# Official Journal C 153/2012

| | ISSN 1977-091X
  doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.153.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 153 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5530 May 2012 |

ISSN 1977-091X

doi:10.3000/1977091X.C_2012.153.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 153

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5530 May 2012

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| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | Euronest Parliamentary Assembly |
| 2012/C 153/01 | Resolution on energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure: developments in the Eastern Partnership and in the EU countries | 1 |
| 2012/C 153/02 | Resolution on trade agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and EU assistance in this field | 5 |
| 2012/C 153/03 | Resolution on challenges for the future of democracy, including the question of free and independent media in Eastern Partnership and EU countries | 9 |
| 2012/C 153/04 | Resolution on strengthening 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 empowering civil society | 16 |
| 2012/C 153/05 | Resolution on the situation of Yulia Tymoshenko | 21 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

2012/C 153/01

Resolution on energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure: developments in the Eastern Partnership and in the EU countries

1

2012/C 153/02

Resolution on trade agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and EU assistance in this field

5

2012/C 153/03

Resolution on challenges for the future of democracy, including the question of free and independent media in Eastern Partnership and EU countries

9

2012/C 153/04

Resolution on strengthening 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 empowering civil society

16

2012/C 153/05

Resolution on the situation of Yulia Tymoshenko

21

| | IV   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Euronest Parliamentary Assembly |
| 2012/C 153/06 | Rules of Procedure adopted on 3 May 2011 in Brussels and amended on 3 April 2012 in Baku | 23 |

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

2012/C 153/06

Rules of Procedure adopted on 3 May 2011 in Brussels and amended on 3 April 2012 in Baku

23

| EN | |
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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

RESOLUTIONS

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/1 |
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30.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 153/1

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RESOLUTION (1)

on energy security, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy infrastructure: developments in the Eastern Partnership and in the EU countries

2012/C 153/01

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 of 29-30 September 2011, in Warsaw, |
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—

having regard to the Conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summits of 29-30 September 2011, in Warsaw,

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

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission on ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission on ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011,

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

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

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the Council of the EU on strengthening the external dimension of the EU energy policy, of 24 November 2011, |
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—

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

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the Council of the EU on Energy 2020 - A Strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy, of 28 February 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Conclusions of the Council of the EU on Energy 2020 - A Strategy for competitive, sustainable and secure energy, of 28 February 2011,

| — | having regard to the Joint Declaration of Commissioner Oettinger and the deputy ministers of energy and senior representatives of the ministries of energy and national authorities responsible for nuclear energy of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Croatia, the Russian Federation, the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Turkey and Ukraine on comprehensive risk and safety assessments of nuclear plants (‘stress tests’) of 23 June 2011, |
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—

having regard to the Joint Declaration of Commissioner Oettinger and the deputy ministers of energy and senior representatives of the ministries of energy and national authorities responsible for nuclear energy of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Croatia, the Russian Federation, the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Turkey and Ukraine on comprehensive risk and safety assessments of nuclear plants (‘stress tests’) of 23 June 2011,

| A. | whereas secure, sustainable and competitive energy is of great importance to the citizens, economy and environment of the EU and Eastern European partners; whereas the EU has set ambitious objectives for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, developing renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency by 2020; whereas the EU and Eastern European partners share common interest in the achievement of these objectives taking into account their interdependence in the areas of energy supply and transport; |
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A.

whereas secure, sustainable and competitive energy is of great importance to the citizens, economy and environment of the EU and Eastern European partners; whereas the EU has set ambitious objectives for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, developing renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency by 2020; whereas the EU and Eastern European partners share common interest in the achievement of these objectives taking into account their interdependence in the areas of energy supply and transport;

| B. | whereas energy cooperation under the Eastern Partnership is based on a policy dialogue aiming at further market integration, improved energy security, nuclear safety and the development of new partnerships on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency; |
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B.

whereas energy cooperation under the Eastern Partnership is based on a policy dialogue aiming at further market integration, improved energy security, nuclear safety and the development of new partnerships on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency;

| C. | whereas regulatory cooperation and convergence are essential to establish a well-functioning, interconnected and integrated energy market of the EU and the Eastern European partners; whereas the Energy Community Treaty has established an effective regional cooperation in which the EU and other Contracting Parties have developed a stable regulatory framework favouring sustainable growth and investment in the energy sector; whereas the accession of the Republic of Moldova and of Ukraine as well as Armenia’s and Georgia’s observer status in the Energy Community set the basis and institutional frame for deepening energy cooperation and partnerships between the EU and those partner countries; |
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C.

whereas regulatory cooperation and convergence are essential to establish a well-functioning, interconnected and integrated energy market of the EU and the Eastern European partners; whereas the Energy Community Treaty has established an effective regional cooperation in which the EU and other Contracting Parties have developed a stable regulatory framework favouring sustainable growth and investment in the energy sector; whereas the accession of the Republic of Moldova and of Ukraine as well as Armenia’s and Georgia’s observer status in the Energy Community set the basis and institutional frame for deepening energy cooperation and partnerships between the EU and those partner countries;

| D. | whereas competitive energy markets, development and creation of energy production and transport facilities, stable energy supply and transit routes, further development of energy efficiency and renewable energy and the safe use of nuclear energy are essential elements for strengthening energy security of both the EU and the Eastern European partners; |
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D.

whereas competitive energy markets, development and creation of energy production and transport facilities, stable energy supply and transit routes, further development of energy efficiency and renewable energy and the safe use of nuclear energy are essential elements for strengthening energy security of both the EU and the Eastern European partners;

| E. | whereas the EU and Eastern European partners as well as other Black Sea and Caspian littoral states have, under the ‘Baku Initiative’ launched in 2004, acknowledged their mutual interest in developing regional energy markets and attracting new investments in the Caspian Sea region; |
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E.

whereas the EU and Eastern European partners as well as other Black Sea and Caspian littoral states have, under the ‘Baku Initiative’ launched in 2004, acknowledged their mutual interest in developing regional energy markets and attracting new investments in the Caspian Sea region;

| F. | whereas the diversification of suppliers, routes and sources of energy supply to the EU is a EU priority objective; whereas building up the Southern Gas Corridor comprising various routes and types of infrastructures, is of high importance both for the EU’s gas supply diversification strategy and for the energy trade between the EU, the Caspian region and Central Asia; |
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F.

whereas the diversification of suppliers, routes and sources of energy supply to the EU is a EU priority objective; whereas building up the Southern Gas Corridor comprising various routes and types of infrastructures, is of high importance both for the EU’s gas supply diversification strategy and for the energy trade between the EU, the Caspian region and Central Asia;

| G. | whereas the most-cost-effective solution for reducing energy dependency is to stimulate energy savings, renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, which also contribute to job creation, combating climate change and progress towards a resource-efficient economy; |
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G.

whereas the most-cost-effective solution for reducing energy dependency is to stimulate energy savings, renewable energy and energy efficiency measures, which also contribute to job creation, combating climate change and progress towards a resource-efficient economy;

| H. | whereas the EU and the Eastern European partners share the common objective of raising the level of nuclear power safety; whereas transparency, accessibility of information and full compliance with international nuclear safety and environmental agreements are essential for ensuring an efficient cooperation in this area between the EU and Eastern European partners; whereas the EU and national bodies responsible for nuclear energy of the Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus and Ukraine agreed on the need to evaluate the safety of nuclear power plants, in particular through undertaking on a voluntary basis comprehensive risk and safety assessment (‘stress tests’); |
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H.

whereas the EU and the Eastern European partners share the common objective of raising the level of nuclear power safety; whereas transparency, accessibility of information and full compliance with international nuclear safety and environmental agreements are essential for ensuring an efficient cooperation in this area between the EU and Eastern European partners; whereas the EU and national bodies responsible for nuclear energy of the Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus and Ukraine agreed on the need to evaluate the safety of nuclear power plants, in particular through undertaking on a voluntary basis comprehensive risk and safety assessment (‘stress tests’);

| 1. | Recommends to support and strengthen the dialogue on energy security between the EU and the Eastern European partners, based on the EU external energy policy, the ‘Baku initiative’ and the Energy Community Treaty in consistency with the overall objectives of EU energy policy of competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability as well as with the EU 2050 energy and climate objectives; |
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1.

Recommends to support and strengthen the dialogue on energy security between the EU and the Eastern European partners, based on the EU external energy policy, the ‘Baku initiative’ and the Energy Community Treaty in consistency with the overall objectives of EU energy policy of competitiveness, security of supply and sustainability as well as with the EU 2050 energy and climate objectives;

| 2. | Emphasises that today in the era of digital economy and society that is far more dependent on continuous and reliable supply of electricity, there is a strong need to strengthen energy security in the EU and its neighbourhood; recalls that in order to meet this need, the creation of a real competitive energy market and the full integration of energy infrastructure networks, as well regulatory convergence are needed; |
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2.

Emphasises that today in the era of digital economy and society that is far more dependent on continuous and reliable supply of electricity, there is a strong need to strengthen energy security in the EU and its neighbourhood; recalls that in order to meet this need, the creation of a real competitive energy market and the full integration of energy infrastructure networks, as well regulatory convergence are needed;

| 3. | Stresses the importance of ensuring the EU’s assistance, cooperation and support with regard to the measures implemented by EU and Eastern European partners with the purpose of boosting the energy efficiency and encouraging the use of renewable resources; |
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3.

Stresses the importance of ensuring the EU’s assistance, cooperation and support with regard to the measures implemented by EU and Eastern European partners with the purpose of boosting the energy efficiency and encouraging the use of renewable resources;

| 4. | Stresses the need to foster strategic partnerships on green technologies between the EU and the Eastern European partners in the fields of innovation, research and development, energy efficiency and savings, application of renewable energy technologies as well as energy storage, smart grids and balancing of energy systems; |
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4.

Stresses the need to foster strategic partnerships on green technologies between the EU and the Eastern European partners in the fields of innovation, research and development, energy efficiency and savings, application of renewable energy technologies as well as energy storage, smart grids and balancing of energy systems;

| 5. | Recommends to raise the European investments in the production of energy resources and their supply to the markets, to increase the volumes of joint development of the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern European partners, specifically the Caspian Sea basin; recommends to increase the political and financial support of the existing pipeline systems, including the Trans-Caspian system; |
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5.

Recommends to raise the European investments in the production of energy resources and their supply to the markets, to increase the volumes of joint development of the hydrocarbon resources in the Eastern European partners, specifically the Caspian Sea basin; recommends to increase the political and financial support of the existing pipeline systems, including the Trans-Caspian system;

| 6. | Calls for the creation of the conditions necessary to increase the presence of the Eastern European partners in the common market of energy resources, which are open to all producers; recommends to support the privatisation, unbundling and commercialisation of energy producing and energy transporting structures in the Eastern European partners, according to the provisions of the Third Package for Electricity and Gas markets; |
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6.

Calls for the creation of the conditions necessary to increase the presence of the Eastern European partners in the common market of energy resources, which are open to all producers; recommends to support the privatisation, unbundling and commercialisation of energy producing and energy transporting structures in the Eastern European partners, according to the provisions of the Third Package for Electricity and Gas markets;

| 7. | Encourages a greater emphasis on the environmental aspects of energy production and energy consumption in the Eastern European partners, to achieve carbon dioxide emission abatement; recommends to further support the development of renewable resources and energy-saving technologies; |
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7.

Encourages a greater emphasis on the environmental aspects of energy production and energy consumption in the Eastern European partners, to achieve carbon dioxide emission abatement; recommends to further support the development of renewable resources and energy-saving technologies;

| 8. | Encourages Eastern European partners to include in their national energy policies clear targets for the development of renewable and sustainable energy; |
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8.

Encourages Eastern European partners to include in their national energy policies clear targets for the development of renewable and sustainable energy;

| 9. | Calls to promote the merger of the Eastern European partners’ electricity and gas capacities and networks and the development of advanced technologies for the transport and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG); |
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9.

Calls to promote the merger of the Eastern European partners’ electricity and gas capacities and networks and the development of advanced technologies for the transport and use of liquefied natural gas (LNG);

| 10. | Recommends to cement the ties between the expert community of the EU and that in the Eastern European partners in matters related to energy security by means of establishing a network of relevant institutions; welcomes in this respect, the Commission Communication ‘On security of energy supply and international cooperation’; recommends the creation of working groups (think tanks) consisting of energy security experts from the Eastern European partners and the EU; recommends to use such expert networks for sharing of experience and best practices by means of seminars and conferences; |
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10.

Recommends to cement the ties between the expert community of the EU and that in the Eastern European partners in matters related to energy security by means of establishing a network of relevant institutions; welcomes in this respect, the Commission Communication ‘On security of energy supply and international cooperation’; recommends the creation of working groups (think tanks) consisting of energy security experts from the Eastern European partners and the EU; recommends to use such expert networks for sharing of experience and best practices by means of seminars and conferences;

| 11. | Underlines the benefits that diversification of energy supply sources and routes can provide in terms of energy security; recalls that the EU and Eastern European partners will in the near future, be needing significant investments in construction and modernisation of existing energy infrastructure; welcomes the European Commission proposal for Trans-European energy infrastructure and highlights the need to coordinate policies and developments in the EU with the Eastern European partners; stresses the necessity to ensure the diversity of energy supply routes; at the same time draws the attention to the fact that the practice of closed borders policy increases artificially the cost of energy networks and prevents and hinders the effective cooperation in the process of diversification of energy supply sources and routes; recalls that the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor shall stay one of the political agenda priorities; |
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11.

Underlines the benefits that diversification of energy supply sources and routes can provide in terms of energy security; recalls that the EU and Eastern European partners will in the near future, be needing significant investments in construction and modernisation of existing energy infrastructure; welcomes the European Commission proposal for Trans-European energy infrastructure and highlights the need to coordinate policies and developments in the EU with the Eastern European partners; stresses the necessity to ensure the diversity of energy supply routes; at the same time draws the attention to the fact that the practice of closed borders policy increases artificially the cost of energy networks and prevents and hinders the effective cooperation in the process of diversification of energy supply sources and routes; recalls that the opening of the Southern Gas Corridor shall stay one of the political agenda priorities;

| 12. | Calls for increased transparency of intergovernmental energy contracts, with the aim of ensuring full cooperation for energy security and avoiding supply interruptions and potential crises; welcomes, in this respect, the Commission Proposal for a decision setting up an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements between Member States and third countries in the field of energy, as an essential first step towards these aims; recommends Eastern European partners to join such initiatives with a view of creating a stable and reliable cooperation environment; |
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12.

Calls for increased transparency of intergovernmental energy contracts, with the aim of ensuring full cooperation for energy security and avoiding supply interruptions and potential crises; welcomes, in this respect, the Commission Proposal for a decision setting up an information exchange mechanism with regard to intergovernmental agreements between Member States and third countries in the field of energy, as an essential first step towards these aims; recommends Eastern European partners to join such initiatives with a view of creating a stable and reliable cooperation environment;

| 13. | Recognises that the Black Sea Region is of geo-strategic importance for the energy security of the EU, with regard in particular to the diversification of energy supplies, connecting Europe with the Caspian Sea area, the Middle East and Central Asia; emphasises the need to strengthen multilateral energy cooperation in the Black Sea region, and develop its energy infrastructure; |
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13.

Recognises that the Black Sea Region is of geo-strategic importance for the energy security of the EU, with regard in particular to the diversification of energy supplies, connecting Europe with the Caspian Sea area, the Middle East and Central Asia; emphasises the need to strengthen multilateral energy cooperation in the Black Sea region, and develop its energy infrastructure;

| 14. | Recommends to ensure a reliable, efficient and stable system of mutually effective guarantees with regard to ensuring the security of the production facilities and the transportation of energy resources; declares any public threats to the energy generating facilities (nuclear power plants, dams, oil platforms, pipelines and terminals, oil refineries and chemical plants) in the Eastern European partners absolutely unacceptable and criminal. Any hostile actions in respect of such facilities shall be qualified as directed against the interests of the EU and the Eastern European partners; |
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14.

Recommends to ensure a reliable, efficient and stable system of mutually effective guarantees with regard to ensuring the security of the production facilities and the transportation of energy resources; declares any public threats to the energy generating facilities (nuclear power plants, dams, oil platforms, pipelines and terminals, oil refineries and chemical plants) in the Eastern European partners absolutely unacceptable and criminal. Any hostile actions in respect of such facilities shall be qualified as directed against the interests of the EU and the Eastern European partners;

| 15. | Stresses the need to ensure that the highest nuclear safety and security standards in the preparation, construction and operation of nuclear power plants are maintained in the EU and concerned Eastern European partners; welcomes the participation of Ukraine and Armenia in the stress-test exercise and encourages the other concerned Eastern European partners to confirm their commitment to participate; |
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15.

Stresses the need to ensure that the highest nuclear safety and security standards in the preparation, construction and operation of nuclear power plants are maintained in the EU and concerned Eastern European partners; welcomes the participation of Ukraine and Armenia in the stress-test exercise and encourages the other concerned Eastern European partners to confirm their commitment to participate;

| 16. | Underlines that Eastern European partners are to ensure that the highest environmental, social, efficiency and safety standards for the exploitation, construction and operation of energy infrastructure and power plants are maintained; |
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16.

Underlines that Eastern European partners are to ensure that the highest environmental, social, efficiency and safety standards for the exploitation, construction and operation of energy infrastructure and power plants are maintained;

| 17. | Stresses the need for the elaboration of joint energy roadmaps by the EU and by all key energy supplier and strategically important transit countries with the aim of promoting know-how exchange through technological, research and industrial cooperation; |
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17.

Stresses the need for the elaboration of joint energy roadmaps by the EU and by all key energy supplier and strategically important transit countries with the aim of promoting know-how exchange through technological, research and industrial cooperation;

| 18. | Recalls the importance of international cooperation among researchers in the energy sciences; encourages Eastern European partners actively to participate in the energy-relevant specific programmes of the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development; |
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18.

Recalls the importance of international cooperation among researchers in the energy sciences; encourages Eastern European partners actively to participate in the energy-relevant specific programmes of the EU Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development;

| 19. | Recommends that Eastern European partners promote and engage in such energy-related initiatives as ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ and the Convenant of Mayors; |
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19.

Recommends that Eastern European partners promote and engage in such energy-related initiatives as ‘Smart Cities and Communities’ and the Convenant of Mayors;

| 20. | 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, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Eastern European partners. |
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20.

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, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Eastern European partners.

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(1)  As adopted in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 3 April 2012.

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| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/5 |
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30.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 153/5

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RESOLUTION (1)

on trade agreements between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas, and EU assistance in this field

2012/C 153/02

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 May 2011 on A new response to a changing Neighbourhood (COM(2011)0303), |
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—

having regard to the Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 May 2011 on 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, |
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—

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, |
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—

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 EP recommendations for negotiations of Association agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and the European Parliament resolution on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern Dimension of 7 April 2011, |
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—

having regard to the EP recommendations for negotiations of Association agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and the European Parliament resolution on the review of the European Neighbourhood Policy - Eastern Dimension of 7 April 2011,

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

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 of the Warsaw Eastern Partnership summit of 29-30 September 2011, |
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—

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

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),

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

having regard to its Constituent Act of 3 May 2011,

| A. | whereas the cooperation in the framework of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly aims at bringing about positive effects by serving as a platform to exchange views, find common positions on global challenges of our times with respect to democracy, politics, economics, energy security and social affairs, and strengthen ties between the countries of the region and with the EU; |
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A.

whereas the cooperation in the framework of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly aims at bringing about positive effects by serving as a platform to exchange views, find common positions on global challenges of our times with respect to democracy, politics, economics, energy security and social affairs, and strengthen ties between the countries of the region and with the EU;

| B. | whereas within the ENP the Eastern Partnership has created a meaningful political framework for deepening relations, accelerating political association and furthering economic integration, which are linked by strong geographical, historical and cultural ties, by supporting political and socioeconomic reforms and facilitating approximation with the EU acquis; |
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B.

whereas within the ENP the Eastern Partnership has created a meaningful political framework for deepening relations, accelerating political association and furthering economic integration, which are linked by strong geographical, historical and cultural ties, by supporting political and socioeconomic reforms and facilitating approximation with the EU acquis;

| C. | whereas the Eastern Partnership strengthens multilateral relations between the countries involved, contributes to the exchange of information and experience on the issues of transformation, reform and modernisation, and provides the European Union with additional instruments to support these processes; |
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C.

whereas the Eastern Partnership strengthens multilateral relations between the countries involved, contributes to the exchange of information and experience on the issues of transformation, reform and modernisation, and provides the European Union with additional instruments to support these processes;

| D. | whereas the Eastern Partnership provides for strengthening of bilateral relations by means of new Association Agreements, taking into account the specific situation and ambition of the partner country and its ability to comply with the resulting commitments; |
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D.

whereas the Eastern Partnership provides for strengthening of bilateral relations by means of new Association Agreements, taking into account the specific situation and ambition of the partner country and its ability to comply with the resulting commitments;

| E. | whereas trade between the European Union and its Eastern European Partners has been evolving in a dynamic way, covering more and more areas of cooperation and gradually deepening economic integration and whereas in order to govern the geometry of ever-close trade relations, both the EU and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries have recognised the need to establishing between them an enhanced contractual framework intended to upgrade the existing trade agreements; |
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E.

whereas trade between the European Union and its Eastern European Partners has been evolving in a dynamic way, covering more and more areas of cooperation and gradually deepening economic integration and whereas in order to govern the geometry of ever-close trade relations, both the EU and the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries have recognised the need to establishing between them an enhanced contractual framework intended to upgrade the existing trade agreements;

| F. | whereas the new free trade arrangements (DCFTAs) will be deep and comprehensive in terms of their nature, scope and level of engagement, thus going beyond and above the traditional FTAs encompassing both liberalisation of trade in goods and of trade in services and investments based on the respective WTO principles and covering other trade-related areas including intellectual property rights, customs, public procurement, energy-related issues, competition, transparency, energy and sustainable development; |
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F.

whereas the new free trade arrangements (DCFTAs) will be deep and comprehensive in terms of their nature, scope and level of engagement, thus going beyond and above the traditional FTAs encompassing both liberalisation of trade in goods and of trade in services and investments based on the respective WTO principles and covering other trade-related areas including intellectual property rights, customs, public procurement, energy-related issues, competition, transparency, energy and sustainable development;

| G. | whereas the establishment of the DCFTA provides a broad spectrum of potential benefits to the contracting parties; whereas however most of these benefits will result from a synergy between the DCFTA and the approximation process provided for by the Association Agreement; |
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G.

whereas the establishment of the DCFTA provides a broad spectrum of potential benefits to the contracting parties; whereas however most of these benefits will result from a synergy between the DCFTA and the approximation process provided for by the Association Agreement;

| H. | whereas trade with the EU represents a substantial part of international trade flows and whereas the economies of the EaP countries are dependent on it; |
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H.

whereas trade with the EU represents a substantial part of international trade flows and whereas the economies of the EaP countries are dependent on it;

| 1. | Is of the opinion that the EaP countries are culturally and historically closely linked to the European Union, sharing a European heritage and values, and recognises their will to economically integrate with the EU; |
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1.

Is of the opinion that the EaP countries are culturally and historically closely linked to the European Union, sharing a European heritage and values, and recognises their will to economically integrate with the EU;

| 2. | Underlines the significance of common standards for goods and services within the internal market of the European Union, which are at the core of European integration; believes therefore in the necessity for the Eastern Partnership countries to strive to achieve coherence with these standards in order to deepen cooperation in trade relations between the parties; |
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2.

Underlines the significance of common standards for goods and services within the internal market of the European Union, which are at the core of European integration; believes therefore in the necessity for the Eastern Partnership countries to strive to achieve coherence with these standards in order to deepen cooperation in trade relations between the parties;

| 3. | Welcomes the recent EU decisions to launch negotiations on DCFTA with Armenia, Georgia and Moldova; stresses that DCFTAs present an excellent vehicle for progress towards the economic integration of the EU with EaP countries that, if correctly applied and their provisions duly fulfilled, might further result in political integration of EaP countries with the EU; therefore calls on EU and EaP countries to intensify cooperation in order to accelerate the negotiations on the DCFTAs, opening negotiations with those countries which are prepared to do so, while initialling, signing and ratifying agreements with those that have already completed their DCFTA negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the recent EU decisions to launch negotiations on DCFTA with Armenia, Georgia and Moldova; stresses that DCFTAs present an excellent vehicle for progress towards the economic integration of the EU with EaP countries that, if correctly applied and their provisions duly fulfilled, might further result in political integration of EaP countries with the EU; therefore calls on EU and EaP countries to intensify cooperation in order to accelerate the negotiations on the DCFTAs, opening negotiations with those countries which are prepared to do so, while initialling, signing and ratifying agreements with those that have already completed their DCFTA negotiations;

| 4. | Proposes that the countries of the EaP which are not members of the World Trade Organisation complete the negotiations and join the WTO promptly as a necessary step to deepen convergence with the EU markets via the DCFTAs; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Proposes that the countries of the EaP which are not members of the World Trade Organisation complete the negotiations and join the WTO promptly as a necessary step to deepen convergence with the EU markets via the DCFTAs;

| 5. | Urges the World Trade Organization to accelerate and speedily finalize the negotiation process with the Eastern Partner countries which are not members of the WTO and stresses the importance of this membership for the setting in the nearest future the common trade principles of the Eastern Partner countries with the EU Member States; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the World Trade Organization to accelerate and speedily finalize the negotiation process with the Eastern Partner countries which are not members of the WTO and stresses the importance of this membership for the setting in the nearest future the common trade principles of the Eastern Partner countries with the EU Member States;

| 6. | Emphasizes the need to ensure that the DCFTA negotiations recently launched with the Eastern Partner countries are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, placing due emphasis on long term sustainable development objectives, including improved competition and reduced corruption; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Emphasizes the need to ensure that the DCFTA negotiations recently launched with the Eastern Partner countries are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, placing due emphasis on long term sustainable development objectives, including improved competition and reduced corruption;

| 7. | Draws attention to the shared interest of the European Union in helping the Eastern Partnership countries to pursue long-term stable and sound economic growth and to establish a modern economic governance, which can be achieved by linking the economies of the Eastern Partnership countries with the common market of the European Union via DCFTAs; underlines the fact that the DCFTA is crucial and essential to a modern, transparent and predictable trade, as well as to foreign direct investments leading to job creation and long term growth; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Draws attention to the shared interest of the European Union in helping the Eastern Partnership countries to pursue long-term stable and sound economic growth and to establish a modern economic governance, which can be achieved by linking the economies of the Eastern Partnership countries with the common market of the European Union via DCFTAs; underlines the fact that the DCFTA is crucial and essential to a modern, transparent and predictable trade, as well as to foreign direct investments leading to job creation and long term growth;

| 8. | Deplores the insufficient funds and the protracted absence of a consistent EU policy towards the Eastern Partnership countries compared to other areas of the European Neighbourhood; points out that over the past two decades the pursuit of such a consistent policy towards some of the members of the former Council for Mutual Economic Assistance has yielded very positive results, including the current EU membership of several of them; in this regard draws attention to the negative aspects of this absence, resulting in increased migration, greater corruption and the weakness of democratic institutions in the EaP countries; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Deplores the insufficient funds and the protracted absence of a consistent EU policy towards the Eastern Partnership countries compared to other areas of the European Neighbourhood; points out that over the past two decades the pursuit of such a consistent policy towards some of the members of the former Council for Mutual Economic Assistance has yielded very positive results, including the current EU membership of several of them; in this regard draws attention to the negative aspects of this absence, resulting in increased migration, greater corruption and the weakness of democratic institutions in the EaP countries;

| 9. | Calls for an enhanced dialogue between the EU and EaP partners, including technical and financial support, in topical trade-related sectors, particularly technical barriers to trade, including food safety and phytosanitary issues, customs issues, standardisation, conformity assessment, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, etc.; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls for an enhanced dialogue between the EU and EaP partners, including technical and financial support, in topical trade-related sectors, particularly technical barriers to trade, including food safety and phytosanitary issues, customs issues, standardisation, conformity assessment, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, etc.;

| 10. | Encourages integration of the economies of the Eastern Partnership countries with the economies of the European Union; highlights that this may facilitate further political integration with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Encourages integration of the economies of the Eastern Partnership countries with the economies of the European Union; highlights that this may facilitate further political integration with the EU;

| 11. | Stresses that DCFTAs should form an integral part of broader association agreements including provisions on political dialogue on human rights, democratic values and the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that DCFTAs should form an integral part of broader association agreements including provisions on political dialogue on human rights, democratic values and the rule of law;

| 12. | Stresses that deeper market integration between the EU and the EaP countries could contribute to stimulating economic growth in both areas, in eliminating regional economic imbalances and social inequalities in these countries, and therefore enhance the welfare of their respective populations, a significant outcome in particular in a time of global economic crisis; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Stresses that deeper market integration between the EU and the EaP countries could contribute to stimulating economic growth in both areas, in eliminating regional economic imbalances and social inequalities in these countries, and therefore enhance the welfare of their respective populations, a significant outcome in particular in a time of global economic crisis;

| 13. | Underlines the fact that negotiations on the DCFTA with the European Union are linked directly to a wide-ranging programme of economic reforms of the countries which can be painful for some sectors of their economies in the short term but, provided that it is well implemented, is intended to create a properly-functioning market, allowing strong economic growth in the long term; urges authorities of the EaP countries to make progress in meeting Association Agreement requirements provided by the Commission and ensure that necessary progress is also achieved in demonopolisation, market liberalization and strengthening the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Underlines the fact that negotiations on the DCFTA with the European Union are linked directly to a wide-ranging programme of economic reforms of the countries which can be painful for some sectors of their economies in the short term but, provided that it is well implemented, is intended to create a properly-functioning market, allowing strong economic growth in the long term; urges authorities of the EaP countries to make progress in meeting Association Agreement requirements provided by the Commission and ensure that necessary progress is also achieved in demonopolisation, market liberalization and strengthening the rule of law;

| 14. | Emphasises that regulatory approximation to the EU acquis, a key means of making the FTA ‘deep and comprehensive’, requires substantial changes in the very foundations of the EaP states and societies and the patterns of their legal and economic cultures; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Emphasises that regulatory approximation to the EU acquis, a key means of making the FTA ‘deep and comprehensive’, requires substantial changes in the very foundations of the EaP states and societies and the patterns of their legal and economic cultures;

| 15. | Draws attention to the asymmetry in the DCFTAs with the EaP countries due to the respective sizes of the markets of the EaP countries and the EU market and the level of their development; therefore stresses that the ‘more for more’ approach should be the basis for moving forward in DCFTA negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Draws attention to the asymmetry in the DCFTAs with the EaP countries due to the respective sizes of the markets of the EaP countries and the EU market and the level of their development; therefore stresses that the ‘more for more’ approach should be the basis for moving forward in DCFTA negotiations;

| 16. | Calls for the establishment of a sound system of verification of the implementation of technical commitments accepted by the EaP countries during the DCFTA negotiations, both within the country concerned and in the EU institutions; highlights the possibility of sharing information between the EaP countries on best practices in the implementation of technical standards; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls for the establishment of a sound system of verification of the implementation of technical commitments accepted by the EaP countries during the DCFTA negotiations, both within the country concerned and in the EU institutions; highlights the possibility of sharing information between the EaP countries on best practices in the implementation of technical standards;

| 17. | Calls for the European Union to contribute to addressing the burden of financial and technical aid to reform the economies of the EaP countries in order to make them consistent with EU standards; proposes in this regard making good use of twinning programs and TAIEX assistance between the various entities in the EU Member States and their counterparts in the EaP countries in order to spread know-how; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls for the European Union to contribute to addressing the burden of financial and technical aid to reform the economies of the EaP countries in order to make them consistent with EU standards; proposes in this regard making good use of twinning programs and TAIEX assistance between the various entities in the EU Member States and their counterparts in the EaP countries in order to spread know-how;

| 18. | Draws attention to the spillover potential of good practices channelled through the Eastern Partnership programme into the EaP countries through the knock-out effect on their direct non-EU neighbourhood; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Draws attention to the spillover potential of good practices channelled through the Eastern Partnership programme into the EaP countries through the knock-out effect on their direct non-EU neighbourhood;

| 19. | Recommends seeking to further improve the level of legal and technical standards in the EaP countries, which is necessary in order to create the potential to deepen economic cooperation between the EaP countries and the EU Member States; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Recommends seeking to further improve the level of legal and technical standards in the EaP countries, which is necessary in order to create the potential to deepen economic cooperation between the EaP countries and the EU Member States;

| 20. | Calls for an ambitious approach and a wider vision of integrating economies of the EU and the EaP through DCFTAs by not only including a wide spectrum of aspects linked to free trade, like phytosanitary measures and trade branding but also aspects of regulatory approximation and environmental protection and sustainable development; stresses in this regard the importance of including binding sustainable development chapters in the DCFTAs, including provisions on environmental protection and international labour rights, and stresses the significance of drafting accompanying Association Agreements linked to the political reality of the countries concerned; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls for an ambitious approach and a wider vision of integrating economies of the EU and the EaP through DCFTAs by not only including a wide spectrum of aspects linked to free trade, like phytosanitary measures and trade branding but also aspects of regulatory approximation and environmental protection and sustainable development; stresses in this regard the importance of including binding sustainable development chapters in the DCFTAs, including provisions on environmental protection and international labour rights, and stresses the significance of drafting accompanying Association Agreements linked to the political reality of the countries concerned;

| 21. | Draws attention to the successful examples of economic integration among countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Western Balkans, which could to a large extent be taken as a model by the EU in relation to Eastern Partnership countries; emphasizes, at the same time, the necessity to differentiate the approaches, needs, perspectives and opportunities between Mediterranean and Eastern dimensions; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Draws attention to the successful examples of economic integration among countries in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the Western Balkans, which could to a large extent be taken as a model by the EU in relation to Eastern Partnership countries; emphasizes, at the same time, the necessity to differentiate the approaches, needs, perspectives and opportunities between Mediterranean and Eastern dimensions;

| 22. | Considers that European ambitions of an EaP country should be evaluated on the basis of differentiation and ‘more for more principles’ and an eventual application for accession should be treated individually accordingly with the provision of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Considers that European ambitions of an EaP country should be evaluated on the basis of differentiation and ‘more for more principles’ and an eventual application for accession should be treated individually accordingly with the provision of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union;

| 23. | Recommends including access for EaP agricultural products in the DCFTAs, as in most of the EaP countries agriculture plays a significant role in the structure of their economies and a possibility of better access to the EU market for agricultural goods remains a key priority for the Eastern Partners; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Recommends including access for EaP agricultural products in the DCFTAs, as in most of the EaP countries agriculture plays a significant role in the structure of their economies and a possibility of better access to the EU market for agricultural goods remains a key priority for the Eastern Partners;

| 24. | Supports the idea of launching the European Neighbouring Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) which could be developed based on the experience of the SAPARD Programme offered early to the Central and South-Eastern European countries; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Supports the idea of launching the European Neighbouring Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD) which could be developed based on the experience of the SAPARD Programme offered early to the Central and South-Eastern European countries;

| 25. | Welcomes the constant inter-country communication within the EURONEST PA (to exchange trade-related concerns and to hammer out common positions) and within the EURONEST Committees (on specific trade-related developments between the EU and the Eastern European partners); welcomes the sharing experience in the framework of the EURONEST PA, which has a positive effect on the internal and external dimensions of cooperation between EaP members; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Welcomes the constant inter-country communication within the EURONEST PA (to exchange trade-related concerns and to hammer out common positions) and within the EURONEST Committees (on specific trade-related developments between the EU and the Eastern European partners); welcomes the sharing experience in the framework of the EURONEST PA, which has a positive effect on the internal and external dimensions of cooperation between EaP members;

| 26. | Calls the national parliaments of the Eastern European Partners to accelerate the process of harmonization of the national economic legislations with the aquis communitaire and supports the nationals parliaments in enacting the DCFTA-related reforms by adopting relevant recommendations; encourages the setting-up of multilateral working groups to assist each other in regulatory approximation across the whole spectrum of the EU acquis related to trade; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls the national parliaments of the Eastern European Partners to accelerate the process of harmonization of the national economic legislations with the aquis communitaire and supports the nationals parliaments in enacting the DCFTA-related reforms by adopting relevant recommendations; encourages the setting-up of multilateral working groups to assist each other in regulatory approximation across the whole spectrum of the EU acquis related to trade;

| 27. | Is of the opinion that the key instruments of EU trade policy vis-à-vis the EaP countries should be applied in a targeted and result-oriented manner; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Is of the opinion that the key instruments of EU trade policy vis-à-vis the EaP countries should be applied in a targeted and result-oriented manner;

| 28. | Supports the provision of a system to monitor the impact of the EU’s external trade policy on the national trade policies of the DCFTA partners, which should enable civil society and business voices to be heard; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Supports the provision of a system to monitor the impact of the EU’s external trade policy on the national trade policies of the DCFTA partners, which should enable civil society and business voices to be heard;

| 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 EEAS, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and 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 EEAS, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Eastern Partnership countries.

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(1)  As adopted in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 3 April 2012.

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

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| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 153/9

---

RESOLUTION (1)

on challenges for the future of democracy, including the question of free and independent media in Eastern Partnership and EU countries

2012/C 153/03

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, proclaimed in Strasbourg on 12 December 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, proclaimed in Strasbourg on 12 December 2007,

| — | having regard to the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Treaty on European Union,

| — | having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms,

| — | 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 Summits of 7 May 2009 in Prague and of 29-30 September 2011 in Warsaw; |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the Eastern Partnership Summits of 7 May 2009 in Prague and of 29-30 September 2011 in Warsaw;

| — | having regard to the European Parliament's resolution of 22 October 2009 on democracy building in the EU's external relations, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament's resolution of 22 October 2009 on democracy building in the EU's external relations,

| — | having regard to the European Charter on Freedom of the Press of 25 May 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Charter on Freedom of the Press of 25 May 2009,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission on ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission on ‘A new response to a changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011,

| — | having regard to the opinions of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe adopted in 2010 and 2011 and related to constitutional issues, electoral code, freedoms of conscience and religion, political parties, human rights standards, non-governmental organisations, political unions of citizens, law on assembly and manifestations and independence of judiciary in Eastern Partnership countries, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinions of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe adopted in 2010 and 2011 and related to constitutional issues, electoral code, freedoms of conscience and religion, political parties, human rights standards, non-governmental organisations, political unions of citizens, law on assembly and manifestations and independence of judiciary in Eastern Partnership countries,

| — | having regard to the regular reports to the OSCE Permanent Council by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the regular reports to the OSCE Permanent Council by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media,

| — | having regard to the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on measures to promote the respect of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (adopted on 13 January 2010); |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on measures to promote the respect of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (adopted on 13 January 2010);

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

—

having regard to its Rules of Procedures,

| A. | whereas democracy is a universal value and a form of government in which citizens enjoy equal rights to participate in political life and equal access to legislative processes; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas democracy is a universal value and a form of government in which citizens enjoy equal rights to participate in political life and equal access to legislative processes;

| B. | whereas the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, states that ‘the Eastern Partnership is based on a community of values and principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law’ and that ‘all countries participating in the Eastern Partnership are committed to these values through the relevant international instruments’; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Joint Declaration of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, states that ‘the Eastern Partnership is based on a community of values and principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law’ and that ‘all countries participating in the Eastern Partnership are committed to these values through the relevant international instruments’;

| C. | whereas Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union refers to democracy as a founding value of the Union and identifies it as common to EU Member States; whereas these Member States share a form of governance based on representative democracy; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union refers to democracy as a founding value of the Union and identifies it as common to EU Member States; whereas these Member States share a form of governance based on representative democracy;

| D. | whereas Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union refers to the right of any European State, which respects the EU democratic values and is committed to promoting them, to apply to become a member of the Union; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union refers to the right of any European State, which respects the EU democratic values and is committed to promoting them, to apply to become a member of the Union;

| E. | whereas democratic systems may vary in form and shape, reflecting different histories, cultures and circumstances, but popular sovereignty, equality and freedom, the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, transparency and accountability in public affairs are universally identified amongst the basic features of democracy; whereas respect for human rights and the rule of law are essential to the establishment of democratic systems enabling citizens to protect their rights and enjoy fundamental freedoms; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas democratic systems may vary in form and shape, reflecting different histories, cultures and circumstances, but popular sovereignty, equality and freedom, the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary, transparency and accountability in public affairs are universally identified amongst the basic features of democracy; whereas respect for human rights and the rule of law are essential to the establishment of democratic systems enabling citizens to protect their rights and enjoy fundamental freedoms;

| F. | whereas democracy shall ensure equality before the law and elimination of all forms of discrimination; whereas it requires that men and women may participate on equal terms to political life and that all citizens, including the ones belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups enjoy the same rights; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas democracy shall ensure equality before the law and elimination of all forms of discrimination; whereas it requires that men and women may participate on equal terms to political life and that all citizens, including the ones belonging to minorities or vulnerable groups enjoy the same rights;

| G. | whereas a scarcity of accountability of political class and of its capacity to reach compromises, a protracted instability, along with limited economic growth and development may result in pervasive popular frustration and an anti-democratic populism may gain strength; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas a scarcity of accountability of political class and of its capacity to reach compromises, a protracted instability, along with limited economic growth and development may result in pervasive popular frustration and an anti-democratic populism may gain strength;

| H. | whereas representative democracy is founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the will of the people and requires the periodic organisation of competitive, free and fair elections; whereas representative elections require an active participation of voters and a high voter turnout; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas representative democracy is founded on the principle of elected individuals representing the will of the people and requires the periodic organisation of competitive, free and fair elections; whereas representative elections require an active participation of voters and a high voter turnout;

| I. | whereas independent executive, legislative and judicial institutions with separate powers form the basis of democratic systems and governance; whereas, according to democratic principles, governments and parliaments at international, national or sub-national levels are accountable for the conduct of public policies and administration and give transparency to their decisions before citizens; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas independent executive, legislative and judicial institutions with separate powers form the basis of democratic systems and governance; whereas, according to democratic principles, governments and parliaments at international, national or sub-national levels are accountable for the conduct of public policies and administration and give transparency to their decisions before citizens;

| J. | whereas strong parliamentary institutions are at the heart of all democratic systems of governance; whereas the European Parliament is providing a welcome assistance in offering capacity support to Eastern European partner parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas strong parliamentary institutions are at the heart of all democratic systems of governance; whereas the European Parliament is providing a welcome assistance in offering capacity support to Eastern European partner parliaments;

| K. | whereas in a democracy, the diversity of political parties with capacity to represent citizens ensures that there are different choices in terms of policies, political ideas and programmes as well as in terms of candidates for executive and legislative institution offices; whereas political parties offer and provide citizens with the capacity to discuss the aspirations and demands of society openly and transparently and to turn them into policy proposals and alternatives; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas in a democracy, the diversity of political parties with capacity to represent citizens ensures that there are different choices in terms of policies, political ideas and programmes as well as in terms of candidates for executive and legislative institution offices; whereas political parties offer and provide citizens with the capacity to discuss the aspirations and demands of society openly and transparently and to turn them into policy proposals and alternatives;

| L. | whereas freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of assembly, the right to establish independent political parties, non-governmental organizations and associations are essential elements of democracy; whereas it is fundamental to guarantee that citizens are allowed to exercise their rights in these areas without being exposed to threats of lawsuits or imprisonment; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of assembly, the right to establish independent political parties, non-governmental organizations and associations are essential elements of democracy; whereas it is fundamental to guarantee that citizens are allowed to exercise their rights in these areas without being exposed to threats of lawsuits or imprisonment;

| M. | whereas freedom and pluralism of the media and press are essential so that citizens make opinions and judgments benefiting from a variety of information sources; whereas democratic political life requires the free access of citizens to information, through communication channels ranging from press publishing to electronic vectors including the internet and social media, without censorship, as well as ensure reliable and safe environment for investigative journalism; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas freedom and pluralism of the media and press are essential so that citizens make opinions and judgments benefiting from a variety of information sources; whereas democratic political life requires the free access of citizens to information, through communication channels ranging from press publishing to electronic vectors including the internet and social media, without censorship, as well as ensure reliable and safe environment for investigative journalism;

| N. | whereas establishing or adjusting media legislative frameworks in such a way as to prevent the formation of monopolies and promote media pluralism is a recurrent challenge to all states; whereas such frameworks should lay down adequate regulations applying to the internet, electronic communication technologies and social networks, which provide new opportunities for increasing political knowledge and the participation of citizens in political life and for raising their interest in civic engagement; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas establishing or adjusting media legislative frameworks in such a way as to prevent the formation of monopolies and promote media pluralism is a recurrent challenge to all states; whereas such frameworks should lay down adequate regulations applying to the internet, electronic communication technologies and social networks, which provide new opportunities for increasing political knowledge and the participation of citizens in political life and for raising their interest in civic engagement;

| O. | whereas civil society organisations which are distinct and are not linked to state structures, have a prominent role in the functioning of democracy; whereas they are instrumental in building up democratic culture in society by informing citizens, encouraging them to participate in political discussions and holding governments accountable for public policies; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas civil society organisations which are distinct and are not linked to state structures, have a prominent role in the functioning of democracy; whereas they are instrumental in building up democratic culture in society by informing citizens, encouraging them to participate in political discussions and holding governments accountable for public policies;

| P. | whereas the development of democracy poses a number of challenges in terms of citizens’ participation in political life and debates, the openness of policy-making bodies, including parliaments to dialogues with the society, and the freedom of media and their independence from political and economic powers; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the development of democracy poses a number of challenges in terms of citizens’ participation in political life and debates, the openness of policy-making bodies, including parliaments to dialogues with the society, and the freedom of media and their independence from political and economic powers;

| Q. | whereas corruption undermines trust in democratic institutions and weakens the accountability, legitimacy and credibility of political leadership; whereas eliminating corruption is a challenge and a necessary condition for democratisation for all societies and requires the enforcement of appropriate laws and ethical, deontological and conduct rules applying to political life; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas corruption undermines trust in democratic institutions and weakens the accountability, legitimacy and credibility of political leadership; whereas eliminating corruption is a challenge and a necessary condition for democratisation for all societies and requires the enforcement of appropriate laws and ethical, deontological and conduct rules applying to political life;

| R. | whereas democratic reforms in Eastern European partners would be highly beneficial to cooperation and dialogue with EU Member States under the Eastern Partnership; whereas in this context, such democratic reforms should address as a priority the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as free and fair elections; whereas these democratic reforms depend highly on the political will and different political intentions of the ruling elite of each partner country; |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas democratic reforms in Eastern European partners would be highly beneficial to cooperation and dialogue with EU Member States under the Eastern Partnership; whereas in this context, such democratic reforms should address as a priority the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, the respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as free and fair elections; whereas these democratic reforms depend highly on the political will and different political intentions of the ruling elite of each partner country;

| S. | whereas transparent and accountable public administrations faces new organisational challenges in making decisions and policy-decision processes available to access, debate and discussion for citizens; whereas the latter shall have an opportunity to claim their demands and introduce their proposals, which are to be taken into consideration by public administration; |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas transparent and accountable public administrations faces new organisational challenges in making decisions and policy-decision processes available to access, debate and discussion for citizens; whereas the latter shall have an opportunity to claim their demands and introduce their proposals, which are to be taken into consideration by public administration;

| T. | whereas there are trends towards increasing policy decision-making at international level, given that political responses to global economic, societal and environmental challenges need to be of global nature; whereas, at the same time, international organisations play a crucial role in bringing all partners at the global level to work on common standards considering democratic governance; |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas there are trends towards increasing policy decision-making at international level, given that political responses to global economic, societal and environmental challenges need to be of global nature; whereas, at the same time, international organisations play a crucial role in bringing all partners at the global level to work on common standards considering democratic governance;

| U. | whereas educating people and in particular the young to democratic values, as well as creating civil society is crucial to the future of democracy, with a view to avoiding low voter turnouts which undermine the legitimacy of representative institutions and bodies; |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas educating people and in particular the young to democratic values, as well as creating civil society is crucial to the future of democracy, with a view to avoiding low voter turnouts which undermine the legitimacy of representative institutions and bodies;

Giving priority to the fundamentals of democracy

| 1. | Believes that progress regarding democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law is of major importance to both EU Member States and Eastern European partners, and to the development of their cooperation, economic integration and political association; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Believes that progress regarding democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law is of major importance to both EU Member States and Eastern European partners, and to the development of their cooperation, economic integration and political association;

| 2. | Considers that the separation of powers and a proper balance between state institutions are necessary for the stability, independence and effectiveness of democratic institutions, which are the only guarantee to increase citizens’ trust towards these institutions; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considers that the separation of powers and a proper balance between state institutions are necessary for the stability, independence and effectiveness of democratic institutions, which are the only guarantee to increase citizens’ trust towards these institutions;

| 3. | Stresses that democratisation processes should give priority to respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the strengthening of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, transparent procurement, separation of politics from business, reliable court procedure and the fairness and transparency of elections; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Stresses that democratisation processes should give priority to respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the strengthening of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, transparent procurement, separation of politics from business, reliable court procedure and the fairness and transparency of elections;

| 4. | Underlines the need to ensure the freedom of citizens to stand for elected office; stresses the importance of promoting the right of citizens to form political parties, freely declare their membership and participate in electoral campaigns; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Underlines the need to ensure the freedom of citizens to stand for elected office; stresses the importance of promoting the right of citizens to form political parties, freely declare their membership and participate in electoral campaigns;

| 5. | Calls on the respective governments to ensure that elections, in particular the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in the Eastern European partners, prove to be fair, transparent and in full compliance with international standards for democratic elections, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations; stresses the importance of ensuring a fair electoral process in the run-up to election days for all competing sides, including fair access to media; calls for national electoral frameworks and codes to be critically reviewed and modified where needed; in this regard, welcomes the latest changes made to the Electoral Code of Armenia; considers that international election observers have an important role to play in fostering public trust in all election processes and calls the international community to ensure an international observation exercise of the elections to be held in Eastern European partners and provide with objective evaluation of the whole electoral process, publicized equally for all Eastern European partners and based on the same standards; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the respective governments to ensure that elections, in particular the forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in the Eastern European partners, prove to be fair, transparent and in full compliance with international standards for democratic elections, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations; stresses the importance of ensuring a fair electoral process in the run-up to election days for all competing sides, including fair access to media; calls for national electoral frameworks and codes to be critically reviewed and modified where needed; in this regard, welcomes the latest changes made to the Electoral Code of Armenia; considers that international election observers have an important role to play in fostering public trust in all election processes and calls the international community to ensure an international observation exercise of the elections to be held in Eastern European partners and provide with objective evaluation of the whole electoral process, publicized equally for all Eastern European partners and based on the same standards;

| 6. | Calls on the Eastern European partners to ensure that forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, which are on the way, prove to be free, fair, democratic as conducted according to the OSCE standards; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Eastern European partners to ensure that forthcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, which are on the way, prove to be free, fair, democratic as conducted according to the OSCE standards;

| 7. | Stresses that the adoption and implementation of legislation against discrimination are critical elements for democratic progress in open, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that the adoption and implementation of legislation against discrimination are critical elements for democratic progress in open, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural societies;

| 8. | Calls for the enforcement, improvement or adoption of codes of conduct for political life, encompassing ethical principles and standards to be applied in national governmental bodies and parliaments; emphasises that the latter should be supported in their efforts to play their proper role in defining national policies, holding governments to account, monitoring and assessing past performances and achieved results; calls for the establishment of a clear separation between the economic and political spheres in decision making so as to avoid conflicts of interest, not least in respect of the financing of political parties; underlines the importance of clear legislative framework and provisions on political party and campaign financing guaranteeing the transparency of regulation, oversight of political party financing and equal opportunities for all political parties; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls for the enforcement, improvement or adoption of codes of conduct for political life, encompassing ethical principles and standards to be applied in national governmental bodies and parliaments; emphasises that the latter should be supported in their efforts to play their proper role in defining national policies, holding governments to account, monitoring and assessing past performances and achieved results; calls for the establishment of a clear separation between the economic and political spheres in decision making so as to avoid conflicts of interest, not least in respect of the financing of political parties; underlines the importance of clear legislative framework and provisions on political party and campaign financing guaranteeing the transparency of regulation, oversight of political party financing and equal opportunities for all political parties;

| 9. | Invites the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to make a firm political commitment for combating corruption in all its forms and to strengthen and effectively implement anti-corruption legislation, since corruption not only hampers long-term economic growth and citizens’ trust in political development, but also has negative impact on the social tissue and evolving prospects of society; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Invites the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to make a firm political commitment for combating corruption in all its forms and to strengthen and effectively implement anti-corruption legislation, since corruption not only hampers long-term economic growth and citizens’ trust in political development, but also has negative impact on the social tissue and evolving prospects of society;

| 10. | Calls for strengthening the Joint Programme of the EU and the Council of Europe on enhancing judicial reform in the Eastern European partners; recommends that it be extended to joint training and experience-sharing activities between judges from the EU Member States and Eastern European partners; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls for strengthening the Joint Programme of the EU and the Council of Europe on enhancing judicial reform in the Eastern European partners; recommends that it be extended to joint training and experience-sharing activities between judges from the EU Member States and Eastern European partners;

Deepening the Eastern Partnership political dialogue and cooperation for democracy building

| 11. | Calls for enhancement of the political dialogue between the EU and Eastern European partners on the issues of building up democracy and implementing democratic reforms; pledges to intensify the role of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly in this dialogue with political institutions and other stakeholders, in particular by developing exchanges and discussions between its Members and representatives of governmental bodies, parliamentary and non-parliamentary political parties, civil society, the media and non-governmental organisations; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls for enhancement of the political dialogue between the EU and Eastern European partners on the issues of building up democracy and implementing democratic reforms; pledges to intensify the role of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly in this dialogue with political institutions and other stakeholders, in particular by developing exchanges and discussions between its Members and representatives of governmental bodies, parliamentary and non-parliamentary political parties, civil society, the media and non-governmental organisations;

| 12. | Encourages EU Member States which experienced a transition from authoritarian regimes to democracy to offer advice to Eastern European partners on the basis of the lessons drawn from the successes and difficulties they have met over the past twenty years; recommends that in their transition towards deeper democracy and political association with the EU, partner countries adopt legislative and concrete measures ensuring the access of their citizens to national archives related to the surveillance activities of former authoritarian regimes. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Encourages EU Member States which experienced a transition from authoritarian regimes to democracy to offer advice to Eastern European partners on the basis of the lessons drawn from the successes and difficulties they have met over the past twenty years; recommends that in their transition towards deeper democracy and political association with the EU, partner countries adopt legislative and concrete measures ensuring the access of their citizens to national archives related to the surveillance activities of former authoritarian regimes.

| 13. | Recommends to build solidarity and to strengthen EU support to Eastern European partners in implementing democratic reforms, in particular with regard to reforming the judiciary and court systems, and guaranteeing the independence, impartiality, accountability and professionalism of the judiciary and courts; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Recommends to build solidarity and to strengthen EU support to Eastern European partners in implementing democratic reforms, in particular with regard to reforming the judiciary and court systems, and guaranteeing the independence, impartiality, accountability and professionalism of the judiciary and courts;

| 14. | Calls on the European Commission to provide enhanced financial, technical and expertise support to the national parliaments’ administrations of the Eastern European partners within the Comprehensive Institution Building programme in order to strengthen their efficiency, transparency and accountability, which is crucial if the parliaments are to play their proper role in the democratic decision making processes; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the European Commission to provide enhanced financial, technical and expertise support to the national parliaments’ administrations of the Eastern European partners within the Comprehensive Institution Building programme in order to strengthen their efficiency, transparency and accountability, which is crucial if the parliaments are to play their proper role in the democratic decision making processes;

| 15. | Recommends to strongly support the existing human rights dialogue the EU has established with Belarus and the other formats of cooperation on human rights with the other Eastern European partners; calls on the EU and partners to provide additional financial and human resources to this cause; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Recommends to strongly support the existing human rights dialogue the EU has established with Belarus and the other formats of cooperation on human rights with the other Eastern European partners; calls on the EU and partners to provide additional financial and human resources to this cause;

| 16. | Calls for the establishment of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), aimed at supporting political actors, such as political parties, non-registered non-governmental organisations and trade unions, which strive to bring about democratic change; recommends that the EED be used as an independent, flexible and expert tool in European Eastern partners; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls for the establishment of the European Endowment for Democracy (EED), aimed at supporting political actors, such as political parties, non-registered non-governmental organisations and trade unions, which strive to bring about democratic change; recommends that the EED be used as an independent, flexible and expert tool in European Eastern partners;

| 17. | Stresses that the future EED should be additional to existing democracy-support instruments, and in particular should neither substitute nor duplicate the activities implemented under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR); |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses that the future EED should be additional to existing democracy-support instruments, and in particular should neither substitute nor duplicate the activities implemented under the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR);

| 18. | Encourages political parties in the EU Member States to develop cooperation programmes with their counterparts in Eastern European partners, and encourages the twinning of other EU democratic actors, such as trade unions, non-governmental organisations, employers’, farmers’ and women’s organisations, religious and cultural dialogue bodies, consumer, youth, journalists’ and teachers’ organisations, local government bodies and universities, with similar organisations in Eastern European partners; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Encourages political parties in the EU Member States to develop cooperation programmes with their counterparts in Eastern European partners, and encourages the twinning of other EU democratic actors, such as trade unions, non-governmental organisations, employers’, farmers’ and women’s organisations, religious and cultural dialogue bodies, consumer, youth, journalists’ and teachers’ organisations, local government bodies and universities, with similar organisations in Eastern European partners;

| 19. | Recommends stepping up efforts to fight corruption by increasing funding for anti-corruption plans and measures, and by enhancing cooperation between EU Member States and Eastern European partners within the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO); encourages Eastern European partners to develop comprehensive multi-annual anti-corruption strategies and action plans with concrete measures and deadlines, and to allocate the necessary budgetary resources for their implementation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Recommends stepping up efforts to fight corruption by increasing funding for anti-corruption plans and measures, and by enhancing cooperation between EU Member States and Eastern European partners within the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO); encourages Eastern European partners to develop comprehensive multi-annual anti-corruption strategies and action plans with concrete measures and deadlines, and to allocate the necessary budgetary resources for their implementation;

| 20. | Recommends enhancing the dialogue between the EU and Eastern European partners on best practices regarding measures to protect vulnerable people and minorities from discrimination; draws attention of the EU and Eastern European partners that, while establishing national mechanism under UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sufficient financial and human resources have to be provided for the institution that will be chosen to carry out the mandate; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Recommends enhancing the dialogue between the EU and Eastern European partners on best practices regarding measures to protect vulnerable people and minorities from discrimination; draws attention of the EU and Eastern European partners that, while establishing national mechanism under UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sufficient financial and human resources have to be provided for the institution that will be chosen to carry out the mandate;

Supporting the freedom of expression and the development of free and independent media

| 21. | Stresses that, in all EU Member States and Eastern European partners, independent and free media are essential to democracy and its functioning, as they ensure the involvement of civil society in public affairs and empower citizens; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Stresses that, in all EU Member States and Eastern European partners, independent and free media are essential to democracy and its functioning, as they ensure the involvement of civil society in public affairs and empower citizens;

| 22. | Urges the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to ensure the fundamental right of citizens to information in accordance with article 11 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights by monitoring and fully respecting the principle of media independence and pluralism in order to prevent monopolization and unjustified interference in media activities; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Urges the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to ensure the fundamental right of citizens to information in accordance with article 11 of the European Charter of Fundamental Rights by monitoring and fully respecting the principle of media independence and pluralism in order to prevent monopolization and unjustified interference in media activities;

| 23. | Deplores the fact that many journalists have been subjected to acts of intimidation and harassment or victim of aggressions and attacks because of their courageous and independent work and calls on the relevant authorities to fully investigate these facts and bring those responsible to justice; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Deplores the fact that many journalists have been subjected to acts of intimidation and harassment or victim of aggressions and attacks because of their courageous and independent work and calls on the relevant authorities to fully investigate these facts and bring those responsible to justice;

| 24. | Recommends establishing or improving the legislative framework applying to public and private broadcasting, in accordance with OSCE international standards; considers that new or amended regulations should aim at preventing the concentration of media ownership, ensuring the fairness of broadcasting licensing competitions and protecting broadcasting media content from political and commercial pressures, especially during election processes, preventing all competing sides from unfair conditions, exclusion of certain political options and restrictions; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Recommends establishing or improving the legislative framework applying to public and private broadcasting, in accordance with OSCE international standards; considers that new or amended regulations should aim at preventing the concentration of media ownership, ensuring the fairness of broadcasting licensing competitions and protecting broadcasting media content from political and commercial pressures, especially during election processes, preventing all competing sides from unfair conditions, exclusion of certain political options and restrictions;

| 25. | Recommends promoting a freely accessible internet, which serves freedom of expression and media pluralism and can be used as a tool for supporting political debates, democratic initiatives and the dissemination of political culture and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Recommends promoting a freely accessible internet, which serves freedom of expression and media pluralism and can be used as a tool for supporting political debates, democratic initiatives and the dissemination of political culture and knowledge;

| 26. | Calls on the EU and Eastern European partners to organise exchange and training programmes in order to professionalise journalists, identify good journalistic practices and promote ethical and professional standards of journalism, and develop investigate journalism; underlines that better knowledge and promotion of the Eastern Partnership by the media would significantly improve the understanding and ownership of EU supported and encouraged democratic reform programmes by the population of Eastern European partners; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the EU and Eastern European partners to organise exchange and training programmes in order to professionalise journalists, identify good journalistic practices and promote ethical and professional standards of journalism, and develop investigate journalism; underlines that better knowledge and promotion of the Eastern Partnership by the media would significantly improve the understanding and ownership of EU supported and encouraged democratic reform programmes by the population of Eastern European partners;

Building citizens' confidence in democratic institutions and interest in policy

| 27. | Calls on the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to ensure the transparency of policy-making decisions by providing stakeholders with information and involving them in public open debates and consultations; recommends to foster the interest of citizens in political debates by further opening up parliaments and democratic assemblies for consultations and exchanges with citizens, in particular involving into discussions women and youth representatives; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to ensure the transparency of policy-making decisions by providing stakeholders with information and involving them in public open debates and consultations; recommends to foster the interest of citizens in political debates by further opening up parliaments and democratic assemblies for consultations and exchanges with citizens, in particular involving into discussions women and youth representatives;

| 28. | Calls also on the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to promote the democratic role of political parties and movements in assuming an intermediary role between state institutions and citizens, shaping public opinion, pooling interests, and putting forward and allowing competition between different political options; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls also on the EU, EU Member States and Eastern European partners to promote the democratic role of political parties and movements in assuming an intermediary role between state institutions and citizens, shaping public opinion, pooling interests, and putting forward and allowing competition between different political options;

| 29. | Recommends further encouraging political parties to ensure a balanced representation of men and women in their procedures for the designation of candidates for elections; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Recommends further encouraging political parties to ensure a balanced representation of men and women in their procedures for the designation of candidates for elections;

| 30. | Underlines that sustainable democratic reforms require a better understanding and ownership of them; therefore calls on the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to consult with civil society before launching reform programmes so as to ensure the broadest possible public support; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Underlines that sustainable democratic reforms require a better understanding and ownership of them; therefore calls on the EU Member States and the Eastern European partners to consult with civil society before launching reform programmes so as to ensure the broadest possible public support;

Strengthening civil society

| 31. | Stresses the importance of a strong, active and genuinely independent civil society which is a key player for the development of democracy; in this regard, calls on the EU and Eastern European partners to increase technical and financial assistance to civil society organisations or institutions, and to secure the transparency and efficiency of this assistance; calls, furthermore, for adequate guarantees and protection for human rights defenders; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Stresses the importance of a strong, active and genuinely independent civil society which is a key player for the development of democracy; in this regard, calls on the EU and Eastern European partners to increase technical and financial assistance to civil society organisations or institutions, and to secure the transparency and efficiency of this assistance; calls, furthermore, for adequate guarantees and protection for human rights defenders;

| 32. | Stresses that the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum is a very important tool for promoting the civil society's role in support of democracy; calls for greater involvement of the Civil Society Forum in the implementation of the Eastern Partnership; recommends an increased participation of the Civil Society Forum delegates in meetings between representatives of the EU and Eastern European partners; gives due attention and consideration to the Forum's activities and recommendations as regards people-to-people contacts; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Stresses that the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum is a very important tool for promoting the civil society's role in support of democracy; calls for greater involvement of the Civil Society Forum in the implementation of the Eastern Partnership; recommends an increased participation of the Civil Society Forum delegates in meetings between representatives of the EU and Eastern European partners; gives due attention and consideration to the Forum's activities and recommendations as regards people-to-people contacts;

| 33. | Underlines the need to ensure the independence of non-governmental organisations, which contribute to the vitality of public debates and the spread of information within the society; in this regard, insists on state institutions, particularly, national parliaments and governments to promote interaction with civil society through organising parliamentary hearings and public consultations; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Underlines the need to ensure the independence of non-governmental organisations, which contribute to the vitality of public debates and the spread of information within the society; in this regard, insists on state institutions, particularly, national parliaments and governments to promote interaction with civil society through organising parliamentary hearings and public consultations;

| 34. | Notes that strengthening the youth dimension of the Eastern Partnership is an important investment in the future of the EU - European Neighbourhood Policy relations with great potential for years to come, and in the democratisation of those partners and the harmonisation of their legislation with European standards; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Notes that strengthening the youth dimension of the Eastern Partnership is an important investment in the future of the EU - European Neighbourhood Policy relations with great potential for years to come, and in the democratisation of those partners and the harmonisation of their legislation with European standards;

| 35. | Stresses the significant role of all initiatives aiming at improving the education and skills of young people in the area of democratic processes and participative civil society development; welcomes therefore efforts of the EU Member States and Eastern European partners in organising Young People's Parliaments; encourages the EU to launch programmes supporting these efforts, such as the creation of young inter-parliamentary friendship groups between the European Youth Parliament and the youth national parliaments of the Eastern European partners; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Stresses the significant role of all initiatives aiming at improving the education and skills of young people in the area of democratic processes and participative civil society development; welcomes therefore efforts of the EU Member States and Eastern European partners in organising Young People's Parliaments; encourages the EU to launch programmes supporting these efforts, such as the creation of young inter-parliamentary friendship groups between the European Youth Parliament and the youth national parliaments of the Eastern European partners;

| 36. | Calls on the EU to increase the number of exchange programmes for young people, as it is the most efficient way to promote the exchange and sharing of gained experience in the area of participative democracy and civil society development. |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the EU to increase the number of exchange programmes for young people, as it is the most efficient way to promote the exchange and sharing of gained experience in the area of participative democracy and civil society development.

| 37. | 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, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Eastern European partners. |
| --- | --- |

37.

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, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Eastern European partners.

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(1)  Adopted in Baku, Azerbaijan on 3 April 2012

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| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

30.5.2012

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 153/16

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RESOLUTION (1)

on strengthening 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 empowering civil society

2012/C 153/04

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,

| — | 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 Article 8 and Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

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

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

—

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

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 20 May 2010 on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus (2009/2216(INI)), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 20 May 2010 on the need for an EU strategy for the South Caucasus (2009/2216(INI)),

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication on ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication on ‘A New Response to a Changing Neighbourhood’ of 25 May 2011,

| — | 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 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 Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Involvement of Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership’ (explanatory opinion) of 13 May 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘Involvement of Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership’ (explanatory opinion) of 13 May 2009,

| — | having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The contribution of civil society to the Eastern Partnership’ of 25 August 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The contribution of civil society to the Eastern Partnership’ of 25 August 2011,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament's previous resolutions on the Eastern Dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), and on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament's previous resolutions on the Eastern Dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), and on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine,

| — | having regard to the conclusion of negotiations on the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine and ongoing bilateral negotiations with 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, but not ratified, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusion of negotiations on the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine and ongoing bilateral negotiations with 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, but not ratified,

| — | having regard to the European Charter on Local Self-Government, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Charter on Local Self-Government,

| — | having regard to the opinion on the report on recommendations to the Eastern Partnership Summit of the Committee on Social Affairs, Education Culture and Civil Society adopted on 14 September 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion on the report on recommendations to the Eastern Partnership Summit of the Committee on Social Affairs, Education Culture and Civil Society adopted on 14 September 2011,

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

—

having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the Eastern Partnership (EaP), a specific dimension of the ENP, is based on shared values including democracy, rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights, and recognises the importance of social and civil dialogue as well as the essential role of civil society organisations in the development and consolidation of democratic societies; whereas the ability of men and women to participate on equal terms in political life and in decision-making is a prerequisite for genuine democracy; whereas an active commitment to shared values and principles is essential to moving the process forward; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Eastern Partnership (EaP), a specific dimension of the ENP, is based on shared values including democracy, rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights, and recognises the importance of social and civil dialogue as well as the essential role of civil society organisations in the development and consolidation of democratic societies; whereas the ability of men and women to participate on equal terms in political life and in decision-making is a prerequisite for genuine democracy; whereas an active commitment to shared values and principles is essential to moving the process forward;

| B. | whereas civil society organisations and non-state actors are a vital part of a well-functioning democracy, and play an important role in establishing a democratic culture deeply rooted in society; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas civil society organisations and non-state actors are a vital part of a well-functioning democracy, and play an important role in establishing a democratic culture deeply rooted in society;

| C. | whereas the EaP has the objective of supporting Eastern European partners in their endeavours to carry out sustainable reform processes, with a view to speeding up their political association and economic integration with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the EaP has the objective of supporting Eastern European partners in their endeavours to carry out sustainable reform processes, with a view to speeding up their political association and economic integration with the EU;

| D. | whereas at the second EaP Summit, held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, the Heads of States or Governments and representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and the EU renewed their commitments to the objectives and continued implementation of the EaP; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas at the second EaP Summit, held in Warsaw on 29-30 September 2011, the Heads of States or Governments and representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and the EU renewed their commitments to the objectives and continued implementation of the EaP;

| E. | whereas the EaP Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) and its national platforms are valuable instruments with which to attain the objectives established by the Eastern Partnership concerning the involvement of civil societies; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the EaP Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF) and its national platforms are valuable instruments with which to attain the objectives established by the Eastern Partnership concerning the involvement of civil societies;

| 1. | Underlines the essential and indispensable role of a genuinely independent civil society in strengthening democracy and the rule of law and holding governments accountable; stresses that to enable civil society organisations and actors to fulfil this role, fundamental freedoms must be guaranteed, including the freedom of association, of assembly, of expression, of the press and media, and of access to internet; considers that every effort should be made in order to facilitate the work of civil society organisations within a clear legal framework that avoids undue administrative burdens and arbitrary bureaucratic requirements; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Underlines the essential and indispensable role of a genuinely independent civil society in strengthening democracy and the rule of law and holding governments accountable; stresses that to enable civil society organisations and actors to fulfil this role, fundamental freedoms must be guaranteed, including the freedom of association, of assembly, of expression, of the press and media, and of access to internet; considers that every effort should be made in order to facilitate the work of civil society organisations within a clear legal framework that avoids undue administrative burdens and arbitrary bureaucratic requirements;

| 2. | Stresses the importance of building and strengthening partnerships between the EU, its Eastern Partners and their respective civil societies, emphasising that these partnerships must be inclusive; calls on Eastern Partners to involve civil society in regional dialogue and cooperation, in order to offer a fresh perspective on a variety of topics, including the promotion of democracy, economic reforms, trade, sectoral cooperation, gender equality, the economic and social situation of the youth, sustainable development initiatives and the fight against corruption; notes the varied results to date with regard to establishing dialogue between national governments and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses the importance of building and strengthening partnerships between the EU, its Eastern Partners and their respective civil societies, emphasising that these partnerships must be inclusive; calls on Eastern Partners to involve civil society in regional dialogue and cooperation, in order to offer a fresh perspective on a variety of topics, including the promotion of democracy, economic reforms, trade, sectoral cooperation, gender equality, the economic and social situation of the youth, sustainable development initiatives and the fight against corruption; notes the varied results to date with regard to establishing dialogue between national governments and civil society;

| 3. | Underlines that, in order to be completely legitimate and rooted in the will of people, any strategy for promoting democracy must be based on dialogue with as wide a range of local actors as possible; therefore, calls for democratic standards to be strengthened to allow the participation of civil society in political dialogue and decision making processes; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Underlines that, in order to be completely legitimate and rooted in the will of people, any strategy for promoting democracy must be based on dialogue with as wide a range of local actors as possible; therefore, calls for democratic standards to be strengthened to allow the participation of civil society in political dialogue and decision making processes;

| 4. | Emphasises the role that legitimate democratic political parties, genuine social movements and a free press play in safeguarding the public interest by overseeing the transparency and accountability of governments, thereby enabling states to protect human rights and promote social and economic development; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Emphasises the role that legitimate democratic political parties, genuine social movements and a free press play in safeguarding the public interest by overseeing the transparency and accountability of governments, thereby enabling states to protect human rights and promote social and economic development;

| 5. | Calls on the EU and Eastern Partnership countries to exchange best practices with regard to the protection of the rights of refugees and internally displaced people, the resolution of their social problems and their participation in civil society building; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the EU and Eastern Partnership countries to exchange best practices with regard to the protection of the rights of refugees and internally displaced people, the resolution of their social problems and their participation in civil society building;

| 6. | Welcomes the work of the EaP CSF and of its national platforms; supports its contribution to the development of civil society dialogue at different levels, both regional and local, and in different sectors; insists on the need for EaP CSF participation in the meetings of EaP intergovernmental platforms; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Welcomes the work of the EaP CSF and of its national platforms; supports its contribution to the development of civil society dialogue at different levels, both regional and local, and in different sectors; insists on the need for EaP CSF participation in the meetings of EaP intergovernmental platforms;

| 7. | Welcomes the review of the ENP, which underlines the importance of creating partnerships with societies and envisages a Civil Society Facility (CSF) and the establishment of a European Endowment for Democracy; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the review of the ENP, which underlines the importance of creating partnerships with societies and envisages a Civil Society Facility (CSF) and the establishment of a European Endowment for Democracy;

| 8. | Calls on the Eastern Partners to guarantee the independence of all media, in particular public, and encourages civil society to monitor the transparency of media agencies ownership; further underlines the need for independence of journalists and calls for the suspension of all kinds of political interference, pressure, intimidation, harassment and politically-motivated trials against them; stresses the need to ensure the independence of public broadcasting and the access of national and foreign media to broadcasting; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Eastern Partners to guarantee the independence of all media, in particular public, and encourages civil society to monitor the transparency of media agencies ownership; further underlines the need for independence of journalists and calls for the suspension of all kinds of political interference, pressure, intimidation, harassment and politically-motivated trials against them; stresses the need to ensure the independence of public broadcasting and the access of national and foreign media to broadcasting;

| 9. | Calls for the active involvement and participation of civil society organisations in human rights dialogues, including the ones on minority rights; encourages civil society organisations to broadly participate in electoral observation missions, which will help to conduct elections according to internationally recognised standards and in a free, democratic and transparent manner; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls for the active involvement and participation of civil society organisations in human rights dialogues, including the ones on minority rights; encourages civil society organisations to broadly participate in electoral observation missions, which will help to conduct elections according to internationally recognised standards and in a free, democratic and transparent manner;

| 10. | Urges the authorities of the EaP countries and EU Member States to fight violence against women in all its forms through the implementation of legislative, institutional and public educational strategies; stresses the need to increase public awareness of violence against women as a criminal offence and as a violation of human rights; underlines the importance of achieving full gender equality through the adoption of gender equality policies and action plans to address the huge gender pay gap, which remains key to women's economic autonomy; firmly supports all initiatives, incentives and capacity-building measures included in EU external policies with a view to promoting the participation of women in the decision-making process at all levels, both in the public and the private spheres, as well as the engagement of civil society in issues of gender equality; recalls the international commitments taken with regards to gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Urges the authorities of the EaP countries and EU Member States to fight violence against women in all its forms through the implementation of legislative, institutional and public educational strategies; stresses the need to increase public awareness of violence against women as a criminal offence and as a violation of human rights; underlines the importance of achieving full gender equality through the adoption of gender equality policies and action plans to address the huge gender pay gap, which remains key to women's economic autonomy; firmly supports all initiatives, incentives and capacity-building measures included in EU external policies with a view to promoting the participation of women in the decision-making process at all levels, both in the public and the private spheres, as well as the engagement of civil society in issues of gender equality; recalls the international commitments taken with regards to gender equality;

| 11. | Insists upon the essential role of youth in societies and encourages the implementation of policies targeted at increasing youth employment and social integration; stresses the importance of mobility schemes as mechanisms for intercultural dialogue and knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Insists upon the essential role of youth in societies and encourages the implementation of policies targeted at increasing youth employment and social integration; stresses the importance of mobility schemes as mechanisms for intercultural dialogue and knowledge;

| 12. | Encourages the EaP countries to contribute to the promotion of the common European social values; underlines the importance of providing information on and raising awareness about social dialogue among the government, employees and employers, particularly in connection with promoting the EaP's activities and objectives and building a European cooperation network; calls for the right of trade unions and employers, including SMEs, to participate in social dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Encourages the EaP countries to contribute to the promotion of the common European social values; underlines the importance of providing information on and raising awareness about social dialogue among the government, employees and employers, particularly in connection with promoting the EaP's activities and objectives and building a European cooperation network; calls for the right of trade unions and employers, including SMEs, to participate in social dialogue;

| 13. | Acknowledges the vital role played by NGOs and other non-state actors in the promotion of democracy, social justice and human rights; urges that all NGOs should, as long as they do not incite racial, ethnic, religious or any other discrimination or hatred, have equal access to registration and the right to function freely, without government interference and any type of political pressure, in order to preserve their integrity; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Acknowledges the vital role played by NGOs and other non-state actors in the promotion of democracy, social justice and human rights; urges that all NGOs should, as long as they do not incite racial, ethnic, religious or any other discrimination or hatred, have equal access to registration and the right to function freely, without government interference and any type of political pressure, in order to preserve their integrity;

| 14. | Considers that strengthening judicial systems and their independence, fighting corruption, securing and implementing fundamental freedoms and international human rights commitments, and ensuring the legal and economic conditions for civil society organisations to work independently are elements that would greatly contribute to the enhanced development and the strengthening of civil society in partner countries; calls for a greater separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive power; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Considers that strengthening judicial systems and their independence, fighting corruption, securing and implementing fundamental freedoms and international human rights commitments, and ensuring the legal and economic conditions for civil society organisations to work independently are elements that would greatly contribute to the enhanced development and the strengthening of civil society in partner countries; calls for a greater separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive power;

| 15. | Encourages the rights of every citizen to participate in public life and to run for public office; stresses the need to ensure that every citizen fully enjoys their right to table petitions, as well as the need to strengthen the role of the Ombudsman in EaP countries, including through a broad information campaign on the functioning of these institutions and by strengthening their office's independence from executive powers; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Encourages the rights of every citizen to participate in public life and to run for public office; stresses the need to ensure that every citizen fully enjoys their right to table petitions, as well as the need to strengthen the role of the Ombudsman in EaP countries, including through a broad information campaign on the functioning of these institutions and by strengthening their office's independence from executive powers;

| 16. | Stresses that improving the distribution of authority and of responsibility between local and central authorities is essential for public administration reform, including by permitting independent candidates to participate in local elections; encourages a greater decentralisation and a greater independence of local governments, including fiscal independence, and the full implementation of the European Charter on Local Self-Government; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Stresses that improving the distribution of authority and of responsibility between local and central authorities is essential for public administration reform, including by permitting independent candidates to participate in local elections; encourages a greater decentralisation and a greater independence of local governments, including fiscal independence, and the full implementation of the European Charter on Local Self-Government;

| 17. | Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to share their experience and provide recommendations in relation to civil society consultations and their funding, and on providing new ways and means of communicating with people (using modern communication technologies); encourages the promotion of e-government and e-municipality policies; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the EU institutions and the Member States to share their experience and provide recommendations in relation to civil society consultations and their funding, and on providing new ways and means of communicating with people (using modern communication technologies); encourages the promotion of e-government and e-municipality policies;

| 18. | Considers that national minorities represent an added value to the society as a whole, and encourages support for their rights and organisations; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Considers that national minorities represent an added value to the society as a whole, and encourages support for their rights and organisations;

| 19. | Urges the EaP governments to promote the financial sustainability of civil society institutions by encouraging the development of independent and transparent mechanisms, including through sectoral approaches, as a priority for sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Urges the EaP governments to promote the financial sustainability of civil society institutions by encouraging the development of independent and transparent mechanisms, including through sectoral approaches, as a priority for sustainable development;

| 20. | Suggests to the national parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries to improve their legislation on civil society institutions and to bring it in conformity with EU standards; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Suggests to the national parliaments of the Eastern Partnership countries to improve their legislation on civil society institutions and to bring it in conformity with EU standards;

| 21. | Encourages the development of a civil society dimension in existing and planned regional and trans-national networks and in cross-border cooperation programmes, and as a means of promoting capacity building; calls on the Commission and EEAS to make full use of instruments at their disposal to promote this cooperation; underlines the role of intercultural dialogue in conflict settlement and confidence building; takes into consideration the specific geographical, historical and political characteristics; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Encourages the development of a civil society dimension in existing and planned regional and trans-national networks and in cross-border cooperation programmes, and as a means of promoting capacity building; calls on the Commission and EEAS to make full use of instruments at their disposal to promote this cooperation; underlines the role of intercultural dialogue in conflict settlement and confidence building; takes into consideration the specific geographical, historical and political characteristics;

| 22. | Stresses that the observance of EU principles of cooperation could have a positive impact on regional and international peace and stability; underlines that peace and stability are essential to create a positive environment for democratic reforms and civil society development; underlines and welcomes the role and initiatives of NGOs in promoting peace, understanding and confidence building; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses that the observance of EU principles of cooperation could have a positive impact on regional and international peace and stability; underlines that peace and stability are essential to create a positive environment for democratic reforms and civil society development; underlines and welcomes the role and initiatives of NGOs in promoting peace, understanding and confidence building;

| 23. | Believes that empowering individuals and civil society through education, training and awareness-raising, while facilitating effective advocacy for all human rights, including social, economic and cultural rights, is an essential complement to the development and implementation of democratisation policies and programmes; stresses that a close partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as the empowerment of oversight institutions, including national parliaments, are key to promoting democracy; notes that cooperation in the field of culture, education, training and research can promote people-to-people contacts for which the necessary funding should be ensured; underlines the importance of enhancing intercultural dialogue via available EU programmes (2); points out that a prioritisation of policies and projects focusing on investments in youth, education, training and skills can lead to increased job creation potential and a more sustainable economy; in this context highlights that mobility fosters cultural and social exchanges and promotes integration between the EU and the EaP countries; therefore urges the EU and the EaP countries to finalise negotiations on visa facilitation; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Believes that empowering individuals and civil society through education, training and awareness-raising, while facilitating effective advocacy for all human rights, including social, economic and cultural rights, is an essential complement to the development and implementation of democratisation policies and programmes; stresses that a close partnership between the public and private sectors, as well as the empowerment of oversight institutions, including national parliaments, are key to promoting democracy; notes that cooperation in the field of culture, education, training and research can promote people-to-people contacts for which the necessary funding should be ensured; underlines the importance of enhancing intercultural dialogue via available EU programmes (2); points out that a prioritisation of policies and projects focusing on investments in youth, education, training and skills can lead to increased job creation potential and a more sustainable economy; in this context highlights that mobility fosters cultural and social exchanges and promotes integration between the EU and the EaP countries; therefore urges the EU and the EaP countries to finalise negotiations on visa facilitation;

| 24. | Highlights that dialogue with citizens and partnerships with society at all levels requires appropriate financial resources; calls for a long-term balanced and appropriate approach to the EU’s Southern and Eastern neighbours; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Highlights that dialogue with citizens and partnerships with society at all levels requires appropriate financial resources; calls for a long-term balanced and appropriate approach to the EU’s Southern and Eastern neighbours;

| 25. | Underlines the important role of countries’ civil society and parliaments in democratic budget oversight, and is convinced that any direct budget support provided by the European Union has to be complemented by a technical and political reinforcement of the oversight capacity of national parliaments; maintains that the European Union should actively inform third countries’ parliaments of the scope of EU cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Underlines the important role of countries’ civil society and parliaments in democratic budget oversight, and is convinced that any direct budget support provided by the European Union has to be complemented by a technical and political reinforcement of the oversight capacity of national parliaments; maintains that the European Union should actively inform third countries’ parliaments of the scope of EU cooperation;

| 26. | Considers that in the process of negotiating and subsequently implementing Association Agreements between the EU and its Eastern Partners, there is a particular need for reinforcing the role of civil society, including through consultation and strengthened dialogue with the national parliaments; notes that the pace of reforms connected to the civil society's situation in Eastern Partner countries can have a direct impact on the intensity of cooperation with the EU; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Considers that in the process of negotiating and subsequently implementing Association Agreements between the EU and its Eastern Partners, there is a particular need for reinforcing the role of civil society, including through consultation and strengthened dialogue with the national parliaments; notes that the pace of reforms connected to the civil society's situation in Eastern Partner countries can have a direct impact on the intensity of cooperation with the EU;

| 27. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, 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 the Eastern Partnership countries. |
| --- | --- |

27.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the President of the European Parliament, 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 the Eastern Partnership countries.

---

(1)  As adopted in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 3 April 2012.

(2)  Tempus, Erasmus Mundus, Leonardo de Vinci, etc.

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| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/21 |
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RESOLUTION (1)

on the situation of Yulia Tymoshenko

2012/C 153/05

THE EURONEST PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY,

| — | having regard to the meeting held in Baku (Azerbaijan) from 2 to 4 April 2012, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the meeting held in Baku (Azerbaijan) from 2 to 4 April 2012,

| — | having regard to Article 9(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 9(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas on its path towards democracy Ukraine has taken important steps in terms of its economic and political development, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas on its path towards democracy Ukraine has taken important steps in terms of its economic and political development,

| B. | whereas the sentencing on 11 October 2011 of the former Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, to seven years in prison for allegedly abusing her power during the signing of gas contracts with Russia in 2009 and the order that she should pay Naftohaz Ukraine UAH 1,5 billion in alleged damages gave rise to concerns with regard to political freedoms, the rule of law and the state of democracy in Ukraine, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the sentencing on 11 October 2011 of the former Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, to seven years in prison for allegedly abusing her power during the signing of gas contracts with Russia in 2009 and the order that she should pay Naftohaz Ukraine UAH 1,5 billion in alleged damages gave rise to concerns with regard to political freedoms, the rule of law and the state of democracy in Ukraine,

| C. | whereas the Ukrainian state leadership, including President Yanukovych, has repeatedly expressed its commitment to European values and integration processes, with the ambition of becoming an EU Member State in the long term; highlighting the personal responsibility of Mr Yanukovych to deliver on his multiple promises to international and European partners, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Ukrainian state leadership, including President Yanukovych, has repeatedly expressed its commitment to European values and integration processes, with the ambition of becoming an EU Member State in the long term; highlighting the personal responsibility of Mr Yanukovych to deliver on his multiple promises to international and European partners,

| D. | whereas the Fifth Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights decided on 15 March 2012 to indicate to the Ukrainian Government, under Rule 391 of the Rules of Court, that it must ensure that former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives adequate medical treatment in an appropriate establishment, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Fifth Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights decided on 15 March 2012 to indicate to the Ukrainian Government, under Rule 391 of the Rules of Court, that it must ensure that former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko receives adequate medical treatment in an appropriate establishment,

| E. | whereas on 15 May 2012 the Highest Specialised Court of Ukraine on Civil and Criminal Cases will consider the cassation appeal filed by Yulia Tymoshenko’s defence team, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas on 15 May 2012 the Highest Specialised Court of Ukraine on Civil and Criminal Cases will consider the cassation appeal filed by Yulia Tymoshenko’s defence team,

| 1. | Deplores the sentencing of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko; stresses that strengthening the rule of law and an independent judiciary, as well as initiating a credible fight against corruption, are essential not only to the deepening of EU-Ukraine relations but also to the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Deplores the sentencing of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko; stresses that strengthening the rule of law and an independent judiciary, as well as initiating a credible fight against corruption, are essential not only to the deepening of EU-Ukraine relations but also to the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine;

| 2. | Urges the Ukrainian authorities to provide for a fair, transparent and impartial appeal process for Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of her government facing charges of having committed economic offences; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Urges the Ukrainian authorities to provide for a fair, transparent and impartial appeal process for Yulia Tymoshenko and other members of her government facing charges of having committed economic offences;

| 3. | Urges the Verkhovna Rada to review and amend, without delay, the criminal code applied against Yulia Tymoshenko, especially Article 365 thereof, which dates back to the Soviet Penal Code and makes provision for criminal prosecution for political decisions, and as such does not comply with international standards; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Urges the Verkhovna Rada to review and amend, without delay, the criminal code applied against Yulia Tymoshenko, especially Article 365 thereof, which dates back to the Soviet Penal Code and makes provision for criminal prosecution for political decisions, and as such does not comply with international standards;

| 4. | Demands that Yulia Tymoshenko, Yuriy Lutsenko and Valery Ivashchenko’s fundamental right to health and well-being be guaranteed by the Ukrainian authorities and that they receive the medical care they need, in accordance with international standards, |
| --- | --- |

4.

Demands that Yulia Tymoshenko, Yuriy Lutsenko and Valery Ivashchenko’s fundamental right to health and well-being be guaranteed by the Ukrainian authorities and that they receive the medical care they need, in accordance with international standards,

| 5. | Takes note of the recent visit by international medical experts, and calls on the Ukrainian authorities to respect their recommendations and, if required, to allow medical treatment outside the prison system; urges the Government of Ukraine to allow similar independent international medical examinations to take place on a regular basis in the future, |
| --- | --- |

5.

Takes note of the recent visit by international medical experts, and calls on the Ukrainian authorities to respect their recommendations and, if required, to allow medical treatment outside the prison system; urges the Government of Ukraine to allow similar independent international medical examinations to take place on a regular basis in the future,

| 6. | Asks the Ukrainian authorities to allow regular toxicology tests in independent laboratories in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Asks the Ukrainian authorities to allow regular toxicology tests in independent laboratories in the European Union;

| 7. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the Council of the EU, the EEAS, the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as to the President of Ukraine, and the Governments and National Assemblies of the Eastern European Partners. |
| --- | --- |

7.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the Council of the EU, the EEAS, the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as to the President of Ukraine, and the Governments and National Assemblies of the Eastern European Partners.

---

(1)  As adopted in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 3 April 2012.

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

| 30.5.2012 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 153/23 |
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30.5.2012

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Official Journal of the European Union

C 153/23

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RULES OF PROCEDURE

adopted on 3 May 2011 in Brussels and amended on 3 April 2012 in Baku

2012/C 153/06

Article 1

Nature and objectives

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly is the parliamentary institution of the Eastern Partnership between the European Union and its Eastern European Partners, to which Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union in principle could be applied, founded on mutual interests and commitments as well as on the principles of differentiation, shared ownership and responsibility.

2.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be the parliamentary forum promoting the necessary conditions to accelerate political association and further economic integration between the European Union and the Eastern European Partners. It shall contribute to the strengthening, development and visibility of the Eastern Partnership, as the institution responsible for parliamentary consultation, supervision and monitoring of the Partnership.

3.   Participation in the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be voluntary, provided that the membership criteria established by the Constituent Act are fulfilled and the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall maintain a spirit of integration and openness.

4.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall help to support, promote and consolidate in practical terms the Eastern Partnership by covering its four thematic platforms, namely:

| (a) | questions related to fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as questions related to market economy, sustainable development and good governance; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

questions related to fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as questions related to market economy, sustainable development and good governance;

| (b) | further economic integration between the EU and its Eastern European Partners, supporting the socio-economic reforms of the Eastern European Partners, as well as trade and investment liberalization, leading to convergence with EU laws and standards with the objective of establishing a network of deep and comprehensive free trade areas; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

further economic integration between the EU and its Eastern European Partners, supporting the socio-economic reforms of the Eastern European Partners, as well as trade and investment liberalization, leading to convergence with EU laws and standards with the objective of establishing a network of deep and comprehensive free trade areas;

| (c) | mutual energy support and security mechanisms and the harmonization of the Eastern European Partners’ energy policies and legislation; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

mutual energy support and security mechanisms and the harmonization of the Eastern European Partners’ energy policies and legislation;

| (d) | promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating the interaction between the European Union and the Eastern European Partners citizens, in particular young people; promoting cultural cooperation and inter-cultural dialogue as well as supporting education, research, the development of the information and media society. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating the interaction between the European Union and the Eastern European Partners citizens, in particular young people; promoting cultural cooperation and inter-cultural dialogue as well as supporting education, research, the development of the information and media society.

Article 2

Composition

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be a joint Assembly and shall be comprised of:

| (a) | 60 members of the European Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

60 members of the European Parliament;

| (b) | 10 members from each of the participating Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

10 members from each of the participating Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners.

2.   The members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly delegated by the European Parliament and by the Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners should be appointed in accordance with the procedures established, respectively, by the European Parliament and by each of the Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners, so that the distribution of the various political groups and delegations represented is reflected as far as possible. In accordance with the same procedures, each participating Parliament may decide to appoint substitute members to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

3.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be organised on the basis of parliamentary delegations established by its two components. The members may also organise themselves within the framework of their own political families within the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

4.   The participating Parliaments shall promote gender balance in the appointments to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and its bodies.

5.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall ensure that the composition of all its bodies is balanced in respect of the breakdown of the political families and the nationality of members.

6.   Any unfilled seat shall in all cases remain at the disposal of the Parliament to which it has been attributed.

Article 3

Responsibilities

The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be the forum for parliamentary discussion, consultation, supervision and monitoring in respect of all questions relating to the Eastern Partnership. For these purposes, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall inter alia adopt resolutions, recommendations and opinions addressed to the Eastern Partnership Summit, the institutions and ministerial conferences devoted to developing the Eastern Partnership as well as to the European Union and Eastern European Partners’ institutions. Similarly, it shall be responsible for drawing up reports and proposals for the adoption of specific measures related to the various spheres of activity of the Partnership, at the request of the Summit or the ministerial conferences.

Article 4

Presidency and Bureau

1.   The two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall elect a Bureau from among their members, consisting of two Co-Presidents of equal status (one belonging to each of the two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly) and a number of Vice-Presidents (one from each of the participating Eastern European Partners different from the country of the relevant Co-President and an equal number from the European Parliament). The electoral procedures and terms of office shall be decided by each component separately.

2.   Any member of the Bureau who is unable to attend the forthcoming Bureau meeting can be replaced by a member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly belonging to the same political group in the European Parliament or to the same Eastern European Partner Delegation. The Co-Presidents must be informed in writing about the substitution in advance of the meeting. If the Co-President is replaced, the substitute will assume his/her functions as the Bureau member, but not those of the Co-President.

3.   The Bureau shall be responsible for coordinating the work of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, monitoring its activities, resolutions and recommendations, and establishing relations with the Eastern Partnership Summit, the ministerial conferences and the groups of high-level officials and ambassadors as well as representatives of civil society and other bodies. The Bureau represents the Assembly in relations with other institutions.

4.   The Bureau shall meet, on the initiative of the Co-Presidents, at least twice a year, with one of these meetings coinciding with the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly’s plenary session. A quorum of the Bureau shall be attained when at least half of the members from its Eastern European Partners component and half of the members from its European Parliament component are present.

5.   The Bureau shall draw up the draft agenda for the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and lay down procedures for the running of the Assembly.

6.   The Bureau shall be responsible for matters relating to the composition and responsibilities of committees and working groups. The Bureau shall also be responsible for authorising the committees to draw up reports, motions for resolutions and recommendations. It may also refer various matters for consideration to the committees, which may draw up reports on a particular topic.

7.   The Bureau shall adopt its decisions by a two-thirds majority of the members present. If any Member or substitute Member of the Bureau representing an Eastern European Partner delegation declares on behalf of his/her delegation that the content of the decision to be adopted by the Bureau would have impact on his/her country's vital interest, and provides a written explanation with the description of the prejudice to support that, consensus amongst the Members of the Bureau is required for adoption. This option may be used only in exceptional cases when the survival, safety and vitality of the nation are specially affected by the proposed decision and must relate only to that part of a decision which would have impact on that Eastern European Partner country's vital interests. This option must not be used for provoking failure of the Bureau to adopt a whole decision or for decisions of technical or procedural nature.

Article 5

Relations with the Eastern Partnership Summit, the Council of Ministers, the European Commission and ministerial conferences

1.   The Bureau shall forge closer ties in all areas with the institutions and bodies of the Eastern Partnership and with the Eastern Partnership organisations. The practical arrangements for that cooperation shall, where appropriate, be laid down in the corresponding memorandums and protocols of understanding.

2.   The representatives of the Eastern Partnership Summit, the Council of Ministers, the European Commission and ministerial conferences devoted to the development and consolidation of the Eastern Partnership shall be invited by the Bureau to take part in the sessions and meetings of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and its bodies.

Article 6

Observers

1.   On a proposal from the Bureau, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may allow representatives of Parliaments of the EU Troika to attend the meetings of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly as observers.

2.   The Bureau may also invite representatives of other institutions and bodies, as well as other persons, to attend the sessions and meetings of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, its committees and working groups.

Article 7

Plenary sessions of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be convened by its Co-Presidents and shall meet, in principle, once a year, alternately in an Eastern European Partner country and on the premises of the European Parliament in one of its places of work, at the invitation of the European Parliament or of the Parliament of the Eastern European Partner hosting the session.

2.   At the request of the Bureau, the Co-Presidents may convene an extraordinary session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

3.   The first sitting of each session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be opened by the President of the European Parliament or by the President of the Parliament of the Eastern European Partner hosting the session.

Article 8

Chairing of sessions

1.   The Co-Presidents shall jointly decide which of them will be the Chair of each session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The Chair may choose to be replaced in the chair by another Co-President or by a Vice-President during the session.

2.   The Chair shall open, adjourn and close the sessions. He/she shall ensure that the Rules of Procedure are observed, maintain order, call upon speakers, restrict speaking time, put matters to the vote and announce the outcome of votes.

3.   The Chair shall decide on matters which arise during sessions, including those which are not provided for in the Rules of Procedure. If necessary, he/she shall consult the Bureau.

4.   The Chair may speak in a debate only in order to introduce the topic or to call speakers to order. If he/she wishes to take part in a debate, he/she shall vacate the chair to another Co-President or to a Vice-President.

Article 9

Agenda

1.   The Co-Presidents shall submit the draft agenda for the plenary session, drawn up by the Bureau, to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly for its approval.

2.   The draft agenda of each plenary session shall include two categories of topics:

| (a) | reports submitted by the standing committees; these will be limited, in principle, to one report per committee per session. Motions for resolutions, which may also be contained in a report, must be tabled four weeks prior to the opening of the session. The maximum length of the motions for resolution is laid down in Annex II to the Rules of Procedure. The Bureau may decide, on request by the Committees' Co-Chairs, how many reports will be voted per session depending on the progress of work for their preparation. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

reports submitted by the standing committees; these will be limited, in principle, to one report per committee per session. Motions for resolutions, which may also be contained in a report, must be tabled four weeks prior to the opening of the session. The maximum length of the motions for resolution is laid down in Annex II to the Rules of Procedure. The Bureau may decide, on request by the Committees' Co-Chairs, how many reports will be voted per session depending on the progress of work for their preparation.

| (b) | urgent topics proposed by a standing committee or submitted by the Bureau itself; urgent topics shall only be included on an exceptional basis and may not exceed three per session; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

urgent topics proposed by a standing committee or submitted by the Bureau itself; urgent topics shall only be included on an exceptional basis and may not exceed three per session;

3.   At least 10 members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, from at least two delegations or a political group in the European Parliament may table a motion for a resolution on an urgent topic. Motions for resolutions on urgent topics must be limited to the point ‘Urgencies’ entered on the agenda for the session and may not exceed 1 000 words. Motions for resolutions on urgent topics must be tabled 48 hours prior to the opening of the session at which they are to be debated and voted on.

4.   Motions for resolutions on urgent topics shall be submitted to the Bureau, which shall ensure that each motion meets the criteria set out in paragraph 3, is entered on the agenda and is available in the working languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The Bureau’s proposals shall be submitted to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly for approval.

Article 10

Quorum

1.   A quorum of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be attained when at least one third of the members from its Eastern European Partners component and one third of the members from its European Parliament component are present.

2.   All votes shall be valid whatever the number of voters, unless the Chair, at the request made before voting has begun by at least 15 members present, establishes at the time of voting that the quorum is not present. If the vote shows that the quorum is not present, the vote shall be placed on the agenda for the next session.

Article 11

Seating arrangements

1.   All members shall be seated in alphabetical order, by name, without regard to their nationality. The Bureau will be seated at the front.

2.   The representatives of the Eastern Partnership Summit, the Council of Ministers, the European Commission the ministerial conferences and observers shall be seated separately from members.

Article 12

Official and working languages

1.   The official languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be the official languages of the European Union and the official languages of the Eastern European Partners. The working languages shall be English, German, French and Russian. In any working place, any linguistic support requested as to ensure that each member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly can participate fully in its proceedings may be delivered by the relevant services of the European Parliament, provided the Parliament of the country hosting the meeting agrees.

2.   The Parliament hosting the meeting shall make the working documents available to the members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly in its working languages and, whenever possible, in all the official languages.

3.   In principle, and as far as possible, all members may speak in one of the official languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly during debates. Interventions shall be interpreted into the working languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and, only if this will be possible according to the Code of Conduct on Multilingualism of the European Parliament, into the relevant official languages of the European Union when meetings of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly are held in one of the working places of the European Parliament.

4.   Meetings of the committees and, where appropriate, working groups, as well as hearings, shall be held in the working languages, without prejudice to the possibilities provided for in the Rules of Procedure.

5.   Texts adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be published in all the official languages of the European Union in the Official Journal of the European Union and by the Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners in their official languages in the form deemed appropriate by each of them.

Article 13

Public nature of debates

The sessions of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be public unless it decides otherwise.

Article 14

Right to speak

1.   A member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may speak when called upon to do so by the Chair.

2.   Representatives of the Eastern Partnership Summit, the Council of Ministers, the European Commission, ministerial conferences and observers shall be given the floor upon receiving authorisation to speak from the Chair.

3.   If a speaker departs from the subject, the Chair shall call the speaker to order. If the speaker persists, the Chair may forbid that speaker to speak for such time as he/she sees fit.

Article 15

Points of order

1.   A Member may raise a point of order or move a procedural motion and shall have a prior right to speak for not more than two minutes.

2.   The Chair may, on request, give the floor to one speaker against the procedural motion for not more than two minutes.

3.   No further speakers shall be heard.

4.   The Chair shall announce his/her decision on the point of order or procedural motion. If necessary, he/she shall consult the Bureau.

Article 16

Voting rights and voting procedures

1.   Each member shall have a single, personal, non-transferable vote.

2.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall vote by show of hands. If the result of the show of hands is doubtful, a fresh vote shall be taken using coloured cards, or, where possible, electronically.

3.   Counting of votes shall be made by the Counting Commission, which shall consist of two equal parts of representatives of the secretariats of the two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The Counting Commission shall be appointed by the Bureau before the beginning of each session and it shall report the result of the counting of votes directly to the Co-Presidents.

4.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may decide to vote by secret ballot if at least 15 members of the Assembly submit a request to that effect in writing by 6.00 p.m. on the day preceding the vote.

5.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall take its decisions by a simple majority of the members present. If a request for a vote by separate components has been submitted before the beginning of the vote by a minimum of one tenth of the members belonging to at least two political groups in the European Parliament or to at least two delegations from the Eastern European Partner component of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a vote shall be taken in which the representatives of the Eastern European Partner component and the representatives of the European Parliament component shall vote separately, although simultaneously. The text in question shall be deemed to have been adopted if it secures a two-thirds majority of the votes cast separately in both components.

Article 17

Resolutions and recommendations of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may adopt resolutions and recommendations addressed to the Eastern Partnership Summit and the institutions, bodies, groups and ministerial conferences devoted to strengthening the Eastern Partnership or addressed to the European Union and the Eastern European Partners institutions, on matters related to the various fields covered by the Partnership.

2.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall vote on motions for resolutions included in reports submitted by the standing committees.

3.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall also vote, where appropriate, on motions for resolutions addressing urgent topics.

4.   The Chair shall, where appropriate, invite the authors of similar motions for resolutions on urgent topics to draw up a joint motion for a resolution. At the end of the debate, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall first vote on each of those motions and the corresponding amendments. Once a joint resolution has been tabled, all other motions tabled on the same topic by the same authors shall fall. Similarly, once a joint resolution has been adopted, all the other texts on that topic shall fall. Should no joint resolution be adopted, the remaining motions for resolution shall be put to the vote in the order in which they were tabled.

Article 18

Messages to Eastern Partnership Summit meetings

The Bureau of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall submit a draft message to the summit meeting, or, where appropriate, to the Eastern Partnership ministerial meeting, based on the resolutions and recommendations adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The message shall be forwarded to the relevant institutions jointly by the Co-Presidents.

Article 19

Statements

The Bureau may agree urgently on statements concerning any matter relating to the Eastern Partnership and in response to any natural emergency, the onset of a crisis or the outbreak of a conflict concerning which it is considered appropriate or necessary to issue an institutional call urging those involved to refrain from violence and/or to engage in political negotiations, or for solidarity with the persons and countries affected. Such statements should be based on any existing resolutions and recommendations adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and should be sent as soon as possible to all members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly for information. Statements are to be made public by the Co-Presidents.

Article 20

Amendments

1.   Amendments to texts debated during the session may be tabled by a minimum of 5 members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly or by a political group as mentioned in art. 2.3. Amendments shall relate to the text they seek to alter and shall be submitted in writing. The Bureau may decide the amendment to be inadmissible, on the basis of these criteria.

2.   The deadline for the tabling of amendments shall be announced at the beginning of the session.

3.   When a vote is being taken, amendments shall have priority over the text to which they relate.

4.   If two or more amendments have been tabled to the same part of the text, the amendment that departs furthest in content from the original text shall be put to the vote first. Only oral amendments which correct factual or language mistakes may be taken. No other oral amendments shall be taken.

5.   The Assembly shall not consider any amendment (including oral amendments) regarding which a vital interest objection has been raised.

Article 21

Questions for written answer

1.   Any member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may put questions for written answer to the ministerial bodies of the Eastern Partnership, the Presidency-in-Office of the Summit, the Council of Ministers of the European Union or the European Commission.

2.   Those questions must relate to the Eastern Partnership and in particular to its four thematic platforms. The questions shall be submitted in writing to the Bureau, which shall decide whether they are admissible and, if such is the case, forward them to the relevant bodies, specifically requesting a written answer within two months from the date on which the question was forwarded.

Article 22

Questions for oral answer

1.   At each session, question time to the ministerial bodies of the Eastern Partnership, the Presidency-in-Office of the Summit, the Council of Ministers of the European Union and the European Commission shall be held at such times as may be decided by the Bureau so as to ensure the presence of the above-mentioned institutions at the highest level.

2.   Any member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may table one question for oral answer. Those questions must relate to the Eastern Partnership and in particular to its four thematic platforms. If a question is tabled by several members, only one of those members will be called to put the question orally. Questions, which must not exceed 100 words, shall be submitted in writing to the Bureau within the deadline set by the latter. The Bureau shall decide if they are admissible. In particular, the Bureau shall declare inadmissible the questions that are related to subjects which are already included in the agenda of the session. Questions declared admissible shall be forwarded to the relevant institutions. The Co-Presidents shall decide on the order in which oral questions are taken and the authors of the questions shall be notified of their decision.

3.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall set aside not more than two hours during each session for dealing with questions for oral answer. Questions that remain unanswered for lack of time shall be answered in writing, unless the author withdraws the question. An oral question may only be answered if its author is present.

4.   The ministerial bodies of the Eastern Partnership, the Presidency-in-Office of the Summit, the Council of Ministers of the European Union and the European Commission shall be invited to give brief answers to questions. At the request of 20 or more members of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, the answer may be followed by a debate. The Chair shall set a time limit for this debate.

Article 23

Requests for the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly’s opinion

At the request of the Eastern Partnership Summit, the ministerial conferences, the European Commission or other relevant EU of Eastern Partnership institutions, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may, on a recommendation of the Bureau, decide to draw up opinions and proposals for the adoption of specific measures related to the various spheres of activity of the Eastern Partnership. In such cases, the request shall be submitted to the Bureau, which may place the matter before the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly together with a recommendation.

Article 24

Minutes of Proceedings

The draft minutes of the plenary sessions and those of the meetings of the Bureau, standing committees and working groups, together with the records of attendance and the texts of the decisions adopted, shall be prepared and kept by the Secretariat of the Delegation which is hosting the sessions and meetings. Upon completion, the other Delegations will receive a copy of these draft minutes.

Article 25

Standing committees

1.   In order to examine specific aspects of the Eastern Partnership in greater depth, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall set up the following four standing committees:

| — | Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy;

| — | Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies;

| — | Committee on Energy Security; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Energy Security;

| — | Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society. |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society.

2.   In line with the general arrangements for the functioning of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, the standing committees shall be composed of members of the Assembly, in accordance with Article 2, and shall function in a strictly joint manner. Powers, responsibilities, membership and procedures of standing committees are laid down in Annex I.

3.   The Rules of Procedure of the standing committees shall be adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly on a proposal from the Bureau.

Article 26

Temporary and follow-up committees

At any time the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may, on a proposal from the Bureau or from members of the Assembly, including at least one third of the Eastern European Partners component and one third of the European Parliament component, set up temporary or follow-up committees and, when deciding to set them up, shall determine their responsibilities, composition and mandate. No more than two such committees may be operational at the same time. Follow-up committees must complete their work within one year, in special cases this term may be prolonged for another 6 months.

Article 27

Working groups and hearings

1.   The Bureau may decide to set up working groups on a specific aspect of the Eastern Partnership or to send fact-finding missions to the Eastern European Partners or European Union countries or to international organisations, subject to budgetary constraints. In either case, the Bureau shall decide on their organisation, responsibilities and composition. These working groups or missions may be instructed to draw up reports and motions for resolutions or recommendations addressed to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The working groups created are to be confirmed by the next session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The number of members of a working group shall be 10 (5 members from each component).

2.   With a view to achieving greater understanding between the peoples of the European Union and those of the Eastern European Partners, and to raising public awareness of questions relating to the Eastern Partnership, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may organise hearings at regular intervals. These shall be organised under the responsibility of the Bureau and shall provide an opportunity to invite persons able to give the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly first-hand information about political, economic, social and cultural situations that are of concern.

Article 28

Relations with Parliamentary Cooperation Committees (PCCs) and Delegations

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall invite the Parliamentary Cooperation Committees (PCCs) and delegations set up under existing Agreements, and any others set up subsequently, to collaborate in its work.

2.   That invitation may include, in particular, the meeting of existing Parliamentary Cooperation Committees (PCCs) and delegations during the session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

Article 29

Funding of costs of organisation, participation, interpretation and translation

1.   Without prejudice to Art. 12, § 1, the Parliament hosting a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a meeting of the Bureau or a meeting of one of the committees or working groups shall be responsible for the practical arrangements relating to the organisation of the session or meeting.

2.   On a proposal from the Bureau, the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly may recommend that a financial contribution from other Parliaments should be provided to cover expenditure on the organisation of a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly or a meeting of a committee or working group.

3.   Travel, subsistence and local transport expenses of participants shall be met by the institution of which they are members.

4.   The costs of organisation shall be met by the Parliament hosting a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a meeting of the Bureau or a meeting of one of the committees or working groups, with the provisos set out in the paragraphs below.

5.   When a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a meeting of the Bureau or a meeting of one of the committees or working groups is held in the places of work of the European Parliament, the latter shall, without prejudice of Article 12, paragraph 1 and owing to its own linguistic diversity, provide interpretation into the official languages of the European Union, depending on the requirements of each meeting and according to the Code of Conduct on Multilingualism of the European Parliament.

6.   When a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a meeting of the Bureau or a meeting of one of the committees or working groups is held outside the places of work of the European Parliament, the latter shall, without prejudice of Article 12, paragraph 1 and owing to its own linguistic diversity, provide interpretation solely into the working languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and into official languages of the European Union which are to be used by the members of the European Parliament in accordance with the Code of Conduct on Multilingualism of the European Parliament.

7.   The European Parliament shall assume responsibility for translating the official documents adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly into the official languages of the European Union. That institution shall also, provided the Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners would agree and owing to its own linguistic diversity, take charge of the translation into the working languages of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly of documents produced in preparation for, or during, the meetings of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly and its bodies. The Parliaments of the Eastern European Partners shall assume responsibility for translating the official documents adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly into the respective official languages of their countries.

Article 30

Secretariat

1.   The EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall be assisted in the preparation and smooth running of the Assembly’s work by a Secretariat consisting of officials drawn from each of the two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

The Secretariat shall provide assistance to the plenary sessions, to the Bureau, to the committees and to the working groups. In order to guarantee professional and impartial assistance to the Assembly, the two components will facilitate close cooperation and capacity building, as well as mutual exchange of professional experience between the various components of the Secretariat.

2.   Salaries and other expenses of the staff of the secretariat shall be borne by their respective Parliaments.

3.   The Parliament hosting a session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly or a committee meeting shall provide assistance with the organization of the session or meeting in question.

Article 31

Interpretation of the Rules of Procedure

The Co-Presidents or, at their request, the Bureau shall rule on questions relating to the interpretation of the Rules of Procedure.

Article 32

Amendment of the Rules of Procedure

1.   Amendments to the Rules of Procedure shall be adopted by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly on the basis of proposals from the Bureau.

2.   Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the members present. If a request for a vote by separate components has been submitted before the beginning of the vote by a minimum of one tenth of the members belonging to at least two political groups in the European Parliament or to at least two delegations from the Eastern European Partner component of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, a vote shall be taken in which the representatives of the Eastern European Partner component and the representatives of the European Parliament component shall vote separately. The text in question shall be deemed to have been adopted if it secures a two-thirds majority of the votes cast separately in both components.

3.   Unless otherwise specified when the vote is taken, the amendments to the Rules of Procedure shall enter into force on the first day of the session following their adoption.

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ANNEX I

POWERS, RESPONSIBILITIES, MEMBERSHIP AND PROCEDURES OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Article 1

There shall be four standing parliamentary committees with the following powers and responsibilities:

| — | Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Political Affairs, Human Rights and Democracy;

| — | Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Economic Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies;

| — | Committee on Energy Security; |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Energy Security;

| — | Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society. |
| --- | --- |

—

Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society.

This committee shall be responsible for matters relating to:

| 1. | the development of stable democratic institutions, questions of governance and the role of political parties; |
| --- | --- |

1.

the development of stable democratic institutions, questions of governance and the role of political parties;

| 2. | the promotion of political dialogue, multilateral confidence building measures and contribution to peaceful conflict settlement; |
| --- | --- |

2.

the promotion of political dialogue, multilateral confidence building measures and contribution to peaceful conflict settlement;

| 3. | relations with other national and international organisations and parliamentary assemblies for matters falling within its terms of reference; |
| --- | --- |

3.

relations with other national and international organisations and parliamentary assemblies for matters falling within its terms of reference;

| 4. | peace, security, stability; |
| --- | --- |

4.

peace, security, stability;

| 5. | electoral standards, regulation of the media and combating corruption. |
| --- | --- |

5.

electoral standards, regulation of the media and combating corruption.

This committee shall be responsible for matters relating to:

| 1. | monitoring economic, financial and commercial relations between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, with third countries and with regional organisations; |
| --- | --- |

1.

monitoring economic, financial and commercial relations between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, with third countries and with regional organisations;

| 2. | relations with relevant international organisations (specifically the World Trade Organization) and with organisations working at regional level to promote economic and trade integration; |
| --- | --- |

2.

relations with relevant international organisations (specifically the World Trade Organization) and with organisations working at regional level to promote economic and trade integration;

| 3. | technical harmonisation or standardisation measures in sectors covered by international legal instruments; |
| --- | --- |

3.

technical harmonisation or standardisation measures in sectors covered by international legal instruments;

| 4. | questions relating to the funding of the Partnership, including follow-up to the implementation of facilities of the European Investment Bank and other instruments and mechanisms of this type; |
| --- | --- |

4.

questions relating to the funding of the Partnership, including follow-up to the implementation of facilities of the European Investment Bank and other instruments and mechanisms of this type;

| 5. | social and human development, social infrastructures and services, including health issues; |
| --- | --- |

5.

social and human development, social infrastructures and services, including health issues;

| 6. | migration and human exchanges; |
| --- | --- |

6.

migration and human exchanges;

| 7. | sustainable development, natural resources, global warming and energy policy; |
| --- | --- |

7.

sustainable development, natural resources, global warming and energy policy;

| 8. | environmental governance, investment in a regional context, climate change; |
| --- | --- |

8.

environmental governance, investment in a regional context, climate change;

| 9. | facilitating the interconnection of transport and telecommunications networks; |
| --- | --- |

9.

facilitating the interconnection of transport and telecommunications networks;

| 10. | harmonisation of the regulatory environment. |
| --- | --- |

10.

harmonisation of the regulatory environment.

| 11. | transborder cooperation |
| --- | --- |

11.

transborder cooperation

This committee shall be responsible for matters relating to:

| 1. | monitoring the development and implementation of a mutual energy support and security mechanism; |
| --- | --- |

1.

monitoring the development and implementation of a mutual energy support and security mechanism;

| 2. | supporting the strengthening of contacts in relation to energy security and energy crisis preparedness; |
| --- | --- |

2.

supporting the strengthening of contacts in relation to energy security and energy crisis preparedness;

| 3. | supporting the work of the energy security panel; |
| --- | --- |

3.

supporting the work of the energy security panel;

| 4. | monitoring the harmonisation of partners’ energy policies and legislation and the diversification of supply and transit routes; |
| --- | --- |

4.

monitoring the harmonisation of partners’ energy policies and legislation and the diversification of supply and transit routes;

| 5. | supporting the creation of an interconnected and diversified energy market. |
| --- | --- |

5.

supporting the creation of an interconnected and diversified energy market.

This committee shall be responsible for matters relating to:

| 1. | the promotion of cooperation in the fields of culture and education and relations with relevant international organisations and agencies; |
| --- | --- |

1.

the promotion of cooperation in the fields of culture and education and relations with relevant international organisations and agencies;

| 2. | matters relating to young people and gender equality; |
| --- | --- |

2.

matters relating to young people and gender equality;

| 3. | monitoring the development of the information society and the role of media; |
| --- | --- |

3.

monitoring the development of the information society and the role of media;

| 4. | supporting cooperation in the area of education, language learning, youth and research; |
| --- | --- |

4.

supporting cooperation in the area of education, language learning, youth and research;

| 5. | relations with the Civil Society Forum and with the NGOs from the EU and the Eastern European Partners; |
| --- | --- |

5.

relations with the Civil Society Forum and with the NGOs from the EU and the Eastern European Partners;

| 6. | the promotion of cultural cooperation and inter-cultural dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

6.

the promotion of cultural cooperation and inter-cultural dialogue.

Article 2

1.   Each of the standing committees shall have a maximum of 30 members and shall consist as far as possible of equal numbers of Members from both components and reflect the composition of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. The size and composition of the committees shall be decided by the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly on a proposal from the Bureau.

2.   Each member of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall have the right to be a member of one of the standing committees. In exceptional cases, a member may belong to two standings committees.

3.   Members are appointed in accordance with the procedures to be established by each Parliament in such a way as to reflect as far as possible the distribution of the various political groups and delegations represented, respectively, in the European Parliament and in the Eastern European Partner component.

Article 3

1.   Each committee shall elect a Bureau from among its members consisting of two Co-Chairs of equal status (one from each of the two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly) and four Vice-Co-Chairs (two from each of the two components of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly), in respect of whom the electoral procedures and terms of office shall be decided by each component.

2.   The Co-Chairs shall jointly decide which of them is to preside at each meeting of the committee.

3.   The committees may appoint rapporteurs to examine specific questions within their competence and prepare reports to be submitted to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly, subject to authorisation from the Bureau, in accordance with the Rules of Procedure.

4.   The standing committees may discuss their agenda items without a report and may inform the Bureau in writing that the items in question have been discussed.

5.   The committees shall report to the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly on their activities.

Article 4

1.   Committees shall meet when convened by their Co-Chairs and for a maximum of two meetings per year, one of which is to be held during the session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly.

2.   Any member may table amendments for consideration in committee.

3.   As far as procedure is concerned, the Rules of Procedure of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly shall apply mutatis mutandis to committee meetings. In particular, the quorum of a committee shall be reached when at least one third of the members of each component are present.

4.   Unless a committee decides otherwise, all meetings shall be public.

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ANNEX II

LENGTH OF TEXTS

The following maximum limits shall apply to texts submitted for translation and reproduction:

| — | explanatory statements, preparatory working documents and minutes of working group meetings and fact-finding missions: 6 pages; |
| --- | --- |

—

explanatory statements, preparatory working documents and minutes of working group meetings and fact-finding missions: 6 pages;

| — | motions for resolution contained in reports and on urgent topics: 4 pages, including recitals, but excluding citations. |
| --- | --- |

—

motions for resolution contained in reports and on urgent topics: 4 pages, including recitals, but excluding citations.

One page is understood to mean a text of 1 500 printed characters, not including spaces.

This Annex may be amended by the Bureau.

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