# Official Journal C 338/2013

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.338.eng |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 338 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5619 November 2013 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2013.338.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 338

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5619 November 2013

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly |
| 2013/C 338/01 | Resolution on regional security challenges in Eastern European partner countries | 1 |
| 2013/C 338/02 | Resolution on approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with EU legislation in the economic field | 10 |
| 2013/C 338/03 | Resolution on energy security in connection with energy market and harmonisation between the Eastern European partner and the EU countries | 15 |
| 2013/C 338/04 | Resolution on combating poverty and social exclusion in the Eastern Partner countries | 24 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly

2013/C 338/01

Resolution on regional security challenges in Eastern European partner countries

1

2013/C 338/02

Resolution on approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with EU legislation in the economic field

10

2013/C 338/03

Resolution on energy security in connection with energy market and harmonisation between the Eastern European partner and the EU countries

15

2013/C 338/04

Resolution on combating poverty and social exclusion in the Eastern Partner countries

24

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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly

| 19.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 338/1 |
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19.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 338/1

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RESOLUTION (1)

on regional security challenges in Eastern European partner countries

2013/C 338/01

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summits held in Prague on 7 May 2009 and in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, |
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—

having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summits held in Prague on 7 May 2009 and in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011,

| — | having regard to Article 8 and Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, |
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—

having regard to Article 8 and Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy package of 20 March 2013, including the Progress 2012 Report and recommendations for actions for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, |
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—

having regard to the European Neighbourhood Policy package of 20 March 2013, including the Progress 2012 Report and recommendations for actions for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions on the Eastern Partnership of 18 February 2013, |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions on the Eastern Partnership of 18 February 2013,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 17 November 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0514) containing Parliament’s recommendations to the EU Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 17 November 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0514) containing Parliament’s recommendations to the EU Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) on the negotiations of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2009 (P7_TA(2009)0056) on democracy building in the EU’s external relations, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 22 October 2009 (P7_TA(2009)0056) on democracy building in the EU’s external relations,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 7 April 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0153) on ‘the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern dimension’ and on EU relations with the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 7 April 2011 (P7_TA(2011)0153) on ‘the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern dimension’ and on EU relations with the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communications of 25 May 2011 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission entitled ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’, and that of 20 March 2013 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communications of 25 May 2011 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission entitled ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’, and that of 20 March 2013 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’,

| — | having regard to the European Security Strategy and the national security strategies of the Eastern European partner countries, |
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—

having regard to the European Security Strategy and the national security strategies of the Eastern European partner countries,

| — | having regard to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Astana Commemorative Declaration of December 2010, entitled ‘Towards a Security Community’ and the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision of 7 December 2012 on the ‘OSCE Helsinki +40 process’, |
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—

having regard to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Astana Commemorative Declaration of December 2010, entitled ‘Towards a Security Community’ and the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision of 7 December 2012 on the ‘OSCE Helsinki +40 process’,

| — | having regard to the Instrument for Stability Multiannual Indicative Programme 2012-2013, |
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—

having regard to the Instrument for Stability Multiannual Indicative Programme 2012-2013,

| — | having regard to the preparations for signing the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, as well as the good progress in bilateral negotiations for new Association Agreements between the EU and the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, |
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—

having regard to the preparations for signing the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, as well as the good progress in bilateral negotiations for new Association Agreements between the EU and the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova,

| — | having regard to its resolution on ‘Challenges for the future of democracy, including the question of free and independent media in Eastern Partnership and EU countries’, adopted at the meeting of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly held in Baku on 3 April 2012, |
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—

having regard to its resolution on ‘Challenges for the future of democracy, including the question of free and independent media in Eastern Partnership and EU countries’, adopted at the meeting of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly held in Baku on 3 April 2012,

| A. | whereas the EU and the Eastern European partner countries share a common vital interest in ensuring peace and greater security in Europe’s eastern neighbourhood, as the primary conditions for development, prosperity and long-term stability in the region; |
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A.

whereas the EU and the Eastern European partner countries share a common vital interest in ensuring peace and greater security in Europe’s eastern neighbourhood, as the primary conditions for development, prosperity and long-term stability in the region;

| B. | whereas the Eastern Partnership was established as a common endeavour of the European Union and its Eastern European partners with the main goal of accelerating political association and furthering economic integration, on the basis of differentiation, responsibility and joint ownership; whereas the EU and its Eastern European partners currently manifest various levels of aspiration to closer relations with the EU, ranging from aspiration to EU membership to strengthened cooperation; whereas, in this regard, the EU recognises the aspirations of its Eastern European partner countries on the basis of their ambitions and ability to comply with the resulting commitments, including those founded on Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union; |
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B.

whereas the Eastern Partnership was established as a common endeavour of the European Union and its Eastern European partners with the main goal of accelerating political association and furthering economic integration, on the basis of differentiation, responsibility and joint ownership; whereas the EU and its Eastern European partners currently manifest various levels of aspiration to closer relations with the EU, ranging from aspiration to EU membership to strengthened cooperation; whereas, in this regard, the EU recognises the aspirations of its Eastern European partner countries on the basis of their ambitions and ability to comply with the resulting commitments, including those founded on Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union;

| C. | whereas the EU and the Eastern European partner countries recognise failure in democratic transition processes, regional conflicts, the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the illicit trafficking in arms and people, terrorism and organised crime as major threats and regional challenges for security, although their perception on these issues may differ; |
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C.

whereas the EU and the Eastern European partner countries recognise failure in democratic transition processes, regional conflicts, the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the illicit trafficking in arms and people, terrorism and organised crime as major threats and regional challenges for security, although their perception on these issues may differ;

| D. | whereas the goals of democracy, respect for human rights, good governance and security are intertwined; whereas social discontent, poverty, inequality, conflicts of interest, corruption and short-sighted populism may give rise to political turmoil; |
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D.

whereas the goals of democracy, respect for human rights, good governance and security are intertwined; whereas social discontent, poverty, inequality, conflicts of interest, corruption and short-sighted populism may give rise to political turmoil;

| E. | whereas, although the cold-war lines dividing Europe no longer exist, new fracture lines dividing the eastern European region have emerged, resulting mainly from unresolved conflicts due to separatism instigated abroad; |
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E.

whereas, although the cold-war lines dividing Europe no longer exist, new fracture lines dividing the eastern European region have emerged, resulting mainly from unresolved conflicts due to separatism instigated abroad;

| F. | whereas a general feature of the military situation in the eastern European region is an increasing imbalance in military capacities; |
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F.

whereas a general feature of the military situation in the eastern European region is an increasing imbalance in military capacities;

| G. | whereas the widespread smuggling and detention of illegal weapons undermine the security of some eastern European countries and territories with regard, in particular, to countries involved in unresolved conflicts; |
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G.

whereas the widespread smuggling and detention of illegal weapons undermine the security of some eastern European countries and territories with regard, in particular, to countries involved in unresolved conflicts;

| H. | whereas unresolved conflicts hamper the economic, social and political development of the countries concerned, as well as regional cooperation, stability and security, undermine the state of democracy in the countries concerned and represent an obstacle to the full development of the Eastern Partnership; whereas, in particular, existing conflicts between founding members of the Eastern Partnership must be resolved peacefully and constructively in a spirit of good neighbourly relations with a view to paving the way for a genuine process of closer European cooperation; whereas, in this regard, the possible role of the multilateral dimension of the Eastern Partnership could be an additional format to step up efforts in mediation, mutual understanding, confidence building and conflict settlement; |
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H.

whereas unresolved conflicts hamper the economic, social and political development of the countries concerned, as well as regional cooperation, stability and security, undermine the state of democracy in the countries concerned and represent an obstacle to the full development of the Eastern Partnership; whereas, in particular, existing conflicts between founding members of the Eastern Partnership must be resolved peacefully and constructively in a spirit of good neighbourly relations with a view to paving the way for a genuine process of closer European cooperation; whereas, in this regard, the possible role of the multilateral dimension of the Eastern Partnership could be an additional format to step up efforts in mediation, mutual understanding, confidence building and conflict settlement;

| I. | whereas political developments within the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood in the aftermath of the Arab Spring have drawn the most attention from EU leaders, with lower priority being given to responses to security concerns in the Eastern European Neighbourhood; |
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I.

whereas political developments within the EU’s Southern Neighbourhood in the aftermath of the Arab Spring have drawn the most attention from EU leaders, with lower priority being given to responses to security concerns in the Eastern European Neighbourhood;

| J. | whereas, although Eastern European partner countries have a common historical heritage and share aspirations to establish mutually beneficial relationships based on trust with their neighbours, some of them have faced closely interconnected conflicts rooted in distrust, linguistic and cultural divides or political rivalries, which were exacerbated during the Soviet era; whereas these conflicts are a source of instability and insecurity, as well as an obstacle to political reform and the economic development of the whole region; |
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J.

whereas, although Eastern European partner countries have a common historical heritage and share aspirations to establish mutually beneficial relationships based on trust with their neighbours, some of them have faced closely interconnected conflicts rooted in distrust, linguistic and cultural divides or political rivalries, which were exacerbated during the Soviet era; whereas these conflicts are a source of instability and insecurity, as well as an obstacle to political reform and the economic development of the whole region;

| K. | whereas the emergence of the unresolved conflicts within the eastern European region following the collapse of the Soviet Union has led to the closure of borders, preventing populations from benefiting economically and socially from external exchange, and hampering attempts to develop intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples; |
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K.

whereas the emergence of the unresolved conflicts within the eastern European region following the collapse of the Soviet Union has led to the closure of borders, preventing populations from benefiting economically and socially from external exchange, and hampering attempts to develop intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples;

| L. | whereas the EU is active in seeking to resolve unresolved conflicts in the eastern European region by co-chairing the ‘Geneva talks’ directed at peace and security in Georgia and participating as an observer in the ‘5+2 format negotiations’ on the Transnistrian conflict, while France is one of the three co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; whereas in the Joint Communication of 25 May 2011, entitled ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’, the EU stated its ambition to enhance its involvement in solving unresolved conflicts, in particular by stepping up its support for the existing negotiation formats; whereas the European Endowment for Democracy was set up last year with the aim of providing rapid and flexible support to those that work for democratic changes; |
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L.

whereas the EU is active in seeking to resolve unresolved conflicts in the eastern European region by co-chairing the ‘Geneva talks’ directed at peace and security in Georgia and participating as an observer in the ‘5+2 format negotiations’ on the Transnistrian conflict, while France is one of the three co-chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; whereas in the Joint Communication of 25 May 2011, entitled ‘A new response to a changing neighbourhood’, the EU stated its ambition to enhance its involvement in solving unresolved conflicts, in particular by stepping up its support for the existing negotiation formats; whereas the European Endowment for Democracy was set up last year with the aim of providing rapid and flexible support to those that work for democratic changes;

| M. | whereas the Russian Federation is a major stakeholder in protracted conflicts due to its occupation of the Tskhinvali and Abkhazia regions of Georgia and its military presence in separatist regions of the Republic of Moldova, and its political and economic influence in the whole eastern European region; whereas in contrast, the EU is engaged in the field through two civilian missions deployed under the EU Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP), namely the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM); |
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M.

whereas the Russian Federation is a major stakeholder in protracted conflicts due to its occupation of the Tskhinvali and Abkhazia regions of Georgia and its military presence in separatist regions of the Republic of Moldova, and its political and economic influence in the whole eastern European region; whereas in contrast, the EU is engaged in the field through two civilian missions deployed under the EU Common Security Defence Policy (CSDP), namely the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM);

| N. | whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have engaged in partnerships with the EU under the EU CSDP; whereas Ukraine is the only Eastern European partner which has so far contributed to the EU CSDP missions and operations, under a framework agreement with the EU, facilitating the speedy involvement of their military forces; whereas the EU and the Republic of Moldova are in the process of ratifying a similar framework agreement; |
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N.

whereas Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova have engaged in partnerships with the EU under the EU CSDP; whereas Ukraine is the only Eastern European partner which has so far contributed to the EU CSDP missions and operations, under a framework agreement with the EU, facilitating the speedy involvement of their military forces; whereas the EU and the Republic of Moldova are in the process of ratifying a similar framework agreement;

| O. | whereas some countries have benefited from the application of the ‘more for more’ principle in terms of increased financial assistance, reflecting the systematic application of increased policy conditionality and the pace of reforms in the three Eastern European partner countries; |
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O.

whereas some countries have benefited from the application of the ‘more for more’ principle in terms of increased financial assistance, reflecting the systematic application of increased policy conditionality and the pace of reforms in the three Eastern European partner countries;

| P. | whereas the Eastern European partner countries have established long-standing cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on the basis of common interests; whereas NATO relations with the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine have contributed to democratic, institutional and defence reforms at national level as well as participation in NATO-led peace support operations; |
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P.

whereas the Eastern European partner countries have established long-standing cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on the basis of common interests; whereas NATO relations with the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine have contributed to democratic, institutional and defence reforms at national level as well as participation in NATO-led peace support operations;

| Q. | whereas the threats from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials (CBRN), the illicit spread of weapons, and organised crime remain an important concern for regional security due the abundance of arms stocks and ammunition left over from the Cold War; |
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Q.

whereas the threats from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials (CBRN), the illicit spread of weapons, and organised crime remain an important concern for regional security due the abundance of arms stocks and ammunition left over from the Cold War;

| R. | whereas the persistence of unresolved territorial conflicts, the lack of impartiality and independence, as well as the inefficiency of the judiciary and of law enforcement bodies, internal political disputes and interference between private interests and public affairs are a breeding ground for organised crime; |
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R.

whereas the persistence of unresolved territorial conflicts, the lack of impartiality and independence, as well as the inefficiency of the judiciary and of law enforcement bodies, internal political disputes and interference between private interests and public affairs are a breeding ground for organised crime;

| S. | whereas within the Eastern Neighbourhood Framework, there should be huge potential for interconnection between the EU and Eastern European partner countries, as well as mutually beneficial outlooks, by facilitating and developing important activities and projects, specifically in the field of energy security, diversification of supplies and routes of energy resources (the Southern Corridor), and trade and economic integration, which should be one of the instruments guaranteeing the enhancement of security and peace; |
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S.

whereas within the Eastern Neighbourhood Framework, there should be huge potential for interconnection between the EU and Eastern European partner countries, as well as mutually beneficial outlooks, by facilitating and developing important activities and projects, specifically in the field of energy security, diversification of supplies and routes of energy resources (the Southern Corridor), and trade and economic integration, which should be one of the instruments guaranteeing the enhancement of security and peace;

| T. | whereas natural and man-made disasters are recognised as a general threat throughout the eastern European region, given its exposure to the risks of seism, extreme meteorological conditions, hydro-geological events, such as floods and droughts, and urban and industrial disasters; |
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T.

whereas natural and man-made disasters are recognised as a general threat throughout the eastern European region, given its exposure to the risks of seism, extreme meteorological conditions, hydro-geological events, such as floods and droughts, and urban and industrial disasters;

| 1. | Stresses its conviction that the EU and the Eastern European partner countries have a common political responsibility to promote peace and security throughout the European continent, overcoming long-standing historic divisions and focusing on common values; |
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1.

Stresses its conviction that the EU and the Eastern European partner countries have a common political responsibility to promote peace and security throughout the European continent, overcoming long-standing historic divisions and focusing on common values;

| 2. | Considers that security challenges in the eastern European region stem from unbalanced and incomplete democratic transitions, internal separatism and external threats which require a concerted response and further cooperation between the countries of the region and the neighbouring major powers on the basis of mutual respect and the protection of their national interests; |
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2.

Considers that security challenges in the eastern European region stem from unbalanced and incomplete democratic transitions, internal separatism and external threats which require a concerted response and further cooperation between the countries of the region and the neighbouring major powers on the basis of mutual respect and the protection of their national interests;

| 3. | Stresses that the Eastern Partnership offers a unique multilateral forum for enhancing dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues within a group of states committed to the values and principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, as set out in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit, held in Warsaw in September 2011; |
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3.

Stresses that the Eastern Partnership offers a unique multilateral forum for enhancing dialogue and cooperation on regional security issues within a group of states committed to the values and principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, as set out in the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit, held in Warsaw in September 2011;

| 4. | Emphasises that the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius offers the best opportunity to underline the European perspective for the most ambitious Eastern European partner countries, based on their European aspirations, as well as their commitment to promote common European values and principles; |
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4.

Emphasises that the forthcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius offers the best opportunity to underline the European perspective for the most ambitious Eastern European partner countries, based on their European aspirations, as well as their commitment to promote common European values and principles;

Building up a common space of stability and peace through meeting the challenge of democratic transition and economic and social development

| 5. | Stresses that the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, minority rights and fundamental freedoms and a genuine independence and efficiency of the judiciary, the inadmissibility of selective justice, including the banning of fuelling attacks on political opponents through hate speech and other provocative actions, are essential for creating the conditions necessary for sustainable security in the eastern European region and for building up people’s long-term trust in state institutions; calls, in this respect, on Eastern European partner countries to increase transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight of law enforcement agencies; underlines that the full respect of the rule of law and of the constitutional order is essential in post-electoral contexts; |
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5.

Stresses that the strengthening of democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, minority rights and fundamental freedoms and a genuine independence and efficiency of the judiciary, the inadmissibility of selective justice, including the banning of fuelling attacks on political opponents through hate speech and other provocative actions, are essential for creating the conditions necessary for sustainable security in the eastern European region and for building up people’s long-term trust in state institutions; calls, in this respect, on Eastern European partner countries to increase transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight of law enforcement agencies; underlines that the full respect of the rule of law and of the constitutional order is essential in post-electoral contexts;

| 6. | Considers that reforming state institutions on the basis of democratic principles and rule of law, strengthening freedom of expression and opinion, as well as pluralism and independence of media, guaranteeing reliable, free and fair electoral processes, inclusive dialogue with the opposition, a proper independent judiciary, preventing abuses of power, and fighting against corruption are critical factors in mitigating the risk of outbreak of political conflicts; takes the view that the development of good governance and democratic decision-making processes positively influences political leaders in their dialogue with societies and their choice on security issues; |
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6.

Considers that reforming state institutions on the basis of democratic principles and rule of law, strengthening freedom of expression and opinion, as well as pluralism and independence of media, guaranteeing reliable, free and fair electoral processes, inclusive dialogue with the opposition, a proper independent judiciary, preventing abuses of power, and fighting against corruption are critical factors in mitigating the risk of outbreak of political conflicts; takes the view that the development of good governance and democratic decision-making processes positively influences political leaders in their dialogue with societies and their choice on security issues;

| 7. | Welcomes the recent constitutional amendments in Georgia aimed at further the balancing of the executive and legislative branches; |
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7.

Welcomes the recent constitutional amendments in Georgia aimed at further the balancing of the executive and legislative branches;

| 8. | Calls for the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation; considers that the protection of human rights and the rights of minorities are fundamental European values and any threats or violations thereof should be prevented as these may also represent risk factors for destabilisation and insecurity; emphasises that free public space is an essential feature of a responsible society and a prerequisite for the peaceful resolution of political conflicts; therefore denounces any attempts to limit the freedom of expression of journalists, dissidents, human rights defenders and civil society; |
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8.

Calls for the adoption of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation; considers that the protection of human rights and the rights of minorities are fundamental European values and any threats or violations thereof should be prevented as these may also represent risk factors for destabilisation and insecurity; emphasises that free public space is an essential feature of a responsible society and a prerequisite for the peaceful resolution of political conflicts; therefore denounces any attempts to limit the freedom of expression of journalists, dissidents, human rights defenders and civil society;

| 9. | Considers that a strong and vibrant civil society is a key factor in allowing for democratic progress and the improved protection of human rights; calls on the Eastern European partner countries to abolish undue legal and administrative restrictions that limit the universal rights of assembly and association, and to ensure that human rights defenders enjoy full civil and judicial protection and are not marginalised in society; |
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9.

Considers that a strong and vibrant civil society is a key factor in allowing for democratic progress and the improved protection of human rights; calls on the Eastern European partner countries to abolish undue legal and administrative restrictions that limit the universal rights of assembly and association, and to ensure that human rights defenders enjoy full civil and judicial protection and are not marginalised in society;

| 10. | Calls on the Eastern European partner countries to initiate or pursue economic reforms aimed at completing the transition into well functioning, growing market economies, as well as establishing conditions for prosperity, sustainable development, and social and regional cohesion; stresses that reducing poverty, social exclusion and inequality is essential for achieving success of and increasing confidence in those reforms and for mitigating the risks of social unrest fuelled by extremist and radical groups; |
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10.

Calls on the Eastern European partner countries to initiate or pursue economic reforms aimed at completing the transition into well functioning, growing market economies, as well as establishing conditions for prosperity, sustainable development, and social and regional cohesion; stresses that reducing poverty, social exclusion and inequality is essential for achieving success of and increasing confidence in those reforms and for mitigating the risks of social unrest fuelled by extremist and radical groups;

| 11. | Calls on the EU and Eastern European partner countries to give new momentum to joint efforts for promoting democratic, social and economic reforms in the eastern European region, at the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in autumn 2013 in Vilnius; in this connection, expects the EU and the Eastern European partner countries who have made substantial progress in the negotiations to sign or initialise the association agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, by the time of the Summit; in this regard, calls on all involved partners to engage in early discussions regarding the territorial application of the association agreements; |
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11.

Calls on the EU and Eastern European partner countries to give new momentum to joint efforts for promoting democratic, social and economic reforms in the eastern European region, at the Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in autumn 2013 in Vilnius; in this connection, expects the EU and the Eastern European partner countries who have made substantial progress in the negotiations to sign or initialise the association agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, by the time of the Summit; in this regard, calls on all involved partners to engage in early discussions regarding the territorial application of the association agreements;

| 12. | Supports the EU’s approach to the Eastern European partner countries, based on mutual accountability and the ‘more for more’ principle encouraging partners to bring forward the political reforms needed to achieve the Eastern Partnership’s common objectives and to ensure political stability and security; notes, that as reaffirmed in the Joint Communication of Commission and Vice-President / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 March 2013 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’, the principle of ‘more for more’ implies an increasing need for differentiation of the EU’s policy response, based on the ambitions and performance of each partner; |
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12.

Supports the EU’s approach to the Eastern European partner countries, based on mutual accountability and the ‘more for more’ principle encouraging partners to bring forward the political reforms needed to achieve the Eastern Partnership’s common objectives and to ensure political stability and security; notes, that as reaffirmed in the Joint Communication of Commission and Vice-President / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 March 2013 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’, the principle of ‘more for more’ implies an increasing need for differentiation of the EU’s policy response, based on the ambitions and performance of each partner;

| 13. | Is concerned about the risks of a military build-up in the eastern European region, diverting resources from support for economic and human development; recommends that the EU Member States and Eastern European partner countries review their arms export-import policies in the region with a view to reaching agreements on disarmament and demilitarisation of conflict areas, in the light of the progress made by individual partner states on democratic transformation, institution-building, and respect for human rights; |
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13.

Is concerned about the risks of a military build-up in the eastern European region, diverting resources from support for economic and human development; recommends that the EU Member States and Eastern European partner countries review their arms export-import policies in the region with a view to reaching agreements on disarmament and demilitarisation of conflict areas, in the light of the progress made by individual partner states on democratic transformation, institution-building, and respect for human rights;

| 14. | Recognises the particular importance of energy security for the overall stability of the Eastern Partnership region; supports, for this reason, the development of secure and inclusive energy infrastructure, such as the Southern Gas Corridor, with a positive impact on security, economic development and the long-term stability of the region; |
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14.

Recognises the particular importance of energy security for the overall stability of the Eastern Partnership region; supports, for this reason, the development of secure and inclusive energy infrastructure, such as the Southern Gas Corridor, with a positive impact on security, economic development and the long-term stability of the region;

Engaging in the peaceful settlement of protracted conflicts

| 15. | Stresses that maintaining the status quo in unresolved conflicts within the eastern European region is not acceptable, as this entails the risk of a further escalation in tensions and a resumption of armed hostilities; underlines that an arms race would only further increase the risks to regional security; welcomes the EU’s engagement which reflects the EU’s comprehensive approach in the area, addressing issues of security, the rule of law and civilian crisis management; stresses that ensuring stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts is in the common interests of the EU and the Eastern European partner countries, and urges them to promote and establish an environment which is conductive to progress in conflict settlement, and encourages the implementation of support-related peace-building activities; |
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15.

Stresses that maintaining the status quo in unresolved conflicts within the eastern European region is not acceptable, as this entails the risk of a further escalation in tensions and a resumption of armed hostilities; underlines that an arms race would only further increase the risks to regional security; welcomes the EU’s engagement which reflects the EU’s comprehensive approach in the area, addressing issues of security, the rule of law and civilian crisis management; stresses that ensuring stability and peaceful resolution of conflicts is in the common interests of the EU and the Eastern European partner countries, and urges them to promote and establish an environment which is conductive to progress in conflict settlement, and encourages the implementation of support-related peace-building activities;

| 16. | Underlines the responsibility of the EU in contributing to conflict resolution, by supporting the dialogue between parties and implementing programmes and tools for conflict transformation; stresses the role played by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia in working towards a peaceful resolution of the protracted conflicts, and supports the extension of his mandate beyond 30 June 2013; commends the EUBAM and the EUMM missions for improving security and helping to build cross-border confidence across within the Republic of Moldova and Georgia; recommends that the EU extend the mandate of the EUBAM and the EUMM, and enhance their effectiveness; calls on all parties concerned to continue their cooperation under the European Partnership for the Peaceful Settlement of the Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is an EU-funded civil society programme, the second phase of which was launched in November 2012; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Underlines the responsibility of the EU in contributing to conflict resolution, by supporting the dialogue between parties and implementing programmes and tools for conflict transformation; stresses the role played by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia in working towards a peaceful resolution of the protracted conflicts, and supports the extension of his mandate beyond 30 June 2013; commends the EUBAM and the EUMM missions for improving security and helping to build cross-border confidence across within the Republic of Moldova and Georgia; recommends that the EU extend the mandate of the EUBAM and the EUMM, and enhance their effectiveness; calls on all parties concerned to continue their cooperation under the European Partnership for the Peaceful Settlement of the Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which is an EU-funded civil society programme, the second phase of which was launched in November 2012;

| 17. | Notes the important role played in the eastern European region by the Russian Federation, due to its political and economic influence and its direct military engagement in all the protracted conflicts; calls on the Russian authorities to exert this influence in a constructive way, fully respecting the sovereignty of the countries of the region and refraining from any actions which would endanger regional stability; reiterates that the already agreed withdrawal of Russian foreign military troops from the breakaway regions of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia would represent a significant step forward in the process towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes the important role played in the eastern European region by the Russian Federation, due to its political and economic influence and its direct military engagement in all the protracted conflicts; calls on the Russian authorities to exert this influence in a constructive way, fully respecting the sovereignty of the countries of the region and refraining from any actions which would endanger regional stability; reiterates that the already agreed withdrawal of Russian foreign military troops from the breakaway regions of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia would represent a significant step forward in the process towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts;

| 18. | Calls on the Russian Federation to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognised borders of Georgia; calls, in this regard, on the Russian Federation to ensure the unconditional implementation of the 2008 cease-fire agreement, to withdraw its military forces from Georgian territories, to allow unfettered access for the EUMM to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region in Georgia, and to annul its decision to recognise the independence of these regions from Georgia; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Russian Federation to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of the internationally recognised borders of Georgia; calls, in this regard, on the Russian Federation to ensure the unconditional implementation of the 2008 cease-fire agreement, to withdraw its military forces from Georgian territories, to allow unfettered access for the EUMM to Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region in Georgia, and to annul its decision to recognise the independence of these regions from Georgia;

| 19. | Calls on the Russian Federation to meet the commitments it made on the occasion of its accession to the Council of Europe in 1996, and then at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul in 1999, regarding the Transnistrian region and recommends that the existing peacekeeping forces based in the territory of the Republic of Moldova be replaced by an international civilian mission whose legitimacy will be recognised by the parties to the Transnistrian conflict; urges the Russian authorities to refrain from all political and diplomatic measures that would disturb the settlement process and hinder positive, result-oriented agreements; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Russian Federation to meet the commitments it made on the occasion of its accession to the Council of Europe in 1996, and then at the OSCE Summit in Istanbul in 1999, regarding the Transnistrian region and recommends that the existing peacekeeping forces based in the territory of the Republic of Moldova be replaced by an international civilian mission whose legitimacy will be recognised by the parties to the Transnistrian conflict; urges the Russian authorities to refrain from all political and diplomatic measures that would disturb the settlement process and hinder positive, result-oriented agreements;

| 20. | Believes that there can be no alternative to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and expresses its full support for the set-up of the Madrid Principles; regrets that the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, based on the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Framework, has so far yielded no concrete results and calls for a more effective and stronger engagement on the part of the EU; urges all parties concerned to step up their efforts and commitment, since decisive progress is still to be achieved by the OSCE Minsk Group, more than two decades after its set-up; calls on the conflict parties – Armenia and Azerbaijan – to be constructive in their negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Believes that there can be no alternative to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and expresses its full support for the set-up of the Madrid Principles; regrets that the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, based on the principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE Framework, has so far yielded no concrete results and calls for a more effective and stronger engagement on the part of the EU; urges all parties concerned to step up their efforts and commitment, since decisive progress is still to be achieved by the OSCE Minsk Group, more than two decades after its set-up; calls on the conflict parties – Armenia and Azerbaijan – to be constructive in their negotiations;

| 21. | Calls on the EU to increase efforts and to closely take part in the mediation processes for the peaceful settlement of protracted conflicts in formats in which the EU is already present; underlines that pro-active mediation on the part of the EU in conflict resolution is essential for the security and long-term stability of the eastern European region and a prerequisite for the success of the European Neighbourhood Policy; calls on the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia to contribute further to the resolution of the conflicts in South Caucasus through practical measures such as capacity building, facilitating consensus among parties, strengthening public support, and enhancing the participation of civil society; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the EU to increase efforts and to closely take part in the mediation processes for the peaceful settlement of protracted conflicts in formats in which the EU is already present; underlines that pro-active mediation on the part of the EU in conflict resolution is essential for the security and long-term stability of the eastern European region and a prerequisite for the success of the European Neighbourhood Policy; calls on the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia to contribute further to the resolution of the conflicts in South Caucasus through practical measures such as capacity building, facilitating consensus among parties, strengthening public support, and enhancing the participation of civil society;

| 22. | Urges all relevant sides to engage pro-actively with the Transnistrian side in view of promoting a mutually acceptable vision for a common future, and to agree accordingly on the basic parameters for the settlement; welcomes, in this respect, the January 2012 agreement on a ‘small steps’ approach to tackling practical issues of primary importance for ordinary citizens; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Urges all relevant sides to engage pro-actively with the Transnistrian side in view of promoting a mutually acceptable vision for a common future, and to agree accordingly on the basic parameters for the settlement; welcomes, in this respect, the January 2012 agreement on a ‘small steps’ approach to tackling practical issues of primary importance for ordinary citizens;

| 23. | Highlights the European Parliament’s current intention to encourage the definition of a European Maritime Security Strategy and notes that such a strategy could be useful for the resolution of the protracted conflicts, provided that it includes an ambitious agenda for the Black Sea; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Highlights the European Parliament’s current intention to encourage the definition of a European Maritime Security Strategy and notes that such a strategy could be useful for the resolution of the protracted conflicts, provided that it includes an ambitious agenda for the Black Sea;

| 24. | Calls on the EU, the Eastern European partners and the relevant regional actors to enhance their policy dialogue by proposing a set of confidence-building measures in the eastern European region with a view to establishing shared principles and an agenda for strengthening security and progressing towards conflict resolution; calls, in this regard, on Ukraine’s chairmanship of the OSCE in 2013 to implement an ambitious agenda and assure the participation of all Eastern European partner countries in EU dialogue forums, including Human Rights Dialogue, so as to make progress in peaceful settlement processes for unresolved conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the EU, the Eastern European partners and the relevant regional actors to enhance their policy dialogue by proposing a set of confidence-building measures in the eastern European region with a view to establishing shared principles and an agenda for strengthening security and progressing towards conflict resolution; calls, in this regard, on Ukraine’s chairmanship of the OSCE in 2013 to implement an ambitious agenda and assure the participation of all Eastern European partner countries in EU dialogue forums, including Human Rights Dialogue, so as to make progress in peaceful settlement processes for unresolved conflicts;

| 25. | Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partner countries to further develop regional multilateral programmes, set up incentives for regional cooperation and step up cross-border projects for building confidence and promoting trust between populations, paying special attention to conflict transformation measures and contributing to reconstruction and economic and social development in regions affected by conflict, by encouraging trade, travel and investment; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partner countries to further develop regional multilateral programmes, set up incentives for regional cooperation and step up cross-border projects for building confidence and promoting trust between populations, paying special attention to conflict transformation measures and contributing to reconstruction and economic and social development in regions affected by conflict, by encouraging trade, travel and investment;

| 26. | Underlines the need for the bilateral development of trade, economic integration, and infrastructure between the Eastern European partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Underlines the need for the bilateral development of trade, economic integration, and infrastructure between the Eastern European partner countries;

| 27. | Urges the Eastern European partner countries to implement quality education programmes that will help eradicate ethnic, territorial and religious hatred and enmity, and strengthen respect for the rights of minorities; considers that intercultural and inter-religious dialogues should be further enhanced in order to favour mutual understanding, respect and tolerance among the Eastern European partner countries; stresses, in this regard, the importance of strong and active civil societies which can strengthen such dialogues and develop person-to-person contacts across borders and conflict lines; calls on the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum to further engage in the implementation of the Eastern Partnership multilateral and bilateral activities pursuing this objective; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Urges the Eastern European partner countries to implement quality education programmes that will help eradicate ethnic, territorial and religious hatred and enmity, and strengthen respect for the rights of minorities; considers that intercultural and inter-religious dialogues should be further enhanced in order to favour mutual understanding, respect and tolerance among the Eastern European partner countries; stresses, in this regard, the importance of strong and active civil societies which can strengthen such dialogues and develop person-to-person contacts across borders and conflict lines; calls on the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum to further engage in the implementation of the Eastern Partnership multilateral and bilateral activities pursuing this objective;

| 28. | Recommends to the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum that it initiate media training programmes with professional European journalist organisations which would combat mutual animosity and hate speech, and ensure professional standards when covering inter-ethnic relations and call for support for independent think tanks cooperating on the development of models to ensure security, conflict resolution and prevention; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recommends to the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum that it initiate media training programmes with professional European journalist organisations which would combat mutual animosity and hate speech, and ensure professional standards when covering inter-ethnic relations and call for support for independent think tanks cooperating on the development of models to ensure security, conflict resolution and prevention;

| 29. | Acknowledges that feelings of injustice and frustration among populations may arise from the unresolved conflicts; recommends that state officials and political leaders in the Eastern European partner countries refrain from exploiting such trends in public opinion by using it as an instrument for internal political campaigns, as this can only fuel antagonism and lead to further tensions; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Acknowledges that feelings of injustice and frustration among populations may arise from the unresolved conflicts; recommends that state officials and political leaders in the Eastern European partner countries refrain from exploiting such trends in public opinion by using it as an instrument for internal political campaigns, as this can only fuel antagonism and lead to further tensions;

Strengthening political and military cooperation for tackling regional security risks

| 30. | Underlines the critical role of international organisations and partnerships in addressing regional security challenges and establishing a cooperative approach to security that encompasses its political and military dimensions; in this regard calls for more intense political cooperation with the Russian Federation in order to identify sustainable solutions to regional security challenges, including the protracted conflicts; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Underlines the critical role of international organisations and partnerships in addressing regional security challenges and establishing a cooperative approach to security that encompasses its political and military dimensions; in this regard calls for more intense political cooperation with the Russian Federation in order to identify sustainable solutions to regional security challenges, including the protracted conflicts;

| 31. | Calls on the EU Member States and Eastern European partner countries concerned to intensify their dialogue on security issues under the existing formats of the EU, the NATO Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and recommends that they coordinate their cooperation in order to work more efficiently on the ground, save resources and establish programmes which are tailored to the individual needs of participating countries; considers, in particular, that the member states of both the EU and NATO should pool resources to consolidate cooperation with the Eastern European partner countries under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) format and the NATO Partnership for Peace programme; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the EU Member States and Eastern European partner countries concerned to intensify their dialogue on security issues under the existing formats of the EU, the NATO Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and recommends that they coordinate their cooperation in order to work more efficiently on the ground, save resources and establish programmes which are tailored to the individual needs of participating countries; considers, in particular, that the member states of both the EU and NATO should pool resources to consolidate cooperation with the Eastern European partner countries under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) format and the NATO Partnership for Peace programme;

| 32. | Recognises the value and achievements of cooperation between the EU, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova under the EU CSDP, which has helped to establish security agreements and frameworks for EU-led missions and crisis management operations; calls on the EU Member States to take due account of the aspirations of the Eastern European partner countries wishing to enhance their capacities for increasing their level of cooperation under the CSDP format and recommends closer cooperation through initiatives in support of capacity building and training for national personnel in the security and defence sectors; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Recognises the value and achievements of cooperation between the EU, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova under the EU CSDP, which has helped to establish security agreements and frameworks for EU-led missions and crisis management operations; calls on the EU Member States to take due account of the aspirations of the Eastern European partner countries wishing to enhance their capacities for increasing their level of cooperation under the CSDP format and recommends closer cooperation through initiatives in support of capacity building and training for national personnel in the security and defence sectors;

| 33. | Welcomes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council Decision of 7 December 2012 to launch the ‘Helsinki +40 process’ as a means of providing political impetus to advance work towards a security community and a strategic roadmap for strengthening cooperation in the OSCE up to 2015, which will mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Welcomes the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council Decision of 7 December 2012 to launch the ‘Helsinki +40 process’ as a means of providing political impetus to advance work towards a security community and a strategic roadmap for strengthening cooperation in the OSCE up to 2015, which will mark the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act;

| 34. | Encourages the EU, together with the relevant international organisations and key partners, to develop post-conflict reconstruction scenarios which could act as a further incentive for the resolution of conflicts by showing the tangible benefits of peaceful settlements; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Encourages the EU, together with the relevant international organisations and key partners, to develop post-conflict reconstruction scenarios which could act as a further incentive for the resolution of conflicts by showing the tangible benefits of peaceful settlements;

| 35. | Emphasises the need to revitalise and extend cooperation on disarmament, arms trade regulation, conventional arms control and the fight against illicit trafficking in arms; to this end, recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partner countries review compliance with international agreements, in particular the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, further support a universal arms trade treaty, and engage in a dialogue to develop further cooperation on disarmament and arms control; highlights the vital importance of curbing the arms race; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Emphasises the need to revitalise and extend cooperation on disarmament, arms trade regulation, conventional arms control and the fight against illicit trafficking in arms; to this end, recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partner countries review compliance with international agreements, in particular the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, further support a universal arms trade treaty, and engage in a dialogue to develop further cooperation on disarmament and arms control; highlights the vital importance of curbing the arms race;

| 36. | Calls on the EU to strengthen cooperation programmes targeting the Eastern European partner countries and to increase their funding under the EU Instrument for Stability in order to mitigate the risks arising from CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) materials and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technological expertise; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the EU to strengthen cooperation programmes targeting the Eastern European partner countries and to increase their funding under the EU Instrument for Stability in order to mitigate the risks arising from CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) materials and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technological expertise;

| 37. | Stresses that reforming public administration, the judiciary and law enforcement authorities in the Eastern European partner countries is essential for making progress in combating organised crime, corruption, cyber crime, money laundering and terrorism; calls on the Eastern European partner countries to engage in or to continue implementing an ambitious agenda to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to further cooperate with the EU in the fields of law enforcement and customs administration with the aim of increasing public trust in these institutions; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Stresses that reforming public administration, the judiciary and law enforcement authorities in the Eastern European partner countries is essential for making progress in combating organised crime, corruption, cyber crime, money laundering and terrorism; calls on the Eastern European partner countries to engage in or to continue implementing an ambitious agenda to ensure the independence of the judiciary and to further cooperate with the EU in the fields of law enforcement and customs administration with the aim of increasing public trust in these institutions;

| 38. | Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partner countries to build on, and extend beyond 2014, the Eastern Partnership Flagship Initiative for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Man-made and Natural Disasters, the overall objective of which is to contribute to the peace, stability, security and prosperity of the Eastern Partnership countries and to protect the environment, the population, the cultural heritage, the resources and the infrastructures of the region by strengthening the countries’ resilience, preparedness and response to man-made and natural disasters; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partner countries to build on, and extend beyond 2014, the Eastern Partnership Flagship Initiative for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Man-made and Natural Disasters, the overall objective of which is to contribute to the peace, stability, security and prosperity of the Eastern Partnership countries and to protect the environment, the population, the cultural heritage, the resources and the infrastructures of the region by strengthening the countries’ resilience, preparedness and response to man-made and natural disasters;

| 39. | Stresses the importance of energy security in shaping the security environment in the region; urges further work towards integrating the energy markets of the EU and Eastern European partner countries, reiterates the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and its flagship trans-Caspian-Black-Sea energy projects within the Southern Gas Corridor initiative for achieving the reduction of dependence on energy imports from market-dominant suppliers and calls on the EU to facilitate and promote diversification of gas supply, which will bring the EU and Eastern European partner countries to deeper cooperation and linkage; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Stresses the importance of energy security in shaping the security environment in the region; urges further work towards integrating the energy markets of the EU and Eastern European partner countries, reiterates the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and its flagship trans-Caspian-Black-Sea energy projects within the Southern Gas Corridor initiative for achieving the reduction of dependence on energy imports from market-dominant suppliers and calls on the EU to facilitate and promote diversification of gas supply, which will bring the EU and Eastern European partner countries to deeper cooperation and linkage;

| 40. | Calls for the fostering of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, and help in developing regional synergies and responses to the specific geographic, economic, security, environmental and social challenges of the Eastern Neighbourhood countries, and also in their relationship with the EU; calls, in this respect, for deeper cooperation on sectoral policies such as education, youth, migration, healthcare, and transport; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls for the fostering of regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, and help in developing regional synergies and responses to the specific geographic, economic, security, environmental and social challenges of the Eastern Neighbourhood countries, and also in their relationship with the EU; calls, in this respect, for deeper cooperation on sectoral policies such as education, youth, migration, healthcare, and transport;

| 41. | Recommends that the Eastern European partner countries step up cooperation in managing borders and migration flows in the region, by approximating or developing common standards with the EU and combating human trafficking while guaranteeing respect for the rights of migrants; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Recommends that the Eastern European partner countries step up cooperation in managing borders and migration flows in the region, by approximating or developing common standards with the EU and combating human trafficking while guaranteeing respect for the rights of migrants;

| 42. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States, the Eastern European partner countries, and the Russian Federation. |
| --- | --- |

42.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States, the Eastern European partner countries, and the Russian Federation.

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(1)  As adopted in Brussels on 28 May 2013.

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| 19.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 338/10 |
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19.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 338/10

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RESOLUTION (1)

on approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with EU legislation in the economic field

2013/C 338/02

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 May 2011 entitled ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ (COM(2011)0303), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication of the Commission and the Vice-President/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 May 2011 entitled ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ (COM(2011)0303),

| — | having regard to the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) since 2004, and in particular to the Commission’s progress reports on its implementation, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the development of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) since 2004, and in particular to the Commission’s progress reports on its implementation,

| — | having regard to the action plans adopted jointly with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova, and to the Association Agenda with Ukraine, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the action plans adopted jointly with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova, and to the Association Agenda with Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of 13 December 2010, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of 13 December 2010,

| — | having regard to the Joint Declarations of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit of 7 May 2009 and the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit of 29-30 September 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Declarations of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit of 7 May 2009 and the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit of 29-30 September 2011,

| — | 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 (ENPI) (2), and the proposal of the European Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

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 (ENPI) (2), and the proposal of the European Commission to the European Parliament and to the Council establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) (3),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (4), of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern Dimension (5), and of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (6), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (4), of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern Dimension (5), and of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (6),

| — | having regard to the resolution of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly adopted on 3 April 2012, entitled ‘Trade agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and the EU assistance in this field’, prepared by the EURONEST PA Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies Standing Committee, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly adopted on 3 April 2012, entitled ‘Trade agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and the EU assistance in this field’, prepared by the EURONEST PA Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies Standing Committee,

| — | having regard to its Constituent Act of 3 May 2011, |
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—

having regard to its Constituent Act of 3 May 2011,

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

—

having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas legal approximation in the economic field, while not an aim in itself, is an important step towards enhanced economic cooperation, to the benefit of all the Eastern Partnership countries and the EU; whereas putting into place legislation and regulatory systems, standards and certification methods which are compatible with those of the EU will also bring those countries closer to EU standards and values; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas legal approximation in the economic field, while not an aim in itself, is an important step towards enhanced economic cooperation, to the benefit of all the Eastern Partnership countries and the EU; whereas putting into place legislation and regulatory systems, standards and certification methods which are compatible with those of the EU will also bring those countries closer to EU standards and values;

| B. | whereas approximation to EU economic standards developed in line with the objectives of mutual interest and the specificities of individual countries will help the Eastern Partnership countries’ efforts towards achieving balanced and sustainable growth, high levels of employment and social protection, economic and social cohesion, high environmental standards, better standards of living and better quality of life for their respective societies; whereas it will also create conditions for increasing the competitiveness of their economies, stimulating investment and fostering trade, and encourage the development of the Eastern Partnership Business Forum initiated by the Sopot forum in 2011; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas approximation to EU economic standards developed in line with the objectives of mutual interest and the specificities of individual countries will help the Eastern Partnership countries’ efforts towards achieving balanced and sustainable growth, high levels of employment and social protection, economic and social cohesion, high environmental standards, better standards of living and better quality of life for their respective societies; whereas it will also create conditions for increasing the competitiveness of their economies, stimulating investment and fostering trade, and encourage the development of the Eastern Partnership Business Forum initiated by the Sopot forum in 2011;

| C. | whereas in certain areas it is not possible to establish distinct phases of approximation because legislation pertaining thereto represents a whole, and the adoption of any single part of it would not be effective without the rest; |
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C.

whereas in certain areas it is not possible to establish distinct phases of approximation because legislation pertaining thereto represents a whole, and the adoption of any single part of it would not be effective without the rest;

| D. | whereas this is a complex, dynamic and gradual process requiring the creation and adaptation of institutions and structures, and involving fundamental changes to the responsibilities of the respective national administrative systems, private sectors and civil societies; |
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D.

whereas this is a complex, dynamic and gradual process requiring the creation and adaptation of institutions and structures, and involving fundamental changes to the responsibilities of the respective national administrative systems, private sectors and civil societies;

| E. | whereas the Eastern Partnership countries are at different stages in the process of economic convergence with the EU, and there are, as a result, considerable disparities in the amount and type of legislation that has been harmonised so far, and in each country’s general approach to this process; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the Eastern Partnership countries are at different stages in the process of economic convergence with the EU, and there are, as a result, considerable disparities in the amount and type of legislation that has been harmonised so far, and in each country’s general approach to this process;

| F. | whereas the process of regulatory approximation in the economic field should, where applicable, proceed in parallel with the regulatory approximation related to negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs); |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the process of regulatory approximation in the economic field should, where applicable, proceed in parallel with the regulatory approximation related to negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs);

| G. | whereas this regulatory approximation is an open-ended, gradual process, which involves further approximation and could lead to harmonisation in the future; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas this regulatory approximation is an open-ended, gradual process, which involves further approximation and could lead to harmonisation in the future;

Eastern Partnership countries’ planning, commitments and implementation

| 1. | Recognises that efforts towards regulatory approximation have already been made within the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, and encourages the Eastern Partnership countries to enhance this process in the context of the future Association Agreements; recalls that further steps deepening economic integration could be taken in due time in order to move towards the EU-Eastern Partnership Economic Area, as stated in the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Joint Declaration; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recognises that efforts towards regulatory approximation have already been made within the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, and encourages the Eastern Partnership countries to enhance this process in the context of the future Association Agreements; recalls that further steps deepening economic integration could be taken in due time in order to move towards the EU-Eastern Partnership Economic Area, as stated in the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit Joint Declaration;

| 2. | Invites each Eastern Partnership country, who has not yet done so, to adopt a work programme setting a timetable for legal approximation, including a consolidated chapter on legal approximation in the economic field, based on the commitments made by the country within the framework of the agreements regulating its bilateral relations with the EU in the economic field; recommends the establishment of comprehensive legislative strategies that reflect the countries’ own interests and priorities, their social, economic and political realities and the work they have achieved so far in this field; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Invites each Eastern Partnership country, who has not yet done so, to adopt a work programme setting a timetable for legal approximation, including a consolidated chapter on legal approximation in the economic field, based on the commitments made by the country within the framework of the agreements regulating its bilateral relations with the EU in the economic field; recommends the establishment of comprehensive legislative strategies that reflect the countries’ own interests and priorities, their social, economic and political realities and the work they have achieved so far in this field;

| 3. | Invites the Eastern Partnership countries to establish their own sectoral priorities and define the key issues relating thereto; encourages them to voice the particular difficulties they face in the process of legal approximation, and to elaborate strategies, together with the EU, to address these difficulties; urges them, at the same time, to take into account the EU’s recommendations regarding the specific efforts they should make in addressing major challenges in their individual legal convergence processes in the economic field; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Invites the Eastern Partnership countries to establish their own sectoral priorities and define the key issues relating thereto; encourages them to voice the particular difficulties they face in the process of legal approximation, and to elaborate strategies, together with the EU, to address these difficulties; urges them, at the same time, to take into account the EU’s recommendations regarding the specific efforts they should make in addressing major challenges in their individual legal convergence processes in the economic field;

| 4. | Invites the Eastern Partnership countries to adjust the sequence and pace of their regulatory approximation programmes in order to reinforce and consolidate their macro-economic reforms and their stability; sees legal approximation as a long-term objective which should fit into their economic agendas; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Invites the Eastern Partnership countries to adjust the sequence and pace of their regulatory approximation programmes in order to reinforce and consolidate their macro-economic reforms and their stability; sees legal approximation as a long-term objective which should fit into their economic agendas;

| 5. | Stresses that, without the necessary institutional changes and proper implementation, legal approximation could result in a mere transposition of rules and lead to failure in meeting assumed commitments; points out that real – not simply formal – alignment is needed to attain the desired economic impact, with benefits for all; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Stresses that, without the necessary institutional changes and proper implementation, legal approximation could result in a mere transposition of rules and lead to failure in meeting assumed commitments; points out that real – not simply formal – alignment is needed to attain the desired economic impact, with benefits for all;

| 6. | Acknowledges that the main challenge for the Eastern Partnership countries does not lie so much in the approximation of their legal texts as in the transformation and adaptation of their respective administrations, justice systems and societies to the conditions necessary to ensure that the legislation is effective and well implemented; believes that the Eastern Partnership countries should establish the right conditions for such legislation to be applied; underscores, in this regard, the need for targeted administrative capacity-building measures relating to each country’s governmental structures, national parliament, judiciary and private sector; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Acknowledges that the main challenge for the Eastern Partnership countries does not lie so much in the approximation of their legal texts as in the transformation and adaptation of their respective administrations, justice systems and societies to the conditions necessary to ensure that the legislation is effective and well implemented; believes that the Eastern Partnership countries should establish the right conditions for such legislation to be applied; underscores, in this regard, the need for targeted administrative capacity-building measures relating to each country’s governmental structures, national parliament, judiciary and private sector;

| 7. | Urges, in this regard, the Eastern Partnership countries to set up and consolidate adequate administrative and organisational structures for effective implementation and enforcement of the adopted legislation, and to establish, where appropriate, coordinating and monitoring mechanisms that will move the approximation process forward; stresses that the establishment of enforcing authorities is vital to ensure that the legislation is properly implemented; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Urges, in this regard, the Eastern Partnership countries to set up and consolidate adequate administrative and organisational structures for effective implementation and enforcement of the adopted legislation, and to establish, where appropriate, coordinating and monitoring mechanisms that will move the approximation process forward; stresses that the establishment of enforcing authorities is vital to ensure that the legislation is properly implemented;

| 8. | Underlines the importance in this process of judicial reforms and the fight against corruption; recalls that, among the conditions that apply to a decentralised economic system, a well-functioning judicial system should offer reasonably rapid access to justice for individuals as well as for private legal entities; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Underlines the importance in this process of judicial reforms and the fight against corruption; recalls that, among the conditions that apply to a decentralised economic system, a well-functioning judicial system should offer reasonably rapid access to justice for individuals as well as for private legal entities;

| 9. | Underlines the importance of the visa liberalisation process, which not only helps to promote the highest standards in the Eastern Partnership countries but also contributes to improving the business culture that is essential for successful legal approximation in the economic field; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Underlines the importance of the visa liberalisation process, which not only helps to promote the highest standards in the Eastern Partnership countries but also contributes to improving the business culture that is essential for successful legal approximation in the economic field;

| 10. | Urges the Eastern Partnership countries to ensure legal security and transparency for economic operators by creating a system of legal and commercial rules; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Urges the Eastern Partnership countries to ensure legal security and transparency for economic operators by creating a system of legal and commercial rules;

| 11. | Encourages the establishment of specific technical and professional bodies in both the private and the public sector which could ensure, among other things, civil monitoring of the application of relevant legislation and of the economic processes as a whole; notes, in this regard, the need for transparency in the regulatory process, in public consultations and in the regular impact assessments and independent evaluations of policy results; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Encourages the establishment of specific technical and professional bodies in both the private and the public sector which could ensure, among other things, civil monitoring of the application of relevant legislation and of the economic processes as a whole; notes, in this regard, the need for transparency in the regulatory process, in public consultations and in the regular impact assessments and independent evaluations of policy results;

| 12. | Underlines the importance of engagement on the part of civil societies and non-governmental organisations in fostering legal approximation in the economic field and considers that the EU should fully support them by transmitting the Union’s experience and know-how as well as the use of financial instruments; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Underlines the importance of engagement on the part of civil societies and non-governmental organisations in fostering legal approximation in the economic field and considers that the EU should fully support them by transmitting the Union’s experience and know-how as well as the use of financial instruments;

| 13. | Underscores the importance of the social dimension of legislative approximation in the economic field, particularly where legislation in the economic field has an impact on areas such as social and environmental policies and consumer protection; underlines that a more comprehensive approach is required to take into account the need to create a better-qualified workforce, with guaranteed labour rights, that will contribute to the success of economic reforms; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Underscores the importance of the social dimension of legislative approximation in the economic field, particularly where legislation in the economic field has an impact on areas such as social and environmental policies and consumer protection; underlines that a more comprehensive approach is required to take into account the need to create a better-qualified workforce, with guaranteed labour rights, that will contribute to the success of economic reforms;

| 14. | Invites the EU and Eastern Partnership countries to make full use of Eastern Partnership Platform 2 (‘Economic Integration and Convergence with EU Policies’), which adds value to the bilateral consultation processes and provides an opportunity for the exchange of information and best practices; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Invites the EU and Eastern Partnership countries to make full use of Eastern Partnership Platform 2 (‘Economic Integration and Convergence with EU Policies’), which adds value to the bilateral consultation processes and provides an opportunity for the exchange of information and best practices;

| 15. | Stresses its role in monitoring, facilitating and assisting the process of approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with EU legislation in the economic field; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Stresses its role in monitoring, facilitating and assisting the process of approximation of the national legislation of Eastern Partnership countries with EU legislation in the economic field;

The EU approach to legal approximation in the economic field: financial and technical assistance, and implementation monitoring

| 16. | Calls on the EU to increase the budget for assistance to the Eastern Partnership countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020; welcomes the intention of the Commission to develop a second generation of Eastern Partnership flagship initiatives and calls for the adoption at the Vilnius Summit of new and visible initiatives covering important areas of Eastern Partnership cooperation aimed at supporting the development of economic cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the EU to increase the budget for assistance to the Eastern Partnership countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020; welcomes the intention of the Commission to develop a second generation of Eastern Partnership flagship initiatives and calls for the adoption at the Vilnius Summit of new and visible initiatives covering important areas of Eastern Partnership cooperation aimed at supporting the development of economic cooperation;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to foster the visa liberalisation process with the Eastern Partnership countries, which is a necessary step on the way to the ultimate objective of a visa-free regime; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the Commission to foster the visa liberalisation process with the Eastern Partnership countries, which is a necessary step on the way to the ultimate objective of a visa-free regime;

| 18. | Emphasises the need to ensure that the ‘more for more’ principle is applied, as it serves as an important tool for acknowledging, and further bolstering, the Eastern Partnership countries’ progress towards alignment with the EU’s standards and values; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Emphasises the need to ensure that the ‘more for more’ principle is applied, as it serves as an important tool for acknowledging, and further bolstering, the Eastern Partnership countries’ progress towards alignment with the EU’s standards and values;

| 19. | Believes that while it is up to each Eastern Partnership country to choose its priorities in terms of sectors, the EU should recommend which measures should be tackled first and propose key measures in each sector, taking as a point of departure that some areas, such as company law, are to be regarded as essential ‘building blocks’ for any modern economy; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Believes that while it is up to each Eastern Partnership country to choose its priorities in terms of sectors, the EU should recommend which measures should be tackled first and propose key measures in each sector, taking as a point of departure that some areas, such as company law, are to be regarded as essential ‘building blocks’ for any modern economy;

| 20. | Encourages the EU to provide the Eastern Partnership countries with assistance for planning their respective strategies for the progressive approximation and effective implementation and enforcement of the relevant legislation, in particular with regard to the sequence in which areas of legislation are approximated and to the conditions necessary for their implementation; stresses at the same time that the EU should take into account each Eastern Partnership country’s specific economic circumstances, especially where they may affect the sequence in which each country should tackle the approximation; notes in this regard the fruitful work of the EU advisory group and urges the Commission to continue developing this format of assistance in consultation with countries and partners; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Encourages the EU to provide the Eastern Partnership countries with assistance for planning their respective strategies for the progressive approximation and effective implementation and enforcement of the relevant legislation, in particular with regard to the sequence in which areas of legislation are approximated and to the conditions necessary for their implementation; stresses at the same time that the EU should take into account each Eastern Partnership country’s specific economic circumstances, especially where they may affect the sequence in which each country should tackle the approximation; notes in this regard the fruitful work of the EU advisory group and urges the Commission to continue developing this format of assistance in consultation with countries and partners;

| 21. | Notes the need for the increased coordination of existing EU assistance; points out that such assistance should be strengthened, supplemented where needed, and made more coherent; stresses that particular attention should be paid to achieving closer coordination – and realising the potential – of the Member States’ technical assistance; urges, in this regard, the EU Member States – and in particular those Member States that have most recently undergone the process of legal approximation (the newest ones) – to contribute more actively with their expertise and good practices; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Notes the need for the increased coordination of existing EU assistance; points out that such assistance should be strengthened, supplemented where needed, and made more coherent; stresses that particular attention should be paid to achieving closer coordination – and realising the potential – of the Member States’ technical assistance; urges, in this regard, the EU Member States – and in particular those Member States that have most recently undergone the process of legal approximation (the newest ones) – to contribute more actively with their expertise and good practices;

| 22. | Recommends the future creation of an information exchange office (following the example of the office set up by the Commission and supported by a PHARE multi-country programme); points out that the office should facilitate the provision of assistance, create a database and serve as a clearing house where requests for assistance can be matched with available advice and expertise; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Recommends the future creation of an information exchange office (following the example of the office set up by the Commission and supported by a PHARE multi-country programme); points out that the office should facilitate the provision of assistance, create a database and serve as a clearing house where requests for assistance can be matched with available advice and expertise;

| 23. | Notes that legal approximation should be organised and supported through special, tailor-made technical assistance measures; stresses the need to consider that resources for approximation are limited in both the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, and should therefore be focused on areas where they will have the greatest effect; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Notes that legal approximation should be organised and supported through special, tailor-made technical assistance measures; stresses the need to consider that resources for approximation are limited in both the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries, and should therefore be focused on areas where they will have the greatest effect;

| 24. | Urges the EU to continue its support for developing the capacities of institutions in the Eastern Partnership countries to prepare the legislation needed; encourages a fuller use of important EU instruments in this regard, such as the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument (TAIEX), the Comprehensive Institution Building programme, the twinning programmes and others; counts on strengthening the Comprehensive Institution Building programme in the new financial perspectives; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Urges the EU to continue its support for developing the capacities of institutions in the Eastern Partnership countries to prepare the legislation needed; encourages a fuller use of important EU instruments in this regard, such as the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument (TAIEX), the Comprehensive Institution Building programme, the twinning programmes and others; counts on strengthening the Comprehensive Institution Building programme in the new financial perspectives;

| 25. | Urges the EU to emphasise the importance of making the legislation effective, to allow for the numerous benefits to reach the societies concerned and to lead to further harmonisation with EU standards; stresses, therefore, that once national legislation is adopted, sound EU monitoring of its implementation and enforcement should be ensured; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Urges the EU to emphasise the importance of making the legislation effective, to allow for the numerous benefits to reach the societies concerned and to lead to further harmonisation with EU standards; stresses, therefore, that once national legislation is adopted, sound EU monitoring of its implementation and enforcement should be ensured;

| 26. | Notes that approximation in other areas linked to the economic field, such as social and environmental policies, should be also encouraged and could become the subject of separate initiatives; believes that the EU should strive to ensure a more integrated approach in recognition of the fact that economic and social development are interconnected; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Notes that approximation in other areas linked to the economic field, such as social and environmental policies, should be also encouraged and could become the subject of separate initiatives; believes that the EU should strive to ensure a more integrated approach in recognition of the fact that economic and social development are interconnected;

| 27. | Invites the EU to prepare a set of detailed recommendations for the Eastern Partnership countries on how to proceed with legislative approximation and implementation in each area (for example in the form of a white paper); notes that the recommendations should be informational and advisory in nature; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Invites the EU to prepare a set of detailed recommendations for the Eastern Partnership countries on how to proceed with legislative approximation and implementation in each area (for example in the form of a white paper); notes that the recommendations should be informational and advisory in nature;

| 28. | Considers that the EU should take into account each Eastern Partnership country’s specific circumstances, and the stage of development at which it stands compared with the other Eastern Partnership countries in the context of economic integration, legal harmonisation and implementation policy, as well as readiness for deeper cooperation, and recommends that the EU act on the basis of individual approaches while respecting the will and interests of each Eastern Partnership country; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Considers that the EU should take into account each Eastern Partnership country’s specific circumstances, and the stage of development at which it stands compared with the other Eastern Partnership countries in the context of economic integration, legal harmonisation and implementation policy, as well as readiness for deeper cooperation, and recommends that the EU act on the basis of individual approaches while respecting the will and interests of each Eastern Partnership country;

| 29. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, and the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States and of the Eastern Partnership countries. |
| --- | --- |

29.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, and the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States and of the Eastern Partnership countries.

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(1)  Adopted in Brussels, on 28 May 2013.

(2)  OJ L 310, 9.11.2006, p. 1.

(3)  2011/0405(COD), 7.12.2011.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0576.

(5)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0153.

(6)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0276.

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| 19.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 338/15 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

19.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 338/15

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RESOLUTION (1)

on energy security in connection with energy market and harmonisation between the Eastern European partner and the EU countries

2013/C 338/03

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in Warsawon 29 and 30 September 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in Warsawon 29 and 30 September 2011,

| — | having regard to the declaration by the participants of the Southern Corridor Summit held in Pragueon 8 May 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration by the participants of the Southern Corridor Summit held in Pragueon 8 May 2009,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 25 November 2010 entitled ‘Towards a new Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 25 November 2010 entitled ‘Towards a new Energy Strategy for Europe 2011-2020’,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 12 June 2012 entitled ‘Engaging in energy policy cooperation with partners beyond our borders: A strategic approach to secure, sustainable and competitive energy supply’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 12 June 2012 entitled ‘Engaging in energy policy cooperation with partners beyond our borders: A strategic approach to secure, sustainable and competitive energy supply’,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 11 September 2007 entitled ‘Towards a common European foreign policy on energy’ (2007/2000(INI)), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 11 September 2007 entitled ‘Towards a common European foreign policy on energy’ (2007/2000(INI)),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 24 November 2011 on strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy policy, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union of 24 November 2011 on strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy policy,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission entitled ‘Eastern Partnership: A Roadmap to the autumn 2013 Summit’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission entitled ‘Eastern Partnership: A Roadmap to the autumn 2013 Summit’,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 13 November 2008 on the Second Strategic Energy Review, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 13 November 2008 on the Second Strategic Energy Review,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 17 November 2010 entitled ‘Energy Infrastructure Priorities for 2020 and beyond - A Blueprint for an Integrated European Energy Network’ and to the European Parliament resolution of 5 July 2011 on ‘Energy Infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 17 November 2010 entitled ‘Energy Infrastructure Priorities for 2020 and beyond - A Blueprint for an Integrated European Energy Network’ and to the European Parliament resolution of 5 July 2011 on ‘Energy Infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond’,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 7 September 2011 on security of energy supply and international cooperation, entitled ‘The EU Energy Policy: Engaging with Partners beyond Our Borders’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 7 September 2011 on security of energy supply and international cooperation, entitled ‘The EU Energy Policy: Engaging with Partners beyond Our Borders’,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 15 November 2012 entitled ‘Making the Internal Energy Market Work’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 15 November 2012 entitled ‘Making the Internal Energy Market Work’,

| — | having regard to the national strategy papers for energy of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukrainefor the periods up to 2020 and 2030, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the national strategy papers for energy of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukrainefor the periods up to 2020 and 2030,

| — | having regard to the 2012-2013 work programme of the Eastern Partnership - Platform 3 – Energy security, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2012-2013 work programme of the Eastern Partnership - Platform 3 – Energy security,

| — | having regard to the EURONEST PA resolution of 3 April 2012 entitled ‘Energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure: developments in the Eastern Partnership and in the EU countries’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EURONEST PA resolution of 3 April 2012 entitled ‘Energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure: developments in the Eastern Partnership and in the EU countries’,

| — | having regard to the 2011 annual report on the activities of the Energy Community to the European Parliament and the national parliaments and to the annual report of 1 September 2012 on the implementation of the acquis under the Treaty establishing the Energy Community, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 2011 annual report on the activities of the Energy Community to the European Parliament and the national parliaments and to the annual report of 1 September 2012 on the implementation of the acquis under the Treaty establishing the Energy Community,

| A. | whereas the Eastern Partnership aims to strengthen energy security through cooperation with regard to long-term, stable and secure energy supply and transit, including through better regulation, energy efficiency and more use of renewable energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Eastern Partnership aims to strengthen energy security through cooperation with regard to long-term, stable and secure energy supply and transit, including through better regulation, energy efficiency and more use of renewable energy sources;

| B. | whereas global energy and environmental challenges require the development of common and cooperative strategies at international level; whereas the EU and Eastern European partners face common political challenges in terms of lowering emissions in the energy sector and finding the right balance between the different current sources of energy, ensuring reliable and safe supply, and rationalising energy consumption, in particular by increasing energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas global energy and environmental challenges require the development of common and cooperative strategies at international level; whereas the EU and Eastern European partners face common political challenges in terms of lowering emissions in the energy sector and finding the right balance between the different current sources of energy, ensuring reliable and safe supply, and rationalising energy consumption, in particular by increasing energy efficiency;

| C. | whereas the role of legislators in shaping energy policies and rules and the framework conditions applying to energy markets is crucial for the efficient exploitation of domestic resources, so as to ensure affordable energy prices, achieve a substantial reduction in the impact of energy production and consumption on the climate and the environment, and establish equitable trade relations; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the role of legislators in shaping energy policies and rules and the framework conditions applying to energy markets is crucial for the efficient exploitation of domestic resources, so as to ensure affordable energy prices, achieve a substantial reduction in the impact of energy production and consumption on the climate and the environment, and establish equitable trade relations;

| D. | whereas the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners will become more interdependent in the future, and have engaged in a meaningful dialogue within the Eastern Partnership on developing energy policies to meet future energy needs; whereas future bilateral association agreements between the EU and the Eastern European partners concerned, including agreements for deep and comprehensive free trade areas, will have an important energy component, with a view to facilitating energy trade; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners will become more interdependent in the future, and have engaged in a meaningful dialogue within the Eastern Partnership on developing energy policies to meet future energy needs; whereas future bilateral association agreements between the EU and the Eastern European partners concerned, including agreements for deep and comprehensive free trade areas, will have an important energy component, with a view to facilitating energy trade;

| E. | whereas the regional energy policy dialogue under the Eastern Partnership has intensified over recent years, covering the convergence of energy markets, the diversification of energy supply and transit and the development of sustainable energy sources, as well as infrastructures of common and regional interest; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the regional energy policy dialogue under the Eastern Partnership has intensified over recent years, covering the convergence of energy markets, the diversification of energy supply and transit and the development of sustainable energy sources, as well as infrastructures of common and regional interest;

| F. | whereas energy markets within the EU and in the Eastern European partner countries differ greatly from one country to another, although most are inherited from a situation where public operators of energy supply and distribution have had a dominant role; whereas energy costs and resources influencing political choices can vary dramatically among Member States and Eastern European partners; whereas most of the countries of Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus were bound up with the former Soviet Union for their energy economy and are still highly dependent on imports from the Russian Federation for their oil and gas consumption; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas energy markets within the EU and in the Eastern European partner countries differ greatly from one country to another, although most are inherited from a situation where public operators of energy supply and distribution have had a dominant role; whereas energy costs and resources influencing political choices can vary dramatically among Member States and Eastern European partners; whereas most of the countries of Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus were bound up with the former Soviet Union for their energy economy and are still highly dependent on imports from the Russian Federation for their oil and gas consumption;

| G. | whereas the energy markets in a number of EU Member States and most Eastern European partner countries remain concentrated in nature, with an excessively limited number of energy suppliers and transmission and distribution operators; whereas past policies were strongly focused on increasing energy supply and less so on demand; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the energy markets in a number of EU Member States and most Eastern European partner countries remain concentrated in nature, with an excessively limited number of energy suppliers and transmission and distribution operators; whereas past policies were strongly focused on increasing energy supply and less so on demand;

| H. | whereas the EU has set the objective of, and is committed to, the completion by 2014 of a fully integrated internal energy market, as a key instrument of its overall strategy for enhancing its economic competitiveness while progressing in the transition to a low-emissions economy; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the EU has set the objective of, and is committed to, the completion by 2014 of a fully integrated internal energy market, as a key instrument of its overall strategy for enhancing its economic competitiveness while progressing in the transition to a low-emissions economy;

| I. | whereas the EU has engaged in the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets by implementing the ‘EU Third Energy Legislative Package’ adopted in 2009, which foresees as key elements the separation (or unbundling) of the energy transmission and supply businesses and the principle of ‘third party access’, guaranteeing the right of gas and electricity suppliers to accede to transmission networks under non-discriminatory conditions; whereas, building on progressively liberalised markets, the Member States have benefited from increased trade in energy and have seen a greater convergence of energy wholesale prices, despite still facing challenges in terms of fully implementing the above-mentioned package at transnational and national level; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the EU has engaged in the liberalisation of the electricity and gas markets by implementing the ‘EU Third Energy Legislative Package’ adopted in 2009, which foresees as key elements the separation (or unbundling) of the energy transmission and supply businesses and the principle of ‘third party access’, guaranteeing the right of gas and electricity suppliers to accede to transmission networks under non-discriminatory conditions; whereas, building on progressively liberalised markets, the Member States have benefited from increased trade in energy and have seen a greater convergence of energy wholesale prices, despite still facing challenges in terms of fully implementing the above-mentioned package at transnational and national level;

| J. | whereas regulatory cooperation and convergence are essential in order to progress towards further integration and interconnection of energy markets and to develop trade relations between energy operators in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries, under fair and reliable conditions; whereas harmonising the technical and operational rules governing the electricity and gas markets in Europe requires further institutional cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas regulatory cooperation and convergence are essential in order to progress towards further integration and interconnection of energy markets and to develop trade relations between energy operators in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries, under fair and reliable conditions; whereas harmonising the technical and operational rules governing the electricity and gas markets in Europe requires further institutional cooperation;

| K. | whereas the Energy Charter Treaty to which all Member States and Eastern European partners are signatories provides an international forum for energy cooperation, and has a valuable role to play in building an international legal foundation for energy security, based on the principles of open and competitive markets and sustainable development; whereas the Energy Community Treaty set the basis for establishing a fully integrated regional energy market favouring sustainable growth and investment between the EU and nine contracting parties from south-east and eastern Europe; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Energy Charter Treaty to which all Member States and Eastern European partners are signatories provides an international forum for energy cooperation, and has a valuable role to play in building an international legal foundation for energy security, based on the principles of open and competitive markets and sustainable development; whereas the Energy Community Treaty set the basis for establishing a fully integrated regional energy market favouring sustainable growth and investment between the EU and nine contracting parties from south-east and eastern Europe;

| L. | whereas a budget of EUR 271 million was earmarked to provide EU financial support to the Eastern European partners in the energy sector under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument for the period 2007-2011, including the INOGATE international energy cooperation programme and the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF), which has facilitated the allocation of loans from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the construction of strategic energy infrastructures; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas a budget of EUR 271 million was earmarked to provide EU financial support to the Eastern European partners in the energy sector under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument for the period 2007-2011, including the INOGATE international energy cooperation programme and the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF), which has facilitated the allocation of loans from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the construction of strategic energy infrastructures;

| M. | whereas gas-producing countries from Eastern Europe are looking for secure and efficient routes to export gas directly to Europe, which may oblige them to accept high political risks related to their geopolitical situation, but would contribute to the long-term stability of the region; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas gas-producing countries from Eastern Europe are looking for secure and efficient routes to export gas directly to Europe, which may oblige them to accept high political risks related to their geopolitical situation, but would contribute to the long-term stability of the region;

| N. | Whereas the EU, as a major importer of energy, is in need of diversification of sources and routes of supply; whereas energy-producing Eastern partner countries are in need of diversification of consumers; |
| --- | --- |

N.

Whereas the EU, as a major importer of energy, is in need of diversification of sources and routes of supply; whereas energy-producing Eastern partner countries are in need of diversification of consumers;

| O. | whereas the EU is acting to promote the diversification of gas supply, to build long-term relations with gas-producing and transit countries in the Eastern European region, and to secure energy supply by facilitating the implementation of the Southern Corridor, thus linking the EU market to one of the largest deposits of gas in the world; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the EU is acting to promote the diversification of gas supply, to build long-term relations with gas-producing and transit countries in the Eastern European region, and to secure energy supply by facilitating the implementation of the Southern Corridor, thus linking the EU market to one of the largest deposits of gas in the world;

Establishing coherent approaches in the energy policies of the EU and the Eastern European partners

| 1. | Underlines the importance of establishing durable and coherent energy strategies in the EU and in the Eastern European partner countries in order to move towards low-emissions energy systems having a limited impact on the climate and the environment and promoting secure, sustainable and affordable energy for the benefit of energy consumers; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Underlines the importance of establishing durable and coherent energy strategies in the EU and in the Eastern European partner countries in order to move towards low-emissions energy systems having a limited impact on the climate and the environment and promoting secure, sustainable and affordable energy for the benefit of energy consumers;

| 2. | Calls on the EU Council and the governments of the Eastern European partner countries to ensure that energy security cooperation is clearly identified as a priority under the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy for the period 2014-2020; expects the third Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Vilnius in November 2013 to provide an impetus for enhanced cooperation in the energy field in line with the vision for the key themes of the Partnership, namely respect for democracy and human rights, political association, economic integration and mobility for citizens; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the EU Council and the governments of the Eastern European partner countries to ensure that energy security cooperation is clearly identified as a priority under the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy for the period 2014-2020; expects the third Eastern Partnership Summit to be held in Vilnius in November 2013 to provide an impetus for enhanced cooperation in the energy field in line with the vision for the key themes of the Partnership, namely respect for democracy and human rights, political association, economic integration and mobility for citizens;

| 3. | Supports the objectives and efforts of the Eastern Partnership Platform on Energy Security, and recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners take steps towards ensuring deeper involvement in, and reaping the full benefits of its developing activities with regard to the integration of European energy markets; encourages the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to extend their partnership by defining common stances in international forums such as the Energy Charter Conference and in other international bodies concerned with energy and climate; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Supports the objectives and efforts of the Eastern Partnership Platform on Energy Security, and recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners take steps towards ensuring deeper involvement in, and reaping the full benefits of its developing activities with regard to the integration of European energy markets; encourages the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to extend their partnership by defining common stances in international forums such as the Energy Charter Conference and in other international bodies concerned with energy and climate;

| 4. | Believes that it is of critical importance to ensure the consistency and coherence of EU external relations regarding key energy producers and transit and consumer countries, as well as to establish coordination and cooperation between Member States in the context of negotiations of agreements between MemberStatesand energy suppliers or third countries; |
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4.

Believes that it is of critical importance to ensure the consistency and coherence of EU external relations regarding key energy producers and transit and consumer countries, as well as to establish coordination and cooperation between Member States in the context of negotiations of agreements between MemberStatesand energy suppliers or third countries;

| 5. | Calls, therefore, for increased transparency and greater EU involvement in negotiations of agreements between MemberStatesand third countries, as these agreements could also have an impact on the functioning of the EU’s internal energy market; |
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5.

Calls, therefore, for increased transparency and greater EU involvement in negotiations of agreements between MemberStatesand third countries, as these agreements could also have an impact on the functioning of the EU’s internal energy market;

| 6. | Highlights the EU Council’s decision of 4 October 2012 establishing a mechanism for the exchange of information between the Member States and the Commission on intergovernmental agreements in the energy field; considers that this decision will contribute to further coordination between Member States’ policies and for joint action and solidarity; stresses that the domestic and external energy policies of the EU and the Eastern European partners need to be transparent in order to create a cooperative climate based on mutual trust and reciprocity; |
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6.

Highlights the EU Council’s decision of 4 October 2012 establishing a mechanism for the exchange of information between the Member States and the Commission on intergovernmental agreements in the energy field; considers that this decision will contribute to further coordination between Member States’ policies and for joint action and solidarity; stresses that the domestic and external energy policies of the EU and the Eastern European partners need to be transparent in order to create a cooperative climate based on mutual trust and reciprocity;

| 7. | Recognises the value of the Early Warning Mechanism established by the EU and the Russian Federation in order to guarantee an early evaluation of potential risks and problems related to Russian energy supply to the EU, and to ensure rapid reaction in case of an emergency situation; stresses, however, that in case of political and commercial disputes, as well as for technical reasons, where potential disruptions of energy supplies may be foreseen they should be communicated before they actually occur; recommends that the EU and the Russian Federation engage in a dialogue aimed at extending similar mechanisms to the Eastern European partners and establishing a common framework for mutual assistance, solidarity and dispute settlement, in case of crises which may threaten the energy supply of one or more of the Member States or the Eastern European partner countries; |
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7.

Recognises the value of the Early Warning Mechanism established by the EU and the Russian Federation in order to guarantee an early evaluation of potential risks and problems related to Russian energy supply to the EU, and to ensure rapid reaction in case of an emergency situation; stresses, however, that in case of political and commercial disputes, as well as for technical reasons, where potential disruptions of energy supplies may be foreseen they should be communicated before they actually occur; recommends that the EU and the Russian Federation engage in a dialogue aimed at extending similar mechanisms to the Eastern European partners and establishing a common framework for mutual assistance, solidarity and dispute settlement, in case of crises which may threaten the energy supply of one or more of the Member States or the Eastern European partner countries;

Developing a more open and harmonised regional market for energy

| 8. | Stresses that developing an open and integrated energy market between the EU and its Eastern European partners is economically beneficial and is instrumental in enhancing their political ties, economic integration and solidarity under the Eastern Partnership; emphasises, in this regard, that opening borders between neighbouring countries in the Eastern European region would have a significant impact on the regional economy and energy markets, allowing in particular for more opportunities in energy transport and trade; |
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8.

Stresses that developing an open and integrated energy market between the EU and its Eastern European partners is economically beneficial and is instrumental in enhancing their political ties, economic integration and solidarity under the Eastern Partnership; emphasises, in this regard, that opening borders between neighbouring countries in the Eastern European region would have a significant impact on the regional economy and energy markets, allowing in particular for more opportunities in energy transport and trade;

| 9. | Considers that the EU’s external energy policy should be based on and promote the principles of solidarity, transparency, subsidiarity, sustainability, and cooperation, as well as reciprocity, a rule-based market approach and coordination between the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners; stresses the need for coordinated joint actions in the field of energy security, transparency and the creation of new transport corridors; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Considers that the EU’s external energy policy should be based on and promote the principles of solidarity, transparency, subsidiarity, sustainability, and cooperation, as well as reciprocity, a rule-based market approach and coordination between the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners; stresses the need for coordinated joint actions in the field of energy security, transparency and the creation of new transport corridors;

| 10. | Emphasises that establishing efficient markets in energy, while also marking the transition to a low-emissions economy, will require large-scale investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures in line with the 2050 climate and energy objectives; believes that public and private investors will fund ambitious long-term projects if the energy markets can rely on stable, transparent and harmonised rules guaranteeing fair competition and empowering consumers so that they can play an active role in choosing suppliers and energy provision modes; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Emphasises that establishing efficient markets in energy, while also marking the transition to a low-emissions economy, will require large-scale investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures in line with the 2050 climate and energy objectives; believes that public and private investors will fund ambitious long-term projects if the energy markets can rely on stable, transparent and harmonised rules guaranteeing fair competition and empowering consumers so that they can play an active role in choosing suppliers and energy provision modes;

| 11. | Strongly believes that the harmonisation of energy market rules in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries is essential in order to encourage competition and innovation, mitigate the risk of abuse of dominant positions on the energy supply and distribution markets, facilitate crossborder trading, and develop compatible procedures allowing energy companies to operate at transnational level; |
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11.

Strongly believes that the harmonisation of energy market rules in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries is essential in order to encourage competition and innovation, mitigate the risk of abuse of dominant positions on the energy supply and distribution markets, facilitate crossborder trading, and develop compatible procedures allowing energy companies to operate at transnational level;

| 12. | Takes the view that the liberalisation of national energy markets in the Eastern European partner countries will only succeed if implemented gradually, and that the immediate priority should be ensuring sound and transparent management by public energy stakeholders; |
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12.

Takes the view that the liberalisation of national energy markets in the Eastern European partner countries will only succeed if implemented gradually, and that the immediate priority should be ensuring sound and transparent management by public energy stakeholders;

| 13. | Stresses that a well-functioning competitive market entails energy prices that reflect the costs of generation, transmission, and distribution; recognises the environmental and social dimension of energy policy; recommends that consumer protection and affordable energy prices for vulnerable categories of consumers should be guaranteed; |
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13.

Stresses that a well-functioning competitive market entails energy prices that reflect the costs of generation, transmission, and distribution; recognises the environmental and social dimension of energy policy; recommends that consumer protection and affordable energy prices for vulnerable categories of consumers should be guaranteed;

| 14. | Strongly supports the EU’s objective of achieving a 20 % share of renewable energy sources in its energy consumption by 2020; emphasises, in this regard, that opening up energy markets and boosting their integration should greatly facilitate the participation of new players producing renewable energy; |
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14.

Strongly supports the EU’s objective of achieving a 20 % share of renewable energy sources in its energy consumption by 2020; emphasises, in this regard, that opening up energy markets and boosting their integration should greatly facilitate the participation of new players producing renewable energy;

| 15. | Believes that renewable sources of energy will become more and more economically competitive; considers that a stable or at least predictable regulatory framework, as well as competition, are conducive to investment in renewable energy sectors; calls on the EU and the Eastern European partners to further share experiences and strengthen their policy dialogue on means of promoting renewable energy sources, on a basis of common and coherent approaches, without creating unnecessary burdens for the state budgets; recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners facilitate the establishment of preferential treatment for trade in energy generated from renewable sources, i.e. under the mechanisms and conditions provided for under Directive 2009/28/EC; |
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15.

Believes that renewable sources of energy will become more and more economically competitive; considers that a stable or at least predictable regulatory framework, as well as competition, are conducive to investment in renewable energy sectors; calls on the EU and the Eastern European partners to further share experiences and strengthen their policy dialogue on means of promoting renewable energy sources, on a basis of common and coherent approaches, without creating unnecessary burdens for the state budgets; recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners facilitate the establishment of preferential treatment for trade in energy generated from renewable sources, i.e. under the mechanisms and conditions provided for under Directive 2009/28/EC;

| 16. | Stresses the huge potential in terms of economic growth and environmental impact of implementing the EU energy efficiency acquis; underlines, in this regard, the importance of an energy regulatory framework as a driver stimulating market transformation towards more energy-efficient products and services, transport means, and buildings, while also creating behavioural changes in energy consumption by citizens and companies; recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners develop energy efficiency strategies with realistic targets for energy saving and for implementing energy efficiency regulatory frameworks; |
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16.

Stresses the huge potential in terms of economic growth and environmental impact of implementing the EU energy efficiency acquis; underlines, in this regard, the importance of an energy regulatory framework as a driver stimulating market transformation towards more energy-efficient products and services, transport means, and buildings, while also creating behavioural changes in energy consumption by citizens and companies; recommends that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners develop energy efficiency strategies with realistic targets for energy saving and for implementing energy efficiency regulatory frameworks;

| 17. | Recommends that state aid to energy sectors should be concentrated on energy security projects, the construction of strategic energy infrastructures, developing new and improving existing sustainable technologies and renewable energy sources, and increasing energy efficiency; considers that public service obligations relating to the security of energy supply must be made transparent to energy stakeholders and operators; |
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17.

Recommends that state aid to energy sectors should be concentrated on energy security projects, the construction of strategic energy infrastructures, developing new and improving existing sustainable technologies and renewable energy sources, and increasing energy efficiency; considers that public service obligations relating to the security of energy supply must be made transparent to energy stakeholders and operators;

| 18. | Stresses that the EU and the Eastern European partners concerned must ensure that their energy sector cooperation under future association agreements is in line with EU internal market rules, in order to provide energy operators with a secure and stable legal environment for the future; |
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18.

Stresses that the EU and the Eastern European partners concerned must ensure that their energy sector cooperation under future association agreements is in line with EU internal market rules, in order to provide energy operators with a secure and stable legal environment for the future;

| 19. | Recognises the value of the Energy Community Treaty (ECT), which establishes a basis for the long-term creation of a fully integrated regional energy market between the EU and its south-eastern and eastern neighbours; stresses the growing interest in the Energy Community throughout the Eastern European region, as shown by the accessions to the Treaty of Moldova and Ukraine in 2010 and 2011 respectively, as well as by the participation of Armenia and Georgia as observers; takes the view that EU cooperation with Armenia and Georgia, as well as with Azerbaijan and Belarus, must be developed in line with the objectives of the ECT and on the basis of mutual interest and the specificities of individual countries; |
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19.

Recognises the value of the Energy Community Treaty (ECT), which establishes a basis for the long-term creation of a fully integrated regional energy market between the EU and its south-eastern and eastern neighbours; stresses the growing interest in the Energy Community throughout the Eastern European region, as shown by the accessions to the Treaty of Moldova and Ukraine in 2010 and 2011 respectively, as well as by the participation of Armenia and Georgia as observers; takes the view that EU cooperation with Armenia and Georgia, as well as with Azerbaijan and Belarus, must be developed in line with the objectives of the ECT and on the basis of mutual interest and the specificities of individual countries;

| 20. | Recommends extending the life of the Energy Community beyond 2016 and enhancing its cooperation framework by establishing an operational roadmap allowing for the modernisation of energy sectors within the Community’s contracting parties and further progress in the harmonisation of energy market rules, as well as adapting the decision-making and organisational structures of the Energy Community to future challenges; |
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20.

Recommends extending the life of the Energy Community beyond 2016 and enhancing its cooperation framework by establishing an operational roadmap allowing for the modernisation of energy sectors within the Community’s contracting parties and further progress in the harmonisation of energy market rules, as well as adapting the decision-making and organisational structures of the Energy Community to future challenges;

| 21. | Stresses that the Community’s contracting parties have committed themselves to implementing the rules of the EU acquis pertaining to the electricity market, renewable energy, security of supply, energy efficiency, and the EU Third Energy Legislative Package; considers that the parties should pursue the approximation of their energy regulatory frameworks to EU standards and rules, and ensure that new bilateral agreements with third parties comply with their obligations under the Treaty; |
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21.

Stresses that the Community’s contracting parties have committed themselves to implementing the rules of the EU acquis pertaining to the electricity market, renewable energy, security of supply, energy efficiency, and the EU Third Energy Legislative Package; considers that the parties should pursue the approximation of their energy regulatory frameworks to EU standards and rules, and ensure that new bilateral agreements with third parties comply with their obligations under the Treaty;

| 22. | Recognises the importance of the legislative and technical support that the EU provides in helping the Eastern European partners implement reforms aimed at approximating to EU standards and rules; calls on the EU to maintain the current level of financial resources available for this kind of support under the future European Neighbourhood Instrument for the period 2014-2020; |
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22.

Recognises the importance of the legislative and technical support that the EU provides in helping the Eastern European partners implement reforms aimed at approximating to EU standards and rules; calls on the EU to maintain the current level of financial resources available for this kind of support under the future European Neighbourhood Instrument for the period 2014-2020;

| 23. | Stresses the need to further develop exchanges of experience and the networking of expert communities on regulatory policies and practices between the EU and the Eastern European partners; welcomes, in this regard, the setting-up on 23 November 2012 of the Energy Community Competition Network, the purpose of which is to serve as a platform for the promotion of cooperation and exchange of experience with respect to competition policy, legislation, and enforcement of the EU competition acquis within the Energy Community; welcomes the initiative of conducting annual expert seminars under the Energy Security Committee of the Euronest PA; |
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23.

Stresses the need to further develop exchanges of experience and the networking of expert communities on regulatory policies and practices between the EU and the Eastern European partners; welcomes, in this regard, the setting-up on 23 November 2012 of the Energy Community Competition Network, the purpose of which is to serve as a platform for the promotion of cooperation and exchange of experience with respect to competition policy, legislation, and enforcement of the EU competition acquis within the Energy Community; welcomes the initiative of conducting annual expert seminars under the Energy Security Committee of the Euronest PA;

| 24. | Takes note of the achievements and progress made in implementing the Eastern Partnership Flagship Initiative on energy, the primary objectives of which include the promotion of electricity market convergence; is aware of the existence of varying degrees of maturity in terms of development of electricity markets in the Eastern European partner countries and recommends deploying further efforts to promote electricity market liberalisation; |
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24.

Takes note of the achievements and progress made in implementing the Eastern Partnership Flagship Initiative on energy, the primary objectives of which include the promotion of electricity market convergence; is aware of the existence of varying degrees of maturity in terms of development of electricity markets in the Eastern European partner countries and recommends deploying further efforts to promote electricity market liberalisation;

| 25. | Underlines the importance of strengthening the role and independence of national energy regulators; calls on the national regulators of the Member States and the Eastern European partners to step up their cooperation by developing common training programmes and regular exchanges within the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and the Energy Regulators Regional Association; |
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25.

Underlines the importance of strengthening the role and independence of national energy regulators; calls on the national regulators of the Member States and the Eastern European partners to step up their cooperation by developing common training programmes and regular exchanges within the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and the Energy Regulators Regional Association;

| 26. | Commends the actions of the Covenant of Mayors which brings together 48 signatory cities from Eastern European partner countries committing to implement sustainable energy policies in order to meet or surpass the EU objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 % by 2020, through increased energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy; stresses the critical role of local authorities, as producers and regulators of energy, in fostering market changes in the fields of urban planning and mobility, energy efficiency of buildings and the promotion of decentralised and renewable energy sources; recommends intensifying the activities of and EU support for the Covenant of Mayors, as a platform for exchange and a tool for multi-level governance within the Eastern Partnership; |
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26.

Commends the actions of the Covenant of Mayors which brings together 48 signatory cities from Eastern European partner countries committing to implement sustainable energy policies in order to meet or surpass the EU objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20 % by 2020, through increased energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy; stresses the critical role of local authorities, as producers and regulators of energy, in fostering market changes in the fields of urban planning and mobility, energy efficiency of buildings and the promotion of decentralised and renewable energy sources; recommends intensifying the activities of and EU support for the Covenant of Mayors, as a platform for exchange and a tool for multi-level governance within the Eastern Partnership;

| 27. | Believes that the developing the exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon energy fossils, in particular shale gas, at global level may have a major impact on energy markets within the EU and the Eastern European partner countries; recommends that the EU and Eastern European partners engage in an exchange of knowledge and expertise under the Eastern Partnership Platform – Energy Security, regarding the policies and regulations applying to non-conventional gas developments in Europe and to share best practices to ensure the protection of human health, the climate and the environment; |
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27.

Believes that the developing the exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbon energy fossils, in particular shale gas, at global level may have a major impact on energy markets within the EU and the Eastern European partner countries; recommends that the EU and Eastern European partners engage in an exchange of knowledge and expertise under the Eastern Partnership Platform – Energy Security, regarding the policies and regulations applying to non-conventional gas developments in Europe and to share best practices to ensure the protection of human health, the climate and the environment;

| 28. | Emphasises the need to ensure that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners apply the highest standards regarding environmental protection and safety in building and managing energy infrastructures; calls, in this regard, on the EU and the Eastern European partners to further develop their cooperation in strengthening the regulatory framework for nuclear safety; |
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28.

Emphasises the need to ensure that the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners apply the highest standards regarding environmental protection and safety in building and managing energy infrastructures; calls, in this regard, on the EU and the Eastern European partners to further develop their cooperation in strengthening the regulatory framework for nuclear safety;

| 29. | Recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners ensure synergies between their respective activities within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, the Energy Community, the Black Sea Synergy, the Baku Initiative and the INOGATE international energy cooperation programme; |
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29.

Recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners ensure synergies between their respective activities within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, the Energy Community, the Black Sea Synergy, the Baku Initiative and the INOGATE international energy cooperation programme;

| 30. | Stresses the potential mutual benefits to be gained by for the EU and the Eastern European partners from the full-scale development of the Southern Corridor and the positive impact of the diversification policy, allowing more competitive energy prices in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries and reducing dependence on energy imports from market-dominant suppliers; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Stresses the potential mutual benefits to be gained by for the EU and the Eastern European partners from the full-scale development of the Southern Corridor and the positive impact of the diversification policy, allowing more competitive energy prices in the EU and the Eastern European partner countries and reducing dependence on energy imports from market-dominant suppliers;

Strengthening integrated and interconnected energy networks

| 31. | Stresses that the energy interconnection capacity between the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners is insufficient and remains a significant obstacle to the development of a competitive integrated market in the electricity, oil and gas sectors; |
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31.

Stresses that the energy interconnection capacity between the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners is insufficient and remains a significant obstacle to the development of a competitive integrated market in the electricity, oil and gas sectors;

| 32. | Notes that heavy dependence on imports from market-dominant suppliers may be used as an instrument of foreign policy pressure; stresses, in this regard, that diversification of suppliers and routes is highly necessary in order to strengthen geopolitical independence and ensure real competition between gas and oil sources within the EU and the Eastern European partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Notes that heavy dependence on imports from market-dominant suppliers may be used as an instrument of foreign policy pressure; stresses, in this regard, that diversification of suppliers and routes is highly necessary in order to strengthen geopolitical independence and ensure real competition between gas and oil sources within the EU and the Eastern European partner countries;

| 33. | Considers that markets and private investors should have the primary responsibility for ensuring the financing of future networks and infrastructures, while public investment should play the role of leveraging private financing; |
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33.

Considers that markets and private investors should have the primary responsibility for ensuring the financing of future networks and infrastructures, while public investment should play the role of leveraging private financing;

| 34. | Recognises the need for a continuous energy supply that is safe and reliable as a topical challenge; stresses that reliable energy services are a part of global prosperity and provide an opportunity to improve standards of living, enhance industrial productivity and competitiveness on the global market, and boost economic growth and job creation; |
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34.

Recognises the need for a continuous energy supply that is safe and reliable as a topical challenge; stresses that reliable energy services are a part of global prosperity and provide an opportunity to improve standards of living, enhance industrial productivity and competitiveness on the global market, and boost economic growth and job creation;

| 35. | Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as a new integrated instrument for investing in EU infrastructure priorities in transport, energy, and telecommunications; highlights the need to take full account of the Eastern neighbourhood dimension when planning EU energy infrastructure priorities; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) as a new integrated instrument for investing in EU infrastructure priorities in transport, energy, and telecommunications; highlights the need to take full account of the Eastern neighbourhood dimension when planning EU energy infrastructure priorities;

| 36. | Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partners to intensify their policy dialogue for determining common priorities in diversifying energy supply sources and routes; recommends that energy infrastructure planning by the EU and the Eastern European partners should include development of the transit corridors, in particular the Southern Corridor, including the trans-Caspian energy transportation projects and the reinforcement or extension of the existing transit corridors; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the EU and the Eastern European partners to intensify their policy dialogue for determining common priorities in diversifying energy supply sources and routes; recommends that energy infrastructure planning by the EU and the Eastern European partners should include development of the transit corridors, in particular the Southern Corridor, including the trans-Caspian energy transportation projects and the reinforcement or extension of the existing transit corridors;

| 37. | Underlines that the development of a trans-Caspian oil and gas corridor and a Southern Corridor, along with the further development of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Supsa pipelines, should link the countries of central Asia to Europe, both economically and politically, while at the same time offering opportunities to Eastern European countries as reliable transit partners; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Underlines that the development of a trans-Caspian oil and gas corridor and a Southern Corridor, along with the further development of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Supsa pipelines, should link the countries of central Asia to Europe, both economically and politically, while at the same time offering opportunities to Eastern European countries as reliable transit partners;

| 38. | Stresses the role of the Black Sea region in terms of the diversification of gas supply sources and routes to the EU, as well as renewable energy potential due to its geostrategic location; notes the particular importance of developing the Southern Gas Corridor, as highlighted by the Commission communication entitled ‘Energy infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond – A Blueprint for an integrated European energy network’; recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners stimulate the development of energy transportation projects and transit infrastructures; |
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38.

Stresses the role of the Black Sea region in terms of the diversification of gas supply sources and routes to the EU, as well as renewable energy potential due to its geostrategic location; notes the particular importance of developing the Southern Gas Corridor, as highlighted by the Commission communication entitled ‘Energy infrastructure priorities for 2020 and beyond – A Blueprint for an integrated European energy network’; recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners stimulate the development of energy transportation projects and transit infrastructures;

| 39. | Recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners stimulate projects which aim at modernising gas transport infrastructure by enabling reverse-flow transmissions; |
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39.

Recommends that the EU and the Eastern European partners stimulate projects which aim at modernising gas transport infrastructure by enabling reverse-flow transmissions;

| 40. | Stresses that new infrastructures for the efficient transmission of electricity, by exploiting new technologies, in particular smart grids and meters, are a key element in developing an integrated electricity network and increasing energy efficiency; |
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40.

Stresses that new infrastructures for the efficient transmission of electricity, by exploiting new technologies, in particular smart grids and meters, are a key element in developing an integrated electricity network and increasing energy efficiency;

| 41. | Stresses the need to strengthen research cooperation in the field of energy production, transmission and storage between the EU and the Eastern European partner countries; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Stresses the need to strengthen research cooperation in the field of energy production, transmission and storage between the EU and the Eastern European partner countries;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) to intensify their cooperation and to involve counterparts from Eastern European partners in developing network codes and interoperability rules for electricity and gas transmission infrastructures; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Commission, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) to intensify their cooperation and to involve counterparts from Eastern European partners in developing network codes and interoperability rules for electricity and gas transmission infrastructures;

| 43. | Stresses the critical role of the ENTSO-E in contributing to the functioning of the EU internal market and crossborder trade by improving the management of the European electricity transmission network; encourages the efforts of Moldova and Ukraine to upgrade their electricity transmission capacity, with the objective of achieving the interconnection of their power grids to the European grid and joining the ENTSO-E; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Stresses the critical role of the ENTSO-E in contributing to the functioning of the EU internal market and crossborder trade by improving the management of the European electricity transmission network; encourages the efforts of Moldova and Ukraine to upgrade their electricity transmission capacity, with the objective of achieving the interconnection of their power grids to the European grid and joining the ENTSO-E;

| 44. | Notes that the development of renewable sources entails challenges for the existing network infrastructures, since some renewable sources generate a variable supply from numerous local production sites; calls on the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to encourage well-planned investment in the adequate infrastructure for renewable energy, in order to facilitate their integration into markets and stimulate research activity related to the creation of new innovative capacity for electricity transmission and storage; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Notes that the development of renewable sources entails challenges for the existing network infrastructures, since some renewable sources generate a variable supply from numerous local production sites; calls on the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to encourage well-planned investment in the adequate infrastructure for renewable energy, in order to facilitate their integration into markets and stimulate research activity related to the creation of new innovative capacity for electricity transmission and storage;

| 45. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, and the governments and parliaments of the MemberStatesand the Eastern European partner countries. |
| --- | --- |

45.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, and the governments and parliaments of the MemberStatesand the Eastern European partner countries.

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(1)  As adopted in Brussels, Belgium on 28 May 2013

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| 19.11.2013 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 338/24 |
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19.11.2013

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 338/24

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RESOLUTION (1)

on combating poverty and social exclusion in the Eastern Partner countries

2013/C 338/04

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit of 7 May 2009, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit of 7 May 2009,

| — | having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit of 29-30 September 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Declaration of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership Summit of 29-30 September 2011,

| — | having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Constituent Act of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of 3 May 2011,

| — | having regard to Articles 8 and 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), |
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—

having regard to Articles 8 and 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

| — | having regard to the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed at Lisbon, |
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—

having regard to the Treaty of Lisbon amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community, signed at Lisbon,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication to Parliament and the Council of 3 December 2008 entitled ‘Eastern Partnership’ (COM(2008)0823), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Communication to Parliament and the Council of 3 December 2008 entitled ‘Eastern Partnership’ (COM(2008)0823),

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of 25 May 2011 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication of 25 May 2011 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communications of 5 December 2007 entitled ‘A Strong European Neighbourhood Policy’, of 4 December 2006 on ‘Strengthening the ENP’, of 12 May 2004 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper’, and of 1 March 2003 entitled ‘Wider Europe – Neighbourhood: A new framework for relations with our eastern and southern neighbours’, |
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—

having regard to the Commission Communications of 5 December 2007 entitled ‘A Strong European Neighbourhood Policy’, of 4 December 2006 on ‘Strengthening the ENP’, of 12 May 2004 entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper’, and of 1 March 2003 entitled ‘Wider Europe – Neighbourhood: A new framework for relations with our eastern and southern neighbours’,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘Eastern Partnership: A roadmap to the Autumn 2013 Summit’, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘Eastern Partnership: A roadmap to the Autumn 2013 Summit’,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘Delivering on a New European Neighbourhood Policy’ (JOIN(2012)14), to the accompanying joint staff working document on ‘Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2011 Regional Report: Eastern partnership’ and the 2011 country progress reports for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication of 15 May 2012 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commission on ‘Delivering on a New European Neighbourhood Policy’ (JOIN(2012)14), to the accompanying joint staff working document on ‘Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2011 Regional Report: Eastern partnership’ and the 2011 country progress reports for Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication of 20 March 2013 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication of 20 March 2013 of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission entitled ‘European Neighbourhood Policy: Working towards a stronger partnership’,

| — | having regard to the ongoing bilateral negotiations for association agreements between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between the EU and Belarus in 1995, which was, however, not ratified, |
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—

having regard to the ongoing bilateral negotiations for association agreements between the EU and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed between the EU and Belarus in 1995, which was, however, not ratified,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament’s previous resolutions on the eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament’s previous resolutions on the eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, as well as on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern Dimension (2), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 7 April 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy – Eastern Dimension (2),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (3), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 14 December 2011 on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (3),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (4), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament’s resolution of 3 July 2012 on the trade aspects of the Eastern Partnership (4),

| — | having regard to the resolution of 3 April 2012 of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly on strengthening of civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries, including the question of cooperation between government and civil society, and the question of the reforms aimed at the empowerment of civil society, |
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—

having regard to the resolution of 3 April 2012 of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly on strengthening of civil society in the Eastern Partnership countries, including the question of cooperation between government and civil society, and the question of the reforms aimed at the empowerment of civil society,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Millennium Declaration of September 2000, and to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 19 October 2010 entitled ‘Keeping the Promise: Achieving the Millennium Development Goals’, |
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—

having regard to the United Nations Millennium Declaration of September 2000, and to the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 19 October 2010 entitled ‘Keeping the Promise: Achieving the Millennium Development Goals’,

| — | having regard to the implementation of the ‘European year for combating poverty and social exclusion’ by the European Union in 2010, |
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—

having regard to the implementation of the ‘European year for combating poverty and social exclusion’ by the European Union in 2010,

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

having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the term ‘poverty’ refers to a state of lack of income and of sufficient material resources to live in dignity, including inadequate access to basic services such as healthcare, housing, education and labour market exclusion; whereas the notion of social exclusion has a broader meaning and is often directly connected to poverty; |
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A.

whereas the term ‘poverty’ refers to a state of lack of income and of sufficient material resources to live in dignity, including inadequate access to basic services such as healthcare, housing, education and labour market exclusion; whereas the notion of social exclusion has a broader meaning and is often directly connected to poverty;

| B. | whereas the Eastern Partnership, as a specific dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, was launched to support Eastern European partners in their endeavour to proceed with sustainable reforms, with a view to accelerating their political association and economic integration with the EU; |
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B.

whereas the Eastern Partnership, as a specific dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy, was launched to support Eastern European partners in their endeavour to proceed with sustainable reforms, with a view to accelerating their political association and economic integration with the EU;

| C. | whereas during the second Eastern Partnership Summit, held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, the Heads of State and Government and representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, and the representatives of the European Union renewed their commitments to the objectives and continued implementation of the Eastern Partnership; |
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C.

whereas during the second Eastern Partnership Summit, held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, the Heads of State and Government and representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, and the representatives of the European Union renewed their commitments to the objectives and continued implementation of the Eastern Partnership;

| D. | whereas the signing of the Association Agreements with the European Union, and especially of the deep and comprehensive free trade agreements (DCFTAs), would create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, international trade and market development; |
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D.

whereas the signing of the Association Agreements with the European Union, and especially of the deep and comprehensive free trade agreements (DCFTAs), would create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, international trade and market development;

| E. | whereas the reconfiguration of public finances in post-Soviet countries, including Eastern Partner countries, in compliance with the principles of market economy, have resulted in dramatically reduced spending on health, education and other social programmes, leading to a sharp increase in poverty; |
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E.

whereas the reconfiguration of public finances in post-Soviet countries, including Eastern Partner countries, in compliance with the principles of market economy, have resulted in dramatically reduced spending on health, education and other social programmes, leading to a sharp increase in poverty;

| F. | whereas according to the Commission’s 2011 country reports on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, several of these countries had more than 30 % of their population living below the national poverty line; |
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F.

whereas according to the Commission’s 2011 country reports on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, several of these countries had more than 30 % of their population living below the national poverty line;

| G. | whereas poverty and social exclusion have increased in Eastern Partner countries, among others, as a result of the global financial and economic crisis, and the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, have been those most severely affected; |
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G.

whereas poverty and social exclusion have increased in Eastern Partner countries, among others, as a result of the global financial and economic crisis, and the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, have been those most severely affected;

| H. | whereas malnutrition remains largely under-recognised, under-detected and under-managed and is directly linked to the level of poverty and social exclusion in Eastern Partner countries; |
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H.

whereas malnutrition remains largely under-recognised, under-detected and under-managed and is directly linked to the level of poverty and social exclusion in Eastern Partner countries;

| I. | whereas malnutrition has long-lasting negative effects and impairs the healthy development and life-long productivity of individuals, particularly children, in whom it leads to learning and memory deficits, lower IQ and school achievement, and behavioural problems in childhood and adolescence; |
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I.

whereas malnutrition has long-lasting negative effects and impairs the healthy development and life-long productivity of individuals, particularly children, in whom it leads to learning and memory deficits, lower IQ and school achievement, and behavioural problems in childhood and adolescence;

| J. | whereas severe poverty may lead to a serious erosion of human dignity, marginalisation, discrimination and violation of human rights in non-democratic countries; |
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J.

whereas severe poverty may lead to a serious erosion of human dignity, marginalisation, discrimination and violation of human rights in non-democratic countries;

| K. | whereas child poverty may lead to both marginalisation and exclusion, and has negative implications as regards subsequent integration into the labour market and social life; |
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K.

whereas child poverty may lead to both marginalisation and exclusion, and has negative implications as regards subsequent integration into the labour market and social life;

| L. | whereas the population of the Eastern Partner countries is ageing, and the retirement of the ‘baby boom’ generation represents a major challenge for the efficiency of reforms, as well as for economic stability and growth; |
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L.

whereas the population of the Eastern Partner countries is ageing, and the retirement of the ‘baby boom’ generation represents a major challenge for the efficiency of reforms, as well as for economic stability and growth;

| M. | whereas, although each Eastern Partner has a different approach to combating poverty and social exclusion, continuous reforms must be adopted in order to keep them competitive, to create jobs and to fight poverty; |
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M.

whereas, although each Eastern Partner has a different approach to combating poverty and social exclusion, continuous reforms must be adopted in order to keep them competitive, to create jobs and to fight poverty;

| N. | whereas the Eastern Partnership should be based on further economic integration between the EU and its partners, and on supporting trade and investment liberalisation in the Eastern Partner countries, with the objective of establishing a network of deep and comprehensive free trade areas; |
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N.

whereas the Eastern Partnership should be based on further economic integration between the EU and its partners, and on supporting trade and investment liberalisation in the Eastern Partner countries, with the objective of establishing a network of deep and comprehensive free trade areas;

| O. | whereas cooperation within the Eastern Partnership aims to bring about positive effects by serving as a platform for exchanging views, finding common positions on the global challenges of our times, including the economy, trade, combating poverty and social exclusion, and strengthening ties between the countries of the region and the EU, as well as among the Eastern Partner countries themselves; |
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O.

whereas cooperation within the Eastern Partnership aims to bring about positive effects by serving as a platform for exchanging views, finding common positions on the global challenges of our times, including the economy, trade, combating poverty and social exclusion, and strengthening ties between the countries of the region and the EU, as well as among the Eastern Partner countries themselves;

| P. | whereas promoting trade, access to the labour market, medical care and basic social services is indispensable for poverty reduction; |
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P.

whereas promoting trade, access to the labour market, medical care and basic social services is indispensable for poverty reduction;

| Q. | whereas social services, and in particular access to services for the care of children, the elderly and other dependants, are essential for the equal participation of women and men in the labour market, education and training; |
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Q.

whereas social services, and in particular access to services for the care of children, the elderly and other dependants, are essential for the equal participation of women and men in the labour market, education and training;

| R. | whereas more peaceful, secure, stable and non-conflicted regions would foster sustainable economic and social development of the countries concerned, eliminate obstacles to regional cooperation and create opportunities to combat poverty and social exclusion in the Eastern Partner countries; |
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R.

whereas more peaceful, secure, stable and non-conflicted regions would foster sustainable economic and social development of the countries concerned, eliminate obstacles to regional cooperation and create opportunities to combat poverty and social exclusion in the Eastern Partner countries;

| S. | whereas the new European Neighbourhood Policy aims to support inclusive economic development so that EU neighbours can trade, invest and grow their economies in a sustainable way, while reducing social and regional inequalities and poverty, creating jobs for their population and delivering higher standards of living; |
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S.

whereas the new European Neighbourhood Policy aims to support inclusive economic development so that EU neighbours can trade, invest and grow their economies in a sustainable way, while reducing social and regional inequalities and poverty, creating jobs for their population and delivering higher standards of living;

A political commitment to reducing poverty

| 1. | encourages every Eastern Partner country to consider setting explicit and ambitious targets on poverty reduction; |
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1.

encourages every Eastern Partner country to consider setting explicit and ambitious targets on poverty reduction;

| 2. | calls on every Eastern Partner country to ensure that necessary budgetary or alternative resources are allocated to combating poverty and social exclusion, while making access to those resources easier for the relevant stakeholders; calls on the EU Member States to ensure the necessary resources are made available in the next multiannual financial framework for the period 2014-2020 to fund EU External Action, and especially the Eastern Partnership programmes; |
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2.

calls on every Eastern Partner country to ensure that necessary budgetary or alternative resources are allocated to combating poverty and social exclusion, while making access to those resources easier for the relevant stakeholders; calls on the EU Member States to ensure the necessary resources are made available in the next multiannual financial framework for the period 2014-2020 to fund EU External Action, and especially the Eastern Partnership programmes;

| 3. | encourages all Eastern Partner countries to make full use of financial instruments to support social and territorial cohesion, with a particular focus on combating urban and rural poverty; |
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3.

encourages all Eastern Partner countries to make full use of financial instruments to support social and territorial cohesion, with a particular focus on combating urban and rural poverty;

| 4. | underlines the need to promote gender equality and economic independence of women, with a particular emphasis on the higher risk of poverty for older women, taking into account that the gender pay gap and, consequently, the gender pension gap are still one of the main reasons why women find themselves below the poverty line at a later stage in their lives, as do single parents, women with disabilities and women from ethnic minorities; |
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4.

underlines the need to promote gender equality and economic independence of women, with a particular emphasis on the higher risk of poverty for older women, taking into account that the gender pay gap and, consequently, the gender pension gap are still one of the main reasons why women find themselves below the poverty line at a later stage in their lives, as do single parents, women with disabilities and women from ethnic minorities;

| 5. | stresses that the future economic competitiveness and prosperity of the Eastern Partner countries depend crucially on their ability to fully utilise their labour resources, which includes increased participation of women in the labour market; |
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5.

stresses that the future economic competitiveness and prosperity of the Eastern Partner countries depend crucially on their ability to fully utilise their labour resources, which includes increased participation of women in the labour market;

| 6. | stresses the importance of combating poverty among disabled people by providing them with equal access to the labour market, by removing obstacles to the full exercise of their rights, by developing services which are responsive to their needs, and by providing them with equal access to modernised medical care; |
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6.

stresses the importance of combating poverty among disabled people by providing them with equal access to the labour market, by removing obstacles to the full exercise of their rights, by developing services which are responsive to their needs, and by providing them with equal access to modernised medical care;

| 7. | calls on the Eastern Partner countries to commit fully to the eradication of malnutrition, which has far-reaching consequences for health and increases the burden and cost of care for individuals and society; |
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7.

calls on the Eastern Partner countries to commit fully to the eradication of malnutrition, which has far-reaching consequences for health and increases the burden and cost of care for individuals and society;

| 8. | calls on the European Union to encourage Eastern Partner countries to address child malnutrition and actively reduce levels of stunting and wasting in children under the age of five by creating public–private partnerships combined with corporate social responsibility; stresses that such approaches, as supported by the Commission Communication of 12 March 2013, entitled ‘Enhancing Maternal and Child Nutrition in External Assistance: an EU policy framework’, not only deliver direct societal and economic benefits but also have a long-term impact on health costs; |
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8.

calls on the European Union to encourage Eastern Partner countries to address child malnutrition and actively reduce levels of stunting and wasting in children under the age of five by creating public–private partnerships combined with corporate social responsibility; stresses that such approaches, as supported by the Commission Communication of 12 March 2013, entitled ‘Enhancing Maternal and Child Nutrition in External Assistance: an EU policy framework’, not only deliver direct societal and economic benefits but also have a long-term impact on health costs;

Fighting poverty through economic development, trade and regional integration

| 9. | highlights the fact that trade is one of the most efficient ways to foster economic growth, as well as being a key aspect for sustainable development and for the improvement of economic and social conditions in Eastern Partner countries; |
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9.

highlights the fact that trade is one of the most efficient ways to foster economic growth, as well as being a key aspect for sustainable development and for the improvement of economic and social conditions in Eastern Partner countries;

| 10. | acknowledges the importance of economic development, of trade facilitation and of the integration of the Eastern Partner countries into the world economy in terms of combating poverty and social exclusion; points out that countries integrated into free trade have enjoyed high economic growth and an improvement in their poverty indicators; |
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10.

acknowledges the importance of economic development, of trade facilitation and of the integration of the Eastern Partner countries into the world economy in terms of combating poverty and social exclusion; points out that countries integrated into free trade have enjoyed high economic growth and an improvement in their poverty indicators;

| 11. | encourages regional integration among Eastern Partner countries through the development of their regional market via the negotiation and implementation of regional agreements, as well as of bilateral agreements with the European Union; |
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11.

encourages regional integration among Eastern Partner countries through the development of their regional market via the negotiation and implementation of regional agreements, as well as of bilateral agreements with the European Union;

| 12. | underlines the importance of negotiations on the Association Agreements, including DCFTAs, as an essential tool for stimulating trade liberalisation and eliminating trade barriers in the Eastern Partner countries, and therefore for fighting poverty in an effective and sustainable way; |
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12.

underlines the importance of negotiations on the Association Agreements, including DCFTAs, as an essential tool for stimulating trade liberalisation and eliminating trade barriers in the Eastern Partner countries, and therefore for fighting poverty in an effective and sustainable way;

| 13. | calls on every Eastern Partner country to include trade in its development strategies, given that it is a strong economic factor which contributes to the reduction of poverty through support for regional integration and cooperation and effective economic governance, as well as through human capital development, the promotion of core labour standards, and better market access (particularly for people in rural areas); |
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13.

calls on every Eastern Partner country to include trade in its development strategies, given that it is a strong economic factor which contributes to the reduction of poverty through support for regional integration and cooperation and effective economic governance, as well as through human capital development, the promotion of core labour standards, and better market access (particularly for people in rural areas);

| 14. | points out that the removal of trade barriers, combined with domestic reforms, would significantly contribute to sustainable economic development and to the fight against poverty and social exclusion; underlines that the power of regional integration is enhanced when cooperation goes beyond borders and is extended to deeper integration into the world economy; |
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14.

points out that the removal of trade barriers, combined with domestic reforms, would significantly contribute to sustainable economic development and to the fight against poverty and social exclusion; underlines that the power of regional integration is enhanced when cooperation goes beyond borders and is extended to deeper integration into the world economy;

| 15. | welcomes the commitment of most Eastern Partner countries to World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements as an anchor for credible domestic trade-related policies and as an incentive for an improved regulatory and institutional trade environment; |
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15.

welcomes the commitment of most Eastern Partner countries to World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements as an anchor for credible domestic trade-related policies and as an incentive for an improved regulatory and institutional trade environment;

| 16. | calls on the European Union and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to support Eastern Partner countries in their efforts to reform and increase trade capacity with additional technical and financial assistance, and calls on the Commission to consider how these objectives can be achieved; |
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16.

calls on the European Union and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to support Eastern Partner countries in their efforts to reform and increase trade capacity with additional technical and financial assistance, and calls on the Commission to consider how these objectives can be achieved;

| 17. | emphasises that the nature of trade policy reforms should reflect the specific conditions in each Eastern Partner country and should come as a result of national dialogue involving government, the private sector and labour and civil society representatives, and should accompany macroeconomic and institutional reforms that foster growth and promote human development; |
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17.

emphasises that the nature of trade policy reforms should reflect the specific conditions in each Eastern Partner country and should come as a result of national dialogue involving government, the private sector and labour and civil society representatives, and should accompany macroeconomic and institutional reforms that foster growth and promote human development;

| 18. | supports the development of cross-sectoral approaches that enable action in several related policy fields, such as employment, education, health, youth, housing and social protection; |
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18.

supports the development of cross-sectoral approaches that enable action in several related policy fields, such as employment, education, health, youth, housing and social protection;

Fighting poverty through employment, social services, education and training

| 19. | points out that the fight against poverty and social exclusion needs to rely on growth and employment, as well as on a modern and effective social protection policy; points out that Eurofound Quality of Life Surveys (5) have confirmed that one of the most important ways of enhancing the quality of life of a population, ensuring full integration in society, and providing for social and territorial cohesion is the provision and development of social services; |
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19.

points out that the fight against poverty and social exclusion needs to rely on growth and employment, as well as on a modern and effective social protection policy; points out that Eurofound Quality of Life Surveys (5) have confirmed that one of the most important ways of enhancing the quality of life of a population, ensuring full integration in society, and providing for social and territorial cohesion is the provision and development of social services;

| 20. | considers that social services encompass statutory and complementary social security schemes and universally available services provided directly to the person, aiming to enhance the quality of life of all; they play a role in prevention, social cohesion and inclusion, and deliver on fundamental rights; |
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20.

considers that social services encompass statutory and complementary social security schemes and universally available services provided directly to the person, aiming to enhance the quality of life of all; they play a role in prevention, social cohesion and inclusion, and deliver on fundamental rights;

| 21. | urges the Eastern Partner countries to promote the availability of accessible, affordable, high-quality social services, and to guarantee non-discriminatory access to these services, regardless of gender, income, race or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation or employment conditions; |
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21.

urges the Eastern Partner countries to promote the availability of accessible, affordable, high-quality social services, and to guarantee non-discriminatory access to these services, regardless of gender, income, race or ethnic origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation or employment conditions;

| 22. | considers unemployment to be one of the main causes of poverty for the working-age population of the Eastern Partner countries, and therefore stresses that any relevant policy should focus primarily on sustainable job creation; underlines the need to provide people with adequate education, training and skills to enable them to acquire competitive jobs; |
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22.

considers unemployment to be one of the main causes of poverty for the working-age population of the Eastern Partner countries, and therefore stresses that any relevant policy should focus primarily on sustainable job creation; underlines the need to provide people with adequate education, training and skills to enable them to acquire competitive jobs;

| 23. | stresses that promoting parent employment is a key factor in tackling child poverty, as poverty is often ‘inherited’; encourages the adoption of measures to provide parents with better access to training and special qualifications, to support parents in entering the labour market or re-entering after a career break, and to provide them with flexible working time and leave conditions; |
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23.

stresses that promoting parent employment is a key factor in tackling child poverty, as poverty is often ‘inherited’; encourages the adoption of measures to provide parents with better access to training and special qualifications, to support parents in entering the labour market or re-entering after a career break, and to provide them with flexible working time and leave conditions;

| 24. | calls on governments to support the income of households with children through tax allowances, child allowances, cash benefits, education, child care, and housing benefits for families with specific needs (multiple children, children with disabilities, single parents, foster families); calls on the EU to promote labour and social standards in its relations with partners; |
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24.

calls on governments to support the income of households with children through tax allowances, child allowances, cash benefits, education, child care, and housing benefits for families with specific needs (multiple children, children with disabilities, single parents, foster families); calls on the EU to promote labour and social standards in its relations with partners;

| 25. | calls for youth poverty and social exclusion to be combated by improving education services, especially in deprived areas, and modernising the infrastructure for pre-school and school education, as well as through informal learning and participation methods; |
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25.

calls for youth poverty and social exclusion to be combated by improving education services, especially in deprived areas, and modernising the infrastructure for pre-school and school education, as well as through informal learning and participation methods;

| 26. | calls on the EU to launch and further develop student, as well as teaching staff, exchange and vocational training programmes by increasing synergies between universities, training institutions, youth organisations and enterprises; stresses the importance of adapting skills to the labour market, thus allowing the transition to a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy; underlines the necessity to increase the capacity of young people to find a job in the field of their interest, as well as to raise their awareness on human rights, gender policy, and protection of children and disabled people; |
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26.

calls on the EU to launch and further develop student, as well as teaching staff, exchange and vocational training programmes by increasing synergies between universities, training institutions, youth organisations and enterprises; stresses the importance of adapting skills to the labour market, thus allowing the transition to a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy; underlines the necessity to increase the capacity of young people to find a job in the field of their interest, as well as to raise their awareness on human rights, gender policy, and protection of children and disabled people;

| 27. | points out that tackling the specific barriers faced by young women in finding a job must be central to the progressive approach to youth unemployment; calls on the Eastern Partner countries to focus on strategies that combine education and training policies with targeted employment policies for young women; |
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27.

points out that tackling the specific barriers faced by young women in finding a job must be central to the progressive approach to youth unemployment; calls on the Eastern Partner countries to focus on strategies that combine education and training policies with targeted employment policies for young women;

| 28. | emphasises that further visa facilitation and mobility programmes will give young people in the Eastern Partner countries a better chance of obtaining education abroad and exchange experiences; calls on the Commission to assist Eastern Partner countries technically and financially in the approximation of higher education degrees and standards to the European Higher Education Area; |
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28.

emphasises that further visa facilitation and mobility programmes will give young people in the Eastern Partner countries a better chance of obtaining education abroad and exchange experiences; calls on the Commission to assist Eastern Partner countries technically and financially in the approximation of higher education degrees and standards to the European Higher Education Area;

| 29. | calls on the European Union to encourage Eastern Partner countries to provide opportunities for training, internships and apprenticeships for young people during their educational career, which will enhance their employability by increasing their working experience; calls on the governments of Eastern Partner countries to strengthen at legislative level the economic mechanisms aimed at encouraging employers to offer first jobs to graduates, as well as training and internship opportunities to pupils and students of vocational schools and higher education institutes; |
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29.

calls on the European Union to encourage Eastern Partner countries to provide opportunities for training, internships and apprenticeships for young people during their educational career, which will enhance their employability by increasing their working experience; calls on the governments of Eastern Partner countries to strengthen at legislative level the economic mechanisms aimed at encouraging employers to offer first jobs to graduates, as well as training and internship opportunities to pupils and students of vocational schools and higher education institutes;

Fighting poverty through the facilitation of SME development

| 30. | stresses that the most fundamental measure in reducing youth poverty is fostering youth employment and the creation of new jobs by upgrading the quality of the business environment for SMEs; considers the development of entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to be a keystone of well designed and well implemented national strategies; |
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30.

stresses that the most fundamental measure in reducing youth poverty is fostering youth employment and the creation of new jobs by upgrading the quality of the business environment for SMEs; considers the development of entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to be a keystone of well designed and well implemented national strategies;

| 31. | points out that entrepreneurship among women represents a valuable source of economic growth and job creation; calls, therefore, on the Eastern Partner countries to promote entrepreneurship among women, as well as access to finance, and greater availability of mentorship schemes, training and education programmes; |
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31.

points out that entrepreneurship among women represents a valuable source of economic growth and job creation; calls, therefore, on the Eastern Partner countries to promote entrepreneurship among women, as well as access to finance, and greater availability of mentorship schemes, training and education programmes;

| 32. | calls on Eastern Partner countries to remove the barriers to SME development, including distorted and unfair competition and monopolies, to combat the corruption of authorities in charge of SME registration, taxation, sanitation, cadastre, customs and other controlling bodies, and to facilitate the process of obtaining bank credit, which is often hampered by particularly high interest rates and complicated procedures; |
| --- | --- |

32.

calls on Eastern Partner countries to remove the barriers to SME development, including distorted and unfair competition and monopolies, to combat the corruption of authorities in charge of SME registration, taxation, sanitation, cadastre, customs and other controlling bodies, and to facilitate the process of obtaining bank credit, which is often hampered by particularly high interest rates and complicated procedures;

| 33. | underlines the fact that regional integration, which is one of the key elements for boosting trade, also provides incentives for sound policies in such areas as standards, intellectual property protection and social protection; stresses that trade capacity needs to be improved through other trade-related development assistance, including sectoral and tax policies that improve the investment climate, as well as through appropriate support for private sector development, particularly for small and medium entrepreneurship; expresses support for the development of regional markets and institutions among Eastern Partner countries, particularly via the negotiation, conclusion and implementation of bilateral and regional agreements with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

33.

underlines the fact that regional integration, which is one of the key elements for boosting trade, also provides incentives for sound policies in such areas as standards, intellectual property protection and social protection; stresses that trade capacity needs to be improved through other trade-related development assistance, including sectoral and tax policies that improve the investment climate, as well as through appropriate support for private sector development, particularly for small and medium entrepreneurship; expresses support for the development of regional markets and institutions among Eastern Partner countries, particularly via the negotiation, conclusion and implementation of bilateral and regional agreements with the EU;

Pension systems

| 34. | considers that the modernisation of pension systems should feature high on the poverty reduction agenda of Eastern Partner countries; emphasises the need to safeguard the capacity of pensions to provide safe and adequate incomes for retired pensioners; stresses that the modernisation of pension systems should respond to the changing needs of society and the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

34.

considers that the modernisation of pension systems should feature high on the poverty reduction agenda of Eastern Partner countries; emphasises the need to safeguard the capacity of pensions to provide safe and adequate incomes for retired pensioners; stresses that the modernisation of pension systems should respond to the changing needs of society and the labour market;

| 35. | points out that national policy-makers in Eastern Partner countries remain responsible for pension systems; suggests that pension systems should effectively prevent poverty and social exclusion among pensioners by providing a decent standard of living in retirement; |
| --- | --- |

35.

points out that national policy-makers in Eastern Partner countries remain responsible for pension systems; suggests that pension systems should effectively prevent poverty and social exclusion among pensioners by providing a decent standard of living in retirement;

| 36. | considers that pension systems must be reviewed in order to be financially sustainable and consistent with retirement schemes and tax benefits; |
| --- | --- |

36.

considers that pension systems must be reviewed in order to be financially sustainable and consistent with retirement schemes and tax benefits;

Healthcare

| 37. | acknowledges that the development of healthcare systems plays a crucial role in combating poverty and social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

37.

acknowledges that the development of healthcare systems plays a crucial role in combating poverty and social exclusion;

| 38. | insists on lowering the risk of health-related poverty through a high-quality health care system that is both accessible and financially sustainable, taking into account the needs and difficulties of the most disadvantaged groups and individuals; |
| --- | --- |

38.

insists on lowering the risk of health-related poverty through a high-quality health care system that is both accessible and financially sustainable, taking into account the needs and difficulties of the most disadvantaged groups and individuals;

| 39. | expresses concern that malnutrition is not recognised by the general public as a significant public health risk; underlines the fact that malnutrition needs to be tackled at every level, by governments, by health and social care providers, by professionals and by individuals themselves; |
| --- | --- |

39.

expresses concern that malnutrition is not recognised by the general public as a significant public health risk; underlines the fact that malnutrition needs to be tackled at every level, by governments, by health and social care providers, by professionals and by individuals themselves;

| 40. | calls on Eastern Partner countries to put in place the necessary mechanisms, policies and programmes in order to ensure that the prevention and management of malnutrition is thoroughly embedded in all clinical and care settings; |
| --- | --- |

40.

calls on Eastern Partner countries to put in place the necessary mechanisms, policies and programmes in order to ensure that the prevention and management of malnutrition is thoroughly embedded in all clinical and care settings;

| 41. | calls on the Eastern Partner countries to increase efforts for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and to promote prevention programmes; recalls that vaccination against hepatitis B has proved very successful and has reduced the rate of chronic infection to less than 1 % among immunised children worldwide; points out that contracting HIV often results in social exclusion; urges, therefore, the governments of the countries concerned to develop active policies for the prevention and treatment of HIV, as well as information campaigns on transmission and prevention behaviour; |
| --- | --- |

41.

calls on the Eastern Partner countries to increase efforts for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and to promote prevention programmes; recalls that vaccination against hepatitis B has proved very successful and has reduced the rate of chronic infection to less than 1 % among immunised children worldwide; points out that contracting HIV often results in social exclusion; urges, therefore, the governments of the countries concerned to develop active policies for the prevention and treatment of HIV, as well as information campaigns on transmission and prevention behaviour;

| 42. | instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, the EEAS, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and those of the Eastern Partner countries. |
| --- | --- |

42.

instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, the EEAS, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and those of the Eastern Partner countries.

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(1)  As adopted at Brusselson 28 May 2013.

(2)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0153.

(3)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0576.

(4)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0276.

(5)  Eurofound - Quality of Life Surveys http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/publications/htmlfiles/ef09108.htm

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