their children and to lessen its negative impact; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Asks Member States to provide psycho-social treatment to ensure the best possible preparation for the separation of women prisoners from their children and to lessen its negative impact;

Social and professional reintegration

| 30. | Recommends that Member States should adopt the measures necessary to ensure that all prisoners, male and female, are offered the chance of adequately paid and varied work that will permit their personal development, without any segregation on the basis of gender or any other form of discrimination, and recommends that Member States should, to this end, set up partnerships with companies; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Recommends that Member States should adopt the measures necessary to ensure that all prisoners, male and female, are offered the chance of adequately paid and varied work that will permit their personal development, without any segregation on the basis of gender or any other form of discrimination, and recommends that Member States should, to this end, set up partnerships with companies;

| 31. | Asks Member States to invest more resources, including through the application of Community financial instruments such as the European Social Fund and Progress, in the development in prisons of lifelong literacy and education programmes and vocational training adapted to job market requirements and possibly leading to a qualification; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Asks Member States to invest more resources, including through the application of Community financial instruments such as the European Social Fund and Progress, in the development in prisons of lifelong literacy and education programmes and vocational training adapted to job market requirements and possibly leading to a qualification;

| 32. | Stresses that these programmes should include language courses, including the teaching of the national language in question (or at least one of them) for the benefit of foreign prisoners, information technology courses and courses in social and professional behaviour; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Stresses that these programmes should include language courses, including the teaching of the national language in question (or at least one of them) for the benefit of foreign prisoners, information technology courses and courses in social and professional behaviour;

| 33. | Underlines the fundamental role of non-governmental organisations in the social and professional reintegration of prisoners, in particular women, and therefore asks Member States to encourage the development of these organisations' activities in the prison environment, including by increasing the funding allocated to them, making the conditions for access to prison by their members less rigid, and raising the awareness of prison staff as regards the need for good cooperation with these organisations; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Underlines the fundamental role of non-governmental organisations in the social and professional reintegration of prisoners, in particular women, and therefore asks Member States to encourage the development of these organisations' activities in the prison environment, including by increasing the funding allocated to them, making the conditions for access to prison by their members less rigid, and raising the awareness of prison staff as regards the need for good cooperation with these organisations;

| 34. | Considers that, except in cases of high risk to public safety and long sentences, greater use of semi-custodial arrangements allowing male and female prisoners to work or take vocational training outside prison walls could aid their social and professional reintegration; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Considers that, except in cases of high risk to public safety and long sentences, greater use of semi-custodial arrangements allowing male and female prisoners to work or take vocational training outside prison walls could aid their social and professional reintegration;

| 35. | Stresses that working conditions for male and female prisoners, in particular pregnant women and women who have just given birth, should be in conformity with national and Community legislation, and regularly monitored by the competent authorities; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Stresses that working conditions for male and female prisoners, in particular pregnant women and women who have just given birth, should be in conformity with national and Community legislation, and regularly monitored by the competent authorities;

| 36. | Underlines the need to encourage the involvement of male and female prisoners in a programme aimed at professional development and social reintegration, in particular by means of a personal report and by ensuring that these efforts are assessed annually; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Underlines the need to encourage the involvement of male and female prisoners in a programme aimed at professional development and social reintegration, in particular by means of a personal report and by ensuring that these efforts are assessed annually;

| 37. | Considers it a matter of priority to ensure that, in each detention centre, male and female prisoners who so wish have access to personal guidance and mentoring for the definition, implementation and completion of their plans for personal development and social reintegration, which should continue following their release from prison; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Considers it a matter of priority to ensure that, in each detention centre, male and female prisoners who so wish have access to personal guidance and mentoring for the definition, implementation and completion of their plans for personal development and social reintegration, which should continue following their release from prison;

| 38. | Recalls the need to apply social assistance measures, during imprisonment and afterwards, aimed at preparing prisoners for and helping them with reintegration, in particular as regards finding accommodation and employment, so as to prevent social exclusion and repeat offences; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Recalls the need to apply social assistance measures, during imprisonment and afterwards, aimed at preparing prisoners for and helping them with reintegration, in particular as regards finding accommodation and employment, so as to prevent social exclusion and repeat offences;

| 39. | Underlines the importance of maintaining and promoting male and female prisoners' contact with the outside world, including through access to the written press and to the media and through communication with social assistance bodies, NGOs and cultural, artistic and other organisations approved by the prison authorities; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Underlines the importance of maintaining and promoting male and female prisoners' contact with the outside world, including through access to the written press and to the media and through communication with social assistance bodies, NGOs and cultural, artistic and other organisations approved by the prison authorities;

| 40. | Stresses that regular access for all prisoners to sports and recreational activities, and to artistic and cultural education opportunities, is crucial to maintaining their psychological well-being and improving their chances with regard to social reintegration; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Stresses that regular access for all prisoners to sports and recreational activities, and to artistic and cultural education opportunities, is crucial to maintaining their psychological well-being and improving their chances with regard to social reintegration;

| 41. | Asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the prison population in its action programme to combat social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the prison population in its action programme to combat social exclusion;

| 42. | Recommends that Member States should pay special attention to male and female prisoners of foreign nationality, in particular as regards linguistic and cultural differences, help these prisoners remain in contact with their relatives and grant them access to contact with their consulates, to prison resources and programmes, and to comprehensible information; also recommends that they should take into account the specificity of foreign women in the planning of prison activities, train agents for working in a multicultural context, both in and out of prison, and provide mediation services, both in and out of prison; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Recommends that Member States should pay special attention to male and female prisoners of foreign nationality, in particular as regards linguistic and cultural differences, help these prisoners remain in contact with their relatives and grant them access to contact with their consulates, to prison resources and programmes, and to comprehensible information; also recommends that they should take into account the specificity of foreign women in the planning of prison activities, train agents for working in a multicultural context, both in and out of prison, and provide mediation services, both in and out of prison;

| 43. | Asks Member States, in the context of social and professional reintegration, to take all measures necessary to incorporate into their national legislation provisions favouring the recruitment of female former prisoners, in particular mothers raising children alone and juvenile offenders, in both the public and private sector; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Asks Member States, in the context of social and professional reintegration, to take all measures necessary to incorporate into their national legislation provisions favouring the recruitment of female former prisoners, in particular mothers raising children alone and juvenile offenders, in both the public and private sector;

| 44. | Encourages Member States to exchange information and best practice in relation to prison conditions, in particular those for women, and in relation to the effectiveness of vocational training and social reintegration measures; considers it important, therefore, to encourage and finance the involvement of the authorities and actors on the ground in the creation of innovative programmes and best practices, as well as in national and international conferences and debates, as a means of providing motivation and generating positive cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Encourages Member States to exchange information and best practice in relation to prison conditions, in particular those for women, and in relation to the effectiveness of vocational training and social reintegration measures; considers it important, therefore, to encourage and finance the involvement of the authorities and actors on the ground in the creation of innovative programmes and best practices, as well as in national and international conferences and debates, as a means of providing motivation and generating positive cooperation;

| 45. | Asks the Commission, together with the Member States, to promote the carrying-out of prison-related research from a gender point of view and to fund studies on the causes of crime, the context in which offending behaviour occurs and the effectiveness of penal systems, with a view to improving the participation of prisoners, male and female, in social, family and working life;
  *
  ** |
| --- | --- |

45.

Asks the Commission, together with the Member States, to promote the carrying-out of prison-related research from a gender point of view and to fund studies on the causes of crime, the context in which offending behaviour occurs and the effectiveness of penal systems, with a view to improving the participation of prisoners, male and female, in social, family and working life;

*

**

| 46. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, and the parliaments and governments of the Member States and candidate countries. |
| --- | --- |

46.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, and the parliaments and governments of the Member States and candidate countries.

---

(1)  OJ C 303, 14.12.2007, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 158, 26.6.1989, p. 511.

(3)  OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 102.

(4)  OJ C 98, 9.4.1999, p. 299.

(5)  OJ C 102 E, 28.4.2004, p. 154.

(6)  Articles 1, 3, 5 and 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the first Basic Principle for the Treatment of Prisoners annexed to Resolution 45/111 of the United Nations General Assembly of 14 December 1990.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/57 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/57

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Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation

P6_TA(2008)0103

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation (2007/2182(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 8 March 2007 on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation (COM(2007)0100), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 8 March 2007 on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation (COM(2007)0100),

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, adopted on 14 May 2007 on ‘Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, adopted on 14 May 2007 on ‘Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development Cooperation’,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 806/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on promoting gender equality in development cooperation (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 806/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on promoting gender equality in development cooperation (1),

| — | having regard to Articles 2, 3(2), 137 and 141 of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 2, 3(2), 137 and 141 of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union proclaimed in 2000 (2) and, in particular, Article 23, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union proclaimed in 2000 (2) and, in particular, Article 23,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Convention of 18 December 1979 on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Convention of 18 December 1979 on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW),

| — | having regard to the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in September 1995, the Declaration and the Platform for Action adopted in Beijing as well as the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 and Beijing + 10 Special Sessions on further actions and initiatives to implement the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action adopted respectively on 9 June 2000 and on 11 March 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in September 1995, the Declaration and the Platform for Action adopted in Beijing as well as the subsequent outcome documents adopted at the United Nations Beijing + 5 and Beijing + 10 Special Sessions on further actions and initiatives to implement the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action adopted respectively on 9 June 2000 and on 11 March 2005,

| — | having regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted at the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in September 2000, and in particular the MDG on promoting gender equality and empowering women as a prerequisite for overcoming hunger, poverty and disease, reaching equality at all levels of education and in all areas of work, equal control over resources and equal representation in public and political life, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), adopted at the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in September 2000, and in particular the MDG on promoting gender equality and empowering women as a prerequisite for overcoming hunger, poverty and disease, reaching equality at all levels of education and in all areas of work, equal control over resources and equal representation in public and political life,

| — | having regard to the Commission Report on the ‘Millennium Development Goals 2000-2004’ (SEC(2004)1379), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Report on the ‘Millennium Development Goals 2000-2004’ (SEC(2004)1379),

| — | having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council of 16 and 17 December 2004, confirming the full commitment of the European Union to the MDGs and to policy coherence, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council of 16 and 17 December 2004, confirming the full commitment of the European Union to the MDGs and to policy coherence,

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 12 April 2005 on the role of the European Union in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (3) and of 20 June 2007 on the Millennium Development Goals — the midway point (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 12 April 2005 on the role of the European Union in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (3) and of 20 June 2007 on the Millennium Development Goals — the midway point (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 November 2005 on a development strategy for Africa (5), and of 25 October 2007 on the state of play of EU-Africa relations (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 November 2005 on a development strategy for Africa (5), and of 25 October 2007 on the state of play of EU-Africa relations (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 29 November 2007 on ‘Advancing African Agriculture’ (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 29 November 2007 on ‘Advancing African Agriculture’ (7),

| — | having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 adopted on 31 October 2000, on women, peace and security (UNSCR 1325 (2000)), in particular paragraph 1, which urges Member States ‘to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions [...]’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 adopted on 31 October 2000, on women, peace and security (UNSCR 1325 (2000)), in particular paragraph 1, which urges Member States ‘to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions [...]’,

| — | having regard to the Joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (The European Consensus on Development) signed on 20 December 2005 (8) and the European consensus on Humanitarian Aid of December 2007 (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission on European Union Development Policy: ‘The European Consensus’ (The European Consensus on Development) signed on 20 December 2005 (8) and the European consensus on Humanitarian Aid of December 2007 (9),

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (10) as amended by the Agreement amending the Partnership Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (11)(the Cotonou Agreement), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (10) as amended by the Agreement amending the Partnership Agreement signed in Luxembourg on 25 June 2005 (11)(the Cotonou Agreement),

| — | having regard to the Rome Declaration on Harmonization, adopted on 25 February 2003 following the High Level Forum on Harmonization, and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, endorsed on 2 March 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Rome Declaration on Harmonization, adopted on 25 February 2003 following the High Level Forum on Harmonization, and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, endorsed on 2 March 2005,

| — | having regard to the International Conference on Development Funding held in Monterrey in March 2002, and to the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in September 2002, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the International Conference on Development Funding held in Monterrey in March 2002, and to the World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in September 2002,

| — | having regard to the final report adopted in March 2005 at the 49th session of the UN General Assembly Commission on the Status of Women, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the final report adopted in March 2005 at the 49th session of the UN General Assembly Commission on the Status of Women,

| — | having regard to the UN Development Programme report entitled ‘En Route to Equality’ dating from 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Development Programme report entitled ‘En Route to Equality’ dating from 2006,

| — | having regard to the reports of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the State of World Population of 2005 and 2006, entitled ‘The Promise of Equality: Gender Equity, Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals'’and ‘A Passage to Hope: Women and International Migration’ respectively, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reports of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on the State of World Population of 2005 and 2006, entitled ‘The Promise of Equality: Gender Equity, Reproductive Health and the Millennium Development Goals'’and ‘A Passage to Hope: Women and International Migration’ respectively,

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (12) (DCI), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (12) (DCI),

| — | having regard to the statistics based on the reporting by Members of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the Gender Equality Policy Marker 2004-2005, published in June 2007 and to the OECD 2006 Gender Equality and Aid Delivery Report, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statistics based on the reporting by Members of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the Gender Equality Policy Marker 2004-2005, published in June 2007 and to the OECD 2006 Gender Equality and Aid Delivery Report,

| — | having regard to the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs of March 2000, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs of March 2000,

| — | having regard to the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, also known as the ‘Maputo Protocol’, which came into force on 26 October 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, also known as the ‘Maputo Protocol’, which came into force on 26 October 2005,

| — | having regard to the Council Conclusions of 5 and 6 December 2007 on the review of the implementation by the Member States and the EU institutions of the Beijing Platform for Action and, in particular, the accompanying report drawn up by the Portuguese Presidency containing indicators on women and poverty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council Conclusions of 5 and 6 December 2007 on the review of the implementation by the Member States and the EU institutions of the Beijing Platform for Action and, in particular, the accompanying report drawn up by the Portuguese Presidency containing indicators on women and poverty,

| — | having regard to the UN International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in September 1994, the Programme of Action adopted in Cairo, as well as the subsequent outcome documents adopted in 1999 at the UN Cairo+5 special session on further actions to implement the Programme for Action, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo in September 1994, the Programme of Action adopted in Cairo, as well as the subsequent outcome documents adopted in 1999 at the UN Cairo+5 special session on further actions to implement the Programme for Action,

| — | having regard to the Brussels Call to Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond (June 2006), |
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—

having regard to the Brussels Call to Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond (June 2006),

| — | having regard to the Maputo Plan of Action for the Operationalisation of the Continental Policy Framework for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights 2007-2010, adopted at the special session of the African Union in September 2006, |
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—

having regard to the Maputo Plan of Action for the Operationalisation of the Continental Policy Framework for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights 2007-2010, adopted at the special session of the African Union in September 2006,

| — | having regard to the Brussels Framework for Action and Recommendations on Health for Sustainable Development, adopted by the health ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States in Brussels in October 2007, |
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—

having regard to the Brussels Framework for Action and Recommendations on Health for Sustainable Development, adopted by the health ministers of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States in Brussels in October 2007,

| — | having regard to the Declaration on ‘Gender equality: a core issue in a changing society’ and the corresponding Action Programme adopted at the 5th European Ministerial Council, |
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—

having regard to the Declaration on ‘Gender equality: a core issue in a changing society’ and the corresponding Action Programme adopted at the 5th European Ministerial Council,

| — | having regard to the Ministerial Declaration of the Conference of Ministers of Gender Equality held in Luxembourg on 4 February 2005, |
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—

having regard to the Ministerial Declaration of the Conference of Ministers of Gender Equality held in Luxembourg on 4 February 2005,

| — | having regard to Decision 14/04 of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), adopted on 7 December 2004 in Sofia, on the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality, |
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—

having regard to Decision 14/04 of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), adopted on 7 December 2004 in Sofia, on the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality,

| — | having regard to the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2015, |
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—

having regard to the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality 2005-2015,

| — | having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0035/2008), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0035/2008),

| A. | whereas the Vienna Declaration, adopted on 25 June 1993 by the UN World Conference on Human Rights, states that ‘The human rights of women and of the girl-child are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights’, |
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A.

whereas the Vienna Declaration, adopted on 25 June 1993 by the UN World Conference on Human Rights, states that ‘The human rights of women and of the girl-child are an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal human rights’,

| B. | whereas the European Consensus on Development identifies gender equality as a common principle, stating that ‘the EU will include a strong gender component in all its policies and practices in its relations with developing countries’ (Part I — Article 19), and the Cotonou Agreement clearly underlines the value of gender equality, affirming that ‘cooperation shall help improve the access of women to all resources required for the full exercise of their fundamental rights’ (Article 31), |
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B.

whereas the European Consensus on Development identifies gender equality as a common principle, stating that ‘the EU will include a strong gender component in all its policies and practices in its relations with developing countries’ (Part I — Article 19), and the Cotonou Agreement clearly underlines the value of gender equality, affirming that ‘cooperation shall help improve the access of women to all resources required for the full exercise of their fundamental rights’ (Article 31),

| C. | whereas the UN General Assembly has included universal access to reproductive health by 2015 as a sub-goal in the list of MDGs, |
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C.

whereas the UN General Assembly has included universal access to reproductive health by 2015 as a sub-goal in the list of MDGs,

| D. | whereas the Beijing Platform for Action endorsed gender mainstreaming as an effective strategy to promote gender equality and stated that governments and other players ‘should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programmes, so that before decisions are taken an analysis is made of the effects on women and men respectively’, |
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D.

whereas the Beijing Platform for Action endorsed gender mainstreaming as an effective strategy to promote gender equality and stated that governments and other players ‘should promote an active and visible policy of mainstreaming a gender perspective in all policies and programmes, so that before decisions are taken an analysis is made of the effects on women and men respectively’,

| E. | whereas approximately two thirds of the world's work is undertaken by women and girls, with a return of less than 5 % of the income; whereas women's labour produces half of the world's food and almost 74 % of non-employed women are primarily engaged in housework and family care at home, compared with 27 % of unemployed men, |
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E.

whereas approximately two thirds of the world's work is undertaken by women and girls, with a return of less than 5 % of the income; whereas women's labour produces half of the world's food and almost 74 % of non-employed women are primarily engaged in housework and family care at home, compared with 27 % of unemployed men,

| F. | whereas 70 % of the 1,3 billion people living in absolute poverty are women and poverty is not only a symptom but also a cause of the unequal distribution of income, property, resources, market power and power of disposal over property; whereas the EU is promoting gender equality and women's rights in its development cooperation through the twin-track approach of gender mainstreaming and specific actions targeting the promotion of women's rights and the empowerment of women, |
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F.

whereas 70 % of the 1,3 billion people living in absolute poverty are women and poverty is not only a symptom but also a cause of the unequal distribution of income, property, resources, market power and power of disposal over property; whereas the EU is promoting gender equality and women's rights in its development cooperation through the twin-track approach of gender mainstreaming and specific actions targeting the promotion of women's rights and the empowerment of women,

| G. | whereas economic growth is essential to combating poverty, but is not in itself sufficient, because it does not generate enough new opportunities to establish businesses and create jobs, |
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G.

whereas economic growth is essential to combating poverty, but is not in itself sufficient, because it does not generate enough new opportunities to establish businesses and create jobs,

| H. | whereas gender inequalities tend to lead to further inequalities, with negative consequences for women's well-being, their families, their communities and their personal development potential, |
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H.

whereas gender inequalities tend to lead to further inequalities, with negative consequences for women's well-being, their families, their communities and their personal development potential,

| I. | whereas, in most countries, gender-related actions are not regarded as a high priority, gender being seen as a subsidiary issue and cultural, religious and socio-economic practices being used as excuses for obstructing progress in the area of gender equality and women's rights, |
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I.

whereas, in most countries, gender-related actions are not regarded as a high priority, gender being seen as a subsidiary issue and cultural, religious and socio-economic practices being used as excuses for obstructing progress in the area of gender equality and women's rights,

| J. | whereas it has been proved that empowering women accelerates the meeting of all the other MDGs in reducing poverty and improving demographic, social and economic indicators, |
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J.

whereas it has been proved that empowering women accelerates the meeting of all the other MDGs in reducing poverty and improving demographic, social and economic indicators,

| K. | whereas gender mainstreaming can help societies to become more fair and democratic, where women and men are considered equal in all aspects of life, but does not replace specific equality policies and positive actions as part of a dual approach to achieving the goal of gender equality, |
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K.

whereas gender mainstreaming can help societies to become more fair and democratic, where women and men are considered equal in all aspects of life, but does not replace specific equality policies and positive actions as part of a dual approach to achieving the goal of gender equality,

| L. | whereas early education and training for girls and women (including comprehensive sex education) are crucial in the fight to eradicate poverty and widespread disease, ensuring that women increase their knowledge, skills and confidence in order to fully participate in society and politics, |
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L.

whereas early education and training for girls and women (including comprehensive sex education) are crucial in the fight to eradicate poverty and widespread disease, ensuring that women increase their knowledge, skills and confidence in order to fully participate in society and politics,

| M. | whereas women's full enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health and rights is a prerequisite for achieving gender equality, as the ability of women to control their own fertility is fundamental to their empowerment and because women who can plan their families can also plan the rest of their lives, as healthy women can be more productive and because the protection of reproductive rights — such as planning their family in terms of birth timing and spacing and decision-making regarding reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence — provides the freedom to participate more fully and equally in society, |
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M.

whereas women's full enjoyment of their sexual and reproductive health and rights is a prerequisite for achieving gender equality, as the ability of women to control their own fertility is fundamental to their empowerment and because women who can plan their families can also plan the rest of their lives, as healthy women can be more productive and because the protection of reproductive rights — such as planning their family in terms of birth timing and spacing and decision-making regarding reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence — provides the freedom to participate more fully and equally in society,

| N. | whereas it is crucial to provide financial and technical support to women's organisations in order to promote programmes for the most vulnerable members of the population, including migrant, internally displaced and refugee women, in particular the supply of equipment and appropriate technology for food processing and workload alleviation, the facilitation of women's access to land, and improving girls' access to and attendance at schools, |
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N.

whereas it is crucial to provide financial and technical support to women's organisations in order to promote programmes for the most vulnerable members of the population, including migrant, internally displaced and refugee women, in particular the supply of equipment and appropriate technology for food processing and workload alleviation, the facilitation of women's access to land, and improving girls' access to and attendance at schools,

| O. | whereas women are vulnerable to marital discrimination and to discrimination in terms of access to immovable property and land ownership as well as access to, and control over, resources, |
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O.

whereas women are vulnerable to marital discrimination and to discrimination in terms of access to immovable property and land ownership as well as access to, and control over, resources,

| P. | whereas many women are denied access to basic health care services, education at all levels, economic independence, careers and participation in decision-making processes, |
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P.

whereas many women are denied access to basic health care services, education at all levels, economic independence, careers and participation in decision-making processes,

| Q. | whereas, in certain cultures, traditional and religious prejudices still exist, restricting and discriminating girls' and young women's access to education, |
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Q.

whereas, in certain cultures, traditional and religious prejudices still exist, restricting and discriminating girls' and young women's access to education,

| R. | whereas at least 130 million women have been forced to undergo female genital mutilation or other violent traditional practices and another 2 million are at risk each year from these grave violations of their physical integrity and their human rights, |
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R.

whereas at least 130 million women have been forced to undergo female genital mutilation or other violent traditional practices and another 2 million are at risk each year from these grave violations of their physical integrity and their human rights,

| S. | whereas women migrants are more exposed to forced labour and sexual exploitation than men and are also more likely to accept precarious working conditions, |
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S.

whereas women migrants are more exposed to forced labour and sexual exploitation than men and are also more likely to accept precarious working conditions,

| T. | whereas, in post-conflict countries undergoing processes of reconstruction and reintegration, institutional mechanisms and commitments to gender equality are effective first steps toward protecting and promoting women's rights; whereas the involvement of all relevant actors, such as governments and political representatives, NGOs, civil society groups and academics, as well as the direct participation of women's groups and networks, is the essential pre-condition for achieving shared and sustainable development, |
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T.

whereas, in post-conflict countries undergoing processes of reconstruction and reintegration, institutional mechanisms and commitments to gender equality are effective first steps toward protecting and promoting women's rights; whereas the involvement of all relevant actors, such as governments and political representatives, NGOs, civil society groups and academics, as well as the direct participation of women's groups and networks, is the essential pre-condition for achieving shared and sustainable development,

| U. | whereas, in sub-Saharan Africa, 57 per cent of adults with HIV/AIDS are women, and young women aged 15 to 24 are more than three times as likely to be infected as young men, |
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U.

whereas, in sub-Saharan Africa, 57 per cent of adults with HIV/AIDS are women, and young women aged 15 to 24 are more than three times as likely to be infected as young men,

| V. | whereas there is an information gap between men and women on the ways of transmitting HIV/AIDS and on preventive measures that is reinforced by a climate of discrimination and gender-based violence; whereas sexual and reproductive health education and information and access to reproductive health services are the best guarantees for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, |
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V.

whereas there is an information gap between men and women on the ways of transmitting HIV/AIDS and on preventive measures that is reinforced by a climate of discrimination and gender-based violence; whereas sexual and reproductive health education and information and access to reproductive health services are the best guarantees for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,

| W. | whereas each year there are still 536 000 maternal deaths (95 % of which occur in Africa and Asia) and for every woman who dies 20 or more experience serious complications, ranging from chronic infections to disabling injuries such as obstetric fistula, which could be easily avoided if there were universal access to basic and emergency obstetric care and reproductive health services, |
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W.

whereas each year there are still 536 000 maternal deaths (95 % of which occur in Africa and Asia) and for every woman who dies 20 or more experience serious complications, ranging from chronic infections to disabling injuries such as obstetric fistula, which could be easily avoided if there were universal access to basic and emergency obstetric care and reproductive health services,

| X. | whereas, according to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute, there is a clear link between the nutritional situation of children and the degree of authority exercised by women in the household, and women whose status is low and who have no say in family affairs are more likely to be malnourished themselves; whereas better nutrition could prevent a large proportion of child deaths and would help to attain the MDG of reducing child mortality rates, |
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X.

whereas, according to a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute, there is a clear link between the nutritional situation of children and the degree of authority exercised by women in the household, and women whose status is low and who have no say in family affairs are more likely to be malnourished themselves; whereas better nutrition could prevent a large proportion of child deaths and would help to attain the MDG of reducing child mortality rates,

| Y. | whereas the efficiency of some projects hitherto implemented has been hampered by weaknesses specific to various countries: fragile local and national administrative authorities, corrupt governments and a lack of expertise and trained personnel to deal with the problems relating to women's empowerment and gender equality, |
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Y.

whereas the efficiency of some projects hitherto implemented has been hampered by weaknesses specific to various countries: fragile local and national administrative authorities, corrupt governments and a lack of expertise and trained personnel to deal with the problems relating to women's empowerment and gender equality,

| Z. | whereas an increased risk of natural disasters and local and/or regional resource degradation processes has a disproportionately severe impact on disadvantaged population groups, |
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Z.

whereas an increased risk of natural disasters and local and/or regional resource degradation processes has a disproportionately severe impact on disadvantaged population groups,

| 1. | Welcomes the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation which it regards as a further step in the Programme of Action for the Mainstreaming of Gender Equality in Community Development Cooperation for the period 2001 to 2006; |
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1.

Welcomes the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation which it regards as a further step in the Programme of Action for the Mainstreaming of Gender Equality in Community Development Cooperation for the period 2001 to 2006;

| 2. | Deplores the fact that, since the Council, in its resolution of 20 December 1995, first declared consideration of the gender perspective in development cooperation to be a principle underpinning the development policy of the Community and the Member States, not enough has been done in practice; |
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2.

Deplores the fact that, since the Council, in its resolution of 20 December 1995, first declared consideration of the gender perspective in development cooperation to be a principle underpinning the development policy of the Community and the Member States, not enough has been done in practice;

| 3. | Points out that people's understanding of the role of women in post-war societies and of their contributions to post-war reconstruction must go beyond the universalistic narrative of ‘women's experience of war’ and that the specificity and diversity of women's experiences must be acknowledged; |
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3.

Points out that people's understanding of the role of women in post-war societies and of their contributions to post-war reconstruction must go beyond the universalistic narrative of ‘women's experience of war’ and that the specificity and diversity of women's experiences must be acknowledged;

| 4. | Deplores the fact that most DCI Country Strategy Papers refer to gender as a cross-cutting area, without indicating any specific gender-related targets or activities; strongly calls for gender-specific targets and activities to be included in future strategies; |
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4.

Deplores the fact that most DCI Country Strategy Papers refer to gender as a cross-cutting area, without indicating any specific gender-related targets or activities; strongly calls for gender-specific targets and activities to be included in future strategies;

| 5. | Welcomes the Commission's call for the EU to support third countries in complying with and implementing international obligations, such as CEDAW, the Cairo Programme of Action, the Beijing Platform for Action, and UN Millennium Declaration; |
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5.

Welcomes the Commission's call for the EU to support third countries in complying with and implementing international obligations, such as CEDAW, the Cairo Programme of Action, the Beijing Platform for Action, and UN Millennium Declaration;

| 6. | Endorses the Commission's view that the funding made available to support the integration of gender equality issues into development cooperation is insignificant when compared with the resources earmarked for other horizontal measures; regrets that only 5 % of the DCI funds for the thematic programme ‘Investing in People’ (2007-2013) are allocated to gender equality and that regional and country strategy papers do not give an overview of budget allocation to gender equality since gender is only mentioned as a cross-cutting issue and thus no financial details are provided; |
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6.

Endorses the Commission's view that the funding made available to support the integration of gender equality issues into development cooperation is insignificant when compared with the resources earmarked for other horizontal measures; regrets that only 5 % of the DCI funds for the thematic programme ‘Investing in People’ (2007-2013) are allocated to gender equality and that regional and country strategy papers do not give an overview of budget allocation to gender equality since gender is only mentioned as a cross-cutting issue and thus no financial details are provided;

| 7. | Expresses concern regarding the Commission's new aid architecture, which gives preference to budget support, since this can bring additional difficulties in the assessment of gender equality progress; |
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7.

Expresses concern regarding the Commission's new aid architecture, which gives preference to budget support, since this can bring additional difficulties in the assessment of gender equality progress;

| 8. | Commends the general approach of the Commission as a good basis on which the EU and the Member States could factor gender issues into their development cooperation programmes in order to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women as the main instrument for enhancing human rights and combating poverty, but notes that there is room for improvement, especially in the analysis of data, so that measures which could harm the position of women can be avoided; |
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8.

Commends the general approach of the Commission as a good basis on which the EU and the Member States could factor gender issues into their development cooperation programmes in order to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women as the main instrument for enhancing human rights and combating poverty, but notes that there is room for improvement, especially in the analysis of data, so that measures which could harm the position of women can be avoided;

| 9. | Believes that the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in development cooperation policies depends on sensitivity to gender issues on the part of the Member States and EU institutions involved; believes that this implies that achieving the goals in the Roadmap for equality between women and men 2006-2010 (COM(2006)0092) within the EU is a necessary pre-condition for efficient gender mainstreaming in development cooperation; |
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9.

Believes that the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in development cooperation policies depends on sensitivity to gender issues on the part of the Member States and EU institutions involved; believes that this implies that achieving the goals in the Roadmap for equality between women and men 2006-2010 (COM(2006)0092) within the EU is a necessary pre-condition for efficient gender mainstreaming in development cooperation;

| 10. | Stresses the need to focus not only on women, but also on gender relations, especially social relations between men and women that generate and perpetuate gender inequalities; believes that as a consequence, projects should target men as well as women; |
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10.

Stresses the need to focus not only on women, but also on gender relations, especially social relations between men and women that generate and perpetuate gender inequalities; believes that as a consequence, projects should target men as well as women;

| 11. | Emphasises that globalisation processes should offer poor countries new opportunities and take into account women's specific needs, as women are often unskilled workers and therefore socially disadvantaged; |
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11.

Emphasises that globalisation processes should offer poor countries new opportunities and take into account women's specific needs, as women are often unskilled workers and therefore socially disadvantaged;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to put forward practical proposals as to how, in the context of an increasingly globalised world, jobs and livelihoods can be created for the large numbers of unskilled women in developing countries; |
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12.

Calls on the Commission to put forward practical proposals as to how, in the context of an increasingly globalised world, jobs and livelihoods can be created for the large numbers of unskilled women in developing countries;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take action in development cooperation with concrete and measurable effects on gender relations, amending laws, institutions and existing patriarchal patterns, increasing budgetary resources and improving social and economic conditions for women; |
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13.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take action in development cooperation with concrete and measurable effects on gender relations, amending laws, institutions and existing patriarchal patterns, increasing budgetary resources and improving social and economic conditions for women;

| 14. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission, as employers in developing countries, to take account of the principle of work consistent with human dignity by increasing wages in accordance with Recommendation 135 of the International Labour Organization, of 22 June 1970, concerning minimum wage fixing, with special reference to developing countries; |
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14.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission, as employers in developing countries, to take account of the principle of work consistent with human dignity by increasing wages in accordance with Recommendation 135 of the International Labour Organization, of 22 June 1970, concerning minimum wage fixing, with special reference to developing countries;

| 15. | Welcomes the proposals to promote the protection of the labour and civil rights of casual workers and to promote the participation of women in trade union movements in order to better mitigate the difficulties women face at work; |
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15.

Welcomes the proposals to promote the protection of the labour and civil rights of casual workers and to promote the participation of women in trade union movements in order to better mitigate the difficulties women face at work;

| 16. | Urges the Commission, when drawing up development cooperation policies, to support measures to strengthen the legal status of women, further promoting equal access to decent work as well as fundamental human and social rights, and paying particular attention to the increasing number of migrant women and their increasing vulnerability, so that women do not become the new exploited class of society; |
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16.

Urges the Commission, when drawing up development cooperation policies, to support measures to strengthen the legal status of women, further promoting equal access to decent work as well as fundamental human and social rights, and paying particular attention to the increasing number of migrant women and their increasing vulnerability, so that women do not become the new exploited class of society;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to evaluate the potential effect of Economic Partnership Agreements from the gender perspective; |
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17.

Calls on the Commission to evaluate the potential effect of Economic Partnership Agreements from the gender perspective;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure coherence between development cooperation policy and other Community policies (such as trade policy and agriculture policy) in order to prevent adverse inter-policy interference, especially as regards measures designed to empower women; |
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18.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure coherence between development cooperation policy and other Community policies (such as trade policy and agriculture policy) in order to prevent adverse inter-policy interference, especially as regards measures designed to empower women;

| 19. | Points out that the ability of women to influence the development of their own lives is contingent on their education; emphasises the importance of gender-sensitive education programmes targeting both women and men; |
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19.

Points out that the ability of women to influence the development of their own lives is contingent on their education; emphasises the importance of gender-sensitive education programmes targeting both women and men;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to undertake a gender analysis at every stage of policy design, implementation and evaluation so as to ensure that all forms of gender-based discrimination are eliminated and so as to protect and promote women's human rights; |
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20.

Calls on the Commission to undertake a gender analysis at every stage of policy design, implementation and evaluation so as to ensure that all forms of gender-based discrimination are eliminated and so as to protect and promote women's human rights;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission to carry out an assessment of the consequences that the new aid modalities have had on the situation of women, taking into account the fact that the focus on women and gender equality has lessened, partly as a result of this new development trend; |
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21.

Calls on the Commission to carry out an assessment of the consequences that the new aid modalities have had on the situation of women, taking into account the fact that the focus on women and gender equality has lessened, partly as a result of this new development trend;

| 22. | Welcomes the Commission's call for gender-sensitive performance indicators to be developed and calls for the inclusion of such indicators in all DCI and European Development Fund Country Strategy Papers as well as in the assessment of outcomes during mid-term and final reviews of such strategies; calls on the Commission to develop low cost, transparent and readily interpretable parameters in the form of quantitatively measurable and qualitative indicators so that it can assess progress towards equality and the empowerment for women regularly and effectively; invites the Commission, in dialogues with third countries, to raise awareness of the importance of gender-aggregated and comparable data; supports the gender disaggregated indicators in the Annex (part VII) (SEC(2007)0332) to the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation as a good basis to develop a comprehensive instruments to measure results; |
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22.

Welcomes the Commission's call for gender-sensitive performance indicators to be developed and calls for the inclusion of such indicators in all DCI and European Development Fund Country Strategy Papers as well as in the assessment of outcomes during mid-term and final reviews of such strategies; calls on the Commission to develop low cost, transparent and readily interpretable parameters in the form of quantitatively measurable and qualitative indicators so that it can assess progress towards equality and the empowerment for women regularly and effectively; invites the Commission, in dialogues with third countries, to raise awareness of the importance of gender-aggregated and comparable data; supports the gender disaggregated indicators in the Annex (part VII) (SEC(2007)0332) to the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation as a good basis to develop a comprehensive instruments to measure results;

| 23. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission's strategy takes into account the phenomenon of gender-based violence; |
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23.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission's strategy takes into account the phenomenon of gender-based violence;

| 24. | Stresses that violence against women is not only a women's issue and that it needs an approach that focuses on men as well as on women; while welcoming programmes addressing female victims, urges the Commission and the Member States to develop programmes addressing male abusers, thus addressing the causes and not merely the effects of this phenomenon; |
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24.

Stresses that violence against women is not only a women's issue and that it needs an approach that focuses on men as well as on women; while welcoming programmes addressing female victims, urges the Commission and the Member States to develop programmes addressing male abusers, thus addressing the causes and not merely the effects of this phenomenon;

| 25. | Welcomes the Commission's initiative of raising awareness of violence against women by means of increased media coverage of the issue and the training of military, law-enforcement and judicial personnel; urges, however, that more attention be paid to measures targeting trafficking in human beings, torture and harmful traditional practices, with an emphasis on female genital mutilation, honour crimes and early and forced marriage, and insists on increasing the number of female personnel in institutions which directly assist victims of these practices; |
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25.

Welcomes the Commission's initiative of raising awareness of violence against women by means of increased media coverage of the issue and the training of military, law-enforcement and judicial personnel; urges, however, that more attention be paid to measures targeting trafficking in human beings, torture and harmful traditional practices, with an emphasis on female genital mutilation, honour crimes and early and forced marriage, and insists on increasing the number of female personnel in institutions which directly assist victims of these practices;

| 26. | Welcomes the fact that the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation highlights the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS infection among women; believes that an express call to the Members States to meet the financial commitments they have made in this field should have been issued; |
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26.

Welcomes the fact that the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation highlights the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS infection among women; believes that an express call to the Members States to meet the financial commitments they have made in this field should have been issued;

| 27. | Invites the Commission and the Member States to develop specific, time-limited and measurable commitments — backed by the allocation of adequate resources — to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support for all women and girls by 2010; |
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27.

Invites the Commission and the Member States to develop specific, time-limited and measurable commitments — backed by the allocation of adequate resources — to achieve universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support for all women and girls by 2010;

| 28. | Welcomes the strong reaffirmation of the linkage between HIV/AIDS policies and programmes and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies and services in the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation; |
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28.

Welcomes the strong reaffirmation of the linkage between HIV/AIDS policies and programmes and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) policies and services in the above-mentioned Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to strengthen its political leadership role in SRHR policies and to increase funding for SRHR, in order to help countries to achieve the MDGs, in particular the goal of universal access to reproductive health under the MDG on improving maternal health (MDG 5), and to address currently neglected women's SRHR issues, such as obstetric and traumatic fistula; |
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29.

Calls on the Commission to strengthen its political leadership role in SRHR policies and to increase funding for SRHR, in order to help countries to achieve the MDGs, in particular the goal of universal access to reproductive health under the MDG on improving maternal health (MDG 5), and to address currently neglected women's SRHR issues, such as obstetric and traumatic fistula;

| 30. | Points out that the discrimination suffered by women and girls increases their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, since their low social status makes it difficult for them to take their own decisions on matters relating to sexuality; |
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30.

Points out that the discrimination suffered by women and girls increases their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, since their low social status makes it difficult for them to take their own decisions on matters relating to sexuality;

| 31. | Deplores in the strongest possible terms the virtual chattel status of women trapped under Sharia law, and regards this oppression as representing the diametric opposite of every principle which Parliament holds to be of paramount importance; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Deplores in the strongest possible terms the virtual chattel status of women trapped under Sharia law, and regards this oppression as representing the diametric opposite of every principle which Parliament holds to be of paramount importance;

| 32. | Welcomes the fact that the above-mentioned Annex to the Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation recognises the importance of supporting research into microbicides and vaccines (which are the most promising technologies for women) and calls on the EU to further ensure the inclusion of HIV/AIDS vaccines and microbicides research and development within the broader development and gender equality agendas; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Welcomes the fact that the above-mentioned Annex to the Commission Communication on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Development Cooperation recognises the importance of supporting research into microbicides and vaccines (which are the most promising technologies for women) and calls on the EU to further ensure the inclusion of HIV/AIDS vaccines and microbicides research and development within the broader development and gender equality agendas;

| 33. | Considers that empowering women by ensuring full access to sexual and reproductive health information, services and supplies puts them in a better position to negotiate safe sex and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS; supports the measures proposed by the Commission to protect women from STDs, especially the financial support for the development of microbicides and vaccines and the measures proposed relating to reproductive health and rights; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that empowering women by ensuring full access to sexual and reproductive health information, services and supplies puts them in a better position to negotiate safe sex and protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS; supports the measures proposed by the Commission to protect women from STDs, especially the financial support for the development of microbicides and vaccines and the measures proposed relating to reproductive health and rights;

| 34. | Encourages the Member States to promote the inclusion of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) within the package of comprehensive approaches to combating HIV/AIDS; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Encourages the Member States to promote the inclusion of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) within the package of comprehensive approaches to combating HIV/AIDS;

| 35. | Emphasises the importance of putting women at the centre of water supply, sanitation and hygiene policy,and emphasises, therefore, the importance of increasing access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and water for productive uses; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Emphasises the importance of putting women at the centre of water supply, sanitation and hygiene policy,and emphasises, therefore, the importance of increasing access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and water for productive uses;

| 36. | Strongly criticises the fact that measures to combat traditional practices involving violence against women are not part of the Commission's strategy; condemns any legal, cultural and religious practices that discriminate against women, exclude them from political and public life and segregate them in their daily lives, as well as those that condone rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, unequal rights in divorce proceedings, honour killings, any obligation on women to observe specific dress codes against their will, harassment for not conforming to gender-related norms or rules, trafficking and forced labour; urges the Commission and the Member States to combat these practices in development cooperation policies; calls on the Commission to make strenuous efforts to support information and advocacy programmes that raise public awareness and change the climate of public opinion in country programming and to make the measures that are taken to fight against all forms of violence against women, including traditional harmful practices, a criterion of good governance of partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Strongly criticises the fact that measures to combat traditional practices involving violence against women are not part of the Commission's strategy; condemns any legal, cultural and religious practices that discriminate against women, exclude them from political and public life and segregate them in their daily lives, as well as those that condone rape, domestic violence, forced marriage, unequal rights in divorce proceedings, honour killings, any obligation on women to observe specific dress codes against their will, harassment for not conforming to gender-related norms or rules, trafficking and forced labour; urges the Commission and the Member States to combat these practices in development cooperation policies; calls on the Commission to make strenuous efforts to support information and advocacy programmes that raise public awareness and change the climate of public opinion in country programming and to make the measures that are taken to fight against all forms of violence against women, including traditional harmful practices, a criterion of good governance of partner countries;

| 37. | Notes with alarm the Report of the UNFPA on the State of the World Population last year, according to which there is a global deficit of 60 000 000 women in the world, and that these ‘missing’ females have been prenatally sex-selected, aborted, and infanticised out of existence; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Notes with alarm the Report of the UNFPA on the State of the World Population last year, according to which there is a global deficit of 60 000 000 women in the world, and that these ‘missing’ females have been prenatally sex-selected, aborted, and infanticised out of existence;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement the Brussels Call for Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to implement the Brussels Call for Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond;

| 39. | Urges the Commission to make SRHR in crises and conflict areas, including the fight against sexual violence, a priority in the humanitarian phase as well as in post-war reconstruction; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Urges the Commission to make SRHR in crises and conflict areas, including the fight against sexual violence, a priority in the humanitarian phase as well as in post-war reconstruction;

| 40. | Stresses the need to complement the image of women as vulnerable victims with an image of women as a highly differentiated group of social actors, who possess valuable resources and capacities and who have their own agendas; women influence the course of events, and they must shape the development process; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Stresses the need to complement the image of women as vulnerable victims with an image of women as a highly differentiated group of social actors, who possess valuable resources and capacities and who have their own agendas; women influence the course of events, and they must shape the development process;

| 41. | Considers that the participation of women in decision-making processes at all levels is a necessary condition for good governance and welcomes all kinds of support measures, such as incentives to meet quotas, support for women's movements and organisations and the active promotion of women's rights in the Country Strategy Papers; reiterates the need to increase the role of women in political decision-making and to ensure the full participation and involvement of women in all efforts for the promotion of peace and conflict resolution; furthermore, supports the recommendations of UNSCR 1325 (2000); |
| --- | --- |

41.

Considers that the participation of women in decision-making processes at all levels is a necessary condition for good governance and welcomes all kinds of support measures, such as incentives to meet quotas, support for women's movements and organisations and the active promotion of women's rights in the Country Strategy Papers; reiterates the need to increase the role of women in political decision-making and to ensure the full participation and involvement of women in all efforts for the promotion of peace and conflict resolution; furthermore, supports the recommendations of UNSCR 1325 (2000);

| 42. | Calls on the EU to increase efforts aimed at implementing UNSCR 1325 (2000), which calls for an increased participation of women at all decision-making levels in conflict resolution and peace processes; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the EU to increase efforts aimed at implementing UNSCR 1325 (2000), which calls for an increased participation of women at all decision-making levels in conflict resolution and peace processes;

| 43. | Stresses that rape has been used as a weapon of war and that this phenomenon needs to be addressed through support programmes for victims; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses that rape has been used as a weapon of war and that this phenomenon needs to be addressed through support programmes for victims;

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to make strenuous efforts to take full account of gender equality in country programming; stresses that considerable work is still needed to incorporate gender equality as a horizontal task into the day-to-day practice of EU development cooperation; calls on the Commission to pursue gender balance within Commission delegations by appointing more women, including in top positions such as Head of Delegation; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on the Commission to make strenuous efforts to take full account of gender equality in country programming; stresses that considerable work is still needed to incorporate gender equality as a horizontal task into the day-to-day practice of EU development cooperation; calls on the Commission to pursue gender balance within Commission delegations by appointing more women, including in top positions such as Head of Delegation;

| 45. | Emphasises the potential of micro-credit as a tool that development cooperation policies can use to promote the development of local communities and women's empowerment; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Emphasises the potential of micro-credit as a tool that development cooperation policies can use to promote the development of local communities and women's empowerment;

| 46. | Calls on the Commission to develop policies that encourage women to form self help groups and set up on their own and, in collaboration with international organisations (such as Finance PlaNet), to expand the micro-finance network so that more women can take out loans in order to improve their economic status; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Commission to develop policies that encourage women to form self help groups and set up on their own and, in collaboration with international organisations (such as Finance PlaNet), to expand the micro-finance network so that more women can take out loans in order to improve their economic status;

| 47. | Calls on the Commission to provide clear information on available mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the present strategy, including monitoring the financial and human resources that will be allocated to ensure its effective implementation; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Commission to provide clear information on available mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the present strategy, including monitoring the financial and human resources that will be allocated to ensure its effective implementation;

| 48. | Points out that at national level, gender equality is more likely to be achieved if there are sufficient financial resources and qualified gender-equality specialists, especially local specialists, as part of project teams; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Points out that at national level, gender equality is more likely to be achieved if there are sufficient financial resources and qualified gender-equality specialists, especially local specialists, as part of project teams;

| 49. | Urges the Commission to give their staff members working in development countries training in gender issues; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Urges the Commission to give their staff members working in development countries training in gender issues;

| 50. | Welcomes the measures proposed by the Commission in the field of education, considering that women's empowerment through an increased level of education improves the situation of both women and their children; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Welcomes the measures proposed by the Commission in the field of education, considering that women's empowerment through an increased level of education improves the situation of both women and their children;

| 51. | Stresses the need to further promote access to education and vocational training at all levels for girls, in order to prevent early ‘dropout’, and to support education policies that are equitable and of a high standard, by providing teachers with training in gender issues and supporting reform of the curriculum to include gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and women's empowerment issues, as in a majority of developing countries girls continue to face discrimination with regard to access to education; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Stresses the need to further promote access to education and vocational training at all levels for girls, in order to prevent early ‘dropout’, and to support education policies that are equitable and of a high standard, by providing teachers with training in gender issues and supporting reform of the curriculum to include gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and women's empowerment issues, as in a majority of developing countries girls continue to face discrimination with regard to access to education;

| 52. | Points out that the strategy in the area of EU actions at international and regional level regrettably fails to include an EU stance on the reform of the UN in the area of gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Points out that the strategy in the area of EU actions at international and regional level regrettably fails to include an EU stance on the reform of the UN in the area of gender equality;

| 53. | Welcomes the establishment of the EC/UN Partnership on Gender Equality for Development and Peace (13), stresses its interest in being informed and involved in the work of this Partnership; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Welcomes the establishment of the EC/UN Partnership on Gender Equality for Development and Peace (13), stresses its interest in being informed and involved in the work of this Partnership;

| 54. | Emphasises the importance of encouraging donor coordination for gender mainstreaming and improving dialogue and communication to achieve a common understanding of gender concepts and appropriate methodology; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Emphasises the importance of encouraging donor coordination for gender mainstreaming and improving dialogue and communication to achieve a common understanding of gender concepts and appropriate methodology;

| 55. | Calls on the Council to appoint a European Envoy for Women's Rights who would strengthen the EU's commitment to the empowerment of women in foreign and development policy, and who would promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by focusing on equality between men and women worldwide, on reducing maternal mortality and on fighting poverty; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Calls on the Council to appoint a European Envoy for Women's Rights who would strengthen the EU's commitment to the empowerment of women in foreign and development policy, and who would promote the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by focusing on equality between men and women worldwide, on reducing maternal mortality and on fighting poverty;

| 56. | Welcomes the Commission's intention to link the disbursement of budget support funds to performance criteria assessed on the basis of gender-disaggregated outcome indicators; insists, however, that decisions penalising incompetent administrative authorities must be carefully taken in order not to affect adversely the ultimate beneficiaries of aid, namely women; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Welcomes the Commission's intention to link the disbursement of budget support funds to performance criteria assessed on the basis of gender-disaggregated outcome indicators; insists, however, that decisions penalising incompetent administrative authorities must be carefully taken in order not to affect adversely the ultimate beneficiaries of aid, namely women;

| 57. | Emphasises that participation alone does not serve to reduce women's inequality, but that only targeted, effective efforts on the ground can overcome all the obstacles to women's participation; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Emphasises that participation alone does not serve to reduce women's inequality, but that only targeted, effective efforts on the ground can overcome all the obstacles to women's participation;

| 58. | Points out that good governance includes respect for fundamental freedoms and treating women's rights and gender equality as basic fundamental rights, and that these are central to achieving the MDGs and other development goals, |
| --- | --- |

58.

Points out that good governance includes respect for fundamental freedoms and treating women's rights and gender equality as basic fundamental rights, and that these are central to achieving the MDGs and other development goals,

| 59. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Governments and Parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

59.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Governments and Parliaments of the Member States.

---

(1)  OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 40.

(2)  OJ C 364, 18.12.2000, p. 1.

(3)  OJ C 33 E, 9.2.2006, p. 311.

(4)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0274.

(5)  OJ C 280 E, 18.11.2006, p. 475.

(6)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0483.

(7)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0577.

(8)  OJ C 46, 24.2.2006, p. 1.

(9)  The Statement on the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid was approved by Council on 19 November and by the European Parliament on 29 November and was signed by the Presidents of the Commission, Council and European Parliament on 18 December 2007.

(10)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(11)  OJ L 209, 11.8.2005, p. 27.

(12)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41

(13)  The ‘EC/UN Partnership on Gender Equality for Development and Peace’ is an initiative that involves the European Commission (EC), the United Nations Fund for Women (Unifem) and the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (Itcilo). It is a follow-up to the ‘Owning Development. Promoting Gender Equality in New Aid Modalities and Partnerships’ conference that was jointly organized by the European Commission and Unifem in November 2005.

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| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/67 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/67

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Armenia

P6_TA(2008)0104

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Armenia

(2009/C 66 E/11)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its past resolutions on Armenia and the South Caucasus, particularly that of 17 January 2008 on a more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus: from promises to actions (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its past resolutions on Armenia and the South Caucasus, particularly that of 17 January 2008 on a more effective EU policy for the South Caucasus: from promises to actions (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 January 2008 on a Black Sea Regional Policy Approach (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 January 2008 on a Black Sea Regional Policy Approach (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2007 on the European Neighbourhood Policy (3) (ENP), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2007 on the European Neighbourhood Policy (3) (ENP),

| — | having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part (4), which entered into force on 1 July 1999, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Armenia, of the other part (4), which entered into force on 1 July 1999,

| — | having regard to the ENP Action Plan endorsed by the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council on 14 November 2006, which allows a whole package of reforms to be implemented with EU assistance, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ENP Action Plan endorsed by the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council on 14 November 2006, which allows a whole package of reforms to be implemented with EU assistance,

| — | having regard to the statement of the preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission of 20 February 2008, as well as to the post-election interim report of 3 March 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of the preliminary findings and conclusions of the International Election Observation Mission of 20 February 2008, as well as to the post-election interim report of 3 March 2008,

| — | having regard to the Declaration of 5 March 2008 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the situation after the presidential elections in Armenia on 1 March 2008, as well as to the Declaration of 25 February 2008 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the presidential election in Armenia, 19 February 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration of 5 March 2008 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the situation after the presidential elections in Armenia on 1 March 2008, as well as to the Declaration of 25 February 2008 by the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the presidential election in Armenia, 19 February 2008,

| — | having regard to the statement of 2 March 2008 by Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for the CFSP, and to the statements of 21 February 2008 and 4 March 2008 by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 2 March 2008 by Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for the CFSP, and to the statements of 21 February 2008 and 4 March 2008 by Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the European Union remains committed to further developing its relations with Armenia and to supporting the country in its efforts to introduce the necessary political and economic reforms, as well as measures to establish solid and efficient democratic institutions, and to tackle corruption; whereas the ENP Action Plan provides Armenia with the opportunity to become closer to the EU and to embrace and share its founding values, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European Union remains committed to further developing its relations with Armenia and to supporting the country in its efforts to introduce the necessary political and economic reforms, as well as measures to establish solid and efficient democratic institutions, and to tackle corruption; whereas the ENP Action Plan provides Armenia with the opportunity to become closer to the EU and to embrace and share its founding values,

| B. | whereas the above-mentioned International Election Observation Mission stated that the presidential elections of 19 February 2008 were ‘administered mostly in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards’, but also identified a number of concerns, in particular concerning the media's commitment to providing impartial information, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the above-mentioned International Election Observation Mission stated that the presidential elections of 19 February 2008 were ‘administered mostly in line with OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards’, but also identified a number of concerns, in particular concerning the media's commitment to providing impartial information,

| C. | whereas there were deemed to be further requirements in order to address remaining problems (such as the absence of a clear separation between State and party functions, ensuring equal treatment of election candidates and the conduct of the count) and to restore public confidence in the electoral process, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas there were deemed to be further requirements in order to address remaining problems (such as the absence of a clear separation between State and party functions, ensuring equal treatment of election candidates and the conduct of the count) and to restore public confidence in the electoral process,

| D. | whereas the official results of the presidential elections in Armenia on 19 February 2008 showed a first-round victory for Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian but were contested by one of the opposition leaders, Levon Ter-Petrosian, as being fraudulent; whereas the Constitutional Court examined the applications made by the opposition and concluded that, although irregularities had occurred, there was not enough evidence to justify calling the outcome of the election into question, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the official results of the presidential elections in Armenia on 19 February 2008 showed a first-round victory for Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian but were contested by one of the opposition leaders, Levon Ter-Petrosian, as being fraudulent; whereas the Constitutional Court examined the applications made by the opposition and concluded that, although irregularities had occurred, there was not enough evidence to justify calling the outcome of the election into question,

| E. | whereas opposition supporters began peaceful rallies on 20 February 2008 in Yerevan to protest against the election result and demand a rerun; whereas on the evening of 1 March 2008, after eleven days of protest by opposition supporters, violence erupted when police moved into Freedom Square in central Yerevan to disperse the protesters camped out in tents, leaving eight people dead, including one police officer, and dozens injured; whereas a state of emergency was declared on 1 March 2008, which imposed restrictions on the freedom of the media, freedom of assembly and political parties, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas opposition supporters began peaceful rallies on 20 February 2008 in Yerevan to protest against the election result and demand a rerun; whereas on the evening of 1 March 2008, after eleven days of protest by opposition supporters, violence erupted when police moved into Freedom Square in central Yerevan to disperse the protesters camped out in tents, leaving eight people dead, including one police officer, and dozens injured; whereas a state of emergency was declared on 1 March 2008, which imposed restrictions on the freedom of the media, freedom of assembly and political parties,

| F. | whereas the television stations controlled by the government have virtually ignored the rallies; whereas, under the state of emergency, local journalists are barred from disseminating any information that comes from a source other than the government; whereas, as a consequence, seven leading newspapers, some independent and some linked to the opposition, have refused to operate under such restrictions and suspended publication; whereas the internet and satellite connections of some independent papers have been blocked, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the television stations controlled by the government have virtually ignored the rallies; whereas, under the state of emergency, local journalists are barred from disseminating any information that comes from a source other than the government; whereas, as a consequence, seven leading newspapers, some independent and some linked to the opposition, have refused to operate under such restrictions and suspended publication; whereas the internet and satellite connections of some independent papers have been blocked,

| G. | whereas many people have been arrested and a number of them charged with instigating and participating in mass disorder and attempting to seize power by force; whereas on 4 March 2008 the Armenian Parliament waived the immunity of four of its Members facing criminal charges, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas many people have been arrested and a number of them charged with instigating and participating in mass disorder and attempting to seize power by force; whereas on 4 March 2008 the Armenian Parliament waived the immunity of four of its Members facing criminal charges,

| H. | whereas the Armenian economy and regional stability are still being harmed by the border closure with Turkey, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Armenian economy and regional stability are still being harmed by the border closure with Turkey,

| I. | whereas the Republic of Armenia is involved in an unresolved conflict with the Republic of Azerbaijan over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the Republic of Armenia is involved in an unresolved conflict with the Republic of Azerbaijan over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh,

| 1. | Expresses its concern at recent developments in Armenia, with the violent police crackdown on opposition demonstrations, leading to the death of eight citizens, including one police officer, with over a hundred injured, and calls on all parties to show openness and restraint, to tone down their statements and to engage in a constructive and fruitful dialogue aimed at supporting and consolidating the country's democratic institutions; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its concern at recent developments in Armenia, with the violent police crackdown on opposition demonstrations, leading to the death of eight citizens, including one police officer, with over a hundred injured, and calls on all parties to show openness and restraint, to tone down their statements and to engage in a constructive and fruitful dialogue aimed at supporting and consolidating the country's democratic institutions;

| 2. | Calls for a prompt, thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation of the events of 1 March 2008, including an independent investigation of the police intervention during the dispersal of the demonstration, and for all those responsible to be brought to justice and punished for misconduct and criminal acts of violence; calls on the Council and the Commission to offer EU assistance to the Armenian authorities with such an investigation; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for a prompt, thorough, transparent, independent and impartial investigation of the events of 1 March 2008, including an independent investigation of the police intervention during the dispersal of the demonstration, and for all those responsible to be brought to justice and punished for misconduct and criminal acts of violence; calls on the Council and the Commission to offer EU assistance to the Armenian authorities with such an investigation;

| 3. | Calls on the Armenian authorities to lift the state of emergency, which was mitigated by a presidential decree on 10 March 2008, to restore media freedom and take all the measures necessary to ensure a return to normality; urges them, furthermore, to take into account and address the shortcomings pointed out in the official report released by the Republic of Armenia's Ombudsman; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Armenian authorities to lift the state of emergency, which was mitigated by a presidential decree on 10 March 2008, to restore media freedom and take all the measures necessary to ensure a return to normality; urges them, furthermore, to take into account and address the shortcomings pointed out in the official report released by the Republic of Armenia's Ombudsman;

| 4. | Calls on the Armenian authorities to release citizens detained for having exercised their right of peaceful assembly; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Armenian authorities to release citizens detained for having exercised their right of peaceful assembly;

| 5. | Stresses that Priority Area 1 of the ENP Action Plan deals with the strengthening of democratic structures and the rule of law; urges the Commission in this context to focus its assistance to Armenia on the independence of the judiciary and the training of police and security forces, and calls on the Armenian authorities to implement swiftly all the remaining recommendations made by the International Election Observation Mission; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that Priority Area 1 of the ENP Action Plan deals with the strengthening of democratic structures and the rule of law; urges the Commission in this context to focus its assistance to Armenia on the independence of the judiciary and the training of police and security forces, and calls on the Armenian authorities to implement swiftly all the remaining recommendations made by the International Election Observation Mission;

| 6. | Supports the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, in his role of facilitating dialogue between the political groupings and investigating possible ways of resolving the political crisis in Armenia, and welcomes the mediation by the OSCE's Special Envoy, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie, who has a great deal of experience of the South Caucasus region, and urges the Armenian authorities to cooperate fully with the international community in finding an agreed solution; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Supports the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Peter Semneby, in his role of facilitating dialogue between the political groupings and investigating possible ways of resolving the political crisis in Armenia, and welcomes the mediation by the OSCE's Special Envoy, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie, who has a great deal of experience of the South Caucasus region, and urges the Armenian authorities to cooperate fully with the international community in finding an agreed solution;

| 7. | Deplores the recent loss of life on the ‘line of control’ during fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces; calls on both sides to refrain from further violence and to return to the negotiating table; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Deplores the recent loss of life on the ‘line of control’ during fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces; calls on both sides to refrain from further violence and to return to the negotiating table;

| 8. | Reiterates the clear EU commitment to building closer ties with Armenia and the South Caucasus countries, notably by further developing and strengthening the ENP; emphasises, however, that closer cooperation with the EU must be based on real and tangible progress and reforms and a full commitment to democracy and the rule of law; calls on the Commission to further support efforts aimed at improving the political culture in Armenia, strengthening dialogue and defusing the high level of tension between governing parties and opposition; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Reiterates the clear EU commitment to building closer ties with Armenia and the South Caucasus countries, notably by further developing and strengthening the ENP; emphasises, however, that closer cooperation with the EU must be based on real and tangible progress and reforms and a full commitment to democracy and the rule of law; calls on the Commission to further support efforts aimed at improving the political culture in Armenia, strengthening dialogue and defusing the high level of tension between governing parties and opposition;

| 9. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President and Parliament of Armenia, the OSCE and the Council of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the President and Parliament of Armenia, the OSCE and the Council of Europe.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0016.

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0017.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0538.

(4)  OJ L 239, 9.9.1999, p. 3.

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| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/69 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/69

---

Russia

P6_TA(2008)0105

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on Russia

(2009/C 66 E/12)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the objectives of consolidating democracy and political freedoms in the Russian Federation, as laid down in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part (1), which entered into force in 1997 and expired in 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the objectives of consolidating democracy and political freedoms in the Russian Federation, as laid down in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Russian Federation, of the other part (1), which entered into force in 1997 and expired in 2007,

| — | having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-Russia human rights consultation,

| — | having regard to the objective of the EU and Russia, set out in the joint statement issued following the 11th EU-Russia Summit held in St Petersburg on 31 May 2003, of setting up a common economic space, a common space of freedom, security and justice, a common space of cooperation in the field of external security and a common space of research and education, including cultural aspects, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the objective of the EU and Russia, set out in the joint statement issued following the 11th EU-Russia Summit held in St Petersburg on 31 May 2003, of setting up a common economic space, a common space of freedom, security and justice, a common space of cooperation in the field of external security and a common space of research and education, including cultural aspects,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia, and in particular to that of 25 October 2006 on the murder of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya (2), that of 26 April 2007 (3), that of 14 November 2007 on the EU-Russia Summit (4) and that of 13 December 2006 on the EU-Russia Summit in Helsinki on 24 November 2006 (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia, and in particular to that of 25 October 2006 on the murder of the Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya (2), that of 26 April 2007 (3), that of 14 November 2007 on the EU-Russia Summit (4) and that of 13 December 2006 on the EU-Russia Summit in Helsinki on 24 November 2006 (5),

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas enhanced cooperation and good-neighbourly relations between the EU and Russia are of key importance to the stability, security and prosperity of the whole of Europe; whereas the conclusion of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation remains of the utmost importance for a further development and intensification of cooperation between the two partners, in particular with regard to matters of political, security, economic and energy cooperation, but also with regard to respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and procedures and basic human rights, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas enhanced cooperation and good-neighbourly relations between the EU and Russia are of key importance to the stability, security and prosperity of the whole of Europe; whereas the conclusion of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation remains of the utmost importance for a further development and intensification of cooperation between the two partners, in particular with regard to matters of political, security, economic and energy cooperation, but also with regard to respect for the rule of law, democratic principles and procedures and basic human rights,

| B. | whereas alongside its membership of the United Nations, Russia is a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and has therefore committed itself to the principles of democracy and democratic elections as well as respect for freedom of speech and assembly laid down by those organisations; whereas those principles and values are also the basis for the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas alongside its membership of the United Nations, Russia is a full member of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and has therefore committed itself to the principles of democracy and democratic elections as well as respect for freedom of speech and assembly laid down by those organisations; whereas those principles and values are also the basis for the strategic partnership between the EU and Russia,

| C. | whereas the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in its capacity as an international election standards watchdog, had to cancel its planned mission to monitor the elections in Russia because of the severe restrictions placed on its observers by the Russian Government, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in its capacity as an international election standards watchdog, had to cancel its planned mission to monitor the elections in Russia because of the severe restrictions placed on its observers by the Russian Government,

| D. | whereas the head of the observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declared that there has been no improvement in the conditions of access of candidates to the media, calling into question the fairness of the election, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the head of the observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe declared that there has been no improvement in the conditions of access of candidates to the media, calling into question the fairness of the election,

| E. | whereas Mikhail Kasyanov, the former Prime Minister and current leader of the People's Democratic Union, registered as a candidate on 14 December 2007, but was later disqualified by the Central Electoral Commission of Russia, which stated that too many of the 2 million signatures of support were forged; whereas Mikhail Kasyanov appealed against that decision to the Supreme Court, which rejected the appeal on 6 February 2008, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Mikhail Kasyanov, the former Prime Minister and current leader of the People's Democratic Union, registered as a candidate on 14 December 2007, but was later disqualified by the Central Electoral Commission of Russia, which stated that too many of the 2 million signatures of support were forged; whereas Mikhail Kasyanov appealed against that decision to the Supreme Court, which rejected the appeal on 6 February 2008,

| F. | whereas according to reports by leading opposition forces, the Russian authorities, in the run-up to the parliamentary and presidential elections, put increased pressure on opposition groups and non-governmental organisations to refrain from any activities directed against the president and the government, preventing the media from reporting on any such activities, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas according to reports by leading opposition forces, the Russian authorities, in the run-up to the parliamentary and presidential elections, put increased pressure on opposition groups and non-governmental organisations to refrain from any activities directed against the president and the government, preventing the media from reporting on any such activities,

| G. | whereas democracy has been weakened in Russia, in particular by the government control of all major TV stations and most radio stations, the spread of self-censorship among the print media, new restrictions on the right to organise public demonstrations and a worsening climate for non-governmental organisations, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas democracy has been weakened in Russia, in particular by the government control of all major TV stations and most radio stations, the spread of self-censorship among the print media, new restrictions on the right to organise public demonstrations and a worsening climate for non-governmental organisations,

| H. | whereas on 3 March 2008‘Other Russia’, a coalition of opposition parties, organised a ‘March of Dissent’ to protest against the presidential elections in Russia of 2 March 2008; whereas the city authorities refused to authorise the protest, claiming that the pro-Kremlin ‘Young Russia’ youth group had already planned gatherings at every large meeting point in the capital; whereas ‘Other Russia’ decided to go ahead with the march and said it would appeal against the city's decision, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas on 3 March 2008‘Other Russia’, a coalition of opposition parties, organised a ‘March of Dissent’ to protest against the presidential elections in Russia of 2 March 2008; whereas the city authorities refused to authorise the protest, claiming that the pro-Kremlin ‘Young Russia’ youth group had already planned gatherings at every large meeting point in the capital; whereas ‘Other Russia’ decided to go ahead with the march and said it would appeal against the city's decision,

| I. | whereas several opposition protesters were arrested as riot police and militias wearing helmets and carrying riot shields crushed the rally in Turgenevskaya Square in central Moscow; whereas Nikita Belykh, the leader of the Union of Right Forces party, was among those detained; whereas the leader of the Yabloko party in St Petersburg, Maksim Reznik, was also arrested, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas several opposition protesters were arrested as riot police and militias wearing helmets and carrying riot shields crushed the rally in Turgenevskaya Square in central Moscow; whereas Nikita Belykh, the leader of the Union of Right Forces party, was among those detained; whereas the leader of the Yabloko party in St Petersburg, Maksim Reznik, was also arrested,

| 1. | Condemns the disproportionate use of force by police and riot police and militias against the demonstrators on 3 March 2008, and calls on the authorities to investigate the incidents and to bring those responsible to justice; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Condemns the disproportionate use of force by police and riot police and militias against the demonstrators on 3 March 2008, and calls on the authorities to investigate the incidents and to bring those responsible to justice;

| 2. | Calls for the immediate release of all those demonstrators who are still detained; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls for the immediate release of all those demonstrators who are still detained;

| 3. | Deplores in particular the fact that the run-up to the presidential election was marked by the illegal treatment of opposition candidates; regrets the failure to use the recent election to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Russia; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Deplores in particular the fact that the run-up to the presidential election was marked by the illegal treatment of opposition candidates; regrets the failure to use the recent election to strengthen democracy and the rule of law in Russia;

| 4. | Regrets that the Russian authorities regarded the intended monitoring mission of the OSCE/ODIHR as an intrusion into internal affairs; voices its strong support for the important work of this mission and reminds Russia of its commitments and responsibilities as a member of the OSCE and of the Council of Europe, including the right of association and the right to peaceful demonstrations; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Regrets that the Russian authorities regarded the intended monitoring mission of the OSCE/ODIHR as an intrusion into internal affairs; voices its strong support for the important work of this mission and reminds Russia of its commitments and responsibilities as a member of the OSCE and of the Council of Europe, including the right of association and the right to peaceful demonstrations;

| 5. | Welcomes the stated commitment by the newly elected President of Russia to guarantee the rule of law and democracy, and expresses the hope that he will give priority to the deepening of relations with the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the stated commitment by the newly elected President of Russia to guarantee the rule of law and democracy, and expresses the hope that he will give priority to the deepening of relations with the European Union;

| 6. | Calls on the newly elected President of Russia to review the treatment of imprisoned public figures (among them Mihail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev), whose imprisonment has been assessed by most observers as having been politically motivated; underlines that this would strengthen the credibility of the Russian authorities and enhance an even closer partnership between Russia and the EU; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the newly elected President of Russia to review the treatment of imprisoned public figures (among them Mihail Khodorkovsky and Platon Lebedev), whose imprisonment has been assessed by most observers as having been politically motivated; underlines that this would strengthen the credibility of the Russian authorities and enhance an even closer partnership between Russia and the EU;

| 7. | Urges the Council and Member States to make Russia's full compliance with European Court of Human Rights judgments a key priority at all levels of dialogue with Russia; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Urges the Council and Member States to make Russia's full compliance with European Court of Human Rights judgments a key priority at all levels of dialogue with Russia;

| 8. | Calls on the new Russian President and Government to create together with the European Union the necessary conditions for a rapid start of the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Russia; stresses once more, in this regard, that respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights must be an important part of any future agreement with Russia; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the new Russian President and Government to create together with the European Union the necessary conditions for a rapid start of the negotiations on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Russia; stresses once more, in this regard, that respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights must be an important part of any future agreement with Russia;

| 9. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Russian Federation, as well as to the President of the Russian Federation, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Russian Federation, as well as to the President of the Russian Federation, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

---

(1)  OJ L 327, 28.11.1997, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 313 E, 20.12.2006, p. 271.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0169.

(4)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0528.

(5)  OJ C 317 E, 23.12.2006, p. 474.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/71 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/71

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Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh

P6_TA(2008)0106

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Afghan journalist Perwiz Kambakhsh

(2009/C 66 E/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Afghanistan, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Afghanistan,

| — | having regard to the Afghan Constitution adopted in 2004, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Afghan Constitution adopted in 2004,

| — | having regard to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 18 December 2007 calling for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the death penalty (A/RES/62/149), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of 18 December 2007 calling for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the death penalty (A/RES/62/149),

| — | having regard to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas on 22 January 2008, a regional court in the northern Afghan province of Balkh sentenced to death the 23-year-old Afghan journalist Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh for circulating an article about women's rights in Islam, which he had downloaded from the Internet; whereas the court ruled that the article constituted blasphemy and sentenced Mr Kambakhsh to death, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas on 22 January 2008, a regional court in the northern Afghan province of Balkh sentenced to death the 23-year-old Afghan journalist Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh for circulating an article about women's rights in Islam, which he had downloaded from the Internet; whereas the court ruled that the article constituted blasphemy and sentenced Mr Kambakhsh to death,

| B. | whereas Mr Kambakhsh was denied legal representation and sentenced without a proper hearing; whereas he was allegedly beaten and threatened with execution until he signed a confession, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Mr Kambakhsh was denied legal representation and sentenced without a proper hearing; whereas he was allegedly beaten and threatened with execution until he signed a confession,

| C. | whereas on 6 February 2008, a delegation from the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA) met Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, providing him with details of the case and asking him to intervene on Mr Kambakhsh's behalf, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas on 6 February 2008, a delegation from the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA) met Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Kabul, providing him with details of the case and asking him to intervene on Mr Kambakhsh's behalf,

| D. | whereas Article 34 of Afghan Constitution clearly defends the right to freedom of expression in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and provides: ‘freedom of expression shall be inviolable; every Afghan shall have the right to express thoughts through speech, writing, illustrations as well as other means in accordance with provisions of this Constitution’, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Article 34 of Afghan Constitution clearly defends the right to freedom of expression in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and provides: ‘freedom of expression shall be inviolable; every Afghan shall have the right to express thoughts through speech, writing, illustrations as well as other means in accordance with provisions of this Constitution’,

| E. | whereas journalists in Afghanistan, especially women, are increasingly faced with intimidation, death threats, abduction and violence, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas journalists in Afghanistan, especially women, are increasingly faced with intimidation, death threats, abduction and violence,

| F. | whereas the death sentence against Mr Kambakhsh was delivered in the face of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the above-mentioned resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the death penalty and at a time when a total of 135 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the death sentence against Mr Kambakhsh was delivered in the face of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the above-mentioned resolution calling for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the death penalty and at a time when a total of 135 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice,

| 1. | Reaffirms its unconditional opposition to the death penalty and its commitment to respect for the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Reaffirms its unconditional opposition to the death penalty and its commitment to respect for the rule of law;

| 2. | Condemns the arrest of Mr Kambakhsh and the decision by the primary court of Balkh province to sentence him to death on charges of blasphemy; calls for Mr Kambakhsh to be released; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Condemns the arrest of Mr Kambakhsh and the decision by the primary court of Balkh province to sentence him to death on charges of blasphemy; calls for Mr Kambakhsh to be released;

| 3. | Urgently calls on the Afghan authorities to show their commitment to human and democratic rights by doing everything in their power to prevent his execution and to secure a review of his case; calls on President Hamid Karzai, in the event that the court of appeal should uphold the death sentence, to exercise his power to pardon Mr Kambakhsh; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Urgently calls on the Afghan authorities to show their commitment to human and democratic rights by doing everything in their power to prevent his execution and to secure a review of his case; calls on President Hamid Karzai, in the event that the court of appeal should uphold the death sentence, to exercise his power to pardon Mr Kambakhsh;

| 4. | Recalls President Karzai's assurances concerning the safety of Mr Kambakhsh, which he gave to a delegation from the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association on 6 February 2008; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Recalls President Karzai's assurances concerning the safety of Mr Kambakhsh, which he gave to a delegation from the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association on 6 February 2008;

| 5. | Expresses its solidarity with all those fighting for independent journalism in Afghanistan; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Expresses its solidarity with all those fighting for independent journalism in Afghanistan;

| 6. | Calls on the President and Parliament of Afghanistan to take appropriate steps to speed up the development of a functional penal and judicial system based on international standards and best practices; welcomes the announcement by the Commissioner for External Relations at the Rome conference on ‘The rule of law in Afghanistan’ in July 2007 of immediate financial support to help Afghanistan strengthen the rule of law and reform its judiciary; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the President and Parliament of Afghanistan to take appropriate steps to speed up the development of a functional penal and judicial system based on international standards and best practices; welcomes the announcement by the Commissioner for External Relations at the Rome conference on ‘The rule of law in Afghanistan’ in July 2007 of immediate financial support to help Afghanistan strengthen the rule of law and reform its judiciary;

| 7. | Calls on the Afghan Government to respect the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the full and to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed and upheld for all citizens in Afghanistan; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Afghan Government to respect the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the full and to ensure that freedom of expression is guaranteed and upheld for all citizens in Afghanistan;

| 8. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Government and Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. |
| --- | --- |

8.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to the Government and Parliament of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/73 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/73

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The case of the Iranian citizen Seyed Mehdi Kazemi

P6_TA(2008)0107

European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2008 on the case of the Iranian citizen Sayyed Mehdi Kazemi

(2009/C 66 E/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and in particular to Article 3 thereof, which prohibits the removal, expulsion or extradition of persons to countries where there is a serious risk that they would be subjected to the death penalty, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and in particular to Article 3 thereof, which prohibits the removal, expulsion or extradition of persons to countries where there is a serious risk that they would be subjected to the death penalty, torture or other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular to Articles 18 and 19 thereof on the right to asylum and on protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition respectively, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in particular to Articles 18 and 19 thereof on the right to asylum and on protection in the event of removal, expulsion or extradition respectively,

| — | having regard to the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 and the Protocol of 31 January 1967 relating to the Status of Refugees, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Geneva Convention of 28 July 1951 and the Protocol of 31 January 1967 relating to the Status of Refugees,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted (Qualification Directive) (1) and to Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms to determine the Member State responsible for assessing asylum applications (Dublin Regulation) (2), as well as to other EU asylum instruments, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2004/83/EC of 29 April 2004 on minimum standards for the qualification and status of third country nationals or stateless persons as refugees or as persons who otherwise need international protection and the content of the protection granted (Qualification Directive) (1) and to Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms to determine the Member State responsible for assessing asylum applications (Dublin Regulation) (2), as well as to other EU asylum instruments,

| — | having regard to the letter of 10 September 2007 from its President to the UK Prime Minister on the case of Pegah Emambakhsh, an Iranian lesbian who risked being sent back to Iran after her request for asylum was refused, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letter of 10 September 2007 from its President to the UK Prime Minister on the case of Pegah Emambakhsh, an Iranian lesbian who risked being sent back to Iran after her request for asylum was refused,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Mehdi Kazemi, a 19-year-old homosexual Iranian citizen, requested asylum in the United Kingdom and had his application rejected; whereas, fearing deportation, he fled to the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum; whereas Dutch authorities, after examining his request, have decided to send him back to the UK, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Mehdi Kazemi, a 19-year-old homosexual Iranian citizen, requested asylum in the United Kingdom and had his application rejected; whereas, fearing deportation, he fled to the Netherlands, where he applied for asylum; whereas Dutch authorities, after examining his request, have decided to send him back to the UK,

| B. | whereas UK authorities are now left with the final decision on his asylum application and possible deportation to Iran, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas UK authorities are now left with the final decision on his asylum application and possible deportation to Iran,

| C. | whereas Iranian authorities routinely detain, torture and execute persons, notably homosexuals; whereas Mr Kazemi's former partner has already been executed and his father has threatened him with death, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Iranian authorities routinely detain, torture and execute persons, notably homosexuals; whereas Mr Kazemi's former partner has already been executed and his father has threatened him with death,

| D. | whereas, in the similar case of Pegah Emambakhsh, the UK authorities decided, following international pressure, not to deport her back to Iran, although it is still not clear what her fate will be, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, in the similar case of Pegah Emambakhsh, the UK authorities decided, following international pressure, not to deport her back to Iran, although it is still not clear what her fate will be,

| E. | whereas the UK Prime Minister's spokesperson, while not commenting on the case of Mehdi Kazemi, has given general assurances as to the conformity of UK asylum procedures with international commitments and to the possibility of appealing against asylum decisions to an independent judge, as well as to the fact that the authorities would not remove anyone who would be at risk on his or her return, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the UK Prime Minister's spokesperson, while not commenting on the case of Mehdi Kazemi, has given general assurances as to the conformity of UK asylum procedures with international commitments and to the possibility of appealing against asylum decisions to an independent judge, as well as to the fact that the authorities would not remove anyone who would be at risk on his or her return,

| F. | whereas more attention should be devoted to the proper application of EU asylum law in Member States in cases involving sexual orientation, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas more attention should be devoted to the proper application of EU asylum law in Member States in cases involving sexual orientation,

| 1. | Expresses its serious concern regarding the fate of Mehdi Kazemi; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its serious concern regarding the fate of Mehdi Kazemi;

| 2. | Asks for the proper and full application of the Qualifications Directive, which recognises persecution for sexual orientation as a ground for granting asylum and requires Member States to consider the individual case and the situation in the country of origin, including laws and regulations and the manner in which they are applied; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Asks for the proper and full application of the Qualifications Directive, which recognises persecution for sexual orientation as a ground for granting asylum and requires Member States to consider the individual case and the situation in the country of origin, including laws and regulations and the manner in which they are applied;

| 3. | Believes that the EU and its Member States cannot apply EU and national laws and procedures in such a way as would result in the expulsion of persons to a third country where they would risk persecution, torture and death, as this would amount to a violation of European and international human rights obligations; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that the EU and its Member States cannot apply EU and national laws and procedures in such a way as would result in the expulsion of persons to a third country where they would risk persecution, torture and death, as this would amount to a violation of European and international human rights obligations;

| 4. | Appeals to the Member States involved to find a common solution to ensure that Mehdi Kazemi is granted asylum or protection on EU soil and not sent back to Iran, where he would most certainly be executed, thus ensuring that Article 3 of the ECHR is fully respected by all European authorities and notably, in this case, by the UK; asks the Commission and the Council to fully cooperate with the Member States on this case; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Appeals to the Member States involved to find a common solution to ensure that Mehdi Kazemi is granted asylum or protection on EU soil and not sent back to Iran, where he would most certainly be executed, thus ensuring that Article 3 of the ECHR is fully respected by all European authorities and notably, in this case, by the UK; asks the Commission and the Council to fully cooperate with the Member States on this case;

| 5. | Calls on the EU institutions and Member States to take action to prevent similar situations in the future, through cooperation and the application of EU guidelines to find solutions in similar cases; asks the Commission to monitor and assess the application of EU asylum law in the Member States, and in particular in cases involving sexual orientation, and to report to the European Parliament; underlines the fact that the Commission has announced, for 2008, amendments to the Dublin Regulation and the Qualifications Directive which will address the issues raised in this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the EU institutions and Member States to take action to prevent similar situations in the future, through cooperation and the application of EU guidelines to find solutions in similar cases; asks the Commission to monitor and assess the application of EU asylum law in the Member States, and in particular in cases involving sexual orientation, and to report to the European Parliament; underlines the fact that the Commission has announced, for 2008, amendments to the Dublin Regulation and the Qualifications Directive which will address the issues raised in this resolution;

| 6. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Mehdi Kazemi. |
| --- | --- |

6.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and Mehdi Kazemi.

---

(1)  OJ L 304, 30.9.2004, p. 12.

(2)  OJ L 50, 25.2.2003, p. 1.

---

RECOMMENDATIONS

Thursday 13 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/75 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/75

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The European Union's role in Iraq

P6_TA(2008)0100

European Parliament recommendation to the Council of 13 March 2008 on the European Union's role in Iraq (2007/2181(INI))

(2009/C 66 E/15)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Ana Maria Gomes on behalf of the PSE Group on the European Union's role in Iraq (B6-0328/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Ana Maria Gomes on behalf of the PSE Group on the European Union's role in Iraq (B6-0328/2007),

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Iraq, most recently that of 25 October 2007 (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Iraq, most recently that of 25 October 2007 (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on the humanitarian situation of Iraqi refugees (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 July 2007 on the humanitarian situation of Iraqi refugees (2),

| — | having regard to the decisions of its Conference of Presidents of 15 November and 6 December 2007 on the composition and the remit of an ‘ad hoc delegation for relations with Iraq’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decisions of its Conference of Presidents of 15 November and 6 December 2007 on the composition and the remit of an ‘ad hoc delegation for relations with Iraq’,

| — | having regard to the General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions on EU involvement in Iraq of 23-24 April, 15-16 October and 19-20 November 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions on EU involvement in Iraq of 23-24 April, 15-16 October and 19-20 November 2007,

| — | having regard to the Commission's Communication of 7 June 2006 entitled ‘Recommendations for renewed European Union engagement with Iraq’ (COM(2006)0283), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission's Communication of 7 June 2006 entitled ‘Recommendations for renewed European Union engagement with Iraq’ (COM(2006)0283),

| — | having regard to the International Compact with Iraq, launched in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, on 3 May 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the International Compact with Iraq, launched in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, on 3 May 2007,

| — | having regard to Resolutions 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004, 1770 (2007) of 10 August 2007 and 1790 (2007) of 18 December 2007, particularly Annexes I and II thereto, of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Resolutions 1546 (2004) of 8 June 2004, 1770 (2007) of 10 August 2007 and 1790 (2007) of 18 December 2007, particularly Annexes I and II thereto, of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC),

| — | having regard to Council Joint Action 2005/190/CFSP of 7 March 2005 on the European Union Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq, EUJUST LEX (3), established under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), and to subsequent Joint Actions amending it and extending the mandate for the mission, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Joint Action 2005/190/CFSP of 7 March 2005 on the European Union Integrated Rule of Law Mission for Iraq, EUJUST LEX (3), established under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), and to subsequent Joint Actions amending it and extending the mandate for the mission,

| — | having regard to the European Security Strategy on ‘A secure Europe in a better world’ of 12 December 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Security Strategy on ‘A secure Europe in a better world’ of 12 December 2003,

| — | having regard to the European Consensus on Development of 22 November 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Consensus on Development of 22 November 2005,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on women in armed conflicts and their role in post-conflict reconstruction (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on women in armed conflicts and their role in post-conflict reconstruction (4),

| — | having regard to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, together with Additional Protocols I and II thereto, and particularly concerned at the violence suffered by humanitarian, medical and religious personnel in the performance of their duties, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, together with Additional Protocols I and II thereto, and particularly concerned at the violence suffered by humanitarian, medical and religious personnel in the performance of their duties,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries (5),

| — | having regard to Rule 114(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 114(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0052/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0052/2008),

| A. | whereas since 2005 the Republic of Iraq has held two multiparty elections, has adopted a constitution by referendum, has created the basis for a federal state and has embarked on a difficult process of building democratic institutions, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas since 2005 the Republic of Iraq has held two multiparty elections, has adopted a constitution by referendum, has created the basis for a federal state and has embarked on a difficult process of building democratic institutions,

| B. | whereas both Iraqi society and its political leadership are divided and whereas the security situation in some parts of the country remains extremely dangerous, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas both Iraqi society and its political leadership are divided and whereas the security situation in some parts of the country remains extremely dangerous,

| C. | whereas Iraq suffers from sectarian conflict and insurgency, and is also affected by a general absence of the rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Iraq suffers from sectarian conflict and insurgency, and is also affected by a general absence of the rule of law,

| D. | whereas there has been an improvement in the security situation in the Republic of Iraq, but whereas the Iraqi forces remain faced with the challenge of sustaining and consolidating this improvement, with international assistance, and whereas serious efforts to secure reconstruction and sustainable development, and the EU's ability to help the people of Iraq, depend on continuing improvement of the political and security situation, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas there has been an improvement in the security situation in the Republic of Iraq, but whereas the Iraqi forces remain faced with the challenge of sustaining and consolidating this improvement, with international assistance, and whereas serious efforts to secure reconstruction and sustainable development, and the EU's ability to help the people of Iraq, depend on continuing improvement of the political and security situation,

| E. | whereas during decades of dictatorial rule Iraq's public administration was directed towards control of the population rather than towards public service, and whereas the years of strictly centralised administration by the Ba'ath Party led to serious shortcomings in the capacity of Iraqis to manage the budget and handle financial resources in an appropriate way, with the result that the public sector today is fragile and weakened, and lacks a fully developed culture of prioritising the delivery of public services to the people of Iraq, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas during decades of dictatorial rule Iraq's public administration was directed towards control of the population rather than towards public service, and whereas the years of strictly centralised administration by the Ba'ath Party led to serious shortcomings in the capacity of Iraqis to manage the budget and handle financial resources in an appropriate way, with the result that the public sector today is fragile and weakened, and lacks a fully developed culture of prioritising the delivery of public services to the people of Iraq,

| F. | whereas neighbouring countries must refrain from any interference in Iraq's internal affairs and respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the desire of the Iraqi people to build the country's constitutional and political system by their own efforts, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas neighbouring countries must refrain from any interference in Iraq's internal affairs and respect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and the desire of the Iraqi people to build the country's constitutional and political system by their own efforts,

| G. | whereas the conflict has so far caused the displacement of 2,4 million persons within Iraq and 2,28 million refugees in neighbouring countries, mainly Syria and Jordan, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the conflict has so far caused the displacement of 2,4 million persons within Iraq and 2,28 million refugees in neighbouring countries, mainly Syria and Jordan,

| H. | whereas the Kurdish region is a region of Iraq where a degree of peace and stability is guaranteed and where international development cooperation and private investment are growing, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Kurdish region is a region of Iraq where a degree of peace and stability is guaranteed and where international development cooperation and private investment are growing,

| I. | whereas the EU as a global player should assume its responsibilities for building up a new democratic Iraq, and whereas the EU's policy towards Iraq should be seen in the broader context of the EU's strategic partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the EU as a global player should assume its responsibilities for building up a new democratic Iraq, and whereas the EU's policy towards Iraq should be seen in the broader context of the EU's strategic partnership with the Mediterranean and the Middle East,

| J. | whereas the EU needs to be more strategic in supporting Iraq in its progress towards becoming a democratic federal state; whereas the EU recognises that, in order for it to be able to provide effective assistance, there must be a solid partnership with the people of Iraq, an ongoing commitment on the part of the Government of Iraq to ensure security, reconciliation, a willingness to cooperate, efforts to achieve capacity and democracy-building, and efforts to fight corruption and ensure transparency and effectiveness as fundamental preconditions for an increased role of the European Union in Iraq; whereas the key challenges of reconstruction lie on the institutional and social fronts, namely the capacity-building of institutions and administration, consolidation of the rule of law, law enforcement and respect for human rights, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the EU needs to be more strategic in supporting Iraq in its progress towards becoming a democratic federal state; whereas the EU recognises that, in order for it to be able to provide effective assistance, there must be a solid partnership with the people of Iraq, an ongoing commitment on the part of the Government of Iraq to ensure security, reconciliation, a willingness to cooperate, efforts to achieve capacity and democracy-building, and efforts to fight corruption and ensure transparency and effectiveness as fundamental preconditions for an increased role of the European Union in Iraq; whereas the key challenges of reconstruction lie on the institutional and social fronts, namely the capacity-building of institutions and administration, consolidation of the rule of law, law enforcement and respect for human rights,

| K. | whereas the EU has identified the need for a multi-annual planning of operations that goes beyond the current yearly planning based on special measures, in order to improve the effectiveness of its assistance, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the EU has identified the need for a multi-annual planning of operations that goes beyond the current yearly planning based on special measures, in order to improve the effectiveness of its assistance,

| L. | whereas the EU needs to adapt the use of its resources according to the specific internal, regional and humanitarian challenges that Iraq faces; whereas effectiveness, transparency and visibility are fundamental preconditions for an increased role of the EU in Iraq, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the EU needs to adapt the use of its resources according to the specific internal, regional and humanitarian challenges that Iraq faces; whereas effectiveness, transparency and visibility are fundamental preconditions for an increased role of the EU in Iraq,

| M. | whereas Iraq has regressed from being a middle-income country in the 1970s, and whereas the EU needs to adapt the use of its resources accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas Iraq has regressed from being a middle-income country in the 1970s, and whereas the EU needs to adapt the use of its resources accordingly,

| N. | whereas the Commission has had a small delegation in Baghdad since December 2005, with its operational section based in Amman, and finds it very difficult to operate in some areas, especially Baghdad, as a result of military arrangements and the security situation, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the Commission has had a small delegation in Baghdad since December 2005, with its operational section based in Amman, and finds it very difficult to operate in some areas, especially Baghdad, as a result of military arrangements and the security situation,

| O. | whereas the Commission has since 2003 provided over 800 million euro to assist Iraq (mostly through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI)), and whereas the EU has been directly involved in improving the rule of law in the country since 2005 through its ESDP EUJUST LEX mission; whereas the mandate of EUJUST LEX has been extended one last time, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the Commission has since 2003 provided over 800 million euro to assist Iraq (mostly through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI)), and whereas the EU has been directly involved in improving the rule of law in the country since 2005 through its ESDP EUJUST LEX mission; whereas the mandate of EUJUST LEX has been extended one last time,

| P. | whereas the Government of Iraq, together with the World Bank and the United Nations, agreed the International Compact with Iraq on 3 May 2007 as the vision of the Iraqi government for the next 5 years and as the main reference for the involvement of the international community in the country, with the full endorsement of the European Union as one of the main donors, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the Government of Iraq, together with the World Bank and the United Nations, agreed the International Compact with Iraq on 3 May 2007 as the vision of the Iraqi government for the next 5 years and as the main reference for the involvement of the international community in the country, with the full endorsement of the European Union as one of the main donors,

| Q. | whereas the above-mentioned UNSC Resolution 1770 (2007) has recently significantly expanded the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Iraq, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the above-mentioned UNSC Resolution 1770 (2007) has recently significantly expanded the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Iraq,

| R. | whereas the years of the Ba'ath regime and decades of war have left behind a society traumatised by war, repression, ethnic cleansing (including by chemical attack, as in Halabja) and international indifference to these crimes; whereas the international community, and particularly those states that have supported the intervention, have a legal and moral duty, and also a security interest, to support the people of Iraq, and whereas the European Union, in coordination with other international donors, must rapidly and creatively mobilise all the relevant instruments at its disposal to do its part, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the years of the Ba'ath regime and decades of war have left behind a society traumatised by war, repression, ethnic cleansing (including by chemical attack, as in Halabja) and international indifference to these crimes; whereas the international community, and particularly those states that have supported the intervention, have a legal and moral duty, and also a security interest, to support the people of Iraq, and whereas the European Union, in coordination with other international donors, must rapidly and creatively mobilise all the relevant instruments at its disposal to do its part,

| S. | whereas the European Parliament is determined to develop further its relationship with the Iraqi Council of Representatives, including through formal links, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the European Parliament is determined to develop further its relationship with the Iraqi Council of Representatives, including through formal links,

| 1. | Addresses the following recommendations to the Council:






  a) | to adopt, together with the Commission, a new strategy that will step up, both in quantitative and — especially — in qualitative terms, EU support for UN efforts to help build a safe, stable, unified, prosperous, federal and democratic Iraq that upholds human rights, protects its minorities and promotes inter-ethnic tolerance so as to pave the way towards regional stability and security; and to respond to UNSC Resolution 1770 (2007), which significantly increases the role of the UN in Iraq; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Addresses the following recommendations to the Council:

a)

to adopt, together with the Commission, a new strategy that will step up, both in quantitative and — especially — in qualitative terms, EU support for UN efforts to help build a safe, stable, unified, prosperous, federal and democratic Iraq that upholds human rights, protects its minorities and promotes inter-ethnic tolerance so as to pave the way towards regional stability and security; and to respond to UNSC Resolution 1770 (2007), which significantly increases the role of the UN in Iraq;

| b) | to channel the EU's support for democratic governance towards three goals in particular: enhancing coordination between the Government and the Council of Representatives of Iraq in order to minimise blockages in the legislative process; strengthening electoral procedures at the local level in order to ensure that provincial councils are fully representative of all local populations; and reinforcing local democracy with consultative mechanisms to draw the local people into the decision-making process on a regular and frequent basis; |
| --- | --- |

b)

to channel the EU's support for democratic governance towards three goals in particular: enhancing coordination between the Government and the Council of Representatives of Iraq in order to minimise blockages in the legislative process; strengthening electoral procedures at the local level in order to ensure that provincial councils are fully representative of all local populations; and reinforcing local democracy with consultative mechanisms to draw the local people into the decision-making process on a regular and frequent basis;

| c) | to focus EU aid in Iraq generally on relevant technical assistance and capacity-building in the fields of the rule of law, justice, human rights, good governance, financial and budget management, gender equality, health and education, and on the strengthening of federal, regional and local government institutions; |
| --- | --- |

c)

to focus EU aid in Iraq generally on relevant technical assistance and capacity-building in the fields of the rule of law, justice, human rights, good governance, financial and budget management, gender equality, health and education, and on the strengthening of federal, regional and local government institutions;

| d) | to urge the Commission to ensure the transparency and efficiency of EU assistance for Iraq, by:






  — | following up on the concerns already expressed in 2005 in the opinion on the General Budget 2006 submitted by Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, by providing complete, regular and transparent information on the actual disbursement and implementation of EU assistance, especially the funds being channelled through the IRFFI; |
| --- | --- | --- |

d)

to urge the Commission to ensure the transparency and efficiency of EU assistance for Iraq, by:

—

following up on the concerns already expressed in 2005 in the opinion on the General Budget 2006 submitted by Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, by providing complete, regular and transparent information on the actual disbursement and implementation of EU assistance, especially the funds being channelled through the IRFFI;

| — | operating directly on the ground if and where the security situation permits, namely in the Southern Marshlands, with its particularly neglected population, and the Kurdish region; |
| --- | --- |

—

operating directly on the ground if and where the security situation permits, namely in the Southern Marshlands, with its particularly neglected population, and the Kurdish region;

| — | encouraging UN agencies and other international organisations to do the same; |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging UN agencies and other international organisations to do the same;

| — | ensuring the full support of local stakeholders — including civil society and government authorities — in the design, implementation and sustainability of projects and programmes; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring the full support of local stakeholders — including civil society and government authorities — in the design, implementation and sustainability of projects and programmes;

| — | ensuring that EU-funded projects do not overlap with, but complement, the work of other international donors; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring that EU-funded projects do not overlap with, but complement, the work of other international donors;

| — | increasing the proportion of EU funding for bilateral technical assistance and capacity building, and improving direct EC control of funding; |
| --- | --- |

—

increasing the proportion of EU funding for bilateral technical assistance and capacity building, and improving direct EC control of funding;

| — | switching the main focus of EU support to bilateral projects focussed on technical assistance and capacity-building in the fields of the rule of law, financial management, democratic governance and human rights; |
| --- | --- |

—

switching the main focus of EU support to bilateral projects focussed on technical assistance and capacity-building in the fields of the rule of law, financial management, democratic governance and human rights;

| — | ensuring that substantive EU assistance is directed towards improving public finance management and budgetary control with the aim of ensuring that the Iraqi Government is better able to disburse the substantial and increasing public funds now available to it; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring that substantive EU assistance is directed towards improving public finance management and budgetary control with the aim of ensuring that the Iraqi Government is better able to disburse the substantial and increasing public funds now available to it;

| — | using its experience from assistance programmes to its ENP partners in order to find ways of ensuring a more effective involvement in Iraq; |
| --- | --- |

—

using its experience from assistance programmes to its ENP partners in order to find ways of ensuring a more effective involvement in Iraq;

| e) | to consider the possibility of the adoption by the Commission of a multi-annual Country Strategy Paper for Iraq; |
| --- | --- |

e)

to consider the possibility of the adoption by the Commission of a multi-annual Country Strategy Paper for Iraq;

| f) | to foster the renewal of bilateral political, diplomatic, cultural and economic relations and exchanges between Member States and Iraq; |
| --- | --- |

f)

to foster the renewal of bilateral political, diplomatic, cultural and economic relations and exchanges between Member States and Iraq;

| g) | to include the following elements in a new strategy for proactive involvement on the part of the EU and its Member States in Iraq, to be implemented as circumstances — namely the security situation — permit, and in close consultation with the Iraqi authorities and other partners, such as the UN agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs):






  — | increase the size, responsibilities and resources of the Commission's delegation in Baghdad, acquire its own new premises and ensure that employees are able to live and work in safety; encourage EU Member States not represented in Baghdad to come back and share those premises and related security costs; |
| --- | --- | --- |

g)

to include the following elements in a new strategy for proactive involvement on the part of the EU and its Member States in Iraq, to be implemented as circumstances — namely the security situation — permit, and in close consultation with the Iraqi authorities and other partners, such as the UN agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs):

—

increase the size, responsibilities and resources of the Commission's delegation in Baghdad, acquire its own new premises and ensure that employees are able to live and work in safety; encourage EU Member States not represented in Baghdad to come back and share those premises and related security costs;

| — | ensure EU/EC visibility in Erbil, Nasiriyah, Basra and other areas of Iraq where the security situation permits; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensure EU/EC visibility in Erbil, Nasiriyah, Basra and other areas of Iraq where the security situation permits;

| — | enhance support for the rule of law and justice by continuing to focus especially on judicial institutions and non-governmental bodies in the following areas: strengthening the Judicial Training Institute, supporting the establishment of major crime investigation offices, strengthening the High Judicial Council, supporting the establishment of a pilot court in Basra, strengthening the Iraqi Bar Association and supporting the establishment of Legal Aid Centres; |
| --- | --- |

—

enhance support for the rule of law and justice by continuing to focus especially on judicial institutions and non-governmental bodies in the following areas: strengthening the Judicial Training Institute, supporting the establishment of major crime investigation offices, strengthening the High Judicial Council, supporting the establishment of a pilot court in Basra, strengthening the Iraqi Bar Association and supporting the establishment of Legal Aid Centres;

| — | build on the positive experience of EUJUST LEX and prepare the follow-up to the mission, on the basis of lessons learned and on the basis of a thorough external evaluation, including inside Iraq, of the impact of the mission, with a view to further strengthening the Iraqi police and criminal justice system by making use of both ESDP and Community instruments; |
| --- | --- |

—

build on the positive experience of EUJUST LEX and prepare the follow-up to the mission, on the basis of lessons learned and on the basis of a thorough external evaluation, including inside Iraq, of the impact of the mission, with a view to further strengthening the Iraqi police and criminal justice system by making use of both ESDP and Community instruments;

| — | provide support for public finance management reform and accountability; |
| --- | --- |

—

provide support for public finance management reform and accountability;

| — | continue to provide technical assistance for the organisation of free and fair elections; |
| --- | --- |

—

continue to provide technical assistance for the organisation of free and fair elections;

| — | support the reconciliation process, namely on Kirkuk and other internally disputed territories, including the Assyrian areas known as the Nineveh Plains with their Christian minorities; support UN initiatives to facilitate regional dialogue, namely by finding ways and means to improve operational capacity, including air transport; |
| --- | --- |

—

support the reconciliation process, namely on Kirkuk and other internally disputed territories, including the Assyrian areas known as the Nineveh Plains with their Christian minorities; support UN initiatives to facilitate regional dialogue, namely by finding ways and means to improve operational capacity, including air transport;

| — | take advantage of the specific nature of the Stability Instrument (6) to provide substantial assistance, crucial for development in a situation of crisis or emerging crisis such as that prevailing in Iraq: support the development of democratic, non-sectarian, pluralistic, federal, regional and local institutions, with particular emphasis being placed on the Council of Representatives and its ability to manage the legislative process, to control the executive branch and to ensure a stronger role for women in Iraqi society; promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, with particular emphasis being placed on the rights of women, minorities and children; support measures to strengthen the development and organisation of civil society and its participation in the political process, and to promote independent, pluralist and professional media; support de-mining activities; provide advice and support to the Kurdish region and its government in the efforts to fight drug trafficking; |
| --- | --- |

—

take advantage of the specific nature of the Stability Instrument (6) to provide substantial assistance, crucial for development in a situation of crisis or emerging crisis such as that prevailing in Iraq: support the development of democratic, non-sectarian, pluralistic, federal, regional and local institutions, with particular emphasis being placed on the Council of Representatives and its ability to manage the legislative process, to control the executive branch and to ensure a stronger role for women in Iraqi society; promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law, with particular emphasis being placed on the rights of women, minorities and children; support measures to strengthen the development and organisation of civil society and its participation in the political process, and to promote independent, pluralist and professional media; support de-mining activities; provide advice and support to the Kurdish region and its government in the efforts to fight drug trafficking;

| — | continue to concentrate the resources of the Instrument for Development Cooperation (7) (DCI) going to Iraq on the Millennium Development Goals, so as to guarantee as a matter of the highest priority universal access to vital public health care where institution and capacity-building are urgently needed to correct the acute structural deficit, take priority action to avoid further deterioration of the education system, including implementation of practical measures to ensure that girls are fully able to participate in education at all levels, and support the revitalisation of the ecological and social system of the Marshlands and protection of the unique heritage of the Marsh Arabs; use the DCI to provide technical expertise and capacity-building in support of Iraqi initiatives to identify and reverse ecological damage and the effects of climate change; |
| --- | --- |

—

continue to concentrate the resources of the Instrument for Development Cooperation (7) (DCI) going to Iraq on the Millennium Development Goals, so as to guarantee as a matter of the highest priority universal access to vital public health care where institution and capacity-building are urgently needed to correct the acute structural deficit, take priority action to avoid further deterioration of the education system, including implementation of practical measures to ensure that girls are fully able to participate in education at all levels, and support the revitalisation of the ecological and social system of the Marshlands and protection of the unique heritage of the Marsh Arabs; use the DCI to provide technical expertise and capacity-building in support of Iraqi initiatives to identify and reverse ecological damage and the effects of climate change;

| — | encourage European NGOs to engage with their Iraqi counterparts — which are already particularly active in the Kurdish Region — and make extensive use of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (8) in providing technical and financial assistance to civil society organisations, in order to address the following issues: the equal participation of women and men in political, economic and social life; violence directed against women, namely forced marriages, ‘honour’ crimes, trafficking and genital mutilation; the rights of indigenous peoples and of persons belonging to minorities and ethnic groups, including the Assyrians (Chaldeans, Syriacs and other Christian communities), the Yazidi and the Turkmen; the rights of the child, especially in the context of the fight against child labour, child prostitution and child trafficking; fighting arbitrary detention and torture; and the abolition of the death penalty; |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage European NGOs to engage with their Iraqi counterparts — which are already particularly active in the Kurdish Region — and make extensive use of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (8) in providing technical and financial assistance to civil society organisations, in order to address the following issues: the equal participation of women and men in political, economic and social life; violence directed against women, namely forced marriages, ‘honour’ crimes, trafficking and genital mutilation; the rights of indigenous peoples and of persons belonging to minorities and ethnic groups, including the Assyrians (Chaldeans, Syriacs and other Christian communities), the Yazidi and the Turkmen; the rights of the child, especially in the context of the fight against child labour, child prostitution and child trafficking; fighting arbitrary detention and torture; and the abolition of the death penalty;

| — | encourage and assist the Government of Iraq as a matter of exceptional urgency to put emergency legislation in place to provide financial support for over one million destitute female heads of households and their dependants; |
| --- | --- |

—

encourage and assist the Government of Iraq as a matter of exceptional urgency to put emergency legislation in place to provide financial support for over one million destitute female heads of households and their dependants;

| — | enlarge the financial envelope of the Erasmus Mundus programme for Iraq; support ongoing and new activities aimed at the creation of networks between Iraqi and foreign academic institutions, individual academics, intellectuals and student organisations in order to revive the academic environment; |
| --- | --- |

—

enlarge the financial envelope of the Erasmus Mundus programme for Iraq; support ongoing and new activities aimed at the creation of networks between Iraqi and foreign academic institutions, individual academics, intellectuals and student organisations in order to revive the academic environment;

| — | strengthen the capacity of the Iraqi authorities to exercise effective border controls, which should inter alia reduce the inflow of weapons and arms into the country; help to put an end to the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons to Iraq, including by making the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports legally binding, by improving European Union Force (EUFOR) Althea's oversight of stockpiles in Bosnia-Herzegovina, by accelerating the destruction of stockpiles in the Balkans, and by helping the Iraqi authorities to ‘mop up’ surplus small arms and light weapons through large-scale disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, making use of both ESDP and Community instruments; |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthen the capacity of the Iraqi authorities to exercise effective border controls, which should inter alia reduce the inflow of weapons and arms into the country; help to put an end to the illegal flow of small arms and light weapons to Iraq, including by making the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports legally binding, by improving European Union Force (EUFOR) Althea's oversight of stockpiles in Bosnia-Herzegovina, by accelerating the destruction of stockpiles in the Balkans, and by helping the Iraqi authorities to ‘mop up’ surplus small arms and light weapons through large-scale disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, making use of both ESDP and Community instruments;

| — | continue the welcome and productive negotiations concerning the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq, while emphasising the importance of respect for human rights as an element affecting the EU's contractual relations with any third country, including in the fight against terrorism; |
| --- | --- |

—

continue the welcome and productive negotiations concerning the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq, while emphasising the importance of respect for human rights as an element affecting the EU's contractual relations with any third country, including in the fight against terrorism;

| — | provide administrative and technical support, and promote local capacity-building, in order to help the Iraqi Government to implement its recent micro-loan programme and share best practices on the positive role that micro-credit can play in empowering women in their communities, especially the over one million destitute widows; |
| --- | --- |

—

provide administrative and technical support, and promote local capacity-building, in order to help the Iraqi Government to implement its recent micro-loan programme and share best practices on the positive role that micro-credit can play in empowering women in their communities, especially the over one million destitute widows;

| — | urge the Commission to alleviate the plight of Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Syria and in other countries in the region affected by the Iraqi refugee crisis, and to significantly increase the transparency and efficiency of EU assistance to Iraqi refugees in those countries; |
| --- | --- |

—

urge the Commission to alleviate the plight of Iraqi refugees in Jordan and Syria and in other countries in the region affected by the Iraqi refugee crisis, and to significantly increase the transparency and efficiency of EU assistance to Iraqi refugees in those countries;

| — | increase EU support — namely through the Commision's Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) — for NGOs and international organisations in their efforts to alleviate the plight of Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs), including the 4 000 Assyrian families who have principally sought refuge in the Nineveh Plains; urge the Iraqi authorities to live up to their responsibility to provide financial and other support for the reintegration of refugees and IDPs; |
| --- | --- |

—

increase EU support — namely through the Commision's Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) — for NGOs and international organisations in their efforts to alleviate the plight of Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs), including the 4 000 Assyrian families who have principally sought refuge in the Nineveh Plains; urge the Iraqi authorities to live up to their responsibility to provide financial and other support for the reintegration of refugees and IDPs;

| — | improve the possibilities for Iraqi refugees to find refuge in EU Member States through resettlement programmes agreed with the UNHCR (25 000 cases) or through individual asylum requests, end the current arbitrary criteria for the granting of protection and prevent any forced return to any part of Iraq; urgently address the plight of Palestinian refugees stranded in the border region between Iraq and Syria; |
| --- | --- |

—

improve the possibilities for Iraqi refugees to find refuge in EU Member States through resettlement programmes agreed with the UNHCR (25 000 cases) or through individual asylum requests, end the current arbitrary criteria for the granting of protection and prevent any forced return to any part of Iraq; urgently address the plight of Palestinian refugees stranded in the border region between Iraq and Syria;

| — | call on the Iraqi government and international authorities to recover antiquities taken from the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad and locations in other parts of Iraq following the 2003 intervention, in order to preserve Iraqi history and culture for future generations; |
| --- | --- |

—

call on the Iraqi government and international authorities to recover antiquities taken from the Iraqi National Museum in Baghdad and locations in other parts of Iraq following the 2003 intervention, in order to preserve Iraqi history and culture for future generations;

| h) | to build on the valuable experience which the EU and its Member States have gained from successful Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) operations in Afghanistan, and to consider taking part in the PRT efforts in Iraq, primarily in the provision of essential services and infrastructure; |
| --- | --- |

h)

to build on the valuable experience which the EU and its Member States have gained from successful Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) operations in Afghanistan, and to consider taking part in the PRT efforts in Iraq, primarily in the provision of essential services and infrastructure;

| i) | to encourage European firms to invest in the reconstruction of Iraq in the context of tenders financed both by the governments of the Member States and the Iraqi government and/or on the basis of close cooperation between them; |
| --- | --- |

i)

to encourage European firms to invest in the reconstruction of Iraq in the context of tenders financed both by the governments of the Member States and the Iraqi government and/or on the basis of close cooperation between them;

| j) | to encourage and help European firms to bid for contracts to rebuild Iraq, to be present on the ground, and to draw upon previous experience gained in Iraq, both in the pre-war period and in the reconstruction period; |
| --- | --- |

j)

to encourage and help European firms to bid for contracts to rebuild Iraq, to be present on the ground, and to draw upon previous experience gained in Iraq, both in the pre-war period and in the reconstruction period;

| k) | to welcome Iraq's observer status in the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key step towards the reintegration of Iraq into the international economy which helps to complement positively the negotiations between the EU and Iraq on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement; to look forward to its full accession to the WTO at an appropriate time in the future; |
| --- | --- |

k)

to welcome Iraq's observer status in the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a key step towards the reintegration of Iraq into the international economy which helps to complement positively the negotiations between the EU and Iraq on a Trade and Cooperation Agreement; to look forward to its full accession to the WTO at an appropriate time in the future;

| l) | to conduct negotiations on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq in a manner that facilitates and encourages internal reforms in Iraq and that brings the Iraqi trade regime closer to rules and disciplines of multilateral systems; to regularly inform Parliament of the stage reached in the negotiations between the EU and Iraq on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

l)

to conduct negotiations on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq in a manner that facilitates and encourages internal reforms in Iraq and that brings the Iraqi trade regime closer to rules and disciplines of multilateral systems; to regularly inform Parliament of the stage reached in the negotiations between the EU and Iraq on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement;

| m) | to encourage the Iraqi government to use the revenue from the sale of petroleum in such a way as to ensure that it is reinvested in Iraq and that it is managed by public procurement bodies under the final authority of the Iraqi government; to recommend that this approach be an essential precondition of EU support for the reconstruction and development of the Iraqi economy; |
| --- | --- |

m)

to encourage the Iraqi government to use the revenue from the sale of petroleum in such a way as to ensure that it is reinvested in Iraq and that it is managed by public procurement bodies under the final authority of the Iraqi government; to recommend that this approach be an essential precondition of EU support for the reconstruction and development of the Iraqi economy;

| n) | to call on the Multi-National Force — Iraq (MNF-I) to engage with the Government of Iraq and account for the situation of the over 24 000 detainees held in MNF-I custody, so as to ensure respect for due process and their basic human rights; |
| --- | --- |

n)

to call on the Multi-National Force — Iraq (MNF-I) to engage with the Government of Iraq and account for the situation of the over 24 000 detainees held in MNF-I custody, so as to ensure respect for due process and their basic human rights;

| o) | to engage in a dialogue with the USA and seek enhanced multilateralisation of the role played by the international community in the country, by using the UN framework; to support the efforts of Iraq to increase the frequency and depth of discussions with its neighbours, namely Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, about the future of Iraq, without prejudice to any other issue of concern; to urge Turkey to respect the territorial integrity of Iraq and not to react to terrorist actions through military actions on Iraqi territory; to urge the Iraqi authorities not to allow Iraqi territory to be used as a base for terrorist actions against Turkey; |
| --- | --- |

o)

to engage in a dialogue with the USA and seek enhanced multilateralisation of the role played by the international community in the country, by using the UN framework; to support the efforts of Iraq to increase the frequency and depth of discussions with its neighbours, namely Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, about the future of Iraq, without prejudice to any other issue of concern; to urge Turkey to respect the territorial integrity of Iraq and not to react to terrorist actions through military actions on Iraqi territory; to urge the Iraqi authorities not to allow Iraqi territory to be used as a base for terrorist actions against Turkey;

| p) | to disclose information on which private military companies (PMCs) and private security companies (PSCs) are providing security to EU staff in Iraq; to adopt a concept for the employment of PMCs/PSCs during ESDP operations, and establish clear guidelines for the use of private military and security companies by EU institutions; |
| --- | --- |

p)

to disclose information on which private military companies (PMCs) and private security companies (PSCs) are providing security to EU staff in Iraq; to adopt a concept for the employment of PMCs/PSCs during ESDP operations, and establish clear guidelines for the use of private military and security companies by EU institutions;

| 2. | Stresses Parliament's commitment to the principles and the practice of parliamentary democracy; recalls, therefore, its initiative in the 2008 Budget to support democracy-building with parliaments in third countries, its commitment to support actively the Iraqi Council of Representatives by offering assistance for capacity-building, and its work through the ad hoc delegation for Iraq in order to promote bilateral relations; resolves, therefore, to assist the further development of the Iraqi Council of Representatives by:






  (a) | developing initiatives that strengthen the capacity of elected Iraqi representatives to fulfil their constitutional role in society through good parliamentary practice, effective relations with the executive and constituency outreach; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

Stresses Parliament's commitment to the principles and the practice of parliamentary democracy; recalls, therefore, its initiative in the 2008 Budget to support democracy-building with parliaments in third countries, its commitment to support actively the Iraqi Council of Representatives by offering assistance for capacity-building, and its work through the ad hoc delegation for Iraq in order to promote bilateral relations; resolves, therefore, to assist the further development of the Iraqi Council of Representatives by:

(a)

developing initiatives that strengthen the capacity of elected Iraqi representatives to fulfil their constitutional role in society through good parliamentary practice, effective relations with the executive and constituency outreach;

| (b) | increasing the transfer of experience in effective administration, the training of professional staff, the development of a fully functional committee structure and comprehensive rules of procedures, and institutional transparency and accountability; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

increasing the transfer of experience in effective administration, the training of professional staff, the development of a fully functional committee structure and comprehensive rules of procedures, and institutional transparency and accountability;

| (c) | providing the expertise in drafting legislation that is essential for the effective implementation of the federal state structure; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

providing the expertise in drafting legislation that is essential for the effective implementation of the federal state structure;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council and, for information, to the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and the Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council and, for information, to the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and the Council of Representatives of the Republic of Iraq.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0481.

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2007)0357.

(3)  OJ L 62, 9.3.2005, p. 37.

(4)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 287.

(5)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 171.

(6)  See Regulation (EC) No 1717/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 establishing an Instrument for Stability (OJ L 327, 24.11.2006, p. 1).

(7)  See Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41).

(8)  See Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing a financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide (OJ L 386, 29.12.2006, p. 1).

---

II Information

INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS AND BODIES

Wednesday 12 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/82 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/82

---

Request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin

P6_TA(2008)0089

European Parliament decision of 12 March 2008 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin (2007/2215(IMM))

(2009/C 66 E/16)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin, forwarded by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Austria on 24 September 2007, and announced in plenary sitting on 27 September 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin, forwarded by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Austria on 24 September 2007, and announced in plenary sitting on 27 September 2007,

| — | having heard Hans-Peter Martin in accordance with Rule 7(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having heard Hans-Peter Martin in accordance with Rule 7(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Article 10 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 10 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

| — | having regard to the judgments of 12 May 1964 and 10 July 1986 (1) of the Court of Justice of the European Communities, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgments of 12 May 1964 and 10 July 1986 (1) of the Court of Justice of the European Communities,

| — | having regard to Article 57 of the Austrian Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 57 of the Austrian Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz,

| — | having regard to Rules 6(2) and 7 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 6(2) and 7 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0071/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0071/2008),

| 1. | Decides to waive the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to waive the immunity of Hans-Peter Martin;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision, and the report of its committee responsible, immediately to the appropriate authority of the Republic of Austria. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision, and the report of its committee responsible, immediately to the appropriate authority of the Republic of Austria.

---

(1)  Case 101/63 Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier [1964] ECR 195, and Case 149/85 Wybot v Faure and others [1986] ECR 2391.

---

III Preparatory Acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 11 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/83 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/83

---

Management of the assets of the ECSC and the Research Fund for Coal and Steel *

P6_TA(2008)0073

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision amending Decision 2003/77/EC laying down multiannual financial guidelines for managing the assets of the ECSC in liquidation and, on completion of the liquidation, the Assets of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0435 — C6-0276/2007 — 2007/0150(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/17)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0435), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0435),

| — | having regard to Article 2(2) of Council Decision 2003/76/EC, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0276/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 2(2) of Council Decision 2003/76/EC, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0276/2007),

| — | having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0062/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0062/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/84 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/84

---

EC-United Arab Emirates Agreement on certain aspects of air services *

P6_TA(2008)0074

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the conclusion of an agreement between the European Community and the United Arab Emirates on certain aspects of air services (COM(2007)0134 — C6-0472/2007 — 2007/0052(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/18)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2007)0134), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2007)0134),

| — | having regard to Articles 80(2) and 300(2), first subparagraph, first sentence, of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 80(2) and 300(2), first subparagraph, first sentence, of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0472/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0472/2007),

| — | having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A6-0043/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism (A6-0043/2008),

| 1. | Approves conclusion of the agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves conclusion of the agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the United Arab Emirates. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the United Arab Emirates.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/84 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/84

---

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *

P6_TA(2008)0075

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (‘Single CMO Regulation’) (COM(2007)0854 — C6-0033/2008 — 2007/0290(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/19)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0854), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0854),

| — | having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0033/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0033/2008),

| — | having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0044/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0044/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/85 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/85

---

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products *

P6_TA(2008)0076

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation) (COM(2008)0027 — C6-0061/2008 — 2008/0011(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/20)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2008)0027), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2008)0027),

| — | having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0061/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0061/2008),

| — | having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51 and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0045/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0045/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal;

| 2. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 3. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/86 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/86

---

Statistical classification of economic activities in the EC ***I

P6_TA(2008)0077

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community (codified version) (COM(2007)0755 — C6-0437/2007 — 2007/0256(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/21)

(Codecision procedure — codification)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0755), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0755),

| — | having regard to Article 251(2) and Article 285(1) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0437/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(2) and Article 285(1) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0437/2007),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1),

| — | having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0055/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0055/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/86 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/86

---

Identification and registration of pigs *

P6_TA(2008)0078

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the identification and registration of pigs (codified version) (COM(2007)0829 — C6-0037/2008 — 2007/0294(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/22)

(Consultation procedure — codification)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0829), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0829),

| — | having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0037/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0037/2008),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1),

| — | having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0057/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0057/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/87 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/87

---

Marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed *

P6_TA(2008)0079

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive on the marketing of vegetable propagating and planting material, other than seed (codified version) (COM(2007)0852 — C6-0038/2008 — 2007/0296(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/23)

(Consultation procedure — codification)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0852), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0852),

| — | having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0038/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0038/2008),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 20 December 1994 — Accelerated working method for official codification of legislative texts (1),

| — | having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 80 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0056/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0056/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as adapted to the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the Legal Services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 2.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/88 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/88

---

Common rules in the field of civil aviation security ***III

P6_TA(2008)0080

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules in the field of civil aviation security and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2320/2002 (PE-CONS 3601/2008 — C6-0029/2008 — 2005/0191(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/24)

(Codecision procedure: third reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee and the relevant Commission statements (PE-CONS 3601/2008 — C6-0029/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the joint text approved by the Conciliation Committee and the relevant Commission statements (PE-CONS 3601/2008 — C6-0029/2008),

| — | having regard to its position at first reading (1) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2005)0429), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position at first reading (1) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2005)0429),

| — | having regard to its position at second reading (2) on the Council common position (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position at second reading (2) on the Council common position (3),

| — | having regard to the Commission's opinion on Parliament's amendments to the common position (COM(2007)0475), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission's opinion on Parliament's amendments to the common position (COM(2007)0475),

| — | having regard to Article 251(5) of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(5) of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Rule 65 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 65 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of its delegation to the Conciliation Committee (A6-0049/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of its delegation to the Conciliation Committee (A6-0049/2008),

| 1. | Approves the joint text; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the joint text;

| 2. | Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to have it published in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to have it published in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward this legislative resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward this legislative resolution to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 300 E, 9.12.2006, p. 463.

(2)  Texts adopted, 25.4.2007, P6_TA(2007)0142.

(3)  OJ C 70 E, 27.3.2007, p. 21.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/89 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/89

---

European Institute of Innovation and Technology ***II

P6_TA(2008)0081

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the Council common position for adopting a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (15647/1/2007 — C6-0035/2008 — 2006/0197(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/25)

(Codecision procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Council common position (15647/1/2007 — C6-0035/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council common position (15647/1/2007 — C6-0035/2008),

| — | having regard to its position at first reading (1) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0604), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position at first reading (1) on the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0604),

| — | having regard to Article 251(2) of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(2) of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0041/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0041/2008),

| 1. | Approves the common position; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the common position;

| 2. | Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the common position; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the act is adopted in accordance with the common position;

| 3. | Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to sign the act with the President of the Council pursuant to Article 254(1) of the EC Treaty;

| 4. | Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to have it published in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its Secretary-General to sign the act, once it has been verified that all the procedures have been duly completed, and, in agreement with the Secretary-General of the Council, to have it published in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  Texts adopted, 26.9.2007, P6_TA(2007)0409.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/89 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/89

---

Mobilisation of the European Union's Solidarity Fund

P6_TA(2008)0082

European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund in application of point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0014 — C6-0036/2008 — 2008/2019(ACI))

(2009/C 66 E/26)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0014),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 26 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 26 thereof,

| — | having regard to report of the Committee on Budgets and to the opinion of Committee on Regional Development (A6-0065/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to report of the Committee on Budgets and to the opinion of Committee on Regional Development (A6-0065/2008),

| 1. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 2. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and to arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

---

ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 11 March 2008

on the mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund in application of point 26 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 26 thereof,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (2),

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | The European Union has created a European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The European Union has created a European Union Solidarity Fund (‘the Fund’) to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters.

| (2) | The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the Fund within the annual ceiling of 1 billion euro. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the Fund within the annual ceiling of 1 billion euro.

| (3) | Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 contains the provisions whereby the Fund may be mobilised. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 contains the provisions whereby the Fund may be mobilised.

| (4) | The United Kingdom submitted an application to mobilise the Fund, concerning a disaster caused by flooding in June and July 2007, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The United Kingdom submitted an application to mobilise the Fund, concerning a disaster caused by flooding in June and July 2007,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, the European Union Solidarity Fund shall be mobilised to provide the sum of 162 387 985 euro in commitment and payment appropriations.

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Strasbourg, 11 March 2008.

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

1

(2)  OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3.

2

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/91 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/91

---

Amending budget No 1/2008

P6_TA(2008)0083

Amendment to draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD))

(2009/C 66 E/27)

Amendment 1

Volume 4 (section 3) — Commission

Item 06 01 04 12 Galileo Programme — expenditure on administrative management

Amend figures as follows

| 06 01 04 12 | Budget 2007 | PDB 2008 | DAB 2008 | AMENDMENT | DB + AMENDMENT |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments |
| Appropriations | | | | | 2 000 000 | 2 000 000 | – 2 000 000 | – 2 000 000 | p.m. | p.m. |
| Reserves | | | | | | | | | | |

06 01 04 12

Budget 2007

PDB 2008

DAB 2008

AMENDMENT

DB + AMENDMENT

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Appropriations

2 000 000

2 000 000

– 2 000 000

– 2 000 000

p.m.

p.m.

Reserves

Volume 4 (section 3) — Commission

Article 06 02 10 Galileo Programme

Amend figures as follows

| 06 02 10 | Budget 2007 | PDB 2008 | DAB 2008 | AMENDMENT | DB + AMENDMENT |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments | Commitments | Payments |
| Appropriations | 100 000 000 | p.m | 151 000 000 | 100 000 000 | 888 000 000 | 198 000 000 | 2 000 000 | 2 000 000 | 890 000 000 | 200 000 000 |
| Reserves | | | | | | | | | | |

06 02 10

Budget 2007

PDB 2008

DAB 2008

AMENDMENT

DB + AMENDMENT

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Commitments

Payments

Appropriations

100 000 000

p.m

151 000 000

100 000 000

888 000 000

198 000 000

2 000 000

2 000 000

890 000 000

200 000 000

Reserves

Legal basis:

Reference acts:

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/92 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/92

---

Amending budget No 1/2008

P6_TA(2008)0084

European Parliament resolution of 11 March 2008 on Draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Section III — Commission (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008 — 2008/2017(BUD))

(2009/C 66 E/28)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Article 272 of the EC Treaty and Article 177 of the Euratom Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 272 of the EC Treaty and Article 177 of the Euratom Treaty,

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1), and particularly Articles 37 and 38, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1), and particularly Articles 37 and 38,

| — | having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, as finally adopted on 13 December 2007 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, as finally adopted on 13 December 2007 (2),

| — | having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (3),

| — | having regard to Preliminary draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, which the Commission presented on 18 January 2008 (COM(2008)0015), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Preliminary draft amending budget No 1/2008 of the European Union for the financial year 2008, which the Commission presented on 18 January 2008 (COM(2008)0015),

| — | having regard to Draft amending budget No 1/2008, which the Council established on 4 March 2008 (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Draft amending budget No 1/2008, which the Council established on 4 March 2008 (7259/2008 — C6-0124/2008),

| — | having regard to Rule 69 of and Annex IV to its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 69 of and Annex IV to its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0058/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0058/2008),

| A. | whereas Draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget 2008 covers the following items:






  — | The mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for an amount of 162 387 985euro in commitment and payment appropriations, relating to major storm damage in the United Kingdom in June and July 2007, |
| --- | --- | --- |

A.

whereas Draft amending budget No 1 to the general budget 2008 covers the following items:

—

The mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for an amount of 162 387 985euro in commitment and payment appropriations, relating to major storm damage in the United Kingdom in June and July 2007,

| — | The creation of the necessary budgetary structure to accommodate the Research Executive Agency (REA) and the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA), |
| --- | --- |

—

The creation of the necessary budgetary structure to accommodate the Research Executive Agency (REA) and the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA),

| — | Modification of the establishment plan of the European Agency for the Management of the Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex), |
| --- | --- |

—

Modification of the establishment plan of the European Agency for the Management of the Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex),

| — | The creation of budget item 06 01 04 12 Galileo Programme — expenditure on administrative management, as provided for in the Commission's revised proposal COM(2007)0535, |
| --- | --- |

—

The creation of budget item 06 01 04 12 Galileo Programme — expenditure on administrative management, as provided for in the Commission's revised proposal COM(2007)0535,

| — | The creation of budget Article 27 01 11 Exceptional crisis expenditure, to enable the financing of exceptional expenditure linked to a declared crisis. The line will be endowed with a ‘p.m.’, |
| --- | --- |

—

The creation of budget Article 27 01 11 Exceptional crisis expenditure, to enable the financing of exceptional expenditure linked to a declared crisis. The line will be endowed with a ‘p.m.’,

| B. | whereas the purpose of Draft amending budget No 1/2008 is to formally enter these budgetary adjustments into the 2008 budget, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the purpose of Draft amending budget No 1/2008 is to formally enter these budgetary adjustments into the 2008 budget,

| 1. | Takes note of Preliminary draft amending budget No 1/2008; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Takes note of Preliminary draft amending budget No 1/2008;

| 2. | Recalls its amendment to Draft amending budget No 1/2008 aiming at the creation of a line for expenditure on administrative management re-establishing the original amount on the operational line for Galileo; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Recalls its amendment to Draft amending budget No 1/2008 aiming at the creation of a line for expenditure on administrative management re-establishing the original amount on the operational line for Galileo;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1525/2007 (OJ L 343, 27.12.2007, p. 9).

(2)  OJ L 71, 14.3.2008.

(3)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/93 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/93

---

EC-Guinea-Bissau Fisheries Partnership Agreement *

P6_TA(2008)0085

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (COM(2007)0580 — C6-0391/2007 — 2007/0209(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/29)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council regulation (COM(2007)0580), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council regulation (COM(2007)0580),

| — | having regard to Article 37 and Article 300(2) of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 37 and Article 300(2) of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0391/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0391/2007),

| — | having regard to Rules 51 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A6-0053/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A6-0053/2008),

| 1. | Approves the proposal for a Council regulation as amended and approves the conclusion of the Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the proposal for a Council regulation as amended and approves the conclusion of the Agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.

| (2a) | It is important to improve the information provided to the European Parliament. To this end, the Commission should forward the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 10 of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2a)

It is important to improve the information provided to the European Parliament. To this end, the Commission should forward the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 10 of the Agreement.

The Commission shall evaluate each year whether the Member States whose vessels operate under the Protocol have complied with reporting requirements. Where they have not so complied, the Commission shall withhold their requests for fishing licences for the following year.

Article 3a

The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the results of the multiannual sectoral programme described in Article 8 of the Protocol as well as on compliance by the Member States with reporting requirements.

Article 3b

During the final year of the term of the Protocol and before another agreement is concluded for its renewal, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the application of the Agreement and the conditions under which it was implemented.

Article 3c

On the basis of the report referred to in Article 3b and after consulting the European Parliament, the Council shall, where appropriate, grant the Commission a negotiating mandate with a view to the adoption of a new protocol.

Article 3d

The Commission shall forward to the European Parliament the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 10 of the Agreement.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/95 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/95

---

EC-Côte d'Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement *

P6_TA(2008)0086

European Parliament legislative resolution of 11 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and Côte d'Ivoire (COM(2007)0648 — C6-0429/2007 — 2007/0226(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/30)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council regulation (COM(2007)0648), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council regulation (COM(2007)0648),

| — | having regard to Article 37 and Article 300(2) of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 37 and Article 300(2) of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0429/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0429/2007),

| — | having regard to Rules 51 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51 and 83(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A6-0054/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinions of the Committee on Development and the Committee on Budgets (A6-0054/2008),

| 1. | Approves the proposal for a Council regulation as amended and approves the conclusion of the Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the proposal for a Council regulation as amended and approves the conclusion of the Agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Côte d'Ivoire. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Côte d'Ivoire.

| (2a) | It is important to improve the information provided to the European Parliament. To this end, the Commission should forward the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 9 of the Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

(2a)

It is important to improve the information provided to the European Parliament. To this end, the Commission should forward the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 9 of the Agreement.

The Commission shall evaluate each year whether the Member States whose vessels operate under the Protocol have complied with reporting requirements. Where they have not so complied, the Commission shall withhold their requests for fishing licences for the following year.

Article 3a

The Commission shall report annually to the European Parliament and the Council on the results of the multiannual sectoral programme described in Article 7 of the Protocol as well as on compliance by the Member States with reporting requirements.

Article 3b

During the final year of the term of the Protocol and before another agreement is concluded for its renewal, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the application of the Agreement and the conditions under which it was implemented.

Article 3c

On the basis of the report referred to in Article 3b and after consulting the European Parliament, the Council shall, where appropriate, grant the Commission a negotiating mandate with a view to the adoption of a new protocol.

Article 3d

The Commission shall forward to the European Parliament the conclusions of the meetings of the Joint Committee referred to in Article 9 of the Agreement.

---

Wednesday 12 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/97 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/97

---

Energy statistics ***I

P6_TA(2008)0090

European Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics (COM(2006)0850 — C6-0035/2007 — 2007/0002(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/31)

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0850), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0850),

| — | having regard to Article 251(2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0035/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0035/2007),

| — | having regard to Article 285(1) of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 285(1) of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0487/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0487/2007),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0002

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position at first reading corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EC) No .../2008.)

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/98 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/98

---

Statistics on plant protection products ***I

P6_TA(2008)0091

European Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on plant protection products (COM(2006)0778 — C6-0457/2006 — 2006/0258(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/32)

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0778), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2006)0778),

| — | having regard to Articles 251(2) and 285(1) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0457/2006), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 251(2) and 285(1) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0457/2006),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0004/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0004/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

P6_TC1-COD(2006)0258

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 12 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning statistics on pesticides

(Text with EEA relevance)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 285(1) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission

Image,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3),

Whereas:

| (1) | Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (4) recognised that the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment, in particular from
  pesticides
  used in agriculture, must be reduced further. It underlined the need to achieve more sustainable use of pesticides and called for a significant overall reduction of risks and the use of pesticides consistent with the necessary crop protection. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (4) recognised that the impact of pesticides on human health and the environment, in particular from
  pesticides
  used in agriculture, must be reduced further. It underlined the need to achieve more sustainable use of pesticides and called for a significant overall reduction of risks and the use of pesticides consistent with the necessary crop protection.

| (2) | In its Communication to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee entitled ‘Towards a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides’

  , the Commission recognised the need for detailed, harmonised and up-to-date statistics on sales and use of pesticides at Community level. Such statistics are necessary for assessing policies of the European Union on sustainable development and for calculating relevant indicators on the risks for health and the environment related to pesticide use. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Image

| (3) | Harmonised and comparable Community statistics on pesticide
  production, imports, exports,
  sales
  , distribution
  and use are essential for the development and monitoring of Community legislation and policies in the context of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Harmonised and comparable Community statistics on pesticide
  production, imports, exports,
  sales
  , distribution
  and use are essential for the development and monitoring of Community legislation and policies in the context of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides.

| (4) | Since the effects of the relatively new Directive 98/8/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market (5) will not become apparent until well after 2006, when the first evaluation of active substances for use in biocidal products will be finalised, neither the Commission nor most Member States currently have sufficient knowledge or experience to propose further measures regarding biocides.



  This Regulation
  should
  thus
  be
  limited to
  pesticides
  covered by Regulation (EC) No [...] of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (6), for which a large experience already exists on data collection.
  Where appropriate, the Commission should however include in Annex III of this Regulation the use of biocidal products containing substances also covered by Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]. At a later stage, when sufficient experience has been gained after the publication of the first report foreseen in Directive 98/8/EC, the Commission should extend the scope of this Regulation to cover the use of relevant biocides and to this end include these substances in Annex III. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

Image

| (5) | The experience of the Commission in collecting data on sales and use of
  pesticides
  over many years has demonstrated the need to have a harmonised methodology for collecting statistics at Community level both from the distribution chain and from users. Moreover, in view of the aim of calculating accurate risk indicators according to the objectives of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, statistics need to be detailed up to the level of the active substances. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The experience of the Commission in collecting data on sales and use of
  pesticides
  over many years has demonstrated the need to have a harmonised methodology for collecting statistics at Community level both from the distribution chain and from users. Moreover, in view of the aim of calculating accurate risk indicators according to the objectives of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, statistics need to be detailed up to the level of the active substances.

| (6) | Among the different data collection options evaluated in the impact assessment of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, mandatory data collection was recommended as the best option because it would allow the development of accurate and reliable data on the production, distribution and use of
  pesticides
  quickly and cost-efficiently. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

Among the different data collection options evaluated in the impact assessment of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, mandatory data collection was recommended as the best option because it would allow the development of accurate and reliable data on the production, distribution and use of
  pesticides
  quickly and cost-efficiently.

| (7) | The measures for the production of statistics provided for in this Regulation are necessary for the performance of the activities of the Community. Since the objective of this Regulation, namely establishing a framework for the production of Community statistics on the placing on the market and use of
  pesticides
  , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

The measures for the production of statistics provided for in this Regulation are necessary for the performance of the activities of the Community. Since the objective of this Regulation, namely establishing a framework for the production of Community statistics on the placing on the market and use of
  pesticides
  , cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore be better achieved at Community level, the Community may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve this objective.

| (8) | Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics (7) constitutes the reference framework for the provisions of this Regulation. In particular, it requires conformity to standards of impartiality, reliability, objectivity, scientific independence,
  accuracy,
  cost-effectiveness and statistical confidentiality. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

Council Regulation (EC) No 322/97 of 17 February 1997 on Community Statistics (7) constitutes the reference framework for the provisions of this Regulation. In particular, it requires conformity to standards of impartiality, reliability, objectivity, scientific independence,
  accuracy,
  cost-effectiveness and statistical confidentiality.

| (9) | Taking due account of the obligations under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters of 25 June 1998 (Aarhus Convention),
  the necessary protection of confidentiality on data of commercial value needs to be assured, among other means, by an appropriate aggregation when publishing statistics. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Taking due account of the obligations under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters of 25 June 1998 (Aarhus Convention),
  the necessary protection of confidentiality on data of commercial value needs to be assured, among other means, by an appropriate aggregation when publishing statistics.

| (10) | To guarantee comparable results, statistics on
  pesticides
  should be produced in accordance with a specified breakdown, in an appropriate form and within a fixed period of time from the end of a reference year as defined in the Annexes of this Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

To guarantee comparable results, statistics on
  pesticides
  should be produced in accordance with a specified breakdown, in an appropriate form and within a fixed period of time from the end of a reference year as defined in the Annexes of this Regulation.

| (11) | The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (8). |
| --- | --- |

(11)

The measures necessary for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (8).

| (12) | In particular, the Commission should be empowered to determine quality evaluation criteria, adopt specific definitions and adapt the Annexes. Since those measures are of general scope and are designed to amend non-essential elements of this Regulation, inter alia by supplementing it with new non-essential elements, they must be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny provided for in Article 5a of



  Decision 1999/468/EC. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

Image

| (13) | The Statistical Programme Committee (SPC), established by Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom (9), has been consulted, |
| --- | --- |

(13)

The Statistical Programme Committee (SPC), established by Council Decision 89/382/EEC, Euratom (9), has been consulted,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

Subject matter
  ,
  scope
  and objectives

1.   This Regulation establishes a framework for the production of Community statistics on the
  production,
  placing on the market and use of
  pesticides
  .

2.   The statistics shall apply to:

| — | the annual amounts of
  pesticides produced and
  placed on the market according to Annex I; |
| --- | --- |

—

the annual amounts of
  pesticides produced and
  placed on the market according to Annex I;

| — | the annual

 amounts of
  pesticides used
  according to Annex II; |
| --- | --- |

—

the annual

Image amounts of
  pesticides used
  according to Annex II;

| — | the annual amounts of biocidal products used belonging to product types 14 to 19 as defined in Annex V to Directive 98/8/EC. |
| --- | --- |

—

the annual amounts of biocidal products used belonging to product types 14 to 19 as defined in Annex V to Directive 98/8/EC.

3.
     
  The statistics shall, in particular, serve the following purposes:

| — | implementation and evaluation of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, |
| --- | --- |

—

implementation and evaluation of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides,

| — | development of harmonised national and Community risk indicators, identification of trends in the use of pesticides and assessment of the effectiveness of national action plans in accordance with Directive .../.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides

   (6)

  , |
| --- | --- |

—

development of harmonised national and Community risk indicators, identification of trends in the use of pesticides and assessment of the effectiveness of national action plans in accordance with Directive .../.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides

   (6)

  ,

| — | recording of substance flows at the stages of production of, trade in, and use of pesticides. |
| --- | --- |

—

recording of substance flows at the stages of production of, trade in, and use of pesticides.

Article 2

Definitions

For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

| (a) | ‘pesticides’
  means
  :








  — | plant protection
  products
  as defined in Article [2(1)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(a)

‘pesticides’
  means
  :

—

plant protection
  products
  as defined in Article [2(1)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market];

| — | biocidal products as defined in Directive 98/8/EC belonging to product types 14 to 19 as defined in Annex V thereto; |
| --- | --- |

—

biocidal products as defined in Directive 98/8/EC belonging to product types 14 to 19 as defined in Annex V thereto;

| (b) | ‘substance’ means substance as defined in Article [3(2)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market], including active substances, safeners and synergists; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

‘substance’ means substance as defined in Article [3(2)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market], including active substances, safeners and synergists;

| (c) | ‘placing on the market’ means placing on the market as defined in Article [3(13)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

‘placing on the market’ means placing on the market as defined in Article [3(13)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market];

| (d) | ‘supplier’ means any natural or legal person who owns an ‘authorization’ for the placing on the market of
  pesticides
  as defined in Article [3(16)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

‘supplier’ means any natural or legal person who owns an ‘authorization’ for the placing on the market of
  pesticides
  as defined in Article [3(16)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market];

| (e) | ‘agricultural use’ means any type of application of a
  pesticide
  for one's own use or for a third party, associated directly or indirectly with the production of plant products in the context of the economic activity of the agricultural holding; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

‘agricultural use’ means any type of application of a
  pesticide
  for one's own use or for a third party, associated directly or indirectly with the production of plant products in the context of the economic activity of the agricultural holding;

| (f) | ‘professional user’ means any natural or legal person who carries out the use of pesticides in the framework of his professional activity, including operators, technicians, employers, self-employed people in the farming or the non-farming sector as defined in Article [3] of



  Directive .../.../EC [establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides]


  ; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

Image

Image

| (g) | ‘agricultural holding’ means agricultural holding as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 of 29 February 1988 on the organisation of Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings (10). |
| --- | --- |

(g)

‘agricultural holding’ means agricultural holding as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 of 29 February 1988 on the organisation of Community surveys on the structure of agricultural holdings (10).

Article 3

Data collection, transmission and processing

1.   Member States shall collect the data necessary for the specification of the characteristics listed in Annexes I and II by means of:

| — | data from pesticide producers, traders and importers, |
| --- | --- |

—

data from pesticide producers, traders and importers,

| — | reporting obligations applicable to suppliers concerning the
  pesticides
  placed on the market; distinct authorizations for professional and non-professional uses can be used
  ; in particular, obligations pursuant to Article [64(2)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]
  , |
| --- | --- |

—

reporting obligations applicable to suppliers concerning the
  pesticides
  placed on the market; distinct authorizations for professional and non-professional uses can be used
  ; in particular, obligations pursuant to Article [64(2)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]
  ,

| — | reporting obligations applicable to professional users based on records kept on the use of
  pesticides; in particular, obligations pursuant to Article [64(1)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]
  , |
| --- | --- |

—

reporting obligations applicable to professional users based on records kept on the use of
  pesticides; in particular, obligations pursuant to Article [64(1)] of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market]
  ,

| — | surveys, |
| --- | --- |

—

surveys,

| — | administrative sources, or |
| --- | --- |

—

administrative sources, or

| — | a combination of these means, including statistical estimation procedures on the basis of expert judgements or models. |
| --- | --- |

—

a combination of these means, including statistical estimation procedures on the basis of expert judgements or models.

2.
     
  Member States shall communicate their choice of data collection pursuant to paragraph 1 to the Commission, which shall approve the data collection method in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3).

3.
     
  Member States shall ensure that producers of pesticides and those responsible for placing pesticides on the market or importing them report annually to the competent authority on:

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is produced, |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is produced,

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is supplied to processing firms or wholesalers in the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is supplied to processing firms or wholesalers in the European Union,

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is exported. |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is exported.

This information shall be assessed by the competent authorities and, where appropriate after editing to preserve the confidentiality of certain information, published.

4.   Member States shall transmit to the Commission the statistical results, including confidential data, according to the schedules and with the periodicity specified in Annexes I and II. Data shall be presented according to the classification given in Annex III.
  The Member States may aggregate the data for reasons of confidentiality.

5.
     
  Member States shall ensure that the data collected are used for an adequate evaluation by the competent national authorities and their existing advisory bodies with regard to the aims of the respective national action plans as referred to in Directive .../.../EC

   (11)

  [establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides]. This evaluation shall be published on the Internet, taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations.

6.   Member States shall transmit the data in electronic form, in conformity with an appropriate technical format to be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 5(2).

7.   Member States shall produce reports on the quality of the statistics as stated in Annexes I and II.

8.   The Commission shall determine the quality evaluation criteria in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3).

9.   Image For reasons of confidentiality, the Commission shall,
  where appropriate,
  aggregate the data before publication according to the chemical classes or categories of products as indicated in Annex III,
  taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations
  .

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 322/97, confidential data shall be used by national authorities and by the Community authority exclusively for the purposes of this Regulation.

Article 4

Implementation measures

1.   The following measures necessary for implementation of this Regulation, including measures to take account of economic and technical developments, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 5(2):

| (a) | adoption of the appropriate technical format for the transmission of data (Article 3(6)); |
| --- | --- |

(a)

adoption of the appropriate technical format for the transmission of data (Article 3(6));

| (b) | definition of the format and content of the quality reports to be supplied by the Member States (Section 7 of Annex I and Section 6 of Annex II); |
| --- | --- |

(b)

definition of the format and content of the quality reports to be supplied by the Member States (Section 7 of Annex I and Section 6 of Annex II);

2.   The following measures shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3):

| (a) | determination of quality evaluation criteria (Article 3(8)); |
| --- | --- |

(a)

determination of quality evaluation criteria (Article 3(8));

| (b) | definition of the ‘area of crop treated’ and of the ‘crop season’ referred to in Sections 2 and 4 of Annex II respectively; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

definition of the ‘area of crop treated’ and of the ‘crop season’ referred to in Sections 2 and 4 of Annex II respectively;

| (c) | adaptation of the specifications listed in Section 4 of Annex I and Section 3 of Annex II, regarding the reporting measures; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

adaptation of the specifications listed in Section 4 of Annex I and Section 3 of Annex II, regarding the reporting measures;

| (d) | adaptation of the list of substances to be covered and their classification in categories of products and chemical classes as given in Annex III.
  Adaptation of the list of substances needs to take place on a regular basis and in light of the ongoing consideration of active substances
  . |
| --- | --- |

(d)

adaptation of the list of substances to be covered and their classification in categories of products and chemical classes as given in Annex III.
  Adaptation of the list of substances needs to take place on a regular basis and in light of the ongoing consideration of active substances
  .

Article 5

Committee procedure

1.   The Commission shall be assisted by the Statistical Programme Committee.

2.   Where reference is made to this paragraph,

Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.
  Image
  The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be three months.

3.   Where reference is made to this paragraph,

Image Article 5a (1) to (4) and Article 7 of Decision

Image 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

Article 6

Report

The Commission shall submit a report on the implementation of the Regulation to the European Parliament and the Council every five years. This report shall evaluate in particular the quality
  and comparability
  of data transmitted, the burden on
  agricultural holdings, horticultural holdings and other
  businesses and the usefulness of these statistics in the context of the Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides
  , in particular with regard to the objectives set out in Article 1. It shall, if appropriate, contain proposals designed to further improve data quality and reduce the burden on agricultural holdings and other businesses
  .

The first report shall be submitted by the end of ... (12).

Article 7

Entry into force

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at

Image

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 256, 27.10.2007, p. 86
  .

1

256, 27.10.2007, p. 86

(2)  OJ C ...

2

(3)  Position of the European Parliament of 12 March 2008.

3

Position of the European Parliament of 12 March 2008.

(4)  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.

4

(5)  OJ L 123, 24.4.1998, p. 1. Directive as last amended by

Image Directive 2008/31/EC (OJ L 81, 20.3.2008, p. 57).

5

(6)  OJ L ...

6

OJ L ...

(7)  OJ L 52, 22.2.1997, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 284, 31.10.2003, p. 1).

7

31.10.2003

(8)  OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11
  ).

8

22.7.2006, p. 11

(9)  OJ L 181, 28.6.1989, p. 47.

9

(10)  
  OJ L ...

10

OJ L ...

(11)  OJ L 56, 2.3.1988, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by

Image Regulation (EC) No 1928/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 7).

11

1928/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 7).

(12)  The seventh calendar year following the year of entry into force of this Regulation.

12

The seventh calendar year following the year of entry into force of this Regulation.

ANNEX I

Statistics on the production and placing on the market of pesticides

SECTION 1

Coverage

The statistics shall cover all substances listed in Annex III consisting of active substances, safeners or synergists contained in
  pesticides
  placed on the market in each Member State. Special attention shall be paid to avoiding double counting in the event of product reconditioning or transfer of authorization between suppliers.

SECTION 2

Variables

The quantity of each substance listed in Annex III contained in
  pesticides and biocidal
  products placed on the market shall be compiled
  in each Member State
  .

SECTION 3

Reporting obligations

Producers of pesticides and those responsible for placing pesticides on the market or importing them shall report annually to the competent authority on:

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is produced; |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is produced;

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is supplied to processing firms or wholesalers in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is supplied to processing firms or wholesalers in the European Union;

| — | the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is exported. |
| --- | --- |

—

the quantities in which a given active substance or a given pesticide is exported.

SECTION 4

Reporting measure

Data shall be expressed in kilograms of substances.

SECTION 5

Reference period

The reference period shall be the calendar year.

SECTION 6

First reference period, periodicity and transmission of results

| 1. | The first reference period is ... (1). |
| --- | --- |

1.

The first reference period is ... (1).

| 2. | Member States shall supply data for every calendar year subsequent to the first reference period
  and publish them
  —
  where appropriate in aggregated form
  —
  on the Internet, taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations
  . |
| --- | --- |

2.

Member States shall supply data for every calendar year subsequent to the first reference period
  and publish them
  —
  where appropriate in aggregated form
  —
  on the Internet, taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations
  .

| 3. | Data shall be transmitted to the Commission within 12 months of the end of the reference year. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Data shall be transmitted to the Commission within 12 months of the end of the reference year.

SECTION 7

Quality report

Member States shall supply the Commission with a quality report, indicating:

| — | the methodology used to collect data; |
| --- | --- |

—

the methodology used to collect data;

| — | relevant aspects of quality according to the methodology used to collect data; |
| --- | --- |

—

relevant aspects of quality according to the methodology used to collect data;

| — | a description of estimations, aggregations and exclusion methods used. |
| --- | --- |

—

a description of estimations, aggregations and exclusion methods used.

This report shall be transmitted to the Commission within 15 months of the end of the reference year.

The report concerning the second reference year shall contain a raw estimate of the proportions of the total quantity of substances in each major group listed in Annex III contained in
  pesticides
  placed on the market for both agricultural and non-agricultural use. These estimates shall be renewed every five years.

---

(1)  The second calendar year following the entry into force of this Regulation.

ANNEX II

Statistics on agricultural use of pesticides

SECTION 1

Coverage

| 1. | Statistics shall cover the agricultural,
  horticultural and professional non-agricultural
  use of
  pesticides
  ,
  such as use in communal green areas or in road or railway maintenance,
  in each Member State. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Statistics shall cover the agricultural,
  horticultural and professional non-agricultural
  use of
  pesticides
  ,
  such as use in communal green areas or in road or railway maintenance,
  in each Member State.

| 2. | Each Member State shall select a set of crops listed in categories D, F, G and I of the characteristics defined in Annex I of


  Regulation (EEC) No 571/88 and shall compile statistics for these crops. Statistics shall cover at least 75 % of the total quantity of substances placed on the market annually for agricultural use as estimated in the quality report on the second reference year referred to in Section 7 of Annex I. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Image

| 3. | Statistics shall cover all substances listed in Annex III consisting of active substances, safeners or synergists contained in
  pesticides
  used on the selected crops during the reference period. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Statistics shall cover all substances listed in Annex III consisting of active substances, safeners or synergists contained in
  pesticides
  used on the selected crops during the reference period.

SECTION 2

Variables

| 1. | The quantity of each substance listed in Annex III contained in
  pesticides
  used on each selected crop shall be compiled with the total area cultivated and the ‘area of the crop treated’ with each substance. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The quantity of each substance listed in Annex III contained in
  pesticides
  used on each selected crop shall be compiled with the total area cultivated and the ‘area of the crop treated’ with each substance.

| 2. | The definition of the ‘area of crop treated’ shall be determined in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3). |
| --- | --- |

2.

The definition of the ‘area of crop treated’ shall be determined in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3).

SECTION 3

Reporting measures

| 1. | Quantities of substances used shall be expressed in kilograms. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Quantities of substances used shall be expressed in kilograms.

| 2. | Areas cultivated and areas treated shall be expressed in hectares. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Areas cultivated and areas treated shall be expressed in hectares.

SECTION 4

Reference period

| 1. | The reference period shall be the ‘crop season’ covering the cultural practices linked to the crop in question and including all the plant protection treatments associated directly or indirectly with this crop. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The reference period shall be the ‘crop season’ covering the cultural practices linked to the crop in question and including all the plant protection treatments associated directly or indirectly with this crop.

| 2. | The ‘crop season’ shall be referred to as the year in which the harvest was taken. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The ‘crop season’ shall be referred to as the year in which the harvest was taken.

| 3. | The definition of the ‘crop season’ shall be determined in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The definition of the ‘crop season’ shall be determined in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3).

SECTION 5

First reference period, periodicity and transmission of results

| 1. | For each five-year period, Member States shall compile statistics on the use of
  pesticides
  for each selected crop within a reference period as defined in Section 4. |
| --- | --- |

1.

For each five-year period, Member States shall compile statistics on the use of
  pesticides
  for each selected crop within a reference period as defined in Section 4.

| 2. | Member States may choose the reference period at any time of the five-year period. The choice can be made independently for each selected crop. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Member States may choose the reference period at any time of the five-year period. The choice can be made independently for each selected crop.

| 3. | The first five-year period shall start at ... (1). |
| --- | --- |

3.

The first five-year period shall start at ... (1).

| 4. | Member States shall supply data for every five-year period. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Member States shall supply data for every five-year period.

| 5. | Data shall be transmitted to the Commission
  and published
  —
  where appropriate in aggregated form
  —
  on the Internet,
  within 12 months of the end of each five-year period,
  taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations
  . |
| --- | --- |

5.

Data shall be transmitted to the Commission
  and published
  —
  where appropriate in aggregated form
  —
  on the Internet,
  within 12 months of the end of each five-year period,
  taking due account of the confidential nature of sensitive business information as well as privacy obligations
  .

SECTION 6

Quality report

When they transmit their results, Member States shall supply the Commission with a quality report, indicating:

| — | the design of the sampling methodology; |
| --- | --- |

—

the design of the sampling methodology;

| — | the methodology used to collect data; |
| --- | --- |

—

the methodology used to collect data;

| — | an estimation of the relative importance of the crops covered with regard to the overall amount of
  pesticides
  used; |
| --- | --- |

—

an estimation of the relative importance of the crops covered with regard to the overall amount of
  pesticides
  used;

| — | relevant aspects of quality according to the methodology used to collect data; |
| --- | --- |

—

relevant aspects of quality according to the methodology used to collect data;

| — | a comparison between data on
  pesticides
  used during the five-year period and
  pesticides
  placed on the market during the five corresponding years. |
| --- | --- |

—

a comparison between data on
  pesticides
  used during the five-year period and
  pesticides
  placed on the market during the five corresponding years.

---

(1)  The first calendar year following the entry into force of the Regulation.

ANNEX III

Harmonised classification of substances

When reporting data on
  pesticides
  , Member States shall refer to the list of substances (consisting of active substances, safeners and synergists) hereunder and use the following chemical classification within the different categories of products. When no official translation exists, the names of substances shall be the English common names published by the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) (1). When publishing data, the Commission shall use the same classification. If required by the protection of confidential data, only data aggregated by chemical classes or category of products shall be published.

The Commission shall revise the list of substances and the classification in chemical classes and categories of products in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 5(3) and taking account of the evolution of Regulation (EC) No .../... [concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market].

| MAJOR GROUPS | Code | Chemical Class | Substances common names | CAS RN (2) | CIPAC (3) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Categories of products | | | Common Nomenclature | | |
| Fungicides and Bactericides | F0 | | | | |
| Inorganic fungicides | F1 | | | | |
| | F1.1 | COPPER COMPOUNDS | ALL COPPER COMPOUNDS | | 44 |
| | F1.1 | | COPPER HYDROXIDE | 20427-59-2 | 44 |
| | F1.1 | | COPPER OXYCHLORIDE | 1332-40-7 | 44 |
| | F1.1 | | COPPER SULPHATE | 7758-98-7 | 44 |
| | F1.1 | | OTHER COPPER SALTS | | 44 |
| | F1.2 | INORGANIC SULFUR | SULFUR | 7704-34-9 | 18 |
| | F1.3 | OTHER INORGANIC FUNGICIDES | OTHER INORGANIC FUNGICIDES | | |
| Fungicides based on carbamates and dithiocarbamates | F2 | | | | |
| | F2.1 | CARBANILATE FUNGICIDES | DIETHOFENCARB | 87130-20-9 | 513 |
| | F2.2 | CARBAMATE FUNGICIDES | PROPAMOCARB | 24579-73-5 | 399 |
| | F2.2 | | IPROVALICARB | 140923-17-7 | 620 |
| | F2.3 | DITHIOCARBAMATE FUNGICIDES | MANCOZEB | 8018-01-7 | 34 |
| | F2.3 | | MANEB | 12427-38-2 | 61 |
| | F2.3 | | METIRAM | 9006-42-2 | 478 |
| | F2.3 | | PROPINEB | 12071-83-9 | 177 |
| | F2.3 | | THIRAM | 137-26-8 | 24 |
| | F2.3 | | ZIRAM | 137-30-4 | 31 |
| Fungicides based on benzimidazoles | F3 | | | | |
| | F3.1 | BENZIMIDAZOLE FUNGICIDES | CARBENDAZIM | 10605-21-7 | 263 |
| | F3.1 | | FUBERIDAZOLE | 3878-19-1 | 525 |
| | F3.1 | | THIABENDAZOLE | 148-79-8 | 323 |
| | F3.1 | | THIOPHANATE-METHYL | 23564-05-8 | 262 |
| Fungicides based on imidazoles and triazoles | F4 | | | | |
| | F4.1 | CONAZOLE FUNGICIDES | BITERTANOL | 55179-31-2 | 386 |
| | F4.1 | | BROMUCONAZOLE | 116255-48-2 | 680 |
| | F4.1 | | CYPROCONAZOLE | 94361-06-5 | 600 |
| | F4.1 | | DIFENOCONAZOLE | 119446-68-3 | 687 |
| | F4.1 | | DINICONAZOLE | 83657-24-3 | 690 |
| | F4.1 | | EPOXICONAZOLE | 106325-08-0 | 609 |
| | F4.1 | | ETRIDIAZOLE | 2593-15-9 | 518 |
| | F4.1 | | FENBUCONAZOLE | 114369-43-6 | 694 |
| | F4.1 | | FLUQUINCONAZOLE | 136426-54-5 | 474 |
| | F4.1 | | FLUSILAZOLE | 85509-19-9 | 435 |
| | F4.1 | | FLUTRIAFOL | 76674-21-0 | 436 |
| | F4.1 | | HEXACONAZOLE | 79983-71-4 | 465 |
| | F4.1 | | IMAZALIL (ENILCONAZOLE) | 58594-72-2 | 335 |
| | F4.1 | | METCONAZOLE | 125116-23-6 | 706 |
| | F4.1 | | MYCLOBUTANIL | 88671-89-0 | 442 |
| | F4.1 | | PENCONAZOLE | 66246-88-6 | 446 |
| | F4.1 | | PROPICONAZOLE | 60207-90-1 | 408 |
| | F4.1 | | TEBUCONAZOLE | 107534-96-3 | 494 |
| | F4.1 | | TETRACONAZOLE | 112281-77-3 | 726 |
| | F4.1 | | TRIADIMENOL | 55219-65-3 | 398 |
| | F4.1 | | TRICYCLAZOLE | 41814-78-2 | 547 |
| | F4.1 | | TRIFLUMIZOLE | 99387-89-0 | 730 |
| | F4.1 | | TRITICONAZOLE | 131983-72-7 | 652 |
| | F4.2 | IMIDAZOLE FUNGICIDES | CYAZOFAMIDE | 120116-88-3 | 653 |
| | F4.2 | | FENAMIDONE | 161326-34-7 | 650 |
| | F4.2 | | TRIAZOXIDE | 72459-58-6 | 729 |
| Fungicides based on morpholines | F5 | | | | |
| | F5.1 | MORPHOLINE FUNGICIDES | DIMETHOMORPH | 110488-70-5 | 483 |
| | F5.1 | | DODEMORPH | 1593-77-7 | 300 |
| | F5.1 | | FENPROPIMORPH | 67564-91-4 | 427 |
| Other fungicides | F6 | | | | |
| | F6.1 | ALIPHATIC NITROGEN FUNGICIDES | CYMOXANIL | 57966-95-7 | 419 |
| | F6.1 | | DODINE | 2439-10-3 | 101 |
| | F6.1 | | GUAZATINE | 108173-90-6 | 361 |
| | F6.2 | AMIDE FUNGICIDES | BENALAXYL | 71626-11-4 | 416 |
| | F6.2 | | BOSCALID | 188425-85-6 | 673 |
| | F6.2 | | FLUTOLANIL | 66332-96-5 | 524 |
| | F6.2 | | MEPRONIL | 55814-41-0 | 533 |
| | F6.2 | | METALAXYL | 57837-19-1 | 365 |
| | F6.2 | | METALAXYL-M | 70630-17-0 | 580 |
| | F6.2 | | PROCHLORAZ | 67747-09-5 | 407 |
| | F6.2 | | SILTHIOFAM | 175217-20-6 | 635 |
| | F6.2 | | TOLYLFLUANID | 731-27-1 | 275 |
| | F6.2 | | ZOXAMIDE | 156052-68-5 | 640 |
| | F6.3 | ANILIDE FUNGICIDES | CARBOXIN | 5234-68-4 | 273 |
| | F6.3 | | FENHEXAMID | 126833-17-8 | 603 |
| | F6.4 | ANTIBIOTIC FUNGICIDES-BACTERICIDES | KASUGAMYCIN | 6980-18-3 | 703 |
| | F6.4 | | POLYOXINS | 11113-80-7 | 710 |
| | F6.4 | | STREPTOMYCIN | 57-92-1 | 312 |
| | F6.5 | AROMATIC FUNGICIDES | CHLOROTHALONIL | 1897-45-6 | 288 |
| | F6.5 | | DICLORAN | 99-30-9 | 150 |
| | F6.6 | DICARBOXIMIDE FUNGICIDES | IPRODIONE | 36734-19-7 | 278 |
| | F6.6 | | PROCYMIDONE | 32809-16-8 | 383 |
| | F6.7 | DINITROANILINE FUNGICIDES | FLUAZINAM | 79622-59-6 | 521 |
| | F6.8 | DINITROPHENOL FUNGICIDES | DINOCAP | 39300-45-3 | 98 |
| | F6.9 | ORGANOPHOSPHORUS FUNGICIDES | FOSETYL | 15845-66-6 | 384 |
| | F6.9 | | TOLCLOFOS-METHYL | 57018-04-9 | 479 |
| | F6.10 | OXAZOLE FUNGICIDES | HYMEXAZOL | 10004-44-1 | 528 |
| | F6.10 | | FAMOXADONE | 131807-57-3 | 594 |
| | F6.10 | | VINCLOZOLIN | 50471-44-8 | 280 |
| | F6.11 | PHENYLPYRROLE FUNGICIDES | FLUDIOXONIL | 131341-86-1 | 522 |
| | F6.12 | PHTHALIMIDE FUNGICIDES | CAPTAN | 133-06-2 | 40 |
| | F6.12 | | FOLPET | 133-07-3 | 75 |
| | F6.13 | PYRIMIDINE FUNGICIDES | BUPIRIMATE | 41483-43-6 | 261 |
| | F6.13 | | CYPRODINIL | 121552-61-2 | 511 |
| | F6.13 | | FENARIMOL | 60168-88-9 | 380 |
| | F6.13 | | MEPANIPYRIM | 110235-47-7 | 611 |
| | F6.13 | | PYRIMETHANIL | 53112-28-0 | 714 |
| | F6.14 | QUINOLINE FUNGICIDES | QUINOXYFEN | 124495-18-7 | 566 |
| | F6.14 | | 8-HYDROXYQUINOLINE SULFATE | 134-31-6 | 677 |
| | F6.15 | QUINONE FUNGICIDES | DITHIANON | 3347-22-6 | 153 |
| | F6.16 | STROBILURINE FUNGICIDES | AZOXYSTROBIN | 131860-33-8 | 571 |
| | F6.16 | | DIMOXYSTROBIN | 149961-52-4 | 739 |
| | F6.16 | | KRESOXIM-METHYL | 143390-89-0 | 568 |
| | F6.16 | | PICOXYSTROBINE | 117428-22-5 | 628 |
| | F6.16 | | PYRACLOSTROBINE | 175013-18-0 | 657 |
| | F6.16 | | TRIFLOXYSTROBINE | 141517-21-7 | 617 |
| | F6.17 | UREA FUNGICIDES | PENCYCURON | 66063-05-6 | 402 |
| | F6.18 | UNCLASSIFIED FUNGICIDES | ACIBENZOLAR | 126448-41-7 | 597 |
| | F6.18 | | BENZOIC ACID | 65-85-0 | 622 |
| | F6.18 | | DICHLOROPHEN | 97-23-4 | 325 |
| | F6.18 | | FENPROPIDIN | 67306-00-7 | 520 |
| | F6.18 | | 2-PHENYPHENOL | 90-43-7 | 246 |
| | F6.18 | | SPIROXAMINE | 118134-30-8 | 572 |
| | F6.18 | | OTHER FUNGICIDES | | |
| Herbicides, Haulm Destructors and Moss Killers | H0 | | | | |
| Herbicides based on phenoxy-phytohormones | H1 | | | | |
| | H1.1 | PHENOXY HERBICIDES | 2,4-D | 94-75-7 | 1 |
| | H1.1 | | 2,4-DB | 94-82-6 | 83 |
| | H1.1 | | DICHLORPROP-P | 15165-67-0 | 476 |
| | H1.1 | | MCPA | 94-74-6 | 2 |
| | H1.1 | | MCPB | 94-81-5 | 50 |
| | H1.1 | | MECOPROP | 7085-19-0 | 51 |
| | H1.1 | | MECOPROP-P | 16484-77-8 | 475 |
| Herbicides based on triazines and triazinones | H2 | | | | |
| | H2.1 | METHYLTHIOTRIAZINE HERBICIDES | METHOPROTRYNE | 841-06-5 | 94 |
| | H2.2 | TRIAZINE HERBICIDES | SIMETRYN | 1014-70-6 | 179 |
| | H2.2 | | TERBUTHYLAZINE | 5915-41-3 | 234 |
| | H2.3 | TRIAZINONE HERBICIDES | METAMITRON | 41394-05-2 | 381 |
| | H2.3 | | METRIBUZIN | 21087-64-9 | 283 |
| Herbicides based on amides and anilides | H3 | | | | |
| | H3.1 | AMIDE HERBICIDES | DIMETHENAMID | 87674-68-8 | 638 |
| | H3.1 | | FLUPOXAM | 119126-15-7 | 8158 |
| | H3.1 | | ISOXABEN | 82558-50-7 | 701 |
| | H3.1 | | NAPROPAMIDE | 15299-99-7 | 271 |
| | H3.1 | | PROPYZAMIDE | 23950-58-5 | 315 |
| | H3.2 | ANILIDE HERBICIDES | DIFLUFENICAN | 83164-33-4 | 462 |
| | H3.2 | | FLORASULAM | 145701-23-1 | 616 |
| | H3.2 | | FLUFENACET | 142459-58-3 | 588 |
| | H3.2 | | METOSULAM | 139528-85-1 | 707 |
| | H3.2 | | METAZACHLOR | 67129-08-2 | 411 |
| | H3.2 | | PROPANIL | 709-98-8 | 205 |
| | H3.3 | CHLOROACETANILIDE HERBICIDES | ACETOCHLOR | 34256-82-1 | 496 |
| | H3.3 | | ALACHLOR | 15972-60-8 | 204 |
| | H3.3 | | DIMETHACHLOR | 50563-36-5 | 688 |
| | H3.3 | | PRETILACHLOR | 51218-49-6 | 711 |
| | H3.3 | | PROPACHLOR | 1918-16-7 | 176 |
| Herbicides based on carbamates and bis-carbamates | H4 | | | | |
| | H4.1 | BIS-CARBAMATE HERBICIDES | CHLORPROPHAM | 101-21-3 | 43 |
| | H4.1 | | DESMEDIPHAM | 13684-56-5 | 477 |
| | H4.1 | | PHENMEDIPHAM | 13684-63-4 | 77 |
| | H4.2 | CARBAMATE HERBICIDES | ASULAM | 3337-71-1 | 240 |
| | H4.2 | | CARBETAMIDE | 16118-49-3 | 95 |
| Herbicides based on dinitroaniline derivatives | H5 | | | | |
| | H5.1 | DINITROANILINE HERBICIDES | BENFLURALIN | 1861-40-1 | 285 |
| | H5.1 | | BUTRALIN | 33629-47-9 | 504 |
| | H5.1 | | ETHALFLURALIN | 55283-68-6 | 516 |
| | H5.1 | | ORYZALIN | 19044-88-3 | 537 |
| | H5.1 | | PENDIMETHALIN | 40487-42-1 | 357 |
| | H5.1 | | TRIFLURALIN | 2582-09-8 | 183 |
| Herbicides based on derivatives of urea, of uracil or of sulphonylurea | H6 | | | | |
| | H6.1 | SULFONYLUREA HERBICIDES | AMIDOSULFURON | 120923-37-7 | 515 |
| | H6.1 | | AZIMSULFURON | 120162-55-2 | 584 |
| | H6.1 | | BENSULFURON | 99283-01-9 | 502 |
| | H6.1 | | CHLORSULFURON | 64902-72-3 | 391 |
| | H6.1 | | CINOSULFURON | 94593-91-6 | 507 |
| | H6.1 | | ETHOXYSULFURON | 126801-58-9 | 591 |
| | H6.1 | | FLAZASULFURON | 104040-78-0 | 595 |
| | H6.1 | | FLUPYRSULFURON | 150315-10-9 | 577 |
| | H6.1 | | FORAMSULFURON | 173159-57-4 | 659 |
| | H6.1 | | IMAZOSULFURON | 122548-33-8 | 590 |
| | H6.1 | | IODOSULFURON | 185119-76-0 | 634 |
| | H6.1 | | MESOSULFURON | 400852-66-6 | 663 |
| | H6.1 | | METSULFURON | 74223-64-6 | 441 |
| | H6.1 | | NICOSULFURON | 111991-09-4 | 709 |
| | H6.1 | | OXASULFURON | 144651-06-9 | 626 |
| | H6.1 | | PRIMISULFURON | 113036-87-6 | 712 |
| | H6.1 | | PROSULFURON | 94125-34-5 | 579 |
| | H6.1 | | RIMSULFURON | 122931-48-0 | 716 |
| | H6.1 | | SULFOSULFURON | 141776-32-1 | 601 |
| | H6.1 | | THIFENSULFURON | 79277-67-1 | 452 |
| | H6.1 | | TRIASULFURON | 82097-50-5 | 480 |
| | H6.1 | | TRIBENURON | 106040-48-6 | 546 |
| | H6.1 | | TRIFLUSULFURON | 135990-29-3 | 731 |
| | H6.1 | | TRITOSULFURON | 142469-14-5 | 735 |
| | H6.2 | URACIL HERBICIDES | LENACIL | 2164-08-1 | 163 |
| | H6.3 | UREA HERBICIDES | CHLORTOLURON | 15545-48-9 | 217 |
| | H6.3 | | DIURON | 330-54-1 | 100 |
| | H6.3 | | FLUOMETURON | 2164-17-2 | 159 |
| | H6.3 | | ISOPROTURON | 34123-59-6 | 336 |
| | H6.3 | | LINURON | 330-55-2 | 76 |
| | H6.3 | | METHABENZTHIAZURON | 18691-97-9 | 201 |
| | H6.3 | | METOBROMURON | 3060-89-7 | 168 |
| | H6.3 | | METOXURON | 19937-59-8 | 219 |
| Other herbicides | H7 | | | | |
| | H7.1 | ARYLOXYPHENOXYPROPIONIC HERBICIDES | CLODINAFOP | 114420-56-3 | 683 |
| | H7.1 | | CYHALOFOP | 122008-85-9 | 596 |
| | H7.1 | | DICLOFOP | 40843-25-2 | 358 |
| | H7.1 | | FENOXAPROP-P | 113158-40-0 | 484 |
| | H7.1 | | FLUAZIFOP-P-BUTYL | 79241-46-6 | 395 |
| | H7.1 | | HALOXYFOP | 69806-34-4 | 438 |
| | H7.1 | | HALOXYFOP-R | 72619-32-0 | 526 |
| | H7.1 | | PROPAQUIZAFOP | 111479-05-1 | 713 |
| | H7.1 | | QUIZALOFOP | 76578-12-6 | 429 |
| | H7.1 | | QUIZALOFOP-P | 94051-08-8 | 641 |
| | H7.2 | BENZOFURANE HERBICIDES | ETHOFUMESATE | 26225-79-6 | 233 |
| | H7.3 | BENZOIC-ACID HERBICIDES | CHLORTHAL | 2136-79-0 | 328 |
| | H7.3 | | DICAMBA | 1918-00-9 | 85 |
| | H7.4 | BIPYRIDYLIUM HERBICIDES | DIQUAT | 85-00-7 | 55 |
| | H7.4 | | PARAQUAT | 4685-14-7 | 56 |
| | H7.5 | CYCLOHEXANEDIONE HERBICIDES | CLETHODIM | 99129-21-2 | 508 |
| | H7.5 | | CYCLOXYDIM | 101205-02-1 | 510 |
| | H7.5 | | TEPRALOXYDIM | 149979-41-9 | 608 |
| | H7.5 | | TRALKOXYDIM | 87820-88-0 | 544 |
| | H7.6 | DIAZINE HERBICIDES | PYRIDATE | 55512-33-9 | 447 |
| | H7.7 | DICARBOXIMIDE HERBICIDES | CINIDON-ETHYL | 142891-20-1 | 598 |
| | H7.7 | | FLUMIOXAZIN | 103361-09-7 | 578 |
| | H7.8 | DIPHENYL ETHER HERBICIDES | ACLONIFEN | 74070-46-5 | 498 |
| | H7.8 | | BIFENOX | 42576-02-3 | 413 |
| | H7.8 | | NITROFEN | 1836-75-5 | 170 |
| | H7.8 | | OXYFLUORFEN | 42874-03-3 | 538 |
| | H7.9 | IMIDAZOLINONE HERBICIDES | IMAZAMETHABENZ | 100728-84-5 | 529 |
| | H7.9 | | IMAZAMOX | 114311-32-9 | 619 |
| | H7.9 | | IMAZETHAPYR | 81335-77-5 | 700 |
| | H7.10 | INORGANIC HERBICIDES | AMMONIUM SULFAMATE | 7773-06-0 | 679 |
| | H7.10 | | CHLORATES | 7775-09-9 | 7 |
| | H7.11 | ISOXAZOLE HERBICIDES | ISOXAFLUTOLE | 141112-29-0 | 575 |
| | H7.12 | MORPHACTIN HERBICIDES | FLURENOL | 467-69-6 | 304 |
| | H7.13 | NITRILE HERBICIDES | BROMOXYNIL | 1689-84-5 | 87 |
| | H7.13 | | DICHLOBENIL | 1194-65-6 | 73 |
| | H7.13 | | IOXYNIL | 1689-83-4 | 86 |
| | H7.14 | ORGANOPHOSPHORUS HERBICIDES | GLUFOSINATE | 51276-47-2 | 437 |
| | H7.14 | | GLYPHOSATE | 1071-83-6 | 284 |
| | H7.15 | PHENYLPYRAZOLE HERBICIDES | PYRAFLUFEN | 129630-19-9 | 605 |
| | H7.16 | PYRIDAZINONE HERBICIDES | CHLORIDAZON | 1698-60-8 | 111 |
| | H7.16 | | FLURTAMONE | 96525-23-4 | 569 |
| | H7.17 | PYRIDINECARBOXAMIDE HERBICIDES | PICOLINAFEN | 137641-05-5 | 639 |
| | H7.18 | PYRIDINECARBOXYLIC-ACID HERBICIDES | CLOPYRALID | 1702-17-6 | 455 |
| | H7.18 | | PICLORAM | 1918-02-1 | 174 |
| | H7.19 | PYRIDYLOXYACETIC-ACID HERBICIDES | FLUROXYPYR | 69377-81-7 | 431 |
| | H7.19 | | TRICLOPYR | 55335-06-3 | 376 |
| | H7.20 | QUINOLINE HERBICIDES | QUINCLORAC | 84087-01-4 | 493 |
| | H7.20 | | QUINMERAC | 90717-03-6 | 563 |
| | H7.21 | THIADIAZINE HERBICIDES | BENTAZONE | 25057-89-0 | 366 |
| | H7.22 | THIOCARBAMATE HERBICIDES | EPTC | 759-94-4 | 155 |
| | H7.22 | | MOLINATE | 2212-67-1 | 235 |
| | H7.22 | | PROSULFOCARB | 52888-80-9 | 539 |
| | H7.22 | | THIOBENCARB | 28249-77-6 | 388 |
| | H7.22 | | TRI-ALLATE | 2303-17-5 | 97 |
| | H7.23 | TRIAZOLE HERBICIDES | AMITROL | 61-82-5 | 90 |
| | H7.24 | TRIAZOLINONE HERBICIDES | CARFENTRAZONE | 128639-02-1 | 587 |
| | H7.25 | TRIAZOLONE HERBICIDES | PROPOXYCARBAZONE | 145026-81-9 | 655 |
| | H7.26 | TRIKETONE HERBICIDES | MESOTRIONE | 104206-82-8 | 625 |
| | H7.26 | | SULCOTRIONE | 99105-77-8 | 723 |
| | H7.27 | UNCLASSIFIED HERBICIDES | CLOMAZONE | 81777-89-1 | 509 |
| | H7.27 | | FLUROCHLORIDONE | 61213-25-0 | 430 |
| | H7.27 | | QUINOCLAMINE | 2797-51-5 | 648 |
| | H7.27 | | METHAZOLE | 20354-26-1 | 369 |
| | H7.27 | | OXADIARGYL | 39807-15-3 | 604 |
| | H7.27 | | OXADIAZON | 19666-30-9 | 213 |
| | H7.27 | | OTHER HERBICIDES HAULM DESTRUCTOR MOSS KILLER | | |
| Insecticides and Acaricides | I0 | | | | |
| Insecticides based on pyrethroids | I1 | | | | |
| | I1.1 | PYRETHROID INSECTICIDES | ACRINATHRIN | 101007-06-1 | 678 |
| | I1.1 | | ALPHA-CYPERMETHRIN | 67375-30-8 | 454 |
| | I1.1 | | BETA-CYFLUTHRIN | 68359-37-5 | 482 |
| | I1.1 | | BETA-CYPERMETHRIN | 65731-84-2 | 632 |
| | I1.1 | | BIFENTHRIN | 82657-04-3 | 415 |
| | I1.1 | | CYFLUTHRIN | 68359-37-5 | 385 |
| | I1.1 | | CYPERMETHRIN | 52315-07-8 | 332 |
| | I1.1 | | DELTAMETHRIN | 52918-63-5 | 333 |
| | I1.1 | | ESFENVALERATE | 66230-04-4 | 481 |
| | I1.1 | | ETOFENPROX | 80844-07-1 | 471 |
| | I1.1 | | GAMMA-CYHALOTHRIN | 76703-62-3 | 768 |
| | I1.1 | | LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN | 91465-08-6 | 463 |
| | I1.1 | | TAU-FLUVALINATE | 102851-06-9 | 432 |
| | I1.1 | | TEFLUTHRIN | 79538-32-2 | 451 |
| | I1.1 | | ZETA-CYPERMETHRIN | 52315-07-8 | 733 |
| Insecticides based on chlorinated hydrocarbons | I2 | | | | |
| | I2.1 | ORGANOCHLORINE INSECTICIDES | DICOFOL | 115-32-2 | 123 |
| | I2.1 | | TETRASUL | 2227-13-6 | 114 |
| Insecticides based on carbamates and oxime-carbamate | I3 | | | | |
| | I3.1 | OXIME-CARBAMATE INSECTICIDES | METHOMYL | 16752-77-5 | 264 |
| | I3.1 | | OXAMYL | 23135-22-0 | 342 |
| | I3.2 | CARBAMATE INSECTICIDES | BENFURACARB | 82560-54-1 | 501 |
| | I3.2 | | CARBARYL | 63-25-2 | 26 |
| | I3.2 | | CARBOFURAN | 1563-66-2 | 276 |
| | I3.2 | | CARBOSULFAN | 55285-14-8 | 417 |
| | I3.2 | | FENOXYCARB | 79127-80-3 | 425 |
| | I3.2 | | FORMETANATE | 22259-30-9 | 697 |
| | I3.2 | | METHIOCARB | 2032-65-7 | 165 |
| | I3.2 | | PIRIMICARB | 23103-98-2 | 231 |
| Insecticides based on organophosphates | I4 | | | | |
| | I4.1 | ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES | AZINPHOS-METHYL | 86-50-0 | 37 |
| | I4.1 | | CADUSAFOS | 95465-99-9 | 682 |
| | I4.1 | | CHLORPYRIFOS | 2921-88-2 | 221 |
| | I4.1 | | CHLORPYRIFOS-METHYL | 5589-13-0 | 486 |
| | I4.1 | | COUMAPHOS | 56-72-4 | 121 |
| | I4.1 | | DIAZINON | 333-41-5 | 15 |
| | I4.1 | | DICHLORVOS | 62-73-7 | 11 |
| | I4.1 | | DIMETHOATE | 60-51-5 | 59 |
| | I4.1 | | ETHOPROPHOS | 13194-48-4 | 218 |
| | I4.1 | | FENAMIPHOS | 22224-92-6 | 692 |
| | I4.1 | | FENITROTHION | 122-14-5 | 35 |
| | I4.1 | | FOSTHIAZATE | 98886-44-3 | 585 |
| | I4.1 | | ISOFENPHOS | 25311-71-1 | 412 |
| | I4.1 | | MALATHION | 121-75-5 | 12 |
| | I4.1 | | METHAMIDOPHOS | 10265-92-6 | 355 |
| | I4.1 | | NALED | 300-76-5 | 195 |
| | I4.1 | | OXYDEMETON-METHYL | 301-12-2 | 171 |
| | I4.1 | | PHOSALONE | 2310-17-0 | 109 |
| | I4.1 | | PHOSMET | 732-11-6 | 318 |
| | I4.1 | | PHOXIM | 14816-18-3 | 364 |
| | I4.1 | | PIRIMIPHOS-METHYL | 29232-93-7 | 239 |
| | I4.1 | | TRICHLORFON | 52-68-6 | 68 |
| Biological and botanical product based insecticides | I5 | | | | |
| | I5.1 | BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDES | AZADIRACHTIN | 11141-17-6 | 627 |
| | I5.1 | | NICOTINE | 54-11-5 | 8 |
| | I5.1 | | PYRETHRINS | 8003-34-7 | 32 |
| | I5.1 | | ROTENONE | 83-79-4 | 671 |
| Other insecticides | I6 | | | | |
| | I6.1 | ANTIBIOTIC INSECTICIDES | ABAMECTIN | 71751-41-2 | 495 |
| | I6.1 | | MILBEMECTIN | 51596-10-2
  51596-11-3 | 660 |
| | I6.1 | | SPINOSAD | 168316-95-8 | 636 |
| | I6.3 | BENZOYLUREA INSECTICIDES | DIFLUBENZURON | 35367-38-5 | 339 |
| | I6.3 | | FLUFENOXURON | 101463-69-8 | 470 |
| | I6.3 | | HEXAFLUMURON | 86479-06-3 | 698 |
| | I6.3 | | LUFENURON | 103055-07-8 | 704 |
| | I6.3 | | NOVALURON | 116714-46-6 | 672 |
| | I6.3 | | TEFLUBENZURON | 83121-18-0 | 450 |
| | I6.3 | | TRIFLUMURON | 64628-44-0 | 548 |
| | I6.4 | CARBAZATE INSECTICIDES | BIFENAZATE | 149877-41-8 | 736 |
| | I6.5 | DIAZYLHYDRAZINE INSECTICIDES | METHOXYFENOZIDE | 161050-58-4 | 656 |
| | I6.5 | | TEBUFENOZIDE | 112410-23-8 | 724 |
| | I6.6 | INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS | BUPROFEZIN | 69327-76-0 | 681 |
| | I6.6 | | CYROMAZINE | 66215-27-8 | 420 |
| | I6.6 | | HEXYTHIAZOX | 78587-05-0 | 439 |
| | I6.7 | INSECT PHEROMONES | (E,Z)-9-DODECENYL ACETATE | 35148-19-7 | 422 |
| | I6.8 | NITROGUANIDINE INSECTICIDES | CLOTHIANIDIN | 210880-92-5 | 738 |
| | I6.8 | | THIAMETHOXAM | 153719-23-4 | 637 |
| | I6.9 | ORGANOTIN INSECTICIDES | AZOCYCLOTIN | 41083-11-8 | 404 |
| | I6.9 | | CYHEXATIN | 13121-70-5 | 289 |
| | I6.9 | | FENBUTATIN OXIDE | 13356-08-6 | 359 |
| | I6.10 | OXADIAZINE INSECTICIDES | INDOXACARB | 173584-44-6 | 612 |
| | I6.11 | PHENYL-ETHER INSECTICIDES | PYRIPROXYFEN | 95737-68-1 | 715 |
| | I6.12 | PYRAZOLE (PHENYL-) INSECTICIDES | FENPYROXIMATE | 134098-61-6 | 695 |
| | I6.12 | | FIPRONIL | 120068-37-3 | 581 |
| | I6.12 | | TEBUFENPYRAD | 119168-77-3 | 725 |
| | I6.13 | PYRIDINE INSECTICIDES | PYMETROZINE | 123312-89-0 | 593 |
| | I6.14 | PYRIDYLMETHYLAMINE INSECTICIDES | ACETAMIPRID | 135410-20-7 | 649 |
| | I6.14 | | IMIDACLOPRID | 138261-41-3 | 582 |
| | I6.14 | | THIACLOPRID | 111988-49-9 | 631 |
| | I6.15 | SULFITE ESTER INSECTICIDES | PROPARGITE | 2312-35-8 | 216 |
| | I6.16 | TETRAZINE INSECTICIDES | CLOFENTEZINE | 74115-24-5 | 418 |
| | I6.17 | TETRONIC ACID INSECTICIDES | SPIRODICLOFEN | 148477-71-8 | 737 |
| | I6.18 | (CARBAMOYL-) TRIAZOLE INSECTICIDES | TRIAZAMATE | 112143-82-5 | 728 |
| | I6.19 | UREA INSECTICIDES | DIAFENTHIURON | 80060-09-9 | 8097 |
| | I6.20 | UNCLASSIFIED INSECTICIDES | ETOXAZOLE | 153233-91-1 | 623 |
| | I6.20 | | FENAZAQUIN | 120928-09-8 | 693 |
| | I6.20 | | PYRIDABEN | 96489-71-3 | 583 |
| | I6.20 | | OTHER INSECTICIDES-ACARICIDES | | |
| Molluscicides, total: | M0 | | | | |
| Molluscicides | M1 | | | | |
| | M1.1 | CARBAMATE MOLLUSCICIDE | THIODICARB | 59669-26-0 | 543 |
| | M1.2 | OTHER MOLLUSCICIDES | FERRIC PHOSPHATE | 10045-86-0 | 629 |
| | M1.2 | | METALDEHYDE | 108-62-3 | 62 |
| | M1.2 | | OTHER MOLLUSCICIDES | | |
| Plant Growth Regulators, total: | PGR0 | | | | |
| Physiological plant growth regulators | PGR1 | | | | |
| | PGR1.1 | PHYSIOLOGICAL PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS | CHLORMEQUAT | 999-81-5 | 143 |
| | PGR1.1 | | CYCLANILIDE | 113136-77-9 | 586 |
| | PGR1.1 | | DAMINOZIDE | 1596-84-5 | 330 |
| | PGR1.1 | | DIMETHIPIN | 55290-64-7 | 689 |
| | PGR1.1 | | DIPHENYLAMINE | 122-39-4 | 460 |
| | PGR1.1 | | ETHEPHON | 16672-87-0 | 373 |
| | PGR1.1 | | ETHOXYQUIN | 91-53-2 | 517 |
| | PGR1.1 | | FLORCHLORFENURON | 68157-60-8 | 633 |
| | PGR1.1 | | FLURPRIMIDOL | 56425-91-3 | 696 |
| | PGR1.1 | | IMAZAQUIN | 81335-37-7 | 699 |
| | PGR1.1 | | MALEIC HYDRAZIDE | 51542-52-0 | 310 |
| | PGR1.1 | | MEPIQUAT | 24307-26-4 | 440 |
| | PGR1.1 | | 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE | 3100-04-7 | 767 |
| | PGR1.1 | | PACLOBUTRAZOL | 76738-62-0 | 445 |
| | PGR1.1 | | PROHEXADIONE-CALCIUM | 127277-53-6 | 567 |
| | PGR1.1 | | SODIUM 5-NITROGUAIACOLATE | 67233-85-6 | 718 |
| | PGR1.1 | | SODIUM O-NITROPHENOLATE | 824-39-5 | 720 |
| | PGR1.1 | | TRINEXAPAC-ETHYL | 95266-40-3 | 8349 |
| Anti-sprouting products | PGR2 | | | | |
| | PGR2.2 | ANTISPROUTING PRODUCTS | CARVONE | 99-49-0 | 602 |
| | PGR2.2 | | CHLORPROPHAM | 101-21-3 | 43 |
| Other plant growth regulators | PGR3 | | | | |
| | PGR3.1 | OTHER PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS | OTHER PGR | | |
| Other Pesticides, total: | ZR0 | | | | |
| Mineral oils | ZR1 | | | | |
| | ZR1.1 | MINERAL OIL | PETROLEUM OILS | 64742-55-8 | 29 |
| Vegetal oils | ZR2 | | | | |
| | ZR2.1 | VEGETAL OIL | TAR OILS | | 30 |
| Soil sterilants (incl. Nematicides) | ZR3 | | | | |
| | ZR3.1 | METHYL BROMIDE | METHYL BROMIDE | 74-83-9 | 128 |
| | ZR3.2 | OTHER SOIL STERILANTS | CHLOROPICRIN | 76-06-2 | 298 |
| | ZR3.2 | | DAZOMET | 533-74-4 | 146 |
| | ZR3.2 | | 1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE | 542-75-6 | 675 |
| | ZR3.2 | | METAM-SODIUM | 137-42-8 | 20 |
| | ZR3.2 | | OTHER SOIL STERILANTS | | |
| Rodenticides | ZR4 | | | | |
| | ZR4.1 | RODENTICIDES | BRODIFACOUM | 56073-10-0 | 370 |
| | ZR4.1 | | BROMADIOLONE | 28772-56-7 | 371 |
| | ZR4.1 | | CHLORALOSE | 15879-93-3 | 249 |
| | ZR4.1 | | CHLOROPHACINONE | 3691-35-8 | 208 |
| | ZR4.1 | | COUMATETRALYL | 5836-29-3 | 189 |
| | ZR4.1 | | DIFENACOUM | 56073-07-5 | 514 |
| | ZR4.1 | | DIFETHIALONE | 104653-34-1 | 549 |
| | ZR4.1 | | FLOCOUMAFEN | 90035-08-8 | 453 |
| | ZR4.1 | | WARFARIN | 81-81-2 | 70 |
| | ZR4.1 | | OTHER RODENTICIDES | | |
| All other
  pesticides | ZR5 | | | | |
| | ZR5.1 | DISINFECTANTS | OTHER DISINFECTANTS | | |
| | ZR5.2 | OTHER
  PESTICIDES | OTHER
  PESTICIDES | | |

MAJOR GROUPS

Code

Chemical Class

Substances common names

CAS RN (2)

CIPAC (3)

Categories of products

Common Nomenclature

Fungicides and Bactericides

F0

Inorganic fungicides

F1

F1.1

COPPER COMPOUNDS

ALL COPPER COMPOUNDS

44

F1.1

COPPER HYDROXIDE

20427-59-2

44

F1.1

COPPER OXYCHLORIDE

1332-40-7

44

F1.1

COPPER SULPHATE

7758-98-7

44

F1.1

OTHER COPPER SALTS

44

F1.2

INORGANIC SULFUR

SULFUR

7704-34-9

18

F1.3

OTHER INORGANIC FUNGICIDES

OTHER INORGANIC FUNGICIDES

Fungicides based on carbamates and dithiocarbamates

F2

F2.1

CARBANILATE FUNGICIDES

DIETHOFENCARB

87130-20-9

513

F2.2

CARBAMATE FUNGICIDES

PROPAMOCARB

24579-73-5

399

F2.2

IPROVALICARB

140923-17-7

620

F2.3

DITHIOCARBAMATE FUNGICIDES

MANCOZEB

8018-01-7

34

F2.3

MANEB

12427-38-2

61

F2.3

METIRAM

9006-42-2

478

F2.3

PROPINEB

12071-83-9

177

F2.3

THIRAM

137-26-8

24

F2.3

ZIRAM

137-30-4

31

Fungicides based on benzimidazoles

F3

F3.1

BENZIMIDAZOLE FUNGICIDES

CARBENDAZIM

10605-21-7

263

F3.1

FUBERIDAZOLE

3878-19-1

525

F3.1

THIABENDAZOLE

148-79-8

323

F3.1

THIOPHANATE-METHYL

23564-05-8

262

Fungicides based on imidazoles and triazoles

F4

F4.1

CONAZOLE FUNGICIDES

BITERTANOL

55179-31-2

386

F4.1

BROMUCONAZOLE

116255-48-2

680

F4.1

CYPROCONAZOLE

94361-06-5

600

F4.1

DIFENOCONAZOLE

119446-68-3

687

F4.1

DINICONAZOLE

83657-24-3

690

F4.1

EPOXICONAZOLE

106325-08-0

609

F4.1

ETRIDIAZOLE

2593-15-9

518

F4.1

FENBUCONAZOLE

114369-43-6

694

F4.1

FLUQUINCONAZOLE

136426-54-5

474

F4.1

FLUSILAZOLE

85509-19-9

435

F4.1

FLUTRIAFOL

76674-21-0

436

F4.1

HEXACONAZOLE

79983-71-4

465

F4.1

IMAZALIL (ENILCONAZOLE)

58594-72-2

335

F4.1

METCONAZOLE

125116-23-6

706

F4.1

MYCLOBUTANIL

88671-89-0

442

F4.1

PENCONAZOLE

66246-88-6

446

F4.1

PROPICONAZOLE

60207-90-1

408

F4.1

TEBUCONAZOLE

107534-96-3

494

F4.1

TETRACONAZOLE

112281-77-3

726

F4.1

TRIADIMENOL

55219-65-3

398

F4.1

TRICYCLAZOLE

41814-78-2

547

F4.1

TRIFLUMIZOLE

99387-89-0

730

F4.1

TRITICONAZOLE

131983-72-7

652

F4.2

IMIDAZOLE FUNGICIDES

CYAZOFAMIDE

120116-88-3

653

F4.2

FENAMIDONE

161326-34-7

650

F4.2

TRIAZOXIDE

72459-58-6

729

Fungicides based on morpholines

F5

F5.1

MORPHOLINE FUNGICIDES

DIMETHOMORPH

110488-70-5

483

F5.1

DODEMORPH

1593-77-7

300

F5.1

FENPROPIMORPH

67564-91-4

427

Other fungicides

F6

F6.1

ALIPHATIC NITROGEN FUNGICIDES

CYMOXANIL

57966-95-7

419

F6.1

DODINE

2439-10-3

101

F6.1

GUAZATINE

108173-90-6

361

F6.2

AMIDE FUNGICIDES

BENALAXYL

71626-11-4

416

F6.2

BOSCALID

188425-85-6

673

F6.2

FLUTOLANIL

66332-96-5

524

F6.2

MEPRONIL

55814-41-0

533

F6.2

METALAXYL

57837-19-1

365

F6.2

METALAXYL-M

70630-17-0

580

F6.2

PROCHLORAZ

67747-09-5

407

F6.2

SILTHIOFAM

175217-20-6

635

F6.2

TOLYLFLUANID

731-27-1

275

F6.2

ZOXAMIDE

156052-68-5

640

F6.3

ANILIDE FUNGICIDES

CARBOXIN

5234-68-4

273

F6.3

FENHEXAMID

126833-17-8

603

F6.4

ANTIBIOTIC FUNGICIDES-BACTERICIDES

KASUGAMYCIN

6980-18-3

703

F6.4

POLYOXINS

11113-80-7

710

F6.4

STREPTOMYCIN

57-92-1

312

F6.5

AROMATIC FUNGICIDES

CHLOROTHALONIL

1897-45-6

288

F6.5

DICLORAN

99-30-9

150

F6.6

DICARBOXIMIDE FUNGICIDES

IPRODIONE

36734-19-7

278

F6.6

PROCYMIDONE

32809-16-8

383

F6.7

DINITROANILINE FUNGICIDES

FLUAZINAM

79622-59-6

521

F6.8

DINITROPHENOL FUNGICIDES

DINOCAP

39300-45-3

98

F6.9

ORGANOPHOSPHORUS FUNGICIDES

FOSETYL

15845-66-6

384

F6.9

TOLCLOFOS-METHYL

57018-04-9

479

F6.10

OXAZOLE FUNGICIDES

HYMEXAZOL

10004-44-1

528

F6.10

FAMOXADONE

131807-57-3

594

F6.10

VINCLOZOLIN

50471-44-8

280

F6.11

PHENYLPYRROLE FUNGICIDES

FLUDIOXONIL

131341-86-1

522

F6.12

PHTHALIMIDE FUNGICIDES

CAPTAN

133-06-2

40

F6.12

FOLPET

133-07-3

75

F6.13

PYRIMIDINE FUNGICIDES

BUPIRIMATE

41483-43-6

261

F6.13

CYPRODINIL

121552-61-2

511

F6.13

FENARIMOL

60168-88-9

380

F6.13

MEPANIPYRIM

110235-47-7

611

F6.13

PYRIMETHANIL

53112-28-0

714

F6.14

QUINOLINE FUNGICIDES

QUINOXYFEN

124495-18-7

566

F6.14

8-HYDROXYQUINOLINE SULFATE

134-31-6

677

F6.15

QUINONE FUNGICIDES

DITHIANON

3347-22-6

153

F6.16

STROBILURINE FUNGICIDES

AZOXYSTROBIN

131860-33-8

571

F6.16

DIMOXYSTROBIN

149961-52-4

739

F6.16

KRESOXIM-METHYL

143390-89-0

568

F6.16

PICOXYSTROBINE

117428-22-5

628

F6.16

PYRACLOSTROBINE

175013-18-0

657

F6.16

TRIFLOXYSTROBINE

141517-21-7

617

F6.17

UREA FUNGICIDES

PENCYCURON

66063-05-6

402

F6.18

UNCLASSIFIED FUNGICIDES

ACIBENZOLAR

126448-41-7

597

F6.18

BENZOIC ACID

65-85-0

622

F6.18

DICHLOROPHEN

97-23-4

325

F6.18

FENPROPIDIN

67306-00-7

520

F6.18

2-PHENYPHENOL

90-43-7

246

F6.18

SPIROXAMINE

118134-30-8

572

F6.18

OTHER FUNGICIDES

Herbicides, Haulm Destructors and Moss Killers

H0

Herbicides based on phenoxy-phytohormones

H1

H1.1

PHENOXY HERBICIDES

2,4-D

94-75-7

1

H1.1

2,4-DB

94-82-6

83

H1.1

DICHLORPROP-P

15165-67-0

476

H1.1

MCPA

94-74-6

2

H1.1

MCPB

94-81-5

50

H1.1

MECOPROP

7085-19-0

51

H1.1

MECOPROP-P

16484-77-8

475

Herbicides based on triazines and triazinones

H2

H2.1

METHYLTHIOTRIAZINE HERBICIDES

METHOPROTRYNE

841-06-5

94

H2.2

TRIAZINE HERBICIDES

SIMETRYN

1014-70-6

179

H2.2

TERBUTHYLAZINE

5915-41-3

234

H2.3

TRIAZINONE HERBICIDES

METAMITRON

41394-05-2

381

H2.3

METRIBUZIN

21087-64-9

283

Herbicides based on amides and anilides

H3

H3.1

AMIDE HERBICIDES

DIMETHENAMID

87674-68-8

638

H3.1

FLUPOXAM

119126-15-7

8158

H3.1

ISOXABEN

82558-50-7

701

H3.1

NAPROPAMIDE

15299-99-7

271

H3.1

PROPYZAMIDE

23950-58-5

315

H3.2

ANILIDE HERBICIDES

DIFLUFENICAN

83164-33-4

462

H3.2

FLORASULAM

145701-23-1

616

H3.2

FLUFENACET

142459-58-3

588

H3.2

METOSULAM

139528-85-1

707

H3.2

METAZACHLOR

67129-08-2

411

H3.2

PROPANIL

709-98-8

205

H3.3

CHLOROACETANILIDE HERBICIDES

ACETOCHLOR

34256-82-1

496

H3.3

ALACHLOR

15972-60-8

204

H3.3

DIMETHACHLOR

50563-36-5

688

H3.3

PRETILACHLOR

51218-49-6

711

H3.3

PROPACHLOR

1918-16-7

176

Herbicides based on carbamates and bis-carbamates

H4

H4.1

BIS-CARBAMATE HERBICIDES

CHLORPROPHAM

101-21-3

43

H4.1

DESMEDIPHAM

13684-56-5

477

H4.1

PHENMEDIPHAM

13684-63-4

77

H4.2

CARBAMATE HERBICIDES

ASULAM

3337-71-1

240

H4.2

CARBETAMIDE

16118-49-3

95

Herbicides based on dinitroaniline derivatives

H5

H5.1

DINITROANILINE HERBICIDES

BENFLURALIN

1861-40-1

285

H5.1

BUTRALIN

33629-47-9

504

H5.1

ETHALFLURALIN

55283-68-6

516

H5.1

ORYZALIN

19044-88-3

537

H5.1

PENDIMETHALIN

40487-42-1

357

H5.1

TRIFLURALIN

2582-09-8

183

Herbicides based on derivatives of urea, of uracil or of sulphonylurea

H6

H6.1

SULFONYLUREA HERBICIDES

AMIDOSULFURON

120923-37-7

515

H6.1

AZIMSULFURON

120162-55-2

584

H6.1

BENSULFURON

99283-01-9

502

H6.1

CHLORSULFURON

64902-72-3

391

H6.1

CINOSULFURON

94593-91-6

507

H6.1

ETHOXYSULFURON

126801-58-9

591

H6.1

FLAZASULFURON

104040-78-0

595

H6.1

FLUPYRSULFURON

150315-10-9

577

H6.1

FORAMSULFURON

173159-57-4

659

H6.1

IMAZOSULFURON

122548-33-8

590

H6.1

IODOSULFURON

185119-76-0

634

H6.1

MESOSULFURON

400852-66-6

663

H6.1

METSULFURON

74223-64-6

441

H6.1

NICOSULFURON

111991-09-4

709

H6.1

OXASULFURON

144651-06-9

626

H6.1

PRIMISULFURON

113036-87-6

712

H6.1

PROSULFURON

94125-34-5

579

H6.1

RIMSULFURON

122931-48-0

716

H6.1

SULFOSULFURON

141776-32-1

601

H6.1

THIFENSULFURON

79277-67-1

452

H6.1

TRIASULFURON

82097-50-5

480

H6.1

TRIBENURON

106040-48-6

546

H6.1

TRIFLUSULFURON

135990-29-3

731

H6.1

TRITOSULFURON

142469-14-5

735

H6.2

URACIL HERBICIDES

LENACIL

2164-08-1

163

H6.3

UREA HERBICIDES

CHLORTOLURON

15545-48-9

217

H6.3

DIURON

330-54-1

100

H6.3

FLUOMETURON

2164-17-2

159

H6.3

ISOPROTURON

34123-59-6

336

H6.3

LINURON

330-55-2

76

H6.3

METHABENZTHIAZURON

18691-97-9

201

H6.3

METOBROMURON

3060-89-7

168

H6.3

METOXURON

19937-59-8

219

Other herbicides

H7

H7.1

ARYLOXYPHENOXYPROPIONIC HERBICIDES

CLODINAFOP

114420-56-3

683

H7.1

CYHALOFOP

122008-85-9

596

H7.1

DICLOFOP

40843-25-2

358

H7.1

FENOXAPROP-P

113158-40-0

484

H7.1

FLUAZIFOP-P-BUTYL

79241-46-6

395

H7.1

HALOXYFOP

69806-34-4

438

H7.1

HALOXYFOP-R

72619-32-0

526

H7.1

PROPAQUIZAFOP

111479-05-1

713

H7.1

QUIZALOFOP

76578-12-6

429

H7.1

QUIZALOFOP-P

94051-08-8

641

H7.2

BENZOFURANE HERBICIDES

ETHOFUMESATE

26225-79-6

233

H7.3

BENZOIC-ACID HERBICIDES

CHLORTHAL

2136-79-0

328

H7.3

DICAMBA

1918-00-9

85

H7.4

BIPYRIDYLIUM HERBICIDES

DIQUAT

85-00-7

55

H7.4

PARAQUAT

4685-14-7

56

H7.5

CYCLOHEXANEDIONE HERBICIDES

CLETHODIM

99129-21-2

508

H7.5

CYCLOXYDIM

101205-02-1

510

H7.5

TEPRALOXYDIM

149979-41-9

608

H7.5

TRALKOXYDIM

87820-88-0

544

H7.6

DIAZINE HERBICIDES

PYRIDATE

55512-33-9

447

H7.7

DICARBOXIMIDE HERBICIDES

CINIDON-ETHYL

142891-20-1

598

H7.7

FLUMIOXAZIN

103361-09-7

578

H7.8

DIPHENYL ETHER HERBICIDES

ACLONIFEN

74070-46-5

498

H7.8

BIFENOX

42576-02-3

413

H7.8

NITROFEN

1836-75-5

170

H7.8

OXYFLUORFEN

42874-03-3

538

H7.9

IMIDAZOLINONE HERBICIDES

IMAZAMETHABENZ

100728-84-5

529

H7.9

IMAZAMOX

114311-32-9

619

H7.9

IMAZETHAPYR

81335-77-5

700

H7.10

INORGANIC HERBICIDES

AMMONIUM SULFAMATE

7773-06-0

679

H7.10

CHLORATES

7775-09-9

7

H7.11

ISOXAZOLE HERBICIDES

ISOXAFLUTOLE

141112-29-0

575

H7.12

MORPHACTIN HERBICIDES

FLURENOL

467-69-6

304

H7.13

NITRILE HERBICIDES

BROMOXYNIL

1689-84-5

87

H7.13

DICHLOBENIL

1194-65-6

73

H7.13

IOXYNIL

1689-83-4

86

H7.14

ORGANOPHOSPHORUS HERBICIDES

GLUFOSINATE

51276-47-2

437

H7.14

GLYPHOSATE

1071-83-6

284

H7.15

PHENYLPYRAZOLE HERBICIDES

PYRAFLUFEN

129630-19-9

605

H7.16

PYRIDAZINONE HERBICIDES

CHLORIDAZON

1698-60-8

111

H7.16

FLURTAMONE

96525-23-4

569

H7.17

PYRIDINECARBOXAMIDE HERBICIDES

PICOLINAFEN

137641-05-5

639

H7.18

PYRIDINECARBOXYLIC-ACID HERBICIDES

CLOPYRALID

1702-17-6

455

H7.18

PICLORAM

1918-02-1

174

H7.19

PYRIDYLOXYACETIC-ACID HERBICIDES

FLUROXYPYR

69377-81-7

431

H7.19

TRICLOPYR

55335-06-3

376

H7.20

QUINOLINE HERBICIDES

QUINCLORAC

84087-01-4

493

H7.20

QUINMERAC

90717-03-6

563

H7.21

THIADIAZINE HERBICIDES

BENTAZONE

25057-89-0

366

H7.22

THIOCARBAMATE HERBICIDES

EPTC

759-94-4

155

H7.22

MOLINATE

2212-67-1

235

H7.22

PROSULFOCARB

52888-80-9

539

H7.22

THIOBENCARB

28249-77-6

388

H7.22

TRI-ALLATE

2303-17-5

97

H7.23

TRIAZOLE HERBICIDES

AMITROL

61-82-5

90

H7.24

TRIAZOLINONE HERBICIDES

CARFENTRAZONE

128639-02-1

587

H7.25

TRIAZOLONE HERBICIDES

PROPOXYCARBAZONE

145026-81-9

655

H7.26

TRIKETONE HERBICIDES

MESOTRIONE

104206-82-8

625

H7.26

SULCOTRIONE

99105-77-8

723

H7.27

UNCLASSIFIED HERBICIDES

CLOMAZONE

81777-89-1

509

H7.27

FLUROCHLORIDONE

61213-25-0

430

H7.27

QUINOCLAMINE

2797-51-5

648

H7.27

METHAZOLE

20354-26-1

369

H7.27

OXADIARGYL

39807-15-3

604

H7.27

OXADIAZON

19666-30-9

213

H7.27

OTHER HERBICIDES HAULM DESTRUCTOR MOSS KILLER

Insecticides and Acaricides

I0

Insecticides based on pyrethroids

I1

I1.1

PYRETHROID INSECTICIDES

ACRINATHRIN

101007-06-1

678

I1.1

ALPHA-CYPERMETHRIN

67375-30-8

454

I1.1

BETA-CYFLUTHRIN

68359-37-5

482

I1.1

BETA-CYPERMETHRIN

65731-84-2

632

I1.1

BIFENTHRIN

82657-04-3

415

I1.1

CYFLUTHRIN

68359-37-5

385

I1.1

CYPERMETHRIN

52315-07-8

332

I1.1

DELTAMETHRIN

52918-63-5

333

I1.1

ESFENVALERATE

66230-04-4

481

I1.1

ETOFENPROX

80844-07-1

471

I1.1

GAMMA-CYHALOTHRIN

76703-62-3

768

I1.1

LAMBDA-CYHALOTHRIN

91465-08-6

463

I1.1

TAU-FLUVALINATE

102851-06-9

432

I1.1

TEFLUTHRIN

79538-32-2

451

I1.1

ZETA-CYPERMETHRIN

52315-07-8

733

Insecticides based on chlorinated hydrocarbons

I2

I2.1

ORGANOCHLORINE INSECTICIDES

DICOFOL

115-32-2

123

I2.1

TETRASUL

2227-13-6

114

Insecticides based on carbamates and oxime-carbamate

I3

I3.1

OXIME-CARBAMATE INSECTICIDES

METHOMYL

16752-77-5

264

I3.1

OXAMYL

23135-22-0

342

I3.2

CARBAMATE INSECTICIDES

BENFURACARB

82560-54-1

501

I3.2

CARBARYL

63-25-2

26

I3.2

CARBOFURAN

1563-66-2

276

I3.2

CARBOSULFAN

55285-14-8

417

I3.2

FENOXYCARB

79127-80-3

425

I3.2

FORMETANATE

22259-30-9

697

I3.2

METHIOCARB

2032-65-7

165

I3.2

PIRIMICARB

23103-98-2

231

Insecticides based on organophosphates

I4

I4.1

ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES

AZINPHOS-METHYL

86-50-0

37

I4.1

CADUSAFOS

95465-99-9

682

I4.1

CHLORPYRIFOS

2921-88-2

221

I4.1

CHLORPYRIFOS-METHYL

5589-13-0

486

I4.1

COUMAPHOS

56-72-4

121

I4.1

DIAZINON

333-41-5

15

I4.1

DICHLORVOS

62-73-7

11

I4.1

DIMETHOATE

60-51-5

59

I4.1

ETHOPROPHOS

13194-48-4

218

I4.1

FENAMIPHOS

22224-92-6

692

I4.1

FENITROTHION

122-14-5

35

I4.1

FOSTHIAZATE

98886-44-3

585

I4.1

ISOFENPHOS

25311-71-1

412

I4.1

MALATHION

121-75-5

12

I4.1

METHAMIDOPHOS

10265-92-6

355

I4.1

NALED

300-76-5

195

I4.1

OXYDEMETON-METHYL

301-12-2

171

I4.1

PHOSALONE

2310-17-0

109

I4.1

PHOSMET

732-11-6

318

I4.1

PHOXIM

14816-18-3

364

I4.1

PIRIMIPHOS-METHYL

29232-93-7

239

I4.1

TRICHLORFON

52-68-6

68

Biological and botanical product based insecticides

I5

I5.1

BIOLOGICAL INSECTICIDES

AZADIRACHTIN

11141-17-6

627

I5.1

NICOTINE

54-11-5

8

I5.1

PYRETHRINS

8003-34-7

32

I5.1

ROTENONE

83-79-4

671

Other insecticides

I6

I6.1

ANTIBIOTIC INSECTICIDES

ABAMECTIN

71751-41-2

495

I6.1

MILBEMECTIN

51596-10-2

51596-11-3

660

I6.1

SPINOSAD

168316-95-8

636

I6.3

BENZOYLUREA INSECTICIDES

DIFLUBENZURON

35367-38-5

339

I6.3

FLUFENOXURON

101463-69-8

470

I6.3

HEXAFLUMURON

86479-06-3

698

I6.3

LUFENURON

103055-07-8

704

I6.3

NOVALURON

116714-46-6

672

I6.3

TEFLUBENZURON

83121-18-0

450

I6.3

TRIFLUMURON

64628-44-0

548

I6.4

CARBAZATE INSECTICIDES

BIFENAZATE

149877-41-8

736

I6.5

DIAZYLHYDRAZINE INSECTICIDES

METHOXYFENOZIDE

161050-58-4

656

I6.5

TEBUFENOZIDE

112410-23-8

724

I6.6

INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS

BUPROFEZIN

69327-76-0

681

I6.6

CYROMAZINE

66215-27-8

420

I6.6

HEXYTHIAZOX

78587-05-0

439

I6.7

INSECT PHEROMONES

(E,Z)-9-DODECENYL ACETATE

35148-19-7

422

I6.8

NITROGUANIDINE INSECTICIDES

CLOTHIANIDIN

210880-92-5

738

I6.8

THIAMETHOXAM

153719-23-4

637

I6.9

ORGANOTIN INSECTICIDES

AZOCYCLOTIN

41083-11-8

404

I6.9

CYHEXATIN

13121-70-5

289

I6.9

FENBUTATIN OXIDE

13356-08-6

359

I6.10

OXADIAZINE INSECTICIDES

INDOXACARB

173584-44-6

612

I6.11

PHENYL-ETHER INSECTICIDES

PYRIPROXYFEN

95737-68-1

715

I6.12

PYRAZOLE (PHENYL-) INSECTICIDES

FENPYROXIMATE

134098-61-6

695

I6.12

FIPRONIL

120068-37-3

581

I6.12

TEBUFENPYRAD

119168-77-3

725

I6.13

PYRIDINE INSECTICIDES

PYMETROZINE

123312-89-0

593

I6.14

PYRIDYLMETHYLAMINE INSECTICIDES

ACETAMIPRID

135410-20-7

649

I6.14

IMIDACLOPRID

138261-41-3

582

I6.14

THIACLOPRID

111988-49-9

631

I6.15

SULFITE ESTER INSECTICIDES

PROPARGITE

2312-35-8

216

I6.16

TETRAZINE INSECTICIDES

CLOFENTEZINE

74115-24-5

418

I6.17

TETRONIC ACID INSECTICIDES

SPIRODICLOFEN

148477-71-8

737

I6.18

(CARBAMOYL-) TRIAZOLE INSECTICIDES

TRIAZAMATE

112143-82-5

728

I6.19

UREA INSECTICIDES

DIAFENTHIURON

80060-09-9

8097

I6.20

UNCLASSIFIED INSECTICIDES

ETOXAZOLE

153233-91-1

623

I6.20

FENAZAQUIN

120928-09-8

693

I6.20

PYRIDABEN

96489-71-3

583

I6.20

OTHER INSECTICIDES-ACARICIDES

Molluscicides, total:

M0

Molluscicides

M1

M1.1

CARBAMATE MOLLUSCICIDE

THIODICARB

59669-26-0

543

M1.2

OTHER MOLLUSCICIDES

FERRIC PHOSPHATE

10045-86-0

629

M1.2

METALDEHYDE

108-62-3

62

M1.2

OTHER MOLLUSCICIDES

Plant Growth Regulators, total:

PGR0

Physiological plant growth regulators

PGR1

PGR1.1

PHYSIOLOGICAL PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

CHLORMEQUAT

999-81-5

143

PGR1.1

CYCLANILIDE

113136-77-9

586

PGR1.1

DAMINOZIDE

1596-84-5

330

PGR1.1

DIMETHIPIN

55290-64-7

689

PGR1.1

DIPHENYLAMINE

122-39-4

460

PGR1.1

ETHEPHON

16672-87-0

373

PGR1.1

ETHOXYQUIN

91-53-2

517

PGR1.1

FLORCHLORFENURON

68157-60-8

633

PGR1.1

FLURPRIMIDOL

56425-91-3

696

PGR1.1

IMAZAQUIN

81335-37-7

699

PGR1.1

MALEIC HYDRAZIDE

51542-52-0

310

PGR1.1

MEPIQUAT

24307-26-4

440

PGR1.1

1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE

3100-04-7

767

PGR1.1

PACLOBUTRAZOL

76738-62-0

445

PGR1.1

PROHEXADIONE-CALCIUM

127277-53-6

567

PGR1.1

SODIUM 5-NITROGUAIACOLATE

67233-85-6

718

PGR1.1

SODIUM O-NITROPHENOLATE

824-39-5

720

PGR1.1

TRINEXAPAC-ETHYL

95266-40-3

8349

Anti-sprouting products

PGR2

PGR2.2

ANTISPROUTING PRODUCTS

CARVONE

99-49-0

602

PGR2.2

CHLORPROPHAM

101-21-3

43

Other plant growth regulators

PGR3

PGR3.1

OTHER PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS

OTHER PGR

Other Pesticides, total:

ZR0

Mineral oils

ZR1

ZR1.1

MINERAL OIL

PETROLEUM OILS

64742-55-8

29

Vegetal oils

ZR2

ZR2.1

VEGETAL OIL

TAR OILS

30

Soil sterilants (incl. Nematicides)

ZR3

ZR3.1

METHYL BROMIDE

METHYL BROMIDE

74-83-9

128

ZR3.2

OTHER SOIL STERILANTS

CHLOROPICRIN

76-06-2

298

ZR3.2

DAZOMET

533-74-4

146

ZR3.2

1,3-DICHLOROPROPENE

542-75-6

675

ZR3.2

METAM-SODIUM

137-42-8

20

ZR3.2

OTHER SOIL STERILANTS

Rodenticides

ZR4

ZR4.1

RODENTICIDES

BRODIFACOUM

56073-10-0

370

ZR4.1

BROMADIOLONE

28772-56-7

371

ZR4.1

CHLORALOSE

15879-93-3

249

ZR4.1

CHLOROPHACINONE

3691-35-8

208

ZR4.1

COUMATETRALYL

5836-29-3

189

ZR4.1

DIFENACOUM

56073-07-5

514

ZR4.1

DIFETHIALONE

104653-34-1

549

ZR4.1

FLOCOUMAFEN

90035-08-8

453

ZR4.1

WARFARIN

81-81-2

70

ZR4.1

OTHER RODENTICIDES

All other
  pesticides

ZR5

ZR5.1

DISINFECTANTS

OTHER DISINFECTANTS

ZR5.2

OTHER
  PESTICIDES

OTHER
  PESTICIDES

---

(1)  The British Crop Production Council (BCPC) publishes regularly ‘The Pesticide Manual’, a world compendium on pesticides containing the common names for most chemical pesticides. These names are approved either formally or provisionally by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

(2)  Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers.

(3)  Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council.

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/124 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/124

---

Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products as regards the national quotas for milk *

P6_TA(2008)0092

European Parliament legislative resolution of 12 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (single CMO Regulation) as regards the national quotas for milk (COM(2007)0802 — C6-0015/2008 — 2007/0281(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/33)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0802), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0802),

| — | having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0015/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0015/2008),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0046/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0046/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| (3) | The Council requested that the Commission undertake a market outlook report when the 2003 reforms of the common market organisation in milk and milk products had been fully implemented
  with a view to assessing the appropriateness of allocating additional quotas
  . |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Council requested that the Commission undertake a market outlook report when the 2003 reforms of the common market organisation in milk and milk products had been fully implemented
  with a view to assessing the appropriateness of allocating additional quotas
  .

| (3) | The Council requested that the Commission undertake a market outlook report when the 2003 reforms of the common market organisation in milk and milk products had been fully implemented
  on the basis of which a decision will be taken
  . |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The Council requested that the Commission undertake a market outlook report when the 2003 reforms of the common market organisation in milk and milk products had been fully implemented
  on the basis of which a decision will be taken
  .

| (4) | This report has been conducted and concluded the current situation of the Community and world markets and their projected situation in the period to 2014
  ,
  warrant an additional increase in quota
  by 2 %
  to facilitate the production of more milk within the Community to help satisfy emerging market requirements for dairy products. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

This report has been conducted and concluded the current situation of the Community and world markets and their projected situation in the period to 2014
  ,
  warrant an additional increase in quota
  by 2 %
  to facilitate the production of more milk within the Community to help satisfy emerging market requirements for dairy products.

| (4) | This report has been conducted and concluded the current situation of the Community and world markets and their projected situation in the period to 2014
  may
  warrant an additional increase in quota to facilitate the production of more milk within the Community to help satisfy emerging market requirements for dairy products. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

This report has been conducted and concluded the current situation of the Community and world markets and their projected situation in the period to 2014
  may
  warrant an additional increase in quota to facilitate the production of more milk within the Community to help satisfy emerging market requirements for dairy products.

| (4a) | The milk quota is under-used at EU level. |
| --- | --- |

(4a)

The milk quota is under-used at EU level.

| (4b) | The European Parliament, in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on rising feed and food prices

   (1)

  , called on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to propose a temporary increase in milk quotas with a view to stabilising prices on the internal market. |
| --- | --- |

(4b)

The European Parliament, in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on rising feed and food prices

   (1)

  , called on the Commission, as a matter of urgency, to propose a temporary increase in milk quotas with a view to stabilising prices on the internal market.

| (4c) | The European Parliament asked the Commission to set up a milk fund restructuring programme. |
| --- | --- |

(4c)

The European Parliament asked the Commission to set up a milk fund restructuring programme.

| (4d) | The current situation of the market in milk products in the EU offers prospects for growth to producers so wishing, given the shortfall of production in the face of an ever-growing demand. |
| --- | --- |

(4d)

The current situation of the market in milk products in the EU offers prospects for growth to producers so wishing, given the shortfall of production in the face of an ever-growing demand.

| (5) | Therefore it is appropriate to increase all Member State quotas as shown in Annex IX of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 by 2 % from 1 April 2008. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Therefore it is appropriate to increase all Member State quotas as shown in Annex IX of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 by 2 % from 1 April 2008.

| (5) | Therefore it is appropriate to
  allow Member States to increase their
  quotas as shown in Annex IX of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 by 2 %
  above their current allocation on a voluntary basis
  from 1 April 2008
  , while acknowledging that not all Member States currently use their entire quota allocations and that some Member States will not use the quota increase
  . |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Therefore it is appropriate to
  allow Member States to increase their
  quotas as shown in Annex IX of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 by 2 %
  above their current allocation on a voluntary basis
  from 1 April 2008
  , while acknowledging that not all Member States currently use their entire quota allocations and that some Member States will not use the quota increase
  .

| (5a) | The increase in milk quotas from 1 April 2008 has no bearing on the outcome of the review of the market in milk and milk products carried out as part of the ‘Health Check’ of the Common Agricultural Policy. |
| --- | --- |

(5a)

The increase in milk quotas from 1 April 2008 has no bearing on the outcome of the review of the market in milk and milk products carried out as part of the ‘Health Check’ of the Common Agricultural Policy.

| (5b) | The increase in milk quotas for the quota year 2008/2009 does not currently endanger the stability of the EU milk market and does not undermine the role of quotas as a means of stabilising the milk market and ensuring the profitability of production. |
| --- | --- |

(5b)

The increase in milk quotas for the quota year 2008/2009 does not currently endanger the stability of the EU milk market and does not undermine the role of quotas as a means of stabilising the milk market and ensuring the profitability of production.

| (5c) | Producers' behaviour should also be examined, as quotas in some EU Member States are significantly under-used
  . |
| --- | --- |

(5c)

Producers' behaviour should also be examined, as quotas in some EU Member States are significantly under-used
  .

| (5d) | There is a need to increase the amount of research on consumer behaviour with regard to the milk market as this market is very sensitive to changes. The Commission should take immediate action in order to increase the amount of research in this area. |
| --- | --- |

(5d)

There is a need to increase the amount of research on consumer behaviour with regard to the milk market as this market is very sensitive to changes. The Commission should take immediate action in order to increase the amount of research in this area.

| (6a) | Developments on the international market and on many EU markets in the last few weeks have pointed to a marked fall in prices on commodity exchanges, without there having been any increase in production. It is therefore advisable to calculate the medium-term effects of a 2 % increase in quotas. |
| --- | --- |

(6a)

Developments on the international market and on many EU markets in the last few weeks have pointed to a marked fall in prices on commodity exchanges, without there having been any increase in production. It is therefore advisable to calculate the medium-term effects of a 2 % increase in quotas.

| (6b) | Milk production plays a vital role in generating income in disadvantaged regions of the European Union, as comparable alternatives in agricultural production often do not exist. The specific effects of these market measures with regard to adding value to, and maintaining regionally sustainable and agriculturally necessary, milk production should, therefore, be given special consideration. |
| --- | --- |

(6b)

Milk production plays a vital role in generating income in disadvantaged regions of the European Union, as comparable alternatives in agricultural production often do not exist. The specific effects of these market measures with regard to adding value to, and maintaining regionally sustainable and agriculturally necessary, milk production should, therefore, be given special consideration.

Article -1

In Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007, the following subparagraph is added to Article 78(1):

For the quota year 2008/2009, a surplus levy shall be payable on milk and other milk products marketed in excess of the national quota, as established in accordance with Subsection II if, after EU-wide balancing out, a surplus still exists
  .

Point 1 of Annex IX to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007
  is replaced by the text in the Annex to this Regulation
  .

Member State quotas are increased on a voluntary basis by 2 % from 1 April 2008.
  Point 1 of Annex IX to Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007
  shall be adjusted accordingly
  .

Article 1a

By 1 January 2009 at the latest, the Commission shall submit a study on the economic, social and environmental impact of the increase in milk quotas, paying particular attention to mountainous regions and other regions with comparably difficult production conditions
  .

Article 1b

By 1 January 2009 at the latest, the Commission shall submit a report on consumer behaviour with regard to the milk market and to the specific circumstances of milk production in disadvantaged regions
  .

---

(1)  
  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0480.

---

Thursday 13 March 2008

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/128 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/128

---

Enhancing the quality of life of older people ***I

P6_TA(2008)0098

European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0329 — C6-0178/2007 — 2007/0116(COD))

(2009/C 66 E/34)

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0329), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0329),

| — | having regard to Article 251(2) and Articles 169 and 172(2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0178/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(2) and Articles 169 and 172(2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0178/2007),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0027/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0027/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

---

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0116

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 13 March 2008 with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community's participation in a research and development programme undertaken by several Member States aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people through the use of new Information and Communication Technologies

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position at first reading corresponds to the final legislative act, Decision No .../2008/EC.)

---

| 20.3.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 66/129 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

20.3.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 66/129

---

Taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil *

P6_TA(2008)0099

European Parliament legislative resolution of 13 March 2008 on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2003/96/EC as regards the adjustment of special tax arrangements for gas oil used as motor fuel for commercial purposes and the coordination of taxation of unleaded petrol and gas oil used as motor fuel (COM(2007)0052 — C6-0109/2007 — 2007/0023(CNS))

(2009/C 66 E/35)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0052), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0052),

| — | having regard to Article 93 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0109/2007), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 93 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0109/2007),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A6-0030/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (A6-0030/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| (4) | While fuel represents a large proportion of the running costs of a road haulage business, wide divergences in the level of taxation applied to gas oil by the Member States can be observed. These divergences lead to fuel tourism and distortions of competition. Enhanced approximation at Community level of the level of taxation applicable to commercial gas oil would address the issue of unfair competition in an efficient manner and would eventually result in better functioning of the internal market and a reduction of damage to the environment. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

While fuel represents a large proportion of the running costs of a road haulage business, wide divergences in the level of taxation applied to gas oil by the Member States can be observed. These divergences lead to fuel tourism and distortions of competition. Enhanced approximation at Community level of the level of taxation applicable to commercial gas oil would address the issue of unfair competition in an efficient manner and would eventually result in better functioning of the internal market and a reduction of damage to the environment.

| (4) | While fuel represents a large proportion of the running costs of a road haulage business, wide divergences in the level of taxation applied to gas oil by the Member States can be observed. These divergences
  may
  lead to fuel tourism and distortions of competition
  in border regions
  . Enhanced approximation at Community level of the level of taxation applicable to commercial gas oil would address the issue of unfair competition in an efficient manner and would eventually result in better functioning of the internal market and a reduction of damage to the environment.
  The approximation of excise duty rates should also take into consideration inflationary effects and the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union. The harmonisation of excise duty rates on unleaded petrol and gas oil should not lead to disproportionate requirements for those Member States that otherwise have a tight fiscal policy and a high commitment to fight inflation
  . |
| --- | --- |

(4)

While fuel represents a large proportion of the running costs of a road haulage business, wide divergences in the level of taxation applied to gas oil by the Member States can be observed. These divergences
  may
  lead to fuel tourism and distortions of competition
  in border regions
  . Enhanced approximation at Community level of the level of taxation applicable to commercial gas oil would address the issue of unfair competition in an efficient manner and would eventually result in better functioning of the internal market and a reduction of damage to the environment.
  The approximation of excise duty rates should also take into consideration inflationary effects and the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union. The harmonisation of excise duty rates on unleaded petrol and gas oil should not lead to disproportionate requirements for those Member States that otherwise have a tight fiscal policy and a high commitment to fight inflation
  .

| (5) | The impact assessment carried out by the Commission showed that the best way to implement enhanced approximation of the levels of taxation of commercial gas oil consists in an increase of the minimum level for commercial gas oil, given that it combines the reduction of distortions of competition and resulting fuel tourism as well as of overall consumption. It is therefore appropriate to provide that from 2012 the minimum level of taxation for gas oil should equal the minimum level of taxation applicable to unleaded petrol, which reflects the fact that these two fuels are similarly detrimental to the environment. From
  2014
  the minimum level of taxation should be
  EUR 380
  per 1 000 l, in order to contribute to maintain the minimum level constant in real terms and to reduce further distortions of competition and environmental damage. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The impact assessment carried out by the Commission showed that the best way to implement enhanced approximation of the levels of taxation of commercial gas oil consists in an increase of the minimum level for commercial gas oil, given that it combines the reduction of distortions of competition and resulting fuel tourism as well as of overall consumption. It is therefore appropriate to provide that from 2012 the minimum level of taxation for gas oil should equal the minimum level of taxation applicable to unleaded petrol, which reflects the fact that these two fuels are similarly detrimental to the environment. From
  2014
  the minimum level of taxation should be
  EUR 380
  per 1 000 l, in order to contribute to maintain the minimum level constant in real terms and to reduce further distortions of competition and environmental damage.

| (5) | The impact assessment carried out by the Commission showed that the best way to implement enhanced approximation of the levels of taxation of commercial gas oil consists in an increase of the minimum level for commercial gas oil, given that it combines the reduction of distortions of competition and resulting fuel tourism as well as of overall consumption. It is therefore appropriate to provide that from 2012 the minimum level of taxation for gas oil should equal the minimum level of taxation applicable to unleaded petrol, which reflects the fact that these two fuels are similarly detrimental to the environment. From
  2015
  the minimum level of taxation should be
  EUR 359
  per 1 000 l, in order to contribute to maintain the minimum level constant in real terms and to reduce further distortions of competition and environmental damage. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The impact assessment carried out by the Commission showed that the best way to implement enhanced approximation of the levels of taxation of commercial gas oil consists in an increase of the minimum level for commercial gas oil, given that it combines the reduction of distortions of competition and resulting fuel tourism as well as of overall consumption. It is therefore appropriate to provide that from 2012 the minimum level of taxation for gas oil should equal the minimum level of taxation applicable to unleaded petrol, which reflects the fact that these two fuels are similarly detrimental to the environment. From
  2015
  the minimum level of taxation should be
  EUR 359
  per 1 000 l, in order to contribute to maintain the minimum level constant in real terms and to reduce further distortions of competition and environmental damage.

| (6) | From an environmental point of view, it appears appropriate, at this stage, to set the minimum levels of taxation for unleaded petrol and for gas oil. There are no valid reasons to fix national levels of taxation for non-commercial gas oil and unleaded petrol below the national level applicable to commercial gas oil. For Member States, which differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil, used as propellant it should therefore be clarified that the national level of taxation for non-commercial gas oil used as propellant shall not be less than the national level applied by that Member State to commercial gas oil. The same should apply between unleaded petrol and commercial gas oil used as propellant. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

From an environmental point of view, it appears appropriate, at this stage, to set the minimum levels of taxation for unleaded petrol and for gas oil. There are no valid reasons to fix national levels of taxation for non-commercial gas oil and unleaded petrol below the national level applicable to commercial gas oil. For Member States, which differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil, used as propellant it should therefore be clarified that the national level of taxation for non-commercial gas oil used as propellant shall not be less than the national level applied by that Member State to commercial gas oil. The same should apply between unleaded petrol and commercial gas oil used as propellant.

| (6) | From an environmental point of view, it appears appropriate, at this stage, to set the minimum levels of taxation for unleaded petrol and for gas oil. There are no valid reasons to fix national levels of taxation for non-commercial gas oil and unleaded petrol below the national level applicable to commercial gas oil. For Member States, which differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil, used as propellant it should therefore be clarified that the national level of taxation for non-commercial gas oil used as propellant shall not be less than the national level applied by that Member State to commercial gas oil
  , without adversely affecting users of non-commercial gas oil.
  The same should apply between unleaded petrol and commercial gas oil used as propellant. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

From an environmental point of view, it appears appropriate, at this stage, to set the minimum levels of taxation for unleaded petrol and for gas oil. There are no valid reasons to fix national levels of taxation for non-commercial gas oil and unleaded petrol below the national level applicable to commercial gas oil. For Member States, which differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil, used as propellant it should therefore be clarified that the national level of taxation for non-commercial gas oil used as propellant shall not be less than the national level applied by that Member State to commercial gas oil
  , without adversely affecting users of non-commercial gas oil.
  The same should apply between unleaded petrol and commercial gas oil used as propellant.

| (6a) | Member States that avail themselves of the transitional periods tend, regrettably, not to take steps to catch up with the minimum excise duty standards, contrary to the commitments that they have made. Any automatic prolongation of the transitional period is, therefore, wholly unacceptable. The Commission should report in 2010 on the extent to which those Member States that are approaching the end of the transitional period have fulfilled their obligations. |
| --- | --- |

(6a)

Member States that avail themselves of the transitional periods tend, regrettably, not to take steps to catch up with the minimum excise duty standards, contrary to the commitments that they have made. Any automatic prolongation of the transitional period is, therefore, wholly unacceptable. The Commission should report in 2010 on the extent to which those Member States that are approaching the end of the transitional period have fulfilled their obligations.

| (6b) | In order to ensure the coherence of Directive 2003/96/EC with the common transport policy and avoid potential distortions of competition within the haulage markets, the definition of gas oil used as propellant should be modified. The definition of commercial use concerns the transport of goods by road carried out by vehicles with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of no less than 3,5 tonnes. |
| --- | --- |

(6b)

In order to ensure the coherence of Directive 2003/96/EC with the common transport policy and avoid potential distortions of competition within the haulage markets, the definition of gas oil used as propellant should be modified. The definition of commercial use concerns the transport of goods by road carried out by vehicles with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of no less than 3,5 tonnes.

| (7) | Certain Member States have been granted transitional periods in order to smoothly adapt to the levels of taxation set out in Directive 2003/96/CE. For
  the same reasons
  , these transitional periods should be supplemented with regard to this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Certain Member States have been granted transitional periods in order to smoothly adapt to the levels of taxation set out in Directive 2003/96/CE. For
  the same reasons
  , these transitional periods should be supplemented with regard to this Directive.

| (7) | Certain Member States have been granted transitional periods in order to smoothly adapt to the levels of taxation set out in Directive 2003/96/EC. For
  some of those Member States
  , these transitional periods should be supplemented with regard to this Directive. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Certain Member States have been granted transitional periods in order to smoothly adapt to the levels of taxation set out in Directive 2003/96/EC. For
  some of those Member States
  , these transitional periods should be supplemented with regard to this Directive.

| (10) | The possibility for Member States to fix a reduced rate on gas oil for commercial purposes below the national level in force on 1 January 2003, when introducing or applying a system of road user charges which results in a broadly equivalent overall tax burden, should be extended. To this end and in the light of experience, it is appropriate to no longer maintain the requirement whereby the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003 for gas oil used as propellant must be at least twice as high as the minimum level of taxation applicable on 1 January 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The possibility for Member States to fix a reduced rate on gas oil for commercial purposes below the national level in force on 1 January 2003, when introducing or applying a system of road user charges which results in a broadly equivalent overall tax burden, should be extended. To this end and in the light of experience, it is appropriate to no longer maintain the requirement whereby the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003 for gas oil used as propellant must be at least twice as high as the minimum level of taxation applicable on 1 January 2004.

| (10) | The possibility for Member States to fix a reduced rate on gas oil for commercial purposes when introducing or applying a system of road user charges which results in a broadly equivalent overall tax burden, should be extended.
  Member States should also be able to promote the use of non-fossil and low-carbon based propellants through both tax incentives and schemes aimed at guaranteeing a certain level of consumption of those propellants
  . To this end and in the light of experience, it is appropriate to no longer maintain the requirement whereby the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003 for gas oil used as propellant must be at least twice as high as the minimum level of taxation applicable on 1 January 2004. |
| --- | --- |

(10)

The possibility for Member States to fix a reduced rate on gas oil for commercial purposes when introducing or applying a system of road user charges which results in a broadly equivalent overall tax burden, should be extended.
  Member States should also be able to promote the use of non-fossil and low-carbon based propellants through both tax incentives and schemes aimed at guaranteeing a certain level of consumption of those propellants
  . To this end and in the light of experience, it is appropriate to no longer maintain the requirement whereby the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003 for gas oil used as propellant must be at least twice as high as the minimum level of taxation applicable on 1 January 2004.

| (10a) | While regard should be had to the principle of subsidiarity, Member States that obtain additional revenue through the implementation of this Directive should be encouraged to reinvest them primarily in infrastructure, biofuel and new environmental measures aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. |
| --- | --- |

(10a)

While regard should be had to the principle of subsidiarity, Member States that obtain additional revenue through the implementation of this Directive should be encouraged to reinvest them primarily in infrastructure, biofuel and new environmental measures aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.

1.   As from 1 January 2004, 1 January 2010, 1 January 2012 and
  1 January 2014
  the minimum levels of taxation applicable to motor fuels shall be fixed as set out in Annex I Table A.

1.   As from 1 January 2004, 1 January 2010, 1 January 2012 and
  1 January 2015
  the minimum levels of taxation applicable to motor fuels shall be fixed as set out in Annex I Table A.

2.   Member States may differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil used as propellant, provided that the Community minimum levels are observed
  , and the rate for commercial gas oil used as propellant does not fall below the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003.

2.   Member States may differentiate between commercial and non-commercial use of gas oil used as propellant, provided that the Community minimum levels are observed.

| (aa) | Paragraph 3(a) shall be replaced by the following:










  (a) | the carriage of goods for hire or reward, or on own account, by motor vehicles or articulated vehicle combinations intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road and with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 3,5 tonnes; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(aa)

Paragraph 3(a) shall be replaced by the following:

(a)

the carriage of goods for hire or reward, or on own account, by motor vehicles or articulated vehicle combinations intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road and with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 3,5 tonnes;

4.   Member States
  which
  apply or introduce a system of road user charges to motor vehicles using commercial gas oil as defined in paragraph 3,
  may apply a reduced rate to such gas oil that goes below the national level of taxation in force on 1 January 2003, as long as the overall tax burden remains broadly equivalent, and
  provided that the Community minimum level applicable to gas oil is observed.

4.   Member States
  may
  apply or introduce a system of road user charges to motor vehicles using commercial gas oil as defined in paragraph 3, provided that the Community minimum level applicable to gas oil is observed.

The
  Commission shall establish common rules as to the mechanisms referred to in the first subparagraph, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 27(2).

No later than ...

   (1)

  , the
  Commission shall establish common rules as to the mechanisms referred to in the first subparagraph, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 27(2).

| (2) | Article 18 is amended as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 18 is amended as follows:

| (2) | Article 18 shall be amended as follows: |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Article 18 shall be amended as follows:

| (a) | In paragraph 3, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(a)

In paragraph 3, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (a) | In paragraph 3, the first sentence shall be

  deleted
  . |
| --- | --- |

(a)

In paragraph 3, the first sentence shall be

  deleted
  .

The Kingdom of Spain may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2007 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (b) | In paragraph 4, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(b)

In paragraph 4, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (b) | In paragraph 4, the first sentence shall be

  deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

In paragraph 4, the first sentence shall be

  deleted.

The Republic of Austria may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2007 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (c) | In paragraph 5, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(c)

In paragraph 5, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (c) | In paragraph 5, the first sentence shall be

  deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(c)

In paragraph 5, the first sentence shall be

  deleted.

The Kingdom of Belgium may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2007 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (d) | In paragraph 6, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(d)

In paragraph 6, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (d) | In paragraph 6, the first sentence shall be

  deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

In paragraph 6, the first sentence shall be

  deleted.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2009 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (e) | In paragraph 7, in the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(e)

In paragraph 7, in the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (e) | In paragraph 7, in the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence shall be

  deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(e)

In paragraph 7, in the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence shall be

  deleted.

The Portuguese Republic may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2009 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (f) | In paragraph 8, in the third sub-paragraph, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(f)

In paragraph 8, in the third sub-paragraph, the first sentence is

  replaced by the following:

| (f) | In paragraph 8, in the third sub-paragraph, the first sentence shall be

  deleted. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

In paragraph 8, in the third sub-paragraph, the first sentence shall be

  deleted.

The Hellenic Republic may apply a transitional period until 1 January 2010 to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302, until 1 January 2012 to reach EUR 330, until 1 January 2014 to reach EUR 359 and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

| (a) | In paragraph 5, the first sentence is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(a)

In paragraph 5, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

| (a) | In paragraph 5, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(a)

In paragraph 5, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

The Republic of Latvia may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2011
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until 1 January 2013 to reach EUR 330 and, for gas oil used as propellant, until
  1 January 2015
  to reach EUR 359
  and until 1 January 2017 to reach EUR 380
  .

5.   The Republic of Latvia may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2012
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until 1 January 2013 to reach EUR 330 and, for gas oil used as propellant, until
  1 January 2016
  to reach EUR 359. However, the level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene shall be no less than EUR 245 per 1 000 l as from 1 May 2004 and no less than EUR 274 per 1 000 l as from 1 January 2008.

| (b) | In paragraph 6, the first sentence is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(b)

In paragraph 6, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

| (b) | In paragraph 6, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(b)

In paragraph 6, the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:

The Republic of Lithuania may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2011
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until 1 January 2013 to reach EUR 330 and, for gas oil used as propellant, until
  1 January 2015
  to reach EUR 359
  and until 1 January 2017 to reach EUR 380.

6.   The Republic of Lithuania may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2012
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until 1 January 2013 to reach EUR 330 and, for gas oil used as propellant, until
  1 January 2016
  to reach EUR 359. However, the level of taxation on gas oil and kerosene shall be no less than EUR 245 per 1 000 l as from 1 May 2004 and no less than EUR 274 per 1 000 l as from 1 January 2008.

| (c) | In paragraph 9, the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(c)

In paragraph 9, the second sub-paragraph, the first sentence is replaced by the following:

| (c) | In paragraph 9, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following: |
| --- | --- |

(c)

In paragraph 9, the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:

The Republic of Poland may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2010
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until
  1 January 2012
  to reach EUR 330
  ,
  until
  1 January 2014
  to reach EUR 359
  and until 1 January 2016 to reach EUR 380.

The Republic of Poland may apply a transitional period until
  1 January 2012
  to adjust its national level of taxation on gas oil used as propellant to the new minimum level of EUR 302 per 1 000 l, until
  1 January 2013
  to reach EUR 330
  and
  until
  1 January 2016
  to reach EUR 359. However, the level of taxation on gas oil shall be no less than EUR 245 per 1 000 l as from 1 May 2004 and no less than EUR 274 per 1 000 l as from 1 January 2008.

Without prejudice to the derogations from Article 7 laid down in the Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union. Those Member States may apply a further transitional period for gas oil used as propellant until
  1 January 2015
  to reach EUR 359
  and until 1 January 2017 to reach EUR 380.

Without prejudice to the derogations from Article 7 laid down in the Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union, those Member States may apply a further transitional period for gas oil used as propellant until
  1 January 2016
  to reach EUR 359.

Text proposed by the Commission

| | 1 January 2004 | 1 January 2010 | 1 January 2012 | 1 January 2014 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Unleaded petrol
  (in euros per 1 000 l)
  CN Codes 2710 11 31, 2710 11 41, 2710 11 45 and 2710 11 49 | 359 | 359 | 359 | 380 |
| Gas oil
  (in euros per 1 000 l)
  CN codes 2710 19 41 to 2710 19 49 | 302 | 330 | 359 | 380 |

1 January 2004

1 January 2010

1 January 2012

1 January 2014

Unleaded petrol

(in euros per 1 000 l)

CN Codes 2710 11 31, 2710 11 41, 2710 11 45 and 2710 11 49

359

359

359

380

Gas oil

(in euros per 1 000 l)

CN codes 2710 19 41 to 2710 19 49

302

330

359

380

Amendment by Parliament

| | 1 January 2004 | 1 January 2010 | 1 January 2012 | 1 January 2015 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Unleaded petrol
  (in euros per 1 000 l)
  CN Codes 2710 11 31, 2710 11 41, 2710 11 45 and 2710 11 49 | 359 | 359 | 359 | 359 |
| Gas oil
  (in euros per 1 000 l)
  CN codes 2710 19 41 to 2710 19 49 | 302 | 330 | 340 | 359 |

1 January 2004

1 January 2010

1 January 2012

1 January 2015

Unleaded petrol

(in euros per 1 000 l)

CN Codes 2710 11 31, 2710 11 41, 2710 11 45 and 2710 11 49

359

359

359

359

Gas oil

(in euros per 1 000 l)

CN codes 2710 19 41 to 2710 19 49

302

330

340

359

Without prejudice to the time periods laid down in Article 18a(5), (6) and (9) and Article 18c, the following provisions will apply:

| — | excise duty rates on both unleaded petrol and gas oil must be no less than EUR 359 per 1 000 litres before 1 January 2015; |
| --- | --- |

—

excise duty rates on both unleaded petrol and gas oil must be no less than EUR 359 per 1 000 litres before 1 January 2015;

| — | Member States that are required under Community law to increase the excise duty rate on gas oil to EUR 340 per 1 000 litres by 1 January 2012 must impose a rate of at least EUR 359 per 1 000 litres by 1 January 2015; |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States that are required under Community law to increase the excise duty rate on gas oil to EUR 340 per 1 000 litres by 1 January 2012 must impose a rate of at least EUR 359 per 1 000 litres by 1 January 2015;

| — | Member States in which the excise duty rate on gas oil exceeded EUR 400 per 1 000 litres on 1 January 2008 must increase that rate no further until 1 January 2015; |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States in which the excise duty rate on gas oil exceeded EUR 400 per 1 000 litres on 1 January 2008 must increase that rate no further until 1 January 2015;

| — | Member States in which the excise duty rate on unleaded petrol exceeded EUR 500 per 1 000 litres on 1 January 2008 must increase that rate no further until 1 January 2015. |
| --- | --- |

—

Member States in which the excise duty rate on unleaded petrol exceeded EUR 500 per 1 000 litres on 1 January 2008 must increase that rate no further until 1 January 2015.

(5a)
     
  The following Article 29a shall be inserted:

Article 29a

The Commission shall report on the fulfilment of the obligations of those Member States in which a transitional period expires in 2010.

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(1)  
  Six months after the entry into force of this Directive.

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