# Official Journal C 67E/2010

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.CE2010.067.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 67E |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5318 March 2010 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.CE2010.067.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 67E

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5318 March 2010

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 3 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/01 | Wilderness in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on Wilderness in Europe (2008/2210(INI)) | 1 |
| 2010/C 067E/02 | An agenda for sustainable future in general and business aviationEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on an Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation (2008/2134(INI)) | 5 |
| 2010/C 067E/03 | Pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in Europe (2008/2139(INI)) | 10 |
| 2010/C 067E/04 | Second Strategic Energy ReviewEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on the Second Strategic Energy Review (2008/2239(INI)) | 16 |
| 2010/C 067E/05 | Non-discrimination based on sex and inter-generational solidarityEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on non-discrimination based on sex and intergenerational solidarity (2008/2118(INI)) | 31 |
| 2010/C 067E/06 | Combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornographyEuropean Parliament recommendation of 3 February 2009 to the Council on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (2008/2144(INI)) | 38 |
| 2010/C 067E/07 | NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via EutelsatDeclaration of the European Parliament on restoring NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via Eutelsat | 42 |
| | Wednesday 4 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/08 | 2050: The future begins today – recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate changeEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on 2050: The future begins today – Recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate change (2008/2105(INI)) | 44 |
| ANNEX A | 82 |
| ANNEX B | 84 |
| 2010/C 067E/09 | Energy efficiency through information and communication technologiesEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the challenge of energy efficiency through information and communication technologies | 85 |
| 2010/C 067E/10 | Return and resettlement of Guantánamo prisonersEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the return and resettlement of the Guantánamo detention facility inmates | 91 |
| | Thursday 5 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/11 | Implementation in the EU of Directive 2003/9/EC on the minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the implementation in the European Union of Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers and refugees: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008 (2008/2235(INI)) | 94 |
| 2010/C 067E/12 | Enhancing the role of European SMEs in international tradeEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on enhancing the role of European SMEs in international trade (2008/2205(INI)) | 101 |
| 2010/C 067E/13 | International Trade and the InternetEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on International Trade and the Internet (2008/2204(INI)) | 112 |
| 2010/C 067E/14 | Development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (2008/2170(INI)) | 120 |
| 2010/C 067E/15 | KosovoEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Kosovo and the role of the EU | 126 |
| 2010/C 067E/16 | Trade and economic relations with ChinaEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Trade and economic relations with China (2008/2171(INI)) | 132 |
| 2010/C 067E/17 | Situation in Sri LankaEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Sri Lanka | 141 |
| 2010/C 067E/18 | Situation of Burmese refugees in ThailandEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand | 144 |
| 2010/C 067E/19 | The refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from BrazilEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from Brazil | 146 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

2010/C 067E/01

Wilderness in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on Wilderness in Europe (2008/2210(INI))

1

2010/C 067E/02

An agenda for sustainable future in general and business aviationEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on an Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation (2008/2134(INI))

5

2010/C 067E/03

Pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in Europe (2008/2139(INI))

10

2010/C 067E/04

Second Strategic Energy ReviewEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on the Second Strategic Energy Review (2008/2239(INI))

16

2010/C 067E/05

Non-discrimination based on sex and inter-generational solidarityEuropean Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on non-discrimination based on sex and intergenerational solidarity (2008/2118(INI))

31

2010/C 067E/06

Combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornographyEuropean Parliament recommendation of 3 February 2009 to the Council on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (2008/2144(INI))

38

2010/C 067E/07

NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via EutelsatDeclaration of the European Parliament on restoring NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via Eutelsat

42

Wednesday 4 February 2009

2010/C 067E/08

2050: The future begins today – recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate changeEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on 2050: The future begins today – Recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate change (2008/2105(INI))

44

ANNEX A

82

ANNEX B

84

2010/C 067E/09

Energy efficiency through information and communication technologiesEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the challenge of energy efficiency through information and communication technologies

85

2010/C 067E/10

Return and resettlement of Guantánamo prisonersEuropean Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the return and resettlement of the Guantánamo detention facility inmates

91

Thursday 5 February 2009

2010/C 067E/11

Implementation in the EU of Directive 2003/9/EC on the minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the implementation in the European Union of Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers and refugees: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008 (2008/2235(INI))

94

2010/C 067E/12

Enhancing the role of European SMEs in international tradeEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on enhancing the role of European SMEs in international trade (2008/2205(INI))

101

2010/C 067E/13

International Trade and the InternetEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on International Trade and the Internet (2008/2204(INI))

112

2010/C 067E/14

Development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (2008/2170(INI))

120

2010/C 067E/15

KosovoEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Kosovo and the role of the EU

126

2010/C 067E/16

Trade and economic relations with ChinaEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Trade and economic relations with China (2008/2171(INI))

132

2010/C 067E/17

Situation in Sri LankaEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Sri Lanka

141

2010/C 067E/18

Situation of Burmese refugees in ThailandEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand

144

2010/C 067E/19

The refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from BrazilEuropean Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from Brazil

146

| | II   Information |
| --- | --- |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 3 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/20 | Request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav RansdorfEuropean Parliament decision of 3 February 2009 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf (2008/2176(IMM)) | 148 |

II   Information

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

2010/C 067E/20

Request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav RansdorfEuropean Parliament decision of 3 February 2009 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf (2008/2176(IMM))

148

| | III   Preparatory Acts |
| --- | --- |
| | European Parliament |
| | Tuesday 3 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/21 | Extension of the EC-USA agreement for scientific and technological cooperation *European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America (COM(2008)0581 – C6-0392/2008 – 2008/0184(CNS)) | 149 |
| 2010/C 067E/22 | Renewal of the Agreement between the EC and Russia on cooperation in science and technology *European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation (COM(2008)0728 – C6-0456/2008 – 2008/0209(CNS)) | 150 |
| | Wednesday 4 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/23 | Sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals ***IProposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals (COM(2007)0249 – C6-0143/2007 – 2007/0094(COD)) | 151 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2007)0094Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals | 151 |
| | Thursday 5 February 2009 |
| 2010/C 067E/24 | Information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries (COM(2008)0431 – C6-0313/2008 – 2008/0131(CNS)) | 152 |
| 2010/C 067E/25 | The placing on the market and the use of feed for animals ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed (COM(2008)0124 – C6-0128/2008 – 2008/0050(COD)) | 155 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2008)0050Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 5 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Directives 79/373/EEC, 80/511/EEC, 82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Decision 2004/217/EC | 155 |
| ANNEX | 156 |

III   Preparatory Acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

2010/C 067E/21

Extension of the EC-USA agreement for scientific and technological cooperation *European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America (COM(2008)0581 – C6-0392/2008 – 2008/0184(CNS))

149

2010/C 067E/22

Renewal of the Agreement between the EC and Russia on cooperation in science and technology *European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation (COM(2008)0728 – C6-0456/2008 – 2008/0209(CNS))

150

Wednesday 4 February 2009

2010/C 067E/23

Sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals ***IProposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals (COM(2007)0249 – C6-0143/2007 – 2007/0094(COD))

151

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0094Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals

151

Thursday 5 February 2009

2010/C 067E/24

Information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products *European Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries (COM(2008)0431 – C6-0313/2008 – 2008/0131(CNS))

152

2010/C 067E/25

The placing on the market and the use of feed for animals ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed (COM(2008)0124 – C6-0128/2008 – 2008/0050(COD))

155

P6_TC1-COD(2008)0050Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 5 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Directives 79/373/EEC, 80/511/EEC, 82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Decision 2004/217/EC

155

ANNEX

156

| Key to symbols used






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

Key to symbols used

*

Consultation procedure

**I

Cooperation procedure: first reading

**II

Cooperation procedure: second reading

***

Assent procedure

***I

Codecision procedure: first reading

***II

Codecision procedure: second reading

***III

Codecision procedure: third reading

(The type of procedure is determined by the legal basis proposed by the Commission.)

Political amendments: new or amended text is highlighted in bold italics; deletions are indicated by the symbol ▐.

Technical corrections and adaptations by the services: new or replacement text is highlighted in italics and deletions are indicated by the symbol ║.

| EN | |
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EN

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I Resolutions, recommendations and opinions

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/1

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Wilderness in Europe

P6_TA(2009)0034

European Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on Wilderness in Europe (2008/2210(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/01)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (1) (Birds Directive), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (1) (Birds Directive),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2) (Habitats Directive), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2) (Habitats Directive),

| — | having regard to the European Union's ecological network of special areas of conservation established by the two above-mentioned Directives, called the ‘Natura 2000’ network, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Union's ecological network of special areas of conservation established by the two above-mentioned Directives, called the ‘Natura 2000’ network,

| — | having regard to the outcome of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome of the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the Convention on Biological Diversity,

| — | having regard to the report No 3/2008 of the European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘European forests - ecosystem conditions and sustainable use’, |
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—

having regard to the report No 3/2008 of the European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘European forests - ecosystem conditions and sustainable use’,

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

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0478/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0478/2008),

| A. | Whereas the effective protection and, where necessary, restoration of Europe's last wilderness areas are vital to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010, |
| --- | --- |

A.

Whereas the effective protection and, where necessary, restoration of Europe's last wilderness areas are vital to halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010,

| B. | Whereas the target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 will not be achieved and the negative social and economic impact of biodiversity loss and declining ecosystem services are already being felt, |
| --- | --- |

B.

Whereas the target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010 will not be achieved and the negative social and economic impact of biodiversity loss and declining ecosystem services are already being felt,

| C. | Whereas the European Union should build on current achievements such as Natura 2000 and develop a significantly strengthened and ambitious new policy framework for biodiversity after 2010, |
| --- | --- |

C.

Whereas the European Union should build on current achievements such as Natura 2000 and develop a significantly strengthened and ambitious new policy framework for biodiversity after 2010,

| D. | Whereas the Birds and Habitats Directives provide a strong and workable framework for the protection of nature, including wilderness areas, from harmful developments, |
| --- | --- |

D.

Whereas the Birds and Habitats Directives provide a strong and workable framework for the protection of nature, including wilderness areas, from harmful developments,

| E. | Whereas the objectives of the European Union's biodiversity policy and of the Birds and Habitats Directives are still far from being properly integrated in sectoral policies, such as agriculture, regional development, energy or transport, |
| --- | --- |

E.

Whereas the objectives of the European Union's biodiversity policy and of the Birds and Habitats Directives are still far from being properly integrated in sectoral policies, such as agriculture, regional development, energy or transport,

| F. | Whereas many wilderness areas provide important carbon stocks, whose protection is important both for biodiversity and for climate protection, |
| --- | --- |

F.

Whereas many wilderness areas provide important carbon stocks, whose protection is important both for biodiversity and for climate protection,

| G. | Whereas the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity constitute a particularly serious threat to wilderness areas, where early detection of invasive species may not be possible, and where significant ecological and economic damage may occur before action can be taken, |
| --- | --- |

G.

Whereas the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity constitute a particularly serious threat to wilderness areas, where early detection of invasive species may not be possible, and where significant ecological and economic damage may occur before action can be taken,

Definition and mapping

| 1. | Calls on the Commission to define wilderness; the definition should address aspects such as ecosystem services, conservation value, climate change and sustainable use; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Calls on the Commission to define wilderness; the definition should address aspects such as ecosystem services, conservation value, climate change and sustainable use;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to mandate the EEA and other relevant European bodies to map Europe's last wilderness areas, in order to ascertain the current distribution, level of biodiversity and cover of still-untouched areas as well as areas where human activities are minimal (divided into major habitats types: forest, freshwater and marine wilderness areas); |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to mandate the EEA and other relevant European bodies to map Europe's last wilderness areas, in order to ascertain the current distribution, level of biodiversity and cover of still-untouched areas as well as areas where human activities are minimal (divided into major habitats types: forest, freshwater and marine wilderness areas);

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to undertake a study on the value and benefits of wilderness protection; the study should particularly address the issues of ecosystem services, the level of biodiversity of wilderness areas, climate change adaptation and sustainable nature tourism; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission to undertake a study on the value and benefits of wilderness protection; the study should particularly address the issues of ecosystem services, the level of biodiversity of wilderness areas, climate change adaptation and sustainable nature tourism;

Developing wilderness areas

| 4. | Calls on the Commission to develop an EU wilderness strategy, coherent with the Birds and Habitats Directives, using an ecosystem approach, identifying threatened species and biotopes, and setting priorities; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Commission to develop an EU wilderness strategy, coherent with the Birds and Habitats Directives, using an ecosystem approach, identifying threatened species and biotopes, and setting priorities;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop wilderness areas; stresses the need for the provision of special funding for reducing fragmentation, careful management of re-wilding areas, development of compensation mechanisms and programmes, raising awareness, building understanding and introducing wilderness-related concepts such as the role of free natural processes and structural elements resulting from such processes into the monitoring and measurement of favourable conservation status; considers that this work should be carried out in cooperation with the local population and other stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop wilderness areas; stresses the need for the provision of special funding for reducing fragmentation, careful management of re-wilding areas, development of compensation mechanisms and programmes, raising awareness, building understanding and introducing wilderness-related concepts such as the role of free natural processes and structural elements resulting from such processes into the monitoring and measurement of favourable conservation status; considers that this work should be carried out in cooperation with the local population and other stakeholders;

Promotion

| 6. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to co-operate with local non-governmental organisations, stakeholders and the local population to promote the value of wilderness; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to co-operate with local non-governmental organisations, stakeholders and the local population to promote the value of wilderness;

| 7. | Calls on the Member States to launch and support information campaigns to raise awareness among the general public about wilderness and its significance and to cultivate the perception that biodiversity protection can be compatible with economic growth and jobs; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Member States to launch and support information campaigns to raise awareness among the general public about wilderness and its significance and to cultivate the perception that biodiversity protection can be compatible with economic growth and jobs;

| 8. | Calls on the Member States to exchange their experiences of best practices and lessons learned about wilderness areas by bringing together key European experts to examine the concept of wilderness in the European Union and place wilderness on the European agenda; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Member States to exchange their experiences of best practices and lessons learned about wilderness areas by bringing together key European experts to examine the concept of wilderness in the European Union and place wilderness on the European agenda;

| 9. | In view of the well-documented damage which tourism has inflicted, and continues to inflict, on a great deal of Europe's most precious natural heritage, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that tourism, even if focused on introducing visitors to the habitats and wildlife of a wilderness area, is handled with extreme care, making full use of experience gained inside and outside Europe on how to minimise its impact, and with reference, where appropriate, to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive; models where wilderness areas are for the most part closed to access (outside of permitted scientific research), but where a limited part is opened to sustainable high-quality tourism based on the wilderness experience and economically benefiting local communities, should be considered; |
| --- | --- |

9.

In view of the well-documented damage which tourism has inflicted, and continues to inflict, on a great deal of Europe's most precious natural heritage, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that tourism, even if focused on introducing visitors to the habitats and wildlife of a wilderness area, is handled with extreme care, making full use of experience gained inside and outside Europe on how to minimise its impact, and with reference, where appropriate, to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive; models where wilderness areas are for the most part closed to access (outside of permitted scientific research), but where a limited part is opened to sustainable high-quality tourism based on the wilderness experience and economically benefiting local communities, should be considered;

Better protection

| 10. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to devote special attention to the effective protection of wilderness areas; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to devote special attention to the effective protection of wilderness areas;

| 11. | Calls on the Commission to detect immediate threats linked to wilderness areas; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Commission to detect immediate threats linked to wilderness areas;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to develop appropriate recommendations that provide guidance to the Member States on the best approaches for ensuring the protection of natural habitats; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission to develop appropriate recommendations that provide guidance to the Member States on the best approaches for ensuring the protection of natural habitats;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to protect wilderness areas by implementing the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Water Framework Directive (3) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (4) in a more effective and more consistent way, with better financing, in order to avoid the destruction of these areas by harmful, non-sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to protect wilderness areas by implementing the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Water Framework Directive (3) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (4) in a more effective and more consistent way, with better financing, in order to avoid the destruction of these areas by harmful, non-sustainable development;

| 14. | Welcomes the review of the Birds and Habitats Directives with a view, where necessary, to amending them to provide better protection for threatened species and biotopes; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Welcomes the review of the Birds and Habitats Directives with a view, where necessary, to amending them to provide better protection for threatened species and biotopes;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to accept the Wild Europe Initiative, a partnership of several nature conservation organisations including IUCN, IUCN-WCPA, WWF, Birdlife International and PAN Parks, with a strong interest in wild lands or nearly wild areas; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission to accept the Wild Europe Initiative, a partnership of several nature conservation organisations including IUCN, IUCN-WCPA, WWF, Birdlife International and PAN Parks, with a strong interest in wild lands or nearly wild areas;

Wilderness and Natura 2000

| 16. | Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with stakeholders, to develop guidelines on how to protect, manage, use sustainably, monitor and finance wilderness areas under the Natura 2000 network, especially with regard to upcoming challenges such as climate change, illegal logging and increasing demand for goods; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission, in cooperation with stakeholders, to develop guidelines on how to protect, manage, use sustainably, monitor and finance wilderness areas under the Natura 2000 network, especially with regard to upcoming challenges such as climate change, illegal logging and increasing demand for goods;

| 17. | Expresses deep concerns for European biodiversity policy due to lack of funding for management of the Natura 2000 network; in this context, calls on the Commission to prepare, as provided for in the Habitats Directive, Community co-funding for the management of sites in Member States; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Expresses deep concerns for European biodiversity policy due to lack of funding for management of the Natura 2000 network; in this context, calls on the Commission to prepare, as provided for in the Habitats Directive, Community co-funding for the management of sites in Member States;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission to give a special status to and stricter protection for wilderness zones in the Natura 2000 network; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Commission to give a special status to and stricter protection for wilderness zones in the Natura 2000 network;

| 19. | Considers that rural development policy and the integration of environmental protection into the EU agricultural sector must be reinforced; judges, however, the Rural Development Fund insufficient to finance biodiversity and wilderness conservation in terms of resources and its programming and expertise; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Considers that rural development policy and the integration of environmental protection into the EU agricultural sector must be reinforced; judges, however, the Rural Development Fund insufficient to finance biodiversity and wilderness conservation in terms of resources and its programming and expertise;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the Natura 2000 network will be strengthened further to become a coherent and functioning ecological network in which wilderness areas have a central place; stresses the need for coherent policies, in particular in the common agricultural policy, transport, energy and the budget in order not to undermine the conservation objectives of Natura 2000; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the Natura 2000 network will be strengthened further to become a coherent and functioning ecological network in which wilderness areas have a central place; stresses the need for coherent policies, in particular in the common agricultural policy, transport, energy and the budget in order not to undermine the conservation objectives of Natura 2000;

Invasive alien species

| 21. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to work together to develop a robust legislative framework on invasive alien species that tackles both ecological and economic impacts arising from such species and the particular vulnerability of wilderness areas to this threat; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to work together to develop a robust legislative framework on invasive alien species that tackles both ecological and economic impacts arising from such species and the particular vulnerability of wilderness areas to this threat;

Wilderness and climate change

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to monitor and assess the impact of climate change on wilderness; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission to monitor and assess the impact of climate change on wilderness;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set wilderness conservation as a priority in their strategy to address climate change; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to set wilderness conservation as a priority in their strategy to address climate change;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission, in the context of climate change, to undertake research and provide guidance as to when and how human intervention can manage wilderness in order to preserve it; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Commission, in the context of climate change, to undertake research and provide guidance as to when and how human intervention can manage wilderness in order to preserve it;

*

- *

| 25. | Expresses its strong support for the strengthening of wilderness-related policies and measures; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Expresses its strong support for the strengthening of wilderness-related policies and measures;

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

26.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

(3)  Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).

(4)  Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/5

---

An agenda for sustainable future in general and business aviation

P6_TA(2009)0036

European Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on an Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation (2008/2134(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/02)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 11 January 2007 entitled ‘Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation’ (COM(2007)0869), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 11 January 2007 entitled ‘Agenda for Sustainable Future in General and Business Aviation’ (COM(2007)0869),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2008 amending Regulations (EC) No 549/2004, (EC) No 550/2004, (EC) No 551/2004 and (EC) No 552/2004 in order to improve the performance and sustainability of the European aviation system (COM(2008)0388), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2008 amending Regulations (EC) No 549/2004, (EC) No 550/2004, (EC) No 551/2004 and (EC) No 552/2004 in order to improve the performance and sustainability of the European aviation system (COM(2008)0388),

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 in the field of aerodromes, air traffic management and air navigation services and repealing Council Directive 2006/23/EC (COM(2008)0390), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 in the field of aerodromes, air traffic management and air navigation services and repealing Council Directive 2006/23/EC (COM(2008)0390),

| — | having regard to Directive 2008/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2008/101/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community (1),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (2), Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky (3), and Regulation (EC) No 551/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the organisation and the use of airspace in the single European sky (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (2), Regulation (EC) No 550/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the provision of air navigation services in the single European sky (3), and Regulation (EC) No 551/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 on the organisation and the use of airspace in the single European sky (4),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency (5) (EASA Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 February 2008 on common rules in the field of civil aviation and establishing a European Aviation Safety Agency (5) (EASA Regulation),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports (6) (Slot Allocation Regulation), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 of 18 January 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports (6) (Slot Allocation Regulation),

| — | having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 375/2007 of 30 March 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 1702/2003 laying down implementing rules for the airworthiness and environmental certification of aircraft and related products, parts and appliances, as well as for the certification of design and production organisations (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 375/2007 of 30 March 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 1702/2003 laying down implementing rules for the airworthiness and environmental certification of aircraft and related products, parts and appliances, as well as for the certification of design and production organisations (7),

| — | having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2007 of 30 March 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 2042/2003 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, parts and appliances, and on the approval of organisations and personnel involved in these tasks (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 376/2007 of 30 March 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 2042/2003 on the continuing airworthiness of aircraft and aeronautical products, parts and appliances, and on the approval of organisations and personnel involved in these tasks (8),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 219/2007 of 27 February 2007 on the establishment of a Joint Undertaking to develop the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR) (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 219/2007 of 27 February 2007 on the establishment of a Joint Undertaking to develop the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR) (9),

| — | having regard to the Cost Effective Small Aircraft (CESAR) project financed under the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Cost Effective Small Aircraft (CESAR) project financed under the 6th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘Single European Sky II : towards more sustainable and better performing aviation’ (COM(2008)0389), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘Single European Sky II : towards more sustainable and better performing aviation’ (COM(2008)0389),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 24 January 2007 entitled ‘An action plan for airport capacity, efficiency and safety in Europe’ (COM(2006)0819), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 24 January 2007 entitled ‘An action plan for airport capacity, efficiency and safety in Europe’ (COM(2006)0819),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 30 April 2008 entitled ‘On the application of Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports, as amended’(COM(2008)0227), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions of 30 April 2008 entitled ‘On the application of Regulation (EEC) No 95/93 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports, as amended’(COM(2008)0227),

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 15 March 2007 entitled ‘State of progress with the project to implement the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR)’ (COM(2007)0103), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 15 March 2007 entitled ‘State of progress with the project to implement the new generation European air traffic management system (SESAR)’ (COM(2007)0103),

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0501/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the opinion of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0501/2008),

| A. | whereas general and business aviation comprises a variety of aircraft activities; whereas the term covers all civil aircraft operations other than commercial air transport, as well as on-demand, remunerated, civil air transport operations, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas general and business aviation comprises a variety of aircraft activities; whereas the term covers all civil aircraft operations other than commercial air transport, as well as on-demand, remunerated, civil air transport operations,

| B. | whereas this sector also comprises high value activities as diverse as specialised aerial works (aerial cartography, agricultural flights, firefighting, traffic surveillance), aerial training and recreational flying, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas this sector also comprises high value activities as diverse as specialised aerial works (aerial cartography, agricultural flights, firefighting, traffic surveillance), aerial training and recreational flying,

| C. | whereas there is currently a lack of data and statistical information on general and business aviation, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas there is currently a lack of data and statistical information on general and business aviation,

| D. | whereas general and business aviation is the fastest growing segment of civil aviation in Europe; whereas general and business aviation complements regular air transport performed by commercial airlines and thus provides specific social and economic benefits such as increasing the mobility of citizens, the productivity of businesses and regional cohesion, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas general and business aviation is the fastest growing segment of civil aviation in Europe; whereas general and business aviation complements regular air transport performed by commercial airlines and thus provides specific social and economic benefits such as increasing the mobility of citizens, the productivity of businesses and regional cohesion,

| E. | whereas general and business aviation is of growing economic importance, in particular for the European manufacturing industry, which has continuously increased its share in the worldwide market and has considerable potential for further growth, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas general and business aviation is of growing economic importance, in particular for the European manufacturing industry, which has continuously increased its share in the worldwide market and has considerable potential for further growth,

| F. | whereas EU aviation policy has traditionally focussed on commercial air transport, while not giving due consideration to its growing impact on general and business aviation, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas EU aviation policy has traditionally focussed on commercial air transport, while not giving due consideration to its growing impact on general and business aviation,

| G. | whereas rules intended to govern the operation of highly complex commercial aircraft may place a disproportionate financial and regulatory burden on operators of small private aircraft; whereas, therefore, one-size-fits-all regulatory approaches and the uniform enforcement of rules across different aviation sectors have proven inappropriate in certain respects, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas rules intended to govern the operation of highly complex commercial aircraft may place a disproportionate financial and regulatory burden on operators of small private aircraft; whereas, therefore, one-size-fits-all regulatory approaches and the uniform enforcement of rules across different aviation sectors have proven inappropriate in certain respects,

| H. | whereas access to airspace and aerodromes is a key issue for general and business aviation, since there is a growing gap between demand and capacity; whereas general and business aviation is increasingly in competition for access to airspace and aerodromes with the wider airline industry, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas access to airspace and aerodromes is a key issue for general and business aviation, since there is a growing gap between demand and capacity; whereas general and business aviation is increasingly in competition for access to airspace and aerodromes with the wider airline industry,

| 1. | Broadly welcomes the Commission Communication on general and business aviation since it provides a sound analysis of the issues affecting the sector and identifies a number of suitable approaches for addressing the specific needs of this sector within a framework of permanent dialogue between all the stakeholders; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Broadly welcomes the Commission Communication on general and business aviation since it provides a sound analysis of the issues affecting the sector and identifies a number of suitable approaches for addressing the specific needs of this sector within a framework of permanent dialogue between all the stakeholders;

Proportionate regulation and subsidiarity

| 2. | Stresses the need to take into account the interests and specificities of general and business aviation in the development of future air transport policy initiatives, with a view to strengthening its competitiveness; in this respect calls on the Commission to ensure the application of the proportionality and subsidiarity principles in the design and implementation of both existing and future aviation legislation; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses the need to take into account the interests and specificities of general and business aviation in the development of future air transport policy initiatives, with a view to strengthening its competitiveness; in this respect calls on the Commission to ensure the application of the proportionality and subsidiarity principles in the design and implementation of both existing and future aviation legislation;

| 3. | Reminds the Commission of the need to carry out, on a systematic basis, segmented impact assessments to provide for differentiation of regulations affecting different categories of undertakings and airspace users, if necessary and in so far as this does not compromise safety; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Reminds the Commission of the need to carry out, on a systematic basis, segmented impact assessments to provide for differentiation of regulations affecting different categories of undertakings and airspace users, if necessary and in so far as this does not compromise safety;

| 4. | Calls on the Commission when adopting implementing rules on aviation safety, to ensure that they are proportionate and commensurate to the complexity of the respective category of aircraft and operation; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Commission when adopting implementing rules on aviation safety, to ensure that they are proportionate and commensurate to the complexity of the respective category of aircraft and operation;

| 5. | Welcomes the recent adaptation of maintenance standards for aircraft not involved in commercial air transport and in particular for aircraft not classified as ‘complex motor-powered aircraft’ as a good example of proportionate regulation; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the recent adaptation of maintenance standards for aircraft not involved in commercial air transport and in particular for aircraft not classified as ‘complex motor-powered aircraft’ as a good example of proportionate regulation;

| 6. | Considers that a degree of flexibility at the implementation stage would be desirable as far as general aviation is concerned; believes that this could be achieved by delegating certain supervisory powers to sports and recreational aviation associations and organisations subject to appropriate oversight by the relevant aviation authority and provided that there is no conflict of interests; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers that a degree of flexibility at the implementation stage would be desirable as far as general aviation is concerned; believes that this could be achieved by delegating certain supervisory powers to sports and recreational aviation associations and organisations subject to appropriate oversight by the relevant aviation authority and provided that there is no conflict of interests;

| 7. | Invites the Commission to examine the possibility of laying down simplified security procedures and screening processes for business aviation passengers without in any way compromising their security and safety; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Invites the Commission to examine the possibility of laying down simplified security procedures and screening processes for business aviation passengers without in any way compromising their security and safety;

| 8. | Suggests that the Commission facilitate the exchange of best practice on security measures at small to medium-sized airports; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Suggests that the Commission facilitate the exchange of best practice on security measures at small to medium-sized airports;

Airport and airspace capacity

| 9. | Points out that it becomes increasingly difficult for general and business aviation to get access not only to major airports but also to regional airports as growing demand from commercial air transport is placing a strain on the availability of slots and parking stands; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Points out that it becomes increasingly difficult for general and business aviation to get access not only to major airports but also to regional airports as growing demand from commercial air transport is placing a strain on the availability of slots and parking stands;

| 10. | Urges the Commission and Member States, through their airport authorities, to tackle these problems by implementing measures to optimise the use of existing capacity by better planning and through the deployment of modern technologies, such as foreseen in the Commission Action Plan for airport capacity, efficiency and safety in Europe (‘the Commission's Action Plan’); |
| --- | --- |

10.

Urges the Commission and Member States, through their airport authorities, to tackle these problems by implementing measures to optimise the use of existing capacity by better planning and through the deployment of modern technologies, such as foreseen in the Commission Action Plan for airport capacity, efficiency and safety in Europe (‘the Commission's Action Plan’);

| 11. | Awaits the advice of the new Community Observatory on Airport Capacity on developing measures to improve the capacity of the European airport network and expects the observatory to play an important role in the implementation of the Commission's Action Plan; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Awaits the advice of the new Community Observatory on Airport Capacity on developing measures to improve the capacity of the European airport network and expects the observatory to play an important role in the implementation of the Commission's Action Plan;

| 12. | Believes that helicopters can be an important short-haul means of connecting between airports and urges the Commission and Member States to include them in capacity-enhancing strategies; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Believes that helicopters can be an important short-haul means of connecting between airports and urges the Commission and Member States to include them in capacity-enhancing strategies;

| 13. | Encourages Member States and regional and local authorities to invest in the modernisation and establishment of small and medium-sized airports, which are of major importance for general and business aviation; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Encourages Member States and regional and local authorities to invest in the modernisation and establishment of small and medium-sized airports, which are of major importance for general and business aviation;

| 14. | Encourages the Member States to invest in specific infrastructure necessary for the operation and stationing of aircraft in the field of general and business aviation; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Encourages the Member States to invest in specific infrastructure necessary for the operation and stationing of aircraft in the field of general and business aviation;

| 15. | Encourages Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to involve all interested parties in consultation processes with a view to dedicating, where appropriate, potential or existing airports for use specifically by general and business aviation; where decommissioned military airports are concerned, the consultation should include military authorities; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Encourages Member States, as well as regional and local authorities, to involve all interested parties in consultation processes with a view to dedicating, where appropriate, potential or existing airports for use specifically by general and business aviation; where decommissioned military airports are concerned, the consultation should include military authorities;

| 16. | Considers it vitally important that airspace zoning around small and medium-sized airports be appropriate for general and business aviation users, and that any changes to such zones be preceded by a consultation with such users; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Considers it vitally important that airspace zoning around small and medium-sized airports be appropriate for general and business aviation users, and that any changes to such zones be preceded by a consultation with such users;

| 17. | Underlines that business aviation should be given, where possible, adequate access to major airports in order to enable it to connect Europe's regions to its economic centres and requests the Commission to examine and prepare a report to Parliament by the end of 2009 on whether there is a need to adapt relevant provisions of the existing Slot Allocation Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Underlines that business aviation should be given, where possible, adequate access to major airports in order to enable it to connect Europe's regions to its economic centres and requests the Commission to examine and prepare a report to Parliament by the end of 2009 on whether there is a need to adapt relevant provisions of the existing Slot Allocation Regulation;

| 18. | Stresses the need to develop, at European level, a harmonised approach for guaranteeing consistency between airport slots and flight plans, calls on the Commission to propose appropriate measures and encourages the participation of the European airport coordinators in this matter; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Stresses the need to develop, at European level, a harmonised approach for guaranteeing consistency between airport slots and flight plans, calls on the Commission to propose appropriate measures and encourages the participation of the European airport coordinators in this matter;

| 19. | Expects that the introduction of a system of Air Traffic Management with state-of-the-art and innovative technologies within the framework of the SESAR Joint Undertaking would contribute to fighting fragmentation of European airspace and its forecasted congestion and would significantly increase airspace capacity, which will benefit all airspace users, including general and business aviation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Expects that the introduction of a system of Air Traffic Management with state-of-the-art and innovative technologies within the framework of the SESAR Joint Undertaking would contribute to fighting fragmentation of European airspace and its forecasted congestion and would significantly increase airspace capacity, which will benefit all airspace users, including general and business aviation;

| 20. | Underlines, however, that the SESAR programme must fully take into account the specificities of general and business aviation and deliver real benefits to the sector without placing unnecessary burdens on it; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Underlines, however, that the SESAR programme must fully take into account the specificities of general and business aviation and deliver real benefits to the sector without placing unnecessary burdens on it;

| 21. | Believes that it should be one of the objectives to provide Visual Flight Rules (VFR) users with access to traffic, meteorological and aeronautical information in a user-friendly and cost-effective way; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Believes that it should be one of the objectives to provide Visual Flight Rules (VFR) users with access to traffic, meteorological and aeronautical information in a user-friendly and cost-effective way;

| 22. | Insists that the ‘Single European Sky’ legislation and SESAR do not lead to disproportionate and excessively costly technological requirements for small aircraft operated under VFR, while fully recognising that all aircraft using controlled airspace must feature equipment providing for an adequate level of safety, such as positioning devices; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Insists that the ‘Single European Sky’ legislation and SESAR do not lead to disproportionate and excessively costly technological requirements for small aircraft operated under VFR, while fully recognising that all aircraft using controlled airspace must feature equipment providing for an adequate level of safety, such as positioning devices;

Environmental sustainability

| 23. | Considers that general and business aviation has a reduced environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions and noise, when compared with that of commercial air transport; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Considers that general and business aviation has a reduced environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions and noise, when compared with that of commercial air transport;

| 24. | Believes it to be necessary, however, to reduce emissions through further enhancing the environmental performance of smaller aircraft by using cleaner fuels and by promoting research, technological development and innovation; in this respect stresses the importance of initiatives such as ‘Clean Sky’ and CESAR; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Believes it to be necessary, however, to reduce emissions through further enhancing the environmental performance of smaller aircraft by using cleaner fuels and by promoting research, technological development and innovation; in this respect stresses the importance of initiatives such as ‘Clean Sky’ and CESAR;

| 25. | Notes that the majority of general and business aviation falls outside the scope of the Commission Directive to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Notes that the majority of general and business aviation falls outside the scope of the Commission Directive to include aviation activities in the scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading;

| 26. | Is of the view that noise issues should be dealt with at national and local levels in accordance with the subsidiarity principle and considers that noise mapping is one of several tools providing for a balanced methodology to ensure airport development without causing significant noise pollution to local citizens; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Is of the view that noise issues should be dealt with at national and local levels in accordance with the subsidiarity principle and considers that noise mapping is one of several tools providing for a balanced methodology to ensure airport development without causing significant noise pollution to local citizens;

Other issues

| 27. | Believes that policy-makers must have at their disposal adequate data and statistical information on general and business aviation in order to fully understand the sector and thus be able to regulate it properly; therefore calls on the Commission and Eurostat to develop and implement a systematic approach to the gathering and sharing of international and European data; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Believes that policy-makers must have at their disposal adequate data and statistical information on general and business aviation in order to fully understand the sector and thus be able to regulate it properly; therefore calls on the Commission and Eurostat to develop and implement a systematic approach to the gathering and sharing of international and European data;

| 28. | Welcomes the Commission's clarification of legal definitions, including the definition of fractional ownership and recalls that the issue is addressed in the revised EASA Regulation and in the related implementing rules, which are currently under preparation; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the Commission's clarification of legal definitions, including the definition of fractional ownership and recalls that the issue is addressed in the revised EASA Regulation and in the related implementing rules, which are currently under preparation;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures to facilitate access of the EU's general and business aviation manufacturing industry to world markets; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to take appropriate measures to facilitate access of the EU's general and business aviation manufacturing industry to world markets;

| 30. | Considers it necessary that the interests of general and business aviation are taken into account in the development of the EU's external aviation policy, in particular as regards transatlantic flights; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Considers it necessary that the interests of general and business aviation are taken into account in the development of the EU's external aviation policy, in particular as regards transatlantic flights;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to reinforce support for aeronautical research, development and innovation, in particular by SMEs that develop and build aircraft for general and business aviation; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to reinforce support for aeronautical research, development and innovation, in particular by SMEs that develop and build aircraft for general and business aviation;

| 32. | Considers as essential the promotion of recreational and sport aviation, as well as of European aeroclubs, which constitute an important source of professional skills for the entire aviation sector; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Considers as essential the promotion of recreational and sport aviation, as well as of European aeroclubs, which constitute an important source of professional skills for the entire aviation sector;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to take account of the important role that this aviation sector plays and can continue to play in the development of vocational training for pilots; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the Commission to take account of the important role that this aviation sector plays and can continue to play in the development of vocational training for pilots;

| 34. | Requests the Commission to report back to the European Parliament by the end of 2009 on progress achieved in relation to the issues identified in this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Requests the Commission to report back to the European Parliament by the end of 2009 on progress achieved in relation to the issues identified in this resolution;

*

- *

| 35. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

35.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 8, 13.1.2009, p. 3.

(2)  OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 10.

(4)  OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 20.

(5)  OJ L 79, 19.3.2008, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 14, 22.1.1993, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 94, 4.4.2007, p. 3.

(8)  OJ L 94, 4.4.2007, p. 18.

(9)  OJ L 64, 2.3.2007, p. 1.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/10

---

Pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in Europe

P6_TA(2009)0037

European Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on pre-commercial procurement: driving innovation to ensure sustainable high-quality public services in Europe (2008/2139(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/03)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission of 14 December 2007 entitled ‘Pre-commercial Procurement: Driving innovation to ensure sustainable high quality public services in Europe’ (COM(2007)0799) (the ‘Commission communication’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the communication from the Commission of 14 December 2007 entitled ‘Pre-commercial Procurement: Driving innovation to ensure sustainable high quality public services in Europe’ (COM(2007)0799) (the ‘Commission communication’),

| — | having regard to Directive 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2004/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of utilities contracts for entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2004/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on the coordination of procedures for the award of utilities contracts for entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal services sectors (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission interpretative communication on the application of Community law on Public Procurement and Concessions to institutionalised PPP (IPPP) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission interpretative communication on the application of Community law on Public Procurement and Concessions to institutionalised PPP (IPPP) (3),

| — | having regard to all applicable competition rules regarding State Aid and intellectual property rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to all applicable competition rules regarding State Aid and intellectual property rights,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 21 December 2007 on a lead market initiative for Europe (COM(2007)0860), and to the Commission consultation on establishing public procurement networks in support of this initiative, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 21 December 2007 on a lead market initiative for Europe (COM(2007)0860), and to the Commission consultation on establishing public procurement networks in support of this initiative,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘“Think small first” - A “Small Business Act” for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), and to the Commission staff working document of 25 June 2008 on the European code of Best practices facilitating access by SMEs to public procurement contracts (SEC(2008)2193), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘“Think small first” - A “Small Business Act” for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), and to the Commission staff working document of 25 June 2008 on the European code of Best practices facilitating access by SMEs to public procurement contracts (SEC(2008)2193),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 13 September 2006 entitled ‘Putting knowledge into practice: A broad-based innovation strategy for the EU’ (COM(2006)0502) and to the resolution of the European Parliament of 24 May 2007 (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 13 September 2006 entitled ‘Putting knowledge into practice: A broad-based innovation strategy for the EU’ (COM(2006)0502) and to the resolution of the European Parliament of 24 May 2007 (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission staff working document of 23 February 2007 entitled ‘Guide on dealing with innovative solutions in public procurement: 10 elements of good practice’ (SEC(2007)0280), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission staff working document of 23 February 2007 entitled ‘Guide on dealing with innovative solutions in public procurement: 10 elements of good practice’ (SEC(2007)0280),

| — | having regard to the report of the Independent Expert Group on R&D and Innovation entitled ‘Creating an Innovative Europe’ (5) (the Aho report), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Independent Expert Group on R&D and Innovation entitled ‘Creating an Innovative Europe’ (5) (the Aho report),

| — | having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Pre-commercial Procurement: Driving innovation to ensure sustainable high quality public services in Europe (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Pre-commercial Procurement: Driving innovation to ensure sustainable high quality public services in Europe (6),

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0018/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0018/2009),

| A. | whereas the Lisbon Strategy calls for Member States to raise research and development investment to 3% of GDP, a key commitment to drive innovation and the knowledge economy, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Lisbon Strategy calls for Member States to raise research and development investment to 3% of GDP, a key commitment to drive innovation and the knowledge economy,

| B. | whereas the Aho Report has identified public procurement as a strategic instrument to achieve this goal, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Aho Report has identified public procurement as a strategic instrument to achieve this goal,

| C. | whereas the Commission and the Member States must help develop the expertise required to make best use of the recommendations of the Commission communication, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Commission and the Member States must help develop the expertise required to make best use of the recommendations of the Commission communication,

| D. | whereas there are currently no instruments available to the Commission to promote pre-commercial procurement pilot projects, and the initiative rests solely with the Member States, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas there are currently no instruments available to the Commission to promote pre-commercial procurement pilot projects, and the initiative rests solely with the Member States,

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission communication and supports the proposed risk/benefit sharing pre-commercial procurement model as one of the drivers of innovation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the Commission communication and supports the proposed risk/benefit sharing pre-commercial procurement model as one of the drivers of innovation;

| 2. | Endorses the Aho Report and in particular the view that Member States should use public procurement to drive demand for innovative goods whilst improving the quality and accessibility of public services; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Endorses the Aho Report and in particular the view that Member States should use public procurement to drive demand for innovative goods whilst improving the quality and accessibility of public services;

| 3. | Notes that, in spite of the numerous European research programmes, the results thereof have not yet been exploited by public authorities through public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes that, in spite of the numerous European research programmes, the results thereof have not yet been exploited by public authorities through public procurement;

| 4. | Notes the attention already given to pre-commercial procurement, in particular in the USA, China and Japan, who are actively exploiting the potential through a range of public policy instruments, such as the Defence Acquisitions Performance Assessment (DAPA) project in the USA; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Notes the attention already given to pre-commercial procurement, in particular in the USA, China and Japan, who are actively exploiting the potential through a range of public policy instruments, such as the Defence Acquisitions Performance Assessment (DAPA) project in the USA;

| 5. | Considers that pre-commercial procurement constitutes an under-exploited driver of innovation-led growth for the EU with significant potential to achieve high-quality and readily accessible public services for example healthcare and transport, as well as to address the social challenges of climate change, sustainable energy and an ageing population; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Considers that pre-commercial procurement constitutes an under-exploited driver of innovation-led growth for the EU with significant potential to achieve high-quality and readily accessible public services for example healthcare and transport, as well as to address the social challenges of climate change, sustainable energy and an ageing population;

| 6. | Regrets that many public authorities are not aware of the potential of pre-commercial procurement and do not yet act as ‘intelligent customers’; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Regrets that many public authorities are not aware of the potential of pre-commercial procurement and do not yet act as ‘intelligent customers’;

| 7. | Considers that the optimum benefits of this initiative will only be realised if contracting authorities include innovation as one of the goals of their procurement programme; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Considers that the optimum benefits of this initiative will only be realised if contracting authorities include innovation as one of the goals of their procurement programme;

| 8. | Notes that pre-commercial procurement can be deployed within the existing legal framework of Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC, which exempt research and development services from their scope (7) unless the services procured are fully paid for by, and the benefits accrue solely to, the contracting authority; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes that pre-commercial procurement can be deployed within the existing legal framework of Directives 2004/17/EC and 2004/18/EC, which exempt research and development services from their scope (7) unless the services procured are fully paid for by, and the benefits accrue solely to, the contracting authority;

| 9. | Urges Member States to screen national legislation to ensure that public authorities are not limited in pre-commercial procurement through inexistent, incorrect, or unnecessarily complex transposition of the relevant exemptions and unnecessarily elaborate national tendering requirements and procurement models; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges Member States to screen national legislation to ensure that public authorities are not limited in pre-commercial procurement through inexistent, incorrect, or unnecessarily complex transposition of the relevant exemptions and unnecessarily elaborate national tendering requirements and procurement models;

| 10. | Notwithstanding the distinctive approach taken in pre-commercial procurement, notes that good principles of procurement should still apply, namely transparency and competitiveness, to ensure that integrated end-solutions meet customer needs; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Notwithstanding the distinctive approach taken in pre-commercial procurement, notes that good principles of procurement should still apply, namely transparency and competitiveness, to ensure that integrated end-solutions meet customer needs;

| 11. | Endorses the Commission communication, which provides a potential conceptual basis for pre-commercial procurement and its implementation, but considers that there are some gaps regarding the manner of giving effect to the procedure proposed, especially at local and regional level; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Endorses the Commission communication, which provides a potential conceptual basis for pre-commercial procurement and its implementation, but considers that there are some gaps regarding the manner of giving effect to the procedure proposed, especially at local and regional level;

| 12. | Considers, as far as local and regional authorities are concerned, that there is still not enough information about the continuing obstacles preventing them from implementing pre-commercial procurement with the aim of promoting genuinely innovative solutions in the public interest; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers, as far as local and regional authorities are concerned, that there is still not enough information about the continuing obstacles preventing them from implementing pre-commercial procurement with the aim of promoting genuinely innovative solutions in the public interest;

| 13. | Urges the Commission and Member States to work together to ensure that contracting authorities in local, regional, and other authorities removed from central administration develop the required expertise to implement innovative procurement; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Urges the Commission and Member States to work together to ensure that contracting authorities in local, regional, and other authorities removed from central administration develop the required expertise to implement innovative procurement;

| 14. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to provide local and regional contracting authorities with training guidelines and tools showing how pre-commercial procurement might be used in research and development; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to provide local and regional contracting authorities with training guidelines and tools showing how pre-commercial procurement might be used in research and development;

| 15. | Welcomes, therefore, the Commission initiative to fund exchange of good practices and training on pre-commercial procurement in the 2009 work programme of the Seventh Framework Programme; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Welcomes, therefore, the Commission initiative to fund exchange of good practices and training on pre-commercial procurement in the 2009 work programme of the Seventh Framework Programme;

| 16. | Commends the above-mentioned Commission staff working document on 10 elements of good practice for innovative solutions in public procurement and welcomes the broader activities of Pro Inno Europe in support of innovation; calls on the Commission to draw up a similar best practice guide for pre-commercial procurement; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Commends the above-mentioned Commission staff working document on 10 elements of good practice for innovative solutions in public procurement and welcomes the broader activities of Pro Inno Europe in support of innovation; calls on the Commission to draw up a similar best practice guide for pre-commercial procurement;

| 17. | Considers that pre-commercial procurement has very great potential as a further step towards embedding innovative procurement, but recognises the need for specialist procurement skills and for Member States, in partnership with business, universities, and training centres, to sponsor training activities for the development of management tools; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Considers that pre-commercial procurement has very great potential as a further step towards embedding innovative procurement, but recognises the need for specialist procurement skills and for Member States, in partnership with business, universities, and training centres, to sponsor training activities for the development of management tools;

| 18. | Calls on the competent Commission Directorates-General to cooperate with each other in producing a comprehensive, easy-to-understand but legally watertight handbook in all the official languages with practical case illustrations showing how the relevant legal principles can be applied correctly in practice, particularly for the use of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contracting authorities; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the competent Commission Directorates-General to cooperate with each other in producing a comprehensive, easy-to-understand but legally watertight handbook in all the official languages with practical case illustrations showing how the relevant legal principles can be applied correctly in practice, particularly for the use of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contracting authorities;

| 19. | Urges the Commission to provide in the handbook, in particular, practical examples of risk-benefit sharing according to market conditions; considers, in addition, that intellectual property rights must be vested in the companies participating in pre-commercial procurement, inasmuch as the US and Japan work on the basis of this model, which encourages numerous companies to become involved in pre-commercial procurement procedures; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Urges the Commission to provide in the handbook, in particular, practical examples of risk-benefit sharing according to market conditions; considers, in addition, that intellectual property rights must be vested in the companies participating in pre-commercial procurement, inasmuch as the US and Japan work on the basis of this model, which encourages numerous companies to become involved in pre-commercial procurement procedures;

| 20. | Notes in particular the importance for successful pre-commercial procurement of developing risk/benefit sharing according to market conditions and the vesting of intellectual property rights in participating undertakings; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Notes in particular the importance for successful pre-commercial procurement of developing risk/benefit sharing according to market conditions and the vesting of intellectual property rights in participating undertakings;

| 21. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to identify in the innovation policy mix medium- to long-term public challenges to be solved by technological solutions developed through pre-commercial procurement; is of the opinion that such solutions could include design contests and challenge funds, such as the US Driverless Vehicle Challenge; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to identify in the innovation policy mix medium- to long-term public challenges to be solved by technological solutions developed through pre-commercial procurement; is of the opinion that such solutions could include design contests and challenge funds, such as the US Driverless Vehicle Challenge;

| 22. | Considers that knowledge transfers between technologically innovative universities, research centres and contracting authorities form an integral part of successful pre-commercial procurement; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Considers that knowledge transfers between technologically innovative universities, research centres and contracting authorities form an integral part of successful pre-commercial procurement;

| 23. | Notes that European innovation agencies, such as VINNOVA in Sweden, Tekes in Finland, Senternovem in the Netherlands and Innovation Norway, play an integral part in the transfer of knowledge between prospective customers and researchers; by fostering cooperation between parties involved in research and development, they encourage the uptake of pre-commercial procurement; therefore encourages the Member States to examine the operation of these agencies as a benchmark for their own activities; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Notes that European innovation agencies, such as VINNOVA in Sweden, Tekes in Finland, Senternovem in the Netherlands and Innovation Norway, play an integral part in the transfer of knowledge between prospective customers and researchers; by fostering cooperation between parties involved in research and development, they encourage the uptake of pre-commercial procurement; therefore encourages the Member States to examine the operation of these agencies as a benchmark for their own activities;

| 24. | Notes the importance of EU Technology Platforms in providing a framework to define research and development priorities and in linking innovations which are ready for exploitation to the needs of prospective customers; also notes that Technology Platforms can align the early market development of new technologies with the needs of public authorities; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure better involvement of Technology Platforms in pre-commercial procurement; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Notes the importance of EU Technology Platforms in providing a framework to define research and development priorities and in linking innovations which are ready for exploitation to the needs of prospective customers; also notes that Technology Platforms can align the early market development of new technologies with the needs of public authorities; calls on the Commission, therefore, to ensure better involvement of Technology Platforms in pre-commercial procurement;

| 25. | Welcomes the Commission's Lead Market Initiative (LMI) as a strong catalyst for the use of pre-commercial procurement in support of innovation with a view to the development of key markets of scale, noting in particular the initiative to establish public procurement networks to support the LMI; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Welcomes the Commission's Lead Market Initiative (LMI) as a strong catalyst for the use of pre-commercial procurement in support of innovation with a view to the development of key markets of scale, noting in particular the initiative to establish public procurement networks to support the LMI;

| 26. | Welcomes the Commission's efforts to improve access to public procurement for EU SMEs in the Small Business Act's European Code of Best Practices; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Welcomes the Commission's efforts to improve access to public procurement for EU SMEs in the Small Business Act's European Code of Best Practices;

| 27. | Welcomes the Commission's clarification that pre-commercial procurement can be carried out by contracting authorities at all stages of developing and rolling-out a new product or service, and not only for fundamental research; notes that this comprehensive approach encourages access by SMEs to public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Welcomes the Commission's clarification that pre-commercial procurement can be carried out by contracting authorities at all stages of developing and rolling-out a new product or service, and not only for fundamental research; notes that this comprehensive approach encourages access by SMEs to public procurement;

| 28. | Commends the Commission proposal for clarifying the role of public authorities in fostering research and development and stimulating innovation through their procurement activities; stresses that Member States' procurement policies should not be overly prescriptive, since pre-commercial procurement can be practically organised in different ways to suit specific projects and needs whilst still complying with Community rules; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Commends the Commission proposal for clarifying the role of public authorities in fostering research and development and stimulating innovation through their procurement activities; stresses that Member States' procurement policies should not be overly prescriptive, since pre-commercial procurement can be practically organised in different ways to suit specific projects and needs whilst still complying with Community rules;

| 29. | Considers that the concept of pre-commercial procurement is important, but fears that it will be unsuccessful in drawing in SMEs unless it is clearly understood how pre-commercial procurement is to work, particularly in a cross-border context; points out that the key principle of pre-commercial procurement – namely that the public authority does not keep all benefits resulting from the research and development, but that each company retains the ownership rights in respect of the new ideas it generates – ensures legal certainty and the protection of ideas for participating businesses; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Considers that the concept of pre-commercial procurement is important, but fears that it will be unsuccessful in drawing in SMEs unless it is clearly understood how pre-commercial procurement is to work, particularly in a cross-border context; points out that the key principle of pre-commercial procurement – namely that the public authority does not keep all benefits resulting from the research and development, but that each company retains the ownership rights in respect of the new ideas it generates – ensures legal certainty and the protection of ideas for participating businesses;

| 30. | Recognises that SMEs can benefit from pre-commercial procurement through risk sharing (given their more limited investment capabilities), progressive growth (in size and experience) at each stage of the research and development process and the streamlined bidding process compared to traditional procurement; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Recognises that SMEs can benefit from pre-commercial procurement through risk sharing (given their more limited investment capabilities), progressive growth (in size and experience) at each stage of the research and development process and the streamlined bidding process compared to traditional procurement;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to consolidate these strategies into one single public procurement policy aimed at encouraging innovation through public procurement, pre-commercial procurement, the development of lead markets and SME growth through public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to consolidate these strategies into one single public procurement policy aimed at encouraging innovation through public procurement, pre-commercial procurement, the development of lead markets and SME growth through public procurement;

| 32. | Considers, as part of a consolidated strategy to promote innovation through pre-commercial procurement, that public campaigns would provide an improved climate for contracting authorities to invest more in activities encouraging innovation with a longer-term return on investment; supports in this regard opportunities for networking between local, regional and national public authorities as regards pre-commercial procurement; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Considers, as part of a consolidated strategy to promote innovation through pre-commercial procurement, that public campaigns would provide an improved climate for contracting authorities to invest more in activities encouraging innovation with a longer-term return on investment; supports in this regard opportunities for networking between local, regional and national public authorities as regards pre-commercial procurement;

| 33. | Considers that pre-commercial procurement can work most effectively if there are sufficient incentives for public authorities to tap into research and development markets and for suppliers to become involved in government projects; notes therefore that financial incentives are extremely important in the uptake of pre-commercial procurement and already exist in certain Member States, where a substantial proportion of the costs of the first pre-commercial procurement can be matched by a central authority; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that pre-commercial procurement can work most effectively if there are sufficient incentives for public authorities to tap into research and development markets and for suppliers to become involved in government projects; notes therefore that financial incentives are extremely important in the uptake of pre-commercial procurement and already exist in certain Member States, where a substantial proportion of the costs of the first pre-commercial procurement can be matched by a central authority;

| 34. | Considers that, within the scope of Community programs to stimulate innovation, financial incentives for public authorities across the EU to jointly undertake pre-commercial procurement of innovative technology in lead markets and other areas of common European interest should be considered; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Considers that, within the scope of Community programs to stimulate innovation, financial incentives for public authorities across the EU to jointly undertake pre-commercial procurement of innovative technology in lead markets and other areas of common European interest should be considered;

| 35. | Notes that such Community pilots would benefit from an automatic Commission review and wide publication of practical experiences and contract clauses enabling procurers to refer to sound precedents which could also be used in a best practice guide; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Notes that such Community pilots would benefit from an automatic Commission review and wide publication of practical experiences and contract clauses enabling procurers to refer to sound precedents which could also be used in a best practice guide;

| 36. | Identifies the need for a European pilot project in the context of pre-commercial procurement in order to show by example an implementation approach that ensures maximum legal certainty and protection for businesses, in particular for SMEs, which, by definition, are the weaker parties compared with contracting authorities and the large undertakings generally involved in public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Identifies the need for a European pilot project in the context of pre-commercial procurement in order to show by example an implementation approach that ensures maximum legal certainty and protection for businesses, in particular for SMEs, which, by definition, are the weaker parties compared with contracting authorities and the large undertakings generally involved in public procurement;

| 37. | Notes that strengthening pre-commercial procurement remains one way among many for Member States to raise their game in innovation and research; calls therefore on Member States to promote innovation by engaging all stakeholders, including universities, research institutes and other bodies involved in the promotion of economic development, so as to better engage public authorities with innovative enterprise; considers that this engagement should be included in a consistent strategy for research, innovation and development; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Notes that strengthening pre-commercial procurement remains one way among many for Member States to raise their game in innovation and research; calls therefore on Member States to promote innovation by engaging all stakeholders, including universities, research institutes and other bodies involved in the promotion of economic development, so as to better engage public authorities with innovative enterprise; considers that this engagement should be included in a consistent strategy for research, innovation and development;

| 38. | Recommends to the Commission and the Member States that, with the aim of encouraging competition, the use of electronic procurement systems and dynamic procedures be promoted in order to facilitate the process of pre-commercial procurement; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Recommends to the Commission and the Member States that, with the aim of encouraging competition, the use of electronic procurement systems and dynamic procedures be promoted in order to facilitate the process of pre-commercial procurement;

| 39. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

39.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 134, 30.4.2004, p. 114.

(2)  OJ L 134, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

(3)  OJ C 91, 12.4.2008, p. 4.

(4)  OJ C 102 E, 24.4.2008, p. 455.

(5)  http://ec.europa.eu/invest-in-research/action/2006_ahogroup_en.htm

(6)  OJ C 325, 19.12.2008, p. 44.

(7)  Article 16(f) of Directive 2004/18/EC and Article 24(e) of Directive 2004/17/EC.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/16

---

Second Strategic Energy Review

P6_TA(2009)0038

European Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on the Second Strategic Energy Review (2008/2239(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/04)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Second Strategic Energy Review – an EU energy security and solidarity action plan (COM(2008)0781) (the Communication on the Second Strategic Energy Review), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Second Strategic Energy Review – an EU energy security and solidarity action plan (COM(2008)0781) (the Communication on the Second Strategic Energy Review),

| — | having regard to the Commission Green Paper of 13 November 2008 entitled Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive energy network (COM(2008)0782), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Green Paper of 13 November 2008 entitled Towards a secure, sustainable and competitive energy network (COM(2008)0782),

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 13 November 2008 on the implementation of the trans-European energy networks programme in the period 2002-2006 (COM(2008)0770), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 13 November 2008 on the implementation of the trans-European energy networks programme in the period 2002-2006 (COM(2008)0770),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 on Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply (COM(2008)0769), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 on Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply (COM(2008)0769),

| — | having regard to the Commission's proposal of 13 November 2008 for a Council directive imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products (COM(2008)0775), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission's proposal of 13 November 2008 for a Council directive imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products (COM(2008)0775),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Energy efficiency: delivering the 20% target (COM(2008)0772), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Energy efficiency: delivering the 20% target (COM(2008)0772),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings (recast) (COM(2008)0780), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the energy performance of buildings (recast) (COM(2008)0780),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products (recast) (COM(2008)0778), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the indication by labelling and standard product information of the consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products (recast) (COM(2008)0778),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters (COM(2008)0779), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 13 November 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other essential parameters (COM(2008)0779),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 26 November 2008 for a Council directive setting up a Community framework for nuclear safety (COM(2008)0790), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 26 November 2008 for a Council directive setting up a Community framework for nuclear safety (COM(2008)0790),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Europe can save more energy by combined heat and power generation (COM(2008)0771), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Europe can save more energy by combined heat and power generation (COM(2008)0771),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Offshore Wind Energy: Action needed to deliver on the Energy Policy Objectives for 2020 and beyond (COM(2008)0768), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Offshore Wind Energy: Action needed to deliver on the Energy Policy Objectives for 2020 and beyond (COM(2008)0768),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Update of the nuclear illustrative programme in the context of the second strategic energy review (COM(2008)0776), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 November 2008 entitled Update of the nuclear illustrative programme in the context of the second strategic energy review (COM(2008)0776),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 10 January 2007 entitled Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond (COM(2007)0002), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 10 January 2007 entitled Limiting Global Climate Change to 2 degrees Celsius: The way ahead for 2020 and beyond (COM(2007)0002),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 January 2008 entitled 20 20 by 2020 – Europe's climate change opportunity (COM(2008)0030), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 January 2008 entitled 20 20 by 2020 – Europe's climate change opportunity (COM(2008)0030),

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal of 23 January 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (COM(2008)0019), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal of 23 January 2008 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (COM(2008)0019),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 26 November 2008 entitled A European Economic Recovery Plan (COM(2008)0800), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 26 November 2008 entitled A European Economic Recovery Plan (COM(2008)0800),

| — | having regard to its position of 4 April 2006 on the Council common position for adopting a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decision 96/391/EC and Decision No 1229/2003/EC (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 4 April 2006 on the Council common position for adopting a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down guidelines for trans-European energy networks and repealing Decision 96/391/EC and Decision No 1229/2003/EC (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 May 2007 on Assessing Euratom – 50 Years of European nuclear energy policy (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 10 May 2007 on Assessing Euratom – 50 Years of European nuclear energy policy (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 September 2007 on the Road map for renewable energy in Europe (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 September 2007 on the Road map for renewable energy in Europe (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2007 on towards a common European foreign policy on energy (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2007 on towards a common European foreign policy on energy (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2007 on conventional energy sources and energy technology (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2007 on conventional energy sources and energy technology (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on an Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on an Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2008 on the Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2008 on the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2008 on the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (8),

| — | having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/54/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/54/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity (9),

| — | having regard to its position of 9 July 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 9 July 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2003/55/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas (10),

| — | having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity (11), |
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—

having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity (11),

| — | having regard to its position of 9 July 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1775/2005 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 9 July 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1775/2005 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks (12),

| — | having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (13), |
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—

having regard to its position of 18 June 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (13),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 18 November 2008 on supporting early demonstration of sustainable power generation from fossil fuels (14), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 18 November 2008 on supporting early demonstration of sustainable power generation from fossil fuels (14),

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007, |
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—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 8 and 9 March 2007,

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 13 and 14 March 2008, |
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—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 13 and 14 March 2008,

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 15 and 16 October 2008, |
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—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council of 15 and 16 October 2008,

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

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0013/2009), |
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—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the opinion of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0013/2009),

| A. | whereas any European energy policy must pursue three principal and equally important objectives in an integral manner, namely security of supply and solidarity among Member States, tackling climate change including a strong commitment to and implementation of the Union's own targets, and competitiveness, |
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A.

whereas any European energy policy must pursue three principal and equally important objectives in an integral manner, namely security of supply and solidarity among Member States, tackling climate change including a strong commitment to and implementation of the Union's own targets, and competitiveness,

| B. | whereas a complete shift of paradigm in energy policy is necessary to achieve the above three main objectives while leading at the same time to a solution which takes account of social, environmental, economic and employment concerns, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas a complete shift of paradigm in energy policy is necessary to achieve the above three main objectives while leading at the same time to a solution which takes account of social, environmental, economic and employment concerns,

| C. | whereas the Union's dependence on conventional energy sources and on a limited number of energy producers presents a serious risk to stability, prosperity and security of energy supply, |
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C.

whereas the Union's dependence on conventional energy sources and on a limited number of energy producers presents a serious risk to stability, prosperity and security of energy supply,

| D. | whereas increasing energy efficiency must play a key role in reducing dependence on energy imports, increasing competitiveness and combating climate change, |
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D.

whereas increasing energy efficiency must play a key role in reducing dependence on energy imports, increasing competitiveness and combating climate change,

| E. | whereas at present, the Union's energy demand continues to rise in most sectors, leaving energy efficiency potential largely unexploited, |
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E.

whereas at present, the Union's energy demand continues to rise in most sectors, leaving energy efficiency potential largely unexploited,

| F. | whereas the Union currently imports 50% of the energy that it consumes and whereas this proportion could rise to 70% by 2030, |
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F.

whereas the Union currently imports 50% of the energy that it consumes and whereas this proportion could rise to 70% by 2030,

| G. | whereas the risks to the Union's security of supply are increased by the lack of vision towards an economy based on energy sobriety and to the low level of investment, in particular at local and regional levels, which, in all energy and energy-related sectors, is leading to capacities which are stretched or even inadequate, making it necessary in particular to renew electricity generating plants at an estimated investment cost of 900 billion EUR by 2030, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the risks to the Union's security of supply are increased by the lack of vision towards an economy based on energy sobriety and to the low level of investment, in particular at local and regional levels, which, in all energy and energy-related sectors, is leading to capacities which are stretched or even inadequate, making it necessary in particular to renew electricity generating plants at an estimated investment cost of 900 billion EUR by 2030,

| H. | whereas the decreasing level of oil and gas prices has a negative effect on planned investments, making it necessary to support all major infrastructure projects that contribute to the import of significant gas volumes to Europe, diversifying sources, routes and avoiding transit risks, |
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H.

whereas the decreasing level of oil and gas prices has a negative effect on planned investments, making it necessary to support all major infrastructure projects that contribute to the import of significant gas volumes to Europe, diversifying sources, routes and avoiding transit risks,

| I. | whereas the present economic crisis is further hampering investment in energy infrastructure, |
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I.

whereas the present economic crisis is further hampering investment in energy infrastructure,

| J. | whereas notwithstanding that the Commission's scenario foresees the decrease of demand of conventional sources in the next two decades, Europe needs to support all planned investments in new import energy infrastructure; whereas this will guarantee a safe transition to the new European energy system expected to be in place by 2020, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas notwithstanding that the Commission's scenario foresees the decrease of demand of conventional sources in the next two decades, Europe needs to support all planned investments in new import energy infrastructure; whereas this will guarantee a safe transition to the new European energy system expected to be in place by 2020,

| K. | whereas from 2030, in order to alleviate the major risk of fossil fuel energy shortages, the Union will have to have developed and programmed new competitive, sustainable, low CO2 energy technologies, while having significantly reduced its energy consumption, |
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K.

whereas from 2030, in order to alleviate the major risk of fossil fuel energy shortages, the Union will have to have developed and programmed new competitive, sustainable, low CO2 energy technologies, while having significantly reduced its energy consumption,

| L. | whereas the Union urgently needs to develop major network investments and to complete the internal energy market, and whereas forward-looking initiatives, such as the European transmission system operator and the establishment of a single European gas network, should be encouraged, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the Union urgently needs to develop major network investments and to complete the internal energy market, and whereas forward-looking initiatives, such as the European transmission system operator and the establishment of a single European gas network, should be encouraged,

| M. | whereas the energy sector and investments in energy infrastructure need a stable regulatory framework and a closer cooperation between the national regulators, |
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M.

whereas the energy sector and investments in energy infrastructure need a stable regulatory framework and a closer cooperation between the national regulators,

| N. | whereas the development of energy networks is essential for improving security of supply, which must figure prominently among European energy policy priorities, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the development of energy networks is essential for improving security of supply, which must figure prominently among European energy policy priorities,

| O. | whereas the electricity and gas sectors need a stable and predictable regulatory framework, making it necessary to confer strong powers on the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (Agency) so as to contribute to the harmonisation of national regulatory frameworks and to avoid the uncertainty that might result from the comitology procedure, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas the electricity and gas sectors need a stable and predictable regulatory framework, making it necessary to confer strong powers on the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (Agency) so as to contribute to the harmonisation of national regulatory frameworks and to avoid the uncertainty that might result from the comitology procedure,

| P. | whereas to contribute to security of supply objectives, the conventional indigenous energy resources of the Union must be exploited in Member States where they are available in compliance with national and the Community environmental legislation, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas to contribute to security of supply objectives, the conventional indigenous energy resources of the Union must be exploited in Member States where they are available in compliance with national and the Community environmental legislation,

| 1. | Calls on Member States to regard this strategic energy review as a basis for implementing an energy policy for Europe and setting an ambitious action plan for 2010 - 2012; |
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1.

Calls on Member States to regard this strategic energy review as a basis for implementing an energy policy for Europe and setting an ambitious action plan for 2010 - 2012;

| 2. | Reaffirms the threefold objective set for 2020 of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and 30% in the case of an international agreement, reducing energy consumption by at least 20% and attaining at least a 20% share for renewables in final energy consumption; calls on the European Union and Member States to become the most energy-efficient economy in order to actively contribute to the achievement of the 2°C climate objective; calls on the European Union and the Member States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 % by 2050; calls on the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, to draw up possible energy scenarios, illustrating ways in which these objectives may be reached and setting out the underlying technical and economic hypotheses; |
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2.

Reaffirms the threefold objective set for 2020 of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and 30% in the case of an international agreement, reducing energy consumption by at least 20% and attaining at least a 20% share for renewables in final energy consumption; calls on the European Union and Member States to become the most energy-efficient economy in order to actively contribute to the achievement of the 2°C climate objective; calls on the European Union and the Member States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 % by 2050; calls on the Commission, in consultation with stakeholders, to draw up possible energy scenarios, illustrating ways in which these objectives may be reached and setting out the underlying technical and economic hypotheses;

| 3. | Strongly believes that reducing energy consumption is the absolute priority with a view to achieving sustainable development, innovation, job creation and competitiveness objectives and is also a very effective and inexpensive way of improving energy security; |
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3.

Strongly believes that reducing energy consumption is the absolute priority with a view to achieving sustainable development, innovation, job creation and competitiveness objectives and is also a very effective and inexpensive way of improving energy security;

| 4. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to make the 20% energy saving target by 2020 legally binding on Member States and to propose and implement consistent measures to secure its achievement; |
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4.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to make the 20% energy saving target by 2020 legally binding on Member States and to propose and implement consistent measures to secure its achievement;

| 5. | Calls on the European Union and the Member States to adopt as objectives a 35% improvement in energy efficiency and a 60% share of renewable energy by 2050; |
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5.

Calls on the European Union and the Member States to adopt as objectives a 35% improvement in energy efficiency and a 60% share of renewable energy by 2050;

| 6. | Calls on the Commission to support all planned investments in new import energy infrastructure and renewable energy technologies to face the decreasing level of oil and gas prices that has a negative effect on planned investments; |
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6.

Calls on the Commission to support all planned investments in new import energy infrastructure and renewable energy technologies to face the decreasing level of oil and gas prices that has a negative effect on planned investments;

European energy policy

| 7. | Calls on Member States, in the light of the growing risks which the European Union is running in terms of energy security, to speak with a single voice; notes that their current practices are anything but geared to this aspiration; considers it imperative, in the interests of security of supply, solidarity and of the effectiveness of negotiations with a view to determining the international regulatory framework, for the Commission to propose to Parliament and the Council the drawing up of a European energy policy which has due regard for the respective competences of the European Union and of the Member States: international relations, energy efficiency, combating climate change, further development of the internal market, negotiation of international treaties, forward studies and dialogue with producers and transit countries, energy research and diversification of energy supplies; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on Member States, in the light of the growing risks which the European Union is running in terms of energy security, to speak with a single voice; notes that their current practices are anything but geared to this aspiration; considers it imperative, in the interests of security of supply, solidarity and of the effectiveness of negotiations with a view to determining the international regulatory framework, for the Commission to propose to Parliament and the Council the drawing up of a European energy policy which has due regard for the respective competences of the European Union and of the Member States: international relations, energy efficiency, combating climate change, further development of the internal market, negotiation of international treaties, forward studies and dialogue with producers and transit countries, energy research and diversification of energy supplies;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to contribute to the creation of a single European voice towards third country producers through the development of mutually beneficial interdependency and to support the strengthening of the trading power of EU undertakings as against that of the state-owned undertakings of third countries; |
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8.

Calls on the Commission to contribute to the creation of a single European voice towards third country producers through the development of mutually beneficial interdependency and to support the strengthening of the trading power of EU undertakings as against that of the state-owned undertakings of third countries;

| 9. | Considers that energy solidarity must become a major European concern at European, regional and bilateral level and that damaging energy supply in a Member State afflicts the European Union as a whole; |
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9.

Considers that energy solidarity must become a major European concern at European, regional and bilateral level and that damaging energy supply in a Member State afflicts the European Union as a whole;

| 10. | Stresses the importance of local initiatives to combat climate change; endorses measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies, such as the financing programmes which fall under the cohesion policy or green taxation, or the contribution by the ‘Covenant of Mayors’, and supports in this regard the idea of a ‘Covenant of Islands’ towards the dissemination of best practices and the development of highly efficient and renewable energy communities and cities; |
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10.

Stresses the importance of local initiatives to combat climate change; endorses measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies, such as the financing programmes which fall under the cohesion policy or green taxation, or the contribution by the ‘Covenant of Mayors’, and supports in this regard the idea of a ‘Covenant of Islands’ towards the dissemination of best practices and the development of highly efficient and renewable energy communities and cities;

| 11. | Believes that an appropriate European energy policy must be founded on a balanced energy mix based on the use of non-carbon energy and the lowest emitting fossil fuels and on new technologies which drastically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from solid fossil fuels; |
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11.

Believes that an appropriate European energy policy must be founded on a balanced energy mix based on the use of non-carbon energy and the lowest emitting fossil fuels and on new technologies which drastically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from solid fossil fuels;

| 12. | Believes that Member States should develop national strategies to tackle the issue of energy poverty within their territory; |
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12.

Believes that Member States should develop national strategies to tackle the issue of energy poverty within their territory;

| 13. | Considers that the division of tasks between undertakings and political decision-makers, whereby undertakings take responsibility for security of supply, is of proven value and should therefore in principle be preserved; calls on political decision-makers, in view of the increasingly difficult global environment, in future to adopt more accompanying measures for business operations; |
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13.

Considers that the division of tasks between undertakings and political decision-makers, whereby undertakings take responsibility for security of supply, is of proven value and should therefore in principle be preserved; calls on political decision-makers, in view of the increasingly difficult global environment, in future to adopt more accompanying measures for business operations;

| 14. | Recalls the commitments made by Member States in signing the Lisbon Treaty, to combating climate change and to practising solidarity in times of energy crisis; |
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14.

Recalls the commitments made by Member States in signing the Lisbon Treaty, to combating climate change and to practising solidarity in times of energy crisis;

| 15. | Considers that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will further strengthen all efforts for the establishment of a common European energy policy; |
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15.

Considers that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will further strengthen all efforts for the establishment of a common European energy policy;

Security of supply

| 16. | Welcomes the European Union energy security and solidarity action plan; |
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16.

Welcomes the European Union energy security and solidarity action plan;

Promoting the infrastructure required to meet EU needs

| 17. | Notes a very significant delay in the building of the priority and European-interest transport and energy networks; stresses that this low level of investment is acting as a brake on the proper functioning of the internal market and is responsible for the fact that, in all energy sectors, capacity is stretched or even inadequate; notes as well that this is only partly the responsibility of industry and calls for the Member States to involve their citizens better, notably by informing them about the needs of new infrastructure and generation projects; calls therefore on national regulatory authorities to do whatever they can within their fields of decision-making to accelerate investment; |
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17.

Notes a very significant delay in the building of the priority and European-interest transport and energy networks; stresses that this low level of investment is acting as a brake on the proper functioning of the internal market and is responsible for the fact that, in all energy sectors, capacity is stretched or even inadequate; notes as well that this is only partly the responsibility of industry and calls for the Member States to involve their citizens better, notably by informing them about the needs of new infrastructure and generation projects; calls therefore on national regulatory authorities to do whatever they can within their fields of decision-making to accelerate investment;

| 18. | Notes that the new wave of investment must be forward-looking to take into account the changing way in which energy is consumed and produced and that decentralised energy systems must be matched with large renewable sources; |
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18.

Notes that the new wave of investment must be forward-looking to take into account the changing way in which energy is consumed and produced and that decentralised energy systems must be matched with large renewable sources;

| 19. | Notes that the European Council set a target of 10% for achieving gas and electricity interconnection capacity between Member States; |
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19.

Notes that the European Council set a target of 10% for achieving gas and electricity interconnection capacity between Member States;

| 20. | Welcomes the idea of increasing European financing with the aim of encouraging investment in networks; notes with interest the Commission's proposal to allocate - under the framework of the 2008 Economic Recovery Plan - 5 billion EUR of 2008/2009 unspent budgets in particular on new energy connections; asks to be fully involved in the decision-making process on the final list of projects; considers that the European Investment Bank should have a more prominent role in providing funding for energy efficiency, renewable energies and research and development (R&D) projects; |
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20.

Welcomes the idea of increasing European financing with the aim of encouraging investment in networks; notes with interest the Commission's proposal to allocate - under the framework of the 2008 Economic Recovery Plan - 5 billion EUR of 2008/2009 unspent budgets in particular on new energy connections; asks to be fully involved in the decision-making process on the final list of projects; considers that the European Investment Bank should have a more prominent role in providing funding for energy efficiency, renewable energies and research and development (R&D) projects;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to work actively to increase the number of operators on the energy market and in particular to adopt measures to promote energy production by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their market entry; |
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21.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to work actively to increase the number of operators on the energy market and in particular to adopt measures to promote energy production by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their market entry;

| 22. | Emphasises the importance of the development of gas and electricity interconnections through Central and South-Eastern Europe along a north-south axis, recalling that the networks in the Baltic sea region should be developed and integrated into the Western European network; underlines the need for special attention for the development of a Baltic Interconnection Plan covering gas, electricity and storage in 2009; also supports the building of interconnections with islands, remote and isolated areas in the European Union; |
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22.

Emphasises the importance of the development of gas and electricity interconnections through Central and South-Eastern Europe along a north-south axis, recalling that the networks in the Baltic sea region should be developed and integrated into the Western European network; underlines the need for special attention for the development of a Baltic Interconnection Plan covering gas, electricity and storage in 2009; also supports the building of interconnections with islands, remote and isolated areas in the European Union;

| 23. | Urges, for the same reasons, the development of the interconnections with South-Western Europe, especially from the Iberian peninsula to northern France; |
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23.

Urges, for the same reasons, the development of the interconnections with South-Western Europe, especially from the Iberian peninsula to northern France;

| 24. | Recalls that cross-border links already exist between various countries; observes that regional initiatives such as the Pentalateral Forum have devised usable practical solutions which increase the integration of the internal market; encourages those responsible for these initiatives to continue their successful work; |
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24.

Recalls that cross-border links already exist between various countries; observes that regional initiatives such as the Pentalateral Forum have devised usable practical solutions which increase the integration of the internal market; encourages those responsible for these initiatives to continue their successful work;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission to propose adequate measures to encourage interconnection and development of electricity networks to allow for the optimised integration and balancing of fluctuating renewable energy production on- and offshore; |
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25.

Calls on the Commission to propose adequate measures to encourage interconnection and development of electricity networks to allow for the optimised integration and balancing of fluctuating renewable energy production on- and offshore;

| 26. | Welcomes the proposal to submit a plan for an offshore network in the North Sea in order to exploit its enormous wind energy potential; also welcomes in this connection the creation of a European supergrid by linking the network infrastructures of the North Sea, Mediterranean and Baltic regions; |
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26.

Welcomes the proposal to submit a plan for an offshore network in the North Sea in order to exploit its enormous wind energy potential; also welcomes in this connection the creation of a European supergrid by linking the network infrastructures of the North Sea, Mediterranean and Baltic regions;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure appropriate regulation and to allow for non-discriminatory access to new infrastructure, for example, to the North Sea offshore grid; |
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27.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure appropriate regulation and to allow for non-discriminatory access to new infrastructure, for example, to the North Sea offshore grid;

| 28. | 28Believes that the EU must substantially and as rapidly as possible continue to increase its diversification and security in energy sources; calls on the Commission and on the Czech Presidency to present a new ambitious and far-sighted diversification plan to the next European Council; |
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28.

28Believes that the EU must substantially and as rapidly as possible continue to increase its diversification and security in energy sources; calls on the Commission and on the Czech Presidency to present a new ambitious and far-sighted diversification plan to the next European Council;

| 29. | Expresses its support for projects to diversify sources and routes of supply, particularly the development of a southern gas corridor including the Nabucco, the Turkey-Greece-Italy Gas Interconnector (TGI), and South Stream projects; stresses the need to work with the countries concerned, notably in the Caspian region; considers it of great importance that in the longer term, when political conditions permit, supplies from other countries in the region, such as Uzbekistan and Iran, should represent a further significant source of supply for the European Union; |
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29.

Expresses its support for projects to diversify sources and routes of supply, particularly the development of a southern gas corridor including the Nabucco, the Turkey-Greece-Italy Gas Interconnector (TGI), and South Stream projects; stresses the need to work with the countries concerned, notably in the Caspian region; considers it of great importance that in the longer term, when political conditions permit, supplies from other countries in the region, such as Uzbekistan and Iran, should represent a further significant source of supply for the European Union;

| 30. | Expresses also its support for the full interconnection of the Argelian-Spain-France and continental Europe MEDGAZ project, regarded by the Commission as a project of European interest in the Priority Interconnection Plan to further diversify entry gas routes to Europe; |
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30.

Expresses also its support for the full interconnection of the Argelian-Spain-France and continental Europe MEDGAZ project, regarded by the Commission as a project of European interest in the Priority Interconnection Plan to further diversify entry gas routes to Europe;

| 31. | Advocates, in view of the decline in domestic natural gas production and the change in the energy mix in many Member States, that all currently planned natural gas and electricity infrastructure projects be implemented rapidly in order to ensure that demand can still be met in future; |
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31.

Advocates, in view of the decline in domestic natural gas production and the change in the energy mix in many Member States, that all currently planned natural gas and electricity infrastructure projects be implemented rapidly in order to ensure that demand can still be met in future;

| 32. | Considers that relations and partnerships with key energy suppliers, transit countries and consumer countries are important and must be deepened; points out, however, that the deepening of those relations and partnerships should in no circumstances take place to the detriment of the Union's founding values with regard, in particular, to respect for human rights; emphasises in this regard that the development of confidence and deeper and legally binding ties between the European Union and producer and transit countries should go hand in hand with the promotion of, and respect for, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; calls for the development and adoption of policies and concrete measures to those ends; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Considers that relations and partnerships with key energy suppliers, transit countries and consumer countries are important and must be deepened; points out, however, that the deepening of those relations and partnerships should in no circumstances take place to the detriment of the Union's founding values with regard, in particular, to respect for human rights; emphasises in this regard that the development of confidence and deeper and legally binding ties between the European Union and producer and transit countries should go hand in hand with the promotion of, and respect for, democracy, human rights and the rule of law; calls for the development and adoption of policies and concrete measures to those ends;

| 33. | In this connection calls for a trilateral agreement between the EU, Russia and Ukraine concerning the transit of gas from Russia to the EU to guarantee security of supply in the coming years; |
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33.

In this connection calls for a trilateral agreement between the EU, Russia and Ukraine concerning the transit of gas from Russia to the EU to guarantee security of supply in the coming years;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission to reinforce its efforts to find a solution to the as yet unresolved open questions concerning the conditions for the transit of natural gas through Turkey via the Nabucco gas pipeline; |
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34.

Calls on the Commission to reinforce its efforts to find a solution to the as yet unresolved open questions concerning the conditions for the transit of natural gas through Turkey via the Nabucco gas pipeline;

| 35. | Considers that sufficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity consisting of liquefaction facilities in the producing countries and LNG terminals and ship-based regasification in the Union should be available to all Member States, either directly or through other Member States on the basis of a solidarity mechanism; considers that new LNG terminals should be regarded as projects of European interest on account of their key contribution to diversification of supply routes; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Considers that sufficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity consisting of liquefaction facilities in the producing countries and LNG terminals and ship-based regasification in the Union should be available to all Member States, either directly or through other Member States on the basis of a solidarity mechanism; considers that new LNG terminals should be regarded as projects of European interest on account of their key contribution to diversification of supply routes;

| 36. | Calls on the Commission to give its full support to investments in the construction of strategic gas stock facilities, as an important element of European energy security; |
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36.

Calls on the Commission to give its full support to investments in the construction of strategic gas stock facilities, as an important element of European energy security;

| 37. | Believes that oil refining capacity represents an important additional factor in ensuring the Union's energy security; notes that it is therefore important to improve the level of transparency of the supply-demand balance for refining capacity necessary to serve the Union's needs, in particular taking account of concerns regarding the potential availability of diesel fuel in the future; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Believes that oil refining capacity represents an important additional factor in ensuring the Union's energy security; notes that it is therefore important to improve the level of transparency of the supply-demand balance for refining capacity necessary to serve the Union's needs, in particular taking account of concerns regarding the potential availability of diesel fuel in the future;

| 38. | Seeks, in accordance with the principle of European energy solidarity, to ensure security of supply and of energy for the Baltic region under conditions of economic recession; |
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38.

Seeks, in accordance with the principle of European energy solidarity, to ensure security of supply and of energy for the Baltic region under conditions of economic recession;

Internal energy market

| 39. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to draw up strategic guidelines intended for lasting application, while encouraging private industrial undertakings to participate in their implementation, striking a balance between market mechanisms and regulation; |
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39.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to draw up strategic guidelines intended for lasting application, while encouraging private industrial undertakings to participate in their implementation, striking a balance between market mechanisms and regulation;

| 40. | Stresses the importance of creating a clear and stable legal framework by finalising before the end of the Parliament's legislature in 2009 the negotiations on the legislative package on the internal energy market; supports the setting up of the independent Agency, as provided for in the above mentioned Commission proposal for a regulation establishing the Agency, with strong and independent powers, including powers relating to security of supply and networks; calls on Member States to foster the implementation of the third energy package, in particular to start cooperating among themselves in order to promote regional and bilateral solidarity for the purpose of safeguarding secure supplies on the internal market; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Stresses the importance of creating a clear and stable legal framework by finalising before the end of the Parliament's legislature in 2009 the negotiations on the legislative package on the internal energy market; supports the setting up of the independent Agency, as provided for in the above mentioned Commission proposal for a regulation establishing the Agency, with strong and independent powers, including powers relating to security of supply and networks; calls on Member States to foster the implementation of the third energy package, in particular to start cooperating among themselves in order to promote regional and bilateral solidarity for the purpose of safeguarding secure supplies on the internal market;

| 41. | Invites Member States and the Commission to develop major network investments and to complete the internal energy market through forward-looking initiatives such as the European transmission system operator and the establishment of a single European gas grid; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Invites Member States and the Commission to develop major network investments and to complete the internal energy market through forward-looking initiatives such as the European transmission system operator and the establishment of a single European gas grid;

| 42. | Calls on the Commission to bring forward to 2020 the objective of developing and completing a smart interconnected electricity network as an important ingredient for achieving the 2020-targets; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Commission to bring forward to 2020 the objective of developing and completing a smart interconnected electricity network as an important ingredient for achieving the 2020-targets;

| 43. | Calls on Member States to cooperate to draw up a European strategic plan with a view to multiannual programming of the investment necessary to meet future electricity generation needs on the basis of medium-term projections of energy requirements; believes that an indicative multiannual plan should also be envisaged in the gas sector to provide an overall view of investment requirements at European level; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on Member States to cooperate to draw up a European strategic plan with a view to multiannual programming of the investment necessary to meet future electricity generation needs on the basis of medium-term projections of energy requirements; believes that an indicative multiannual plan should also be envisaged in the gas sector to provide an overall view of investment requirements at European level;

| 44. | Calls on Member States and relevant stakeholders to consult and coordinate future plans for cross-border infrastructure investments (grids, pipelines, and power plants for example) with relevant parties in all countries which could be affected by planned investments so as to make best use of available resources.; considers that the establishment of an Infrastructure Coordination Group at European level would help this coordination effort and could supplement the development of a 10-year network development plan as proposed in the internal energy market package; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on Member States and relevant stakeholders to consult and coordinate future plans for cross-border infrastructure investments (grids, pipelines, and power plants for example) with relevant parties in all countries which could be affected by planned investments so as to make best use of available resources.; considers that the establishment of an Infrastructure Coordination Group at European level would help this coordination effort and could supplement the development of a 10-year network development plan as proposed in the internal energy market package;

| 45. | Stresses that the completion of the internal energy market will be a success only if obstacles to investment are removed and physical connections linking all Member States to one common energy network are constructed and if the market makes it possible ultimately to avoid volatility of energy prices and to ensure a fair market for all generators and grid connection, access and integration of new energy producers and technologies; stresses that the recently revised Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community (15) provides, in a comprehensible and predictable manner, an assessment of CO2; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Stresses that the completion of the internal energy market will be a success only if obstacles to investment are removed and physical connections linking all Member States to one common energy network are constructed and if the market makes it possible ultimately to avoid volatility of energy prices and to ensure a fair market for all generators and grid connection, access and integration of new energy producers and technologies; stresses that the recently revised Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community (15) provides, in a comprehensible and predictable manner, an assessment of CO2;

External energy relations

| 46. | Welcomes the Communication on the Second Strategic Energy Review, and in particular its proposals on external energy policy, which are broadly in line with the above-mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007; expresses disappointment about the lack of detailed proposals and underlines once more the need for further intensification of the Union's efforts to develop a coherent and effective common European foreign policy on energy with a renewed focus on energy-producing countries; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Welcomes the Communication on the Second Strategic Energy Review, and in particular its proposals on external energy policy, which are broadly in line with the above-mentioned resolution of 26 September 2007; expresses disappointment about the lack of detailed proposals and underlines once more the need for further intensification of the Union's efforts to develop a coherent and effective common European foreign policy on energy with a renewed focus on energy-producing countries;

| 47. | Calls on the Commission to support the inclusion of the so-called ‘energy security clause’ in trade, association and partnership as well as cooperation agreements with producer and transit countries, which would lay down a code of conduct and prohibition of disruption due to commercial disputes, and explicitly outline measures to be taken in the event of unilateral disruption, or any change in the terms of the contract or in the terms of supply by one of the partners; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Commission to support the inclusion of the so-called ‘energy security clause’ in trade, association and partnership as well as cooperation agreements with producer and transit countries, which would lay down a code of conduct and prohibition of disruption due to commercial disputes, and explicitly outline measures to be taken in the event of unilateral disruption, or any change in the terms of the contract or in the terms of supply by one of the partners;

| 48. | Recalls that, even with the help of ambitious and rigorously implemented energy efficiency and energy saving plans, the European Union is likely still to be dependent in the medium term on third countries for supplies of fossil energy; calls therefore for dialogue with producer, transit and other consumer countries to be stepped up and, more generally, for enhanced international cooperation to increase transparency on world energy markets and to tackle the issue of sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Recalls that, even with the help of ambitious and rigorously implemented energy efficiency and energy saving plans, the European Union is likely still to be dependent in the medium term on third countries for supplies of fossil energy; calls therefore for dialogue with producer, transit and other consumer countries to be stepped up and, more generally, for enhanced international cooperation to increase transparency on world energy markets and to tackle the issue of sustainable development;

| 49. | Notes the importance of long-term supply contracts for the development of long-term trust-based relations between extracting and purchasing countries and for securing the necessary investment in both upstream and downstream sectors; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Notes the importance of long-term supply contracts for the development of long-term trust-based relations between extracting and purchasing countries and for securing the necessary investment in both upstream and downstream sectors;

| 50. | Calls on the European Union to cooperate with the countries of the Mediterranean region, and of North Africa in view of their significant energy resource potential and substantial opportunities for development of Africa; believes, in particular, that the use of solar and wind energy should be researched and encouraged; calls, therefore, for common objectives for renewable energy and energy efficiency to be included in the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Calls on the European Union to cooperate with the countries of the Mediterranean region, and of North Africa in view of their significant energy resource potential and substantial opportunities for development of Africa; believes, in particular, that the use of solar and wind energy should be researched and encouraged; calls, therefore, for common objectives for renewable energy and energy efficiency to be included in the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean;

| 51. | Calls on the European Union to cooperate with the countries of Middle East in view of their significant energy resource potential; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the European Union to cooperate with the countries of Middle East in view of their significant energy resource potential;

| 52. | Supports the intention to negotiate a wide-ranging new agreement replacing the 1997 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Russia including the Chapter on Energy, which should fully respect the principles of the Energy Charter Treaty and its transit protocols; notes that Russia has signed and Ukraine ratified the Energy Charter Treaty; recalls that it contains amongst others the dispute settlement mechanism which provides for dispute settlement for instance in the case of transit or trade disputes between the respective parties to the Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Supports the intention to negotiate a wide-ranging new agreement replacing the 1997 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Russia including the Chapter on Energy, which should fully respect the principles of the Energy Charter Treaty and its transit protocols; notes that Russia has signed and Ukraine ratified the Energy Charter Treaty; recalls that it contains amongst others the dispute settlement mechanism which provides for dispute settlement for instance in the case of transit or trade disputes between the respective parties to the Treaty;

| 53. | Stresses the need to include Ukraine in the European arrangements for ongoing dialogue with Russia on account of the key role which Ukraine plays as a transit country; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Stresses the need to include Ukraine in the European arrangements for ongoing dialogue with Russia on account of the key role which Ukraine plays as a transit country;

| 54. | Urges the Commission, so as to ensure security of supply, to consider extending the Energy Community Treaty between the European Union and South-Eastern Europe to other third countries and to creating new regional energy markets with neighbouring countries on the model of the South East Europe Energy Community, including for example, the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Community, |
| --- | --- |

54.

Urges the Commission, so as to ensure security of supply, to consider extending the Energy Community Treaty between the European Union and South-Eastern Europe to other third countries and to creating new regional energy markets with neighbouring countries on the model of the South East Europe Energy Community, including for example, the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Community,

| 55. | Stresses the need to include Turkey in the European arrangements for ongoing dialogue with the Caspian/Caucasus region on account of the key role which Turkey can play as a transit country; reiterates at the same time Turkey's commitments as a candidate country for the alignment with the acquis communautaire; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Stresses the need to include Turkey in the European arrangements for ongoing dialogue with the Caspian/Caucasus region on account of the key role which Turkey can play as a transit country; reiterates at the same time Turkey's commitments as a candidate country for the alignment with the acquis communautaire;

| 56. | Stresses the geopolitical importance of the Black Sea region for the Union's energy security and for the diversification of its energy supplies; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Stresses the geopolitical importance of the Black Sea region for the Union's energy security and for the diversification of its energy supplies;

| 57. | Calls on the Member States to reinforce energy relations with the countries of Latin America in the context of existing and future association and cooperation agreements; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Calls on the Member States to reinforce energy relations with the countries of Latin America in the context of existing and future association and cooperation agreements;

| 58. | Calls on Member States to use the euro as an instrument to structure international financial relations in order to reduce fluctuations arising from the invoicing of purchases of oil and gas; calls on the European Union to examine the issue of foreign investment in the European energy sector by applying the reciprocity clause; indeed believes that as long as reciprocity concerning access to markets is not guaranteed the European Union should, as proposed by Parliament and the Commission, apply an effective third country clause regarding the acquisition of a transmission system or transmission system operator; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Calls on Member States to use the euro as an instrument to structure international financial relations in order to reduce fluctuations arising from the invoicing of purchases of oil and gas; calls on the European Union to examine the issue of foreign investment in the European energy sector by applying the reciprocity clause; indeed believes that as long as reciprocity concerning access to markets is not guaranteed the European Union should, as proposed by Parliament and the Commission, apply an effective third country clause regarding the acquisition of a transmission system or transmission system operator;

| 59. | Calls on the Commission to analyse different ways in which the volatility of oil and gas prices can be reduced; notes in particular the role of transparency and sufficient spare production capacity as well as of the catalytic effect of financial speculation on price formation on the market; rejects the use of strategic oil stocks to reduce price fluctuations on economic grounds; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Calls on the Commission to analyse different ways in which the volatility of oil and gas prices can be reduced; notes in particular the role of transparency and sufficient spare production capacity as well as of the catalytic effect of financial speculation on price formation on the market; rejects the use of strategic oil stocks to reduce price fluctuations on economic grounds;

| 60. | Calls on Member States to intensify and coordinate their actions with a view to securing supply routes, particularly maritime routes; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on Member States to intensify and coordinate their actions with a view to securing supply routes, particularly maritime routes;

| 61. | Calls on Member States to identify best practices at international level and to step up technological cooperation with these countries so as to enhance knowledge and experience in this area; in particular, calls on Member States to step up their technological cooperation with Japan, whose economy is totally dependent on imported energy and which has developed one of the most efficient energy systems in the world; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls on Member States to identify best practices at international level and to step up technological cooperation with these countries so as to enhance knowledge and experience in this area; in particular, calls on Member States to step up their technological cooperation with Japan, whose economy is totally dependent on imported energy and which has developed one of the most efficient energy systems in the world;

| 62. | Notes that China's growing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions represent a huge challenge to environmental goals and security of energy supply; calls for an enhanced cooperation between the EU and China to promote the transfer of low carbon technology, in particular energy efficiency and renewables; stresses the critical importance of developing and deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) in China, given the importance of coal to its economy; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Notes that China's growing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions represent a huge challenge to environmental goals and security of energy supply; calls for an enhanced cooperation between the EU and China to promote the transfer of low carbon technology, in particular energy efficiency and renewables; stresses the critical importance of developing and deploying carbon capture and storage (CCS) in China, given the importance of coal to its economy;

| 63. | Notes the importance of the EU-OPEC energy dialogue and encourages the Commission to intensify the energy dialogue with Norway; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Notes the importance of the EU-OPEC energy dialogue and encourages the Commission to intensify the energy dialogue with Norway;

Ways of responding to crises by managing oil and gas stocks

| 64. | Welcomes the Commission's intention to revise Directive 2006/67/EC of 24 July 2006 imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products (codified version) (16) and proposes the publication of weekly rather than monthly data as at present to render the market transparent and avoid a disproportionate reaction to the American situation; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Welcomes the Commission's intention to revise Directive 2006/67/EC of 24 July 2006 imposing an obligation on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil and/or petroleum products (codified version) (16) and proposes the publication of weekly rather than monthly data as at present to render the market transparent and avoid a disproportionate reaction to the American situation;

| 65. | Notes the failure of the Member States to demonstrate solidarity, with regard to increasing the amount of gas available to the affected Member States during the recent gas crisis between Ukraine and Russia; urges the Council and the Commission to create a solidarity mechanism, in accordance with the Treaty of Lisbon, which would allow the EU to act efficiently, swiftly and coherently in crisis situations caused by disruption of supply, damage to critical infrastructure or any other such event; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Notes the failure of the Member States to demonstrate solidarity, with regard to increasing the amount of gas available to the affected Member States during the recent gas crisis between Ukraine and Russia; urges the Council and the Commission to create a solidarity mechanism, in accordance with the Treaty of Lisbon, which would allow the EU to act efficiently, swiftly and coherently in crisis situations caused by disruption of supply, damage to critical infrastructure or any other such event;

| 66. | Welcomes, in the light of the above-mentioned gas crisis that afflicted the Union's territory, the Commission's intention to improve the framework of Council Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply (17) and calls on the Commission to propose amendments to this Directive before the end of 2009 along the lines proposed in its above mentioned Communication COM(2008)0769; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Welcomes, in the light of the above-mentioned gas crisis that afflicted the Union's territory, the Commission's intention to improve the framework of Council Directive 2004/67/EC of 26 April 2004 concerning measures to safeguard security of natural gas supply (17) and calls on the Commission to propose amendments to this Directive before the end of 2009 along the lines proposed in its above mentioned Communication COM(2008)0769;

| 67. | Stresses that the key elements of the revision of Council Directive 2004/67/EC should contain mandatory and effective national and EU emergency action plans, which among other things define a common declaration of an emergency situation, allocation of available supplies and infrastructure capacity among the affected States, coordinated dispatching, activation of emergency measures in unaffected or less affected States in order to increase the amount of gas available to the affected markets using all means possible, including, among others, interruptible contracts, fuel switching, storage withdrawal and supply flexibilities for example; considers that it is essential to improve the functioning of the market through transparency and increase the availability of gas in the market; calls on the European Union and its Member States to develop gas storage with fast-release capacity; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Stresses that the key elements of the revision of Council Directive 2004/67/EC should contain mandatory and effective national and EU emergency action plans, which among other things define a common declaration of an emergency situation, allocation of available supplies and infrastructure capacity among the affected States, coordinated dispatching, activation of emergency measures in unaffected or less affected States in order to increase the amount of gas available to the affected markets using all means possible, including, among others, interruptible contracts, fuel switching, storage withdrawal and supply flexibilities for example; considers that it is essential to improve the functioning of the market through transparency and increase the availability of gas in the market; calls on the European Union and its Member States to develop gas storage with fast-release capacity;

| 68. | Proposes that information technologies should be used better for total or partial cut-offs in the event of a crisis, and considers, for this purpose, that under the supervision of the regulator, a system capable of reducing consumption in response to a collective decision could be introduced; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Proposes that information technologies should be used better for total or partial cut-offs in the event of a crisis, and considers, for this purpose, that under the supervision of the regulator, a system capable of reducing consumption in response to a collective decision could be introduced;

Energy efficiency

| 69. | Considers that improving energy efficiency by at least 20% by 2020 is the priority in contributing to sustainable development and competitiveness objectives and is also the most effective and cost-efficient way of improving energy security; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States immediately to adopt a legally binding energy efficiency target of at least 20% by 2020; calls on the Commission and Member States to step up awareness campaigns and make practical information available concerning the energy efficiency solutions to be adopted and also to promote energy education and training programmes in schools and universities throughout the Union; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Considers that improving energy efficiency by at least 20% by 2020 is the priority in contributing to sustainable development and competitiveness objectives and is also the most effective and cost-efficient way of improving energy security; calls therefore on the Commission and Member States immediately to adopt a legally binding energy efficiency target of at least 20% by 2020; calls on the Commission and Member States to step up awareness campaigns and make practical information available concerning the energy efficiency solutions to be adopted and also to promote energy education and training programmes in schools and universities throughout the Union;

| 70. | Stresses the importance of rigorous and timely implementation and enforcement of energy savings and energy efficiency legislation by Member States and the Commission; stresses the importance of adopting mandatory public procurement measures at the Community and national levels in order to stimulate the demand for innovative products and services that will enhance energy efficiency; calls therefore for an ambitious approach in forthcoming legislation relating to energy savings and energy efficiency (in particular in the building, industry and transport sectors and as regards urban planning and appliances); |
| --- | --- |

70.

Stresses the importance of rigorous and timely implementation and enforcement of energy savings and energy efficiency legislation by Member States and the Commission; stresses the importance of adopting mandatory public procurement measures at the Community and national levels in order to stimulate the demand for innovative products and services that will enhance energy efficiency; calls therefore for an ambitious approach in forthcoming legislation relating to energy savings and energy efficiency (in particular in the building, industry and transport sectors and as regards urban planning and appliances);

| 71. | Welcomes the Commission's intention of observing carefully the progress of combined heat and power (CHP), and calls on the Commission to submit further support measures as part of the review of the energy efficiency action plan in 2009; reminds the Commission that savings on primary energy, cost efficiency and security of supply are the principal aims of the CHP process, irrespective of what technology is used; considers that it must be left to the market to develop and select the most effective technologies; advocates the development of a promotion and financing strategy for infrastructure such as heating and cooling networks using local resources such as geothermal energy and cogenerated heat, for example; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Welcomes the Commission's intention of observing carefully the progress of combined heat and power (CHP), and calls on the Commission to submit further support measures as part of the review of the energy efficiency action plan in 2009; reminds the Commission that savings on primary energy, cost efficiency and security of supply are the principal aims of the CHP process, irrespective of what technology is used; considers that it must be left to the market to develop and select the most effective technologies; advocates the development of a promotion and financing strategy for infrastructure such as heating and cooling networks using local resources such as geothermal energy and cogenerated heat, for example;

| 72. | Supports the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation, to promote more uniform standards and encourage ambitious worldwide objectives; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Supports the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation, to promote more uniform standards and encourage ambitious worldwide objectives;

| 73. | Calls for more efficient use of oil, particularly in the field of transport, which is the main sector in which this fuel is used; calls for the adoption of ambitious medium-term objectives (for 2020) for vehicle fuel efficiency, while encouraging Member States to seek alternative fuels and propulsion technologies, for example electric engines, for goods and individual passenger transport, particularly in urban areas; considers that achieving a significant modal shift in transport towards more environmentally friendly options, for instance from private individual road transport to public transport, should be a key component of the Union's strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls for more efficient use of oil, particularly in the field of transport, which is the main sector in which this fuel is used; calls for the adoption of ambitious medium-term objectives (for 2020) for vehicle fuel efficiency, while encouraging Member States to seek alternative fuels and propulsion technologies, for example electric engines, for goods and individual passenger transport, particularly in urban areas; considers that achieving a significant modal shift in transport towards more environmentally friendly options, for instance from private individual road transport to public transport, should be a key component of the Union's strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector;

| 74. | Considers that a ‘frontrunner’ approach for vehicles from the European car industry would help to win back international markets, particularly from Asian producers; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Considers that a ‘frontrunner’ approach for vehicles from the European car industry would help to win back international markets, particularly from Asian producers;

| 75. | Regrets that rail accounts for only 10% of European goods transport; calls on Member States to make better use of rail transport and waterways; calls for more determined efforts to establish the optimal combination of rail, water and road transport; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Regrets that rail accounts for only 10% of European goods transport; calls on Member States to make better use of rail transport and waterways; calls for more determined efforts to establish the optimal combination of rail, water and road transport;

| 76. | Stresses the importance of adopting the necessary mix of policy measures so as to improve the energy efficiency both of existing and new electric appliances; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Stresses the importance of adopting the necessary mix of policy measures so as to improve the energy efficiency both of existing and new electric appliances;

Better use of the Union's indigenous resources and best technologies

| 77. | Considers that renewable energies, such as wind, biogas, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal and marine resources, are the most important potential sources of energy available to the European Union, which can help to stabilise energy prices and combat increasing energy dependence, and welcomes the initiative to submit a communication on eliminating obstacles to renewable energies; stresses in this context that any new initiative should not lead to a postponement of existing projects; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Considers that renewable energies, such as wind, biogas, solar, hydro, biomass, geothermal and marine resources, are the most important potential sources of energy available to the European Union, which can help to stabilise energy prices and combat increasing energy dependence, and welcomes the initiative to submit a communication on eliminating obstacles to renewable energies; stresses in this context that any new initiative should not lead to a postponement of existing projects;

| 78. | Considers that exploiting indigenous fossil resources, in particular onshore and off-shore natural gas fields, may contribute to enhancing Europe's energy independence and must be developed where available, in compliance with national and European environmental legislation; calls on Member States and the Commission to find the right regulatory balance between environmental safeguards and production opportunities in the Union's territory both inland and off-shore; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Considers that exploiting indigenous fossil resources, in particular onshore and off-shore natural gas fields, may contribute to enhancing Europe's energy independence and must be developed where available, in compliance with national and European environmental legislation; calls on Member States and the Commission to find the right regulatory balance between environmental safeguards and production opportunities in the Union's territory both inland and off-shore;

| 79. | Recalls that, given the constantly flowing nature of renewable sources, it is essential to boost electrical interconnection capacity at Community level, while paying special attention to those Member States and regions which are most isolated within the Union energy market, with a view to equipping Member States with the means necessary to meet the 20% renewables target by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Recalls that, given the constantly flowing nature of renewable sources, it is essential to boost electrical interconnection capacity at Community level, while paying special attention to those Member States and regions which are most isolated within the Union energy market, with a view to equipping Member States with the means necessary to meet the 20% renewables target by 2020;

| 80. | Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to revolutionise relations between the agriculture and energy sectors by means of a plan designed to equip the roofs of agricultural installations with renewable energy devices such as solar panels; calls on Member States and local authorities to provide local incentives for the use of used oils and sustainable local biomass resources, while ensuring an appropriate balance between energy crops and food crops; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Calls on the Commission, Member States and local authorities to revolutionise relations between the agriculture and energy sectors by means of a plan designed to equip the roofs of agricultural installations with renewable energy devices such as solar panels; calls on Member States and local authorities to provide local incentives for the use of used oils and sustainable local biomass resources, while ensuring an appropriate balance between energy crops and food crops;

| 81. | Urges the Commission to submit a report to Parliament indicating the technical obstacles and standards which impede investment by SMEs in energy production and their use of the existing networks to distribute the energy so produced; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Urges the Commission to submit a report to Parliament indicating the technical obstacles and standards which impede investment by SMEs in energy production and their use of the existing networks to distribute the energy so produced;

| 82. | Calls on the Commission to increase the priority assigned to R&D in electricity storage, ICT-based linkup of distributed generating facilities (‘virtual power plants’), smart grids and increase of infrastructure capacity to enable priority connection of renewable energies; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Calls on the Commission to increase the priority assigned to R&D in electricity storage, ICT-based linkup of distributed generating facilities (‘virtual power plants’), smart grids and increase of infrastructure capacity to enable priority connection of renewable energies;

| 83. | Calls on the Commission to redefine European development aid policy, incorporating a new energy pillar; considers in this context that solar power station projects for North Africa should be primarily intended to meet local needs; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Calls on the Commission to redefine European development aid policy, incorporating a new energy pillar; considers in this context that solar power station projects for North Africa should be primarily intended to meet local needs;

| 84. | Recalls that both lignite and coal remain an important transitional element in the energy mix and in the Union's security of supply, due to large domestic reserves, as an alternative to oil and gas; stresses however that its CO2 emissions are higher than other primary energy sources; calls therefore for the reduction of such emissions by means of the modernisation of power-stations through CCS technologies and calls in that context on the Commission to consider all financial possibilities to build the 12 demonstration projects by 2015; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Recalls that both lignite and coal remain an important transitional element in the energy mix and in the Union's security of supply, due to large domestic reserves, as an alternative to oil and gas; stresses however that its CO2 emissions are higher than other primary energy sources; calls therefore for the reduction of such emissions by means of the modernisation of power-stations through CCS technologies and calls in that context on the Commission to consider all financial possibilities to build the 12 demonstration projects by 2015;

| 85. | Acknowledges that admixing biomass for burning in modern coal-fired power stations is already achieving 45% efficiency, and that efficiency levels as high as 90% can be achieved using CHP; therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish incentives for increasing the admixture of biogenic fuels in fossil-fuel-fired power stations; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Acknowledges that admixing biomass for burning in modern coal-fired power stations is already achieving 45% efficiency, and that efficiency levels as high as 90% can be achieved using CHP; therefore calls on the Commission and the Member States to establish incentives for increasing the admixture of biogenic fuels in fossil-fuel-fired power stations;

| 86. | Endorses the Commission's analysis that it is important to maintain the contribution of nuclear energy in the energy mix, and to that end to promote without delay the establishment of a harmonised regulatory and economic framework facilitating the necessary investment decisions; calls on the Commission to draw up a specific road map for nuclear investments; considers it imperative to launch a debate within society, without prejudging the outcome, on the safe use of this source of energy; calls on the Commission to promote, as an integral part of European Neighbourhood Policy, the adoption by neighbouring countries of the acquis communautaire in nuclear safety every time a new nuclear plant is planned or an old plant is upgraded in these countries; |
| --- | --- |

86.

Endorses the Commission's analysis that it is important to maintain the contribution of nuclear energy in the energy mix, and to that end to promote without delay the establishment of a harmonised regulatory and economic framework facilitating the necessary investment decisions; calls on the Commission to draw up a specific road map for nuclear investments; considers it imperative to launch a debate within society, without prejudging the outcome, on the safe use of this source of energy; calls on the Commission to promote, as an integral part of European Neighbourhood Policy, the adoption by neighbouring countries of the acquis communautaire in nuclear safety every time a new nuclear plant is planned or an old plant is upgraded in these countries;

| 87. | Recalls the significance of nuclear energy, which is produced in 15 out of 27 Member States and used by an even greater number, and which meets around one-third of electricity demand in the European Union; also recalls the six new reactors currently under construction in four Member States; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Recalls the significance of nuclear energy, which is produced in 15 out of 27 Member States and used by an even greater number, and which meets around one-third of electricity demand in the European Union; also recalls the six new reactors currently under construction in four Member States;

| 88. | Stresses the competitiveness of nuclear energy, which is largely unaffected by fuel price fluctuations owing to the small proportion of generating costs that the fuel, uranium, represents; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Stresses the competitiveness of nuclear energy, which is largely unaffected by fuel price fluctuations owing to the small proportion of generating costs that the fuel, uranium, represents;

| 89. | Stresses that the European nuclear industry is the world leader in all nuclear cycle technologies, particularly enrichment, which contributes significantly to the Union's security of supply; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Stresses that the European nuclear industry is the world leader in all nuclear cycle technologies, particularly enrichment, which contributes significantly to the Union's security of supply;

| 90. | Welcomes the Commission's generally supportive stance regarding nuclear energy; points out, however, that it does not adequately address the issue of final disposal of radioactive waste, despite its immense importance for public perception; calls on the Member States concerned to step up their efforts with regard to resolving the problem of final disposal of all types of radioactive waste, but especially highly radioactive waste; |
| --- | --- |

90.

Welcomes the Commission's generally supportive stance regarding nuclear energy; points out, however, that it does not adequately address the issue of final disposal of radioactive waste, despite its immense importance for public perception; calls on the Member States concerned to step up their efforts with regard to resolving the problem of final disposal of all types of radioactive waste, but especially highly radioactive waste;

| 91. | Considers it essential to reassure the Union's citizens that, in the Union, nuclear energy is used safely and transparently, and at the highest technologically possible level of safety particularly as regards the management of nuclear waste; welcomes the above-mentioned Commission proposal for a Council directive setting up a Community framework for nuclear safety; calls on the Council and Commission to develop models and procedures jointly with the International Atomic Energy Agency to prevent the peaceful use of nuclear energy leading to the proliferation of nuclear weapons; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Considers it essential to reassure the Union's citizens that, in the Union, nuclear energy is used safely and transparently, and at the highest technologically possible level of safety particularly as regards the management of nuclear waste; welcomes the above-mentioned Commission proposal for a Council directive setting up a Community framework for nuclear safety; calls on the Council and Commission to develop models and procedures jointly with the International Atomic Energy Agency to prevent the peaceful use of nuclear energy leading to the proliferation of nuclear weapons;

| 92. | Stresses that neither in its Revised Illustrative Programme nor in the strategic review has the Commission examined the likely development of nuclear technology by 2050, as suggested in the reference document of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform, or the position assigned to the ITER controlled fusion project; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Stresses that neither in its Revised Illustrative Programme nor in the strategic review has the Commission examined the likely development of nuclear technology by 2050, as suggested in the reference document of the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform, or the position assigned to the ITER controlled fusion project;

Towards 2050

| 93. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to devise a European energy policy which will permit a massive conversion to energy efficient and low carbon emission energy technologies to meet the needs for energy consumption; stresses that, if energy efficiency and energy saving remain a priority, as does the continued development of renewable energies, it will be possible to meet energy needs from low-emission sources by 2050; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to devise a European energy policy which will permit a massive conversion to energy efficient and low carbon emission energy technologies to meet the needs for energy consumption; stresses that, if energy efficiency and energy saving remain a priority, as does the continued development of renewable energies, it will be possible to meet energy needs from low-emission sources by 2050;

| 94. | Reminds the Commission and Member States that steering the transition towards a highly-efficient energy system will imply a systemic approach based on synergies between different sectors; underlines the key importance of assessing all measures on the basis of their contribution to decrease CO2 emissions; believes that to that end the development of local integrated solutions should be a priority; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Reminds the Commission and Member States that steering the transition towards a highly-efficient energy system will imply a systemic approach based on synergies between different sectors; underlines the key importance of assessing all measures on the basis of their contribution to decrease CO2 emissions; believes that to that end the development of local integrated solutions should be a priority;

| 95. | Considers the global and European long-term energy and climate change challenges as a unique opportunity to enable new business models across the economy in order to boost green innovation and entrepreneurship; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Considers the global and European long-term energy and climate change challenges as a unique opportunity to enable new business models across the economy in order to boost green innovation and entrepreneurship;

| 96. | Calls on the Commission to perform feasibility studies of projects to develop wind power platforms in the North Sea and the project to build solar power stations in Africa; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Calls on the Commission to perform feasibility studies of projects to develop wind power platforms in the North Sea and the project to build solar power stations in Africa;

| 97. | Approves, as part of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, the drawing-up of a political agenda for 2030 and a road map for energy policy in 2050; calls on the Commission, therefore, to assess trends in the composition of the energy mix under several scenarios, in the light of the development of energy demand, potential energy resources, environmental impact, the estimated price of energy and CO2; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Approves, as part of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan, the drawing-up of a political agenda for 2030 and a road map for energy policy in 2050; calls on the Commission, therefore, to assess trends in the composition of the energy mix under several scenarios, in the light of the development of energy demand, potential energy resources, environmental impact, the estimated price of energy and CO2;

| 98. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that the roadmap make it possible to direct energy technology research and development as well as education in order to reduce the cost of renewable energies, and energy storage, to ensure the success of fourth-generation nuclear reactors and CCS and notably to find an alternative to oil for transport, while highlighting solar energy, which is an infinite resource; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that the roadmap make it possible to direct energy technology research and development as well as education in order to reduce the cost of renewable energies, and energy storage, to ensure the success of fourth-generation nuclear reactors and CCS and notably to find an alternative to oil for transport, while highlighting solar energy, which is an infinite resource;

| 99. | Recalls the need constantly to encourage research into transmutation of nuclear waste and nuclear fusion as a source of energy in the very long term; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Recalls the need constantly to encourage research into transmutation of nuclear waste and nuclear fusion as a source of energy in the very long term;

*

- *

| 100. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission as well as to the parliaments and governments of Member States. |
| --- | --- |

100.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 293 E, 2.12.2006, p. 114.

(2)  OJ C 76 E, 27.3.2008, p. 114.

(3)  OJ C 219 E, 28.8.2008, p. 82.

(4)  OJ C 219 E, 28.8.2008, p. 206.

(5)  OJ C 263 E, 16.10.2008, p. 424.

(6)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0033.

(7)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0096.

(8)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0354.

(9)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0294.

(10)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0347.

(11)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0295.

(12)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0346.

(13)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0296.

(14)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0545.

(15)  OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32.

(16)  OJ L 217, 8.8.2006, p. 8.

(17)  OJ L 127, 29.4.2004, p. 92.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/31 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/31

---

Non-discrimination based on sex and inter-generational solidarity

P6_TA(2009)0039

European Parliament resolution of 3 February 2009 on non-discrimination based on sex and intergenerational solidarity (2008/2118(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/05)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Articles 2, Article 3(2) and Article 141 of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 2, Article 3(2) and Article 141 of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Employment and Social Policy, meeting within the Council of 29 June 2000 on the balanced participation of women and men in professional and family life (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolution of the Council and of the Ministers for Employment and Social Policy, meeting within the Council of 29 June 2000 on the balanced participation of women and men in professional and family life (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2000 on the Communication from the Commission ‘Towards a Europe for all ages - promoting prosperity and intergenerational solidarity’ (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 December 2000 on the Communication from the Commission ‘Towards a Europe for all ages - promoting prosperity and intergenerational solidarity’ (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2004 on reconciling professional, family and private lives (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2004 on reconciling professional, family and private lives (3),

| — | having regard to the European Youth Pact adopted by the Brussels European Council of 22 and 23 March 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Youth Pact adopted by the Brussels European Council of 22 and 23 March 2005,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on demographic challenges and solidarity between the generations (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on demographic challenges and solidarity between the generations (4),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 12 October 2006 entitled ‘The demographic future of Europe - from challenge to opportunity’ (COM(2006)0571), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 12 October 2006 entitled ‘The demographic future of Europe - from challenge to opportunity’ (COM(2006)0571),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2007 on a regulatory framework for measures enabling young women in the European Union to combine family life with a period of studies (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 June 2007 on a regulatory framework for measures enabling young women in the European Union to combine family life with a period of studies (5),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 10 May 2007 entitled ‘Promoting solidarity between the generations’ (COM(2007)0244), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 10 May 2007 entitled ‘Promoting solidarity between the generations’ (COM(2007)0244),

| — | having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission on ‘Promoting solidarity between the generations’ (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on the Communication from the Commission on ‘Promoting solidarity between the generations’ (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2007 on equality between women and men in the European Union - 2007 (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 27 September 2007 on equality between women and men in the European Union - 2007 (7),

| — | having regard to the Commission Staff Working document entitled ‘Europe's demographic future: facts and figures’ (SEC(2007)0638), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Staff Working document entitled ‘Europe's demographic future: facts and figures’ (SEC(2007)0638),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 February 2008 on the demographic future of Europe (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 February 2008 on the demographic future of Europe (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 September 2008 on equality between women and men - 2008 (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 3 September 2008 on equality between women and men - 2008 (9),

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0492/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0492/2008),

| A. | whereas women and men are equal in terms of human dignity and rights and obligations, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas women and men are equal in terms of human dignity and rights and obligations,

| B. | whereas equal treatment of women and men is a principle that informs the legal system and as such must be taken into account and observed whenever laws are interpreted and enforced, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas equal treatment of women and men is a principle that informs the legal system and as such must be taken into account and observed whenever laws are interpreted and enforced,

| C. | whereas considerable gaps between women and men persist in all other aspects of work quality, for instance reconciling professional and private life; whereas the employment rate for women with dependent children is only 62,4%, as compared with 91,4% for men; whereas 76,5% of part-time workers are women, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas considerable gaps between women and men persist in all other aspects of work quality, for instance reconciling professional and private life; whereas the employment rate for women with dependent children is only 62,4%, as compared with 91,4% for men; whereas 76,5% of part-time workers are women,

| D. | whereas the Lisbon Strategy aims to ensure that 60% of women able to work are in employment; whereas the quantitative and qualitative objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and the new Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs (10) - especially where female and adult employment is concerned - are dictated by the realisation that, from the point of view of sustainability, it is intolerable to allow the resources in question and their potential go to waste, and that the stability of pension and welfare systems is in jeopardy, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Lisbon Strategy aims to ensure that 60% of women able to work are in employment; whereas the quantitative and qualitative objectives of the Lisbon Strategy and the new Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs (10) - especially where female and adult employment is concerned - are dictated by the realisation that, from the point of view of sustainability, it is intolerable to allow the resources in question and their potential go to waste, and that the stability of pension and welfare systems is in jeopardy,

| E. | whereas the principle of equal treatment of women and men implies that there must be no discrimination whatsoever, be it direct or indirect, based on gender, least of all on account of motherhood, the fact of shouldering family responsibilities, or marital status, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the principle of equal treatment of women and men implies that there must be no discrimination whatsoever, be it direct or indirect, based on gender, least of all on account of motherhood, the fact of shouldering family responsibilities, or marital status,

| F. | whereas the figures quoted in the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 12 October 2006 show that countries and regions with a high female employment rate that have social protection systems also have a higher birth rate, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the figures quoted in the above-mentioned Commission Communication of 12 October 2006 show that countries and regions with a high female employment rate that have social protection systems also have a higher birth rate,

| G. | whereas the three main challenges facing the EU – demographic change, globalisation, and climate change – demand intergenerational solidarity based on a wide-ranging pact not just between generations, but also between genders, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the three main challenges facing the EU – demographic change, globalisation, and climate change – demand intergenerational solidarity based on a wide-ranging pact not just between generations, but also between genders,

| H. | whereas the pact between gender and generations must be built on the possibility for individuals to organise their working and private lives and reconcile the economic imperatives of production entailed in gainful employment with the possibility of choosing what tasks to devote themselves to and when, within a context of rights and responsibilities laid down by legislation and agreements, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the pact between gender and generations must be built on the possibility for individuals to organise their working and private lives and reconcile the economic imperatives of production entailed in gainful employment with the possibility of choosing what tasks to devote themselves to and when, within a context of rights and responsibilities laid down by legislation and agreements,

| I. | whereas intergenerational responsibility requires public authorities to adopt a proactive approach, and all social stakeholders to play a leading role, in order to guarantee high standards in services of general interest and provide for the necessary welfare and social security systems on a sufficient scale, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas intergenerational responsibility requires public authorities to adopt a proactive approach, and all social stakeholders to play a leading role, in order to guarantee high standards in services of general interest and provide for the necessary welfare and social security systems on a sufficient scale,

| J. | whereas the presence of women on the labour market is linked to cultural changes and reforms designed to give effect to policies making for a work-life balance and a redistribution of roles; whereas such policies cover a variety of fundamentally interconnected areas ranging from temporarily shorter working hours, to be achieved by converting employment contracts into part-time working contracts, and leave arrangements (maternity, paternity, parental, and family leave) to the network of personal care services, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the presence of women on the labour market is linked to cultural changes and reforms designed to give effect to policies making for a work-life balance and a redistribution of roles; whereas such policies cover a variety of fundamentally interconnected areas ranging from temporarily shorter working hours, to be achieved by converting employment contracts into part-time working contracts, and leave arrangements (maternity, paternity, parental, and family leave) to the network of personal care services,

| K. | whereas demographic changes are having a significant impact on people's personal and working lives; whereas inadequate services, low wage levels, delay in entering the labour market, lengthy successions of fixed-term contracts, and insufficient incentives for young women and men are among the reasons why they choose not to start a family and have children until later; whereas rigid working patterns and the difficulty of returning to the labour market after spending time as a carer make it difficult to enter freely into decisions, whether they are intended to achieve a work-life balance or involve alternation of work and family life, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas demographic changes are having a significant impact on people's personal and working lives; whereas inadequate services, low wage levels, delay in entering the labour market, lengthy successions of fixed-term contracts, and insufficient incentives for young women and men are among the reasons why they choose not to start a family and have children until later; whereas rigid working patterns and the difficulty of returning to the labour market after spending time as a carer make it difficult to enter freely into decisions, whether they are intended to achieve a work-life balance or involve alternation of work and family life,

| L. | whereas non-discrimination based on gender, relates, prima facie and as a general rule, not just to women/mothers but also to men/fathers; whereas political action in this field should no longer focus solely on women, and European and national policies should henceforth take into consideration the needs and abilities of men/fathers in this area, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas non-discrimination based on gender, relates, prima facie and as a general rule, not just to women/mothers but also to men/fathers; whereas political action in this field should no longer focus solely on women, and European and national policies should henceforth take into consideration the needs and abilities of men/fathers in this area,

| M. | whereas it is necessary to begin to focus on the concept of care-related discrimination, linked to the fact of taking up maternity, paternity, parental, and family leave, the object being to determine whether discrimination in such instances constitutes forms of discrimination based on gender; whereas it is necessary to agree upon a Europe-wide definition of the concept of multiple discrimination, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas it is necessary to begin to focus on the concept of care-related discrimination, linked to the fact of taking up maternity, paternity, parental, and family leave, the object being to determine whether discrimination in such instances constitutes forms of discrimination based on gender; whereas it is necessary to agree upon a Europe-wide definition of the concept of multiple discrimination,

| N. | whereas the concept of intergenerational solidarity is not limited to childcare alone but also extends to responsibility for the elderly and dependent, contributing to respect for human dignity and its promotion among future generations, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas the concept of intergenerational solidarity is not limited to childcare alone but also extends to responsibility for the elderly and dependent, contributing to respect for human dignity and its promotion among future generations,

| O. | whereas great poverty must not be a discriminatory factor in the area of intergenerational solidarity, and whereas the poorest families also maintain links and activities that are an expression of solidarity among generations, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas great poverty must not be a discriminatory factor in the area of intergenerational solidarity, and whereas the poorest families also maintain links and activities that are an expression of solidarity among generations,

| P. | whereas persons who devote their time and skills to looking after and bringing up children or caring for the elderly should receive social recognition and this could be done by giving such persons individual rights, particularly regarding social security and pensions, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas persons who devote their time and skills to looking after and bringing up children or caring for the elderly should receive social recognition and this could be done by giving such persons individual rights, particularly regarding social security and pensions,

| Q. | whereas the educational role played by parents towards children and by children towards elderly and dependent persons and the role of women and men as caregivers towards the elderly and dependent persons are essential for the advancement of the common good and should be recognised as such by cross-cutting policies, including policies for women and men who make a free choice to devote all or part of their time to this activity, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the educational role played by parents towards children and by children towards elderly and dependent persons and the role of women and men as caregivers towards the elderly and dependent persons are essential for the advancement of the common good and should be recognised as such by cross-cutting policies, including policies for women and men who make a free choice to devote all or part of their time to this activity,

| R. | whereas since October 2003 the Commission has been holding consultations with the social partners on the subject of the work-life balance; whereas those consultations, which have entered a second phase, are predicated on the importance of finding policies and means enabling ‘good jobs’ to be combined with women's and men's responsibilities as caregivers, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas since October 2003 the Commission has been holding consultations with the social partners on the subject of the work-life balance; whereas those consultations, which have entered a second phase, are predicated on the importance of finding policies and means enabling ‘good jobs’ to be combined with women's and men's responsibilities as caregivers,

| S. | whereas there is a key role to be played by men in achieving genuine equality, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas there is a key role to be played by men in achieving genuine equality,

| T. | whereas the principles of flexicurity as applicable to women were set out in its resolution of 29 November 2007 on Common Principles of Flexicurity (11), and whereas working time arrangements in most parts of Europe do not seem to provide much support for people with children and employees with children seem to be less likely to work in jobs with flexible working arrangements than those without (12), |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the principles of flexicurity as applicable to women were set out in its resolution of 29 November 2007 on Common Principles of Flexicurity (11), and whereas working time arrangements in most parts of Europe do not seem to provide much support for people with children and employees with children seem to be less likely to work in jobs with flexible working arrangements than those without (12),

| U. | whereas the right balance can only be struck between family plans, private life and professional ambitions if the people concerned have genuine freedom of choice, in economic and social terms, and are supported by political and economic decisions at the European and national level without being penalised, and if the requisite infrastructure is in place, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the right balance can only be struck between family plans, private life and professional ambitions if the people concerned have genuine freedom of choice, in economic and social terms, and are supported by political and economic decisions at the European and national level without being penalised, and if the requisite infrastructure is in place,

| V. | whereas there is a risk of being ‘forced’ to work part-time, particularly for women/mothers, this choice often being imposed upon them due to the lack of viable childcare structures, and there is also a risk that the switch from full time to part time might not be allowed, making it difficult, not to say impossible, to achieve a work-life balance, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas there is a risk of being ‘forced’ to work part-time, particularly for women/mothers, this choice often being imposed upon them due to the lack of viable childcare structures, and there is also a risk that the switch from full time to part time might not be allowed, making it difficult, not to say impossible, to achieve a work-life balance,

| 1. | Emphasises that the principle of solidarity between generations is one of the structural keys to the European social model; asks that, in order to maintain this principle, an active approach be taken by the public authorities at various levels, and that all social stakeholders be involved in guaranteeing high-quality social services of general interest for families, young people and all those unable to support themselves; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Emphasises that the principle of solidarity between generations is one of the structural keys to the European social model; asks that, in order to maintain this principle, an active approach be taken by the public authorities at various levels, and that all social stakeholders be involved in guaranteeing high-quality social services of general interest for families, young people and all those unable to support themselves;

| 2. | Points out that care policies and the provision of care services are intrinsically related to the achievement of equality between women and men; criticises the lack of affordable, accessible and high quality care services in most Member States, which is linked to the fact that care work is not equally shared between women and men, which in turn has a direct negative impact on women's ability to participate in all aspects of social, economic, cultural and political life; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Points out that care policies and the provision of care services are intrinsically related to the achievement of equality between women and men; criticises the lack of affordable, accessible and high quality care services in most Member States, which is linked to the fact that care work is not equally shared between women and men, which in turn has a direct negative impact on women's ability to participate in all aspects of social, economic, cultural and political life;

| 3. | Emphasises that good-quality affordable childcare facilities, operating at hours which suit parents and children, as well as affordable good-quality care structure for older people and other dependents, must be central elements of the EU social model and key elements in facilitating women's access to the labour market and paid employment, making use of their abilities in order to achieve economic independence; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Emphasises that good-quality affordable childcare facilities, operating at hours which suit parents and children, as well as affordable good-quality care structure for older people and other dependents, must be central elements of the EU social model and key elements in facilitating women's access to the labour market and paid employment, making use of their abilities in order to achieve economic independence;

| 4. | Reminds the Member States of their commitments, agreed at the Barcelona European Council of 2002, to eliminate obstacles to the equal participation of women and men in the labour market and to introduce by 2010 childcare for 90% of children between three years old and the mandatory school age and for at least 33% of children under three years old; calls on the Member States to put forward similar targets for facilities for care for the elderly and sick relatives; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Reminds the Member States of their commitments, agreed at the Barcelona European Council of 2002, to eliminate obstacles to the equal participation of women and men in the labour market and to introduce by 2010 childcare for 90% of children between three years old and the mandatory school age and for at least 33% of children under three years old; calls on the Member States to put forward similar targets for facilities for care for the elderly and sick relatives;

| 5. | Refers to the huge imbalance between men and women in the sharing of domestic and family responsibilities, leading mainly women to opt for flexible working arrangements or even to give up work altogether, with an impact on women's career development, on the continuing wage gap between men and women and on the accumulation of pension rights; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Refers to the huge imbalance between men and women in the sharing of domestic and family responsibilities, leading mainly women to opt for flexible working arrangements or even to give up work altogether, with an impact on women's career development, on the continuing wage gap between men and women and on the accumulation of pension rights;

| 6. | Fears that the Czech Presidency's proposal for childcare as a ‘fully fledged alternative to a professional career’ is geared towards the traditional division of labour between men and women, that is to say the traditional concept of a worker being male, available on a full time basis, whose personal needs are taken care of by ’invisible hands’ (women) organising the home and the family; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Fears that the Czech Presidency's proposal for childcare as a ‘fully fledged alternative to a professional career’ is geared towards the traditional division of labour between men and women, that is to say the traditional concept of a worker being male, available on a full time basis, whose personal needs are taken care of by ’invisible hands’ (women) organising the home and the family;

| 7. | Is very concerned by the fact that, especially in times of economic recession, the Czech Presidency's proposal forces women to give up their jobs in order to follow their ‘natural’ path, i.e. to look after children and other dependents; urges the Council and the Member States to make every effort to achieve the Barcelona childcare goals; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Is very concerned by the fact that, especially in times of economic recession, the Czech Presidency's proposal forces women to give up their jobs in order to follow their ‘natural’ path, i.e. to look after children and other dependents; urges the Council and the Member States to make every effort to achieve the Barcelona childcare goals;

| 8. | Underlines that full participation by a parent or parents in work with decent pay can help to avoid in-work poverty and helps to combat the risk of poverty in single-parent households, which suffer a much higher poverty rate (32%); |
| --- | --- |

8.

Underlines that full participation by a parent or parents in work with decent pay can help to avoid in-work poverty and helps to combat the risk of poverty in single-parent households, which suffer a much higher poverty rate (32%);

| 9. | Points out that pension schemes in the Member States still leave many women with only derived rights based on their husband's employment record, with the consequence that the majority of older people living in poverty are women; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Points out that pension schemes in the Member States still leave many women with only derived rights based on their husband's employment record, with the consequence that the majority of older people living in poverty are women;

| 10. | Calls on the Member States to address the structural factors contributing to inequality in pension schemes, including the organisation of care and combining family and work life, inequalities in the labour market, the gender pay gap and direct discrimination in second and third pillar pensions; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Member States to address the structural factors contributing to inequality in pension schemes, including the organisation of care and combining family and work life, inequalities in the labour market, the gender pay gap and direct discrimination in second and third pillar pensions;

| 11. | Calls on the Commission to bring forward a proposal for a new directive regarding specific rights and safeguards in relation to the reconciliation of working and family life where there are dependent family members (children, elderly and disabled people); |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Commission to bring forward a proposal for a new directive regarding specific rights and safeguards in relation to the reconciliation of working and family life where there are dependent family members (children, elderly and disabled people);

| 12. | Calls for research facilities and institutes to invest more resources to better effect in the ecological improvement of products aimed at children or those who are reliant on care, or intended for household use in general; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls for research facilities and institutes to invest more resources to better effect in the ecological improvement of products aimed at children or those who are reliant on care, or intended for household use in general;

| 13. | Calls on Eurostat to develop measures to present statistics on childcare and care for dependents broken down by gender; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on Eurostat to develop measures to present statistics on childcare and care for dependents broken down by gender;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission to present specific initiatives to validate the skills acquired in carrying out educational tasks, caring for dependent persons and household management so that these skills are taken into consideration upon re-entry into the labour market; points out that soft skill assessment is central to skill assessment according to the best traditions of national experimentation with systems to make demand for labour intersect with the labour supply; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission to present specific initiatives to validate the skills acquired in carrying out educational tasks, caring for dependent persons and household management so that these skills are taken into consideration upon re-entry into the labour market; points out that soft skill assessment is central to skill assessment according to the best traditions of national experimentation with systems to make demand for labour intersect with the labour supply;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to conduct an awareness-raising campaign and introduce pilot projects to facilitate the balanced participation of women and men in professional and family life; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission to conduct an awareness-raising campaign and introduce pilot projects to facilitate the balanced participation of women and men in professional and family life;

| 16. | Calls on the Member States to consider flexible working hours for parents (as a result of free choice) and flexible times for childcare institutions, to help both women and men to combine work and family life more successfully; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Member States to consider flexible working hours for parents (as a result of free choice) and flexible times for childcare institutions, to help both women and men to combine work and family life more successfully;

| 17. | Asks the Commission to monitor Member States' good practices in relation to carers and to communicate these best practices to all the Member States, in order to show that carers play a central role in the field of intergenerational solidarity and to encourage implementation of a strategy for carers in Member States; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Asks the Commission to monitor Member States' good practices in relation to carers and to communicate these best practices to all the Member States, in order to show that carers play a central role in the field of intergenerational solidarity and to encourage implementation of a strategy for carers in Member States;

| 18. | Calls on the Member States to support and promote the operational programmes launched by the Commission the context of the European Alliance for Families; asks the Commission to step up the development of tools for the systematic exchange of best practices and research in this field; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Member States to support and promote the operational programmes launched by the Commission the context of the European Alliance for Families; asks the Commission to step up the development of tools for the systematic exchange of best practices and research in this field;

| 19. | Calls on the public authorities to take the necessary steps to enable working mothers and fathers to be assisted under policies aimed at promoting a work-life balance and to have access to the means serving to achieve that end; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the public authorities to take the necessary steps to enable working mothers and fathers to be assisted under policies aimed at promoting a work-life balance and to have access to the means serving to achieve that end;

| 20. | Calls on the Member States to support leave arrangements (parental leave, adoption leave, solidarity leave) applicable to persons wishing to interrupt their careers to look after a dependant; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Member States to support leave arrangements (parental leave, adoption leave, solidarity leave) applicable to persons wishing to interrupt their careers to look after a dependant;

| 21. | Believes that steps need to be taken to improve the treatment not just of maternity leave, but also of paternity and parental leave, with particular reference to the leave taken by working fathers, bearing in mind that in all of the Member States only a small percentage of men make use of their leave entitlements; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Believes that steps need to be taken to improve the treatment not just of maternity leave, but also of paternity and parental leave, with particular reference to the leave taken by working fathers, bearing in mind that in all of the Member States only a small percentage of men make use of their leave entitlements;

| 22. | Insists that all persons wishing to interrupt their formal careers or reduce the number of hours they work for the sake of intergenerational solidarity should be able to benefit from flexible working arrangements; calls therefore on small and medium-sized enterprises to cooperate more willingly and on the public authorities to exhibit greater financial flexibility in their State aid budget forecasts; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Insists that all persons wishing to interrupt their formal careers or reduce the number of hours they work for the sake of intergenerational solidarity should be able to benefit from flexible working arrangements; calls therefore on small and medium-sized enterprises to cooperate more willingly and on the public authorities to exhibit greater financial flexibility in their State aid budget forecasts;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States and the social partners, to launch a review of work-life balance policies, particularly by:






  — | guaranteeing that the cost of maternity/paternity is not borne by the employer, but by the public purse, in order to eliminate discriminatory behaviour within companies and to support demographic renewal, |
| --- | --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission, in collaboration with the Member States and the social partners, to launch a review of work-life balance policies, particularly by:

—

guaranteeing that the cost of maternity/paternity is not borne by the employer, but by the public purse, in order to eliminate discriminatory behaviour within companies and to support demographic renewal,

| — | improving accessibility to care and assistance services for those who are reliant on care (children, people with disabilities and the elderly) and the flexibility of such services, including services in the home, in the framework of solidarity between generations, by defining a minimum number of structures that are open at night, in order to meet the requirements of both work and private life; |
| --- | --- |

—

improving accessibility to care and assistance services for those who are reliant on care (children, people with disabilities and the elderly) and the flexibility of such services, including services in the home, in the framework of solidarity between generations, by defining a minimum number of structures that are open at night, in order to meet the requirements of both work and private life;

| 24. | Welcomes the proposal to include a separate article on work-life balance in Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of working time (13) and points to the need to allow for such a provision when laying down the working week and on-call time arrangements; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Welcomes the proposal to include a separate article on work-life balance in Directive 2003/88/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 concerning certain aspects of working time (13) and points to the need to allow for such a provision when laying down the working week and on-call time arrangements;

| 25. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that all persons who have temporarily interrupted their careers to bring up children or care for elderly or dependent persons can (re)enter the labour market and retain the right to return to their former position and level of career advancement; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that all persons who have temporarily interrupted their careers to bring up children or care for elderly or dependent persons can (re)enter the labour market and retain the right to return to their former position and level of career advancement;

| 26. | Points out that women's own income and paid employment remains the key to their economic autonomy and to greater equality between women and men in society as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Points out that women's own income and paid employment remains the key to their economic autonomy and to greater equality between women and men in society as a whole;

| 27. | Stresses that solidarity with our elders must become stronger, but emphasising that it must also be met with reciprocal solidarity towards children and young people; whereas, while older people can pass on wisdom, knowledge and experience, the younger generations offer energy, dynamism, joie de vivre and hope; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses that solidarity with our elders must become stronger, but emphasising that it must also be met with reciprocal solidarity towards children and young people; whereas, while older people can pass on wisdom, knowledge and experience, the younger generations offer energy, dynamism, joie de vivre and hope;

| 28. | Believes that intergenerational solidarity should be promoted by means of judicious fiscal policies (in the form of transfers, deductions, and rebates), measures to promote active ageing, skills development policies, and integrated service networks for children, older people, people with disabilities, and those who cannot look after themselves, assessing how they facilitate or adversely affect personal choices and the work-life balance; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Believes that intergenerational solidarity should be promoted by means of judicious fiscal policies (in the form of transfers, deductions, and rebates), measures to promote active ageing, skills development policies, and integrated service networks for children, older people, people with disabilities, and those who cannot look after themselves, assessing how they facilitate or adversely affect personal choices and the work-life balance;

| 29. | Reminds the Commission and the Member States that it is necessary to adopt affirmative measures for the benefit of women and men to facilitate their return to employment after a period of carrying out family duties (bringing up children and/or caring for a sick or handicapped parent), by promoting policies of (re)integration into the employment market with a view to enabling them to regain financial independence; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Reminds the Commission and the Member States that it is necessary to adopt affirmative measures for the benefit of women and men to facilitate their return to employment after a period of carrying out family duties (bringing up children and/or caring for a sick or handicapped parent), by promoting policies of (re)integration into the employment market with a view to enabling them to regain financial independence;

| 30. | Calls on the Member States to promote a fiscal policy that takes account of household financial obligations, and particularly the costs of childcare and looking after elderly and dependent persons through a system of taxation or tax breaks; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Member States to promote a fiscal policy that takes account of household financial obligations, and particularly the costs of childcare and looking after elderly and dependent persons through a system of taxation or tax breaks;

| 31. | Calls on the Member States to review their tax systems and set tax rates based on individual rights and consequently demands the individualisation of pension rights as well as social security system rights; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Member States to review their tax systems and set tax rates based on individual rights and consequently demands the individualisation of pension rights as well as social security system rights;

| 32. | Calls on the institutions and the Member States, with a view to giving effect to the principle of equality between women and men, to take specific measures in favour of women in order to remedy manifest instances of de facto inequality in relation to men; considers that measures of this kind, which should apply for as long as such situations continue to exist, must be reasonable and, in every case, proportionate to the objective being pursued; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the institutions and the Member States, with a view to giving effect to the principle of equality between women and men, to take specific measures in favour of women in order to remedy manifest instances of de facto inequality in relation to men; considers that measures of this kind, which should apply for as long as such situations continue to exist, must be reasonable and, in every case, proportionate to the objective being pursued;

| 33. | Asks national and local authorities to develop programmes targeted at young people that incorporate the intergenerational dimension, so that the younger generation understand that the current levels of prosperity and welfare are due to the efforts and hardships of previous generations; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Asks national and local authorities to develop programmes targeted at young people that incorporate the intergenerational dimension, so that the younger generation understand that the current levels of prosperity and welfare are due to the efforts and hardships of previous generations;

| 34. | Calls on the institutions of the European Union and all public authorities to take the principle of equality between women and men actively into account when adopting and implementing regulations, drawing up public policies, and pursuing their activities as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the institutions of the European Union and all public authorities to take the principle of equality between women and men actively into account when adopting and implementing regulations, drawing up public policies, and pursuing their activities as a whole;

| 35. | Asks the media to give positive and consistent attention to intergenerational relationships, through coverage of intergenerational issues, discussions among different age groups and, more generally, positive reflection of the older generations' contribution to society; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Asks the media to give positive and consistent attention to intergenerational relationships, through coverage of intergenerational issues, discussions among different age groups and, more generally, positive reflection of the older generations' contribution to society;

| 36. | Maintains that the principle of equal treatment and opportunities has to be taken into account in all economic, employment, and social policies, as this will help to avert segregation on the labour market and eliminate pay gaps, as well as boosting the growth of female entrepreneurship; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Maintains that the principle of equal treatment and opportunities has to be taken into account in all economic, employment, and social policies, as this will help to avert segregation on the labour market and eliminate pay gaps, as well as boosting the growth of female entrepreneurship;

| 37. | Believes, given the changes in the family model and women's gradual entry into the labour market, that it is essential to reform the traditional care arrangements for dependants; recommends that the Member States broaden and add to the protection afforded by their social services so as to ensure that the right of self-fulfilment can invariably be exercised on an equal footing and that dependants are cared for; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Believes, given the changes in the family model and women's gradual entry into the labour market, that it is essential to reform the traditional care arrangements for dependants; recommends that the Member States broaden and add to the protection afforded by their social services so as to ensure that the right of self-fulfilment can invariably be exercised on an equal footing and that dependants are cared for;

| 38. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Economic and Social Committee, the parliaments and national statistical offices of the Member States, the ILO, the OECD and the UNDP. |
| --- | --- |

38.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Economic and Social Committee, the parliaments and national statistical offices of the Member States, the ILO, the OECD and the UNDP.

---

(1)  OJ C 218, 31.7.2000, p. 5.

(2)  OJ C 232, 17.8.2001, p. 381.

(3)  OJ C 102 E, 28.4.2004, p. 492.

(4)  OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 131.

(5)  OJ C 146 E, 12.6.2008, p. 112.

(6)  OJ C 120, 16.5.2008, p. 66.

(7)  OJ C 219 E, 28.8.2008, p. 324.

(8)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0066.

(9)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0399.

(10)  See Commission Communication of 11 December 2007 entitled ‘Integrated guidelines for growth and jobs (2008-2010)’ (COM(2007)0803).

(11)  OJ C 297 E, 20.11.2008, p. 174.

(12)  Eurostat, The life of women and men in Europe, 2008, p. 89.

(13)  OJ L 299, 18.11.2003, p. 9.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/38 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/38

---

Combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography

P6_TA(2009)0040

European Parliament recommendation of 3 February 2009 to the Council on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (2008/2144(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/06)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Roberta Angelilli on behalf of the UEN Group on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (B6-0216/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Roberta Angelilli on behalf of the UEN Group on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (B6-0216/2008),

| — | having regard to Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union which enshrines children's right to protection and care, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union which enshrines children's right to protection and care,

| — | having regard to Article 34 of UN Convention of 20 November 1989 on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol thereto of 25 May 2000 on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (‘the Optional Protocol’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 34 of UN Convention of 20 November 1989 on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol thereto of 25 May 2000 on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (‘the Optional Protocol’),

| — | having regard to Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (1) (‘the Framework Decision’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (1) (‘the Framework Decision’),

| — | having regard to the report from the Commission of 16 November 2007 based on Article 12 of the Council Framework Decision of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (COM(2007)0716) (‘the Commission Report’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report from the Commission of 16 November 2007 based on Article 12 of the Council Framework Decision of 22 December 2003 on combating the sexual exploitation of children and child pornography (COM(2007)0716) (‘the Commission Report’),

| — | having regard to the Council of Europe Convention of 13 July 2007 on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (‘the CoE Convention’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council of Europe Convention of 13 July 2007 on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (‘the CoE Convention’),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2008: Towards an EU strategy on the rights of the child (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 January 2008: Towards an EU strategy on the rights of the child (2),

| — | having regard to the findings of the Rio de Janeiro Pact to Prevent and Stop Sexual Exploitation of Children agreed on 25-28 November 2008 at the III World Congress against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the findings of the Rio de Janeiro Pact to Prevent and Stop Sexual Exploitation of Children agreed on 25-28 November 2008 at the III World Congress against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents,

| — | having regard to Rule 114(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 114(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0012/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinion of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0012/2009),

| A. | whereas the CoE Convention signed by twenty EU Member States is the first international legal instrument to categorise the various forms of sexual abuse of children as criminal offences, including such abuse, perpetrated inter alia with the use of force, coercion or threats, even within the family, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the CoE Convention signed by twenty EU Member States is the first international legal instrument to categorise the various forms of sexual abuse of children as criminal offences, including such abuse, perpetrated inter alia with the use of force, coercion or threats, even within the family,

| B. | whereas seven Member States have still not signed the CoE Convention and eight Member States have still not ratified the Optional Protocol, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas seven Member States have still not signed the CoE Convention and eight Member States have still not ratified the Optional Protocol,

| C. | whereas children make a constantly growing use of new technologies and whereas an increasingly significant part of the social life of children and young people takes place online where continually evolving advanced technologies and communication tools are used; whereas as a consequence the Internet is increasingly being used by potential and actual sex offenders for preparing the sexual abuse of children, in particular through grooming and child pornography, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas children make a constantly growing use of new technologies and whereas an increasingly significant part of the social life of children and young people takes place online where continually evolving advanced technologies and communication tools are used; whereas as a consequence the Internet is increasingly being used by potential and actual sex offenders for preparing the sexual abuse of children, in particular through grooming and child pornography,

| 1. | Addresses the following recommendations to the Council:






  a) | encourage those Member States which have not already done so to sign, ratify and implement all relevant international conventions, first of all the CoE Convention, as it provides for additional protection of children's rights beyond the Framework Decision, but also the Optional Protocol; |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

Addresses the following recommendations to the Council:

a)

encourage those Member States which have not already done so to sign, ratify and implement all relevant international conventions, first of all the CoE Convention, as it provides for additional protection of children's rights beyond the Framework Decision, but also the Optional Protocol;

| b) | assist Member States in improving their legislation as well as the extraterritorial cooperation among Member States in this field; call for sexual crimes against children under the age of 18 always to be classified throughout the EU as exploitation of minors, in accordance with Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 16 January 2008; |
| --- | --- |

b)

assist Member States in improving their legislation as well as the extraterritorial cooperation among Member States in this field; call for sexual crimes against children under the age of 18 always to be classified throughout the EU as exploitation of minors, in accordance with Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 16 January 2008;

| c) | enable Member States to explicitly exclude the double criminality requirement for establishing jurisdiction for the offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision; |
| --- | --- |

c)

enable Member States to explicitly exclude the double criminality requirement for establishing jurisdiction for the offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision;

| d) | urge Member States to criminalise all types of sexual abuse of children; |
| --- | --- |

d)

urge Member States to criminalise all types of sexual abuse of children;

Implementation of the Framework Decision

| e) | assist Member States that have not yet entirely implemented the Framework Decision in implementing it as soon as possible; in particular, emphasis should be placed on adopting legislation for the definition of child pornography as set out in Article 1(b) of the Framework Decision, by providing mechanisms for the protection of victims, and by implementing Article 8(1)(b) of the Framework Decision, which deals with extraterritorial jurisdiction (sex tourism); |
| --- | --- |

e)

assist Member States that have not yet entirely implemented the Framework Decision in implementing it as soon as possible; in particular, emphasis should be placed on adopting legislation for the definition of child pornography as set out in Article 1(b) of the Framework Decision, by providing mechanisms for the protection of victims, and by implementing Article 8(1)(b) of the Framework Decision, which deals with extraterritorial jurisdiction (sex tourism);

| f) | call for effective protection against sexual exploitation of children by regarding child sex tourism as a crime in all Member States; call for all EU citizens who commit a sex crime against children in any country within or outside the EU to be subject to uniform extraterritorial criminal legislation applicable throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- |

f)

call for effective protection against sexual exploitation of children by regarding child sex tourism as a crime in all Member States; call for all EU citizens who commit a sex crime against children in any country within or outside the EU to be subject to uniform extraterritorial criminal legislation applicable throughout the EU;

| g) | improve, in cooperation with the Commission and Members States, the monitoring of the implementation of the Framework Decision in order to obtain timely and complete information through the creation of mechanisms that would enable Member States to list relevant information, including the definitions of crimes, in appropriate thematic fields, thus simplifying the comparison of Member States' judicial systems; |
| --- | --- |

g)

improve, in cooperation with the Commission and Members States, the monitoring of the implementation of the Framework Decision in order to obtain timely and complete information through the creation of mechanisms that would enable Member States to list relevant information, including the definitions of crimes, in appropriate thematic fields, thus simplifying the comparison of Member States' judicial systems;

| h) | encourage the Member States to report in detail on the state of cross-border cooperation, in particular if cooperation with NGOs is provided for by law or occurs in practice; |
| --- | --- |

h)

encourage the Member States to report in detail on the state of cross-border cooperation, in particular if cooperation with NGOs is provided for by law or occurs in practice;

| i) | encourage the Member States to report on the destination of assets seized in the context of a proven case of child prostitution or child pornography; |
| --- | --- |

i)

encourage the Member States to report on the destination of assets seized in the context of a proven case of child prostitution or child pornography;

Revision of the Framework Decision

| j) | revise the Framework Decision on the basis of the proposal submitted by the Council Presidency, any other Member State or alternatively by the Commission, thus raising the level of protection to at least the level provided by the CoE Convention and by tightening the focus on abuses related to the Internet and other communication technologies; recommends that the proposal includes the following provisions:






  — | creation of national management systems for sex offenders that would include risk assessment, as well as intervention programmes to prevent or minimise the risk of repeat offences, and therapies available to sex offenders; Such intervention programmes and voluntary therapy could be funded from the general budget of the EU to ensure that the children's welfare is the focal point throughout the EU; |
| --- | --- | --- |

j)

revise the Framework Decision on the basis of the proposal submitted by the Council Presidency, any other Member State or alternatively by the Commission, thus raising the level of protection to at least the level provided by the CoE Convention and by tightening the focus on abuses related to the Internet and other communication technologies; recommends that the proposal includes the following provisions:

—

creation of national management systems for sex offenders that would include risk assessment, as well as intervention programmes to prevent or minimise the risk of repeat offences, and therapies available to sex offenders; Such intervention programmes and voluntary therapy could be funded from the general budget of the EU to ensure that the children's welfare is the focal point throughout the EU;

| — | strengthening of the human rights-based and victim-centred approach; |
| --- | --- |

—

strengthening of the human rights-based and victim-centred approach;

| — | criminalisation of grooming (soliciting children for sexual purposes) and the use of a definition of grooming based on Article 23 of the CoE Convention; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of grooming (soliciting children for sexual purposes) and the use of a definition of grooming based on Article 23 of the CoE Convention;

| — | criminalisation of engaging in sexual activities with an individual below the age of 18, even when he or she is above the age of consent, where use is made of coercion, force or threats, or abuse is made of a recognised position of trust, authority or influence over the child, including within the family, or abuse is made of a particularly vulnerable situation of the child, notably because of a mental or physical disability or a situation of dependence, or where money or other forms of remuneration or consideration is given as payment in exchange for the child engaging in sexual activities; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of engaging in sexual activities with an individual below the age of 18, even when he or she is above the age of consent, where use is made of coercion, force or threats, or abuse is made of a recognised position of trust, authority or influence over the child, including within the family, or abuse is made of a particularly vulnerable situation of the child, notably because of a mental or physical disability or a situation of dependence, or where money or other forms of remuneration or consideration is given as payment in exchange for the child engaging in sexual activities;

| — | criminalisation of coercing a child into a forced marriage; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of coercing a child into a forced marriage;

| — | criminalisation of knowingly attending pornographic performances involving children and intentionally causing children to witness sexual abuse or activities; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of knowingly attending pornographic performances involving children and intentionally causing children to witness sexual abuse or activities;

| — | criminalisation of providers of paedophile chat rooms or Internet paedophile fora; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of providers of paedophile chat rooms or Internet paedophile fora;

| — | measures to ensure that the Member States, in the context of a comprehensive strategy of international diplomatic, administrative and law enforcement cooperation, take appropriate steps to have illegal child abuse materials taken offline at source, thereby giving victims maximum protection, and work with Internet providers to disable websites which are used to commit, or to advertise the possibility of committing, offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision; |
| --- | --- |

—

measures to ensure that the Member States, in the context of a comprehensive strategy of international diplomatic, administrative and law enforcement cooperation, take appropriate steps to have illegal child abuse materials taken offline at source, thereby giving victims maximum protection, and work with Internet providers to disable websites which are used to commit, or to advertise the possibility of committing, offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision;

| — | supporting the Commission's efforts in cooperation with the major credit card companies to investigate whether it is technically feasible to close down or otherwise obstruct the Internet-based payment system for websites involved in the sale over the Internet of child pornography; also encouraging other economic players, such as banks, bureaux de change, Internet providers and search engine companies, to take an active part in efforts to combat child pornography and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children; |
| --- | --- |

—

supporting the Commission's efforts in cooperation with the major credit card companies to investigate whether it is technically feasible to close down or otherwise obstruct the Internet-based payment system for websites involved in the sale over the Internet of child pornography; also encouraging other economic players, such as banks, bureaux de change, Internet providers and search engine companies, to take an active part in efforts to combat child pornography and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation of children;

| — | encouraging Member States to provide parents with easily manageable programmes allowing them to block children's access to pornographic websites; |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging Member States to provide parents with easily manageable programmes allowing them to block children's access to pornographic websites;

| — | adopt measures in order to encourage the victims of sexual exploitation to file criminal and civil claims in the national courts against sex offenders; |
| --- | --- |

—

adopt measures in order to encourage the victims of sexual exploitation to file criminal and civil claims in the national courts against sex offenders;

| — | revision of Article 5(3) of the Framework Decision, which provides only a minimal basis for preventing convicted sex offenders from gaining access to children through employment or voluntary activities involving regular contact with children, inter alia by considering an obligation of Member States to ensure that applicants to certain posts working with children undergo criminal records checks, including setting up clear rules or guidelines for employers on their obligations in this regard; |
| --- | --- |

—

revision of Article 5(3) of the Framework Decision, which provides only a minimal basis for preventing convicted sex offenders from gaining access to children through employment or voluntary activities involving regular contact with children, inter alia by considering an obligation of Member States to ensure that applicants to certain posts working with children undergo criminal records checks, including setting up clear rules or guidelines for employers on their obligations in this regard;

| — | facilitating international cooperation by the use of the instruments provided for by Article 38 of the CoE Convention; |
| --- | --- |

—

facilitating international cooperation by the use of the instruments provided for by Article 38 of the CoE Convention;

| — | obligation for those whose work involves regular contact with children to report situations where they have reasonable grounds for suspecting abuse; |
| --- | --- |

—

obligation for those whose work involves regular contact with children to report situations where they have reasonable grounds for suspecting abuse;

| — | improving the identification of abused children through training of personnel having regular contact with them and by training law enforcement personnel who might have contact with abused children; |
| --- | --- |

—

improving the identification of abused children through training of personnel having regular contact with them and by training law enforcement personnel who might have contact with abused children;

| — | ensuring the strongest protection of children in court proceedings as well as during investigations, in order to avoid trauma by providing for specific arrangements on the way of collecting evidence from child victims; |
| --- | --- |

—

ensuring the strongest protection of children in court proceedings as well as during investigations, in order to avoid trauma by providing for specific arrangements on the way of collecting evidence from child victims;

| — | prohibiting advertisements encouraging the commission of offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision; |
| --- | --- |

—

prohibiting advertisements encouraging the commission of offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision;

| — | criminalisation of the instigation, aiding, abetting and attempting of all the offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision; |
| --- | --- |

—

criminalisation of the instigation, aiding, abetting and attempting of all the offences established in accordance with the Framework Decision;

| — | encouraging Member States to take every necessary measure to prevent discrimination against the victims of child abuse and their stigmatisation; |
| --- | --- |

—

encouraging Member States to take every necessary measure to prevent discrimination against the victims of child abuse and their stigmatisation;

| — | expand the catalogue of aggravating circumstances in determining the sanctions in relation to offences established by the Framework Decision with a list of aggravating circumstances as established by Article 28 of the CoE Convention; |
| --- | --- |

—

expand the catalogue of aggravating circumstances in determining the sanctions in relation to offences established by the Framework Decision with a list of aggravating circumstances as established by Article 28 of the CoE Convention;

| — | establish the exploitation of the superior position of an offender (in family, in education, in professional relations, etc.) as an aggravating circumstance; |
| --- | --- |

—

establish the exploitation of the superior position of an offender (in family, in education, in professional relations, etc.) as an aggravating circumstance;

| k) | encourage all Member States to set up the Missing Child Alert System to improve cooperation at European level; |
| --- | --- |

k)

encourage all Member States to set up the Missing Child Alert System to improve cooperation at European level;

| l) | set up together with the Member States and the Commission an action programme which would be aimed at providing the children who were identified as being sexually abused in pornographic images with adequate protection and support; |
| --- | --- |

l)

set up together with the Member States and the Commission an action programme which would be aimed at providing the children who were identified as being sexually abused in pornographic images with adequate protection and support;

*

- *

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council, and, for information, to the Commission and to the Members States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council, and, for information, to the Commission and to the Members States.

---

(1)  OJ L 13, 20.1.2004, p. 44.

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0012.

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| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/42 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/42

---

NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via Eutelsat

P6_TA(2009)0041

Declaration of the European Parliament on restoring NTDTV Television broadcasts to China via Eutelsat

(2010/C 67 E/07)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, signed and proclaimed on 7 December 2000, which defends the freedom and pluralism of the media, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, signed and proclaimed on 7 December 2000, which defends the freedom and pluralism of the media,

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

—

having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the European Union is based on and defined by its adherence to the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European Union is based on and defined by its adherence to the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,

| B. | whereas freedom of speech, particularly that of the media, including the Internet, is heavily restricted in China, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas freedom of speech, particularly that of the media, including the Internet, is heavily restricted in China,

| C. | whereas NTDTV is a non-profit-making television broadcaster and is the only independent Chinese-language television station to broadcast into China since 2004, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas NTDTV is a non-profit-making television broadcaster and is the only independent Chinese-language television station to broadcast into China since 2004,

| D. | whereas Eutelsat suspended NTDTV's broadcasts into China as of 16 June 2008, a few weeks before the Olympic Games, citing technical reasons, and provided no other explanation, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Eutelsat suspended NTDTV's broadcasts into China as of 16 June 2008, a few weeks before the Olympic Games, citing technical reasons, and provided no other explanation,

| 1. | Urges Eutelsat to resume NTDTV transmission to China without delay and to provide reasons for its suspension; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Urges Eutelsat to resume NTDTV transmission to China without delay and to provide reasons for its suspension;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to take the necessary action to help restore NTDTV's broadcasts to China and to support access to uncensored information for millions of Chinese citizens; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to take the necessary action to help restore NTDTV's broadcasts to China and to support access to uncensored information for millions of Chinese citizens;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Council, the Commission and the Member States:
  List of signatories
  Vittorio Agnoletto, Vincenzo Aita, Gabriele Albertini, Jim Allister, Alexander Alvaro, Jan Andersson, Georgs Andrejevs, Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Emmanouil Angelakas, Roberta Angelilli, Rapisardo Antinucci, Elspeth Attwooll, Marie-Hélène Aubert, Jean-Pierre Audy, Margrete Auken, Liam Aylward, Pilar Ayuso, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Mariela Velichkova Baeva, Paolo Bartolozzi, Domenico Antonio Basile, Alessandro Battilocchio, Katerina Batzeli, Edit Bauer, Jean Marie Beaupuy, Christopher Beazley, Zsolt László Becsey, Glenn Bedingfield, Angelika Beer, Bastiaan Belder, Ivo Belet, Irena Belohorská, Jean-Luc Bennahmias, Giovanni Berlinguer, Thijs Berman, Johannes Blokland, Godfrey Bloom, Sebastian Valentin Bodu, Herbert Bösch, Guy Bono, Mario Borghezio, Erminio Enzo Boso, Costas Botopoulos, Catherine Boursier, John Bowis, Sharon Bowles, Iles Braghetto, Mihael Brejc, Frieda Brepoels, Hiltrud Breyer, Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg, Nicodim Bulzesc, Colm Burke, Philip Bushill-Matthews, Simon Busuttil, Jerzy Buzek, Maddalena Calia, Martin Callanan, Mogens Camre, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Marco Cappato, Marie-Arlette Carlotti, Giorgio Carollo, David Casa, Paulo Casaca, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Jean-Marie Cavada, Călin Cătălin Chiriță, Zdzisław Kazimierz Chmielewski, Ole Christensen, Philip Claeys, Luigi Cocilovo, Carlos Coelho, Richard Corbett, Dorette Corbey, Thierry Cornillet, Michael Cramer, Jan Cremers, Gabriela Crețu, Brian Crowley, Magor Imre Csibi, Marek Aleksander Czarnecki, Ryszard Czarnecki, Dragoș Florin David, Chris Davies, Antonio De Blasio, Arūnas Degutis, Jean-Luc Dehaene, Panayiotis Demetriou, Jean-Paul Denanot, Gérard Deprez, Marielle De Sarnez, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Albert Deß, Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, Jolanta Dičkutė, Gintaras Didžiokas, Koenraad Dillen, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Beniamino Donnici, Bert Doorn, Den Dover, Mojca Drčar Murko, Petr Duchoň, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Andrew Duff, Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Christian Ehler, Lena Ek, Saïd El Khadraoui, James Elles, Maria da Assunção Esteves, Harald Ettl, Jill Evans, Robert Evans, Göran Färm, Hynek Fajmon, Richard Falbr, Carlo Fatuzzo, Markus Ferber, Emanuel Jardim Fernandes, Francesco Ferrari, Anne Ferreira, Elisa Ferreira, Petru Filip, Roberto Fiore, Hélène Flautre, Karl-Heinz Florenz, Alessandro Foglietta, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Brigitte Fouré, Carmen Fraga Estévez, Juan Fraile Cantón, Monica Frassoni, Duarte Freitas, Ingo Friedrich, Daniel Petru Funeriu, Urszula Gacek, Milan Gaľa, Gerardo Galeote, José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil, Iratxe García Pérez, Elisabetta Gardini, Giuseppe Gargani, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Jas Gawronski, Eugenijus Gentvilas, Georgios Georgiou, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Claire Gibault, Lutz Goepel, Bruno Gollnisch, Ana Maria Gomes, Donata Gottardi, Genowefa Grabowska, Vasco Graça Moura, Luis de Grandes Pascual, Nathalie Griesbeck, Lissy Gröner, Elly de Groen-Kouwenhoven, Mathieu Grosch, Françoise Grossetête, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Umberto Guidoni, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines, Fiona Hall, David Hammerstein, Małgorzata Handzlik, Malcolm Harbour, Satu Hassi, Christopher Heaton-Harris, Anna Hedh, Roger Helmer, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Esther Herranz García, Luis Herrero-Tejedor, Jim Higgins, Jens Holm, Mary Honeyball, Milan Horáček, Ján Hudacký, Ian Hudghton, Stephen Hughes, Alain Hutchinson, Jana Hybášková, Sophia in 't Veld, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Ville Itälä, Carlos José Iturgaiz Angulo, Caroline Jackson, Lily Jacobs, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Stanisław Jałowiecki, Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, Lívia Járóka, Georg Jarzembowski, Elisabeth Jeggle, Rumiana Jeleva, Anne E. Jensen, Pierre Jonckheer, Romana Jordan Cizelj, Madeleine Jouye de Grandmaison, Aurelio Juri, Jelko Kacin, Filip Kaczmarek, Gisela Kallenbach, Syed Kamall, Othmar Karas, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Metin Kazak, Tunne Kelam, Glenys Kinnock, Wolf Klinz, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Miloš Koterec, Sergej Kozlík, Guntars Krasts, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Urszula Krupa, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Helmut Kuhne, Sepp Kusstatscher, Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Joost Lagendijk, André Laignel, Jean Lambert, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Vytautas Landsbergis, Carl Lang, Esther De Lange, Raymond Langendries, Anne Laperrouze, Kurt Joachim Lauk, Vincenzo Lavarra, Henrik Lax, Johannes Lebech, Bernard Lehideux, Klaus-Heiner Lehne, Lasse Lehtinen, Jörg Leichtfried, Jo Leinen, Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen, Fernand Le Rachinel, Katalin Lévai, Janusz Lewandowski, Marcin Libicki, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann, Peter Liese, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Alain Lipietz, Pia Elda Locatelli, Eleonora Lo Curto, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Andrea Losco, Patrick Louis, Caroline Lucas, Astrid Lulling, Florencio Luque Aguilar, Elizabeth Lynne, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Jules Maaten, Linda McAvan, Arlene McCarthy, Mary Lou McDonald, Mairead McGuinness, Edward McMillan-Scott, Eugenijus Maldeikis, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Vladimír Maňka, Erika Mann, Thomas Mann, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Catiuscia Marini, Sérgio Marques, David Martin, Hans-Peter Martin, Jan Tadeusz Masiel, Véronique Mathieu, Marios Matsakis, Maria Matsouka, Jaime Mayor Oreja, Erik Meijer, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Rosa Miguélez Ramos, Marianne Mikko, Francisco José Millán Mon, Gay Mitchell, Claude Moraes, Eluned Morgan, Luisa Morgantini, Philippe Morillon, Roberto Musacchio, Cristiana Muscardini, Sebastiano (Nello) Musumeci, Riitta Myller, Pasqualina Napoletano, Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar, Michael Henry Nattrass, Catherine Neris, Bill Newton Dunn, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, James Nicholson, null Nicholson of Winterbourne, Rareș-Lucian Niculescu, Angelika Niebler, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Ljudmila Novak, Cem Özdemir, Péter Olajos, Jan Olbrycht, Seán Ó Neachtain, Gérard Onesta, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Dumitru Oprea, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Miroslav Ouzký, Siiri Oviir, Reino Paasilinna, Justas Vincas Paleckis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Marco Pannella, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Georgios Papastamkos, Neil Parish, Alojz Peterle, Maria Petre, Markus Pieper, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Józef Pinior, Mirosław Mariusz Piotrowski, Umberto Pirilli, Paweł Bartłomiej Piskorski, Gianni Pittella, Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar, Zita Pleštinská, Anni Podimata, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Bernard Poignant, José Javier Pomés Ruiz, Nicolae Vlad Popa, Miguel Portas, Horst Posdorf, Bernd Posselt, Christa Prets, Pierre Pribetich, Jacek Protasiewicz, John Purvis, Luís Queiró, Karin Resetarits, Herbert Reul, José Ribeiro e Castro, Frédérique Ries, Karin Riis-Jørgensen, Giovanni Rivera, Maria Robsahm, Ulrike Rodust, Bogusław Rogalski, Zuzana Roithová, Luca Romagnoli, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Dariusz Rosati, Wojciech Roszkowski, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Paul Rübig, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Eoin Ryan, Guido Sacconi, Aloyzas Sakalas, Katrin Saks, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Manuel António dos Santos, Salvador Domingo Sanz Palacio, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Toomas Savi, Lydia Schenardi, Agnes Schierhuber, Carl Schlyter, Frithjof Schmidt, Olle Schmidt, Pál Schmitt, György Schöpflin, Inger Segelström, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Eva-Riitta Siitonen, José Albino Silva Peneda, Kathy Sinnott, Marek Siwiec, Peter Skinner, Alyn Smith, Csaba Sógor, Renate Sommer, Søren Bo Søndergaard, Bogusław Sonik, María Sornosa Martínez, Jean Spautz, Francesco Enrico Speroni, Bart Staes, Grażyna Staniszewska, Peter Šťastný, Gabriele Stauner, Petya Stavreva, Dirk Sterckx, Catherine Stihler, Margie Sudre, David Sumberg, Gianluca Susta, Eva-Britt Svensson, Hannes Swoboda, István Szent-Iványi, Konrad Szymański, Hannu Takkula, Charles Tannock, Andres Tarand, Salvatore Tatarella, Britta Thomsen, Marianne Thyssen, Gary Titley, Patrizia Toia, László Tőkés, Ewa Tomaszewska, Witold Tomczak, Antonios Trakatellis, Helga Trüpel, Claude Turmes, Evangelia Tzampazi, Thomas Ulmer, Vladimir Urutchev, Inese Vaidere, Nikolaos Vakalis, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Frank Vanhecke, Johan Van Hecke, Anne Van Lancker, Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Ari Vatanen, Yannick Vaugrenard, Armando Veneto, Riccardo Ventre, Donato Tommaso Veraldi, Marcello Vernola, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Cornelis Visser, Oldřich Vlasák, Dominique Vlasto, Graham Watson, Henri Weber, Manfred Weber, Renate Weber, Anja Weisgerber, Åsa Westlund, John Whittaker, Andrzej Wielowieyski, Jan Marinus Wiersma, Anders Wijkman, Glenis Willmott, Iuliu Winkler, Lars Wohlin, Janusz Wojciechowski, Corien Wortmann-Kool, Jan Zahradil, Zbigniew Zaleski, Andrzej Tomasz Zapałowski, Stefano Zappalà, Tatjana Ždanoka, Dushana Zdravkova, Vladimír Železný, Roberts Zīle, Jaroslav Zvěřina, Tadeusz Zwiefka |
| --- | --- |

3.

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

List of signatories

Vittorio Agnoletto, Vincenzo Aita, Gabriele Albertini, Jim Allister, Alexander Alvaro, Jan Andersson, Georgs Andrejevs, Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Emmanouil Angelakas, Roberta Angelilli, Rapisardo Antinucci, Elspeth Attwooll, Marie-Hélène Aubert, Jean-Pierre Audy, Margrete Auken, Liam Aylward, Pilar Ayuso, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Mariela Velichkova Baeva, Paolo Bartolozzi, Domenico Antonio Basile, Alessandro Battilocchio, Katerina Batzeli, Edit Bauer, Jean Marie Beaupuy, Christopher Beazley, Zsolt László Becsey, Glenn Bedingfield, Angelika Beer, Bastiaan Belder, Ivo Belet, Irena Belohorská, Jean-Luc Bennahmias, Giovanni Berlinguer, Thijs Berman, Johannes Blokland, Godfrey Bloom, Sebastian Valentin Bodu, Herbert Bösch, Guy Bono, Mario Borghezio, Erminio Enzo Boso, Costas Botopoulos, Catherine Boursier, John Bowis, Sharon Bowles, Iles Braghetto, Mihael Brejc, Frieda Brepoels, Hiltrud Breyer, Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg, Nicodim Bulzesc, Colm Burke, Philip Bushill-Matthews, Simon Busuttil, Jerzy Buzek, Maddalena Calia, Martin Callanan, Mogens Camre, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Marco Cappato, Marie-Arlette Carlotti, Giorgio Carollo, David Casa, Paulo Casaca, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Jean-Marie Cavada, Călin Cătălin Chiriță, Zdzisław Kazimierz Chmielewski, Ole Christensen, Philip Claeys, Luigi Cocilovo, Carlos Coelho, Richard Corbett, Dorette Corbey, Thierry Cornillet, Michael Cramer, Jan Cremers, Gabriela Crețu, Brian Crowley, Magor Imre Csibi, Marek Aleksander Czarnecki, Ryszard Czarnecki, Dragoș Florin David, Chris Davies, Antonio De Blasio, Arūnas Degutis, Jean-Luc Dehaene, Panayiotis Demetriou, Jean-Paul Denanot, Gérard Deprez, Marielle De Sarnez, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Albert Deß, Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, Jolanta Dičkutė, Gintaras Didžiokas, Koenraad Dillen, Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos, Beniamino Donnici, Bert Doorn, Den Dover, Mojca Drčar Murko, Petr Duchoň, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Andrew Duff, Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Christian Ehler, Lena Ek, Saïd El Khadraoui, James Elles, Maria da Assunção Esteves, Harald Ettl, Jill Evans, Robert Evans, Göran Färm, Hynek Fajmon, Richard Falbr, Carlo Fatuzzo, Markus Ferber, Emanuel Jardim Fernandes, Francesco Ferrari, Anne Ferreira, Elisa Ferreira, Petru Filip, Roberto Fiore, Hélène Flautre, Karl-Heinz Florenz, Alessandro Foglietta, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Brigitte Fouré, Carmen Fraga Estévez, Juan Fraile Cantón, Monica Frassoni, Duarte Freitas, Ingo Friedrich, Daniel Petru Funeriu, Urszula Gacek, Milan Gaľa, Gerardo Galeote, José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil, Iratxe García Pérez, Elisabetta Gardini, Giuseppe Gargani, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Jas Gawronski, Eugenijus Gentvilas, Georgios Georgiou, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Claire Gibault, Lutz Goepel, Bruno Gollnisch, Ana Maria Gomes, Donata Gottardi, Genowefa Grabowska, Vasco Graça Moura, Luis de Grandes Pascual, Nathalie Griesbeck, Lissy Gröner, Elly de Groen-Kouwenhoven, Mathieu Grosch, Françoise Grossetête, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Umberto Guidoni, Cristina Gutiérrez-Cortines, Fiona Hall, David Hammerstein, Małgorzata Handzlik, Malcolm Harbour, Satu Hassi, Christopher Heaton-Harris, Anna Hedh, Roger Helmer, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Esther Herranz García, Luis Herrero-Tejedor, Jim Higgins, Jens Holm, Mary Honeyball, Milan Horáček, Ján Hudacký, Ian Hudghton, Stephen Hughes, Alain Hutchinson, Jana Hybášková, Sophia in 't Veld, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Ville Itälä, Carlos José Iturgaiz Angulo, Caroline Jackson, Lily Jacobs, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Stanisław Jałowiecki, Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, Lívia Járóka, Georg Jarzembowski, Elisabeth Jeggle, Rumiana Jeleva, Anne E. Jensen, Pierre Jonckheer, Romana Jordan Cizelj, Madeleine Jouye de Grandmaison, Aurelio Juri, Jelko Kacin, Filip Kaczmarek, Gisela Kallenbach, Syed Kamall, Othmar Karas, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Metin Kazak, Tunne Kelam, Glenys Kinnock, Wolf Klinz, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Miloš Koterec, Sergej Kozlík, Guntars Krasts, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Urszula Krupa, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Helmut Kuhne, Sepp Kusstatscher, Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Joost Lagendijk, André Laignel, Jean Lambert, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Vytautas Landsbergis, Carl Lang, Esther De Lange, Raymond Langendries, Anne Laperrouze, Kurt Joachim Lauk, Vincenzo Lavarra, Henrik Lax, Johannes Lebech, Bernard Lehideux, Klaus-Heiner Lehne, Lasse Lehtinen, Jörg Leichtfried, Jo Leinen, Jean-Marie Le Pen, Marine Le Pen, Fernand Le Rachinel, Katalin Lévai, Janusz Lewandowski, Marcin Libicki, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann, Peter Liese, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Alain Lipietz, Pia Elda Locatelli, Eleonora Lo Curto, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Andrea Losco, Patrick Louis, Caroline Lucas, Astrid Lulling, Florencio Luque Aguilar, Elizabeth Lynne, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Jules Maaten, Linda McAvan, Arlene McCarthy, Mary Lou McDonald, Mairead McGuinness, Edward McMillan-Scott, Eugenijus Maldeikis, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Vladimír Maňka, Erika Mann, Thomas Mann, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Catiuscia Marini, Sérgio Marques, David Martin, Hans-Peter Martin, Jan Tadeusz Masiel, Véronique Mathieu, Marios Matsakis, Maria Matsouka, Jaime Mayor Oreja, Erik Meijer, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Rosa Miguélez Ramos, Marianne Mikko, Francisco José Millán Mon, Gay Mitchell, Claude Moraes, Eluned Morgan, Luisa Morgantini, Philippe Morillon, Roberto Musacchio, Cristiana Muscardini, Sebastiano (Nello) Musumeci, Riitta Myller, Pasqualina Napoletano, Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar, Michael Henry Nattrass, Catherine Neris, Bill Newton Dunn, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, James Nicholson, null Nicholson of Winterbourne, Rareș-Lucian Niculescu, Angelika Niebler, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Ljudmila Novak, Cem Özdemir, Péter Olajos, Jan Olbrycht, Seán Ó Neachtain, Gérard Onesta, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Dumitru Oprea, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Miroslav Ouzký, Siiri Oviir, Reino Paasilinna, Justas Vincas Paleckis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Marco Pannella, Pier Antonio Panzeri, Georgios Papastamkos, Neil Parish, Alojz Peterle, Maria Petre, Markus Pieper, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Józef Pinior, Mirosław Mariusz Piotrowski, Umberto Pirilli, Paweł Bartłomiej Piskorski, Gianni Pittella, Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar, Zita Pleštinská, Anni Podimata, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Bernard Poignant, José Javier Pomés Ruiz, Nicolae Vlad Popa, Miguel Portas, Horst Posdorf, Bernd Posselt, Christa Prets, Pierre Pribetich, Jacek Protasiewicz, John Purvis, Luís Queiró, Karin Resetarits, Herbert Reul, José Ribeiro e Castro, Frédérique Ries, Karin Riis-Jørgensen, Giovanni Rivera, Maria Robsahm, Ulrike Rodust, Bogusław Rogalski, Zuzana Roithová, Luca Romagnoli, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Dariusz Rosati, Wojciech Roszkowski, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Paul Rübig, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Eoin Ryan, Guido Sacconi, Aloyzas Sakalas, Katrin Saks, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Manuel António dos Santos, Salvador Domingo Sanz Palacio, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Toomas Savi, Lydia Schenardi, Agnes Schierhuber, Carl Schlyter, Frithjof Schmidt, Olle Schmidt, Pál Schmitt, György Schöpflin, Inger Segelström, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Eva-Riitta Siitonen, José Albino Silva Peneda, Kathy Sinnott, Marek Siwiec, Peter Skinner, Alyn Smith, Csaba Sógor, Renate Sommer, Søren Bo Søndergaard, Bogusław Sonik, María Sornosa Martínez, Jean Spautz, Francesco Enrico Speroni, Bart Staes, Grażyna Staniszewska, Peter Šťastný, Gabriele Stauner, Petya Stavreva, Dirk Sterckx, Catherine Stihler, Margie Sudre, David Sumberg, Gianluca Susta, Eva-Britt Svensson, Hannes Swoboda, István Szent-Iványi, Konrad Szymański, Hannu Takkula, Charles Tannock, Andres Tarand, Salvatore Tatarella, Britta Thomsen, Marianne Thyssen, Gary Titley, Patrizia Toia, László Tőkés, Ewa Tomaszewska, Witold Tomczak, Antonios Trakatellis, Helga Trüpel, Claude Turmes, Evangelia Tzampazi, Thomas Ulmer, Vladimir Urutchev, Inese Vaidere, Nikolaos Vakalis, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Frank Vanhecke, Johan Van Hecke, Anne Van Lancker, Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Ari Vatanen, Yannick Vaugrenard, Armando Veneto, Riccardo Ventre, Donato Tommaso Veraldi, Marcello Vernola, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Cornelis Visser, Oldřich Vlasák, Dominique Vlasto, Graham Watson, Henri Weber, Manfred Weber, Renate Weber, Anja Weisgerber, Åsa Westlund, John Whittaker, Andrzej Wielowieyski, Jan Marinus Wiersma, Anders Wijkman, Glenis Willmott, Iuliu Winkler, Lars Wohlin, Janusz Wojciechowski, Corien Wortmann-Kool, Jan Zahradil, Zbigniew Zaleski, Andrzej Tomasz Zapałowski, Stefano Zappalà, Tatjana Ždanoka, Dushana Zdravkova, Vladimír Železný, Roberts Zīle, Jaroslav Zvěřina, Tadeusz Zwiefka

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Wednesday 4 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/44 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/44

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2050: The future begins today – recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate change

P6_TA(2009)0042

European Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on ‘2050: The future begins today – Recommendations for the EU's future integrated policy on climate change’ (2008/2105(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/08)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its decision of 25 April 2007, adopted pursuant to Rule 175 of its Rules of Procedure, on setting up a temporary committee on climate change (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its decision of 25 April 2007, adopted pursuant to Rule 175 of its Rules of Procedure, on setting up a temporary committee on climate change (1),

| — | having regard to existing EU environmental legislation making a positive contribution to combating climate change in various policy areas (Annex A) and to its resolutions on climate change, particularly those adopted during the current sixth parliamentary term (Annex B), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to existing EU environmental legislation making a positive contribution to combating climate change in various policy areas (Annex A) and to its resolutions on climate change, particularly those adopted during the current sixth parliamentary term (Annex B),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2007 on limiting global climate change to 2 degrees Celsius – the way ahead for the Bali Conference on Climate Change and beyond (COP 13 and COP/MOP 3) (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 November 2007 on limiting global climate change to 2 degrees Celsius – the way ahead for the Bali Conference on Climate Change and beyond (COP 13 and COP/MOP 3) (2),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on the outcome of the Bali Conference on Climate Change (COP 13 and COP/MOP 3) (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on the outcome of the Bali Conference on Climate Change (COP 13 and COP/MOP 3) (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on the Commission Green Paper on ‘Adapting to climate change in Europe – options for EU action’ (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on the Commission Green Paper on ‘Adapting to climate change in Europe – options for EU action’ (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2008 on the scientific facts of climate change: findings and recommendations for decision-making (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 May 2008 on the scientific facts of climate change: findings and recommendations for decision-making (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 October 2008 on building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 October 2008 on building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change (6),

| — | having regard to the 14th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP 14) and the Fourth Conference of Parties serving as a meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP 4), held from 1 to 12 December 2008 in Poznań (Poland), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 14th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP 14) and the Fourth Conference of Parties serving as a meeting of the parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP 4), held from 1 to 12 December 2008 in Poznań (Poland),

| — | having regard to the Citizens' Agora on Climate Change, held on 12 and 13 June 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Citizens' Agora on Climate Change, held on 12 and 13 June 2008,

| — | having regard to the Joint Parliamentary Meeting of the European Parliament and the national parliaments, held on 20 and 21 November 2008 to debate energy and sustainable development, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Parliamentary Meeting of the European Parliament and the national parliaments, held on 20 and 21 November 2008 to debate energy and sustainable development,

| — | having regard to the results of the Eurobarometer Special opinion poll No 300 on Europeans' attitudes to climate change, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the results of the Eurobarometer Special opinion poll No 300 on Europeans' attitudes to climate change,

| — | having regard to the public hearings and exchanges of views with senior figures held by the Temporary Committee on Climate Change and the outcome of delegation visits, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the public hearings and exchanges of views with senior figures held by the Temporary Committee on Climate Change and the outcome of delegation visits,

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change (A6-0495/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Temporary Committee on Climate Change (A6-0495/2008),

Guiding political ideas

| A. | whereas the task of preserving nature and humanity is passed on from one generation to the next, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the task of preserving nature and humanity is passed on from one generation to the next,

| B. | whereas global warming and climate change are recognised as a very serious, urgent and man-made threat, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas global warming and climate change are recognised as a very serious, urgent and man-made threat,

| C. | whereas, particularly in the current sixth parliamentary term, the European Parliament's work on climate change has been a source of inspiration and a mandate for action to shape an integrated European policy to combat climate change and to reconcile climate change with sustainable economic growth, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, particularly in the current sixth parliamentary term, the European Parliament's work on climate change has been a source of inspiration and a mandate for action to shape an integrated European policy to combat climate change and to reconcile climate change with sustainable economic growth,

| D. | whereas the Lisbon Treaty explicitly lays down the objectives and competences of the European Union in the field of climate change and, if ratified, will strengthen the Union's role in promoting sustainable development and fighting climate change, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Lisbon Treaty explicitly lays down the objectives and competences of the European Union in the field of climate change and, if ratified, will strengthen the Union's role in promoting sustainable development and fighting climate change,

| E. | whereas the leading role of the European Union in the international fight against global warming and its particular responsibility as a union of developed countries contribute to its sense of identity and imply an obligation, vis-à-vis the citizens of Europe, not only to formulate medium- and long-term climate objectives but to achieve those objectives through forward-looking political measures, as well as through political dialogue with developing countries, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the leading role of the European Union in the international fight against global warming and its particular responsibility as a union of developed countries contribute to its sense of identity and imply an obligation, vis-à-vis the citizens of Europe, not only to formulate medium- and long-term climate objectives but to achieve those objectives through forward-looking political measures, as well as through political dialogue with developing countries,

| F. | whereas a key objective of the European Union as regards both its internal policy and its external relations is promoting respect for human rights, and whereas, in particular, the European Union recognises the rights to life, security, health, education and environmental protection as fundamental, as well as the protection of persons particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas a key objective of the European Union as regards both its internal policy and its external relations is promoting respect for human rights, and whereas, in particular, the European Union recognises the rights to life, security, health, education and environmental protection as fundamental, as well as the protection of persons particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities,

| G. | whereas parliamentary representatives of the citizens of Europe, not only now but in the future, should be guided by these climate policy principles and by the principles of sustainability, social responsibility and equity between the generations and people, and should not cease from putting the necessary global climate objectives into practice, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas parliamentary representatives of the citizens of Europe, not only now but in the future, should be guided by these climate policy principles and by the principles of sustainability, social responsibility and equity between the generations and people, and should not cease from putting the necessary global climate objectives into practice,

| H. | whereas human society is facing a dual challenge as regards threats to the earth's life-supporting system, namely climate change and the overuse and destruction of many of the most important ecosystems; whereas there are many interlinkages between the climate system and ecosystems – in particular the capacity of oceans and terrestrial ecosystems to sequester carbon – and whereas climate change can only be addressed effectively within the context of healthy ecosystems, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas human society is facing a dual challenge as regards threats to the earth's life-supporting system, namely climate change and the overuse and destruction of many of the most important ecosystems; whereas there are many interlinkages between the climate system and ecosystems – in particular the capacity of oceans and terrestrial ecosystems to sequester carbon – and whereas climate change can only be addressed effectively within the context of healthy ecosystems,

| I. | whereas climate change has a particularly damaging and costly impact on some areas, such as upland and coastal areas, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas climate change has a particularly damaging and costly impact on some areas, such as upland and coastal areas,

| J. | whereas the impact of climate change on human societies is already being felt in many places, such as the Sahel, where desertification is having a major effect, Bangladesh, which is subject to repeated flooding, certain parts of Europe, and several Pacific islands which are destined to disappear underwater, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the impact of climate change on human societies is already being felt in many places, such as the Sahel, where desertification is having a major effect, Bangladesh, which is subject to repeated flooding, certain parts of Europe, and several Pacific islands which are destined to disappear underwater,

| K. | whereas climate change is a challenge to which there is no single political solution, but whereas the combination of existing opportunities and a dramatic increase in efficiency in all areas of the economy and society may make a contribution to resolving the problem of resources and distribution and pave the way for a third industrial revolution, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas climate change is a challenge to which there is no single political solution, but whereas the combination of existing opportunities and a dramatic increase in efficiency in all areas of the economy and society may make a contribution to resolving the problem of resources and distribution and pave the way for a third industrial revolution,

| L. | whereas urgent measures are needed to tackle energy and fuel poverty, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas urgent measures are needed to tackle energy and fuel poverty,

| M. | whereas according to data for 2006 supplied by the European Environment Agency (EEA), energy production accounts for 30,9% of total greenhouse gas emissions within the EU, transport for 19,4%, private households and services for 14,6%, building trades and industrial production for 12,9%, agriculture for 9,2%, industrial processes for 8,1% and the waste sector for 2,9%, the other emissions being caused by chemical solvents and non-specific combustion processes, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas according to data for 2006 supplied by the European Environment Agency (EEA), energy production accounts for 30,9% of total greenhouse gas emissions within the EU, transport for 19,4%, private households and services for 14,6%, building trades and industrial production for 12,9%, agriculture for 9,2%, industrial processes for 8,1% and the waste sector for 2,9%, the other emissions being caused by chemical solvents and non-specific combustion processes,

| N. | whereas many sectors are already making a contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and many cost-efficient climate change opportunities and efficiency-improving technologies are already available, though their comprehensive application is being blocked by market access barriers, bureaucratic obstacles and high funding costs, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas many sectors are already making a contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and many cost-efficient climate change opportunities and efficiency-improving technologies are already available, though their comprehensive application is being blocked by market access barriers, bureaucratic obstacles and high funding costs,

| O. | whereas measures aimed at greenhouse gas reductions in production, land use and waste management are of the highest priority; whereas however it will not be possible to overcome climate change solely by emissions reductions in each individual sector; whereas, instead, a systematic approach to the problem will be needed in order to seek cross-sectoral political solutions and to achieve changes to production, consumption, lifestyle and trade patterns throughout society by coherent legislation and adaptation to unavoidable change, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas measures aimed at greenhouse gas reductions in production, land use and waste management are of the highest priority; whereas however it will not be possible to overcome climate change solely by emissions reductions in each individual sector; whereas, instead, a systematic approach to the problem will be needed in order to seek cross-sectoral political solutions and to achieve changes to production, consumption, lifestyle and trade patterns throughout society by coherent legislation and adaptation to unavoidable change,

The international dimension: post-2012, external climate policy and international trade

| P. | whereas the negotiations towards a post-2012 agreement are being carried on under UN leadership in accordance with the Bali roadmap in the following core areas: emissions reductions and new binding reduction targets, adaptation measures, forest clearance, destruction and degradation, development of technology for mitigation and adaptation measures, the necessary financial resources and, finally, the review of the flexible mechanisms under the Marrakesh Accords on the Kyoto Protocol, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the negotiations towards a post-2012 agreement are being carried on under UN leadership in accordance with the Bali roadmap in the following core areas: emissions reductions and new binding reduction targets, adaptation measures, forest clearance, destruction and degradation, development of technology for mitigation and adaptation measures, the necessary financial resources and, finally, the review of the flexible mechanisms under the Marrakesh Accords on the Kyoto Protocol,

| Q. | whereas the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should also be deeply involved in the mitigation effort, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should also be deeply involved in the mitigation effort,

| R. | whereas the negotiations on a post-2012 agreement need to be concluded at the Copenhagen climate conference (COP 15) at the end of 2009 in order to avoid a gap between the first and second commitment periods, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the negotiations on a post-2012 agreement need to be concluded at the Copenhagen climate conference (COP 15) at the end of 2009 in order to avoid a gap between the first and second commitment periods,

| S. | whereas the European Council of March 2008 stressed the need to speed up the negotiations on the Bali roadmap with a view to adopting a new climate change agreement by 2009, in accordance with the EU's 2°C objective, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas the European Council of March 2008 stressed the need to speed up the negotiations on the Bali roadmap with a view to adopting a new climate change agreement by 2009, in accordance with the EU's 2°C objective,

| T. | whereas climate change may exacerbate the potential for conflict in international relations, for example through climate-induced migration, loss of land and border disputes arising from floods and receding coastlines, as well as conflicts over resources owing to shrinking arable land, growing water scarcity or deforestation, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas climate change may exacerbate the potential for conflict in international relations, for example through climate-induced migration, loss of land and border disputes arising from floods and receding coastlines, as well as conflicts over resources owing to shrinking arable land, growing water scarcity or deforestation,

| U. | whereas the European Council of March 2008 requested the Commission to draw up a European strategy for the financing of measures to combat climate change, aimed at the reduction of emissions and adaptation linked to research into, and development of, low-carbon technologies; whereas the transfer of such technologies is an essential precondition for the successful implementation of global emissions reduction and adaptation measures to combat climate change, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the European Council of March 2008 requested the Commission to draw up a European strategy for the financing of measures to combat climate change, aimed at the reduction of emissions and adaptation linked to research into, and development of, low-carbon technologies; whereas the transfer of such technologies is an essential precondition for the successful implementation of global emissions reduction and adaptation measures to combat climate change,

| V. | whereas mitigation and adaptation efforts are both of paramount importance; whereas industrialised countries have an historical responsibility for climate change; whereas developing countries have contributed little to climate change and yet are the most affected by it; whereas the available funding to combat climate change in developing countries is inadequate and should be substantially increased, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas mitigation and adaptation efforts are both of paramount importance; whereas industrialised countries have an historical responsibility for climate change; whereas developing countries have contributed little to climate change and yet are the most affected by it; whereas the available funding to combat climate change in developing countries is inadequate and should be substantially increased,

| W. | whereas technology transfer is being hindered by concerns about the protection of intellectual property, by weak political institutions and the absence of the rule of law, and by a general lack of capital, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas technology transfer is being hindered by concerns about the protection of intellectual property, by weak political institutions and the absence of the rule of law, and by a general lack of capital,

| X. | whereas the WTO does not represent an alternative negotiating forum for international action on the climate, and whereas without a successful conclusion to the post-2012 negotiations world trade cannot be expected to help in combating climate change, |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas the WTO does not represent an alternative negotiating forum for international action on the climate, and whereas without a successful conclusion to the post-2012 negotiations world trade cannot be expected to help in combating climate change,

| Y. | whereas the EU's carbon footprint includes the greenhouse gases emitted in the production of goods consumed in Europe but produced elsewhere, |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas the EU's carbon footprint includes the greenhouse gases emitted in the production of goods consumed in Europe but produced elsewhere,

Energy

| Z. | whereas oil is the most important source of energy worldwide, accounting for some 35% of primary energy consumption, followed by coal at 25% and natural gas at 21%; whereas, however, the age of cheap and abundant fossil energy is coming to an end, |
| --- | --- |

Z.

whereas oil is the most important source of energy worldwide, accounting for some 35% of primary energy consumption, followed by coal at 25% and natural gas at 21%; whereas, however, the age of cheap and abundant fossil energy is coming to an end,

| AA. | whereas, according to Eurostat data, in 2006 33,5% of the EU's crude oil imports originated from Russia, 15,8% from Norway and 27% from Arab countries, and whereas 42% of the EU's gas imports came from Russia, 24,2% from Norway and 25,9% from Arab countries, |
| --- | --- |

AA.

whereas, according to Eurostat data, in 2006 33,5% of the EU's crude oil imports originated from Russia, 15,8% from Norway and 27% from Arab countries, and whereas 42% of the EU's gas imports came from Russia, 24,2% from Norway and 25,9% from Arab countries,

| AB. | whereas the International Energy Agency predicts an increase of at least 60% in world energy requirements by 2030, some of which will be engendered by the emerging countries, |
| --- | --- |

AB.

whereas the International Energy Agency predicts an increase of at least 60% in world energy requirements by 2030, some of which will be engendered by the emerging countries,

| AC. | whereas developments on the energy markets help the pursuit of climate objectives, since market-driven increases in energy prices form important incentives to sustainable use of resources and thus to low carbon consumption, |
| --- | --- |

AC.

whereas developments on the energy markets help the pursuit of climate objectives, since market-driven increases in energy prices form important incentives to sustainable use of resources and thus to low carbon consumption,

| AD. | whereas in the medium to long term there can be no question of covering the increasing need for energy solely with fossil fuels, and whereas investment decisions over the next few years will determine the structure of the energy system and the composition of the energy mix for the coming decades, |
| --- | --- |

AD.

whereas in the medium to long term there can be no question of covering the increasing need for energy solely with fossil fuels, and whereas investment decisions over the next few years will determine the structure of the energy system and the composition of the energy mix for the coming decades,

| AE. | whereas the growing need for energy requires a number of complementary measures, such as the urgently needed modernisation of the existing fossil-fuel-fired power stations and transmission networks with a view to a massive improvement in overall energy efficiency, the construction of new power plants and the constant expansion of renewable energy sources, |
| --- | --- |

AE.

whereas the growing need for energy requires a number of complementary measures, such as the urgently needed modernisation of the existing fossil-fuel-fired power stations and transmission networks with a view to a massive improvement in overall energy efficiency, the construction of new power plants and the constant expansion of renewable energy sources,

| AF. | AFwhereas energy savings are in the long term the most cost-effective and cleanest way of saving resources and thus combating climate change, and whereas committed and sustained efforts to enhance the EU's energy efficiency will bring about widespread structural solutions across the economy, thereby paving the way towards a green low-carbon economy, |
| --- | --- |

AF.

AFwhereas energy savings are in the long term the most cost-effective and cleanest way of saving resources and thus combating climate change, and whereas committed and sustained efforts to enhance the EU's energy efficiency will bring about widespread structural solutions across the economy, thereby paving the way towards a green low-carbon economy,

| AG. | whereas the use of nuclear energy – irrespective of the availability of uranium – still raises the issue of the safe final storage of nuclear waste and the spread of the technology to undemocratic states, |
| --- | --- |

AG.

whereas the use of nuclear energy – irrespective of the availability of uranium – still raises the issue of the safe final storage of nuclear waste and the spread of the technology to undemocratic states,

| AH. | whereas the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project has become a capital-intensive development centre for nuclear fusion as a possible new energy source for the future, and whereas any contribution to the energy market can only be expected in the ultra-long term, |
| --- | --- |

AH.

whereas the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project has become a capital-intensive development centre for nuclear fusion as a possible new energy source for the future, and whereas any contribution to the energy market can only be expected in the ultra-long term,

Biofuels

| AI. | whereas current policy on biofuels must be seen in a global perspective, where on the one hand there is growing competition for productive land and on the other there is an increasing need for renewable energy, in particular in the transport sector, |
| --- | --- |

AI.

whereas current policy on biofuels must be seen in a global perspective, where on the one hand there is growing competition for productive land and on the other there is an increasing need for renewable energy, in particular in the transport sector,

| AJ. | whereas the production of biomass offers many developing countries new economic opportunities for energy production and as a fuel, and will make them less dependent on energy imports, provided that such production is sustainable and does not lead, for example, to monocultures or to competition as regards food production, |
| --- | --- |

AJ.

whereas the production of biomass offers many developing countries new economic opportunities for energy production and as a fuel, and will make them less dependent on energy imports, provided that such production is sustainable and does not lead, for example, to monocultures or to competition as regards food production,

| AK. | whereas the emissions reduction potential of many first-generation biofuels in comparison to conventional fuels has been revised downwards, in some cases substantially, following a comprehensive life-cycle analysis, and whereas issues of sustainability, environmental impact and the availability of arable land in competition with food production have still not been satisfactorily resolved, |
| --- | --- |

AK.

whereas the emissions reduction potential of many first-generation biofuels in comparison to conventional fuels has been revised downwards, in some cases substantially, following a comprehensive life-cycle analysis, and whereas issues of sustainability, environmental impact and the availability of arable land in competition with food production have still not been satisfactorily resolved,

| AL. | whereas a sustainable biofuels policy should be geared not only to setting sustainability criteria for the manufacture of biofuels but also to promoting the most rapid development possible of second-generation biofuels, |
| --- | --- |

AL.

whereas a sustainable biofuels policy should be geared not only to setting sustainability criteria for the manufacture of biofuels but also to promoting the most rapid development possible of second-generation biofuels,

| AM. | whereas the petroleum industry will only put in place the necessary comprehensive infrastructure for new fuels when there is a sufficient demand for biofuels, but whereas the motor industry has made technological advances permitting any mixture of petrol and biofuels to be detected by a sensor in the vehicle, a device which will also enable older vehicles to run on biofuels, thus achieving CO2 emissions reductions over the whole range of existing vehicles, |
| --- | --- |

AM.

whereas the petroleum industry will only put in place the necessary comprehensive infrastructure for new fuels when there is a sufficient demand for biofuels, but whereas the motor industry has made technological advances permitting any mixture of petrol and biofuels to be detected by a sensor in the vehicle, a device which will also enable older vehicles to run on biofuels, thus achieving CO2 emissions reductions over the whole range of existing vehicles,

| AN. | whereas the potential of biofuels can only be realised if they are seen as a component in the development of sustainable transport systems, including the development and use of highly fuel-efficient vehicles, |
| --- | --- |

AN.

whereas the potential of biofuels can only be realised if they are seen as a component in the development of sustainable transport systems, including the development and use of highly fuel-efficient vehicles,

Energy efficiency

| AO. | whereas several Member States do not have a clear strategy for energy efficiency, |
| --- | --- |

AO.

whereas several Member States do not have a clear strategy for energy efficiency,

| AP. | whereas the Member States should improve and expand the use of energy-efficiency certificates, and link the recommendations to financial incentives, |
| --- | --- |

AP.

whereas the Member States should improve and expand the use of energy-efficiency certificates, and link the recommendations to financial incentives,

| AQ. | whereas decreasing energy consumption together with energy efficiency at an individual and community level creates new commerce and jobs and combats energy poverty, |
| --- | --- |

AQ.

whereas decreasing energy consumption together with energy efficiency at an individual and community level creates new commerce and jobs and combats energy poverty,

| AR. | whereas the construction sector accounts for 40% of final energy consumption, and 33% of all greenhouse gas emissions are thus generated by the built environment, |
| --- | --- |

AR.

whereas the construction sector accounts for 40% of final energy consumption, and 33% of all greenhouse gas emissions are thus generated by the built environment,

| AS. | whereas the building sector (residential buildings, commercial and public buildings) has an enormous cost-efficient potential for reducing CO2 by modernising thermal insulation and heating/cooling systems, electrical appliances and ventilation systems and by installing sun protection, |
| --- | --- |

AS.

whereas the building sector (residential buildings, commercial and public buildings) has an enormous cost-efficient potential for reducing CO2 by modernising thermal insulation and heating/cooling systems, electrical appliances and ventilation systems and by installing sun protection,

| AT. | whereas low-energy houses are attractive, fashionable and cost-effective, |
| --- | --- |

AT.

whereas low-energy houses are attractive, fashionable and cost-effective,

| AU. | whereas decoupling growth in energy consumption from economic growth by investing in energy efficiency in all sectors of society is a key objective of the EU, |
| --- | --- |

AU.

whereas decoupling growth in energy consumption from economic growth by investing in energy efficiency in all sectors of society is a key objective of the EU,

| AV. | whereas there is a need to develop financial instruments, to allocate the necessary budgetary resources for the improvement of energy efficiency and to constantly review and adjust efficiency standards for electrical and electronic appliances in line with market developments, as well as to extend standards to cover large industrial appliances and to consider making it compulsory for devices to have a switch-off function, |
| --- | --- |

AV.

whereas there is a need to develop financial instruments, to allocate the necessary budgetary resources for the improvement of energy efficiency and to constantly review and adjust efficiency standards for electrical and electronic appliances in line with market developments, as well as to extend standards to cover large industrial appliances and to consider making it compulsory for devices to have a switch-off function,

Mobility and logistics

| AW. | whereas the separation of transport growth from economic growth as a whole is a key objective of EU transport policy, but whereas demand for transport services has nevertheless outstripped GDP growth and the already high share of transport in EU greenhouse gas emissions is thus continuing to rise, |
| --- | --- |

AW.

whereas the separation of transport growth from economic growth as a whole is a key objective of EU transport policy, but whereas demand for transport services has nevertheless outstripped GDP growth and the already high share of transport in EU greenhouse gas emissions is thus continuing to rise,

| AX. | whereas transport currently accounts for approximately one third of final energy consumption in the EU and the transport sector is almost completely (97%) dependent on petroleum-based fuels (petrol and diesel), |
| --- | --- |

AX.

whereas transport currently accounts for approximately one third of final energy consumption in the EU and the transport sector is almost completely (97%) dependent on petroleum-based fuels (petrol and diesel),

| AY. | whereas the EU's greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2005 would have fallen by 14% instead of 7,9% if the transport sector had achieved the same reductions as other sectors, |
| --- | --- |

AY.

whereas the EU's greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2005 would have fallen by 14% instead of 7,9% if the transport sector had achieved the same reductions as other sectors,

| AZ. | whereas 80% of Europe's population live in urban areas, where 40% of all transport emissions are produced, with congestion – which is also concentrated in urban areas – costing the EU some 1% of its GDP, |
| --- | --- |

AZ.

whereas 80% of Europe's population live in urban areas, where 40% of all transport emissions are produced, with congestion – which is also concentrated in urban areas – costing the EU some 1% of its GDP,

| BA. | whereas on the one hand urban mobility is directly linked to individual quality of life, while on the other hand it is individual transport in cities that contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems such as air pollution and noise, so that instead of enhancing the quality of life for many citizens it can considerably detract from it through negative effects on health, |
| --- | --- |

BA.

whereas on the one hand urban mobility is directly linked to individual quality of life, while on the other hand it is individual transport in cities that contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems such as air pollution and noise, so that instead of enhancing the quality of life for many citizens it can considerably detract from it through negative effects on health,

| BB. | whereas half of all journeys made by EU citizens are shorter than 5 km, |
| --- | --- |

BB.

whereas half of all journeys made by EU citizens are shorter than 5 km,

| BC. | whereas 60% of all car journeys and 90% of all rail journeys in daily regional and commuter traffic are no longer than 30km, |
| --- | --- |

BC.

whereas 60% of all car journeys and 90% of all rail journeys in daily regional and commuter traffic are no longer than 30km,

| BD. | whereas the transport of freight by rail and waterways decreased between 2001 and 2006 (from 18,6% to 17,7% and from 6,5% to 5,6% respectively) while freight transport by road increased (from 74,9% to 76,7%), |
| --- | --- |

BD.

whereas the transport of freight by rail and waterways decreased between 2001 and 2006 (from 18,6% to 17,7% and from 6,5% to 5,6% respectively) while freight transport by road increased (from 74,9% to 76,7%),

| BE. | whereas the transport of passengers and goods by water is one of the most energy-efficient transport modes and the proportion of goods transported by water in the EU is around 40%, |
| --- | --- |

BE.

whereas the transport of passengers and goods by water is one of the most energy-efficient transport modes and the proportion of goods transported by water in the EU is around 40%,

| BF. | whereas it is estimated that the energy consumed per tonne of goods and km of travel by inland waterways transport amounts to one sixth of the energy consumption of road transport and half that of rail transport, |
| --- | --- |

BF.

whereas it is estimated that the energy consumed per tonne of goods and km of travel by inland waterways transport amounts to one sixth of the energy consumption of road transport and half that of rail transport,

| BG. | whereas programmes such as Marco Polo and NAIADES have been insufficiently used by Member States to shift the transport of merchandise to inland waterways and to seas, |
| --- | --- |

BG.

whereas programmes such as Marco Polo and NAIADES have been insufficiently used by Member States to shift the transport of merchandise to inland waterways and to seas,

| BH. | whereas trade on overseas routes is on the increase and the trend is towards larger container and passenger ships which consume more heavy-grade oil and thus pollute the environment more severely than in the past, and yet international shipping forms no part of international efforts to combat climate change, |
| --- | --- |

BH.

whereas trade on overseas routes is on the increase and the trend is towards larger container and passenger ships which consume more heavy-grade oil and thus pollute the environment more severely than in the past, and yet international shipping forms no part of international efforts to combat climate change,

| BI. | whereas on the one hand the gradual liberalisation and deregulation of the aviation sector over the past decade was an essential precondition for the dynamic growth of European air transport, with a 49% increase in passenger flights within the EU from 1999 to 2004, while on the other hand CO2 emissions from the sector as a whole rose by 79% from 1990 to 2005, |
| --- | --- |

BI.

whereas on the one hand the gradual liberalisation and deregulation of the aviation sector over the past decade was an essential precondition for the dynamic growth of European air transport, with a 49% increase in passenger flights within the EU from 1999 to 2004, while on the other hand CO2 emissions from the sector as a whole rose by 79% from 1990 to 2005,

| BJ. | whereas the growth of the air transport sector continues to increase its environmental impact in spite of technical and operational improvements, but whereas there has as yet been only limited debate on binding emission standards for aero engines aimed at bringing about technological improvements in their propulsion mechanisms, and there are no studies on implementing possibilities, |
| --- | --- |

BJ.

whereas the growth of the air transport sector continues to increase its environmental impact in spite of technical and operational improvements, but whereas there has as yet been only limited debate on binding emission standards for aero engines aimed at bringing about technological improvements in their propulsion mechanisms, and there are no studies on implementing possibilities,

| BK. | whereas the Commission and the Member States have launched the ‘Clean Sky’ Joint Technology Initiative and the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR), European Satellite Navigation System (Galileo) and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programmes, as well as research projects for intelligent transport systems, with a view to improving energy efficiency in the transport field, |
| --- | --- |

BK.

whereas the Commission and the Member States have launched the ‘Clean Sky’ Joint Technology Initiative and the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR), European Satellite Navigation System (Galileo) and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programmes, as well as research projects for intelligent transport systems, with a view to improving energy efficiency in the transport field,

| BL. | whereas air transport emits into the atmosphere not only CO2 but also nitrogen oxides, water vapour, sulphates and carbon particulates which, according to estimates by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), intensify the overall effect of aviation emissions by a factor of two to four, estimates which do not take account of the additional effect of cirrus cloud formation, |
| --- | --- |

BL.

whereas air transport emits into the atmosphere not only CO2 but also nitrogen oxides, water vapour, sulphates and carbon particulates which, according to estimates by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), intensify the overall effect of aviation emissions by a factor of two to four, estimates which do not take account of the additional effect of cirrus cloud formation,

| BM. | whereas the inhabitants and economies of the outermost regions are extremely dependent on air transport for their mobility and development, |
| --- | --- |

BM.

whereas the inhabitants and economies of the outermost regions are extremely dependent on air transport for their mobility and development,

| BN. | whereas it should be stressed that, in the long term, the most efficient way of reducing transport-based emissions is to decrease transport growth as a whole by making public transport a more attractive alternative to passenger cars, increasing the volume of rail transport and ensuring that urban and infrastructure planning takes into account the absolute need to reduce the use of passenger cars, |
| --- | --- |

BN.

whereas it should be stressed that, in the long term, the most efficient way of reducing transport-based emissions is to decrease transport growth as a whole by making public transport a more attractive alternative to passenger cars, increasing the volume of rail transport and ensuring that urban and infrastructure planning takes into account the absolute need to reduce the use of passenger cars,

Tourism and cultural heritage

| BO. | whereas a study by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre states that one tenth of all world cultural heritage sites and traditional landscapes are threatened by the effects of climate change, |
| --- | --- |

BO.

whereas a study by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Centre states that one tenth of all world cultural heritage sites and traditional landscapes are threatened by the effects of climate change,

| BP. | whereas, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Europe is the most important tourist region in the world, accounting for 55% of all international tourist arrivals in 2006, |
| --- | --- |

BP.

whereas, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Europe is the most important tourist region in the world, accounting for 55% of all international tourist arrivals in 2006,

| BQ. | whereas climate change may alter tourist flows, which would involve major economic disadvantages for the holiday regions affected, |
| --- | --- |

BQ.

whereas climate change may alter tourist flows, which would involve major economic disadvantages for the holiday regions affected,

Industrial emissions

| BR. | whereas the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is a unique instrument for achieving emissions reductions with maximum efficiency and may act as a model for similar schemes, though the compatibility of such schemes would have to be guaranteed, |
| --- | --- |

BR.

whereas the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is a unique instrument for achieving emissions reductions with maximum efficiency and may act as a model for similar schemes, though the compatibility of such schemes would have to be guaranteed,

| BS. | whereas the industrial sectors are key to meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the European Council and whereas they should be encouraged to reduce their industrial greenhouse gas emissions further, whilst remaining competitive, |
| --- | --- |

BS.

whereas the industrial sectors are key to meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the European Council and whereas they should be encouraged to reduce their industrial greenhouse gas emissions further, whilst remaining competitive,

| BT. | whereas the idea underlying the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI), namely the dissemination of modern and efficient technologies, should work in reality; whereas CDM/JI should be limited to high-quality projects which provide documented additional reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, |
| --- | --- |

BT.

whereas the idea underlying the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI), namely the dissemination of modern and efficient technologies, should work in reality; whereas CDM/JI should be limited to high-quality projects which provide documented additional reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,

Agriculture and livestock breeding

| BU. | whereas changes to agricultural practices, EU environmental legislation and the most recent structural reforms in the common agricultural policy aim at sustainability and thus indirectly – via improved use of available resources – bring about a reduction in emissions, |
| --- | --- |

BU.

whereas changes to agricultural practices, EU environmental legislation and the most recent structural reforms in the common agricultural policy aim at sustainability and thus indirectly – via improved use of available resources – bring about a reduction in emissions,

| BV. | whereas agriculture is an emitter of greenhouse gases but also contributes positively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and also suffers directly from the negative effect of climate change leading to different economic and social consequences across regions of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

BV.

whereas agriculture is an emitter of greenhouse gases but also contributes positively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and also suffers directly from the negative effect of climate change leading to different economic and social consequences across regions of Europe,

| BW. | whereas the widespread cultivation of feedstuffs for livestock production contributes substantially to the total greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, |
| --- | --- |

BW.

whereas the widespread cultivation of feedstuffs for livestock production contributes substantially to the total greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture,

| BX. | whereas specific climate objectives – such as binding requirements for the reduction of methane and nitrous oxide emissions – are lacking in agriculture, as are incentive schemes to exploit existing emissions reduction potential, |
| --- | --- |

BX.

whereas specific climate objectives – such as binding requirements for the reduction of methane and nitrous oxide emissions – are lacking in agriculture, as are incentive schemes to exploit existing emissions reduction potential,

| BY. | whereas the rearing of livestock in a more nearly natural way has significant benefits for the environment in terms of care for the landscape and the conservation of grazing areas, while also reducing energy input and emissions, |
| --- | --- |

BY.

whereas the rearing of livestock in a more nearly natural way has significant benefits for the environment in terms of care for the landscape and the conservation of grazing areas, while also reducing energy input and emissions,

| BZ. | whereas livestock numbers should be adapted to suit the land areas available and whereas sustainable grazing practices could help to prevent soil erosion in pasturage areas, |
| --- | --- |

BZ.

whereas livestock numbers should be adapted to suit the land areas available and whereas sustainable grazing practices could help to prevent soil erosion in pasturage areas,

Forests

| CA. | whereas forests are very valuable for the biosphere and have many functions in the global eco-system, and whereas the current economic value assigned to forests is not able to take into account their eco-system or social/societal value, |
| --- | --- |

CA.

whereas forests are very valuable for the biosphere and have many functions in the global eco-system, and whereas the current economic value assigned to forests is not able to take into account their eco-system or social/societal value,

| CB. | whereas forests have three-dimensional roles in climate change mitigation: as carbon stocks through sustainable use and protection of forests, as carbon sinks through forestation and as a substitute for fossil fuels and fossil products as a renewable raw material, |
| --- | --- |

CB.

whereas forests have three-dimensional roles in climate change mitigation: as carbon stocks through sustainable use and protection of forests, as carbon sinks through forestation and as a substitute for fossil fuels and fossil products as a renewable raw material,

| CC. | whereas over 30% of the world's landmass is covered in forest, which is home to more than two thirds of all species living on earth, and whereas some 30% of annual greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed by forests, |
| --- | --- |

CC.

whereas over 30% of the world's landmass is covered in forest, which is home to more than two thirds of all species living on earth, and whereas some 30% of annual greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed by forests,

| CD. | whereas on the one hand forests play a vital role in holding back climate change while on the other hand at least a third of the world's forests are affected by the consequences of climate change, |
| --- | --- |

CD.

whereas on the one hand forests play a vital role in holding back climate change while on the other hand at least a third of the world's forests are affected by the consequences of climate change,

| CE. | whereas the most serious problem underlying forest destruction lies in related socio-economic factors such as poverty and under-development, weak political institutions and absence of the rule of law, as well as unjust property ownership conditions and corruption which can, amongst other consequences, lead to the illegal logging and clearing of forests, |
| --- | --- |

CE.

whereas the most serious problem underlying forest destruction lies in related socio-economic factors such as poverty and under-development, weak political institutions and absence of the rule of law, as well as unjust property ownership conditions and corruption which can, amongst other consequences, lead to the illegal logging and clearing of forests,

| CF. | whereas forest destruction through deforestation, unsustainable logging or fires caused inter alia by heat waves contributes significantly to CO2 emissions, |
| --- | --- |

CF.

whereas forest destruction through deforestation, unsustainable logging or fires caused inter alia by heat waves contributes significantly to CO2 emissions,

| CG. | whereas there are not enough strategies and programmes for the reforestation of forests that have been cleared, |
| --- | --- |

CG.

whereas there are not enough strategies and programmes for the reforestation of forests that have been cleared,

| CH. | whereas the make-up of forest plantations in the EU does not reflect the natural mixed woodland characteristic of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

CH.

whereas the make-up of forest plantations in the EU does not reflect the natural mixed woodland characteristic of Europe,

Soil protection

| CI. | whereas the soils of Europe are undergoing irreversible damage at a faster rate than ever before, and the extent of this damage is being intensified by climate change, |
| --- | --- |

CI.

whereas the soils of Europe are undergoing irreversible damage at a faster rate than ever before, and the extent of this damage is being intensified by climate change,

| CJ. | whereas the thawing of permafrost soils is altering the nature of soils in the northern hemisphere and releasing significant additional quantities of methane into the atmosphere, |
| --- | --- |

CJ.

whereas the thawing of permafrost soils is altering the nature of soils in the northern hemisphere and releasing significant additional quantities of methane into the atmosphere,

Water management

| CK. | whereas the availability of water resources, drinking water and other water supplies, water consumption and the treatment of waste water are closely linked to economic and social conditions, |
| --- | --- |

CK.

whereas the availability of water resources, drinking water and other water supplies, water consumption and the treatment of waste water are closely linked to economic and social conditions,

| CL. | whereas the regional disparities in Europe with regard to available water resources, and the occurrence of floods and droughts, are being intensified still further by climate change, |
| --- | --- |

CL.

whereas the regional disparities in Europe with regard to available water resources, and the occurrence of floods and droughts, are being intensified still further by climate change,

Fisheries

| CM. | whereas fish and shellfish are an important source of food, and whereas the ocean is the largest carbon sink in the world and serves as a source of biomass and raw materials, |
| --- | --- |

CM.

whereas fish and shellfish are an important source of food, and whereas the ocean is the largest carbon sink in the world and serves as a source of biomass and raw materials,

| CN. | whereas the nutritional resources of the sea are already being overexploited, |
| --- | --- |

CN.

whereas the nutritional resources of the sea are already being overexploited,

Waste treatment and resource management

| CO. | whereas waste hierarchy is a key principle guiding climate change mitigation in the waste sector, |
| --- | --- |

CO.

whereas waste hierarchy is a key principle guiding climate change mitigation in the waste sector,

| CP. | whereas it should be acknowledged that EU legislation on waste together with waste disposal innovations and the increased use of recycled products already have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector, even though not every potential is yet being exploited, |
| --- | --- |

CP.

whereas it should be acknowledged that EU legislation on waste together with waste disposal innovations and the increased use of recycled products already have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector, even though not every potential is yet being exploited,

| CQ. | whereas the quantity of waste is regrettably continuing to rise, in spite of all efforts to reduce it, |
| --- | --- |

CQ.

whereas the quantity of waste is regrettably continuing to rise, in spite of all efforts to reduce it,

Adaptation measures

| CR. | whereas adaptation measures of all kinds represent an insurance for the future with a view to alleviating damage from past greenhouse gas emissions and the consequent rise in temperature, |
| --- | --- |

CR.

whereas adaptation measures of all kinds represent an insurance for the future with a view to alleviating damage from past greenhouse gas emissions and the consequent rise in temperature,

| CS. | whereas using a pure cost-benefit analysis in the development of adaptation measures is not sufficient to guarantee the necessary minimum protection to all population groups; whereas, with a view to such measures, the local effects of climate change need to be analysed as a matter of urgency, |
| --- | --- |

CS.

whereas using a pure cost-benefit analysis in the development of adaptation measures is not sufficient to guarantee the necessary minimum protection to all population groups; whereas, with a view to such measures, the local effects of climate change need to be analysed as a matter of urgency,

| CT. | whereas according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment the consumption of natural resources currently threatens two thirds of all ecosystems, increases vulnerability to climate change and thus further intensifies the pressure to develop adaptation measures as soon as possible, |
| --- | --- |

CT.

whereas according to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment the consumption of natural resources currently threatens two thirds of all ecosystems, increases vulnerability to climate change and thus further intensifies the pressure to develop adaptation measures as soon as possible,

| CU. | whereas the joint EEA, JRC (Joint Research Centre) and WHO (World Health Organization) report entitled ‘Impacts of Europe's changing climate’ draws attention to the fact that vulnerability to climate change varies widely across regions and sectors in Europe, hitting mountainous regions, coastal zones, the Mediterranean and the Arctic harder, and whereas that report underlines that, in addition to enhanced global greenhouse gas emission reductions, proactive adaptation measures are needed at European and national level in order to moderate effects, |
| --- | --- |

CU.

whereas the joint EEA, JRC (Joint Research Centre) and WHO (World Health Organization) report entitled ‘Impacts of Europe's changing climate’ draws attention to the fact that vulnerability to climate change varies widely across regions and sectors in Europe, hitting mountainous regions, coastal zones, the Mediterranean and the Arctic harder, and whereas that report underlines that, in addition to enhanced global greenhouse gas emission reductions, proactive adaptation measures are needed at European and national level in order to moderate effects,

Health

| CV. | whereas many of the effects of climate change on health as reported, for instance, by the WHO may be kept at bay by preparing and strengthening health systems by means of appropriate preventive measures, with particular attention being paid to the spread of tropical diseases, and by public information campaigns addressing especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborn babies, children and elderly people, |
| --- | --- |

CV.

whereas many of the effects of climate change on health as reported, for instance, by the WHO may be kept at bay by preparing and strengthening health systems by means of appropriate preventive measures, with particular attention being paid to the spread of tropical diseases, and by public information campaigns addressing especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborn babies, children and elderly people,

| CW. | whereas the European Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010 is definitely inadequate to address the environmental causes which affect health, especially those stemming from climate change, |
| --- | --- |

CW.

whereas the European Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010 is definitely inadequate to address the environmental causes which affect health, especially those stemming from climate change,

Growth and employment

| CX. | whereas the climate policy goals agreed at the European Council of March 2007 are technically and economically feasible and offer unique business opportunities for thousands of EU undertakings, |
| --- | --- |

CX.

whereas the climate policy goals agreed at the European Council of March 2007 are technically and economically feasible and offer unique business opportunities for thousands of EU undertakings,

| CY. | whereas many businesses have not yet sufficiently recognised the scope of the opportunities and risks linked to climate change, |
| --- | --- |

CY.

whereas many businesses have not yet sufficiently recognised the scope of the opportunities and risks linked to climate change,

| CZ. | whereas committed action to combat climate change is compatible with continued economic growth and prosperity; whereas it could represent an effective investment with an important anti-recession function and must be seen as a challenge for wide-ranging structural changes having as their ultimate objective the development of a truly green economy, |
| --- | --- |

CZ.

whereas committed action to combat climate change is compatible with continued economic growth and prosperity; whereas it could represent an effective investment with an important anti-recession function and must be seen as a challenge for wide-ranging structural changes having as their ultimate objective the development of a truly green economy,

| DA. | whereas there is more likely to be a restructuring of jobs within particular industries than between one industry and another, |
| --- | --- |

DA.

whereas there is more likely to be a restructuring of jobs within particular industries than between one industry and another,

Promoting technologies of the future

| DB. | whereas emissions trading is the essential component of the European climate change programme, being designed to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency; whereas emissions trading alone is not, however, sufficient to find a way out of the CO2 impasse and to spark a widespread revolution in the field of low-CO2 technologies, |
| --- | --- |

DB.

whereas emissions trading is the essential component of the European climate change programme, being designed to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through improved efficiency; whereas emissions trading alone is not, however, sufficient to find a way out of the CO2 impasse and to spark a widespread revolution in the field of low-CO2 technologies,

| DC. | whereas achieving climate change mitigation targets requires appropriate financial steering mechanisms to endorse the development and application of energy-efficient and clean technologies, |
| --- | --- |

DC.

whereas achieving climate change mitigation targets requires appropriate financial steering mechanisms to endorse the development and application of energy-efficient and clean technologies,

| DD. | whereas sustainable housing offers enormous potential for job creation, |
| --- | --- |

DD.

whereas sustainable housing offers enormous potential for job creation,

| DE. | whereas improved efficiency alone will not spark off a technological revolution, but will necessitate an integrated strategy at EU, national and local level to boost research and development (R&D) in novel and advanced technologies and processes, and to strengthen their take-up, |
| --- | --- |

DE.

whereas improved efficiency alone will not spark off a technological revolution, but will necessitate an integrated strategy at EU, national and local level to boost research and development (R&D) in novel and advanced technologies and processes, and to strengthen their take-up,

| DF. | whereas carbon capture and storage (CCS) is already being applied on a small scale in various areas – e.g. in oil and gas extraction – but is still in the early stages as a major technology designed to combat climate change, |
| --- | --- |

DF.

whereas carbon capture and storage (CCS) is already being applied on a small scale in various areas – e.g. in oil and gas extraction – but is still in the early stages as a major technology designed to combat climate change,

| DG. | whereas the costs and risks still outweigh the economic advantages, and the effectiveness of power stations using CCS is diminishing despite the use of the latest technology, |
| --- | --- |

DG.

whereas the costs and risks still outweigh the economic advantages, and the effectiveness of power stations using CCS is diminishing despite the use of the latest technology,

| DH. | whereas the technology for CCS, as a bridging technology on the way to the decarbonisation of the energy system, may contribute to resolving the issue of reducing CO2 emissions from power stations and could serve to complement renewable technologies, but whereas CCS is an end-of-pipe technology, |
| --- | --- |

DH.

whereas the technology for CCS, as a bridging technology on the way to the decarbonisation of the energy system, may contribute to resolving the issue of reducing CO2 emissions from power stations and could serve to complement renewable technologies, but whereas CCS is an end-of-pipe technology,

Intelligent computer systems and information and communication technology (ICT)

| DI. | whereas the ICT sector currently produces 2% of global CO2 emissions, but the industry is potentially capable not only of reducing its own CO2 emissions but also, in particular, of developing innovative and more energy-efficient applications for the economy as a whole, |
| --- | --- |

DI.

whereas the ICT sector currently produces 2% of global CO2 emissions, but the industry is potentially capable not only of reducing its own CO2 emissions but also, in particular, of developing innovative and more energy-efficient applications for the economy as a whole,

Financing and budgetary matters

| DJ. | whereas the current EU budget is insufficient to achieve the climate objectives, since the political priority of combating climate change has not yet been furnished with the necessary budgetary appropriations, |
| --- | --- |

DJ.

whereas the current EU budget is insufficient to achieve the climate objectives, since the political priority of combating climate change has not yet been furnished with the necessary budgetary appropriations,

| DK. | whereas in the forthcoming financial framework budgetary appropriations must be allocated to combat climate change and create a European adaptation policy, in order to ensure that the EU has a sufficient ‘climate change budget’ for the next budgetary period after 2013, |
| --- | --- |

DK.

whereas in the forthcoming financial framework budgetary appropriations must be allocated to combat climate change and create a European adaptation policy, in order to ensure that the EU has a sufficient ‘climate change budget’ for the next budgetary period after 2013,

| DL. | whereas combating climate change must be taken into account in all EU policies; whereas, consequently, the EU can no longer merely redistribute existing resources but should promote the creation of new resources to finance the cross-sectoral nature of the fight against climate change, |
| --- | --- |

DL.

whereas combating climate change must be taken into account in all EU policies; whereas, consequently, the EU can no longer merely redistribute existing resources but should promote the creation of new resources to finance the cross-sectoral nature of the fight against climate change,

Education, training, reporting, labelling and awareness-raising

| DM. | whereas economic and social policy measures to combat climate change herald a cultural transformation which will alter established habits and lifestyles, but whereas it will not be possible to achieve genuinely sustainable consumption and use of raw materials in all areas of society without a change of thinking and behaviour, for which new models of consumption and lifestyles must be developed, |
| --- | --- |

DM.

whereas economic and social policy measures to combat climate change herald a cultural transformation which will alter established habits and lifestyles, but whereas it will not be possible to achieve genuinely sustainable consumption and use of raw materials in all areas of society without a change of thinking and behaviour, for which new models of consumption and lifestyles must be developed,

| DN. | whereas climate change will give a boost to technological modernisation, representing an economic opportunity which can only be exploited if there are enough qualified specialist workers on the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

DN.

whereas climate change will give a boost to technological modernisation, representing an economic opportunity which can only be exploited if there are enough qualified specialist workers on the labour market,

| DO. | whereas the Eurobarometer Special Poll (Special Eurobarometer No 300) clearly shows that climate change is regarded as a very serious problem by a large majority of respondents in Europe, but whereas many complain of a lack of information and personal initiatives to counteract global warming tend to be confined to fairly simple measures such as waste sorting or lower energy and water consumption which do not call for any drastic changes in daily life, |
| --- | --- |

DO.

whereas the Eurobarometer Special Poll (Special Eurobarometer No 300) clearly shows that climate change is regarded as a very serious problem by a large majority of respondents in Europe, but whereas many complain of a lack of information and personal initiatives to counteract global warming tend to be confined to fairly simple measures such as waste sorting or lower energy and water consumption which do not call for any drastic changes in daily life,

| DP. | whereas the information needed to examine one's own mobility habits regarding, for example, the use of private cars and alternative means of transport (walking, cycling or public transport) is available, |
| --- | --- |

DP.

whereas the information needed to examine one's own mobility habits regarding, for example, the use of private cars and alternative means of transport (walking, cycling or public transport) is available,

| DQ. | whereas EU climate requirements and laws help local and municipal decision-makers to improve the quality of life in many towns in the European Union, and whereas local initiatives in metropolitan regions make a crucial contribution to reducing the EU's CO2 emissions, |
| --- | --- |

DQ.

whereas EU climate requirements and laws help local and municipal decision-makers to improve the quality of life in many towns in the European Union, and whereas local initiatives in metropolitan regions make a crucial contribution to reducing the EU's CO2 emissions,

| DR. | whereas it is not the responsibility of retailers alone to bring about alternative purchasing behaviour among their customers; whereas, however, businesses as a whole could set examples of sustainability and resource efficiency through their business models and production processes and could make their staff into a significant disseminator of information about climate-friendly action, |
| --- | --- |

DR.

whereas it is not the responsibility of retailers alone to bring about alternative purchasing behaviour among their customers; whereas, however, businesses as a whole could set examples of sustainability and resource efficiency through their business models and production processes and could make their staff into a significant disseminator of information about climate-friendly action,

| DS. | whereas consumer information concerning the climatic effects of agricultural products is largely lacking, but whereas targeted information campaigns can influence the purchasing behaviour of consumers and thus also achieve health policy objectives, |
| --- | --- |

DS.

whereas consumer information concerning the climatic effects of agricultural products is largely lacking, but whereas targeted information campaigns can influence the purchasing behaviour of consumers and thus also achieve health policy objectives,

| DT. | whereas the problem of climate change cannot be tackled without the large-scale involvement of the populace in all parts of the world, and whereas, therefore, one of the essential tasks will be to provide people, by every possible means, with the information they require in order to help solve problems and also to protect themselves when adaptation difficulties arise, as they inevitably will
  , |
| --- | --- |

DT.

whereas the problem of climate change cannot be tackled without the large-scale involvement of the populace in all parts of the world, and whereas, therefore, one of the essential tasks will be to provide people, by every possible means, with the information they require in order to help solve problems and also to protect themselves when adaptation difficulties arise, as they inevitably will
  ,

2050 – The future begins today

| DU. | whereas the world population's need for resources already exceeds by one quarter the earth's natural regeneration capacity, thus depriving future generations of the essentials of life, |
| --- | --- |

DU.

whereas the world population's need for resources already exceeds by one quarter the earth's natural regeneration capacity, thus depriving future generations of the essentials of life,

| DV. | whereas the foundations of future production methods and consumer behaviour will be definitively laid by the political decisions of the present, which call for far-sightedness and political leadership, but whereas a more sustainable lifestyle will not be possible without the contribution of the economy, science, the media, organised civil society and the citizens, |
| --- | --- |

DV.

whereas the foundations of future production methods and consumer behaviour will be definitively laid by the political decisions of the present, which call for far-sightedness and political leadership, but whereas a more sustainable lifestyle will not be possible without the contribution of the economy, science, the media, organised civil society and the citizens,

| DW. | whereas climate change is a global environmental problem the causes of which are structural in nature, |
| --- | --- |

DW.

whereas climate change is a global environmental problem the causes of which are structural in nature,

Guiding political ideas

| 1. | Recalls its abovementioned resolution of 21 May 2008, and in particular the fact that all efforts to curb emissions should aim at staying well below the objective of limiting global temperature increases to below 2° C, inasmuch as a level of warming of that magnitude would already impact heavily on our society and individual lifestyles and would also entail significant changes in ecosystems and water resources; is deeply concerned about the fact that, as indicated by many recent scientific reports, climate change is both more rapid and more serious in terms of its adverse effects than was previously thought; consequently, calls on the Commission to closely monitor and analyse the latest scientific findings with a view to assessing, in particular, whether the EU 2° C target would still achieve the aim of avoiding dangerous climate change; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recalls its abovementioned resolution of 21 May 2008, and in particular the fact that all efforts to curb emissions should aim at staying well below the objective of limiting global temperature increases to below 2° C, inasmuch as a level of warming of that magnitude would already impact heavily on our society and individual lifestyles and would also entail significant changes in ecosystems and water resources; is deeply concerned about the fact that, as indicated by many recent scientific reports, climate change is both more rapid and more serious in terms of its adverse effects than was previously thought; consequently, calls on the Commission to closely monitor and analyse the latest scientific findings with a view to assessing, in particular, whether the EU 2° C target would still achieve the aim of avoiding dangerous climate change;

| 2. | Stresses that there is an urgent need – pursuing a horizontal approach – to incorporate global warming and climate change as new parameters into all spheres and policies, and to take the causes and consequences of global warming and climate change into account in every relevant area of EU legislation; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that there is an urgent need – pursuing a horizontal approach – to incorporate global warming and climate change as new parameters into all spheres and policies, and to take the causes and consequences of global warming and climate change into account in every relevant area of EU legislation;

| 3. | Recalls in particular the essential objectives in combating climate change and stresses the importance, in accordance with the recommendations contained in the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) and as included in the Bali roadmap, of setting, for the EU and the other industrialised countries as a group, a medium-term target of a 25%-40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, as well as a long-term reduction target of at least 80% by 2050, compared to 1990, maintaining the focus on restricting the increase in average global temperature to 2°C over pre-industrial levels and thus achieving a 50% probability of meeting this objective; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Recalls in particular the essential objectives in combating climate change and stresses the importance, in accordance with the recommendations contained in the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) and as included in the Bali roadmap, of setting, for the EU and the other industrialised countries as a group, a medium-term target of a 25%-40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, as well as a long-term reduction target of at least 80% by 2050, compared to 1990, maintaining the focus on restricting the increase in average global temperature to 2°C over pre-industrial levels and thus achieving a 50% probability of meeting this objective;

| 4. | Stresses that a nation's impact on the climate is not limited to its physical emissions; urges the EU to take urgent steps at home and in the context of international negotiations to develop accounting principles that also include the full effects of consumption, including the effects of international aviation; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Stresses that a nation's impact on the climate is not limited to its physical emissions; urges the EU to take urgent steps at home and in the context of international negotiations to develop accounting principles that also include the full effects of consumption, including the effects of international aviation;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission to consider the carbon footprints of future European policy initiatives so as to ensure that climate change targets set at European level are met, whilst still ensuring a high level of protection for the environment and public health; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Commission to consider the carbon footprints of future European policy initiatives so as to ensure that climate change targets set at European level are met, whilst still ensuring a high level of protection for the environment and public health;

| 6. | Stresses the political measures, and cooperation at international level (including regional multilateral agreements) and at EU and Member State level, repeatedly proposed by Parliament with a view to combating climate change; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses the political measures, and cooperation at international level (including regional multilateral agreements) and at EU and Member State level, repeatedly proposed by Parliament with a view to combating climate change;

| 7. | Welcomes the adoption of the EU package of legislative measures (the so-called ‘climate and energy package’) requiring the unilateral reduction by 20% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, setting up a procedure to step up the effort to achieve a 30% reduction in accordance with commitments under the future international agreement and increasing to 20% the share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix by 2020, and calls on the EU Member States to implement those legislative measures smoothly and rapidly; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of the ‘climate and energy package’ closely; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the adoption of the EU package of legislative measures (the so-called ‘climate and energy package’) requiring the unilateral reduction by 20% of EU greenhouse gas emissions, setting up a procedure to step up the effort to achieve a 30% reduction in accordance with commitments under the future international agreement and increasing to 20% the share of renewable energy in the EU energy mix by 2020, and calls on the EU Member States to implement those legislative measures smoothly and rapidly; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation of the ‘climate and energy package’ closely;

| 8. | Considers that certain principles agreed in the climate and energy package are also useful for the purposes of international agreement, in particular the binding linear pathway for industrialised country commitments, differentiation on the basis of emissions verified in 2005, and the regime of compliance with an annual abatement factor; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that certain principles agreed in the climate and energy package are also useful for the purposes of international agreement, in particular the binding linear pathway for industrialised country commitments, differentiation on the basis of emissions verified in 2005, and the regime of compliance with an annual abatement factor;

| 9. | Is committed to a leading role for the European Union in international negotiations under the UNFCCC at COP and MOP level, as well as in other international fora, such as the WTO, the World Bank and the IMF; also highlights the urgent need for the EU and its Member States to meet the targets of the Kyoto Protocol in order to play this leading role in a credible way; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Is committed to a leading role for the European Union in international negotiations under the UNFCCC at COP and MOP level, as well as in other international fora, such as the WTO, the World Bank and the IMF; also highlights the urgent need for the EU and its Member States to meet the targets of the Kyoto Protocol in order to play this leading role in a credible way;

| 10. | Agrees that the development, application and export of modern environmental technologies contributes simultaneously to fulfilling the Lisbon Strategy and meeting the EU's Kyoto targets and other climate objectives, and points out that, in order to achieve the ambitious environmental targets and economic growth to be realised, the Lisbon strategy and the climate and energy package should be fully integrated; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Agrees that the development, application and export of modern environmental technologies contributes simultaneously to fulfilling the Lisbon Strategy and meeting the EU's Kyoto targets and other climate objectives, and points out that, in order to achieve the ambitious environmental targets and economic growth to be realised, the Lisbon strategy and the climate and energy package should be fully integrated;

| 11. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to support the UN's call for a ‘Green New Deal’; in the light of the financial crisis, calls for the investments aimed at boosting economic growth to do so in a sustainable way, in particular by promoting green technologies which will at the same time advance Europe's future competitiveness and secure jobs; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to support the UN's call for a ‘Green New Deal’; in the light of the financial crisis, calls for the investments aimed at boosting economic growth to do so in a sustainable way, in particular by promoting green technologies which will at the same time advance Europe's future competitiveness and secure jobs;

| 12. | Emphasises, in this context, that tackling climate change will lead to societal changes that will help to create new jobs and industries, combat energy poverty and dependency on imports of fossil fuels and provide social benefits for citizens; stresses that cooperation at international, regional and local level will be critical if we are to be successful in achieving this goal; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Emphasises, in this context, that tackling climate change will lead to societal changes that will help to create new jobs and industries, combat energy poverty and dependency on imports of fossil fuels and provide social benefits for citizens; stresses that cooperation at international, regional and local level will be critical if we are to be successful in achieving this goal;

| 13. | Is convinced, moreover, that climate change can only be successfully combated if citizens are fully engaged in the process and are protected during the period of transition to a carbon-neutral economy; highlights, therefore, the fact that mitigation and adaptation policies will push the European Union towards a new model of sustainable development which should promote its social character in order to secure the social consensus; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Is convinced, moreover, that climate change can only be successfully combated if citizens are fully engaged in the process and are protected during the period of transition to a carbon-neutral economy; highlights, therefore, the fact that mitigation and adaptation policies will push the European Union towards a new model of sustainable development which should promote its social character in order to secure the social consensus;

| 14. | Stresses the need, first of all, to achieve dramatic improvements in efficiency in all areas of everyday life and, in parallel, to launch a sustainable production and consumption model with a conscious saving of resources on the basis of renewable energy; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Stresses the need, first of all, to achieve dramatic improvements in efficiency in all areas of everyday life and, in parallel, to launch a sustainable production and consumption model with a conscious saving of resources on the basis of renewable energy;

| 15. | Emphasises in this context the need to examine the EU's budget, and existing and future financing instruments, as to their compatibility with European climate policy, and where necessary to adapt them; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Emphasises in this context the need to examine the EU's budget, and existing and future financing instruments, as to their compatibility with European climate policy, and where necessary to adapt them;

| 16. | Stresses that a successful R&D policy will only be made possible by the practical application of new technologies via secured market access points; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Stresses that a successful R&D policy will only be made possible by the practical application of new technologies via secured market access points;

| 17. | Calls for research to be carried out into potential trends of climate-induced migration and the ensuing pressures on local services, in order to inform long-term planning and risk-management processes; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls for research to be carried out into potential trends of climate-induced migration and the ensuing pressures on local services, in order to inform long-term planning and risk-management processes;

| 18. | Stresses that nearly half of the world's population is under the age of 25 and that today's decisions on climate policy will have far-reaching consequences for the largest generation of young people in human history; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Stresses that nearly half of the world's population is under the age of 25 and that today's decisions on climate policy will have far-reaching consequences for the largest generation of young people in human history;

The international dimension: post-2012, external climate policy and international trade

| 19. | Welcomes the decision taken by COP 14 and COP/MOP 4 in Poznań to move from discussion to real negotiations with a view to a post-2012 agreement and the adoption, in this context, of a work programme for 2009; also welcomes the mandate given to the Chairs to propose a negotiating text to be examined at the June 2009 negotiating session; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Welcomes the decision taken by COP 14 and COP/MOP 4 in Poznań to move from discussion to real negotiations with a view to a post-2012 agreement and the adoption, in this context, of a work programme for 2009; also welcomes the mandate given to the Chairs to propose a negotiating text to be examined at the June 2009 negotiating session;

| 20. | Urges the Commission and the coming Council Presidencies to assume a leadership role in the international negotiations aimed at securing a post-2012 agreement and to reach a conclusion by the end of 2009, so that sufficient time remains to ratify the forthcoming climate change agreement and avoid a gap between obligation periods; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Urges the Commission and the coming Council Presidencies to assume a leadership role in the international negotiations aimed at securing a post-2012 agreement and to reach a conclusion by the end of 2009, so that sufficient time remains to ratify the forthcoming climate change agreement and avoid a gap between obligation periods;

| 21. | Stresses that the new climate change agreement should come into being under the auspices of the UN and on the principle of a ‘common but differentiated responsibility’, with the countries of the industrialised world taking the lead in reducing their domestic emissions while the developing countries also commit themselves, in accordance with the Bali Action Plan, to taking nationally appropriate mitigation actions in the context of sustainable development, supported and enabled, in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner, by technology, financing and capacity-building from industrialised countries; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Stresses that the new climate change agreement should come into being under the auspices of the UN and on the principle of a ‘common but differentiated responsibility’, with the countries of the industrialised world taking the lead in reducing their domestic emissions while the developing countries also commit themselves, in accordance with the Bali Action Plan, to taking nationally appropriate mitigation actions in the context of sustainable development, supported and enabled, in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner, by technology, financing and capacity-building from industrialised countries;

| 22. | Invites those industrialised parties to the UNFCCC who have not yet done so to propose individual emission reduction commitments, thus contributing to the global effort to attain the Convention's objective; welcomes the commitment by developing countries to the UNFCCC process and the independent commitments and policies adopted by several of them; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Invites those industrialised parties to the UNFCCC who have not yet done so to propose individual emission reduction commitments, thus contributing to the global effort to attain the Convention's objective; welcomes the commitment by developing countries to the UNFCCC process and the independent commitments and policies adopted by several of them;

| 23. | Urges the incoming US administration to live up to expectations and, as such, to contribute, through the adoption of domestic legislation, to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of clean technologies, and, through active participation in the international negotiations, to the shaping of an ambitious post-2012 climate change framework; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Urges the incoming US administration to live up to expectations and, as such, to contribute, through the adoption of domestic legislation, to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of clean technologies, and, through active participation in the international negotiations, to the shaping of an ambitious post-2012 climate change framework;

| 24. | Stresses that the post-2012 agreement needs to be reconciled with other objectives on the international political agendas of the UN and the EU, such as conservation of biodiversity, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and security issues, so that political synergies can be exploited; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses that the post-2012 agreement needs to be reconciled with other objectives on the international political agendas of the UN and the EU, such as conservation of biodiversity, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and security issues, so that political synergies can be exploited;

| 25. | Takes note of the adoption by the Commission of its Communication entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen’ (COM(2009)0039) on the EU position in preparation for the UN Climate Change COP 15 Copenhagen Conference; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Takes note of the adoption by the Commission of its Communication entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive climate change agreement in Copenhagen’ (COM(2009)0039) on the EU position in preparation for the UN Climate Change COP 15 Copenhagen Conference;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to construct a foreign policy on climate change and to repeatedly draw attention to the EU climate targets in the EU's and the Member States' diplomatic missions; for its own part, undertakes to repeatedly raise the issue of the EU climate targets, and to defend those targets, in its contacts with parliamentarians from other countries; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to construct a foreign policy on climate change and to repeatedly draw attention to the EU climate targets in the EU's and the Member States' diplomatic missions; for its own part, undertakes to repeatedly raise the issue of the EU climate targets, and to defend those targets, in its contacts with parliamentarians from other countries;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to incorporate the requirements of emission reductions, and measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change, into development aid programmes, and/or to refer to those requirements in the decision-making processes of international development aid agencies, thus involving the private sector, public authorities and non-governmental organisations in the countries or regions concerned by way of partnerships; stresses that additional resources need to be mobilised to help developing countries to tackle the climate change challenge, and that emerging initiatives in this context must be formally linked to the UNFCCC process and to achieving the MDGs; welcomes the EU's launching of a Global Climate Change Alliance to support adaptation to climate change in poor developing countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, and recalls in this regard its above-mentioned resolution of 21 October 2008; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to incorporate the requirements of emission reductions, and measures to adapt to the consequences of climate change, into development aid programmes, and/or to refer to those requirements in the decision-making processes of international development aid agencies, thus involving the private sector, public authorities and non-governmental organisations in the countries or regions concerned by way of partnerships; stresses that additional resources need to be mobilised to help developing countries to tackle the climate change challenge, and that emerging initiatives in this context must be formally linked to the UNFCCC process and to achieving the MDGs; welcomes the EU's launching of a Global Climate Change Alliance to support adaptation to climate change in poor developing countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, and recalls in this regard its above-mentioned resolution of 21 October 2008;

| 28. | Welcomes the decision taken by COP 14 and COP/MOP 4 to make the Adaptation Fund fully operational, thereby enabling it to finance projects starting from 2009, and considers this a very important first step in addressing the developing countries' concerns in relation to the financing of climate change measures in those countries; also welcomes the decision to scale up the level of investment for technology transfer through the Poznań Strategic Programme for Technology Transfer; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the decision taken by COP 14 and COP/MOP 4 to make the Adaptation Fund fully operational, thereby enabling it to finance projects starting from 2009, and considers this a very important first step in addressing the developing countries' concerns in relation to the financing of climate change measures in those countries; also welcomes the decision to scale up the level of investment for technology transfer through the Poznań Strategic Programme for Technology Transfer;

| 29. | Welcomes the progress, albeit limited, made in addressing the issues of additionality and of the geographical distribution of CDM, and asks the Member States, in conformity with the Poznań decisions, to purchase by preference credits from projects in countries hosting fewer than ten registered CDM projects, especially in least developed countries, small island developing states and Africa, and to meet the cost of validating those projects; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Welcomes the progress, albeit limited, made in addressing the issues of additionality and of the geographical distribution of CDM, and asks the Member States, in conformity with the Poznań decisions, to purchase by preference credits from projects in countries hosting fewer than ten registered CDM projects, especially in least developed countries, small island developing states and Africa, and to meet the cost of validating those projects;

| 30. | Recalls, in this context, the supplementarity principle as referred to in Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol and in the Marrakesh Accords, according to which the parties are to meet most of their obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions domestically, before taking advantage of external flexible mechanisms such as CDM and JI; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Recalls, in this context, the supplementarity principle as referred to in Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol and in the Marrakesh Accords, according to which the parties are to meet most of their obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions domestically, before taking advantage of external flexible mechanisms such as CDM and JI;

| 31. | Underlines that excessive CDM/JI use undermines the credibility of the European Union in the international UN negotiations and thus its leadership role in fighting climate change; encourages Member States to be responsible and to minimise the use of CDM/JI and complete most emissions reductions in their own countries; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Underlines that excessive CDM/JI use undermines the credibility of the European Union in the international UN negotiations and thus its leadership role in fighting climate change; encourages Member States to be responsible and to minimise the use of CDM/JI and complete most emissions reductions in their own countries;

| 32. | Endorses the recommendations set out in the report by the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and by the Commission on ‘Climate Change and International Security’, and stresses the need to construct an appropriate multilateral preventive EU climate diplomacy to that end, so that climate issues can be incorporated to a greater extent in the formation of international relations together with other international relations factors such as population growth and climate-induced migration, urbanisation, energy needs, rising energy prices and shortages of food and water; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Endorses the recommendations set out in the report by the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and by the Commission on ‘Climate Change and International Security’, and stresses the need to construct an appropriate multilateral preventive EU climate diplomacy to that end, so that climate issues can be incorporated to a greater extent in the formation of international relations together with other international relations factors such as population growth and climate-induced migration, urbanisation, energy needs, rising energy prices and shortages of food and water;

| 33. | Calls on the EU and its Member States, in the context of the European Security Strategy and the European Security and Defence Policy, to prevent, monitor, and take action to tackle the effects of climate change and resultant natural disasters on civil protection and human safety as well as possible conflicts caused by changes in water and land supply resulting from climate change; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the EU and its Member States, in the context of the European Security Strategy and the European Security and Defence Policy, to prevent, monitor, and take action to tackle the effects of climate change and resultant natural disasters on civil protection and human safety as well as possible conflicts caused by changes in water and land supply resulting from climate change;

| 34. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to strengthen their existing climate partnerships with targeted developing countries, and to enter into new partnerships where these do not currently exist, providing significantly increased financial support for technology development and transfer, protection of intellectual property and institutional capacity-building; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to strengthen their existing climate partnerships with targeted developing countries, and to enter into new partnerships where these do not currently exist, providing significantly increased financial support for technology development and transfer, protection of intellectual property and institutional capacity-building;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to attach the highest priority to energy efficiency and renewable resources in the context of development cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to attach the highest priority to energy efficiency and renewable resources in the context of development cooperation;

| 36. | Calls on the Commission, in the context of the WTO negotiation rounds and the post-2012 process, to pursue coordinated negotiation strategies in the field of trade and environment policy in order to send its negotiating partners a credible message about Europe's climate targets and the instruments developed to achieve them, to dispel concerns about trade barriers or other disadvantages to trade relations with third countries that have no binding climate objectives, and to implement the reciprocity principle in the interests of combating climate change at a global level; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Commission, in the context of the WTO negotiation rounds and the post-2012 process, to pursue coordinated negotiation strategies in the field of trade and environment policy in order to send its negotiating partners a credible message about Europe's climate targets and the instruments developed to achieve them, to dispel concerns about trade barriers or other disadvantages to trade relations with third countries that have no binding climate objectives, and to implement the reciprocity principle in the interests of combating climate change at a global level;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission, the Council Presidencies and the Member States to adopt a leading role in the negotiations towards a post-2012 agreement, in order to ensure the success of the climate negotiations aimed at achieving the 2oC goal; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission, the Council Presidencies and the Member States to adopt a leading role in the negotiations towards a post-2012 agreement, in order to ensure the success of the climate negotiations aimed at achieving the 2oC goal;

Energy

| 38. | Stresses that Europe needs a forward-looking common energy policy, based on solidarity between Member States, both within the EU and in external relations, so as to ensure a high level of security of energy supply meeting the conditions of sustainability, resource efficiency and climate neutrality, and tackling issues relating to climate change and competitiveness in order to prevent potential interruption of the supply of energy; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Stresses that Europe needs a forward-looking common energy policy, based on solidarity between Member States, both within the EU and in external relations, so as to ensure a high level of security of energy supply meeting the conditions of sustainability, resource efficiency and climate neutrality, and tackling issues relating to climate change and competitiveness in order to prevent potential interruption of the supply of energy;

| 39. | Calls on the EU to create a European renewable energy community to promote further research and pilot projects in this field as well as the development of the grid so as to allow for the optimal integration of renewable energy resources; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Calls on the EU to create a European renewable energy community to promote further research and pilot projects in this field as well as the development of the grid so as to allow for the optimal integration of renewable energy resources;

| 40. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to ensure:






  — | the development of, and investment in, a European energy transmission infrastructure (including the so-called supergrid) needed to ensure diversity for the EU in terms of energy sources; |
| --- | --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to ensure:

—

the development of, and investment in, a European energy transmission infrastructure (including the so-called supergrid) needed to ensure diversity for the EU in terms of energy sources;

| — | ongoing R&D in respect of pilot projects related to ICT-linked technology, decentralised production and other new technological developments; |
| --- | --- |

—

ongoing R&D in respect of pilot projects related to ICT-linked technology, decentralised production and other new technological developments;

| 41. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to secure a transitional phase in the energy mix, influenced by politicians and led by entrepreneurs, during which the use of renewable energy sources gradually supplements and subsequently reduces and replaces the use of fossil fuels, by means of active support from the public authorities in the Member States and at EU level, together with the greatest possible degree of cooperation with other countries and international organisations; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to secure a transitional phase in the energy mix, influenced by politicians and led by entrepreneurs, during which the use of renewable energy sources gradually supplements and subsequently reduces and replaces the use of fossil fuels, by means of active support from the public authorities in the Member States and at EU level, together with the greatest possible degree of cooperation with other countries and international organisations;

| 42. | Calls on the Member States to support a sense of personal responsibility among regions and citizens and to promote the increased use of locally available renewable energy sources by means of legal and fiscal incentives; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on the Member States to support a sense of personal responsibility among regions and citizens and to promote the increased use of locally available renewable energy sources by means of legal and fiscal incentives;

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to motivate electricity suppliers, by means of depreciation systems and tax incentive schemes, to carry out the necessary modernisation of fossil-fuel-fired power stations in order to achieve substantial efficiency improvements in conventional power production; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Member States to motivate electricity suppliers, by means of depreciation systems and tax incentive schemes, to carry out the necessary modernisation of fossil-fuel-fired power stations in order to achieve substantial efficiency improvements in conventional power production;

| 44. | Calls on the Member States to secure network access for energy, gas and electricity from decentralised sources, to dismantle barriers to market access for innovative power suppliers in the renewable energy sector and to press for the expansion of local cogeneration and trigeneration, gearing it to medium-term targets; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Calls on the Member States to secure network access for energy, gas and electricity from decentralised sources, to dismantle barriers to market access for innovative power suppliers in the renewable energy sector and to press for the expansion of local cogeneration and trigeneration, gearing it to medium-term targets;

| 45. | Proposes the creation, as an essential component of a European external energy policy, of solar energy partnerships with third countries in the Mediterranean region which aim in the initial phase to generate solar power and transfer it to the European Union via high-voltage direct-current cables, and which may in a second phase form the basis for electricity and hydrogen production and thus for the switch to a renewables-based economy; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Proposes the creation, as an essential component of a European external energy policy, of solar energy partnerships with third countries in the Mediterranean region which aim in the initial phase to generate solar power and transfer it to the European Union via high-voltage direct-current cables, and which may in a second phase form the basis for electricity and hydrogen production and thus for the switch to a renewables-based economy;

| 46. | Calls on the EU, the Member States and the business community:






  — | to invest in infrastructure, networks and grids for the production, transport and storage of electricity produced from renewable energies and hydrogen; |
| --- | --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the EU, the Member States and the business community:

—

to invest in infrastructure, networks and grids for the production, transport and storage of electricity produced from renewable energies and hydrogen;

| — | to offer third countries, by way of energy partnerships, programmes for the creation of the necessary institutions, infrastructures and training programmes for locally based experts and network access for their own needs; |
| --- | --- |

—

to offer third countries, by way of energy partnerships, programmes for the creation of the necessary institutions, infrastructures and training programmes for locally based experts and network access for their own needs;

| 47. | Calls on the Member States to step up still further, in line with local or regional capabilities, the share in the energy mix of wind energy – which thanks to intensive promotion has already become an established means of energy generation – and of hydro and geothermal power, and to make further use of existing development potential, inter alia through European research initiatives and coordination via networks of excellence; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Calls on the Member States to step up still further, in line with local or regional capabilities, the share in the energy mix of wind energy – which thanks to intensive promotion has already become an established means of energy generation – and of hydro and geothermal power, and to make further use of existing development potential, inter alia through European research initiatives and coordination via networks of excellence;

| 48. | Stresses the considerable potential of the use of sustainable biomass for energy production with a view to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and calls for a European strategy for the exploitation of sustainable biomass for production of electricity and gas, heating and cooling; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Stresses the considerable potential of the use of sustainable biomass for energy production with a view to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and calls for a European strategy for the exploitation of sustainable biomass for production of electricity and gas, heating and cooling;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission to submit a comprehensive analysis of all emissions throughout the entire life-cycle of individual sources of bio-energy in order to determine what role biomass from residues and dedicated cultures can play as an energy source in future; considers that the advantages and disadvantages of the opportunities offered by breeding innovations and the use of biotechnology for improving the calorific value of biomass should be investigated, without prejudging the outcome; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Commission to submit a comprehensive analysis of all emissions throughout the entire life-cycle of individual sources of bio-energy in order to determine what role biomass from residues and dedicated cultures can play as an energy source in future; considers that the advantages and disadvantages of the opportunities offered by breeding innovations and the use of biotechnology for improving the calorific value of biomass should be investigated, without prejudging the outcome;

| 50. | Regards combined heat and power as an effective, economical and environmentally sensible option; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Regards combined heat and power as an effective, economical and environmentally sensible option;

| 51. | Acknowledges the different approaches of the Member States with regard to nuclear energy and therefore urges the Commission to pay special attention to radioactive waste and its full cycle, with a view to improving safety; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Acknowledges the different approaches of the Member States with regard to nuclear energy and therefore urges the Commission to pay special attention to radioactive waste and its full cycle, with a view to improving safety;

| 52. | Considers that research into the technological feasibility of nuclear fusion in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is the first step towards the objective of commercial utilisation of this form of energy, and stresses that the achievement of that goal is highly dependent on long-term guarantees of funding for such research; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Considers that research into the technological feasibility of nuclear fusion in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor is the first step towards the objective of commercial utilisation of this form of energy, and stresses that the achievement of that goal is highly dependent on long-term guarantees of funding for such research;

| 53. | Urges the Member States and the EU to further the development of CCS technology for coal and gas-fired power plants by giving incentives for demonstration projects and encouraging research; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Urges the Member States and the EU to further the development of CCS technology for coal and gas-fired power plants by giving incentives for demonstration projects and encouraging research;

Biofuels

| 54. | Notes that certain production-types of biofuels can have an impact on food prices, loss of biodiversity and deforestation, and notes at the same time that biofuels must be produced responsibly and through a verifiably sustainable process; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Notes that certain production-types of biofuels can have an impact on food prices, loss of biodiversity and deforestation, and notes at the same time that biofuels must be produced responsibly and through a verifiably sustainable process;

| 55. | Considers it essential to involve the developing countries in a long-term strategy for the development and production of biofuels, in order to examine the possibility of their economic planning and profitability, to secure the availability and production of food, to answer the question of their environmental sustainability, including an assessment of all relevant indirect effects, and, not least, to permit social development and a lasting increase in earnings, as well as to ensure that developing countries receive the training needed in order to be in a position to meet the EU sustainability criteria; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Considers it essential to involve the developing countries in a long-term strategy for the development and production of biofuels, in order to examine the possibility of their economic planning and profitability, to secure the availability and production of food, to answer the question of their environmental sustainability, including an assessment of all relevant indirect effects, and, not least, to permit social development and a lasting increase in earnings, as well as to ensure that developing countries receive the training needed in order to be in a position to meet the EU sustainability criteria;

| 56. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up R&D in respect of advanced biofuels, to ensure that they are allocated the necessary funding and to link them to fixed development goals; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to step up R&D in respect of advanced biofuels, to ensure that they are allocated the necessary funding and to link them to fixed development goals;

| 57. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to use the experience gained from the development of sustainability criteria within the EU to actively promote the development of a global biofuels standard; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to use the experience gained from the development of sustainability criteria within the EU to actively promote the development of a global biofuels standard;

Energy efficiency

| 58. | Calls on the Commission to propose a binding goal of a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 and to accompany that proposal with concrete interim reduction targets; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Calls on the Commission to propose a binding goal of a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 and to accompany that proposal with concrete interim reduction targets;

| 59. | Calls for a broad, locally-based public information campaign to improve decentralised energy efficiency, with house and flat owners being offered thermal images and energy performance information for their properties and proposals being submitted for financing possible modernisation work, along the lines of micro-credits; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Calls for a broad, locally-based public information campaign to improve decentralised energy efficiency, with house and flat owners being offered thermal images and energy performance information for their properties and proposals being submitted for financing possible modernisation work, along the lines of micro-credits;

| 60. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take active steps to increase awareness of the importance of ICTs for improving energy efficiency, sustainable development and the quality of life of EU citizens; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take active steps to increase awareness of the importance of ICTs for improving energy efficiency, sustainable development and the quality of life of EU citizens;

| 61. | Calls for synergy to be generated between property owners, financial service providers, tradesmen and other operators in the property sector through trade fairs, open days and seminars; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Calls for synergy to be generated between property owners, financial service providers, tradesmen and other operators in the property sector through trade fairs, open days and seminars;

| 62. | Calls for clear European coordination with a view to the expansion of electricity cogeneration and trigeneration and their integration into industrial plants, so as to guarantee local or regional starting-points for climate protection measures, whilst at the same time increasing energy consumption efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Calls for clear European coordination with a view to the expansion of electricity cogeneration and trigeneration and their integration into industrial plants, so as to guarantee local or regional starting-points for climate protection measures, whilst at the same time increasing energy consumption efficiency;

| 63. | Calls on the Economic and Financial Affairs Council to introduce reduced rates of VAT for renewable energy and for energy-saving goods and services; proposes, in particular, that the Member States create incentives to modernisation by means of VAT reductions on modernisation work and the equipment used to carry this out, by gearing land or property taxation to the energy efficiency of buildings and by fully implementing and promoting energy performance certifications; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls on the Economic and Financial Affairs Council to introduce reduced rates of VAT for renewable energy and for energy-saving goods and services; proposes, in particular, that the Member States create incentives to modernisation by means of VAT reductions on modernisation work and the equipment used to carry this out, by gearing land or property taxation to the energy efficiency of buildings and by fully implementing and promoting energy performance certifications;

| 64. | Proposes, as an incentive for the modernisation of rented property, the reduction of tax rates on rental income in line with investment in renewable heating and electricity systems as well as efficiency gains; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Proposes, as an incentive for the modernisation of rented property, the reduction of tax rates on rental income in line with investment in renewable heating and electricity systems as well as efficiency gains;

| 65. | Notes, given the long life of buildings, the paramount importance of ensuring that new buildings are constructed to the highest energy-efficiency standards possible, that existing buildings are upgraded to contemporary standards and that minimum levels of energy from renewable sources are used in all new or refurbished buildings requiring heating and cooling; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Notes, given the long life of buildings, the paramount importance of ensuring that new buildings are constructed to the highest energy-efficiency standards possible, that existing buildings are upgraded to contemporary standards and that minimum levels of energy from renewable sources are used in all new or refurbished buildings requiring heating and cooling;

| 66. | Proposes that Member States improve and expand the use of energy-efficiency certificates and link the recommendations to financial incentives; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Proposes that Member States improve and expand the use of energy-efficiency certificates and link the recommendations to financial incentives;

| 67. | Calls for minimum EU energy-efficiency standards for new and refurbished buildings; calls on the relevant local authorities and professional associations in the Member States to establish energy-efficiency criteria, guidelines and national legislation or administrative decisions for new buildings as a leitmotiv for architects and building engineers, with building regulations for the energy efficiency of new buildings and major renovation works, and to ensure in this context clean and healthy indoor air; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Calls for minimum EU energy-efficiency standards for new and refurbished buildings; calls on the relevant local authorities and professional associations in the Member States to establish energy-efficiency criteria, guidelines and national legislation or administrative decisions for new buildings as a leitmotiv for architects and building engineers, with building regulations for the energy efficiency of new buildings and major renovation works, and to ensure in this context clean and healthy indoor air;

| 68. | Stresses the need for minimum energy-efficiency criteria to be included in a comprehensive public procurement policy for public buildings and services at national, regional and local levels, as a means of promoting innovation in new technologies and ensuring market access thereto; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Stresses the need for minimum energy-efficiency criteria to be included in a comprehensive public procurement policy for public buildings and services at national, regional and local levels, as a means of promoting innovation in new technologies and ensuring market access thereto;

| 69. | Asks that available studies on the carbon footprint and energy reduction potential of the European institutions be made public and easily accessible for users on their relevant websites; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Asks that available studies on the carbon footprint and energy reduction potential of the European institutions be made public and easily accessible for users on their relevant websites;

| 70. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for R&D relating to lighting technologies and intelligent lighting applications, so that the introduction of more energy-efficient lighting in both indoor and outdoor public spaces – with an emphasis on highly efficient light-emitting diodes – can be more vigorously promoted; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for R&D relating to lighting technologies and intelligent lighting applications, so that the introduction of more energy-efficient lighting in both indoor and outdoor public spaces – with an emphasis on highly efficient light-emitting diodes – can be more vigorously promoted;

| 71. | Notes that renovation and improvement of the energy efficiency of tower-block buildings, especially in those countries where such buildings make up the biggest part of the housing market, is the easiest way to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions; calls on the Commission to revise and increase the currently existing 2% structural funds limit applicable to grants for the renovation of tower blocks; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Notes that renovation and improvement of the energy efficiency of tower-block buildings, especially in those countries where such buildings make up the biggest part of the housing market, is the easiest way to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions; calls on the Commission to revise and increase the currently existing 2% structural funds limit applicable to grants for the renovation of tower blocks;

| 72. | Notes that the long-term target in the building sector in Europe should be net zero-energy performance in new residential buildings by 2015 and in new commercial and public buildings by 2020, and considers that the target should be extended in the long term to cover renovated buildings; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Notes that the long-term target in the building sector in Europe should be net zero-energy performance in new residential buildings by 2015 and in new commercial and public buildings by 2020, and considers that the target should be extended in the long term to cover renovated buildings;

| 73. | Calls on the Commission to adjust the energy-efficiency requirements for electrical and electronic equipment of all kinds to market developments at least every five years following the ‘top runner’ principle, to update existing labelling programmes or efficiency classifications and thus to prevent the consumer from being given inaccurate information; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls on the Commission to adjust the energy-efficiency requirements for electrical and electronic equipment of all kinds to market developments at least every five years following the ‘top runner’ principle, to update existing labelling programmes or efficiency classifications and thus to prevent the consumer from being given inaccurate information;

| 74. | Calls on the Commission to set stringent EU targets and establish integrated industrial policies designed to ensure market access and the uptake of energy-efficient technologies, including the development of common technological objectives (such as passive houses), greater use of integrated policy strategies such as lead markets and green public procurement, and supporting regulation in respect of product design and minimum standards; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Calls on the Commission to set stringent EU targets and establish integrated industrial policies designed to ensure market access and the uptake of energy-efficient technologies, including the development of common technological objectives (such as passive houses), greater use of integrated policy strategies such as lead markets and green public procurement, and supporting regulation in respect of product design and minimum standards;

| 75. | Calls on the Commission to implement consistently the ban on devices with high stand-by losses and, as a next step in the implementation of the Eco-design Directive (7), to consider making it compulsory for devices to have a switch-off function, and to make automatic switch-off and energy-saving modes mandatory even for installations with large motors and for industrial equipment and machinery; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Calls on the Commission to implement consistently the ban on devices with high stand-by losses and, as a next step in the implementation of the Eco-design Directive (7), to consider making it compulsory for devices to have a switch-off function, and to make automatic switch-off and energy-saving modes mandatory even for installations with large motors and for industrial equipment and machinery;

| 76. | Urges early and rigorous implementation of the 2006 requirements relating to the installation of smart meters in order to raise consumer awareness of energy use and help energy suppliers manage demand more effectively; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Urges early and rigorous implementation of the 2006 requirements relating to the installation of smart meters in order to raise consumer awareness of energy use and help energy suppliers manage demand more effectively;

Mobility and logistics

| 77. | Notes that the European economic and social model is based on securing the mobility and availability of persons and goods, giving priority to efficiency of time rather than efficiency of resources, and that a combined approach using both factors will thus be necessary in future; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Notes that the European economic and social model is based on securing the mobility and availability of persons and goods, giving priority to efficiency of time rather than efficiency of resources, and that a combined approach using both factors will thus be necessary in future;

| 78. | Calls on the European Investment Bank and its risk-capital subsidiary, the European Investment Fund, to broaden significantly their support for energy efficiency and renewable energy development; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Calls on the European Investment Bank and its risk-capital subsidiary, the European Investment Fund, to broaden significantly their support for energy efficiency and renewable energy development;

| 79. | Reminds the relevant operators that the transport sector must also comply with the EU climate goals of reducing CO2 emissions by 2020 by at least 20%, and if there is an international agreement by at least 30%, below 1990 levels and increasing energy efficiency by 20% during the same period; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Reminds the relevant operators that the transport sector must also comply with the EU climate goals of reducing CO2 emissions by 2020 by at least 20%, and if there is an international agreement by at least 30%, below 1990 levels and increasing energy efficiency by 20% during the same period;

| 80. | Calls for a comprehensive policy mix of mutually supportive measures aimed at a sustainable transport policy comprising the development of vehicle technology (eco-efficient innovation), increased use of alternative energy sources for transport, the creation of distribution networks for clean fuels, increased use of alternative forms of propulsion, intelligent traffic management, changes in driving styles and car use, improved logistics, ‘green corridors’ and ICT for transport, a CO2 tax and the modernisation of public transport in order to achieve the goal of zero emissions without ignoring the increased need for mobility; points out that all of these could be promoted by clear preferences in public procurement; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Calls for a comprehensive policy mix of mutually supportive measures aimed at a sustainable transport policy comprising the development of vehicle technology (eco-efficient innovation), increased use of alternative energy sources for transport, the creation of distribution networks for clean fuels, increased use of alternative forms of propulsion, intelligent traffic management, changes in driving styles and car use, improved logistics, ‘green corridors’ and ICT for transport, a CO2 tax and the modernisation of public transport in order to achieve the goal of zero emissions without ignoring the increased need for mobility; points out that all of these could be promoted by clear preferences in public procurement;

| 81. | Considers that special priority must be given to the application of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, and calls for all modes of transport to be fully involved in the internalisation of their external costs; points out that the achievement of this goal will require an adequate economic environment, and therefore calls on the Member States to review the taxes and duties concerned; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Considers that special priority must be given to the application of the ‘polluter pays’ principle, and calls for all modes of transport to be fully involved in the internalisation of their external costs; points out that the achievement of this goal will require an adequate economic environment, and therefore calls on the Member States to review the taxes and duties concerned;

| 82. | Welcomes the Commission's Greening Transport Inventory, which lists both existing and necessary future legislation for sustainable growth in the transport sector; |
| --- | --- |

82.

Welcomes the Commission's Greening Transport Inventory, which lists both existing and necessary future legislation for sustainable growth in the transport sector;

| 83. | Stresses the importance of infrastructure projects for the transport sector; however, calls for potential climate impact to be taken into account in future in planning, design and construction; |
| --- | --- |

83.

Stresses the importance of infrastructure projects for the transport sector; however, calls for potential climate impact to be taken into account in future in planning, design and construction;

| 84. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit the potential of satellite navigation systems with a view to increasing energy efficiency in the transport field by improving the management and organisation of traffic flows, providing real-time information concerning the movement of goods and persons, and optimising the selection of routes and modes of transport; |
| --- | --- |

84.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit the potential of satellite navigation systems with a view to increasing energy efficiency in the transport field by improving the management and organisation of traffic flows, providing real-time information concerning the movement of goods and persons, and optimising the selection of routes and modes of transport;

| 85. | Regrets that the challenges involved in the delivery of transport-efficient and environmentally friendly town planning with pedestrian areas, cycle paths and flexible links to local public transport have in many places been addressed inadequately or too late, or have only been tackled in a piecemeal fashion; |
| --- | --- |

85.

Regrets that the challenges involved in the delivery of transport-efficient and environmentally friendly town planning with pedestrian areas, cycle paths and flexible links to local public transport have in many places been addressed inadequately or too late, or have only been tackled in a piecemeal fashion;

| 86. | Calls on the Member States and local authorities to:






  — | offer flexible and coordinated alternatives to car use and to extend mobility schemes, for example by linking existing central and peripheral local transport networks more closely and using traffic regulations to accord priority to public transport in city-centre traffic, |
| --- | --- | --- |

86.

Calls on the Member States and local authorities to:

—

offer flexible and coordinated alternatives to car use and to extend mobility schemes, for example by linking existing central and peripheral local transport networks more closely and using traffic regulations to accord priority to public transport in city-centre traffic,

| — | massively expand and improve the overall service, promoting a shift to more environmentally friendly means of transport, by means of pricing measures and other incentives and by substantial investment in the necessary infrastructure, thus making public transport more attractive, |
| --- | --- |

—

massively expand and improve the overall service, promoting a shift to more environmentally friendly means of transport, by means of pricing measures and other incentives and by substantial investment in the necessary infrastructure, thus making public transport more attractive,

and, in the intermediate period, calls for improvements in the integration of private/individual transportation with passenger/freight-integrated logistics and public/collective transport systems, and is convinced that investment in rail infrastructure must go hand in hand with a better railway service;

| 87. | Stresses the importance of intelligent traffic management systems in the interests of co-modality and their incorporation into Community, national, regional and local transport policy, since they lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transport; calls for the development and use of intelligent transport systems in order to manage traffic and to reduce traffic congestion; |
| --- | --- |

87.

Stresses the importance of intelligent traffic management systems in the interests of co-modality and their incorporation into Community, national, regional and local transport policy, since they lead to safer and more environmentally friendly transport; calls for the development and use of intelligent transport systems in order to manage traffic and to reduce traffic congestion;

| 88. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to work closely together with industry to create the necessary market policy conditions with a view to incorporating intelligent transport systems – particularly as regards logistics and safety management (ERTMS, RIS, eCall) – into transport management; |
| --- | --- |

88.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to work closely together with industry to create the necessary market policy conditions with a view to incorporating intelligent transport systems – particularly as regards logistics and safety management (ERTMS, RIS, eCall) – into transport management;

| 89. | Calls on the Member States to promote co-modality by introducing transferable number plates following existing examples, making it more attractive for citizens to use rail for long journeys and energy-saving local-use cars at their starting point and destination; |
| --- | --- |

89.

Calls on the Member States to promote co-modality by introducing transferable number plates following existing examples, making it more attractive for citizens to use rail for long journeys and energy-saving local-use cars at their starting point and destination;

| 90. | Welcomes the decision to fix, in the context of the recently adopted legislation setting targets for CO2 emissions from cars, a long-term emission target of 95 g CO2/km by 2020; |
| --- | --- |

90.

Welcomes the decision to fix, in the context of the recently adopted legislation setting targets for CO2 emissions from cars, a long-term emission target of 95 g CO2/km by 2020;

| 91. | Stresses the potential of rail transport as a low-carbon, energy-efficient mode of transport, both for long-distance freight haulage and for short- and medium-distance regional and commuter traffic, and asks that such priorities be reflected in the criteria for the support of regional and cohesion funds; |
| --- | --- |

91.

Stresses the potential of rail transport as a low-carbon, energy-efficient mode of transport, both for long-distance freight haulage and for short- and medium-distance regional and commuter traffic, and asks that such priorities be reflected in the criteria for the support of regional and cohesion funds;

| 92. | Welcomes the creation and the extension within the EU, as well as to the neighbourhood countries, of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) and calls on the Member States to complete the priority projects, in particular those which are most climate-friendly, as soon as possible, since these are vitally important for freight transport logistics and a sustainable European transport policy; |
| --- | --- |

92.

Welcomes the creation and the extension within the EU, as well as to the neighbourhood countries, of the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) and calls on the Member States to complete the priority projects, in particular those which are most climate-friendly, as soon as possible, since these are vitally important for freight transport logistics and a sustainable European transport policy;

| 93. | Stresses the important role of inland waterways in goods transport; emphasises the environmentally friendly nature of this sector and the fact that it has plenty of spare carrying capacity; |
| --- | --- |

93.

Stresses the important role of inland waterways in goods transport; emphasises the environmentally friendly nature of this sector and the fact that it has plenty of spare carrying capacity;

| 94. | Regrets that, in spite of the scope, in the interests of the transport sector as a whole, for effecting a modal shift to rail and inland waterways for a large proportion of freight, investment in the expansion of the railways has fallen during the past decade; |
| --- | --- |

94.

Regrets that, in spite of the scope, in the interests of the transport sector as a whole, for effecting a modal shift to rail and inland waterways for a large proportion of freight, investment in the expansion of the railways has fallen during the past decade;

| 95. | Supports the Commission in its plan to designate, together with the Member States, special ‘motorways of the sea’, and has great hopes regarding the ability of the forthcoming ‘European Maritime Transport Space without Barriers’ to promote sea transport in Europe and to boost its efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

95.

Supports the Commission in its plan to designate, together with the Member States, special ‘motorways of the sea’, and has great hopes regarding the ability of the forthcoming ‘European Maritime Transport Space without Barriers’ to promote sea transport in Europe and to boost its efficiency;

| 96. | Supports the Commission's proposals to increase port dues and berthing fees on the basis of vessels' exhaust levels and to ensure that power for ships in port is supplied from land rather than by the ships' own generators; |
| --- | --- |

96.

Supports the Commission's proposals to increase port dues and berthing fees on the basis of vessels' exhaust levels and to ensure that power for ships in port is supplied from land rather than by the ships' own generators;

| 97. | Considers that shipyards and ship operators should look closely at new efficiency-boosting technologies such as the use of kite sails, the Air Cavity System, the exploitation of waste heat for electricity production, more efficient motors, better hull and rudder profiles, more accurate weather forecasts permitting course adjustments, and possible fuel savings thanks to hull paint; |
| --- | --- |

97.

Considers that shipyards and ship operators should look closely at new efficiency-boosting technologies such as the use of kite sails, the Air Cavity System, the exploitation of waste heat for electricity production, more efficient motors, better hull and rudder profiles, more accurate weather forecasts permitting course adjustments, and possible fuel savings thanks to hull paint;

| 98. | Calls on the International Maritime Organization to agree on a reduction target within the shipping industry and to set minimum standards for the use of these modern technologies in the construction of new vessels; |
| --- | --- |

98.

Calls on the International Maritime Organization to agree on a reduction target within the shipping industry and to set minimum standards for the use of these modern technologies in the construction of new vessels;

| 99. | Considers that there is a need for an integrated approach in the aviation sector which will commit the aircraft industry worldwide, airlines and airport operators jointly to an emission reduction target as soon as possible and by 1 January 2013 at the latest; is of the opinion that the integrated approach should cover research and technology, operational improvements and a global emissions trading scheme which should be based on the EU emissions trading system for aviation; |
| --- | --- |

99.

Considers that there is a need for an integrated approach in the aviation sector which will commit the aircraft industry worldwide, airlines and airport operators jointly to an emission reduction target as soon as possible and by 1 January 2013 at the latest; is of the opinion that the integrated approach should cover research and technology, operational improvements and a global emissions trading scheme which should be based on the EU emissions trading system for aviation;

| 100. | Urges the EU and its Member States to implement and expand both the Single European Sky and the SESAR projects as efficiently as possible before the entry into operation of the ETS for the aviation sector, making the creation of functional and flexible airspace regions and the flexible use of airspace as a whole a priority, with a view to exploiting available reduction potentials immediately and reducing aircraft fuel consumption by up to 12%; |
| --- | --- |

100.

Urges the EU and its Member States to implement and expand both the Single European Sky and the SESAR projects as efficiently as possible before the entry into operation of the ETS for the aviation sector, making the creation of functional and flexible airspace regions and the flexible use of airspace as a whole a priority, with a view to exploiting available reduction potentials immediately and reducing aircraft fuel consumption by up to 12%;

| 101. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to give all necessary support to R&D in respect of break-through environmentally friendly transport technologies, such as hydrogen, electric, fuel cells, hybrids or advanced biofuels for propulsion and alternative materials, new technologies and IT solutions that could lower the weight and increase the efficiency of vehicles; |
| --- | --- |

101.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to give all necessary support to R&D in respect of break-through environmentally friendly transport technologies, such as hydrogen, electric, fuel cells, hybrids or advanced biofuels for propulsion and alternative materials, new technologies and IT solutions that could lower the weight and increase the efficiency of vehicles;

| 102. | Calls on the producers of propulsion systems and motors for the transport sector to work together in accordance with Euro-6 standards, but also beyond those standards, on continually improving the efficiency of their machines, to set targets within the industry for massive efficiency increases and to continue research into alternative fuels, so as to contribute to the more sustainable growth of the industry; |
| --- | --- |

102.

Calls on the producers of propulsion systems and motors for the transport sector to work together in accordance with Euro-6 standards, but also beyond those standards, on continually improving the efficiency of their machines, to set targets within the industry for massive efficiency increases and to continue research into alternative fuels, so as to contribute to the more sustainable growth of the industry;

| 103. | Calls on car manufacturers to shift their fleets towards smaller, lighter, more efficient models in order to allow for individual mobility under the constraints of climate change and limited oil resources; |
| --- | --- |

103.

Calls on car manufacturers to shift their fleets towards smaller, lighter, more efficient models in order to allow for individual mobility under the constraints of climate change and limited oil resources;

| 104. | Calls on the armaments industry also to look at efficiency improvements in their motors and propulsion systems and to carry out research into the possible use of alternative fuels; |
| --- | --- |

104.

Calls on the armaments industry also to look at efficiency improvements in their motors and propulsion systems and to carry out research into the possible use of alternative fuels;

| 105. | Calls on the European Union and its Member States to adopt a hydrogen-specific support framework based on renewable energy sources, so as to ensure that the production of hydrogen vehicles is rapidly speeded up; considers that the framework should address the issues of increasing EU budget support for hydrogen end-use applications, the provision by Member States of support to hydrogen-specific deployment through financial measures such as tax incentives, and creating early markets through zero-emission vehicle procurement within governmental services; |
| --- | --- |

105.

Calls on the European Union and its Member States to adopt a hydrogen-specific support framework based on renewable energy sources, so as to ensure that the production of hydrogen vehicles is rapidly speeded up; considers that the framework should address the issues of increasing EU budget support for hydrogen end-use applications, the provision by Member States of support to hydrogen-specific deployment through financial measures such as tax incentives, and creating early markets through zero-emission vehicle procurement within governmental services;

| 106. | Calls on the Commission to draw up by 2010 a report on the restrictions which still exist on cabotage and other factors in the European Union which lead to unladen journeys and losses of efficiency in the internal market; believes that efficient and effective freight logistics, used as an integral part of the EU transport system, are the key to sustainable mobility in Europe, to economic efficiency and competitiveness, to optimal use of energy resources, to job creation, to the protection of the environment and to fighting against climate change; |
| --- | --- |

106.

Calls on the Commission to draw up by 2010 a report on the restrictions which still exist on cabotage and other factors in the European Union which lead to unladen journeys and losses of efficiency in the internal market; believes that efficient and effective freight logistics, used as an integral part of the EU transport system, are the key to sustainable mobility in Europe, to economic efficiency and competitiveness, to optimal use of energy resources, to job creation, to the protection of the environment and to fighting against climate change;

Tourism and cultural heritage

| 107. | Expresses its concern that cultural heritage and traditional landscapes in Europe are threatened by extreme weather phenomena and long-term climate change, and calls on the Member States to draw up a uniform list, coordinated at European level, of European cultural heritage sites threatened by climate change; |
| --- | --- |

107.

Expresses its concern that cultural heritage and traditional landscapes in Europe are threatened by extreme weather phenomena and long-term climate change, and calls on the Member States to draw up a uniform list, coordinated at European level, of European cultural heritage sites threatened by climate change;

| 108. | Calls on the Commission, Member States and regions, in climate-sensitive seasonal tourist areas where there are no real alternatives on offer, to take comprehensive adaptation and preventive measures – such as securing water supplies, protecting against forest fires, taking precautions against the melting of glaciers and improving coastal defences – to reflect the economic importance of tourism and of the necessary infrastructure for jobs and incomes, and to counteract significant economic damage along the whole length of the value chain; |
| --- | --- |

108.

Calls on the Commission, Member States and regions, in climate-sensitive seasonal tourist areas where there are no real alternatives on offer, to take comprehensive adaptation and preventive measures – such as securing water supplies, protecting against forest fires, taking precautions against the melting of glaciers and improving coastal defences – to reflect the economic importance of tourism and of the necessary infrastructure for jobs and incomes, and to counteract significant economic damage along the whole length of the value chain;

| 109. | Considers that in some regions the further growth of tourism is economically sensible and environmentally justifiable only when likely effects of climate change – such as more serious water shortages
  ,
  lack of snow or the disappearance of glaciers – are taken into account at local level when considering future development; |
| --- | --- |

109.

Considers that in some regions the further growth of tourism is economically sensible and environmentally justifiable only when likely effects of climate change – such as more serious water shortages
  ,
  lack of snow or the disappearance of glaciers – are taken into account at local level when considering future development;

| 110. | Calls on the tourism industry, together with local authorities and economic associations, to work on integrated strategies with a view to reducing emissions and improving the energy efficiency of the sector – particularly with regard to transport and accommodation – and to plan measures to promote ecotourism, including the development of social tourism, sport tourism or cultural tourism and destinations of excellence which respect and protect the environment; |
| --- | --- |

110.

Calls on the tourism industry, together with local authorities and economic associations, to work on integrated strategies with a view to reducing emissions and improving the energy efficiency of the sector – particularly with regard to transport and accommodation – and to plan measures to promote ecotourism, including the development of social tourism, sport tourism or cultural tourism and destinations of excellence which respect and protect the environment;

Industrial emissions

| 111. | Calls for the inclusion of workplace climate-change audits in company reporting standards to enhance transparency in the monitoring of greening policies and emissions reductions; |
| --- | --- |

111.

Calls for the inclusion of workplace climate-change audits in company reporting standards to enhance transparency in the monitoring of greening policies and emissions reductions;

| 112. | Requires all commercial and non-commercial entities to report publicly, on an annual basis, on the amount of greenhouse gas emitted, measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, activities undertaken to re-skill employees (in the event of closure due to proven carbon leakage) and revenues gained through emissions trading scheme operations; asks the Commission to monitor these activities and to report to Parliament on progress made by industrial sectors in curbing emissions; |
| --- | --- |

112.

Requires all commercial and non-commercial entities to report publicly, on an annual basis, on the amount of greenhouse gas emitted, measures taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, activities undertaken to re-skill employees (in the event of closure due to proven carbon leakage) and revenues gained through emissions trading scheme operations; asks the Commission to monitor these activities and to report to Parliament on progress made by industrial sectors in curbing emissions;

Agriculture and livestock breeding

| 113. | Calls on the Commission to consider, without prejudging the outcome, the explicit inclusion of agriculture in a future integrated European climate policy and the elaboration of reduction targets for the emission of greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide, from the agriculture sector, exploiting all existing potential; |
| --- | --- |

113.

Calls on the Commission to consider, without prejudging the outcome, the explicit inclusion of agriculture in a future integrated European climate policy and the elaboration of reduction targets for the emission of greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide, from the agriculture sector, exploiting all existing potential;

| 114. | Points out that optimised land management increases the humus content of soil and that if cultivation management is improved and unplanted fallow land is avoided, areas under cultivation can play a much larger part in carbon storage than hitherto; |
| --- | --- |

114.

Points out that optimised land management increases the humus content of soil and that if cultivation management is improved and unplanted fallow land is avoided, areas under cultivation can play a much larger part in carbon storage than hitherto;

| 115. | Takes the view that optimised storage and application of mineral fertiliser can make a significant contribution to reducing nitrous oxide emissions; calls in this connection for fertilisation with organic mixtures in place of mineral fertiliser to be further stepped up; |
| --- | --- |

115.

Takes the view that optimised storage and application of mineral fertiliser can make a significant contribution to reducing nitrous oxide emissions; calls in this connection for fertilisation with organic mixtures in place of mineral fertiliser to be further stepped up;

| 116. | Calls for economic analyses to be carried out of the profitability of certain regional cultivation practices under different climatic conditions, in order to identify possibilities of adaptation and to facilitate switching to other cultivars; |
| --- | --- |

116.

Calls for economic analyses to be carried out of the profitability of certain regional cultivation practices under different climatic conditions, in order to identify possibilities of adaptation and to facilitate switching to other cultivars;

| 117. | Takes the view that agricultural practice must take account of climate change, and calls for funding for R&D in respect of new and more environmentally friendly methods of cultivation and farm management; calls also for research to be carried out in the fields of new technologies, biotechnology for seed, plant breeding, green gene technology and plant protection and asks for a climate protection policy for agriculture which includes seminars and educational programmes, pilot schemes and new land and water management know-how for farmers; |
| --- | --- |

117.

Takes the view that agricultural practice must take account of climate change, and calls for funding for R&D in respect of new and more environmentally friendly methods of cultivation and farm management; calls also for research to be carried out in the fields of new technologies, biotechnology for seed, plant breeding, green gene technology and plant protection and asks for a climate protection policy for agriculture which includes seminars and educational programmes, pilot schemes and new land and water management know-how for farmers;

| 118. | Recognises that the cultivation of cereals and soya as feed for livestock is responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions; recalls the report entitled ‘Livestock's Long Shadow’ issued by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in November 2006, which states that the livestock industry is responsible for 18% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions; |
| --- | --- |

118.

Recognises that the cultivation of cereals and soya as feed for livestock is responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions; recalls the report entitled ‘Livestock's Long Shadow’ issued by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in November 2006, which states that the livestock industry is responsible for 18% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions;

| 119. | Calls for feed in dairy and meat production to be reviewed, and where necessary improved, with the aim of achieving a reduction in methane formation in the rumen of ruminants; calls for any feeding and breeding measures in the livestock sector to be subject to an animal health and welfare impact assessment and for such measures not to be introduced if there are any adverse effects on the animals concerned; |
| --- | --- |

119.

Calls for feed in dairy and meat production to be reviewed, and where necessary improved, with the aim of achieving a reduction in methane formation in the rumen of ruminants; calls for any feeding and breeding measures in the livestock sector to be subject to an animal health and welfare impact assessment and for such measures not to be introduced if there are any adverse effects on the animals concerned;

| 120. | Recognises that expansion of biogas systems to obtain energy by processing manure can make an economically feasible and environmentally meaningful contribution to reducing methane emissions from livestock farming; |
| --- | --- |

120.

Recognises that expansion of biogas systems to obtain energy by processing manure can make an economically feasible and environmentally meaningful contribution to reducing methane emissions from livestock farming;

Forests

| 121. | Takes the view that the objective of future European climate policy should be not only the conservation of tropical rainforests and of the surviving boreal forests but also the care and reforestation of the European forests; points out that protective woodland belts around large urban areas and industrial centres can play an important role; |
| --- | --- |

121.

Takes the view that the objective of future European climate policy should be not only the conservation of tropical rainforests and of the surviving boreal forests but also the care and reforestation of the European forests; points out that protective woodland belts around large urban areas and industrial centres can play an important role;

| 122. | Takes the view that, if avoiding the destruction of forests is to be effective in cutting emissions, an ongoing system of compensation must be devised for forestry through the UNFCCC, and calls for a clear economic incentive to be created for permanently preserving virgin forests or large forest areas by using them in a sustainable manner, with the value of a forest area being far more closely assessed according to the ‘eco-services’ and overall social functions it performs; |
| --- | --- |

122.

Takes the view that, if avoiding the destruction of forests is to be effective in cutting emissions, an ongoing system of compensation must be devised for forestry through the UNFCCC, and calls for a clear economic incentive to be created for permanently preserving virgin forests or large forest areas by using them in a sustainable manner, with the value of a forest area being far more closely assessed according to the ‘eco-services’ and overall social functions it performs;

| 123. | Calls, in the context of a global CO2 market, for those countries that still have large areas of natural forest to be given particular economic incentives to preserve them by recognising the carbon accumulated each year in a rigorously preserved forest; suggests that consideration be given to the question whether it makes sense in this connection to focus solely on tropical rainforests; |
| --- | --- |

123.

Calls, in the context of a global CO2 market, for those countries that still have large areas of natural forest to be given particular economic incentives to preserve them by recognising the carbon accumulated each year in a rigorously preserved forest; suggests that consideration be given to the question whether it makes sense in this connection to focus solely on tropical rainforests;

| 124. | Calls on the EU, in cooperation with the international community, to set up aerial and satellite-based monitoring systems and the necessary infrastructure to secure the long-term survival of tropical forests in particular; calls for the establishment of a global fund under the auspices of the World Bank for the creation of monitoring systems; |
| --- | --- |

124.

Calls on the EU, in cooperation with the international community, to set up aerial and satellite-based monitoring systems and the necessary infrastructure to secure the long-term survival of tropical forests in particular; calls for the establishment of a global fund under the auspices of the World Bank for the creation of monitoring systems;

| 125. | Considers that the global monitoring systems for forest protection can only be held to be a success if the necessary institutional support and administrative bodies with qualified staff are put in place and maintained in the long term; |
| --- | --- |

125.

Considers that the global monitoring systems for forest protection can only be held to be a success if the necessary institutional support and administrative bodies with qualified staff are put in place and maintained in the long term;

| 126. | Highlights in this connection the need for monitoring programmes in European forests to permit the early detection of pest damage and for scientific risk modelling in relation to wooded areas prone to heat waves, wildfires and drought, so as to make it possible to take appropriate counter-measures to protect the forests; |
| --- | --- |

126.

Highlights in this connection the need for monitoring programmes in European forests to permit the early detection of pest damage and for scientific risk modelling in relation to wooded areas prone to heat waves, wildfires and drought, so as to make it possible to take appropriate counter-measures to protect the forests;

| 127. | Considers that the Member States' national forest inventories are an important source of information with a view to analysing the overall condition of the European forests and their importance as a CO2 sink; calls on the Commission not only to press for the drafting and evaluation by the Member States of the data collected but also to take advantage of existing best practice in the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

127.

Considers that the Member States' national forest inventories are an important source of information with a view to analysing the overall condition of the European forests and their importance as a CO2 sink; calls on the Commission not only to press for the drafting and evaluation by the Member States of the data collected but also to take advantage of existing best practice in the Member States;

| 128. | Notes that, based on its life-cycle attributes, wood can in principle be a ‘greener’ choice in construction than steel and concrete, since it locks up carbon dioxide and requires much less energy to produce than alternatives, and its by-products can be used to produce renewable energy; realises, however, that this requires that the timber used has been harvested in a sustainable way, which is today often not the case; therefore calls on the EU rapidly to adopt legislation to minimise the risk of placing illegally and unsustainably harvested timber on the EU market; |
| --- | --- |

128.

Notes that, based on its life-cycle attributes, wood can in principle be a ‘greener’ choice in construction than steel and concrete, since it locks up carbon dioxide and requires much less energy to produce than alternatives, and its by-products can be used to produce renewable energy; realises, however, that this requires that the timber used has been harvested in a sustainable way, which is today often not the case; therefore calls on the EU rapidly to adopt legislation to minimise the risk of placing illegally and unsustainably harvested timber on the EU market;

| 129. | Highlights the wide range of possible uses and several benefits of forests; calls on the EU to define criteria on sustainable use of biomass; |
| --- | --- |

129.

Highlights the wide range of possible uses and several benefits of forests; calls on the EU to define criteria on sustainable use of biomass;

| 130. | Stresses that sustainable forest management, which uses very broad social, economic and environmental goals, should be implemented in the EU; notes that sustainable forest management aims in the long term to increase the forest carbon stock; notes further that young, growing and well managed forests are good carbon sinks and hence considers that, where forests are being cut down, new planting should be undertaken to replace those trees which are cut down; considers that, simultaneously, more old forests should be protected, as they play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

130.

Stresses that sustainable forest management, which uses very broad social, economic and environmental goals, should be implemented in the EU; notes that sustainable forest management aims in the long term to increase the forest carbon stock; notes further that young, growing and well managed forests are good carbon sinks and hence considers that, where forests are being cut down, new planting should be undertaken to replace those trees which are cut down; considers that, simultaneously, more old forests should be protected, as they play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity;

Soil protection

| 131. | Recommends that scientific studies of, and monitoring of the condition of, soils be extended with a view to taking measures in good time to counteract erosion, the loss of agricultural land and biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

131.

Recommends that scientific studies of, and monitoring of the condition of, soils be extended with a view to taking measures in good time to counteract erosion, the loss of agricultural land and biodiversity;

| 132. | Calls on the Council to adopt its common position taking into account Parliament's position of 14 November 2007 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the protection of soil and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (8) (the Framework Directive on soil protection) in order to introduce a genuine Community instrument to combat the effects of deforestation, erosion and desertification; |
| --- | --- |

132.

Calls on the Council to adopt its common position taking into account Parliament's position of 14 November 2007 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the protection of soil and amending Directive 2004/35/EC (8) (the Framework Directive on soil protection) in order to introduce a genuine Community instrument to combat the effects of deforestation, erosion and desertification;

| 133. | Calls on the Member States to establish a policy of soil protection by appropriate soil treatment methods, taking account of the importance of organic materials in the soil for its fertility, water retention capacity and ability to function as a carbon sink, and to consider the possibilities of using biochar; |
| --- | --- |

133.

Calls on the Member States to establish a policy of soil protection by appropriate soil treatment methods, taking account of the importance of organic materials in the soil for its fertility, water retention capacity and ability to function as a carbon sink, and to consider the possibilities of using biochar;

| 134. | Highlights in this connection the importance of the ecosystem approach in avoiding and lessening the effects of soil erosion, destruction of permafrost, desertification, invasive alien species and forest fires; |
| --- | --- |

134.

Highlights in this connection the importance of the ecosystem approach in avoiding and lessening the effects of soil erosion, destruction of permafrost, desertification, invasive alien species and forest fires;

Water management

| 135. | Considers that integrated water resources management should comprise strategies for the improvement of water use efficiency, water saving, rationalisation and limitation of water consumption, and improved consumer awareness concerning sustainable water consumption, and that it should respond to issues concerning the collection and storage of rainwater in natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as to those relating to the risk and impact of floods and droughts; considers that action should be encouraged to establish an effective hierarchy of water uses and recalls that a demand-side approach should be preferred when managing water resources; |
| --- | --- |

135.

Considers that integrated water resources management should comprise strategies for the improvement of water use efficiency, water saving, rationalisation and limitation of water consumption, and improved consumer awareness concerning sustainable water consumption, and that it should respond to issues concerning the collection and storage of rainwater in natural and artificial reservoirs, as well as to those relating to the risk and impact of floods and droughts; considers that action should be encouraged to establish an effective hierarchy of water uses and recalls that a demand-side approach should be preferred when managing water resources;

| 136. | Calls on the Commission to assume an important cross-border coordinating role in water management, particularly by network creation and funding of research into innovative technologies for the desalination of sea water, new irrigation systems and agricultural and urban water consumption, and for pilot projects to reduce damage from drought or flooding; |
| --- | --- |

136.

Calls on the Commission to assume an important cross-border coordinating role in water management, particularly by network creation and funding of research into innovative technologies for the desalination of sea water, new irrigation systems and agricultural and urban water consumption, and for pilot projects to reduce damage from drought or flooding;

| 137. | Considers that, in order to provide adequate incentives to use water resources efficiently, Member States should take account in their water policy of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services and of the ‘polluter pays’ principle; |
| --- | --- |

137.

Considers that, in order to provide adequate incentives to use water resources efficiently, Member States should take account in their water policy of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services and of the ‘polluter pays’ principle;

Fisheries

| 138. | Stresses that some current fishing practices further decrease the resilience of fish stocks and marine ecosystems to the impact of climate change; welcomes in this respect the Commission's decision to establish catch quotas for industrial fishing on the basis of sustainability criteria and insists that the Council and the Member States concerned respect the proposed quotas; |
| --- | --- |

138.

Stresses that some current fishing practices further decrease the resilience of fish stocks and marine ecosystems to the impact of climate change; welcomes in this respect the Commission's decision to establish catch quotas for industrial fishing on the basis of sustainability criteria and insists that the Council and the Member States concerned respect the proposed quotas;

| 139. | Is convinced that a comprehensive framework plan for the sea, as set out in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (9), is needed in order to guarantee better and more sustainable management of the marine environment and resources; warns that European marine protection areas will otherwise become the last oases of biodiversity in a lifeless and empty ocean; |
| --- | --- |

139.

Is convinced that a comprehensive framework plan for the sea, as set out in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (9), is needed in order to guarantee better and more sustainable management of the marine environment and resources; warns that European marine protection areas will otherwise become the last oases of biodiversity in a lifeless and empty ocean;

| 140. | Takes the view that environmental changes resulting from climate change could mean that aquaculture has to be relocated, resulting in economic harm to its current locations; warns, however, that the relocation of aquaculture may have negative effects on the ecosystems in question and calls in this connection for compulsory impact assessments; |
| --- | --- |

140.

Takes the view that environmental changes resulting from climate change could mean that aquaculture has to be relocated, resulting in economic harm to its current locations; warns, however, that the relocation of aquaculture may have negative effects on the ecosystems in question and calls in this connection for compulsory impact assessments;

Waste treatment and resource management

| 141. | Recognises that the hierarchy of waste forms a leitmotiv in European waste policy; invites the Commission to propose percentage reduction targets on reducing, reusing and recycling waste; demands that the targets be reviewed and tightened when necessary; |
| --- | --- |

141.

Recognises that the hierarchy of waste forms a leitmotiv in European waste policy; invites the Commission to propose percentage reduction targets on reducing, reusing and recycling waste; demands that the targets be reviewed and tightened when necessary;

| 142. | Notes that waste prevention, for example by optimising packaging, is the best way of reducing the sector's direct emissions; stresses, however, that waste prevention in the long term demands changes in production methods and consumption habits; |
| --- | --- |

142.

Notes that waste prevention, for example by optimising packaging, is the best way of reducing the sector's direct emissions; stresses, however, that waste prevention in the long term demands changes in production methods and consumption habits;

| 143. | Stresses that separate collection of biowaste and material recycling make a significant contribution to preventing direct emissions from landfill sites; |
| --- | --- |

143.

Stresses that separate collection of biowaste and material recycling make a significant contribution to preventing direct emissions from landfill sites;

| 144. | Considers that, in order to restrict direct emissions from the waste sector, it makes sense to avoid transporting unsorted waste over long distances; takes the view that cross-border transport of mixed domestic waste in the EU should therefore be reduced to a minimum; considers that illegal exports of material suitable for recycling must be combated in order to avoid ‘exporting emissions’ and retain valuable raw materials in the EU; |
| --- | --- |

144.

Considers that, in order to restrict direct emissions from the waste sector, it makes sense to avoid transporting unsorted waste over long distances; takes the view that cross-border transport of mixed domestic waste in the EU should therefore be reduced to a minimum; considers that illegal exports of material suitable for recycling must be combated in order to avoid ‘exporting emissions’ and retain valuable raw materials in the EU;

| 145. | Considers that, after a phasing-out period, Member States should entirely cease in the medium term to landfill unsorted domestic refuse, since better use of existing recycling systems or the development of completely new systems would improve waste treatment as a whole and exploit existing potential for reducing greenhouse gases using existing technologies; calls in this connection for compulsory methane capture for heat production on existing landfill sites; |
| --- | --- |

145.

Considers that, after a phasing-out period, Member States should entirely cease in the medium term to landfill unsorted domestic refuse, since better use of existing recycling systems or the development of completely new systems would improve waste treatment as a whole and exploit existing potential for reducing greenhouse gases using existing technologies; calls in this connection for compulsory methane capture for heat production on existing landfill sites;

| 146. | Regards energy recovery from residual waste in dedicated waste-to-energy plants and energy recovery from pre-sorted waste, particularly in conjunction with cogeneration systems with strict emissions controls, as a potentially highly effective way of recovering energy which can reliably be used to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions and replace fossil fuels; |
| --- | --- |

146.

Regards energy recovery from residual waste in dedicated waste-to-energy plants and energy recovery from pre-sorted waste, particularly in conjunction with cogeneration systems with strict emissions controls, as a potentially highly effective way of recovering energy which can reliably be used to reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions and replace fossil fuels;

| 147. | Considers that enhancing R&D in respect of waste treatment and resource management solutions is vital, and stresses the need for the immediate application of new innovative technologies in this field; |
| --- | --- |

147.

Considers that enhancing R&D in respect of waste treatment and resource management solutions is vital, and stresses the need for the immediate application of new innovative technologies in this field;

| 148. | Acknowledges, in the context of the negotiations on a post-2012 agreement and the involvement of third countries, that more consistent application of European standards of waste treatment is a possible way of linking development objectives – such as better protection of human health and the environment – with new economic opportunities while making a positive contribution to combating global climate change; |
| --- | --- |

148.

Acknowledges, in the context of the negotiations on a post-2012 agreement and the involvement of third countries, that more consistent application of European standards of waste treatment is a possible way of linking development objectives – such as better protection of human health and the environment – with new economic opportunities while making a positive contribution to combating global climate change;

| 149. | Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on including the waste sector in emissions trading and the compatibility of such inclusion with CDM projects; |
| --- | --- |

149.

Calls on the Commission to carry out a study on including the waste sector in emissions trading and the compatibility of such inclusion with CDM projects;

Adaptation measures

| 150. | Recalls the demands made in its above-mentioned resolution of 10 April 2008, and calls on the Commission to publish without further delay its promised White Paper setting out a coordinated EU-wide framework for the planning of adaptation measures; |
| --- | --- |

150.

Recalls the demands made in its above-mentioned resolution of 10 April 2008, and calls on the Commission to publish without further delay its promised White Paper setting out a coordinated EU-wide framework for the planning of adaptation measures;

| 151. | Underlines the importance of the publication by the Commission of its Green Paper on territorial cohesion, which stresses the need for an integrated approach to sectoral policies in order to improve the combined territorial impact of EU and national and regional policies; therefore calls for the improvement of structural funds procedures to enable them to make an even larger contribution to climate measures; |
| --- | --- |

151.

Underlines the importance of the publication by the Commission of its Green Paper on territorial cohesion, which stresses the need for an integrated approach to sectoral policies in order to improve the combined territorial impact of EU and national and regional policies; therefore calls for the improvement of structural funds procedures to enable them to make an even larger contribution to climate measures;

| 152. | Stresses that, while the subsidiarity principle must be properly respected and while it is important to recognise the key role played by regional and local authorities, particularly in more vulnerable areas such as upland and coastal regions, action at EU level is essential in order to build resilience for biodiversity by reinforcing the Natura 2000 network and integrating effective adaptation measures into EU cohesion, agriculture, water and marine policies; |
| --- | --- |

152.

Stresses that, while the subsidiarity principle must be properly respected and while it is important to recognise the key role played by regional and local authorities, particularly in more vulnerable areas such as upland and coastal regions, action at EU level is essential in order to build resilience for biodiversity by reinforcing the Natura 2000 network and integrating effective adaptation measures into EU cohesion, agriculture, water and marine policies;

| 153. | Stresses once again the need for coherence and the integrated coordination of adaptation measures at EU level and for the search for possible synergies, including under international agreements covering specific regions or territories to which the European Community is a party; reiterates its call for an EU-wide framework for the planning of adaptation measures; |
| --- | --- |

153.

Stresses once again the need for coherence and the integrated coordination of adaptation measures at EU level and for the search for possible synergies, including under international agreements covering specific regions or territories to which the European Community is a party; reiterates its call for an EU-wide framework for the planning of adaptation measures;

| 154. | Stresses the coordinating role of the EU, in particular in creating automatic or continuous pollutant monitoring and early warning systems for heat waves, prolonged frost and flooding, and in improving the systematic collation of health-related, meteorological, environmental and statistical data; |
| --- | --- |

154.

Stresses the coordinating role of the EU, in particular in creating automatic or continuous pollutant monitoring and early warning systems for heat waves, prolonged frost and flooding, and in improving the systematic collation of health-related, meteorological, environmental and statistical data;

Health

| 155. | Emphasises that it is of paramount importance to acquire specific expertise on the effects of climate change on human health, especially in relation to certain infectious and parasitic diseases; |
| --- | --- |

155.

Emphasises that it is of paramount importance to acquire specific expertise on the effects of climate change on human health, especially in relation to certain infectious and parasitic diseases;

| 156. | Stresses that climate change will play a critical role in the increased prevalence of certain diseases, as a result of the inevitable changes in the nature of ecosystems, which will affect inter alia animals, plants, insects, protozoons, bacteria and viruses; |
| --- | --- |

156.

Stresses that climate change will play a critical role in the increased prevalence of certain diseases, as a result of the inevitable changes in the nature of ecosystems, which will affect inter alia animals, plants, insects, protozoons, bacteria and viruses;

| 157. | Highlights that tropical illness spread by parasites or mosquitoes and other pathogenic agents, usually encountered in tropical areas, could appear at higher latitudes and altitudes, representing a new threat to human beings; |
| --- | --- |

157.

Highlights that tropical illness spread by parasites or mosquitoes and other pathogenic agents, usually encountered in tropical areas, could appear at higher latitudes and altitudes, representing a new threat to human beings;

| 158. | Stresses that, although the main objective of the 2008-2013 public health programme is to act on the factors which traditionally determine health (diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of drugs), it should also focus on certain new challenges to health and address the determining environmental factors resulting from climate change; |
| --- | --- |

158.

Stresses that, although the main objective of the 2008-2013 public health programme is to act on the factors which traditionally determine health (diet, smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of drugs), it should also focus on certain new challenges to health and address the determining environmental factors resulting from climate change;

| 159. | Stresses the coordinating role of the EU and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in providing advice to the general public on avoiding insect-borne disease through the use of, in particular, protective clothing, bed nets and insect repellent and control products; |
| --- | --- |

159.

Stresses the coordinating role of the EU and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in providing advice to the general public on avoiding insect-borne disease through the use of, in particular, protective clothing, bed nets and insect repellent and control products;

| 160. | Notes that possible measures may include the collection and evaluation of relevant data on the effects of climate change on human health, improving preparedness for natural disasters, public health services and emergency planning, support for measures to promote health in all sectors, and measures to increase awareness, particularly the provision to the public of information about new types of dangers to health, warnings and specific tips on avoiding exposure, with special reference to insect-borne diseases and heat waves; |
| --- | --- |

160.

Notes that possible measures may include the collection and evaluation of relevant data on the effects of climate change on human health, improving preparedness for natural disasters, public health services and emergency planning, support for measures to promote health in all sectors, and measures to increase awareness, particularly the provision to the public of information about new types of dangers to health, warnings and specific tips on avoiding exposure, with special reference to insect-borne diseases and heat waves;

| 161. | Considers that there is a need for research in medical science and in the pharmaceutical sector in order to develop drugs and vaccines for new diseases, which should be made available to all affected populations at an affordable price; |
| --- | --- |

161.

Considers that there is a need for research in medical science and in the pharmaceutical sector in order to develop drugs and vaccines for new diseases, which should be made available to all affected populations at an affordable price;

| 162. | Stresses the importance of green zones in urban areas for the health of the general public, air quality and carbon capture, and to help to tackle climate change; calls on the Commission, the Member States and local authorities to preserve and enlarge the existing – and to develop new – green zones in urban areas; |
| --- | --- |

162.

Stresses the importance of green zones in urban areas for the health of the general public, air quality and carbon capture, and to help to tackle climate change; calls on the Commission, the Member States and local authorities to preserve and enlarge the existing – and to develop new – green zones in urban areas;

Growth and employment

| 163. | Considers that Europe enjoys an excellent starting position in the global race for a low-emission economy, and that it should make the most of this position to trigger greater innovation which will create new and competitive businesses and new jobs in the fields of clean technology, renewable energies and green enterprises and green skills in order to counterbalance any possible loss of jobs in high CO2-emitting sectors, in full accordance with the Lisbon Strategy; calls on the Commission and the Member States to identify structural changes resulting from the implementation of climate change policies and calls on the Commission to propose, periodically, measures to support the populations most affected; |
| --- | --- |

163.

Considers that Europe enjoys an excellent starting position in the global race for a low-emission economy, and that it should make the most of this position to trigger greater innovation which will create new and competitive businesses and new jobs in the fields of clean technology, renewable energies and green enterprises and green skills in order to counterbalance any possible loss of jobs in high CO2-emitting sectors, in full accordance with the Lisbon Strategy; calls on the Commission and the Member States to identify structural changes resulting from the implementation of climate change policies and calls on the Commission to propose, periodically, measures to support the populations most affected;

| 164. | Warns against pessimism, which may lead to the EU missing the economic opportunity offered by climate change and the political measures needed to combat it, by stressing the positive role of the social partners who will be directly involved in stimulating the economy and the possibilities of re-education and absorption of workers affected as a result of climate change adaptation and mitigation; considers that public and social consensus will be critical to winning the global race for efficiency, innovation, raw materials and future technologies and markets; |
| --- | --- |

164.

Warns against pessimism, which may lead to the EU missing the economic opportunity offered by climate change and the political measures needed to combat it, by stressing the positive role of the social partners who will be directly involved in stimulating the economy and the possibilities of re-education and absorption of workers affected as a result of climate change adaptation and mitigation; considers that public and social consensus will be critical to winning the global race for efficiency, innovation, raw materials and future technologies and markets;

| 165. | Takes the view that growth and employment potential can only be fully realised if at the same time market access points are secured and bureaucratic barriers to the utilisation of available technology are dismantled; |
| --- | --- |

165.

Takes the view that growth and employment potential can only be fully realised if at the same time market access points are secured and bureaucratic barriers to the utilisation of available technology are dismantled;

| 166. | Invites the Member States to examine the compatibility of existing rules with climate policy objectives and to develop incentives to facilitate the shift to a low-carbon economy; |
| --- | --- |

166.

Invites the Member States to examine the compatibility of existing rules with climate policy objectives and to develop incentives to facilitate the shift to a low-carbon economy;

| 167. | Invites the social partners and the two sides of industry in the Member States and at EU level to develop common economic strategies for each sector, so as to identify and strategically exploit potential where it exists; |
| --- | --- |

167.

Invites the social partners and the two sides of industry in the Member States and at EU level to develop common economic strategies for each sector, so as to identify and strategically exploit potential where it exists;

Promoting the technology of the future

| 168. | Takes the view that a combined approach should be launched and developed comprising emission reductions and a separate process of technological renewal within the framework of an integrated European climate policy designed to secure resources for future generations; |
| --- | --- |

168.

Takes the view that a combined approach should be launched and developed comprising emission reductions and a separate process of technological renewal within the framework of an integrated European climate policy designed to secure resources for future generations;

| 169. | Considers, particularly with regard to the technological neutrality of the EU approach, that the environmentally safe use of CCS should be discussed extensively and with the involvement of private and public stakeholders, without prejudging the outcome; advocates the promotion of international cooperation in order to encourage technology transfer, particularly with those emerging countries which still rely on local coal as a fuel; |
| --- | --- |

169.

Considers, particularly with regard to the technological neutrality of the EU approach, that the environmentally safe use of CCS should be discussed extensively and with the involvement of private and public stakeholders, without prejudging the outcome; advocates the promotion of international cooperation in order to encourage technology transfer, particularly with those emerging countries which still rely on local coal as a fuel;

| 170. | Takes the view that creating next-generation technologies and making possible the necessary increase in scale requires considerable financial support for long-term R&D; |
| --- | --- |

170.

Takes the view that creating next-generation technologies and making possible the necessary increase in scale requires considerable financial support for long-term R&D;

| 171. | Urges the parties to the UNFCCC to recognise CCS as a technology transfer under the CDM provided for by the Marrakesh Accords on the Kyoto Protocol; |
| --- | --- |

171.

Urges the parties to the UNFCCC to recognise CCS as a technology transfer under the CDM provided for by the Marrakesh Accords on the Kyoto Protocol;

| 172. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to respond by means of research and public awareness measures to possible public scepticism or concerns about the application of CCS; |
| --- | --- |

172.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to respond by means of research and public awareness measures to possible public scepticism or concerns about the application of CCS;

| 173. | Proposes that the integrated European climate policy should concern itself with proposals for fundamental incentive mechanisms and support measures, so that the necessary technological renewal can be launched, the running costs for new but costly technologies reduced, and more stringent reduction targets set and achieved in future; |
| --- | --- |

173.

Proposes that the integrated European climate policy should concern itself with proposals for fundamental incentive mechanisms and support measures, so that the necessary technological renewal can be launched, the running costs for new but costly technologies reduced, and more stringent reduction targets set and achieved in future;

| 174. | Recommends that Member States consider ways of accelerating the implementation of clean and energy-efficient technologies, such as direct subsidies to consumers investing in technologies, for instance solar panels, ground heath pumps, air heath pumps, water heath pumps and cleaner burning hearth appliance stoves; |
| --- | --- |

174.

Recommends that Member States consider ways of accelerating the implementation of clean and energy-efficient technologies, such as direct subsidies to consumers investing in technologies, for instance solar panels, ground heath pumps, air heath pumps, water heath pumps and cleaner burning hearth appliance stoves;

| 175. | Proposes to that end parallel measures such as the participation of economists, engineers and private businesses in an institutionalised and parallel ‘Kyoto Plus Process’, along the lines of the successful method of the Montreal Protocol for protecting the ozone layer; |
| --- | --- |

175.

Proposes to that end parallel measures such as the participation of economists, engineers and private businesses in an institutionalised and parallel ‘Kyoto Plus Process’, along the lines of the successful method of the Montreal Protocol for protecting the ozone layer;

| 176. | Calls for the establishment of a European Climate Fund, to be financed by part of the revenues from ETS auctioning, and/or corresponding funds in the Member States, and regards this as a way of creating a capital stock to fund a future climate policy, given that there are limits on how far one can plan now for the individual measures
  of
  that policy and the investment they will require; |
| --- | --- |

176.

Calls for the establishment of a European Climate Fund, to be financed by part of the revenues from ETS auctioning, and/or corresponding funds in the Member States, and regards this as a way of creating a capital stock to fund a future climate policy, given that there are limits on how far one can plan now for the individual measures
  of
  that policy and the investment they will require;

| 177. | Proposes that this capital stock be used on the capital market to permit a backflow to the economic operators and (re-)investment in future technologies, thus leaving it to the market to decide which technologies should be used in future to achieve medium- and long-term climate objectives, instead of determining this by legislation; |
| --- | --- |

177.

Proposes that this capital stock be used on the capital market to permit a backflow to the economic operators and (re-)investment in future technologies, thus leaving it to the market to decide which technologies should be used in future to achieve medium- and long-term climate objectives, instead of determining this by legislation;

| 178. | Stresses emphatically that, in the long term, effective solutions to the problem of climate change will also come from scientific innovations both in the field of the production, distribution and use of energy, and in other, related fields, which will effectively restrict the production of greenhouse gases without creating accompanying environmental problems; |
| --- | --- |

178.

Stresses emphatically that, in the long term, effective solutions to the problem of climate change will also come from scientific innovations both in the field of the production, distribution and use of energy, and in other, related fields, which will effectively restrict the production of greenhouse gases without creating accompanying environmental problems;

| 179. | Stresses the importance of the Seventh Research Framework Programme for the development of green energy sources and calls on the Council and the Commission to support this priority in forthcoming research framework programmes too; |
| --- | --- |

179.

Stresses the importance of the Seventh Research Framework Programme for the development of green energy sources and calls on the Council and the Commission to support this priority in forthcoming research framework programmes too;

Intelligent computer systems and ICT

| 180. | Suggests to the forthcoming Council Presidencies that they make the future topic of ICT and its importance in combating and adapting to climate change one of the priorities of their periods of office; |
| --- | --- |

180.

Suggests to the forthcoming Council Presidencies that they make the future topic of ICT and its importance in combating and adapting to climate change one of the priorities of their periods of office;

| 181. | Calls on the EU and its Member States to promote the testing, validation, introduction and further dissemination of computer- and ICT-based methods for dematerialisation and vastly enhanced energy efficiency – particularly through improved logistics in freight transport, replacing physical travel with tele- and videoconferencing, improved electricity networks, energy-efficient buildings and smart lighting – in cooperation with industry, consumers, authorities, universities and research institutions; |
| --- | --- |

181.

Calls on the EU and its Member States to promote the testing, validation, introduction and further dissemination of computer- and ICT-based methods for dematerialisation and vastly enhanced energy efficiency – particularly through improved logistics in freight transport, replacing physical travel with tele- and videoconferencing, improved electricity networks, energy-efficient buildings and smart lighting – in cooperation with industry, consumers, authorities, universities and research institutions;

Financing and budgetary matters

| 182. | Stresses, in its capacity as an arm of the budgetary authority together with the Council, that the highest priority must be given to climate change and measures to combat it in the next multiannual financial framework; |
| --- | --- |

182.

Stresses, in its capacity as an arm of the budgetary authority together with the Council, that the highest priority must be given to climate change and measures to combat it in the next multiannual financial framework;

| 183. | Calls on the Council to tackle the question of unused, earmarked funds from the EU budget, re-allocating these where necessary for climate policy purposes; |
| --- | --- |

183.

Calls on the Council to tackle the question of unused, earmarked funds from the EU budget, re-allocating these where necessary for climate policy purposes;

| 184. | Calls on the Commission to draw up an inventory of all existing funding instruments and their significance for European climate objectives and, on the basis of this ‘climate audit’, to draw up proposals for the future financial framework so that EU budget lines can be adapted in line with the requirements of climate policy, while not excluding the possibility of creating new funds and thus allocating new resources to them; |
| --- | --- |

184.

Calls on the Commission to draw up an inventory of all existing funding instruments and their significance for European climate objectives and, on the basis of this ‘climate audit’, to draw up proposals for the future financial framework so that EU budget lines can be adapted in line with the requirements of climate policy, while not excluding the possibility of creating new funds and thus allocating new resources to them;

| 185. | Considers that the EU should make a financial commitment not only in the core areas of promoting and developing technologies to combat climate change and of climate-related development aid, but also in supporting cross-border adaptation measures, increased efficiency and aid for disasters, in accordance with the Union's solidarity principle; |
| --- | --- |

185.

Considers that the EU should make a financial commitment not only in the core areas of promoting and developing technologies to combat climate change and of climate-related development aid, but also in supporting cross-border adaptation measures, increased efficiency and aid for disasters, in accordance with the Union's solidarity principle;

| 186. | Recalls the agreement reached in the context of the ‘climate and energy package’ legislation on a 50% voluntary earmarking of the ETS auctioning revenues for the financing of climate change policies, a large share of which should be used for financing adaptation and mitigation measures in developing countries; encourages Member States to make full use of this possibility and even to go beyond that figure; |
| --- | --- |

186.

Recalls the agreement reached in the context of the ‘climate and energy package’ legislation on a 50% voluntary earmarking of the ETS auctioning revenues for the financing of climate change policies, a large share of which should be used for financing adaptation and mitigation measures in developing countries; encourages Member States to make full use of this possibility and even to go beyond that figure;

| 187. | Recalls that the financing of mitigation and adaptation measures in developing countries will be a crucial element for the achievement of a global agreement at COP 15 in Copenhagen, and insists that the European Council, to be held on 19-20 March 2009, make significant progress in finding an agreement on how to ensure independent, predictable EU financing for developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

187.

Recalls that the financing of mitigation and adaptation measures in developing countries will be a crucial element for the achievement of a global agreement at COP 15 in Copenhagen, and insists that the European Council, to be held on 19-20 March 2009, make significant progress in finding an agreement on how to ensure independent, predictable EU financing for developing countries;

Education, training, reporting, labelling and awareness-raising

| 188. | Calls on the competent bodies in the Member States to create new careers and to adapt not only practical work training but also occupational training colleges and courses at technical colleges and universities to the specific employment-related challenges of the structural economic change which is being hastened by climate change and its effects; |
| --- | --- |

188.

Calls on the competent bodies in the Member States to create new careers and to adapt not only practical work training but also occupational training colleges and courses at technical colleges and universities to the specific employment-related challenges of the structural economic change which is being hastened by climate change and its effects;

| 189. | Recognises the important role played by workers and their representatives in greening their companies and workplaces, at the national and transnational levels, and calls for Community support for the development, exchange and dissemination of best practice; |
| --- | --- |

189.

Recognises the important role played by workers and their representatives in greening their companies and workplaces, at the national and transnational levels, and calls for Community support for the development, exchange and dissemination of best practice;

| 190. | Calls on the Commission to develop communication strategies to spread information to the general public on the science of climate change (based on the latest IPCC findings), energy saving strategies, energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources; in addition, suggests that EU youth exchange programmes focus on common climate change awareness projects and therefore calls on the Commission to commission annually, via Eurobarometer, an EU citizen survey measuring citizens' attitudes and perceptions towards climate change, and furthermore calls for general and simple efficiency standards for all areas of everyday life, and for the creation of incentives (e.g. of a fiscal nature) for responsible energy consumption; |
| --- | --- |

190.

Calls on the Commission to develop communication strategies to spread information to the general public on the science of climate change (based on the latest IPCC findings), energy saving strategies, energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources; in addition, suggests that EU youth exchange programmes focus on common climate change awareness projects and therefore calls on the Commission to commission annually, via Eurobarometer, an EU citizen survey measuring citizens' attitudes and perceptions towards climate change, and furthermore calls for general and simple efficiency standards for all areas of everyday life, and for the creation of incentives (e.g. of a fiscal nature) for responsible energy consumption;

| 191. | Calls on the Member States, together with electricity suppliers, to enter into a dialogue with citizens in order to convince the public of the need, for reasons of energy and climate policy, to make modern fossil-fuel-fired power stations more efficient, such dialogue to include a discussion of CCS; |
| --- | --- |

191.

Calls on the Member States, together with electricity suppliers, to enter into a dialogue with citizens in order to convince the public of the need, for reasons of energy and climate policy, to make modern fossil-fuel-fired power stations more efficient, such dialogue to include a discussion of CCS;

| 192. | Calls on the Commission to share information with citizens and Member States on successful projects such as the ‘car-free day’ in the context of European Mobility Week, and highlights the need to make citizens think about their urban mobility and hence question their behaviour as road users in their cities, and not to confine the term ‘individual mobility’ to the use of one's own car but extend it to all forms of individual travel in cities and conurbations, such as walking, cycling, car-sharing, car-pooling, taxis and local public transport; |
| --- | --- |

192.

Calls on the Commission to share information with citizens and Member States on successful projects such as the ‘car-free day’ in the context of European Mobility Week, and highlights the need to make citizens think about their urban mobility and hence question their behaviour as road users in their cities, and not to confine the term ‘individual mobility’ to the use of one's own car but extend it to all forms of individual travel in cities and conurbations, such as walking, cycling, car-sharing, car-pooling, taxis and local public transport;

| 193. | Welcomes the coming together of the world's largest cities under the auspices of C40, particularly as a forum for exchanging proven greenhouse gas reduction processes at global level, and for learning from each other; |
| --- | --- |

193.

Welcomes the coming together of the world's largest cities under the auspices of C40, particularly as a forum for exchanging proven greenhouse gas reduction processes at global level, and for learning from each other;

| 194. | Stresses in particular the need to inform and consult citizens on the ground and to involve them in decision-making processes, and encourages urban centres, regions and conurbations to aim for specific reduction targets and implement them by means of local or regional innovative financing programmes with support from the public authorities; |
| --- | --- |

194.

Stresses in particular the need to inform and consult citizens on the ground and to involve them in decision-making processes, and encourages urban centres, regions and conurbations to aim for specific reduction targets and implement them by means of local or regional innovative financing programmes with support from the public authorities;

| 195. | Calls on the Member States, with a view to raising public awareness, to incorporate into the relevant building regulations a provision to the effect that citizens applying for planning permission will receive comprehensive information on what opportunities exist locally for the use of renewable energy sources; |
| --- | --- |

195.

Calls on the Member States, with a view to raising public awareness, to incorporate into the relevant building regulations a provision to the effect that citizens applying for planning permission will receive comprehensive information on what opportunities exist locally for the use of renewable energy sources;

| 196. | Suggests that local and regional authorities, districts, quarters and municipalities, and in particular public institutions, schools and child and youth care establishments, carry out ‘energy saving competitions’, as well as local campaigns properly resourced at national and EU level, with a view to raising public awareness of savings potential, achieving citizen participation and generating learning effects; |
| --- | --- |

196.

Suggests that local and regional authorities, districts, quarters and municipalities, and in particular public institutions, schools and child and youth care establishments, carry out ‘energy saving competitions’, as well as local campaigns properly resourced at national and EU level, with a view to raising public awareness of savings potential, achieving citizen participation and generating learning effects;

| 197. | Suggests that the Commission declare a European Year of Energy and Resource Efficiency in order to raise citizens' awareness at all policy levels of more efficient use of resources and to take climate change as an opportunity to hold an intensive debate on the availability and handling of resources; calls on the Commission and the Member States to fight energy poverty as well as to guarantee the development of a water-saving culture and to raise public awareness of water saving through educational programmes; calls on the Commission to look into the possibility of promoting a network of cities to encourage sustainable water use with the aim of exchanging good practice and jointly carrying out pilot demonstration projects; calls on Member States to provide free energy audits, to enable citizens to reduce their energy consumption and to reduce their emissions; |
| --- | --- |

197.

Suggests that the Commission declare a European Year of Energy and Resource Efficiency in order to raise citizens' awareness at all policy levels of more efficient use of resources and to take climate change as an opportunity to hold an intensive debate on the availability and handling of resources; calls on the Commission and the Member States to fight energy poverty as well as to guarantee the development of a water-saving culture and to raise public awareness of water saving through educational programmes; calls on the Commission to look into the possibility of promoting a network of cities to encourage sustainable water use with the aim of exchanging good practice and jointly carrying out pilot demonstration projects; calls on Member States to provide free energy audits, to enable citizens to reduce their energy consumption and to reduce their emissions;

| 198. | Regards advertising and product information as an important instrument for raising consumer awareness of the environmental costs of consumer goods and changing consumer behaviour; warns, however, of the risk of ‘greenwashing’ and calls on the Commission and the Member States, in consultation with European industrial associations, to draw up an advertising and labelling code for their industries with a view to condemning misleading advertising and incorrect statements about the environmental effects of products, and to comply with existing European advertising and labelling rules; |
| --- | --- |

198.

Regards advertising and product information as an important instrument for raising consumer awareness of the environmental costs of consumer goods and changing consumer behaviour; warns, however, of the risk of ‘greenwashing’ and calls on the Commission and the Member States, in consultation with European industrial associations, to draw up an advertising and labelling code for their industries with a view to condemning misleading advertising and incorrect statements about the environmental effects of products, and to comply with existing European advertising and labelling rules;

| 199. | Considers it important, in the dialogue with citizens and retailers, to focus advertising on regional and seasonal products, and to use consumer information, in particular mandatory labelling regarding the production method of products, as an aid to consumer decisions; |
| --- | --- |

199.

Considers it important, in the dialogue with citizens and retailers, to focus advertising on regional and seasonal products, and to use consumer information, in particular mandatory labelling regarding the production method of products, as an aid to consumer decisions;

| 200. | Considers the lack of information among the public on measures to combat climate change to be a serious problem; therefore calls on the EU, its Member States and regional and local authorities and institutions, together with the press, broadcasters and online media, to plan and implement a Europe-wide information campaign on the causes and effects of climate change and growing scarcity of resources, focussing on individual ways of changing one's behaviour in everyday life and giving a better and more readily understandable picture of the work of European and national authorities on measures to combat climate change; |
| --- | --- |

200.

Considers the lack of information among the public on measures to combat climate change to be a serious problem; therefore calls on the EU, its Member States and regional and local authorities and institutions, together with the press, broadcasters and online media, to plan and implement a Europe-wide information campaign on the causes and effects of climate change and growing scarcity of resources, focussing on individual ways of changing one's behaviour in everyday life and giving a better and more readily understandable picture of the work of European and national authorities on measures to combat climate change;

| 201. | Welcomes initiatives by major undertakings to pursue internal reduction targets with the involvement of their staff and their small and medium-sized suppliers, and to use public communication strategies to promote sustainable production and consumption models; encourages economic organisations in the Member States and at European level to emphasise sustainable business practices as a unique asset in competition; |
| --- | --- |

201.

Welcomes initiatives by major undertakings to pursue internal reduction targets with the involvement of their staff and their small and medium-sized suppliers, and to use public communication strategies to promote sustainable production and consumption models; encourages economic organisations in the Member States and at European level to emphasise sustainable business practices as a unique asset in competition;

2050 – The future begins today

| 202. | Calls for an agenda for action to combat climate change for the period 2009-2014, to be implemented as follows:






  a) | at EU level, the Commission and the Member States should:






  — | lead discussions at a local and global level on actions to be taken to combat climate change, |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

202.

Calls for an agenda for action to combat climate change for the period 2009-2014, to be implemented as follows:

a)

at EU level, the Commission and the Member States should:

—

lead discussions at a local and global level on actions to be taken to combat climate change,

| — | develop, fund and introduce an EU-wide supergrid accessible to all forms of electricity providers, |
| --- | --- |

—

develop, fund and introduce an EU-wide supergrid accessible to all forms of electricity providers,

| — | promote and fund efficient, sustainable transport infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions, including hydrogen technology and high-speed railways, |
| --- | --- |

—

promote and fund efficient, sustainable transport infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions, including hydrogen technology and high-speed railways,

| — | develop new communication strategies to educate citizens and provide them with incentives to reduce emissions in an affordable way, e.g. by developing information on the carbon content of products and services, |
| --- | --- |

—

develop new communication strategies to educate citizens and provide them with incentives to reduce emissions in an affordable way, e.g. by developing information on the carbon content of products and services,

| — | develop appropriate legislative instruments to encourage all industrial sectors to become leaders in the fight against climate change, starting with a demand for transparency on carbon emissions, |
| --- | --- |

—

develop appropriate legislative instruments to encourage all industrial sectors to become leaders in the fight against climate change, starting with a demand for transparency on carbon emissions,

| — | establish stronger links between the Lisbon policy agenda, the social agenda and climate change policies; |
| --- | --- |

—

establish stronger links between the Lisbon policy agenda, the social agenda and climate change policies;

| b) | at local and regional level, best practices should be promoted and exchanged, in particular concerning:






  — | energy efficiency and other measures to combat energy poverty, with the objective of net-zero-energy performance targets in private, commercial and public buildings, |
| --- | --- | --- |

b)

at local and regional level, best practices should be promoted and exchanged, in particular concerning:

—

energy efficiency and other measures to combat energy poverty, with the objective of net-zero-energy performance targets in private, commercial and public buildings,

| — | the recycling and re-utilisation of waste, for instance by developing infrastructures for collection points, |
| --- | --- |

—

the recycling and re-utilisation of waste, for instance by developing infrastructures for collection points,

| — | the development of infrastructures for low-emission passenger cars using renewable energies, as well as the introduction of incentives for the development of zero-emission vehicles for public transport, |
| --- | --- |

—

the development of infrastructures for low-emission passenger cars using renewable energies, as well as the introduction of incentives for the development of zero-emission vehicles for public transport,

| — | the promotion of more sustainable mobility in cities and in rural areas, |
| --- | --- |

—

the promotion of more sustainable mobility in cities and in rural areas,

| — | the adoption and implementation of measures for adaptation to climate change, |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption and implementation of measures for adaptation to climate change,

| — | the promotion of local and regional food production and consumption; |
| --- | --- |

—

the promotion of local and regional food production and consumption;

| 203. | Stresses the need to face up to climate change and its effects by means of political and educational measures based on a long-term perspective and by implementing decisions in a coherent way, not subordinating them to short-term political goals; encourages the promotion of lifestyles and consumption patterns geared to sustainable development; |
| --- | --- |

203.

Stresses the need to face up to climate change and its effects by means of political and educational measures based on a long-term perspective and by implementing decisions in a coherent way, not subordinating them to short-term political goals; encourages the promotion of lifestyles and consumption patterns geared to sustainable development;

| 204. | Stresses the need not to capitulate in the face of the complexity of the problem of climate change but to show a visionary desire to make a difference, and to demonstrate leadership in the political, economic and social spheres, in our response to the economic, environmental and social challenges with which we are confronted at this turning-point in energy and climate policy, reflected in a growing scarcity of raw materials; |
| --- | --- |

204.

Stresses the need not to capitulate in the face of the complexity of the problem of climate change but to show a visionary desire to make a difference, and to demonstrate leadership in the political, economic and social spheres, in our response to the economic, environmental and social challenges with which we are confronted at this turning-point in energy and climate policy, reflected in a growing scarcity of raw materials;

| 205. | Stresses the need, on the basis of the founding ideals of the European Union, to take decisions out of a conviction that they are necessary and correct, and to seize the unique opportunity of shaping the future of our society by means of strategic action; |
| --- | --- |

205.

Stresses the need, on the basis of the founding ideals of the European Union, to take decisions out of a conviction that they are necessary and correct, and to seize the unique opportunity of shaping the future of our society by means of strategic action;

| 206. | Calls on Parliament's relevant bodies to draw up and publish within three months an edition of this resolution and a presentation of the committee's work for the general public; |
| --- | --- |

206.

Calls on Parliament's relevant bodies to draw up and publish within three months an edition of this resolution and a presentation of the committee's work for the general public;

| 207. | Calls on its competent committees to follow up the implementation of the above recommendations in the next legislative term, including in the context of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate for the next Commission term of office and in their contacts with counterparts in national parliaments; calls on the European Parliament's delegations for relations with third countries and on the European Parliament component of multilateral parliamentary assemblies to regularly raise the issue of climate change and the need for actions and initiatives on the part of all countries in their contacts with third countries' representatives; |
| --- | --- |

207.

Calls on its competent committees to follow up the implementation of the above recommendations in the next legislative term, including in the context of the hearings of the Commissioners-designate for the next Commission term of office and in their contacts with counterparts in national parliaments; calls on the European Parliament's delegations for relations with third countries and on the European Parliament component of multilateral parliamentary assemblies to regularly raise the issue of climate change and the need for actions and initiatives on the part of all countries in their contacts with third countries' representatives;

*

- *

| 208. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, with a request to the latter that it be forwarded to all contracting parties which are not EU Member States and to the observers provided for in the UNFCCC. |
| --- | --- |

208.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Secretariat of the UNFCCC, with a request to the latter that it be forwarded to all contracting parties which are not EU Member States and to the observers provided for in the UNFCCC.

---

(1)  OJ C 74 E, 20.3.2008, p. 652; see also the minutes of the plenary sitting of 18.2.2008, point 7.

(2)  OJ C 282 E, 6.11.2008, p. 437.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0032.

(4)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0125.

(5)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0223.

(6)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0491.

(7)  Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products (OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 29).

(8)  OJ C 282 E, 6.11.2008, p. 281.

(9)  Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19).

---

ANNEX A

SELECTED EU LEGISLATION MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE

Legislation in force

| — | Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (1) |
| --- | --- |

—

Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (1)

| — | Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (2), and related legislation

| — | Council Directive 93/12/EEC of 23 March 1993 relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels (3), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Council Directive 93/12/EEC of 23 March 1993 relating to the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels (3), and related legislation

| — | Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (4), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Council Directive 96/61/EC of 24 September 1996 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control (4), and related legislation

| — | Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Council Directive 93/12/EEC (5), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 98/70/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1998 relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Council Directive 93/12/EEC (5), and related legislation

| — | Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (6) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (6)

| — | Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (7), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2001/80/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants (7), and related legislation

| — | Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings (8) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings (8)

| — | Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (9), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (9), and related legislation

| — | Directive 2003/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2003 amending Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (10) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2003/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2003 amending Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances (10)

| — | Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 amending Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste (11) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004 amending Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste (11)

| — | Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (12) |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation (EC) No 549/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2004 laying down the framework for the creation of the single European sky (12)

| — | Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products and amending Council Directive 92/42/EEC and Directives 96/57/EC and 2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (13) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products and amending Council Directive 92/42/EEC and Directives 96/57/EC and 2000/55/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (13)

| — | Directive 2006/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 relating to emissions from air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC (14), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2006/40/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 relating to emissions from air-conditioning systems in motor vehicles and amending Council Directive 70/156/EEC (14), and related legislation

| — | Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (15) |
| --- | --- |

—

Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (15)

| — | Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (16), and related legislation |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2007 on type approval of motor vehicles with respect to emissions from light passenger and commercial vehicles (Euro 5 and Euro 6) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information (16), and related legislation

Awaiting publication

| — | Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading system of the Community (2008/0013(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... amending Directive 2003/87/EC so as to improve and extend the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading system of the Community (2008/0013(COD))

| — | Decision No .../2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the effort of Member States to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 (2008/0014(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Decision No .../2009/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the effort of Member States to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020 (2008/0014(COD))

| — | Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directives 85/337/EEC, 96/61/EC, Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (2008/0015(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council Directives 85/337/EEC, 96/61/EC, Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (2008/0015(COD))

| — | Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (2008/0016(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (2008/0016(COD))

| — | Regulation (EC) No .../2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community's integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles (2007/0297(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation (EC) No .../2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of ... setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community's integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles (2007/0297(COD))

| — | Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 98/70/EC as regards the specification of petrol, diesel and gas-oil and introducing a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of road transport fuels and amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC, as regards the specification of fuel used by inland waterway vessels and repealing Directive 93/12/EEC (2007/0019(COD)) |
| --- | --- |

—

Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 98/70/EC as regards the specification of petrol, diesel and gas-oil and introducing a mechanism to monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the use of road transport fuels and amending Council Directive 1999/32/EC, as regards the specification of fuel used by inland waterway vessels and repealing Directive 93/12/EEC (2007/0019(COD))

---

(1)  OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.

(3)  OJ L 74, 27.3.1993, p. 81.

(4)  OJ L 257, 10.10.1996, p. 26.

(5)  OJ L 350, 28.12.1998, p. 58.

(6)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 1.

(8)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 65.

(9)  OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32.

(10)  OJ L 345, 31.12.2003, p. 97.

(11)  OJ L 47, 18.2.2004, p. 26.

(12)  OJ L 96, 31.3.2004, p. 1.

(13)  OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 29.

(14)  OJ L 161, 14.6.2006, p. 12.

(15)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(16)  OJ L 171, 29.6.2007, p. 1.

---

ANNEX B

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTIONS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY

| — | Resolution of 17 November 2004 on the EU strategy for the Buenos Aires Conference on Climate Change (COP-10) (1) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 17 November 2004 on the EU strategy for the Buenos Aires Conference on Climate Change (COP-10) (1)

| — | Resolution of 13 January 2005 on the outcome of the Buenos Aires Conference on climate change (2) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 13 January 2005 on the outcome of the Buenos Aires Conference on climate change (2)

| — | Resolution of 12 May 2005 on the Seminar of Governmental Experts on Climate Change (3) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 12 May 2005 on the Seminar of Governmental Experts on Climate Change (3)

| — | Resolution of 16 November 2005 on ‘Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change’ (4) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 16 November 2005 on ‘Winning the Battle Against Global Climate Change’ (4)

| — | Resolution of 18 January 2006 on climate change (5) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 18 January 2006 on climate change (5)

| — | Resolution of 1 June 2006 on Energy efficiency or doing more with less – Green Paper (6) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 1 June 2006 on Energy efficiency or doing more with less – Green Paper (6)

| — | Resolution of 4 July 2006 on reducing the climate change impact of civil aviation (7) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 4 July 2006 on reducing the climate change impact of civil aviation (7)

| — | Resolution of 26 October 2006 on the European Union strategy for the Nairobi Conference on Climate Change (COP 12 und COP/MOP 2) (8) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 26 October 2006 on the European Union strategy for the Nairobi Conference on Climate Change (COP 12 und COP/MOP 2) (8)

| — | Resolution of 14 December 2006 on a European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy – Green Paper (9) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 14 December 2006 on a European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy – Green Paper (9)

| — | Resolution of 14 February 2007 on climate change (10) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 14 February 2007 on climate change (10)

| — | Resolution of 21 October 2008 on building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change (11) |
| --- | --- |

—

Resolution of 21 October 2008 on building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the European Union and poor developing countries most vulnerable to climate change (11)

---

(1)  OJ C 201 E, 18.8.2005, p. 81.

(2)  OJ C 247 E, 6.10.2005, p. 144.

(3)  OJ C 92 E, 20.4.2006, p. 384.

(4)  OJ C 280 E, 18.11.2006, p. 120.

(5)  OJ C 287 E, 24.11.2006, p. 182.

(6)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 273.

(7)  OJ C 303 E, 13.12.2006, p. 119.

(8)  OJ C 313 E, 20.12.2006, p. 439.

(9)  OJ C 317 E, 23.12.2006, p. 876.

(10)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 344.

(11)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0491.

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| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/85 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/85

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Energy efficiency through information and communication technologies

P6_TA(2009)0044

European Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the challenge of energy efficiency through information and communication technologies

(2010/C 67 E/09)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 May 2008 entitled Addressing the challenge of energy efficiency through information and communication technologies (COM(2008)0241), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 13 May 2008 entitled Addressing the challenge of energy efficiency through information and communication technologies (COM(2008)0241),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 January 2008 entitled 20 20 by 2020 - Europe's climate-change opportunity (COM(2008)0030), |
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—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 January 2008 entitled 20 20 by 2020 - Europe's climate-change opportunity (COM(2008)0030),

| — | having regard to the September 2008 study commissioned by the Commission entitled Impacts of information and communication technologies on energy efficiency, |
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—

having regard to the September 2008 study commissioned by the Commission entitled Impacts of information and communication technologies on energy efficiency,

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council meeting of 8-9 March 2007, in particular to the Action Plan (2007-2009) - An Energy Policy for Europe, |
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—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions of the European Council meeting of 8-9 March 2007, in particular to the Action Plan (2007-2009) - An Energy Policy for Europe,

| — | having regard to Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings (1), |
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—

having regard to Directive 2002/91/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2002 on the energy performance of buildings (1),

| — | having regard to Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (2), |
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—

having regard to Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services (2),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 106/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on a Community energy-efficiency labelling programme for office equipment (recast version) (3), |
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—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 106/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on a Community energy-efficiency labelling programme for office equipment (recast version) (3),

| — | having regard to Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products (4), |
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—

having regard to Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 July 2005 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for energy-using products (4),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013) (5), |
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—

having regard to Decision No 1639/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 establishing a Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007 to 2013) (5),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (6), |
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—

having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (6),

| — | having regard to Regulation (EC) No 683/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 on the further implementation of the European satellite navigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo) (7), |
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—

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 683/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 July 2008 on the further implementation of the European satellite navigation programmes (EGNOS and Galileo) (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2008 on the European strategic energy technology plan (8), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 9 July 2008 on the European strategic energy technology plan (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on an Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential (9), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 31 January 2008 on an Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the Potential (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2008 on CARS 21: A competitive automotive regulatory framework (10), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2008 on CARS 21: A competitive automotive regulatory framework (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2006 on a European strategy for sustainable, competitive and secure energy - Green Paper (11), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 14 December 2006 on a European strategy for sustainable, competitive and secure energy - Green Paper (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on energy efficiency or doing more with less - Green Paper (12), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on energy efficiency or doing more with less - Green Paper (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2006 on a European information society for growth and employment (13), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 14 March 2006 on a European information society for growth and employment (13),

| — | having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the EU has set the target of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 20% and of deriving 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, and whereas it has also turned its efforts towards achieving a 20% improvement in energy efficiency within the same period, |
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A.

whereas the EU has set the target of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 20% and of deriving 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, and whereas it has also turned its efforts towards achieving a 20% improvement in energy efficiency within the same period,

| B. | whereas it has been calculated that the use of technologies based on information and communication technologies (ICTs) could save more than 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually, |
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B.

whereas it has been calculated that the use of technologies based on information and communication technologies (ICTs) could save more than 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually,

| C. | whereas the above targets are to be achieved without detriment to the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU economy, |
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C.

whereas the above targets are to be achieved without detriment to the competitiveness and sustainability of the EU economy,

| D. | whereas the EU has set itself the goal of becoming the most competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010, and whereas economic competitiveness is greatly dependent on energy efficiency and the use of ICTs, |
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D.

whereas the EU has set itself the goal of becoming the most competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010, and whereas economic competitiveness is greatly dependent on energy efficiency and the use of ICTs,

| E. | whereas improving energy efficiency is one of the most economic means of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, and whereas energy efficiency can lead directly to savings for consumers, |
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E.

whereas improving energy efficiency is one of the most economic means of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, and whereas energy efficiency can lead directly to savings for consumers,

| F. | whereas ICTs have a key role to play in improving energy efficiency locally and globally and amongst the industrialised and the emerging economies (in particular by means of intelligent networks and intelligent buildings and the technological upgrading of the production processes of energy-intensive industries), and having regard to the potential for savings offered by intelligent transport systems in the case of manufacturing industry and transport, |
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F.

whereas ICTs have a key role to play in improving energy efficiency locally and globally and amongst the industrialised and the emerging economies (in particular by means of intelligent networks and intelligent buildings and the technological upgrading of the production processes of energy-intensive industries), and having regard to the potential for savings offered by intelligent transport systems in the case of manufacturing industry and transport,

| G. | whereas the ICT sector currently produces 2% of global CO2 emissions, and whereas the industry would be capable not only of reducing its own CO2 emissions, but in particular of developing innovative and more energy-efficient applications for the economy as a whole, |
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G.

whereas the ICT sector currently produces 2% of global CO2 emissions, and whereas the industry would be capable not only of reducing its own CO2 emissions, but in particular of developing innovative and more energy-efficient applications for the economy as a whole,

| H. | whereas technology neutrality should be respected in order to ensure that all relevant ICT-based technologies are available to assist the EU in meeting its greenhouse-gas emissions targets, |
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H.

whereas technology neutrality should be respected in order to ensure that all relevant ICT-based technologies are available to assist the EU in meeting its greenhouse-gas emissions targets,

| I. | whereas the ICT industry offers tools that have a key role to play in monitoring any system's performance as compared with its energy consumption, |
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I.

whereas the ICT industry offers tools that have a key role to play in monitoring any system's performance as compared with its energy consumption,

| J. | whereas there are already several EU programmes and initiatives in existence which support ICT research and innovation in energy matters (Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), the ICT policy support programme and the European operational programmes for intelligent energy); whereas tax incentives and appropriate State-support instruments also provide financial backing and encouragement for intelligent energy-efficiency solutions, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas there are already several EU programmes and initiatives in existence which support ICT research and innovation in energy matters (Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7), the ICT policy support programme and the European operational programmes for intelligent energy); whereas tax incentives and appropriate State-support instruments also provide financial backing and encouragement for intelligent energy-efficiency solutions,

| K. | whereas industry and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a key role to play in increasing energy efficiency through ICT and innovation, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas industry and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a key role to play in increasing energy efficiency through ICT and innovation,

| 1. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to increase awareness, for example through demonstration projects, of the importance of ICTs for improving energy efficiency in the EU economy and as driving forces behind increased productivity and growth and cost reductions that make for competitiveness, sustainable development and the improvement of EU citizens' quality of life; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to increase awareness, for example through demonstration projects, of the importance of ICTs for improving energy efficiency in the EU economy and as driving forces behind increased productivity and growth and cost reductions that make for competitiveness, sustainable development and the improvement of EU citizens' quality of life;

| 2. | Suggests to the forthcoming Council Presidencies that they make the topic of ICT and its importance in combating and adapting to climate change one of the priorities for their terms of office; |
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2.

Suggests to the forthcoming Council Presidencies that they make the topic of ICT and its importance in combating and adapting to climate change one of the priorities for their terms of office;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to harmonise energy efficiency-related criteria, approaches and changes to the law and to adopt an holistic approach, meaning that Member States should not only think of components but of entire systems (for example, smart buildings); urges the Commission to consider including in its Impact Assessment Guidelines an evaluation of potential energy savings through the use of ICT-based solutions; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour to harmonise energy efficiency-related criteria, approaches and changes to the law and to adopt an holistic approach, meaning that Member States should not only think of components but of entire systems (for example, smart buildings); urges the Commission to consider including in its Impact Assessment Guidelines an evaluation of potential energy savings through the use of ICT-based solutions;

| 4. | Calls on those Member States which have not yet devised a green strategy based on the use of ITs/ICTs which is capable of contributing to a progressive reduction in the EU's CO2 emissions to do so; |
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4.

Calls on those Member States which have not yet devised a green strategy based on the use of ITs/ICTs which is capable of contributing to a progressive reduction in the EU's CO2 emissions to do so;

| 5. | Calls on Member States to make further use of ‘green procurement’ in order to encourage the take-up of ICT solutions by their public services, which can set an example in promoting energy-efficient solutions; calls on the public sector, starting with the EU institutions, to make the greatest possible use of ‘paperless office’ policies, document management, e-governance, e-administration, teleworking and video- and teleconferencing; urges the Commission to take the lead by developing an action plan to reduce the energy consumption of EU institutions; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on Member States to make further use of ‘green procurement’ in order to encourage the take-up of ICT solutions by their public services, which can set an example in promoting energy-efficient solutions; calls on the public sector, starting with the EU institutions, to make the greatest possible use of ‘paperless office’ policies, document management, e-governance, e-administration, teleworking and video- and teleconferencing; urges the Commission to take the lead by developing an action plan to reduce the energy consumption of EU institutions;

| 6. | Emphasises that more efforts must be made at every level of decision-making to use all available financial tools (such as FP7, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme, the relevant operational programmes supported by the Cohesion Policy, and national and regional programmes) for the deployment and take-up of new ICT-based technological solutions which enhance energy efficiency; calls, further, on the Commission to stipulate that at least 5% of Structural Fund resources be spent on improving the energy efficiency of existing homes; |
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6.

Emphasises that more efforts must be made at every level of decision-making to use all available financial tools (such as FP7, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme, the relevant operational programmes supported by the Cohesion Policy, and national and regional programmes) for the deployment and take-up of new ICT-based technological solutions which enhance energy efficiency; calls, further, on the Commission to stipulate that at least 5% of Structural Fund resources be spent on improving the energy efficiency of existing homes;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to support a systematic approach to intelligent ICT solutions with a particular emphasis on lower emissions in the development of towns and cities, in particular through the development of intelligent buildings, street lighting and transmission and distribution networks and through the real-time organisation of transport; |
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7.

Calls on the Commission to support a systematic approach to intelligent ICT solutions with a particular emphasis on lower emissions in the development of towns and cities, in particular through the development of intelligent buildings, street lighting and transmission and distribution networks and through the real-time organisation of transport;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the use of financial incentives for smart grid technologies; calls, further, on the Member States to encourage the use of the most advanced remote sensing technologies, which will help to reduce energy losses by identifying leakages, blockages or other problems in major energy infrastructures; |
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8.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the use of financial incentives for smart grid technologies; calls, further, on the Member States to encourage the use of the most advanced remote sensing technologies, which will help to reduce energy losses by identifying leakages, blockages or other problems in major energy infrastructures;

| 9. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the testing, validation, introduction and further dissemination of computer- and ICT-based methods to improve energy efficiency, particularly improved electricity networks, energy-efficient buildings, smart lighting, industrial process automation, virtualisation, dematerialisation and the replacement of physical travel with tele- and videoconferencing, in cooperation with industry, consumers, authorities, universities and research institutions; |
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9.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote the testing, validation, introduction and further dissemination of computer- and ICT-based methods to improve energy efficiency, particularly improved electricity networks, energy-efficient buildings, smart lighting, industrial process automation, virtualisation, dematerialisation and the replacement of physical travel with tele- and videoconferencing, in cooperation with industry, consumers, authorities, universities and research institutions;

| 10. | Calls on the Member States to use the potential of ICTs to enable new business models, in particular within the energy market and in connection with electronic trading in energy, but also across the economy as a whole, in order to boost green innovation and entrepreneurship; |
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10.

Calls on the Member States to use the potential of ICTs to enable new business models, in particular within the energy market and in connection with electronic trading in energy, but also across the economy as a whole, in order to boost green innovation and entrepreneurship;

| 11. | Urges those Member States which have not yet introduced adequate incentives to meet the 2006 requirements laid down in Directive 2006/32/EC relating to the installation of intelligent electricity metering in businesses, public services and households to do so as quickly as possible; to that end, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that, through investment in automated consumer ICTs (intelligent metering and overview of immediate energy requirements, including those of households), such ICTs achieve 100% penetration by 2019; |
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11.

Urges those Member States which have not yet introduced adequate incentives to meet the 2006 requirements laid down in Directive 2006/32/EC relating to the installation of intelligent electricity metering in businesses, public services and households to do so as quickly as possible; to that end, calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that, through investment in automated consumer ICTs (intelligent metering and overview of immediate energy requirements, including those of households), such ICTs achieve 100% penetration by 2019;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to invest substantially in ICT-enabled decentralised energy-production systems (including the use of combined heat and power generation advantageously hybridised with renewables such as solar energy-based technologies, with the emphasis on intelligent solar-tracking technologies, and wind technologies), and to amend Community legislation and Member States' laws accordingly; calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities always to consider ICTs in tandem with decentralised energy production and distribution; |
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12.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities to invest substantially in ICT-enabled decentralised energy-production systems (including the use of combined heat and power generation advantageously hybridised with renewables such as solar energy-based technologies, with the emphasis on intelligent solar-tracking technologies, and wind technologies), and to amend Community legislation and Member States' laws accordingly; calls on the Commission, the Member States and regional and local authorities always to consider ICTs in tandem with decentralised energy production and distribution;

| 13. | Calls on the Member States to create better conditions for the use of ICTs in energy-intensive industries, and in particular in the construction industry (for example through the deployment of advanced embedded monitoring and control technologies on production lines), since 10% of global CO2 emissions stem from the manufacture of construction materials; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Member States to create better conditions for the use of ICTs in energy-intensive industries, and in particular in the construction industry (for example through the deployment of advanced embedded monitoring and control technologies on production lines), since 10% of global CO2 emissions stem from the manufacture of construction materials;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States also to focus on the energy efficiency of existing houses and other buildings, as 40% of total energy use is accounted for by buildings; calls, in that connection, for the creation of better conditions for the uptake of ICTs for intelligent buildings; encourages Member States to offer incentives for the restoration of older buildings and the construction of passive houses and zero-emission houses; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States also to focus on the energy efficiency of existing houses and other buildings, as 40% of total energy use is accounted for by buildings; calls, in that connection, for the creation of better conditions for the uptake of ICTs for intelligent buildings; encourages Member States to offer incentives for the restoration of older buildings and the construction of passive houses and zero-emission houses;

| 15. | Welcomes the launch of the consultation and partnership process on ICTs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support closer cooperation amongst all the partners in the construction, energy-efficiency and ICT sector, in particular by means of Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) such as the Artemis JTI and the Energy Efficient Buildings (E2B) JTI; calls on all the partners to work together to develop open norms and standards so as to ensure that different technologies are compatible; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Welcomes the launch of the consultation and partnership process on ICTs; calls on the Commission and the Member States to support closer cooperation amongst all the partners in the construction, energy-efficiency and ICT sector, in particular by means of Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) such as the Artemis JTI and the Energy Efficient Buildings (E2B) JTI; calls on all the partners to work together to develop open norms and standards so as to ensure that different technologies are compatible;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for research and technological development and demonstration projects relating to new ICTs and their applications which offer high potential for energy efficiency, especially micro- and nano-electronics and emerging quantum- and photonics-based technologies; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for research and technological development and demonstration projects relating to new ICTs and their applications which offer high potential for energy efficiency, especially micro- and nano-electronics and emerging quantum- and photonics-based technologies;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for research and technological development and demonstration activities relating to lighting technologies and intelligent lighting applications, so that the introduction of more energy-efficient lighting in both indoor and outdoor public spaces - with an emphasis on highly efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) - can be more vigorously promoted; urges the Commission and the Member States to promote research into lighting systems as a whole, and not only into components of such systems; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide active support for research and technological development and demonstration activities relating to lighting technologies and intelligent lighting applications, so that the introduction of more energy-efficient lighting in both indoor and outdoor public spaces - with an emphasis on highly efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) - can be more vigorously promoted; urges the Commission and the Member States to promote research into lighting systems as a whole, and not only into components of such systems;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit to the utmost the potential of the Galileo satellite-navigation system so as to ensure that the broadest possible use is made of the relevant applications in combination with ICTs in the transport field, in particular in connection with the management and organisation of traffic flows, real-time information concerning the movement of goods and persons and optimised selection of routes and modes of transport; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to exploit to the utmost the potential of the Galileo satellite-navigation system so as to ensure that the broadest possible use is made of the relevant applications in combination with ICTs in the transport field, in particular in connection with the management and organisation of traffic flows, real-time information concerning the movement of goods and persons and optimised selection of routes and modes of transport;

| 19. | Calls on the Member States to cooperate at national and local level in coordinating an approach to energy-efficient mobility and to environmentally-friendly mobility based on intelligent solutions offered by ICT-based technologies (such as private transport optimisation, smart logistics, efficient vehicles and traffic-flow monitoring, planning and simulation), so as to ensure interoperability, lower costs and greater impact; calls, further, on the Member States to support standardisation bodies in framing and introducing EU and global standards for smart transport systems; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Member States to cooperate at national and local level in coordinating an approach to energy-efficient mobility and to environmentally-friendly mobility based on intelligent solutions offered by ICT-based technologies (such as private transport optimisation, smart logistics, efficient vehicles and traffic-flow monitoring, planning and simulation), so as to ensure interoperability, lower costs and greater impact; calls, further, on the Member States to support standardisation bodies in framing and introducing EU and global standards for smart transport systems;

| 20. | Calls on the Member States to launch programmes and incentives aimed at improving the emissions performance of existing vehicles, in particular by using advanced ICT solutions when retrofitting emissions-control systems and through the deployment of real-time mobile monitoring platforms; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Member States to launch programmes and incentives aimed at improving the emissions performance of existing vehicles, in particular by using advanced ICT solutions when retrofitting emissions-control systems and through the deployment of real-time mobile monitoring platforms;

| 21. | Encourages the Member States to promote information campaigns on energy-saving behaviour aimed at the general public and training in energy-efficient driving behaviour for drivers of road vehicles; notes that, in this context, high priority should be given to the launching of pilot programmes to demonstrate best-practice implementation in transport, especially involving added-value ICT solutions to existing problems at local level; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Encourages the Member States to promote information campaigns on energy-saving behaviour aimed at the general public and training in energy-efficient driving behaviour for drivers of road vehicles; notes that, in this context, high priority should be given to the launching of pilot programmes to demonstrate best-practice implementation in transport, especially involving added-value ICT solutions to existing problems at local level;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission to publish a ‘best experiences’ guide for local authorities concerning energy-efficient solutions to traffic management and to cooperate with industry representatives on a list of ‘eco-innovations’ in order to make eco-driving a reality (such as an indicator showing economic fuel consumption, software that monitors internal tyre pressure, a dynamic eco-navigation system, driving-speed regulation, adaptive cruise control and real-time estimation of environmental impact on the basis of driving profiles); |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission to publish a ‘best experiences’ guide for local authorities concerning energy-efficient solutions to traffic management and to cooperate with industry representatives on a list of ‘eco-innovations’ in order to make eco-driving a reality (such as an indicator showing economic fuel consumption, software that monitors internal tyre pressure, a dynamic eco-navigation system, driving-speed regulation, adaptive cruise control and real-time estimation of environmental impact on the basis of driving profiles);

| 23. | Urges the Commission to promote initiatives to raise the awareness of local authorities, including the use of ICT modelling tools in city planning and housing management and in the provision of energy-efficient digital services; welcomes the Covenant of Mayors initiative, which brings together in a permanent network the mayors of Europe's most pioneering cities; calls for this initiative to pay particular attention to using ICTs to improve energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Urges the Commission to promote initiatives to raise the awareness of local authorities, including the use of ICT modelling tools in city planning and housing management and in the provision of energy-efficient digital services; welcomes the Covenant of Mayors initiative, which brings together in a permanent network the mayors of Europe's most pioneering cities; calls for this initiative to pay particular attention to using ICTs to improve energy efficiency;

| 24. | Calls on the Member States to pay suitable attention to the use of ICTs in the manufacturing industry and on the Commission to give the Member States greater access to examples of research and development projects which incorporate a key ICT contribution to the manufacturing industry, upon which 70% of jobs in the EU directly or indirectly depend, thereby promoting best practice examples for modernising the EU manufacturing industry; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Member States to pay suitable attention to the use of ICTs in the manufacturing industry and on the Commission to give the Member States greater access to examples of research and development projects which incorporate a key ICT contribution to the manufacturing industry, upon which 70% of jobs in the EU directly or indirectly depend, thereby promoting best practice examples for modernising the EU manufacturing industry;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support and encourage the ICT industry in reducing its carbon footprint by complying with the highest efficiency and innovation standards throughout entire product life-cycles, and by monitoring energy consumption at every stage of its supply chain; encourages the development of voluntary initiatives to reduce energy consumption in the ICT sector; recommends, further, the use of software and operating systems that consume the least energy; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support and encourage the ICT industry in reducing its carbon footprint by complying with the highest efficiency and innovation standards throughout entire product life-cycles, and by monitoring energy consumption at every stage of its supply chain; encourages the development of voluntary initiatives to reduce energy consumption in the ICT sector; recommends, further, the use of software and operating systems that consume the least energy;

| 26. | Calls on the Member States to invest in energy-efficiency education, which should start at school by cultivating eco-consciousness among future consumers; calls, further, on the Commission and the Member States to provide massive support for education and training programmes in the interests of supplying an adequate number of trained ICT specialists and to encourage individuals and firms to adopt efficient practices through target-driven education and training aimed at using equipment efficiently, quantifying the resulting energy savings and developing green skills; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Member States to invest in energy-efficiency education, which should start at school by cultivating eco-consciousness among future consumers; calls, further, on the Commission and the Member States to provide massive support for education and training programmes in the interests of supplying an adequate number of trained ICT specialists and to encourage individuals and firms to adopt efficient practices through target-driven education and training aimed at using equipment efficiently, quantifying the resulting energy savings and developing green skills;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create a more favourable regulatory environment with better access to finance for SMEs that can play a key role in implementing ICT-based solutions for energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to create a more favourable regulatory environment with better access to finance for SMEs that can play a key role in implementing ICT-based solutions for energy efficiency;

| 28. | Welcomes the extension of the scope of the Energy Star cooperation with the United States and the inclusion in the implementing regulation of a mandatory public procurement provision; urges the Commission to move negotiations on further products forward; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Welcomes the extension of the scope of the Energy Star cooperation with the United States and the inclusion in the implementing regulation of a mandatory public procurement provision; urges the Commission to move negotiations on further products forward;

| 29. | Notes that new technologies and approaches can in certain cases lead to an increase in energy consumption compared to the systems they are replacing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take steps to ensure that consumers are made fully aware of the energy-efficiency performance of innovative systems compared to the technologies that are being replaced; calls on the Commission to come forward with a methodology for rating the energy performance of systems; notes the crucial role that smart meters can play in alerting consumers who change their behaviour or adopt new systems to the overall consequences of these changes in terms of energy efficiency; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Notes that new technologies and approaches can in certain cases lead to an increase in energy consumption compared to the systems they are replacing; calls on the Commission and the Member States to take steps to ensure that consumers are made fully aware of the energy-efficiency performance of innovative systems compared to the technologies that are being replaced; calls on the Commission to come forward with a methodology for rating the energy performance of systems; notes the crucial role that smart meters can play in alerting consumers who change their behaviour or adopt new systems to the overall consequences of these changes in terms of energy efficiency;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to cooperate closely with third countries in order to make ICTs for energy efficiency more widely available; calls also for the establishment of common standards for energy-efficient products, especially for EU-based Energy Star projects with high achievements in energy efficiency and environmental impact which could be transferred to third countries for implementation; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to cooperate closely with third countries in order to make ICTs for energy efficiency more widely available; calls also for the establishment of common standards for energy-efficient products, especially for EU-based Energy Star projects with high achievements in energy efficiency and environmental impact which could be transferred to third countries for implementation;

| 31. | Calls on the Member States to provide active support for the deployment in remote EU areas, such as islands and mountainous and isolated areas, of ICT applications which offer great potential for energy savings; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Member States to provide active support for the deployment in remote EU areas, such as islands and mountainous and isolated areas, of ICT applications which offer great potential for energy savings;

| 32. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

32.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 65.

(2)  OJ L 114, 27.4.2006, p. 64.

(3)  OJ L 39, 13.2.2008, p. 1.

(4)  OJ L 191, 22.7.2005, p. 29.

(5)  OJ L 310, 9.11.2006, p. 15.

(6)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(7)  OJ L 196, 24.7.2008, p. 1.

(8)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0354.

(9)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0033.

(10)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0007.

(11)  OJ C 317 E, 23.12.2006, p. 876.

(12)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 273.

(13)  OJ C 291 E, 30.11.2006, p. 133.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/91 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/91

---

Return and resettlement of Guantánamo prisoners

P6_TA(2009)0045

European Parliament resolution of 4 February 2009 on the return and resettlement of the Guantánamo detention facility inmates

(2010/C 67 E/10)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the international, European and national instruments on human rights and fundamental freedoms and on the prohibition of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and torture, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 10 December 1984, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the international, European and national instruments on human rights and fundamental freedoms and on the prohibition of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances and torture, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 10 December 1984,

| — | having regard to the transatlantic cooperation between the United States and the European Union and its Member States, notably in the field of the fight against terrorism, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the transatlantic cooperation between the United States and the European Union and its Member States, notably in the field of the fight against terrorism,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 June 2006 on the situation of prisoners at Guantánamo (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 June 2006 on the situation of prisoners at Guantánamo (1),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 16 February 2006 on Guantánamo (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 16 February 2006 on Guantánamo (2),

| — | having regard to its recommendation of 10 March 2004 to the Council on the Guantánamo detainees' right to a fair trial (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its recommendation of 10 March 2004 to the Council on the Guantánamo detainees' right to a fair trial (3),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2002 on the detainees in Guantánamo Bay (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 7 February 2002 on the detainees in Guantánamo Bay (4),

| — | having regard to the resolutions of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the resolutions of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | having regard to the report of the UN Commission on Human Rights of 15 February 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the UN Commission on Human Rights of 15 February 2006,

| — | having regard to the statements of the UN Special Rapporteurs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements of the UN Special Rapporteurs,

| — | having regard to the conclusions and recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture concerning the United States, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions and recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture concerning the United States,

| — | having regard to the statement by the President of the European Parliament of 20 January 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the President of the European Parliament of 20 January 2009,

| — | having regard to the statement by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights of 19 January 2009, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights of 19 January 2009,

| — | having regard to the statement by the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement by the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator,

| — | having regard to the statements by the EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security and by the EU Presidency, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statements by the EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security and by the EU Presidency,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 February 2007 on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners (5) and the Council of Europe activities on the same issue, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 February 2007 on the alleged use of European countries by the CIA for the transportation and illegal detention of prisoners (5) and the Council of Europe activities on the same issue,

| — | having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the United States established a high-security detention facility at Guantánamo Bay (Cuba) in January 2002, where terrorist suspects have been detained, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the United States established a high-security detention facility at Guantánamo Bay (Cuba) in January 2002, where terrorist suspects have been detained,

| B. | whereas prisoners at Guantánamo Bay have been denied their fundamental human rights, notably the right to a fair trial, and have been subjected to harsh interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, which amount to torture and cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas prisoners at Guantánamo Bay have been denied their fundamental human rights, notably the right to a fair trial, and have been subjected to harsh interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, which amount to torture and cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment,

| C. | whereas in a series of judgments by the US courts, including the Supreme Court, partial and limited rights have been recognised, including the possibility of access to US civilian courts, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in a series of judgments by the US courts, including the Supreme Court, partial and limited rights have been recognised, including the possibility of access to US civilian courts,

| D. | whereas a list published by the US authorities includes 759 past and present prisoners at Guantánamo; whereas 525 prisoners have been released, while 5 have died in custody; whereas there are now some 250 inmates at Guantánamo, of whom:






  — | a number remain in Guantánamo simply because there is no country to which they can safely return - these are men who have never been charged and will not be charged by the United States with any crime; |
| --- | --- | --- |

D.

whereas a list published by the US authorities includes 759 past and present prisoners at Guantánamo; whereas 525 prisoners have been released, while 5 have died in custody; whereas there are now some 250 inmates at Guantánamo, of whom:

—

a number remain in Guantánamo simply because there is no country to which they can safely return - these are men who have never been charged and will not be charged by the United States with any crime;

| — | a number are being considered for prosecution and trial, |
| --- | --- |

—

a number are being considered for prosecution and trial,

| — | a number are believed to be potential threats, but the United States is not intending to prosecute them, |
| --- | --- |

—

a number are believed to be potential threats, but the United States is not intending to prosecute them,

| E. | whereas the use of torture and other illegal means implies that the ‘evidence’ gathered is inadmissible in court, rendering prosecutions and convictions for terrorism impossible, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the use of torture and other illegal means implies that the ‘evidence’ gathered is inadmissible in court, rendering prosecutions and convictions for terrorism impossible,

| F. | whereas it is alleged by the US authorities that 61 former inmates of Guantánamo Bay have been involved in terrorism since their release, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas it is alleged by the US authorities that 61 former inmates of Guantánamo Bay have been involved in terrorism since their release,

| 1. | Strongly welcomes the decision by US President Barack Obama to close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, as well as other related executive orders, which mark an important change in the policy of the United States towards respect for humanitarian and international law; encourages the new administration to take further steps in this direction; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Strongly welcomes the decision by US President Barack Obama to close the detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, as well as other related executive orders, which mark an important change in the policy of the United States towards respect for humanitarian and international law; encourages the new administration to take further steps in this direction;

| 2. | Recalls that the main responsibility for the whole process of closing the Guantánamo Bay detention facility and for the future of its inmates rests with the United States; affirms nonetheless that the responsibility for respect for international law and fundamental rights rests with all democratic countries, particularly the Union and its Member States, which together represent a community of values; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Recalls that the main responsibility for the whole process of closing the Guantánamo Bay detention facility and for the future of its inmates rests with the United States; affirms nonetheless that the responsibility for respect for international law and fundamental rights rests with all democratic countries, particularly the Union and its Member States, which together represent a community of values;

| 3. | Invites the United States to ensure that Guantánamo detainees are granted their human rights and fundamental freedoms, on the basis of international and US constitutional law, and:






  — | that any detainee against whom the United States has sufficient evidence is properly tried without delay in a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, impartial tribunal and, if convicted, imprisoned in the United States, |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

Invites the United States to ensure that Guantánamo detainees are granted their human rights and fundamental freedoms, on the basis of international and US constitutional law, and:

—

that any detainee against whom the United States has sufficient evidence is properly tried without delay in a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent, impartial tribunal and, if convicted, imprisoned in the United States,

| — | that any detainee who is not to be charged and who chooses voluntarily to be repatriated is returned to his home country as quickly and expeditiously as possible, |
| --- | --- |

—

that any detainee who is not to be charged and who chooses voluntarily to be repatriated is returned to his home country as quickly and expeditiously as possible,

| — | that any detainee who is not to be charged but cannot be repatriated owing to a real risk of torture or persecution in his home country is given the opportunity to be admitted to the United States, offered humanitarian protection on the United States mainland and afforded redress; |
| --- | --- |

—

that any detainee who is not to be charged but cannot be repatriated owing to a real risk of torture or persecution in his home country is given the opportunity to be admitted to the United States, offered humanitarian protection on the United States mainland and afforded redress;

| 4. | Calls on the Member States, should the US administration so request, to cooperate in finding solutions, to be prepared to accept Guantánamo inmates in the Union, in order to help reinforce international law, and to provide, as a priority, fair and humane treatment for all; recalls that Member States have a duty of loyal cooperation to consult each other regarding possible effects on public security throughout the Union; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Member States, should the US administration so request, to cooperate in finding solutions, to be prepared to accept Guantánamo inmates in the Union, in order to help reinforce international law, and to provide, as a priority, fair and humane treatment for all; recalls that Member States have a duty of loyal cooperation to consult each other regarding possible effects on public security throughout the Union;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative for the CFSP, the parliaments of the Member States, the NATO Secretary General, the Secretary General and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the United Nations Secretary-General and the President and Congress of the United States of America. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative for the CFSP, the parliaments of the Member States, the NATO Secretary General, the Secretary General and President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the United Nations Secretary-General and the President and Congress of the United States of America.

---

(1)  OJ C 300 E, 9.12.2006, p. 136.

(2)  OJ C 290 E, 29.11.2006, p. 423.

(3)  OJ C 102 E, 28.4.2004, p. 640.

(4)  OJ C 284 E, 21.11.2002, p. 353.

(5)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 309.

---

Thursday 5 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/94 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/94

---

Implementation in the EU of Directive 2003/9/EC on the minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008

P6_TA(2009)0047

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the implementation in the European Union of Directive 2003/9/EC laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers and refugees: visits by the Committee on Civil Liberties 2005-2008 (2008/2235(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/11)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers (1) (‘Reception Directive’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers (1) (‘Reception Directive’),

| — | having regard to Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status (2) (‘Procedures Directive’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status (2) (‘Procedures Directive’),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national (3) (‘Dublin II Regulation’), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003 of 18 February 2003 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an asylum application lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national (3) (‘Dublin II Regulation’),

| — | having regard to the Commission report of 26 November 2007 on the application of Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers (COM(2007)0745), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission report of 26 November 2007 on the application of Directive 2003/9/EC of 27 January 2003 laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers (COM(2007)0745),

| — | having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), and in particular to Articles 5 and 8 thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), and in particular to Articles 5 and 8 thereof,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,

| — | having regard to the reports by the delegations of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to Italy (Lampedusa), Spain (Ceuta and Melilla, Canary Islands), France (Paris), Malta, Greece, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark and Cyprus, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the reports by the delegations of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs to Italy (Lampedusa), Spain (Ceuta and Melilla, Canary Islands), France (Paris), Malta, Greece, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark and Cyprus,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 April 2005 on Lampedusa (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 April 2005 on Lampedusa (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 April 2006 on the situation with refugee camps in Malta (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 April 2006 on the situation with refugee camps in Malta (5),

| — | having regard to the proposal for the recasting of the Reception Directive (COM(2008)0815) (‘the recasting proposal’) and the proposal for the revision of the Dublin II Regulation (COM (2008)0820), submitted together by the Commission on 3 December 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for the recasting of the Reception Directive (COM(2008)0815) (‘the recasting proposal’) and the proposal for the revision of the Dublin II Regulation (COM (2008)0820), submitted together by the Commission on 3 December 2008,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A6-0024/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A6-0024/2009),

| A. | whereas the Reception Directive is one of the building blocks of the first phase of the Common European Asylum System, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Reception Directive is one of the building blocks of the first phase of the Common European Asylum System,

| B. | whereas the Reception Directive applies to asylum seekers and refugees, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Reception Directive applies to asylum seekers and refugees,

| C. | whereas fundamental rights, such as the right to live in dignity, the protection of family life, access to health care and the right of appeal, must be guaranteed at all times, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas fundamental rights, such as the right to live in dignity, the protection of family life, access to health care and the right of appeal, must be guaranteed at all times,

| D. | whereas the Reception and Procedures Directives require Member States to provide asylum seekers with information in writing concerning their rights and the organisations providing assistance; and whereas it is essential - in view of the complexity of procedures and short deadlines, particularly in accelerated procedure cases - that asylum seekers receive appropriate legal advice, have access to an interpreter when necessary and receive decisions concerning them in a language which they can be reasonably expected to understand, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Reception and Procedures Directives require Member States to provide asylum seekers with information in writing concerning their rights and the organisations providing assistance; and whereas it is essential - in view of the complexity of procedures and short deadlines, particularly in accelerated procedure cases - that asylum seekers receive appropriate legal advice, have access to an interpreter when necessary and receive decisions concerning them in a language which they can be reasonably expected to understand,

| E. | whereas it is important to ensure that asylum procedures are clear (in particular the criteria for accepting or rejecting an application for asylum), fair, effective and proportionate, in order to guarantee effective access to asylum, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas it is important to ensure that asylum procedures are clear (in particular the criteria for accepting or rejecting an application for asylum), fair, effective and proportionate, in order to guarantee effective access to asylum,

| F. | whereas Article 7 of the Reception Directive grants asylum seekers the right to move freely within the Member State in which they have applied for asylum, but whereas Member States may restrict that right, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Article 7 of the Reception Directive grants asylum seekers the right to move freely within the Member State in which they have applied for asylum, but whereas Member States may restrict that right,

| G. | whereas the Reception Directive applies to asylum seekers and refugees, but whereas in many of the centres visited asylum seekers and irregular migrants are held on the same premises, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the Reception Directive applies to asylum seekers and refugees, but whereas in many of the centres visited asylum seekers and irregular migrants are held on the same premises,

| H. | whereas the Convention on the Rights of the Child protects the rights of all minors, including those outside their country of origin, and whereas the Reception Directive requires Member States to take into account the particular situation of minors and grants them specific rights, such as the right to education, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Convention on the Rights of the Child protects the rights of all minors, including those outside their country of origin, and whereas the Reception Directive requires Member States to take into account the particular situation of minors and grants them specific rights, such as the right to education,

| I. | whereas not all Member States use reception centres for all or many asylum seekers, preferring alternatives based in the community and whereas the Committee on Civil Liberties has not yet investigated that aspect of Member State practice, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas not all Member States use reception centres for all or many asylum seekers, preferring alternatives based in the community and whereas the Committee on Civil Liberties has not yet investigated that aspect of Member State practice,

| J. | whereas for the purpose of this resolution ‘detention’ means an administrative procedure of a temporary character, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas for the purpose of this resolution ‘detention’ means an administrative procedure of a temporary character,

| K. | whereas detention is a temporary administrative measure that differs from penal detention, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas detention is a temporary administrative measure that differs from penal detention,

| L. | whereas, during some of their visits, the Members noted on several occasions, where this was necessary owing to the poor conditions in a particular centre, that the detention conditions in some centres were intolerable from the point of view of hygiene, overcrowding and the equipment available, and whereas the people detained were not systematically informed of the reasons for their detention, of their rights and of the progress in their case, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas, during some of their visits, the Members noted on several occasions, where this was necessary owing to the poor conditions in a particular centre, that the detention conditions in some centres were intolerable from the point of view of hygiene, overcrowding and the equipment available, and whereas the people detained were not systematically informed of the reasons for their detention, of their rights and of the progress in their case,

General comments and asylum procedures

| 1. | Regrets that some visits revealed that the existing directives were being poorly applied, or were not being applied at all, by some Member States; calls on the Commission to take the necessary measures to ensure that the directives are transposed and complied with more than just formally; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Regrets that some visits revealed that the existing directives were being poorly applied, or were not being applied at all, by some Member States; calls on the Commission to take the necessary measures to ensure that the directives are transposed and complied with more than just formally;

| 2. | Stresses that the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the ECHR, such as the right to live in dignity, the protection of family life, access to health care and the right of effective recourse against detention, should be applied at all times and regardless of the status of the third-country national involved; therefore cannot accept that a person is not treated accordingly for the sole reason that he or she is an irregular immigrant; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the ECHR, such as the right to live in dignity, the protection of family life, access to health care and the right of effective recourse against detention, should be applied at all times and regardless of the status of the third-country national involved; therefore cannot accept that a person is not treated accordingly for the sole reason that he or she is an irregular immigrant;

| 3. | Deplores the number of deficiencies regarding the level of reception conditions which mainly results from the fact that the Reception Directive currently allows Member States a wide margin of discretion concerning the establishment of reception conditions at national level; therefore welcomes the above-mentioned recasting proposal; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Deplores the number of deficiencies regarding the level of reception conditions which mainly results from the fact that the Reception Directive currently allows Member States a wide margin of discretion concerning the establishment of reception conditions at national level; therefore welcomes the above-mentioned recasting proposal;

| 4. | Expresses its satisfaction with the Commission's recasting proposal, and welcomes the fact that the stated objective is to ensure higher standards of treatment for asylum seekers in order to ensure a decent standard of living and to permit greater harmonisation of the national rules governing reception conditions; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Expresses its satisfaction with the Commission's recasting proposal, and welcomes the fact that the stated objective is to ensure higher standards of treatment for asylum seekers in order to ensure a decent standard of living and to permit greater harmonisation of the national rules governing reception conditions;

| 5. | Expresses its satisfaction with the Commission's proposal to expand the scope of the Reception Directive to cover subsidiary protection in order to ensure that the same level of rights attaches to all forms of international protection; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Expresses its satisfaction with the Commission's proposal to expand the scope of the Reception Directive to cover subsidiary protection in order to ensure that the same level of rights attaches to all forms of international protection;

| 6. | Calls on the Member States to show more solidarity - not limited to technical and/or financial solidarity - with the countries most affected by the challenges of immigration; calls on the Commission to study the possibility of proposing an EU solidarity instrument aimed at relieving the burden posed by the high number of refugees received by Member States with external borders, which would be based on the principle of respect for the wishes of asylum seekers and would afford a high level of protection; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Member States to show more solidarity - not limited to technical and/or financial solidarity - with the countries most affected by the challenges of immigration; calls on the Commission to study the possibility of proposing an EU solidarity instrument aimed at relieving the burden posed by the high number of refugees received by Member States with external borders, which would be based on the principle of respect for the wishes of asylum seekers and would afford a high level of protection;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to establish, in cooperation with Parliament, a permanent system of visits and inspections; hopes that the Committee on Civil Liberties can continue its visits with a view to ensuring that Community law concerning reception conditions and return procedures is complied with and that an annual debate is held on the outcome of these visits at a plenary Parliamentary sitting; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission to establish, in cooperation with Parliament, a permanent system of visits and inspections; hopes that the Committee on Civil Liberties can continue its visits with a view to ensuring that Community law concerning reception conditions and return procedures is complied with and that an annual debate is held on the outcome of these visits at a plenary Parliamentary sitting;

Reception

| 8. | Regrets that the open accommodation centres set up by certain Member States have low capacity and do not appear to meet migrants' needs; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Regrets that the open accommodation centres set up by certain Member States have low capacity and do not appear to meet migrants' needs;

| 9. | Calls for priority to be given to the reception of asylum seekers and immigrants in open reception centres, along the lines of those which already exist in certain Member States, rather than in closed units; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls for priority to be given to the reception of asylum seekers and immigrants in open reception centres, along the lines of those which already exist in certain Member States, rather than in closed units;

| 10. | Reminds the Member States of their obligation to guarantee access to asylum application procedures; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Reminds the Member States of their obligation to guarantee access to asylum application procedures;

| 11. | Urges the Member States to apply the Reception Directive to all asylum seekers from the moment when they express their wish to request protection in a Member State, even if the asylum claim has not been formally lodged; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Urges the Member States to apply the Reception Directive to all asylum seekers from the moment when they express their wish to request protection in a Member State, even if the asylum claim has not been formally lodged;

| 12. | Urges the Commission to remind Member States that withdrawal or reduction of reception conditions on grounds not included in the Reception Directive is or should be strictly prohibited; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Urges the Commission to remind Member States that withdrawal or reduction of reception conditions on grounds not included in the Reception Directive is or should be strictly prohibited;

| 13. | Considers that basic reception conditions, such as food, housing and emergency heath care should never be withheld, since their withdrawal may violate the fundamental rights of asylum seekers; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Considers that basic reception conditions, such as food, housing and emergency heath care should never be withheld, since their withdrawal may violate the fundamental rights of asylum seekers;

| 14. | Considers it necessary to strike a fair balance between speedy procedures, reducing the backlog and fair treatment of each individual case, particularly in accelerated procedure cases; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Considers it necessary to strike a fair balance between speedy procedures, reducing the backlog and fair treatment of each individual case, particularly in accelerated procedure cases;

Access to information and right to interpretation

| 15. | Notes that the information about procedures is largely in writing and that the deadlines are very short, which poses a problem of understanding and constitutes an obstacle to asylum seekers effectively exercising their rights when they submit an application; calls for brochures explaining all the rights of asylum seekers to be made available to them in the main international languages and in the languages spoken by a significant number of asylum seekers and immigrants in the Member State concerned; calls on the Member States also to provide information by other means, including orally, on television and via the Internet; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Notes that the information about procedures is largely in writing and that the deadlines are very short, which poses a problem of understanding and constitutes an obstacle to asylum seekers effectively exercising their rights when they submit an application; calls for brochures explaining all the rights of asylum seekers to be made available to them in the main international languages and in the languages spoken by a significant number of asylum seekers and immigrants in the Member State concerned; calls on the Member States also to provide information by other means, including orally, on television and via the Internet;

| 16. | Expresses its concern over the frequent lack of adequately trained interpreters in some of the centres visited, including at official interviews; urges the Member States to provide a public interpreting service free of charge, if necessary by telephone or via the Internet; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Expresses its concern over the frequent lack of adequately trained interpreters in some of the centres visited, including at official interviews; urges the Member States to provide a public interpreting service free of charge, if necessary by telephone or via the Internet;

| 17. | Encourages the Member States to make use of financial assistance under the European Refugee Fund in order to improve access to information and, in particular, to increase the number of languages, or media, in which the information is made available; calls on the Commission to send the Member States information on the financial instruments available for that purpose and on the current best practices relating to their use; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Encourages the Member States to make use of financial assistance under the European Refugee Fund in order to improve access to information and, in particular, to increase the number of languages, or media, in which the information is made available; calls on the Commission to send the Member States information on the financial instruments available for that purpose and on the current best practices relating to their use;

Legal assistance

| 18. | Regrets that access to free legal aid appears limited for asylum seekers and detained irregular immigrants and amounts sometimes to no more than a list of lawyers' names, resulting in people without sufficient funds being left without assistance; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Regrets that access to free legal aid appears limited for asylum seekers and detained irregular immigrants and amounts sometimes to no more than a list of lawyers' names, resulting in people without sufficient funds being left without assistance;

| 19. | Notes that it is particularly difficult for people in detention to find appropriate legal assistance given the difficulties of external communication and the specific nature of the relevant legislation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Notes that it is particularly difficult for people in detention to find appropriate legal assistance given the difficulties of external communication and the specific nature of the relevant legislation;

| 20. | Notes that continuity of access to legal assistance is made more difficult when people in detention are moved between different reception or administrative detention centres; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Notes that continuity of access to legal assistance is made more difficult when people in detention are moved between different reception or administrative detention centres;

| 21. | Appreciates the legal assistance provided by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but believes that this cannot be a substitute for the responsibilities of the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Appreciates the legal assistance provided by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but believes that this cannot be a substitute for the responsibilities of the Member States;

| 22. | Urges the Member States to ensure access to legal assistance and/or representation free of charge in all cases where the asylum seeker cannot afford the costs involved; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Urges the Member States to ensure access to legal assistance and/or representation free of charge in all cases where the asylum seeker cannot afford the costs involved;

Access to health care

| 23. | Regrets that in most of the detention centres visited, asylum seekers and migrants complained systematically about insufficient and inadequate medical care, the difficulties of consulting or communicating with doctors and the lack of specific care (in particular, for pregnant women and victims of torture) and of appropriate medicines; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Regrets that in most of the detention centres visited, asylum seekers and migrants complained systematically about insufficient and inadequate medical care, the difficulties of consulting or communicating with doctors and the lack of specific care (in particular, for pregnant women and victims of torture) and of appropriate medicines;

| 24. | Calls on the Member States to extend the medical cover currently offered to asylum seekers and migrants so that it is not limited solely to emergency care, and to also provide psychological counselling and mental health care; points out that the right to health and medical treatment are among the most fundamental human rights; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Member States to extend the medical cover currently offered to asylum seekers and migrants so that it is not limited solely to emergency care, and to also provide psychological counselling and mental health care; points out that the right to health and medical treatment are among the most fundamental human rights;

Access to employment

| 25. | Welcomes the Commission proposal to tackle the obstacles to access to the labour market and to allow access to employment after a period of six months from the lodging of an application for international protection; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Welcomes the Commission proposal to tackle the obstacles to access to the labour market and to allow access to employment after a period of six months from the lodging of an application for international protection;

| 26. | Calls on the Member States not to impose legal or administrative constraints amounting to obstacles to employment access; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Member States not to impose legal or administrative constraints amounting to obstacles to employment access;

Assistance provided by NGOs

| 27. | Recognises the considerable work done by various associations in providing assistance to asylum seekers and irregular migrants; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Recognises the considerable work done by various associations in providing assistance to asylum seekers and irregular migrants;

| 28. | Calls on Member States to learn from the good practice developed within the asylum seeker strand of EQUAL concerning effective preparation for the labour market; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on Member States to learn from the good practice developed within the asylum seeker strand of EQUAL concerning effective preparation for the labour market;

| 29. | Calls on the Member States to ensure that asylum seekers and irregular migrants have access to aid – from players independent of the national authorities – in defending their rights, including during detention; calls on the Member States to guarantee civil society a legal right of access to places of detention for foreign nationals without any legal or administrative constraints; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Member States to ensure that asylum seekers and irregular migrants have access to aid – from players independent of the national authorities – in defending their rights, including during detention; calls on the Member States to guarantee civil society a legal right of access to places of detention for foreign nationals without any legal or administrative constraints;

| 30. | Calls on Member States not to resort to the detention of asylum seekers under any circumstances, since they are per se vulnerable people in need of protection; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on Member States not to resort to the detention of asylum seekers under any circumstances, since they are per se vulnerable people in need of protection;

Detention

| 31. | Regrets that a number of Member States are making increasing use of detention; stresses that a person should not in any event be held in detention for the sole reason that he/she is seeking international protection; stresses that detention must be a measure of last resort, proportionate, for the shortest period possible and only in cases where other less coercive measures cannot be applied, and on the basis of an individual assessment of each case; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Regrets that a number of Member States are making increasing use of detention; stresses that a person should not in any event be held in detention for the sole reason that he/she is seeking international protection; stresses that detention must be a measure of last resort, proportionate, for the shortest period possible and only in cases where other less coercive measures cannot be applied, and on the basis of an individual assessment of each case;

| 32. | Points out that the right to contest a deprivation of liberty is laid down in Article 5 of the ECHR; calls for all third-country nationals placed in detention to be able to exercise that right; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Points out that the right to contest a deprivation of liberty is laid down in Article 5 of the ECHR; calls for all third-country nationals placed in detention to be able to exercise that right;

| 33. | Is concerned at the prison conditions in which irregular migrants and asylum seekers are detained even though they have committed no crime; calls for such persons to be detained in separate, preferably open, buildings in order to ensure their protection and provision of assistance; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Is concerned at the prison conditions in which irregular migrants and asylum seekers are detained even though they have committed no crime; calls for such persons to be detained in separate, preferably open, buildings in order to ensure their protection and provision of assistance;

| 34. | Is concerned by the dilapidated state of, and lack of hygiene in, certain detention centres; points out that the obligation to provide a decent reception also applies to people in detention; calls for all centres not complying with standards to be closed as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Is concerned by the dilapidated state of, and lack of hygiene in, certain detention centres; points out that the obligation to provide a decent reception also applies to people in detention; calls for all centres not complying with standards to be closed as soon as possible;

| 35. | Notes that access to health care, and particularly to psychological care, is often made difficult, since some detention centres are located in prison establishments; calls on the Member States to provide appropriate medical attention in detention centres, including psychological care, round-the-clock; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Notes that access to health care, and particularly to psychological care, is often made difficult, since some detention centres are located in prison establishments; calls on the Member States to provide appropriate medical attention in detention centres, including psychological care, round-the-clock;

| 36. | Calls on the Member States to improve contact between persons in detention and the outside world, including by allowing regular visits, increasing telephone access and making free internet access (under certain conditions) and mass media access available in all the centres; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Member States to improve contact between persons in detention and the outside world, including by allowing regular visits, increasing telephone access and making free internet access (under certain conditions) and mass media access available in all the centres;

| 37. | Calls on the Member States to publish an annual report on the number and location of closed detention centres, on their operation and on the number of persons held there; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Member States to publish an annual report on the number and location of closed detention centres, on their operation and on the number of persons held there;

| 38. | Calls on the Member States to ensure the regular inspection of closed detention centres and of the conditions in which people are held there by creating a national detention centres ombudsman; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Member States to ensure the regular inspection of closed detention centres and of the conditions in which people are held there by creating a national detention centres ombudsman;

Unaccompanied minors and families

| 39. | Points out that all decisions and measures taken with regard to a minor must be based on the best interests of the child, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child; stresses the need to take the measures and adopt the means required to protect unaccompanied minors, whether or not they are refugees; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Points out that all decisions and measures taken with regard to a minor must be based on the best interests of the child, in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child; stresses the need to take the measures and adopt the means required to protect unaccompanied minors, whether or not they are refugees;

| 40. | Calls on Member States to consider setting up independent official bodies to monitor standards and conditions in closed centres as well as implementing an official inspection system which will publish its reports; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on Member States to consider setting up independent official bodies to monitor standards and conditions in closed centres as well as implementing an official inspection system which will publish its reports;

| 41. | Calls for the detention of minors to be prohibited in principle, and for the detention of minors with their parents to be exceptional and having the objective of ensuring that the best interests of the child are served; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls for the detention of minors to be prohibited in principle, and for the detention of minors with their parents to be exceptional and having the objective of ensuring that the best interests of the child are served;

| 42. | Calls on those Member States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify without reservations the Convention on the Rights of the Child; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Calls on those Member States that have not yet done so to sign and ratify without reservations the Convention on the Rights of the Child;

| 43. | Calls on the Member States to enforce General Comment No 8(2006) of 2 March 2007 of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on children's rights to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment, including within the family, especially when minors are in detention; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Calls on the Member States to enforce General Comment No 8(2006) of 2 March 2007 of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on children's rights to protection from corporal punishment and other cruel or degrading forms of punishment, including within the family, especially when minors are in detention;

| 44. | Points out that all minors have the right to education, whether or not they are in their country of origin; calls on the Member States to guarantee that right, including when minors are in detention; calls for access to education to be provided directly in the community, in an appropriate manner corresponding to the assessment of the level of the child's knowledge, while at the same time developing transitional models allowing the acquisition of the necessary linguistic competences for a normal education, so as to ensure the best possible integration of children and their families; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Points out that all minors have the right to education, whether or not they are in their country of origin; calls on the Member States to guarantee that right, including when minors are in detention; calls for access to education to be provided directly in the community, in an appropriate manner corresponding to the assessment of the level of the child's knowledge, while at the same time developing transitional models allowing the acquisition of the necessary linguistic competences for a normal education, so as to ensure the best possible integration of children and their families;

| 45. | Points out that minors have the right to leisure activities appropriate to their age, and calls on the Member States to guarantee that right even when children are in detention; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Points out that minors have the right to leisure activities appropriate to their age, and calls on the Member States to guarantee that right even when children are in detention;

| 46. | Calls on the Member States to guarantee that unaccompanied minors and families are housed in separate accommodation even in detention, so as to guarantee adequate private and family life as provided for by Article 8 of the ECHR, as well as a protective environment for children; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Calls on the Member States to guarantee that unaccompanied minors and families are housed in separate accommodation even in detention, so as to guarantee adequate private and family life as provided for by Article 8 of the ECHR, as well as a protective environment for children;

| 47. | Expects everyone working with minors and unaccompanied minors to receive specialist training appropriate to the children's situation; considers that NGOs specialising in that field could make a major contribution to it; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Expects everyone working with minors and unaccompanied minors to receive specialist training appropriate to the children's situation; considers that NGOs specialising in that field could make a major contribution to it;

Unaccompanied minors

| 48. | Calls for an independent legal guardian to be appointed for each unaccompanied minor to ensure his or her protection both in waiting areas such as airports, railway stations and throughout the territory of the Member States; calls for the powers and role of the legal guardian to be clearly defined; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Calls for an independent legal guardian to be appointed for each unaccompanied minor to ensure his or her protection both in waiting areas such as airports, railway stations and throughout the territory of the Member States; calls for the powers and role of the legal guardian to be clearly defined;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce a proactive duty to trace family members, including for organisations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to introduce a proactive duty to trace family members, including for organisations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent;

| 50. | Is concerned at the phenomenon of unaccompanied minors disappearing; calls on the Member States to gather data and statistics pursuant to Article 4(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007/EC (6) concerning the identification of, and provision of assistance to, unaccompanied minors in order to combat this phenomenon; believes that the best way to discourage the disappearance of minors is to provide suitable reception facilities for them, where they may also receive an education appropriate to their age (schooling, vocational training, etc.); |
| --- | --- |

50.

Is concerned at the phenomenon of unaccompanied minors disappearing; calls on the Member States to gather data and statistics pursuant to Article 4(3)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007/EC (6) concerning the identification of, and provision of assistance to, unaccompanied minors in order to combat this phenomenon; believes that the best way to discourage the disappearance of minors is to provide suitable reception facilities for them, where they may also receive an education appropriate to their age (schooling, vocational training, etc.);

| 51. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place a harmonised and reliable mechanism for identifying unaccompanied minors – by making use of the latest technologies such as the use of biometric data – and common rules concerning age disputes; points out, in this regard, that during an age dispute procedure the person concerned must, as a precaution, be considered a minor until the end of the procedure and therefore treated as such, and that whenever there is reasonable doubt as to the age of the minor, this must be to the benefit of the minor; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to put in place a harmonised and reliable mechanism for identifying unaccompanied minors – by making use of the latest technologies such as the use of biometric data – and common rules concerning age disputes; points out, in this regard, that during an age dispute procedure the person concerned must, as a precaution, be considered a minor until the end of the procedure and therefore treated as such, and that whenever there is reasonable doubt as to the age of the minor, this must be to the benefit of the minor;

Families

| 52. | Calls on the Member States to consider alternative measures to detention and, where appropriate and before detaining families which include minors, to demonstrate that the alternatives considered are not effective; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Member States to consider alternative measures to detention and, where appropriate and before detaining families which include minors, to demonstrate that the alternatives considered are not effective;

| 53. | Calls for families seeking asylum to have access to family services, child services and medical consultations by child protection specialists; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls for families seeking asylum to have access to family services, child services and medical consultations by child protection specialists;

Vulnerable persons

| 54. | Calls on the Commission to lay down mandatory common standards for identifying vulnerable persons, particularly victims of torture or human trafficking, people requiring special medical treatment, pregnant women and minors; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls on the Commission to lay down mandatory common standards for identifying vulnerable persons, particularly victims of torture or human trafficking, people requiring special medical treatment, pregnant women and minors;

| 55. | Considers that no vulnerable person, given their particular circumstances, should be placed in detention as that would have serious repercussions for their wellbeing; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Considers that no vulnerable person, given their particular circumstances, should be placed in detention as that would have serious repercussions for their wellbeing;

| 56. | Urges the Member States to provide specialist assistance to vulnerable persons and victims of torture and trafficking, particularly psychological assistance, to ensure their protection; calls for all staff having contact with vulnerable persons, including the officials responsible for asylum applications and the police, to receive specialist training; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Urges the Member States to provide specialist assistance to vulnerable persons and victims of torture and trafficking, particularly psychological assistance, to ensure their protection; calls for all staff having contact with vulnerable persons, including the officials responsible for asylum applications and the police, to receive specialist training;

Dublin System

| 57. | Is concerned at the increased number of people detained under the Dublin System and at the near-routine use of detention measures by certain Member States; expects people not to be placed in detention if the Member State has not demonstrated a risk of their absconding; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Is concerned at the increased number of people detained under the Dublin System and at the near-routine use of detention measures by certain Member States; expects people not to be placed in detention if the Member State has not demonstrated a risk of their absconding;

| 58. | Regrets that certain Member States limit the access of persons under the Dublin System to reception standards; calls on the Commission to establish clearly that the Reception Directive also applies to such persons, in order to ensure that they are able to exercise their full rights; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Regrets that certain Member States limit the access of persons under the Dublin System to reception standards; calls on the Commission to establish clearly that the Reception Directive also applies to such persons, in order to ensure that they are able to exercise their full rights;

*

- *

| 59. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

59.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 31, 6.2.2003, p. 18.

(2)  OJ L 326, 13.12.2005, p. 13.

(3)  OJ L 50, 25.2.2003, p. 1.

(4)  OJ C 33 E, 9.2.2006, p. 598.

(5)  OJ C 293 E, 2.12.2006, p. 301.

(6)  Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 July 2007 on Community statistics on migration and international protection (OJ L 199, 31.7.2007, p. 23).

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/101 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/101

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Enhancing the role of European SMEs in international trade

P6_TA(2009)0048

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on enhancing the role of European SMEs in international trade (2008/2205(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/12)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the European Charter for Small Enterprises, adopted by the European Council at its meeting in Santa Maria da Feira on 19 and 20 June 2000, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Charter for Small Enterprises, adopted by the European Council at its meeting in Santa Maria da Feira on 19 and 20 June 2000,

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions on the Lisbon Strategy adopted by the European Council in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions on the Lisbon Strategy adopted by the European Council in Lisbon on 23 and 24 March 2000,

| — | having regard to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (1),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 21 January 2003 entitled ‘Thinking small in an enlarging Europe’ (COM(2003)0026), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 21 January 2003 entitled ‘Thinking small in an enlarging Europe’ (COM(2003)0026),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 10 November 2005 entitled ‘Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme – Modern SME policy for growth and employment’ (COM(2005)0551), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 November 2005 entitled ‘Implementing the Community Lisbon Programme – Modern SME policy for growth and employment’ (COM(2005)0551),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 4 October 2006 entitled ‘Global Europe: Competing in the world – A contribution to the EU's growth and jobs strategy’ (COM(2006)0567), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 4 October 2006 entitled ‘Global Europe: Competing in the world – A contribution to the EU's growth and jobs strategy’ (COM(2006)0567),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 May 2007 on Global Europe – external aspects of competitiveness (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 May 2007 on Global Europe – external aspects of competitiveness (2),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 4 October 2007 entitled ‘Small and medium-sized enterprises – Key for delivering more growth and jobs. A mid-term review of modern SME policy’ (COM(2007)0592), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 4 October 2007 entitled ‘Small and medium-sized enterprises – Key for delivering more growth and jobs. A mid-term review of modern SME policy’ (COM(2007)0592),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 18 April 2007 entitled ‘Global Europe: A stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters’ (COM(2007)0183), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 18 April 2007 entitled ‘Global Europe: A stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters’ (COM(2007)0183),

| — | having regard to the report on the public consultation on the EU market access strategy, presented by the Commission (DG Trade) on 28 February 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report on the public consultation on the EU market access strategy, presented by the Commission (DG Trade) on 28 February 2007,

| — | having regard to the Final Report of the Expert Group on Supporting the Internationalisation of SMEs, published by the Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry, Promotion of SME competitiveness) in December 2007 (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Final Report of the Expert Group on Supporting the Internationalisation of SMEs, published by the Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry, Promotion of SME competitiveness) in December 2007 (3),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘Think Small First – Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 25 June 2008 entitled ‘Think Small First – Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394),

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 6 December 2006 entitled ‘Global Europe: Europe's trade defence instruments in a changing global economy – A Green Paper for public consultation’ (COM(2006)0763), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 6 December 2006 entitled ‘Global Europe: Europe's trade defence instruments in a changing global economy – A Green Paper for public consultation’ (COM(2006)0763),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 September 2006 on the EU's economic and trade relations with India (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 28 September 2006 on the EU's economic and trade relations with India (4),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2006 on the annual report from the Commission to the European Parliament on third country anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard action against the Community (2004) (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2006 on the annual report from the Commission to the European Parliament on third country anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard action against the Community (2004) (5),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 4 April 2006 on the assessment of the Doha Round following the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 4 April 2006 on the assessment of the Doha Round following the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 October 2006 on economic and trade relations between the EU and Mercosur with a view to the conclusion of an Interregional Association Agreement (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 October 2006 on economic and trade relations between the EU and Mercosur with a view to the conclusion of an Interregional Association Agreement (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on EU-US transatlantic economic relations (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2006 on EU-US transatlantic economic relations (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 13 October 2005 on prospects for trade relations between the EU and China (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 13 October 2005 on prospects for trade relations between the EU and China (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 September 2005 on textiles and clothing after 2005 (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 September 2005 on textiles and clothing after 2005 (10),

| — | having regard to the Commission staff working document of 14 November 2006 – Accompanying document to the Communication from the Commission – Economic reforms and competitiveness: key messages from the European Competitiveness Report 2006 (SEC(2006)1467), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission staff working document of 14 November 2006 – Accompanying document to the Communication from the Commission – Economic reforms and competitiveness: key messages from the European Competitiveness Report 2006 (SEC(2006)1467),

| — | having regard to the Presidency conclusions adopted by the European Council in Brussels on 23 and 24 March 2006 (7775/1/2006), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Presidency conclusions adopted by the European Council in Brussels on 23 and 24 March 2006 (7775/1/2006),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 15 March 2006 on the input to the Spring 2006 European Council in relation to the Lisbon Strategy (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 15 March 2006 on the input to the Spring 2006 European Council in relation to the Lisbon Strategy (11),

| — | having regard to the declaration adopted by consensus on 2 December 2006 at the annual session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration adopted by consensus on 2 December 2006 at the annual session of the Parliamentary Conference on the WTO,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 24 April 2008 entitled ‘Towards a reform of the World Trade Organisation’ (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 24 April 2008 entitled ‘Towards a reform of the World Trade Organisation’ (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2006 on origin marking (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 6 July 2006 on origin marking (13),

| — | having regard to the General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions of 12 February 2007 concerning the WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement and SMEs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the General Affairs and External Relations Council conclusions of 12 February 2007 concerning the WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement and SMEs,

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A6-0001/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A6-0001/2009),

| A. | whereas the EU SMEs, defined as enterprises with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, account for 23 million enterprises (99% of the total) and 75 million jobs (70%) in the European Union, |
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A.

whereas the EU SMEs, defined as enterprises with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, account for 23 million enterprises (99% of the total) and 75 million jobs (70%) in the European Union,

| B. | whereas more than 96 % of SMEs in the European Union have fewer than 50 employees and less than EUR 10 million in annual turnover which limits their ability to export goods and services outside their national borders, due to the high fixed costs linked to international trade; |
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B.

whereas more than 96 % of SMEs in the European Union have fewer than 50 employees and less than EUR 10 million in annual turnover which limits their ability to export goods and services outside their national borders, due to the high fixed costs linked to international trade;

| C. | whereas their international performance is therefore structurally weak, although 8% of SMEs in the European Union export goods outside their national borders and almost 3% of SMEs view the export of goods outside the European Union as a priority; whereas by contrast the top ten EU companies account for 96% of EU exports and foreign direct investment, |
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C.

whereas their international performance is therefore structurally weak, although 8% of SMEs in the European Union export goods outside their national borders and almost 3% of SMEs view the export of goods outside the European Union as a priority; whereas by contrast the top ten EU companies account for 96% of EU exports and foreign direct investment,

| D. | whereas the forecasted economic growth in third countries is expected to be higher than in the internal market, which will create new opportunities for exporting SMEs, |
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D.

whereas the forecasted economic growth in third countries is expected to be higher than in the internal market, which will create new opportunities for exporting SMEs,

| E. | whereas SMEs will face more intense competition inside the European Union by competitors from third countries, |
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E.

whereas SMEs will face more intense competition inside the European Union by competitors from third countries,

| F. | whereas the best means of ensuring opportunities for SMEs in the globalised economy is through open markets and fair competition, |
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F.

whereas the best means of ensuring opportunities for SMEs in the globalised economy is through open markets and fair competition,

| G. | whereas internationalised companies have demonstrated a greater capacity for innovation; whereas internationalisation and innovation are key drivers of competitiveness and growth, which are crucial for the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals as regards growth and jobs, |
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G.

whereas internationalised companies have demonstrated a greater capacity for innovation; whereas internationalisation and innovation are key drivers of competitiveness and growth, which are crucial for the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy goals as regards growth and jobs,

| H. | whereas internationalisation generates growth and competitiveness, helping businesses expand and thus increasing employment, and whereas SMEs create 80% of new jobs in the European Union, |
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H.

whereas internationalisation generates growth and competitiveness, helping businesses expand and thus increasing employment, and whereas SMEs create 80% of new jobs in the European Union,

| I. | whereas SMEs have to cope with specific problems when embarking on the process of internationalisation, such as their lack of international experience, the difficulty of gaining access to finance, the shortage of experienced human resources, and a very complex international normative framework and these burdens dissuade them from making the necessary structural changes in order to be able to benefit from internationalisation, |
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I.

whereas SMEs have to cope with specific problems when embarking on the process of internationalisation, such as their lack of international experience, the difficulty of gaining access to finance, the shortage of experienced human resources, and a very complex international normative framework and these burdens dissuade them from making the necessary structural changes in order to be able to benefit from internationalisation,

| J. | whereas SMEs engaged in international trade have a role to play in reshaping the EU economic landscape so as to become the next-generation of large companies that the European Union needs in order to achieve the objective of 3% of GDP being spent on Research and Development, |
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J.

whereas SMEs engaged in international trade have a role to play in reshaping the EU economic landscape so as to become the next-generation of large companies that the European Union needs in order to achieve the objective of 3% of GDP being spent on Research and Development,

| K. | whereas EU SMEs have a key interest in markets that are closest geographically and culturally, namely in regions bordering the European Union such as the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans, |
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K.

whereas EU SMEs have a key interest in markets that are closest geographically and culturally, namely in regions bordering the European Union such as the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans,

| L. | whereas competitiveness also depends on the ability to guarantee SMEs adequate protection against unfair trading practices; whereas manufacturing production in the European Union is an important sector for economic growth and employment, |
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L.

whereas competitiveness also depends on the ability to guarantee SMEs adequate protection against unfair trading practices; whereas manufacturing production in the European Union is an important sector for economic growth and employment,

The multilateral framework and the WTO

| 1. | Stresses the need for the WTO system to ensure that it takes greater account of the role of SMEs and their interests; points out that SMEs need a clear and functional international normative framework; |
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1.

Stresses the need for the WTO system to ensure that it takes greater account of the role of SMEs and their interests; points out that SMEs need a clear and functional international normative framework;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission, in the context of the WTO negotiations, to provide for specific simplified rules for SMEs within free trade areas and for special clauses relating to the requirements of SMEs; |
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2.

Calls on the Commission, in the context of the WTO negotiations, to provide for specific simplified rules for SMEs within free trade areas and for special clauses relating to the requirements of SMEs;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to review their priorities at multilateral level by promoting the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers and to foster international trade through appropriate measures to simplify and harmonise standards; |
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3.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to review their priorities at multilateral level by promoting the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers and to foster international trade through appropriate measures to simplify and harmonise standards;

| 4. | Considers that the international trade system should be made less onerous for SMEs and that consideration should be given to setting up a rapid and low-cost system of international arbitration courts to enable SMEs to avoid the delays and problems which a legal dispute with customs or trade authorities would entail in certain third countries; |
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4.

Considers that the international trade system should be made less onerous for SMEs and that consideration should be given to setting up a rapid and low-cost system of international arbitration courts to enable SMEs to avoid the delays and problems which a legal dispute with customs or trade authorities would entail in certain third countries;

| 5. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour actively to reach a multilateral global agreement on ‘trade facilitation’, inter alia, to enable EU SMEs to benefit fully from globalisation and the opening of third country markets; |
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5.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to endeavour actively to reach a multilateral global agreement on ‘trade facilitation’, inter alia, to enable EU SMEs to benefit fully from globalisation and the opening of third country markets;

| 6. | Supports, in particular, the adoption of a firm stance in the negotiations on trade facilitation procedures, in order to lower the costs of customs procedures which can account for up to 15% of the value of the goods traded, through transparent and simplified procedures, harmonised international standards, effective recording of the origin of goods, and updated customs controls; |
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6.

Supports, in particular, the adoption of a firm stance in the negotiations on trade facilitation procedures, in order to lower the costs of customs procedures which can account for up to 15% of the value of the goods traded, through transparent and simplified procedures, harmonised international standards, effective recording of the origin of goods, and updated customs controls;

| 7. | Emphasises the importance of the conclusion of the negotiations on all chapters of the Doha Development Round to SMEs; |
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7.

Emphasises the importance of the conclusion of the negotiations on all chapters of the Doha Development Round to SMEs;

The Global Europe communication

| 8. | Supports the Commission's efforts to provide the European Union with a global strategy covering all external aspects of European competitiveness and helping to ensure that the Lisbon strategy objectives are fully achieved, but notes with regret the absence of any specific initiatives in favour of SMEs, which provide two thirds of employment in the European Union; calls on the Commission and the Council to remedy this shortcoming without delay and to set ambitious and, at the same time, realistic objectives to safeguard the interests of SMEs and make the necessary means and resources available; notes the importance of an effective Trade Barriers Regulation as a complementary instrument to that end; |
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8.

Supports the Commission's efforts to provide the European Union with a global strategy covering all external aspects of European competitiveness and helping to ensure that the Lisbon strategy objectives are fully achieved, but notes with regret the absence of any specific initiatives in favour of SMEs, which provide two thirds of employment in the European Union; calls on the Commission and the Council to remedy this shortcoming without delay and to set ambitious and, at the same time, realistic objectives to safeguard the interests of SMEs and make the necessary means and resources available; notes the importance of an effective Trade Barriers Regulation as a complementary instrument to that end;

| 9. | Considers that reciprocal trade liberalisation is necessary for SMEs and, in view of that, feels that the Commission should come up with an explicit response to the export difficulties faced by EU SMEs, explaining which national or European instruments the European Union could use to help SMEs improve their performance in global markets; |
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9.

Considers that reciprocal trade liberalisation is necessary for SMEs and, in view of that, feels that the Commission should come up with an explicit response to the export difficulties faced by EU SMEs, explaining which national or European instruments the European Union could use to help SMEs improve their performance in global markets;

Reform of trade defence instruments (TDIs)

| 10. | Welcomes the Commission's decision to withdraw the proposals for reform of the TDIs contained in the above-mentioned Green Paper for public consultation; |
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10.

Welcomes the Commission's decision to withdraw the proposals for reform of the TDIs contained in the above-mentioned Green Paper for public consultation;

| 11. | Takes the view that the Commission's reforms would not only have failed to enhance the external competitiveness of EU industry but would have caused further serious damage to those EU industrial sectors jeopardised by foreign products illegally subsidised or unduly favoured by dumping practices; stresses that the Trade Defence Instrument system (TDI system) must continue to be a quasi-judicial procedure, based on objective and factual assessments, in order to provide for predictability and legal certainty; |
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11.

Takes the view that the Commission's reforms would not only have failed to enhance the external competitiveness of EU industry but would have caused further serious damage to those EU industrial sectors jeopardised by foreign products illegally subsidised or unduly favoured by dumping practices; stresses that the Trade Defence Instrument system (TDI system) must continue to be a quasi-judicial procedure, based on objective and factual assessments, in order to provide for predictability and legal certainty;

| 12. | Considers that in the absence of internationally recognised rules on competition, the European TDI system is the best response to ensure a level playing field for all actors and takes the view that EU companies, especially SMEs, need an effective mechanism to combat unfair commercial practices; |
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12.

Considers that in the absence of internationally recognised rules on competition, the European TDI system is the best response to ensure a level playing field for all actors and takes the view that EU companies, especially SMEs, need an effective mechanism to combat unfair commercial practices;

| 13. | Emphasises that the TDI system serves to protect the interests of producers and employees against impairment caused by dumping or illegal subsidies; given the importance of TDIs, calls on the Commission to increase the transparency, predictability and accessibility of the investigations in particular for SMEs, and to accelerate and simplify procedures; |
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13.

Emphasises that the TDI system serves to protect the interests of producers and employees against impairment caused by dumping or illegal subsidies; given the importance of TDIs, calls on the Commission to increase the transparency, predictability and accessibility of the investigations in particular for SMEs, and to accelerate and simplify procedures;

| 14. | Recommends that the Commission and Member States introduce information and training measures for SMEs in order to encourage them to make use of TDIs; considers that the Commission, whilst adopting a neutral position, should provide targeted assistance to SMEs throughout all the different stages of trade defence investigations; in this respect considers it necessary to improve the services offered by the SME TDI helpdesk; |
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14.

Recommends that the Commission and Member States introduce information and training measures for SMEs in order to encourage them to make use of TDIs; considers that the Commission, whilst adopting a neutral position, should provide targeted assistance to SMEs throughout all the different stages of trade defence investigations; in this respect considers it necessary to improve the services offered by the SME TDI helpdesk;

| 15. | Regrets that only a limited number of investigations have concerned industrial sectors with a high concentration of SMEs; calls on the Commission to take every possible step, without delay, to rectify the current practice with a view to upholding the rights of SMEs more effectively and guaranteeing them easier access to safeguards under TDIs; |
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15.

Regrets that only a limited number of investigations have concerned industrial sectors with a high concentration of SMEs; calls on the Commission to take every possible step, without delay, to rectify the current practice with a view to upholding the rights of SMEs more effectively and guaranteeing them easier access to safeguards under TDIs;

| 16. | Considers, in this connection, that the ‘proportion of total Community production’ concept in the Trade Barriers Regulation (14) already offers possibilities for SMEs to initiate complaints, but nonetheless asks the Commission to ensure that professional associations with a high SME representation should be allowed to validly represent them before the Commission without changing the current threshold; |
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16.

Considers, in this connection, that the ‘proportion of total Community production’ concept in the Trade Barriers Regulation (14) already offers possibilities for SMEs to initiate complaints, but nonetheless asks the Commission to ensure that professional associations with a high SME representation should be allowed to validly represent them before the Commission without changing the current threshold;

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to react quickly and in an appropriate manner to third countries that make arbitrary use of TDIs, particularly when these measures affect EU SMEs; |
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17.

Calls on the Commission to react quickly and in an appropriate manner to third countries that make arbitrary use of TDIs, particularly when these measures affect EU SMEs;

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and origin markings

| 18. | Emphasises that SMEs need effective IPR protection as a precondition for developing new technologies, in order to enable them to undertake international activities; points out, therefore, that a simple and efficient IPR system is a key tool for promoting the internationalisation of SMEs; |
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18.

Emphasises that SMEs need effective IPR protection as a precondition for developing new technologies, in order to enable them to undertake international activities; points out, therefore, that a simple and efficient IPR system is a key tool for promoting the internationalisation of SMEs;

| 19. | Draws attention to the significant increase in recent years in infringements of IPR affecting EU SMEs, and to the fact that counterfeiting does not just affect large industrial companies but also SMEs that have managed to create high quality competitive products and suffer severe consequences from counterfeiting that in some cases can threaten their very existence; |
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19.

Draws attention to the significant increase in recent years in infringements of IPR affecting EU SMEs, and to the fact that counterfeiting does not just affect large industrial companies but also SMEs that have managed to create high quality competitive products and suffer severe consequences from counterfeiting that in some cases can threaten their very existence;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit themselves with renewed vigour to preventing and combating counterfeiting by means of appropriate internal policies and international initiatives, at both multilateral (e.g. the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) and bilateral (new economic cooperation agreements with third countries) level, taking due account of the impact of counterfeiting on SMEs; underlines that for SMEs the protection of geographical indications and of patent rights is equally if not more important than the protection of trademarks and copyrights; asks the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the high standards of data protection in the European Union are not violated by these measures; |
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20.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to commit themselves with renewed vigour to preventing and combating counterfeiting by means of appropriate internal policies and international initiatives, at both multilateral (e.g. the Anti Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) and bilateral (new economic cooperation agreements with third countries) level, taking due account of the impact of counterfeiting on SMEs; underlines that for SMEs the protection of geographical indications and of patent rights is equally if not more important than the protection of trademarks and copyrights; asks the Commission and the Member States to ensure that the high standards of data protection in the European Union are not violated by these measures;

| 21. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage SMEs to make use of instruments, such as patents, in order to secure their know-how and protect themselves against copying and counterfeiting; |
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21.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage SMEs to make use of instruments, such as patents, in order to secure their know-how and protect themselves against copying and counterfeiting;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States also to monitor and react in the event of IPR infringements and to call on their own trading partners to comply more strictly with the TRIPS agreement and their national intellectual property protection standards; |
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22.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States also to monitor and react in the event of IPR infringements and to call on their own trading partners to comply more strictly with the TRIPS agreement and their national intellectual property protection standards;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the control of imports by the customs authorities in order to ensure a more effective level of protection against products which infringe IPR held by EU companies; |
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23.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the control of imports by the customs authorities in order to ensure a more effective level of protection against products which infringe IPR held by EU companies;

| 24. | Regrets the delayed introduction of the Community origin marking system for certain products from non-European countries (such as textiles and footwear) (15) and expresses concern at this clear infringement of the rights of EU consumers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to remove as a matter of urgency the obstacles which have so far stood in the way of the entry into force of this legislation and to promote the European origin of such products, often seen by consumers as a guarantee of quality, safety and respect for high production standards; |
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24.

Regrets the delayed introduction of the Community origin marking system for certain products from non-European countries (such as textiles and footwear) (15) and expresses concern at this clear infringement of the rights of EU consumers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to remove as a matter of urgency the obstacles which have so far stood in the way of the entry into force of this legislation and to promote the European origin of such products, often seen by consumers as a guarantee of quality, safety and respect for high production standards;

Third-country market access strategy

| 25. | Points out that facilitating access to international markets for SMEs can contribute to creating new jobs, protecting and adding value to existing jobs, safeguarding and exchanging know how and specific features of EU industry and giving Member States a guarantee of solid and lasting economic growth; |
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25.

Points out that facilitating access to international markets for SMEs can contribute to creating new jobs, protecting and adding value to existing jobs, safeguarding and exchanging know how and specific features of EU industry and giving Member States a guarantee of solid and lasting economic growth;

| 26. | Welcomes the Commission's current efforts to provide access for SME's to third country markets; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure the successful functioning of EU Market Access Teams in third countries, especially in the emerging economies, with the involvement of the relevant professional organisations; |
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26.

Welcomes the Commission's current efforts to provide access for SME's to third country markets; calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure the successful functioning of EU Market Access Teams in third countries, especially in the emerging economies, with the involvement of the relevant professional organisations;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the provision of information on third-country markets and to establish, among other things, sections devoted to SMEs, and to rationalise the Market Access Database thereby ensuring easier access especially for SME operators; |
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27.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the provision of information on third-country markets and to establish, among other things, sections devoted to SMEs, and to rationalise the Market Access Database thereby ensuring easier access especially for SME operators;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to simplify the Market Access Database in order to make consultation thereof more accessible to SMEs; calls also on the Commission to initiate measures to publicise such databases; |
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28.

Calls on the Commission to simplify the Market Access Database in order to make consultation thereof more accessible to SMEs; calls also on the Commission to initiate measures to publicise such databases;

| 29. | Considers that the Market Access Teams set up by the Commission third country delegations should be strengthened and that a desk specifically responsible for monitoring SME-related issues and made up of specialists on company matters should be set up within them; |
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29.

Considers that the Market Access Teams set up by the Commission third country delegations should be strengthened and that a desk specifically responsible for monitoring SME-related issues and made up of specialists on company matters should be set up within them;

| 30. | Supports the creation in the key Indian and Chinese markets of European Business Centres, which work together with national chambers of commerce and business representatives to help SMEs find partners with the relevant skills in order to be able to enter these local markets; |
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30.

Supports the creation in the key Indian and Chinese markets of European Business Centres, which work together with national chambers of commerce and business representatives to help SMEs find partners with the relevant skills in order to be able to enter these local markets;

| 31. | Considers that the success of the market access strategy also requires support in terms of information and greater powers of influence for national chambers of commerce outside the European Union; supports the bilateral programmes promoting specific access for SMEs to third-country markets, given the success of Al Invest (Latin America), Medinvest (Mediterranean) and Proinvest (ACP countries); |
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31.

Considers that the success of the market access strategy also requires support in terms of information and greater powers of influence for national chambers of commerce outside the European Union; supports the bilateral programmes promoting specific access for SMEs to third-country markets, given the success of Al Invest (Latin America), Medinvest (Mediterranean) and Proinvest (ACP countries);

| 32. | Points out that standardisation can lead to innovation and competitiveness by facilitating access to markets and by enabling interoperability; encourages the Commission to increase the promotion of European standards internationally; |
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32.

Points out that standardisation can lead to innovation and competitiveness by facilitating access to markets and by enabling interoperability; encourages the Commission to increase the promotion of European standards internationally;

European Small Business Act, competitiveness and international trade

| 33. | Welcomes the Commission's Small Business Act initiative as an important opportunity to gear all EU policies effectively towards SMEs; considers it necessary, in this connection, to fully involve the Member States and EU Institutions to ensure that the ‧Think small first‧ principle is applied; |
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33.

Welcomes the Commission's Small Business Act initiative as an important opportunity to gear all EU policies effectively towards SMEs; considers it necessary, in this connection, to fully involve the Member States and EU Institutions to ensure that the ‧Think small first‧ principle is applied;

| 34. | Notes that there are very competitive EU SMEs, which are world leaders in highly specialised niche markets and are therefore a driving force in advancing the Lisbon Strategy; |
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34.

Notes that there are very competitive EU SMEs, which are world leaders in highly specialised niche markets and are therefore a driving force in advancing the Lisbon Strategy;

| 35. | Considers that the internationalisation of SMEs is a primary objective of trade policy and should constitute a cornerstone of the European Small Business Act, which will act as a stable, homogeneous, binding and global framework for the Commission's policies for SMEs; |
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35.

Considers that the internationalisation of SMEs is a primary objective of trade policy and should constitute a cornerstone of the European Small Business Act, which will act as a stable, homogeneous, binding and global framework for the Commission's policies for SMEs;

| 36. | Considers that, in order to foster their presence on third country markets, SMEs should have dedicated employees specifically dealing with internationalisation which is rarely the case; calls on the Commission and Member States, in order to overcome this obstacle, to promote the establishment of service consortia to support SMEs in the process of internationalisation; |
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36.

Considers that, in order to foster their presence on third country markets, SMEs should have dedicated employees specifically dealing with internationalisation which is rarely the case; calls on the Commission and Member States, in order to overcome this obstacle, to promote the establishment of service consortia to support SMEs in the process of internationalisation;

| 37. | Encourages the strengthening of all SME innovation and start up policies; supports the creation of European centres of competitiveness open to SMEs that may reach a critical mass required to survive in the face of international competition; also supports the extension and the updating of programmes giving SMEs access to international development finance as well as all measures aimed at reducing their fixed operational costs; points out that the single European patent and the European Company Statute should be adopted as quickly as possible to promote the transition to extra-Community trade; |
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37.

Encourages the strengthening of all SME innovation and start up policies; supports the creation of European centres of competitiveness open to SMEs that may reach a critical mass required to survive in the face of international competition; also supports the extension and the updating of programmes giving SMEs access to international development finance as well as all measures aimed at reducing their fixed operational costs; points out that the single European patent and the European Company Statute should be adopted as quickly as possible to promote the transition to extra-Community trade;

| 38. | Regards political and financial support to foster product and process innovation, improving access to finance and fiscal aspects, as well as research cooperation and technology transfer, as key elements in increasing the productivity of SMEs, which is at the base of any successful internationalisation strategy for SMEs; |
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38.

Regards political and financial support to foster product and process innovation, improving access to finance and fiscal aspects, as well as research cooperation and technology transfer, as key elements in increasing the productivity of SMEs, which is at the base of any successful internationalisation strategy for SMEs;

| 39. | Considers that internal market policies should focus on improving the situation of EU SMEs by creating an SME-friendly business environment and by ensuring that SMEs can benefit fully from the opportunities offered by the internal market; considers further that, where relevant, these policies should also enhance the international role of SMEs; |
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39.

Considers that internal market policies should focus on improving the situation of EU SMEs by creating an SME-friendly business environment and by ensuring that SMEs can benefit fully from the opportunities offered by the internal market; considers further that, where relevant, these policies should also enhance the international role of SMEs;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission to consider how the internal market can further help EU businesses to compete internationally; |
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40.

Calls on the Commission to consider how the internal market can further help EU businesses to compete internationally;

| 41. | Welcomes the contract awarded and signed by the Commission to carry out a study on the internationalisation of SMEs; is of the opinion that the study will provide a detailed overview of the state of internationalisation of EU SMEs; calls on the Commission to take effective measures to facilitate the performance of SMEs in the globalised world; |
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41.

Welcomes the contract awarded and signed by the Commission to carry out a study on the internationalisation of SMEs; is of the opinion that the study will provide a detailed overview of the state of internationalisation of EU SMEs; calls on the Commission to take effective measures to facilitate the performance of SMEs in the globalised world;

| 42. | Notes the importance of skilled and trained entrepreneurs in facing the challenges of international business; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to increase the provision of training programmes for entrepreneurs on the globalised business environment (such as the Enterprise Europe Network or ‘Gateway to China’ scheme); calls for increased cooperation between SMEs and universities in order to improve research and innovation; calls on the Commission to consider the creation of a special EU exchange programme for young entrepreneurs based on the Erasmus / Leonardo da Vinci programmes; |
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42.

Notes the importance of skilled and trained entrepreneurs in facing the challenges of international business; calls therefore on the Commission and the Member States to increase the provision of training programmes for entrepreneurs on the globalised business environment (such as the Enterprise Europe Network or ‘Gateway to China’ scheme); calls for increased cooperation between SMEs and universities in order to improve research and innovation; calls on the Commission to consider the creation of a special EU exchange programme for young entrepreneurs based on the Erasmus / Leonardo da Vinci programmes;

| 43. | Welcomes the organisation of a ‘European SME Week’ in May 2009 and proposes that this event be used to provide information for SMEs on how to develop their export activities outside the European Union; |
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43.

Welcomes the organisation of a ‘European SME Week’ in May 2009 and proposes that this event be used to provide information for SMEs on how to develop their export activities outside the European Union;

Free-trade agreements

| 44. | Calls on the Commission to pay closer attention to assessing the impact which the new generation of free-trade agreements negotiated with third countries can have on EU SMEs and to take account of this assessment at the negotiation phase; |
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44.

Calls on the Commission to pay closer attention to assessing the impact which the new generation of free-trade agreements negotiated with third countries can have on EU SMEs and to take account of this assessment at the negotiation phase;

| 45. | Takes the view that the Commission should aim to conclude free-trade agreements or other trade agreements that are favourable to the European economy as a whole and to SMEs in particular or that provide for trade concessions at similar level, other than with regard to the least developed countries; |
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45.

Takes the view that the Commission should aim to conclude free-trade agreements or other trade agreements that are favourable to the European economy as a whole and to SMEs in particular or that provide for trade concessions at similar level, other than with regard to the least developed countries;

| 46. | Stresses the importance of promoting economic and trade relations between the European Union and third countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement and calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs in its trade relations with such countries; |
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46.

Stresses the importance of promoting economic and trade relations between the European Union and third countries that are members of the Central European Free Trade Agreement and calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs in its trade relations with such countries;

| 47. | Recommends that the Commission guarantees permanent monitoring of these agreements and intervenes without delay in the event of failure to comply with the obligations taken on by the partners; |
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47.

Recommends that the Commission guarantees permanent monitoring of these agreements and intervenes without delay in the event of failure to comply with the obligations taken on by the partners;

| 48. | Stresses the importance of geographically closer markets for SMEs and calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs in trade relations with such countries; welcomes, in this context, the reference to the Mediterranean Business Development Initiative contained in the Paris Summit Declaration of 13 July 2008 on the Union for the Mediterranean; |
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48.

Stresses the importance of geographically closer markets for SMEs and calls on the Commission to pay special attention to SMEs in trade relations with such countries; welcomes, in this context, the reference to the Mediterranean Business Development Initiative contained in the Paris Summit Declaration of 13 July 2008 on the Union for the Mediterranean;

| 49. | Notes the important role of SMEs in climate change technology transfer and the importance of the active participation of SMEs in development aid; |
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49.

Notes the important role of SMEs in climate change technology transfer and the importance of the active participation of SMEs in development aid;

Tenders

| 50. | Recalls that public tenders are one of the most promising economic sectors for the European economy and for SMEs in particular; expresses concern at the persisting restrictions in many third countries, which refuse to guarantee EU companies similar access to their tender procedures or which apply standards that, in many cases, lack transparency and fairness; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Recalls that public tenders are one of the most promising economic sectors for the European economy and for SMEs in particular; expresses concern at the persisting restrictions in many third countries, which refuse to guarantee EU companies similar access to their tender procedures or which apply standards that, in many cases, lack transparency and fairness;

| 51. | Takes the view that EU SMEs should have the same level of advantages and possibilities as regards public tenders in the main industrialised countries (including the United States, Canada and Japan) as they enjoy inside the European Union; calls on the Commission therefore to guarantee that EU SMEs will have better access to public procurement markets in third countries and enjoy fair conditions of competition in the sectors concerned by the tenders, if necessary by applying the principle of reciprocity; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Takes the view that EU SMEs should have the same level of advantages and possibilities as regards public tenders in the main industrialised countries (including the United States, Canada and Japan) as they enjoy inside the European Union; calls on the Commission therefore to guarantee that EU SMEs will have better access to public procurement markets in third countries and enjoy fair conditions of competition in the sectors concerned by the tenders, if necessary by applying the principle of reciprocity;

| 52. | Considers that informed and effective action needs to be taken by the European Union to secure equal rights for EU companies, and particularly SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Considers that informed and effective action needs to be taken by the European Union to secure equal rights for EU companies, and particularly SMEs;

| 53. | Calls on the Commission to submit realistic and constructive proposals with a view to future renegotiation and strengthening of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls on the Commission to submit realistic and constructive proposals with a view to future renegotiation and strengthening of the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement;

| 54. | Considers that public procurement should be a key chapter in all bilateral and regional trade negotiations undertaken by the European Union, with a view to opening up public procurement markets on a balanced basis; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Considers that public procurement should be a key chapter in all bilateral and regional trade negotiations undertaken by the European Union, with a view to opening up public procurement markets on a balanced basis;

| 55. | Welcomes the Commission proposal contained in the Communication on Global Europe to apply targeted restrictions to European tenders for countries which do not offer access to their public markets; calls on the Commission to inform the Parliament of the results obtained to-date and the initiatives it intends to take to improve EU SMEs access to third country tenders; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Welcomes the Commission proposal contained in the Communication on Global Europe to apply targeted restrictions to European tenders for countries which do not offer access to their public markets; calls on the Commission to inform the Parliament of the results obtained to-date and the initiatives it intends to take to improve EU SMEs access to third country tenders;

Agricultural products and geographical indications

| 56. | Recalls the importance of access to agricultural markets for EU SMEs in the sector and calls on the Commission, in the context of the future multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations, not to give up the remaining tariff safeguards enjoyed by the sector and instead to guarantee that the most competitive and well-known European agricultural products are not unduly penalised by anti-competitive practices introduced by other WTO members; considers that substantial progress on geographical indications is indispensable for a balanced outcome on agriculture within the framework of the Doha Round negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Recalls the importance of access to agricultural markets for EU SMEs in the sector and calls on the Commission, in the context of the future multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations, not to give up the remaining tariff safeguards enjoyed by the sector and instead to guarantee that the most competitive and well-known European agricultural products are not unduly penalised by anti-competitive practices introduced by other WTO members; considers that substantial progress on geographical indications is indispensable for a balanced outcome on agriculture within the framework of the Doha Round negotiations;

| 57. | Supports Commission initiatives to establish a clearer and more balanced international reference framework on geographical indications; considers it unacceptable that the geographical designations and indications of many agri-foodstuffs are too often used to the detriment, in particular, of EU SMEs; urges the Commission and the Member States to take resolute action vis-à-vis countries which use such non-tariff barriers unduly to protect their own markets; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Supports Commission initiatives to establish a clearer and more balanced international reference framework on geographical indications; considers it unacceptable that the geographical designations and indications of many agri-foodstuffs are too often used to the detriment, in particular, of EU SMEs; urges the Commission and the Member States to take resolute action vis-à-vis countries which use such non-tariff barriers unduly to protect their own markets;

| 58. | Supports the establishment of an international multilateral register of geographical indications enabling SMEs to protect their own geographical indications in a simple and economical manner; considers that the list of protected geographical indications should be supplemented and extended to all EU products which, by their nature or place or method of production, provide EU SMEs with a ‘comparative advantage’ over similar products from third countries; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Supports the establishment of an international multilateral register of geographical indications enabling SMEs to protect their own geographical indications in a simple and economical manner; considers that the list of protected geographical indications should be supplemented and extended to all EU products which, by their nature or place or method of production, provide EU SMEs with a ‘comparative advantage’ over similar products from third countries;

| 59. | Urges the other WTO members to ensure full access for EU products protected by geographical indications and, where appropriate, to withdraw from the market any national products which use such designations without being entitled to do so or at least to allow full access for EU protected geographical indications and protected designations of origin already in use or which have become generic designations; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Urges the other WTO members to ensure full access for EU products protected by geographical indications and, where appropriate, to withdraw from the market any national products which use such designations without being entitled to do so or at least to allow full access for EU protected geographical indications and protected designations of origin already in use or which have become generic designations;

Supporting the internationalisation of SMEs

| 60. | Considers that national or regional support programmes for the internationalisation of SMEs are a very useful tool producing good results; asks that they continue to be co-financed using European Regional Development Fund funds and that more financial resources be allocated to transnational cooperation projects developed by sectoral associations, with the aim of supporting the export and internationalisation capability of SMEs, jointly opening up new markets and developing common marketing strategies in third countries; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Considers that national or regional support programmes for the internationalisation of SMEs are a very useful tool producing good results; asks that they continue to be co-financed using European Regional Development Fund funds and that more financial resources be allocated to transnational cooperation projects developed by sectoral associations, with the aim of supporting the export and internationalisation capability of SMEs, jointly opening up new markets and developing common marketing strategies in third countries;

| 61. | Stresses the need to improve access to finance, and especially to micro-credit, for SMEs; believes that Community instruments such as the European Investment Fund, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the ‘Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises’ (JEREMIE) can help develop a better framework for access to finance for SMEs with internationalisation plans; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Stresses the need to improve access to finance, and especially to micro-credit, for SMEs; believes that Community instruments such as the European Investment Fund, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme and the ‘Joint European Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises’ (JEREMIE) can help develop a better framework for access to finance for SMEs with internationalisation plans;

| 62. | Considers that the creation of joint ventures or other partnership agreements between SMEs should be fostered as a strategy for penetrating new markets, developing direct investment projects in third countries and taking part in invitations to tender; calls on the Commission to mobilise resources, especially through the ‘European territorial cooperation’ objective, in order o promote transnational cooperation among SMEs in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Considers that the creation of joint ventures or other partnership agreements between SMEs should be fostered as a strategy for penetrating new markets, developing direct investment projects in third countries and taking part in invitations to tender; calls on the Commission to mobilise resources, especially through the ‘European territorial cooperation’ objective, in order o promote transnational cooperation among SMEs in the European Union;

Final considerations

| 63. | Takes the view that the development and internationalisation of EU SMEs calls for special attention and support in the formulation of EU trade policy; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Takes the view that the development and internationalisation of EU SMEs calls for special attention and support in the formulation of EU trade policy;

| 64. | Calls on the Commission and on Member States to fully support SMEs in the current financial crisis by ensuring that credit is continuously made available to them to enhance their development; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Calls on the Commission and on Member States to fully support SMEs in the current financial crisis by ensuring that credit is continuously made available to them to enhance their development;

| 65. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to cooperate amongst themselves with a view to establishing a coherent and wide-ranging policy enabling EU SMEs to develop in a harmonious manner and at a higher growth rate and gain access to new markets and, more generally, to expand their export activities and internationalisation; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to cooperate amongst themselves with a view to establishing a coherent and wide-ranging policy enabling EU SMEs to develop in a harmonious manner and at a higher growth rate and gain access to new markets and, more generally, to expand their export activities and internationalisation;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the development of EU SMEs through appropriate political and financial support as regards their modernisation and training for their management and workers; stresses, in this connection, the importance of ongoing training for SME operators and the establishment of conditions conducive to pursuing such activities; considers it essential that the European Union takes on full responsibility for upholding this wealth of knowledge, tradition and know-how which SMEs have built up and put to good use; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the development of EU SMEs through appropriate political and financial support as regards their modernisation and training for their management and workers; stresses, in this connection, the importance of ongoing training for SME operators and the establishment of conditions conducive to pursuing such activities; considers it essential that the European Union takes on full responsibility for upholding this wealth of knowledge, tradition and know-how which SMEs have built up and put to good use;

| 67. | Considers that more effective coordination should be guaranteed within the Community and between the Commission, the Member States and other parties concerned; asks to be informed in good time of any future initiative relating to the external competitiveness of SMEs and to be closely involved in any future initiative which the European Union may undertake; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Considers that more effective coordination should be guaranteed within the Community and between the Commission, the Member States and other parties concerned; asks to be informed in good time of any future initiative relating to the external competitiveness of SMEs and to be closely involved in any future initiative which the European Union may undertake;

*

- *

| 68. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the governments and parliaments of the WTO members and the WTO. |
| --- | --- |

68.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 124, 20.5.2003, p. 36.

(2)  OJ C 102 E, 24.4.2008, p. 128.

(3)  http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/entrepreneurship/support_measures/internationalisation/report_internat.pdf

(4)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, p. 400.

(5)  OJ C 313 E, 20.12.2006, p. 276.

(6)  OJ C 293 E, 2.12.2006, p. 155.

(7)  OJ C 308 E, 16.12.2006, p. 182.

(8)  OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 235.

(9)  OJ C 233 E, 28.9.2006, p. 103.

(10)  OJ C 193 E, 17.8.2006, p. 110.

(11)  OJ C 291 E, 30.11.2006, p. 321.

(12)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0180.

(13)  OJ C 303 E, 13.12.2006, p. 881.

(14)  Council Regulation (EC) No 3286/94 of 22 December 1994 laying down Community procedures in the field of the common commercial policy in order to ensure the exercise of the Community's rights under international trade rules, in particular those established under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (OJ L 349, 31.12.1994, p. 71).

(15)  Proposal for Council Regulation on the indication of the country of origin of certain products imported from third countries (COM(2005)0661).

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| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/112 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/112

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International Trade and the Internet

P6_TA(2009)0049

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on International Trade and the Internet (2008/2204(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/13)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to point 18 on Trade in Information Technology Products (also known as Information Technology Agreement (ITA)) of the Singapore Ministerial Declaration of the First Session of the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), adopted on 13 December 1996, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to point 18 on Trade in Information Technology Products (also known as Information Technology Agreement (ITA)) of the Singapore Ministerial Declaration of the First Session of the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), adopted on 13 December 1996,

| — | having regard to the Geneva Ministerial Declaration on Global Electronic Commerce of the Second Session of the Ministerial Conference of the WTO, adopted on 20 May 1998, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Geneva Ministerial Declaration on Global Electronic Commerce of the Second Session of the Ministerial Conference of the WTO, adopted on 20 May 1998,

| — | having regard to the submission from the European Communities regarding the ‘Classification Issues and the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce’ to the WTO of 9 May 2003, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the submission from the European Communities regarding the ‘Classification Issues and the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce’ to the WTO of 9 May 2003,

| — | having regard to point 46 on E-commerce of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration on the Doha Work Programme of the Sixth Session of the Ministerial Conference of the WTO, adopted on 18 December 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to point 46 on E-commerce of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration on the Doha Work Programme of the Sixth Session of the Ministerial Conference of the WTO, adopted on 18 December 2005,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 2002/38/EC as regards the period of application of the value added tax arrangements applicable to radio and television broadcasting services and certain electronically supplied services and the report from the Commission to the Council on Council Directive 2002/38/EC of 7 May 2002 amending and amending temporarily Directive 77/388/EEC as regards the value added tax arrangements applicable to radio and television broadcasting services and certain electronically supplied services (COM(2006)0210), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 2002/38/EC as regards the period of application of the value added tax arrangements applicable to radio and television broadcasting services and certain electronically supplied services and the report from the Commission to the Council on Council Directive 2002/38/EC of 7 May 2002 amending and amending temporarily Directive 77/388/EEC as regards the value added tax arrangements applicable to radio and television broadcasting services and certain electronically supplied services (COM(2006)0210),

| — | having regard to Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (‘Directive on electronic commerce’) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (‘Directive on electronic commerce’) (1),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 792/2002 of 7 May 2002 amending temporarily Regulation (EEC) No 218/92 on administrative cooperation in the field of indirect taxation (VAT) as regards additional measures regarding electronic commerce (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 792/2002 of 7 May 2002 amending temporarily Regulation (EEC) No 218/92 on administrative cooperation in the field of indirect taxation (VAT) as regards additional measures regarding electronic commerce (2),

| — | having regard to Decision No 70/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on a paperless environment for customs and trade (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 70/2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on a paperless environment for customs and trade (3),

| — | having regard to its position of 24 September 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, Directive 2002/19/EC on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities, and Directive 2002/20/EC on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (4), Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) (5) and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its position of 24 September 2008 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services, Directive 2002/19/EC on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities, and Directive 2002/20/EC on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (4), Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications) (5) and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 14 May 1998 on the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a European Initiative in Electronic Commerce (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 14 May 1998 on the communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a European Initiative in Electronic Commerce (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 21 June 2007 on consumer confidence in the digital environment (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 21 June 2007 on consumer confidence in the digital environment (8),

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture and Education (A6-0020/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection and the Committee on Culture and Education (A6-0020/2009),

| A. | whereas more than half of EU citizens and nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide have access to the Internet; whereas one out of three EU citizens conducts online purchases, but only 30 million do cross-border shopping in the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas more than half of EU citizens and nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide have access to the Internet; whereas one out of three EU citizens conducts online purchases, but only 30 million do cross-border shopping in the European Union,

| B. | whereas according to the WTO, e-commerce is defined as ‘the production, advertising, sale and distribution of products via telecommunications networks’, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas according to the WTO, e-commerce is defined as ‘the production, advertising, sale and distribution of products via telecommunications networks’,

| C. | whereas a distinction may be drawn between the delivery of content on physical carrier media and content digitally-encoded and transmitted electronically over the Internet and thus independently from physical carrier media, over fixed and wireless networks, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas a distinction may be drawn between the delivery of content on physical carrier media and content digitally-encoded and transmitted electronically over the Internet and thus independently from physical carrier media, over fixed and wireless networks,

| D. | whereas e-commerce may be conducted either in the form of business to business, business to consumer or consumer to consumer transactions; whereas trading on Internet platforms has profoundly changed the manner in which people trade goods and services, creating new opportunities in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reach new customers across borders, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas e-commerce may be conducted either in the form of business to business, business to consumer or consumer to consumer transactions; whereas trading on Internet platforms has profoundly changed the manner in which people trade goods and services, creating new opportunities in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to reach new customers across borders,

| E. | whereas preserving the openness of the Internet is a precondition for its continuous growth, as well as that of the wider economy and global trade, which increasingly ‘run’ on Internet technologies, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas preserving the openness of the Internet is a precondition for its continuous growth, as well as that of the wider economy and global trade, which increasingly ‘run’ on Internet technologies,

| F. | whereas SMEs can derive particular benefit from e-commerce in terms of access to external markets; whereas, however, the full development of these new e-commerce methods still comes up against various obstacles as regards their practical application, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas SMEs can derive particular benefit from e-commerce in terms of access to external markets; whereas, however, the full development of these new e-commerce methods still comes up against various obstacles as regards their practical application,

| G. | whereas the free flow of information is essential in order to facilitate e-commerce and an open and secure network allowing dissemination of and access to the Internet as information is the foundation upon which the global economy of the 21st century is being built, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the free flow of information is essential in order to facilitate e-commerce and an open and secure network allowing dissemination of and access to the Internet as information is the foundation upon which the global economy of the 21st century is being built,

| H. | whereas Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now ubiquitous in the economy and new platforms and networks are being developed and rolled out; whereas there is a need for open standards which are important for innovation, competition and effective consumer choice, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are now ubiquitous in the economy and new platforms and networks are being developed and rolled out; whereas there is a need for open standards which are important for innovation, competition and effective consumer choice,

| I. | whereas the further development of the new ‘digitalised’ commercial environment has already and will continue to provide new opportunities for traditional and modern trade transactions, to enhance the consumer's position in the commercial chain and to lead to entirely novel business models in consumer-producer relations, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the further development of the new ‘digitalised’ commercial environment has already and will continue to provide new opportunities for traditional and modern trade transactions, to enhance the consumer's position in the commercial chain and to lead to entirely novel business models in consumer-producer relations,

| J. | whereas the Internet offers consumers the possibility to make better informed decisions in terms of quality and price compared to traditional means of purchase, and whereas online advertising has become an important means to facilitate cross-border trade for businesses of all sizes, but in particular for SMEs in order to be able to reach new customers, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the Internet offers consumers the possibility to make better informed decisions in terms of quality and price compared to traditional means of purchase, and whereas online advertising has become an important means to facilitate cross-border trade for businesses of all sizes, but in particular for SMEs in order to be able to reach new customers,

| K. | whereas the increasing use of the Internet for trade brings with it significant opportunities, but also certain challenges, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the increasing use of the Internet for trade brings with it significant opportunities, but also certain challenges,

| L. | whereas companies delivering content services should be encouraged to engage in new and innovative business models embracing the opportunities offered by the Internet and e-commerce, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas companies delivering content services should be encouraged to engage in new and innovative business models embracing the opportunities offered by the Internet and e-commerce,

| M. | whereas technology and economics will dictate legal solutions given that the current patchwork of legal frameworks is clearly inadequate, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas technology and economics will dictate legal solutions given that the current patchwork of legal frameworks is clearly inadequate,

| N. | whereas e-commerce generally relies on intellectual property protection, and whereas a secure and predictable legal environment for intellectual property protection, as well as exceptions and limitations, is needed to promote technological innovation and the transfer/dissemination of technology, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas e-commerce generally relies on intellectual property protection, and whereas a secure and predictable legal environment for intellectual property protection, as well as exceptions and limitations, is needed to promote technological innovation and the transfer/dissemination of technology,

| O. | whereas it has been observed that according to the national law of important EU trading partners, a telecommunications licence has to be obtained first in order to be able to provide e-commerce services, creating thus an unnecessary obligation especially in view of the complex procedures which apply for granting these licences, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas it has been observed that according to the national law of important EU trading partners, a telecommunications licence has to be obtained first in order to be able to provide e-commerce services, creating thus an unnecessary obligation especially in view of the complex procedures which apply for granting these licences,

| P. | whereas the role of e-commerce amongst members of the WTO has increased rapidly in areas such as banking, the telecommunications sector, the computer industry, the advertising industry, distribution and express mail services; whereas the number of countries not limiting cross-border access in such fields is already substantial; whereas ten years have passed since the launch of the WTO Work Programme on E-Commerce, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the role of e-commerce amongst members of the WTO has increased rapidly in areas such as banking, the telecommunications sector, the computer industry, the advertising industry, distribution and express mail services; whereas the number of countries not limiting cross-border access in such fields is already substantial; whereas ten years have passed since the launch of the WTO Work Programme on E-Commerce,

| Q. | whereas the WTO fundamentals of non-discrimination, transparency and progressive liberalisation must be applied in a manner that takes account of the speed and interactivity of the Internet, the methods of electronic payment, disintermediation, the increased integration of business functions into the online system, the greater flexibility of business organisations as well as the greater fragmentation of businesses, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the WTO fundamentals of non-discrimination, transparency and progressive liberalisation must be applied in a manner that takes account of the speed and interactivity of the Internet, the methods of electronic payment, disintermediation, the increased integration of business functions into the online system, the greater flexibility of business organisations as well as the greater fragmentation of businesses,

| 1. | Stresses the beneficial influence of the Internet over the different factors and stages in cross-border and international trading of goods and services during the last two decades; underlines that the inherently international character of e-commerce calls for universal understanding and cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Stresses the beneficial influence of the Internet over the different factors and stages in cross-border and international trading of goods and services during the last two decades; underlines that the inherently international character of e-commerce calls for universal understanding and cooperation;

| 2. | Acknowledges that online commercial innovation and creativity is fostering the development of new patterns of trading such as commerce between consumers; points out that online markets act as new intermediaries in order to facilitate exchanges, increase information access at very low cost, and generally expand the scope of business-to-business relationships; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Acknowledges that online commercial innovation and creativity is fostering the development of new patterns of trading such as commerce between consumers; points out that online markets act as new intermediaries in order to facilitate exchanges, increase information access at very low cost, and generally expand the scope of business-to-business relationships;

| 3. | Believes that SMEs and young entrepreneurs who are partly or entirely engaged in online trading activities, are really finding a comparatively low administrative and commercial cost platform from which to promote, through customised online advertising, and sell their goods and services to a universally expanding clientele, thus bypassing some trade barriers, part of which are obsolete, and penetrating previously remote and closed markets; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that SMEs and young entrepreneurs who are partly or entirely engaged in online trading activities, are really finding a comparatively low administrative and commercial cost platform from which to promote, through customised online advertising, and sell their goods and services to a universally expanding clientele, thus bypassing some trade barriers, part of which are obsolete, and penetrating previously remote and closed markets;

| 4. | Acknowledges that problems with regard to the guarantee of product quality and safety due to the lack of the usual control practices at the distribution stage of online trading must be addressed in novel ways, such as consumer ratings of vendors and consumer-to-consumer peer review; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Acknowledges that problems with regard to the guarantee of product quality and safety due to the lack of the usual control practices at the distribution stage of online trading must be addressed in novel ways, such as consumer ratings of vendors and consumer-to-consumer peer review;

| 5. | Calls for a detailed analysis of the influence of online trade upon conventional trading patterns and activities, in order to be aware of and consequently avoid potential adverse effects; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls for a detailed analysis of the influence of online trade upon conventional trading patterns and activities, in order to be aware of and consequently avoid potential adverse effects;

| 6. | Notes with concern that consumers and vendors using ICT are often subject to discriminatory treatment in comparison to consumers and vendors operating in offline markets; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Notes with concern that consumers and vendors using ICT are often subject to discriminatory treatment in comparison to consumers and vendors operating in offline markets;

| 7. | Welcomes the fact that consumers are benefiting from access to a virtually unlimited range of goods and services due to the effective abolition of geographic, distance and space limitations as well as the possibility for transparent and unbiased information, the comparison of prices, the availability of customised online advertising, and the convenience of online ‘search and buy’ twenty-four hours per day for anyone connected to the Internet at home, at work or elsewhere; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Welcomes the fact that consumers are benefiting from access to a virtually unlimited range of goods and services due to the effective abolition of geographic, distance and space limitations as well as the possibility for transparent and unbiased information, the comparison of prices, the availability of customised online advertising, and the convenience of online ‘search and buy’ twenty-four hours per day for anyone connected to the Internet at home, at work or elsewhere;

| 8. | Notes that the emerging digital market in intangible goods and services is already greater than traditional trading and provision and has, moreover, created a new range of trading concepts and economic values such as digital real estate (domain names) and access to information (search engines); |
| --- | --- |

8.

Notes that the emerging digital market in intangible goods and services is already greater than traditional trading and provision and has, moreover, created a new range of trading concepts and economic values such as digital real estate (domain names) and access to information (search engines);

| 9. | Suggests that illegal behaviour such as counterfeiting, piracy, fraud, breach of transaction security and violation of citizens' private space should not be attributed to the nature of the medium but has to be considered as aspects of illegal commercial activities which pre-existed in the physical world and have been both facilitated and exacerbated due to the abundant technological possibilities provided, occurring mainly when the medium does not operate on a basis of compliance with the rules in force in order to benefit from a regime of managed responsibility; stresses the need to create mechanisms for the adoption and strengthening of the necessary and appropriate enforcement measures and of more effective and concerted coordination, which will permit the combating and elimination of existing illegal online commercial behaviour especially with regard to cases liable to involve major public health risks, such as bogus medicines, without affecting the development of international e-commerce; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Suggests that illegal behaviour such as counterfeiting, piracy, fraud, breach of transaction security and violation of citizens' private space should not be attributed to the nature of the medium but has to be considered as aspects of illegal commercial activities which pre-existed in the physical world and have been both facilitated and exacerbated due to the abundant technological possibilities provided, occurring mainly when the medium does not operate on a basis of compliance with the rules in force in order to benefit from a regime of managed responsibility; stresses the need to create mechanisms for the adoption and strengthening of the necessary and appropriate enforcement measures and of more effective and concerted coordination, which will permit the combating and elimination of existing illegal online commercial behaviour especially with regard to cases liable to involve major public health risks, such as bogus medicines, without affecting the development of international e-commerce;

| 10. | Supports the unconditional respect for the public morals and ethics of states and peoples, but regrets the increasingly abusive recourse to censorship in respect of online services and products which operates as a disguised trade barrier; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Supports the unconditional respect for the public morals and ethics of states and peoples, but regrets the increasingly abusive recourse to censorship in respect of online services and products which operates as a disguised trade barrier;

| 11. | Recognises the need for open standards and their importance for innovation, competition and effective consumer choice; proposes that trade agreements concluded by the European Community promote the broad and open use of the Internet for e-commerce, provided that consumers are able to access and use services and digital products of their choice unless prohibited by national law; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Recognises the need for open standards and their importance for innovation, competition and effective consumer choice; proposes that trade agreements concluded by the European Community promote the broad and open use of the Internet for e-commerce, provided that consumers are able to access and use services and digital products of their choice unless prohibited by national law;

| 12. | Considers that the magnitude of the increase in cross-border transactions, the difficulty of identifying the nature, origin, and destination of transactions, and the lack of audit trails and leverage points bring into question the territorial nature of tax regimes; notes that opportunities exist for streamlining tax administration, for replacing paperwork with electronic data interchanges and for the electronic filling-out of tax returns as well as the automation of the tax collection process; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers that the magnitude of the increase in cross-border transactions, the difficulty of identifying the nature, origin, and destination of transactions, and the lack of audit trails and leverage points bring into question the territorial nature of tax regimes; notes that opportunities exist for streamlining tax administration, for replacing paperwork with electronic data interchanges and for the electronic filling-out of tax returns as well as the automation of the tax collection process;

| 13. | Stresses the need to educate consumers and undertakings and the need to organise media information campaigns on the development prospects, rights and obligations of all parties involved in international trade on the Internet; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses the need to educate consumers and undertakings and the need to organise media information campaigns on the development prospects, rights and obligations of all parties involved in international trade on the Internet;

| 14. | Regrets the increasing number of incidents of online fraud and theft of both personal data and money; believes that lack of trust in the security and safety of transactions and payments constitutes the most important danger for the future of e-commerce; calls on the Commission to investigate the causes and to redouble its efforts to create mechanisms for strengthening businesses' and individuals' trust in international electronic payment systems, as well as establishing suitable means for resolving disputes related to illegal commercial practices; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Regrets the increasing number of incidents of online fraud and theft of both personal data and money; believes that lack of trust in the security and safety of transactions and payments constitutes the most important danger for the future of e-commerce; calls on the Commission to investigate the causes and to redouble its efforts to create mechanisms for strengthening businesses' and individuals' trust in international electronic payment systems, as well as establishing suitable means for resolving disputes related to illegal commercial practices;

| 15. | Highlights that the security and credibility of transactions related to cultural goods or services online are essential; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Highlights that the security and credibility of transactions related to cultural goods or services online are essential;

| 16. | Notes that confidence depends not only on simple, reliable and secure ways of using the Internet, but also inter alia on the quality of the goods and services and the availability of appropriate remedies; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Notes that confidence depends not only on simple, reliable and secure ways of using the Internet, but also inter alia on the quality of the goods and services and the availability of appropriate remedies;

| 17. | Stresses the need for international regulatory co-operation if international electronic trade is to grow to its full potential; considers that a new, modern approach to problematic areas of e-commerce is necessary in order to ensure consumers benefit from protection of their privacy and the lower costs and new opportunities for commerce that flow from the Internet; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stresses the need for international regulatory co-operation if international electronic trade is to grow to its full potential; considers that a new, modern approach to problematic areas of e-commerce is necessary in order to ensure consumers benefit from protection of their privacy and the lower costs and new opportunities for commerce that flow from the Internet;

| 18. | Considers that the discussion for the current and future challenges of global Internet trade should take place in a mutually supportive and structured cooperative framework based on systems of institutionalised rules amongst interdependent actors, thus enabling a modern and inclusive multi-stakeholder governance process as exemplified by the Internet Governance Forum; notes that the current modes of Internet governance are characterised by their hybrid nature lacking functional and regulatory hierarchical steering instruments; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Considers that the discussion for the current and future challenges of global Internet trade should take place in a mutually supportive and structured cooperative framework based on systems of institutionalised rules amongst interdependent actors, thus enabling a modern and inclusive multi-stakeholder governance process as exemplified by the Internet Governance Forum; notes that the current modes of Internet governance are characterised by their hybrid nature lacking functional and regulatory hierarchical steering instruments;

| 19. | Regrets the absence of any progress under the WTO negotiations on the important issue of the classification of so-called ‘digitised products’, the fact that the Doha Development Agenda does not mandate specific negotiations on e-commerce and that no progress has been made on the establishment of a permanent WTO Customs Duty Moratorium on Electronic Transmissions; notes that there is still uncertainty as to the proper customs valuation of digital products and there is still lack of agreement as to what rules and obligations (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) should apply to digitally-delivered products; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Regrets the absence of any progress under the WTO negotiations on the important issue of the classification of so-called ‘digitised products’, the fact that the Doha Development Agenda does not mandate specific negotiations on e-commerce and that no progress has been made on the establishment of a permanent WTO Customs Duty Moratorium on Electronic Transmissions; notes that there is still uncertainty as to the proper customs valuation of digital products and there is still lack of agreement as to what rules and obligations (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) should apply to digitally-delivered products;

| 20. | Welcomes the Commission's proposal to the WTO to update and expand the above-mentioned Ministerial Declaration on ITA, setting a short time frame, in order to give an additional boost to trade in these products, to attract more participants, to address non-tariff barriers and to address the increasing challenges of technological development and convergence; regrets however the disparate interpretations of the ITA by the parties and calls on the Commission to fully implement the letter and the spirit of the current ITA and to support a modern and realistic approach for any future agreement in line with the demand for more information technology products, free of import duties; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Welcomes the Commission's proposal to the WTO to update and expand the above-mentioned Ministerial Declaration on ITA, setting a short time frame, in order to give an additional boost to trade in these products, to attract more participants, to address non-tariff barriers and to address the increasing challenges of technological development and convergence; regrets however the disparate interpretations of the ITA by the parties and calls on the Commission to fully implement the letter and the spirit of the current ITA and to support a modern and realistic approach for any future agreement in line with the demand for more information technology products, free of import duties;

| 21. | Welcomes the progress already achieved in the framework of GATS, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaties, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model law, the extensive work by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the extensive policy framework adopted at the OECD Ministerial Meeting in Seoul in 2008, and the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva in December 2003 and in Tunis in November 2005; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Welcomes the progress already achieved in the framework of GATS, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Internet Treaties, United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model law, the extensive work by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the extensive policy framework adopted at the OECD Ministerial Meeting in Seoul in 2008, and the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva in December 2003 and in Tunis in November 2005;

| 22. | Highlights the importance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression as an essential instrument to guarantee that the cultural exemption in international trade transactions in goods and services of a cultural and creative nature is maintained within the international framework of the WTO; calls upon the Council and the Commission to implement quickly the Convention in the internal as well as the external policies of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Highlights the importance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression as an essential instrument to guarantee that the cultural exemption in international trade transactions in goods and services of a cultural and creative nature is maintained within the international framework of the WTO; calls upon the Council and the Commission to implement quickly the Convention in the internal as well as the external policies of the European Union;

| 23. | Emphasises the fact that bilateral and regional free trade agreements cannot provide complete answers to far-reaching market access; nevertheless, calls on the European Union to include systematically in its bilateral and regional trade agreements explicit provisions covering broad and open use of the Internet for trade in goods and services and unfettered information flows, such as to refrain from imposing or maintaining unnecessary barriers to information flows across borders, and by applying the principles of non-discriminatory, transparent and least trade-restrictive regulation to Internet transactions; supports the efforts made by the EU to establish cooperation dialogue on regulatory issues as part of its bilateral agreements with third country trading partners; calls on the EU institutions and Member States, upon reaching these agreements, to be prepared to contribute to this cooperation dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Emphasises the fact that bilateral and regional free trade agreements cannot provide complete answers to far-reaching market access; nevertheless, calls on the European Union to include systematically in its bilateral and regional trade agreements explicit provisions covering broad and open use of the Internet for trade in goods and services and unfettered information flows, such as to refrain from imposing or maintaining unnecessary barriers to information flows across borders, and by applying the principles of non-discriminatory, transparent and least trade-restrictive regulation to Internet transactions; supports the efforts made by the EU to establish cooperation dialogue on regulatory issues as part of its bilateral agreements with third country trading partners; calls on the EU institutions and Member States, upon reaching these agreements, to be prepared to contribute to this cooperation dialogue;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission to review the applicability of trade instruments so as to harmonise and open the use of spectrum in order to promote mobile access to Internet services spurring innovation, growth and competition; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Commission to review the applicability of trade instruments so as to harmonise and open the use of spectrum in order to promote mobile access to Internet services spurring innovation, growth and competition;

| 25. | Stresses that attention needs to be focused on the provision of online services including e-commerce not being subject to unnecessary domestic authorisation procedures, both in the EU and in our trading partners' countries, which would result in a de facto impediment to the provision of such services; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Stresses that attention needs to be focused on the provision of online services including e-commerce not being subject to unnecessary domestic authorisation procedures, both in the EU and in our trading partners' countries, which would result in a de facto impediment to the provision of such services;

| 26. | Takes the view that in the context of international public procurement, where new technologies allow for cross-border e-commerce, new forms of, for example, combinatorial auctions for SME-consortia, online publication and advertising tenders allow for significant increases in procurement trade not only within the European Union but globally thus encouraging cross-border e-commerce; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Takes the view that in the context of international public procurement, where new technologies allow for cross-border e-commerce, new forms of, for example, combinatorial auctions for SME-consortia, online publication and advertising tenders allow for significant increases in procurement trade not only within the European Union but globally thus encouraging cross-border e-commerce;

| 27. | Recalls that the conclusion of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has to provide a balance between effective implementation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and protection of the fundamental rights of consumers, and to contribute to further innovation, flow of information and use of legitimate services in the online commercial environment; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Recalls that the conclusion of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has to provide a balance between effective implementation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and protection of the fundamental rights of consumers, and to contribute to further innovation, flow of information and use of legitimate services in the online commercial environment;

| 28. | Calls on the Commission to run information and education campaigns using traditional and Internet-based tools in order to raise awareness among consumers of their rights with the aim of increasing their confidence in online trading; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the Commission to run information and education campaigns using traditional and Internet-based tools in order to raise awareness among consumers of their rights with the aim of increasing their confidence in online trading;

| 29. | Deplores the fragmentation of the EU online market which is the result of regulatory provisions permitting or requiring geographic market partitioning, regulatory provisions preventing or impeding the online provision of goods or services, contractual restrictions on distributors, legal uncertainty, lack of consumer trust in the security of payment systems, high Internet access charges, and any limits on the availability of delivery options; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Deplores the fragmentation of the EU online market which is the result of regulatory provisions permitting or requiring geographic market partitioning, regulatory provisions preventing or impeding the online provision of goods or services, contractual restrictions on distributors, legal uncertainty, lack of consumer trust in the security of payment systems, high Internet access charges, and any limits on the availability of delivery options;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to publish on its website information on consumer rights in dealing with international trade over the Internet focussing in particular on contractual issues, protection of consumers against unfair commercial practices, privacy and copyright; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to publish on its website information on consumer rights in dealing with international trade over the Internet focussing in particular on contractual issues, protection of consumers against unfair commercial practices, privacy and copyright;

| 31. | Believes that the regulatory deficiencies in the EU online market are hindering the development of a stable and strong European online industrial and commercial environment, which results in unsatisfactory levels of participation by European consumers in EU and international trade transactions and hinders creativity and innovation in commercial activity; regrets the fact that the number of EU based companies solely providing online services is extremely low; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Believes that the regulatory deficiencies in the EU online market are hindering the development of a stable and strong European online industrial and commercial environment, which results in unsatisfactory levels of participation by European consumers in EU and international trade transactions and hinders creativity and innovation in commercial activity; regrets the fact that the number of EU based companies solely providing online services is extremely low;

| 32. | Notes the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on consumer rights (COM(2008)0614) that, it is to be hoped, will bring a greater degree of legal certainty, transparency and protection for the growing number of consumers buying over the Internet, particularly regarding delivery, the passing of risk, conformity with the contract and commercial guarantees; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Notes the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on consumer rights (COM(2008)0614) that, it is to be hoped, will bring a greater degree of legal certainty, transparency and protection for the growing number of consumers buying over the Internet, particularly regarding delivery, the passing of risk, conformity with the contract and commercial guarantees;

| 33. | Recalls that confidence, in particular for consumers and SMEs, is vital for making full use of the possibilities offered by Internet trade, as emphasised in its above-mentioned resolution of 21 June 2007; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Recalls that confidence, in particular for consumers and SMEs, is vital for making full use of the possibilities offered by Internet trade, as emphasised in its above-mentioned resolution of 21 June 2007;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take every opportunity to contribute to strengthening confidence through action in the relevant international forums, such as the WTO, and to make efforts to arrive at global standards and norms which take into account European best practices; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take every opportunity to contribute to strengthening confidence through action in the relevant international forums, such as the WTO, and to make efforts to arrive at global standards and norms which take into account European best practices;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to improve the legal interoperability of Internet services through the development of model licences and other legal solutions compatible with jurisdictions where private law has not been harmonised, in particular for voluntary patent indemnification of international online standards, and to propagate existing European deliverables for legal interoperability as a means of reducing transaction costs and legal uncertainty for online providers; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission to improve the legal interoperability of Internet services through the development of model licences and other legal solutions compatible with jurisdictions where private law has not been harmonised, in particular for voluntary patent indemnification of international online standards, and to propagate existing European deliverables for legal interoperability as a means of reducing transaction costs and legal uncertainty for online providers;

| 36. | Calls on the Commission, if appropriate in conjunction with the OECD, to draw up a detailed study incorporating statistics on international e-commerce; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Commission, if appropriate in conjunction with the OECD, to draw up a detailed study incorporating statistics on international e-commerce;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy for removing the barriers to using e-commerce still affecting SMEs (access to ICT, costs of developing and maintaining e-business systems, lack of trust, lack of information, legal uncertainty over transnational disputes, etc) and policy recommendations including offering incentives to SMEs for enhanced participation in online trading products and services; encourages, in this respect, the establishment of a database, designed to provide information support and management guidance to the new and inexperienced participants in online trading, and the conduct of a comparative economic analysis of the benefits of e-commerce and online advertising for SMEs, as well as case studies of successful EU SMEs trading online; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy for removing the barriers to using e-commerce still affecting SMEs (access to ICT, costs of developing and maintaining e-business systems, lack of trust, lack of information, legal uncertainty over transnational disputes, etc) and policy recommendations including offering incentives to SMEs for enhanced participation in online trading products and services; encourages, in this respect, the establishment of a database, designed to provide information support and management guidance to the new and inexperienced participants in online trading, and the conduct of a comparative economic analysis of the benefits of e-commerce and online advertising for SMEs, as well as case studies of successful EU SMEs trading online;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage SMEs to ‘go online’ and to organise platforms for sharing information and exchanging best practices and recommends that the Commission and the Member States promote public procurement through electronic use, taking great care to ensure eAccessibility; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage SMEs to ‘go online’ and to organise platforms for sharing information and exchanging best practices and recommends that the Commission and the Member States promote public procurement through electronic use, taking great care to ensure eAccessibility;

| 39. | Welcomes the Commission's initiative to open a public dialogue by way of its issues paper entitled ‘Opportunities in Online Goods and Services’ and by establishing a group of advisers to collaborate in delivering a report on the relevant issues; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Welcomes the Commission's initiative to open a public dialogue by way of its issues paper entitled ‘Opportunities in Online Goods and Services’ and by establishing a group of advisers to collaborate in delivering a report on the relevant issues;

| 40. | Points out that the Internet has brought a new approach to the production, consumption and dissemination of cultural goods and services, which can contribute to cross-cultural understanding on the basis of free and fair access to new ICTs and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Points out that the Internet has brought a new approach to the production, consumption and dissemination of cultural goods and services, which can contribute to cross-cultural understanding on the basis of free and fair access to new ICTs and respect for cultural and linguistic diversity;

| 41. | Stresses that cultural and artistic products and services have both an economic and cultural value, and that it is important to maintain this understanding in international trade negotiations and agreements, and through global networks by implementing the UNESCO Convention in a legally binding way; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Stresses that cultural and artistic products and services have both an economic and cultural value, and that it is important to maintain this understanding in international trade negotiations and agreements, and through global networks by implementing the UNESCO Convention in a legally binding way;

| 42. | Urges the Council and the Commission to ensure that European cultural industries fully exploit the new opportunities brought about by online trading in particular the audiovisual, musical and publishing sectors, whilst at the same time offering effective protection against illicit trafficking and piracy; however, this must not affect the Community's policy, clearly stated in the negotiating mandate, to refrain from making offers or accepting liberalisation requests in the audiovisual and cultural sector; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Urges the Council and the Commission to ensure that European cultural industries fully exploit the new opportunities brought about by online trading in particular the audiovisual, musical and publishing sectors, whilst at the same time offering effective protection against illicit trafficking and piracy; however, this must not affect the Community's policy, clearly stated in the negotiating mandate, to refrain from making offers or accepting liberalisation requests in the audiovisual and cultural sector;

| 43. | Considers that the Internet is becoming the most efficient medium for bridging the trade gap between North and South; considers that the Internet is opening new commercial channels connecting least developed and other developing countries with advanced and central commercial systems, increasing their export flows and bypassing the disadvantages of traditional commercial practices; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Considers that the Internet is becoming the most efficient medium for bridging the trade gap between North and South; considers that the Internet is opening new commercial channels connecting least developed and other developing countries with advanced and central commercial systems, increasing their export flows and bypassing the disadvantages of traditional commercial practices;

| 44. | Believes that the participation of the least developed and other developing countries in international trade through the Internet has to be supported through increased investment primarily in basic infrastructure such as telecommunication networks and access devices; underlines the need for low cost and better quality provision of Internet services; recognises that telecom liberalisation has led to increased investment in infrastructure, improved service and innovation; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Believes that the participation of the least developed and other developing countries in international trade through the Internet has to be supported through increased investment primarily in basic infrastructure such as telecommunication networks and access devices; underlines the need for low cost and better quality provision of Internet services; recognises that telecom liberalisation has led to increased investment in infrastructure, improved service and innovation;

| 45. | Recognises that in many countries, users access the Internet via mobile devices; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Recognises that in many countries, users access the Internet via mobile devices;

| 46. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

46.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 128, 15.5.2002, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 23, 26.1.2008, p. 21.

(4)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0449.

(5)  OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.

(6)  OJ L 364, 9.12.2004, p. 1

(7)  OJ C 167, 1.6.1998, p. 203.

(8)  OJ C 146 E, 12.6.2008, p. 370.

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| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/120 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/120

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Development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

P6_TA(2009)0051

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (2008/2170(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/14)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (1),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005 of 27 June 2005 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 980/2005 of 27 June 2005 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (2),

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements (3),

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on the Economic Partnership Agreements of 10-11 April 2006 and on the Aid for Trade of 16 October 2006 and the Conclusions of the European Council of 15-16 June 2006, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on the Economic Partnership Agreements of 10-11 April 2006 and on the Aid for Trade of 16 October 2006 and the Conclusions of the European Council of 15-16 June 2006,

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 15 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 15 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements,

| — | having regard to the Conclusions of the EU 2870th External Relations Council Meeting of 26 and 27 May 2008 on Economic Partnership Agreements, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Conclusions of the EU 2870th External Relations Council Meeting of 26 and 27 May 2008 on Economic Partnership Agreements,

| — | having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers adopted in Addis-Ababa on 13 June 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers adopted in Addis-Ababa on 13 June 2008,

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 28 November 2006 entitled ‘Communication to modify the directives for the negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements with ACP countries and regions’ (COM(2006)0673), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 28 November 2006 entitled ‘Communication to modify the directives for the negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements with ACP countries and regions’ (COM(2006)0673),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 27 June 2007 entitled ‘From Cairo to Lisbon – The EU-Africa Strategic Partnership work’ (COM(2007)0357), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 27 June 2007 entitled ‘From Cairo to Lisbon – The EU-Africa Strategic Partnership work’ (COM(2007)0357),

| — | having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 October 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (COM(2007)0635), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission Communication of 23 October 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (COM(2007)0635),

| — | having regard to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), in particular Article XXIV thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), in particular Article XXIV thereof,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000, which sets out the Millennium Development Goals as criteria collectively established by the international community for the elimination of poverty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Millennium Declaration of 8 September 2000, which sets out the Millennium Development Goals as criteria collectively established by the international community for the elimination of poverty,

| — | having regard to the Declaration of the second Conference of African Ministers in Charge of Integration, adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, on 26-27 July 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration of the second Conference of African Ministers in Charge of Integration, adopted in Kigali, Rwanda, on 26-27 July 2007,

| — | having regard to the report presented by Ms Christiane Taubira, Member of the French National Assembly, on 16 June 2008: ‘Les Accords de Partenariat Economique entre l'Union européenne et les pays ACP. Et si la Politique se mêlait enfin des affaires du monde ?’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report presented by Ms Christiane Taubira, Member of the French National Assembly, on 16 June 2008: ‘Les Accords de Partenariat Economique entre l'Union européenne et les pays ACP. Et si la Politique se mêlait enfin des affaires du monde ?’,

| — | having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 19 February 2004 on Economic Partnership Agreements: problems and prospects (4), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 19 February 2004 on Economic Partnership Agreements: problems and prospects (4),

| — | having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 23 November 2006 on the review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (5), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Resolution of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 23 November 2006 on the review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (5),

| — | having regard to the Kigali Declaration for development-friendly Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) approved by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 November 2007 (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Kigali Declaration for development-friendly Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) approved by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 20 November 2007 (6),

| — | having regard to the Declaration on EPAs by the ACP Heads of State adopted in Accra on 3 October 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Declaration on EPAs by the ACP Heads of State adopted in Accra on 3 October 2008,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2002 containing its recommendation to the Commission concerning the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries and regions (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2002 containing its recommendation to the Commission concerning the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries and regions (7),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 17 November 2005 on a development strategy for Africa (8), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 17 November 2005 on a development strategy for Africa (8),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (9), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (9),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 28 September 2006 on more and better cooperation: the 2006 EU aid effectiveness package (10), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 28 September 2006 on more and better cooperation: the 2006 EU aid effectiveness package (10),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (11), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (11),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 23 May 2007 on the EU's Aid for Trade (12), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 23 May 2007 on the EU's Aid for Trade (12),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 20 June 2007 on the Millennium Development Goals – the midway point (13), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 20 June 2007 on the Millennium Development Goals – the midway point (13),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 29 November 2007 on Advancing African Agriculture - Proposal for agricultural development and food security in Africa (14), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 29 November 2007 on Advancing African Agriculture - Proposal for agricultural development and food security in Africa (14),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (15), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 12 December 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (15),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 22 May 2008 on the follow-up to the Paris Declaration of 2005 on Aid Effectiveness (16), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 22 May 2008 on the follow-up to the Paris Declaration of 2005 on Aid Effectiveness (16),

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (A6-0513/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Development (A6-0513/2008),

| A. | whereas Article 36(1) of the Cotonou Agreement contains the agreement of the European Union and the ACP States to conclude ‘WTO compatible trading arrangements, removing progressively barriers to trade between them and enhancing cooperation in all areas relevant to trade’, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Article 36(1) of the Cotonou Agreement contains the agreement of the European Union and the ACP States to conclude ‘WTO compatible trading arrangements, removing progressively barriers to trade between them and enhancing cooperation in all areas relevant to trade’,

| B. | whereas the Council adopted the negotiating directives for the EPAs with the ACP countries on 12 June 2002, and negotiations started the same year with the ACP Group of States on issues of general interest followed by separate negotiations with six EPA regions (Caribbean, West Africa, Central Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, SADC minus, Pacific), |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Council adopted the negotiating directives for the EPAs with the ACP countries on 12 June 2002, and negotiations started the same year with the ACP Group of States on issues of general interest followed by separate negotiations with six EPA regions (Caribbean, West Africa, Central Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, SADC minus, Pacific),

| C. | whereas the 15 Member States of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) initialled an EPA with the EU and its Member States on 16 December 2007, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the 15 Member States of the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (CARIFORUM) initialled an EPA with the EU and its Member States on 16 December 2007,

| D. | having regard to Article 231 of the EPA concluded with CARIFORUM, which establishes a CARIFORUM-EC parliamentary committee, |
| --- | --- |

D.

having regard to Article 231 of the EPA concluded with CARIFORUM, which establishes a CARIFORUM-EC parliamentary committee,

| E. | whereas 18 African countries, of which 8 are Least Developed Countries (LDCs), initialled ‘stepping stone’ EPAs in November and December 2007, while 29 other African ACP countries, of which three are non-LDCs, did not initial any EPA, and whereas South Africa had already signed up to the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), a WTO-compatible trade regime with the EU, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas 18 African countries, of which 8 are Least Developed Countries (LDCs), initialled ‘stepping stone’ EPAs in November and December 2007, while 29 other African ACP countries, of which three are non-LDCs, did not initial any EPA, and whereas South Africa had already signed up to the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), a WTO-compatible trade regime with the EU,

| F. | whereas Papua New Guinea and Fiji, two non-LDC ACP countries, initialled an interim EPA on 23 November 2007, while the remaining Pacific ACP countries (six LDCs and seven non-LDCs) did not initial an EPA, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas Papua New Guinea and Fiji, two non-LDC ACP countries, initialled an interim EPA on 23 November 2007, while the remaining Pacific ACP countries (six LDCs and seven non-LDCs) did not initial an EPA,

| G. | whereas the agreements initialled in 2007 had not been signed, but all were due to be signed before the end of 2008, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the agreements initialled in 2007 had not been signed, but all were due to be signed before the end of 2008,

| H. | whereas the EU has applied, as from 1 January 2008, the import arrangement to products originating in the ACP States which initialled EPAs or stepping stone EPAs, as provided for in these agreements (17), |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the EU has applied, as from 1 January 2008, the import arrangement to products originating in the ACP States which initialled EPAs or stepping stone EPAs, as provided for in these agreements (17),

| I. | whereas the African and the Pacific regions are continuing negotiations with the Commission with a view to the conclusion of full EPAs, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the African and the Pacific regions are continuing negotiations with the Commission with a view to the conclusion of full EPAs,

| J. | whereas it has been repeatedly confirmed by all parties, notably through European Parliament resolutions, but also through documents of the Council and Commission, that the EPAs must be instruments of development in order to promote sustainable development, regional integration, and a reduction of poverty in the ACP States, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas it has been repeatedly confirmed by all parties, notably through European Parliament resolutions, but also through documents of the Council and Commission, that the EPAs must be instruments of development in order to promote sustainable development, regional integration, and a reduction of poverty in the ACP States,

| K. | whereas the adjustment costs resulting from the EPAs will have a significant impact on the development of ACP countries, which, whilst difficult to predict, will consist of direct impact through the loss of customs duties and the costs of regulatory reform and enforcement to comply with the wide range of regulations stipulated in the EPA, and indirect impact through the costs necessary for adaptation or social support in the areas of employment, skills enhancement, production, export diversification and reform of public financial management, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the adjustment costs resulting from the EPAs will have a significant impact on the development of ACP countries, which, whilst difficult to predict, will consist of direct impact through the loss of customs duties and the costs of regulatory reform and enforcement to comply with the wide range of regulations stipulated in the EPA, and indirect impact through the costs necessary for adaptation or social support in the areas of employment, skills enhancement, production, export diversification and reform of public financial management,

| L. | whereas 21 ACP countries have set out specific amounts for the accompanying measures to the EPAs in their National Indicative Programmes (NIPs) for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), some of which have not yet signed an EPA, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas 21 ACP countries have set out specific amounts for the accompanying measures to the EPAs in their National Indicative Programmes (NIPs) for the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), some of which have not yet signed an EPA,

| M. | whereas the amounts specifically laid down for EPA-related measures in all NIPs constitute only 0,9 % of the total amount of the NIPs (A-envelopes); whereas in addition to this there are substantial indirect EPA supporting measures available such as regional integration and infrastructure as well as Aid for Trade, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas the amounts specifically laid down for EPA-related measures in all NIPs constitute only 0,9 % of the total amount of the NIPs (A-envelopes); whereas in addition to this there are substantial indirect EPA supporting measures available such as regional integration and infrastructure as well as Aid for Trade,

| N. | whereas the development impact of EPAs will result from their effects on






  — | the reduction of net customs revenues and its effect on the budgets of the ACP States, |
| --- | --- | --- |

N.

whereas the development impact of EPAs will result from their effects on

—

the reduction of net customs revenues and its effect on the budgets of the ACP States,

| — | the improvement of the supply of ACP countries' economies and provision of customers with imported EU products, |
| --- | --- |

—

the improvement of the supply of ACP countries' economies and provision of customers with imported EU products,

| — | growing exports to the EU from ACP countries through improved Rules of Origin, which would lead to economic growth, more employment, and increased state revenue which could be used to fund social measures, |
| --- | --- |

—

growing exports to the EU from ACP countries through improved Rules of Origin, which would lead to economic growth, more employment, and increased state revenue which could be used to fund social measures,

| — | regional integration in the ACP regions, which has the capacity to improve the framework for economic development and would therefore contribute to economic growth, |
| --- | --- |

—

regional integration in the ACP regions, which has the capacity to improve the framework for economic development and would therefore contribute to economic growth,

| — | the successful use of financing for Aid for Trade in connection with the EPAs, |
| --- | --- |

—

the successful use of financing for Aid for Trade in connection with the EPAs,

| — | the implementation of reform measures in the ACP countries, in particular as regards public finance management, collection of customs duties and establishment of a new tax revenue system, |
| --- | --- |

—

the implementation of reform measures in the ACP countries, in particular as regards public finance management, collection of customs duties and establishment of a new tax revenue system,

| O. | whereas it is absolutely crucial to promote and support the trade inside and between ACP regions and between ACP countries and other developing countries (South-South), which will have important positive effects on the development of ACP countries and decrease their dependence, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas it is absolutely crucial to promote and support the trade inside and between ACP regions and between ACP countries and other developing countries (South-South), which will have important positive effects on the development of ACP countries and decrease their dependence,

| P. | whereas the above-mentioned 26 - 27 May 2008 GAERC Conclusions underlined the need for a flexible approach while ensuring adequate progress and called on the Commission to use all WTO-compatible flexibility and asymmetry in order to take account of different needs and levels of development of the ACP countries and regions, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas the above-mentioned 26 - 27 May 2008 GAERC Conclusions underlined the need for a flexible approach while ensuring adequate progress and called on the Commission to use all WTO-compatible flexibility and asymmetry in order to take account of different needs and levels of development of the ACP countries and regions,

| Q. | whereas the inhabitants of the ACP countries are the most affected by the global financial and food crisis, which is threatening to totally destroy the minimal progress achieved towards the Millennium Development Goals, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the inhabitants of the ACP countries are the most affected by the global financial and food crisis, which is threatening to totally destroy the minimal progress achieved towards the Millennium Development Goals,

| 1. | Urges the Council, the Commission and the governments of the EU Member States and ACP countries to do their utmost to re-establish an atmosphere of confidence and constructive dialogue in so far as it has been damaged in the course of negotiations and to recognise the ACP states as equal partners in the negotiation and implementation process; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Urges the Council, the Commission and the governments of the EU Member States and ACP countries to do their utmost to re-establish an atmosphere of confidence and constructive dialogue in so far as it has been damaged in the course of negotiations and to recognise the ACP states as equal partners in the negotiation and implementation process;

| 2. | Urges the Member States to respect their commitments to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA), even in this time of global financial crisis, which will enable an increase in Aid for Trade, and to establish accompanying measures in the form of regional Aid for Trade packages for the implementation of the EPAs contributing to the positive impact of the EPAs on development; stresses the fact that signing an EPA is not imposed as a precondition to receive Aid for Trade Funds; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Urges the Member States to respect their commitments to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA), even in this time of global financial crisis, which will enable an increase in Aid for Trade, and to establish accompanying measures in the form of regional Aid for Trade packages for the implementation of the EPAs contributing to the positive impact of the EPAs on development; stresses the fact that signing an EPA is not imposed as a precondition to receive Aid for Trade Funds;

| 3. | Insists that EPAs are an instrument to development which should reflect both the national and regional interest and the needs of the ACP countries in order to reduce poverty, achieve the MDGs and respect fundamental human rights such as the right to food or the right to access basic public services; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Insists that EPAs are an instrument to development which should reflect both the national and regional interest and the needs of the ACP countries in order to reduce poverty, achieve the MDGs and respect fundamental human rights such as the right to food or the right to access basic public services;

| 4. | Reminds the Council and the Commission that neither the conclusion nor the renunciation of an EPA should lead to a situation where an ACP country may find itself in a less favourable position than it was under the trade provisions of the Cotonou Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Reminds the Council and the Commission that neither the conclusion nor the renunciation of an EPA should lead to a situation where an ACP country may find itself in a less favourable position than it was under the trade provisions of the Cotonou Agreement;

| 5. | Urges the Commission and the ACP countries to make best use of the funding available for Aid for Trade in order to support the reform process in areas essential for economic development; to improve infrastructure where it is necessary, as the opportunities offered by the EPAs can only be fully taken advantage of if strong accompanying measures are introduced for the ACP countries; to compensate the net loss of customs revenue and encourage tax reform so that public investments in social sectors are not reduced; to invest in the production chain in order to diversify export production; to produce more higher added-value export goods; and to invest in training and support for small producers and exporters to meet EU sanitary and phytosanitary criteria; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the Commission and the ACP countries to make best use of the funding available for Aid for Trade in order to support the reform process in areas essential for economic development; to improve infrastructure where it is necessary, as the opportunities offered by the EPAs can only be fully taken advantage of if strong accompanying measures are introduced for the ACP countries; to compensate the net loss of customs revenue and encourage tax reform so that public investments in social sectors are not reduced; to invest in the production chain in order to diversify export production; to produce more higher added-value export goods; and to invest in training and support for small producers and exporters to meet EU sanitary and phytosanitary criteria;

| 6. | Stresses that EPAs concluded with individual ACP countries, or with a group of countries not including all countries within one region, run the risk of undermining regional integration; calls upon the Commission to recalibrate its approach taking account of this risk, and ensure that concluding EPAs does not endanger regional integration; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses that EPAs concluded with individual ACP countries, or with a group of countries not including all countries within one region, run the risk of undermining regional integration; calls upon the Commission to recalibrate its approach taking account of this risk, and ensure that concluding EPAs does not endanger regional integration;

| 7. | Stresses that the increases in ODA promised by the Member States should, as a priority, be used to redouble efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals in those ACP countries which are hardest hit by the consequences of the global financial and food crisis, which has threatened, and continues to threaten, the success achieved in attaining these goals; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses that the increases in ODA promised by the Member States should, as a priority, be used to redouble efforts to attain the Millennium Development Goals in those ACP countries which are hardest hit by the consequences of the global financial and food crisis, which has threatened, and continues to threaten, the success achieved in attaining these goals;

| 8. | Also underlines that all agreements must respect the asymmetry in favour of the ACP countries regarding both the range of products targeted and the transition periods, and that the EPAs must provide firm guarantees of protection for those sectors which the ACP countries identify as sensitive; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Also underlines that all agreements must respect the asymmetry in favour of the ACP countries regarding both the range of products targeted and the transition periods, and that the EPAs must provide firm guarantees of protection for those sectors which the ACP countries identify as sensitive;

| 9. | Stresses that support measures linked to the EPAs have to take into account the importance of regional integration and economic relations with other developing countries to the development of the ACP countries; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that support measures linked to the EPAs have to take into account the importance of regional integration and economic relations with other developing countries to the development of the ACP countries;

| 10. | Urges the Commission to give ACP negotiators sufficient time to evaluate the agreement and to make suggestions before adopting the relevant agreement, taking into consideration the WTO time schedules; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Urges the Commission to give ACP negotiators sufficient time to evaluate the agreement and to make suggestions before adopting the relevant agreement, taking into consideration the WTO time schedules;

| 11. | Stresses that EPAs agreements should incorporate a revision clause for a revision 5 years after their signature, to which national parliaments, the European Parliament and civil society must be formally associated; stresses also that this period will enable a detailed evaluation of the impact of EPAs on the economies and regional integration of the ACP countries and appropriate reorientations to be carried out; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses that EPAs agreements should incorporate a revision clause for a revision 5 years after their signature, to which national parliaments, the European Parliament and civil society must be formally associated; stresses also that this period will enable a detailed evaluation of the impact of EPAs on the economies and regional integration of the ACP countries and appropriate reorientations to be carried out;

| 12. | Considers that any trade agreement between ACP and EU, affecting the livelihood of the population, should be the result of an open and public debate with full participation of ACP national parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers that any trade agreement between ACP and EU, affecting the livelihood of the population, should be the result of an open and public debate with full participation of ACP national parliaments;

| 13. | Urges the ACP governments to implement necessary reforms in order to realise good governance, in particular in the field of public administration, such as in public financial management, collection of customs duties, the tax revenue system, the fight against corruption and mismanagement; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Urges the ACP governments to implement necessary reforms in order to realise good governance, in particular in the field of public administration, such as in public financial management, collection of customs duties, the tax revenue system, the fight against corruption and mismanagement;

| 14. | Underscores the need for stronger monitoring and evaluation provisions in the EPAs which will determine the impact of the EPA on country and regional development and poverty reduction objectives, not merely EPA compliance levels; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Underscores the need for stronger monitoring and evaluation provisions in the EPAs which will determine the impact of the EPA on country and regional development and poverty reduction objectives, not merely EPA compliance levels;

| 15. | Stresses that there is a need to increase transparency in the negotiations and their outcomes in order to allow for public scrutiny by policy makers, parliamentarians and civil society representatives; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Stresses that there is a need to increase transparency in the negotiations and their outcomes in order to allow for public scrutiny by policy makers, parliamentarians and civil society representatives;

| 16. | Considers that the EDF Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes should contain important, systematic and well-considered support for EPA implementation, taking into account the necessary reform process that would make the EPA a success; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Considers that the EDF Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes should contain important, systematic and well-considered support for EPA implementation, taking into account the necessary reform process that would make the EPA a success;

| 17. | Urges the Commission in partnership with the ACP countries to include development benchmarks in the EPA and interim EPAs to measure the socio-economic impact of the EPAs on key sectors, to be determined according to the priorities and for intervals decided by each region; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Urges the Commission in partnership with the ACP countries to include development benchmarks in the EPA and interim EPAs to measure the socio-economic impact of the EPAs on key sectors, to be determined according to the priorities and for intervals decided by each region;

| 18. | Stresses that it is crucial that forests, biodiversity and indigenous people or forest-dependent people are not put at risk; in this regard, stresses that ACP countries should be allowed to implement rules that limit the export of timber and other unprocessed raw materials and be allowed to use these laws in order to protect forests, wildlife and domestic industries; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Stresses that it is crucial that forests, biodiversity and indigenous people or forest-dependent people are not put at risk; in this regard, stresses that ACP countries should be allowed to implement rules that limit the export of timber and other unprocessed raw materials and be allowed to use these laws in order to protect forests, wildlife and domestic industries;

| 19. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and of the ACP countries, the ACP-EU Council and the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. |
| --- | --- |

19.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States and of the ACP countries, the ACP-EU Council and the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

---

(1)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

(2)  OJ L 169, 30.6.2005, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 348, 31.12.2007, p. 1.

(4)  OJ C 120, 30.4.2004, p. 16.

(5)  OJ C 330, 30.12.2006, p. 36.

(6)  OJ C 58, 1.3.2008, p. 44.

(7)  OJ C 273 E, 14.11.2003, p. 305.

(8)  OJ C 280 E, 18.11.2006, p. 475.

(9)  OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 121.

(10)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, p. 373.

(11)  OJ C 102 E, 24.4.2008, p. 301.

(12)  OJ C 102 E, 24.4.2008, p. 291.

(13)  OJ C 146 E, 12.6.2008, p. 232.

(14)  OJ C 297 E, 20.11.2008, p. 201.

(15)  OJ C 323 E, 18.12.2008, p. 361.

(16)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0237.

(17)  Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 of 20 December 2007 applying the arrangements for products originating in certain states which are part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States provided for in agreements establishing, or leading to the establishment of, Economic Partnership Agreements (OJ L 348, 31.12.2007, p. 1).

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/126 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/126

---

Kosovo

P6_TA(2009)0052

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Kosovo and the role of the EU

(2010/C 67 E/15)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the United Nations Charter, signed on 26 June 1945, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the United Nations Charter, signed on 26 June 1945,

| — | having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 (S/RES/1244(1999)), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 (S/RES/1244(1999)),

| — | having regard to the guiding principles for a settlement of the status of Kosovo adopted by the Contact Group on 7 October 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the guiding principles for a settlement of the status of Kosovo adopted by the Contact Group on 7 October 2005,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 29 March 2007 on the future of Kosovo and the role of the EU (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 29 March 2007 on the future of Kosovo and the role of the EU (1),

| — | having regard to the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) signed on 19 December 2006 in Bucharest, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) signed on 19 December 2006 in Bucharest,

| — | having regard to the UN Special Envoy's final report on Kosovo's future status and the Comprehensive Status Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement of 26 March 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Special Envoy's final report on Kosovo's future status and the Comprehensive Status Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement of 26 March 2007,

| — | having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP of 4 February 2008 on the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX KOSOVO (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP of 4 February 2008 on the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX KOSOVO (2),

| — | having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/123/CFSP of 4 February 2008 appointing a European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Council Joint Action 2008/123/CFSP of 4 February 2008 appointing a European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (3),

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 18 February 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 18 February 2008,

| — | having regard to the letters sent by the UN Secretary-General to the President of Serbia and the President of Kosovo on 12 June 2008 concerning the reconfiguration of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the letters sent by the UN Secretary-General to the President of Serbia and the President of Kosovo on 12 June 2008 concerning the reconfiguration of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK),

| — | having regard to the UN Secretary-General's report to the Security Council of 12 June 2008 on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2008/354), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Secretary-General's report to the Security Council of 12 June 2008 on the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (S/2008/354),

| — | having regard to the Kosovo Donors' Conference, which took place in Brussels on 11 July 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Kosovo Donors' Conference, which took place in Brussels on 11 July 2008,

| — | having regard to the technical arrangement between UNMIK and EULEX on the handover of assets on 18 August 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the technical arrangement between UNMIK and EULEX on the handover of assets on 18 August 2008,

| — | having regard to Resolution 63/3 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 8 October 2008 (A/RES/63/3), by means of which it decided to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the question whether the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo is in accordance with international law, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Resolution 63/3 adopted by the UN General Assembly on 8 October 2008 (A/RES/63/3), by means of which it decided to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the question whether the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo is in accordance with international law,

| — | having regard to the UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 26 November 2008 (S/PRST/2008/44), by means of which the Security Council unanimously approved UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report on UNMIK (S/2008/692) and thereby authorised the EULEX mission to deploy across the entire territory of Kosovo, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the UN Security Council Presidential Statement of 26 November 2008 (S/PRST/2008/44), by means of which the Security Council unanimously approved UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's report on UNMIK (S/2008/692) and thereby authorised the EULEX mission to deploy across the entire territory of Kosovo,

| — | having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 103(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas on 17 February 2008 the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo's independence and committed itself to the Comprehensive Status Proposal (CSP) of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas on 17 February 2008 the Assembly of Kosovo declared Kosovo's independence and committed itself to the Comprehensive Status Proposal (CSP) of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari,

| B. | whereas the Serbian Government has adopted a constructive approach and has engaged in proper negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement; whereas, despite the adverse circumstances, the Serbian Government has maintained a pro-European stance, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Serbian Government has adopted a constructive approach and has engaged in proper negotiations with a view to reaching an agreement; whereas, despite the adverse circumstances, the Serbian Government has maintained a pro-European stance,

| C. | whereas the CSP is enshrined in the Kosovo Constitution and other laws; whereas 25 countries have, at the request of Kosovo's leaders, formed the International Steering Group (ISG), whose primary purpose is the full implementation of the CSP; whereas the ISG has appointed an International Civilian Representative (ICR), supported by an International Civilian Office in Kosovo, in accordance with the CSP; whereas this implies that Kosovo is managing its own affairs, whilst being supervised in its implementation of, inter alia, measures to protect and promote minority rights, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the CSP is enshrined in the Kosovo Constitution and other laws; whereas 25 countries have, at the request of Kosovo's leaders, formed the International Steering Group (ISG), whose primary purpose is the full implementation of the CSP; whereas the ISG has appointed an International Civilian Representative (ICR), supported by an International Civilian Office in Kosovo, in accordance with the CSP; whereas this implies that Kosovo is managing its own affairs, whilst being supervised in its implementation of, inter alia, measures to protect and promote minority rights,

| D. | whereas thus far 54 countries, including 22 of the 27 EU Member States, have recognised Kosovo's independence, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas thus far 54 countries, including 22 of the 27 EU Member States, have recognised Kosovo's independence,

| E. | whereas the 27 EU Member States have dispatched a European Union Special Representative (EUSR) to Kosovo, Pieter Feith, who also serves as the ICR; whereas the ICR supervises the full implementation of the CSP and the EUSR offers the EU's support and advice in connection with the political process in Kosovo, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the 27 EU Member States have dispatched a European Union Special Representative (EUSR) to Kosovo, Pieter Feith, who also serves as the ICR; whereas the ICR supervises the full implementation of the CSP and the EUSR offers the EU's support and advice in connection with the political process in Kosovo,

| F. | whereas the regional stability of the Western Balkans is a priority for the European Union, which has for this reason launched the EULEX mission; whereas EULEX has already reached its initial operational capability throughout Kosovo and has, accordingly, assumed its responsibilities in the areas of the judiciary, the police, correctional services and customs, including some executive functions, with a view to monitoring, mentoring and advising the competent Kosovo institutions in all areas relating to the wider rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the regional stability of the Western Balkans is a priority for the European Union, which has for this reason launched the EULEX mission; whereas EULEX has already reached its initial operational capability throughout Kosovo and has, accordingly, assumed its responsibilities in the areas of the judiciary, the police, correctional services and customs, including some executive functions, with a view to monitoring, mentoring and advising the competent Kosovo institutions in all areas relating to the wider rule of law,

| G. | whereas by also deploying in the territory of Kosovo north of the river Ibar EULEX is contributing to the objective, agreed on by all parties, of implementing the rule of law and creating a coherent justice system throughout Kosovo and guaranteeing all citizens equal access to justice, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas by also deploying in the territory of Kosovo north of the river Ibar EULEX is contributing to the objective, agreed on by all parties, of implementing the rule of law and creating a coherent justice system throughout Kosovo and guaranteeing all citizens equal access to justice,

The European role

| 1. | Welcomes the successful deployment of EULEX throughout the territory of Kosovo, including the part north of the river Ibar, in compliance with the UN Secretary-General's report and the subsequent UN Security Council Presidential Statement, of 26 November 2008, referred to above; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the successful deployment of EULEX throughout the territory of Kosovo, including the part north of the river Ibar, in compliance with the UN Secretary-General's report and the subsequent UN Security Council Presidential Statement, of 26 November 2008, referred to above;

| 2. | Underlines the European Union's commitment to complying with international law and to playing a leading role in ensuring the stability of Kosovo and in the Western Balkans as a whole; recalls its willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo by offering clear prospects for EU membership, as it has for the region as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Underlines the European Union's commitment to complying with international law and to playing a leading role in ensuring the stability of Kosovo and in the Western Balkans as a whole; recalls its willingness to assist the economic and political development of Kosovo by offering clear prospects for EU membership, as it has for the region as a whole;

| 3. | Encourages those EU Member States which have not already done so to recognise the independence of Kosovo; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Encourages those EU Member States which have not already done so to recognise the independence of Kosovo;

| 4. | Recalls its above-mentioned resolution of 29 March 2007, which clearly rejects the possibility of the partitioning of Kosovo; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Recalls its above-mentioned resolution of 29 March 2007, which clearly rejects the possibility of the partitioning of Kosovo;

| 5. | Notes, in that connection, as announced by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for UNMIK in Kosovo, Lamberto Zannier, that since 9 December 2008 UNMIK has no longer had any residual powers in the area of police and customs and will soon hand over to EULEX all its remaining powers in the area of justice, thus ensuring that Kosovo functions under a single rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Notes, in that connection, as announced by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for UNMIK in Kosovo, Lamberto Zannier, that since 9 December 2008 UNMIK has no longer had any residual powers in the area of police and customs and will soon hand over to EULEX all its remaining powers in the area of justice, thus ensuring that Kosovo functions under a single rule of law;

| 6. | Calls on the international community to be fully supportive of EULEX and to facilitate the assumption by EULEX throughout Kosovo of all UNMIK's relevant tasks in the area of customs, the police and the judiciary; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the international community to be fully supportive of EULEX and to facilitate the assumption by EULEX throughout Kosovo of all UNMIK's relevant tasks in the area of customs, the police and the judiciary;

| 7. | Expects EULEX to function in accordance with its EU mandate with a view to promoting the stable development of Kosovo and guaranteeing the rule of law for all communities throughout Kosovo; underlines in this regard that EULEX serves the interests of all ethnic minorities in Kosovo, since it will address, inter alia, complaints concerning ethnic discrimination, harassment and violence and the many outstanding property issues; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Expects EULEX to function in accordance with its EU mandate with a view to promoting the stable development of Kosovo and guaranteeing the rule of law for all communities throughout Kosovo; underlines in this regard that EULEX serves the interests of all ethnic minorities in Kosovo, since it will address, inter alia, complaints concerning ethnic discrimination, harassment and violence and the many outstanding property issues;

| 8. | Welcomes the Serbian Government's agreement to the deployment of EULEX, the most important of the ESDP (European Security and Defence Policy) missions to date, and its readiness to cooperate with it; encourages Serbia to continue to display this constructive attitude, which is consistent with the country's aspirations to join the EU; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the Serbian Government's agreement to the deployment of EULEX, the most important of the ESDP (European Security and Defence Policy) missions to date, and its readiness to cooperate with it; encourages Serbia to continue to display this constructive attitude, which is consistent with the country's aspirations to join the EU;

| 9. | Welcomes in this regard the decision, adopted under the transitional arrangements agreed by the UN and the Serbian Government, to appoint a senior Kosovo Serb police officer, working within the Kosovo Police Service but reporting directly to EULEX, as a first step in the efforts to ensure adequate representation of all minorities in the Kosovo police; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Welcomes in this regard the decision, adopted under the transitional arrangements agreed by the UN and the Serbian Government, to appoint a senior Kosovo Serb police officer, working within the Kosovo Police Service but reporting directly to EULEX, as a first step in the efforts to ensure adequate representation of all minorities in the Kosovo police;

| 10. | Considers that the transitional arrangements negotiated between the UN and the Serbian Government will need to be reviewed in the light of developments on the ground, once EULEX has reached full operational capability; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Considers that the transitional arrangements negotiated between the UN and the Serbian Government will need to be reviewed in the light of developments on the ground, once EULEX has reached full operational capability;

| 11. | Urges EULEX to address urgently the backlog of court cases under international supervision, giving priority to cases involving inter-ethnic violence, war crimes and high-level corruption, in order to contribute to strengthening the rule of law; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Urges EULEX to address urgently the backlog of court cases under international supervision, giving priority to cases involving inter-ethnic violence, war crimes and high-level corruption, in order to contribute to strengthening the rule of law;

| 12. | Regards the establishment of a functioning witness-protection programme as essential for effective legal action against high-level offenders in Kosovo, in particular with regard to war crimes; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Regards the establishment of a functioning witness-protection programme as essential for effective legal action against high-level offenders in Kosovo, in particular with regard to war crimes;

| 13. | Calls on the Council and the Commission to coordinate their activities so as to ensure coherent external action by the Union and the implementation of the above-mentioned Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP; calls, therefore, on the Head of the EULEX KOSOVO mission, Yves de Kermabon, and the EUSR to work hand in hand on a day-to-day basis; urges, moreover, the EU family to act collectively and in a coordinated fashion in making greater efforts to promote the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the political, economic and social life of Kosovo, and asks the EUSR to ensure that the Kosovo Government immediately takes tangible steps in this respect, including by means of specific economic development measures for the Mitrovica region, once the rule of law has been restored there; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Council and the Commission to coordinate their activities so as to ensure coherent external action by the Union and the implementation of the above-mentioned Joint Action 2008/124/CFSP; calls, therefore, on the Head of the EULEX KOSOVO mission, Yves de Kermabon, and the EUSR to work hand in hand on a day-to-day basis; urges, moreover, the EU family to act collectively and in a coordinated fashion in making greater efforts to promote the participation of Kosovo Serbs in the political, economic and social life of Kosovo, and asks the EUSR to ensure that the Kosovo Government immediately takes tangible steps in this respect, including by means of specific economic development measures for the Mitrovica region, once the rule of law has been restored there;

| 14. | Invites the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy to show his clear support for the European mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO) and to visit the country as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Invites the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy to show his clear support for the European mission in Kosovo (EULEX KOSOVO) and to visit the country as soon as possible;

| 15. | Welcomes the Commission's commitment to use all available Community instruments, in particular the Pre-Accession Instrument, to foster Kosovo's socio-economic development, increase transparency, efficiency and democracy in Kosovo's government and society and work towards peace and stability in Kosovo and across the region; welcomes in this respect the Commission's intention to present a feasibility study that will examine ways of strengthening the socio-economic and political development of Kosovo, and trusts that that study will be based on serious dialogue with the Kosovo authorities and matched by their renewed political commitment to pursue the necessary reforms; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Welcomes the Commission's commitment to use all available Community instruments, in particular the Pre-Accession Instrument, to foster Kosovo's socio-economic development, increase transparency, efficiency and democracy in Kosovo's government and society and work towards peace and stability in Kosovo and across the region; welcomes in this respect the Commission's intention to present a feasibility study that will examine ways of strengthening the socio-economic and political development of Kosovo, and trusts that that study will be based on serious dialogue with the Kosovo authorities and matched by their renewed political commitment to pursue the necessary reforms;

| 16. | Believes that the Commission should pay urgent attention to promoting local projects which facilitate reconciliation between the various communities and promote greater mobility of people; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Believes that the Commission should pay urgent attention to promoting local projects which facilitate reconciliation between the various communities and promote greater mobility of people;

| 17. | Considers that projects aimed, for example, at restoring vandalised graveyards with the direct involvement of local actors would have considerable symbolic value for the communities in Kosovo and would contribute to a better inter-ethnic climate; calls on the Commission and the EUSR to ensure that such initiatives rank high on the Kosovo Government's agenda; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Considers that projects aimed, for example, at restoring vandalised graveyards with the direct involvement of local actors would have considerable symbolic value for the communities in Kosovo and would contribute to a better inter-ethnic climate; calls on the Commission and the EUSR to ensure that such initiatives rank high on the Kosovo Government's agenda;

| 18. | Takes the view, further, that the establishment of a multi-ethnic European University College, in addition to the existing university centres in Pristina and Mitrovica, and of cultural, social and healthcare amenities catering specifically for the Serb community in central Kosovo would constitute a major incentive towards promoting the integration of the Serb community in Kosovo; calls on the Commission, therefore, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Government, to take immediate action with a view to implementing this project; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Takes the view, further, that the establishment of a multi-ethnic European University College, in addition to the existing university centres in Pristina and Mitrovica, and of cultural, social and healthcare amenities catering specifically for the Serb community in central Kosovo would constitute a major incentive towards promoting the integration of the Serb community in Kosovo; calls on the Commission, therefore, in close cooperation with the Kosovo Government, to take immediate action with a view to implementing this project;

| 19. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to assist the Kosovo Government in resolving the acute staff shortages in key sectors of the public administration, to support the training of civil servants and to assist with the improvement of communications infrastructure, in order to secure the smooth running of the administration, and to strengthen links between the authorities and civil society; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to assist the Kosovo Government in resolving the acute staff shortages in key sectors of the public administration, to support the training of civil servants and to assist with the improvement of communications infrastructure, in order to secure the smooth running of the administration, and to strengthen links between the authorities and civil society;

Kosovo governance

| 20. | Welcomes the improved security situation in Kosovo; supports the efforts of the Kosovo police to achieve an ambitious level of professionalism and reliability; underlines in this regard the vital need for a multi-ethnic police force in all areas of Kosovo; welcomes, therefore, the return of some Serb officers to the Kosovo police force and urges the Kosovo authorities to support the reintegration of those police officers who have yet to return; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Welcomes the improved security situation in Kosovo; supports the efforts of the Kosovo police to achieve an ambitious level of professionalism and reliability; underlines in this regard the vital need for a multi-ethnic police force in all areas of Kosovo; welcomes, therefore, the return of some Serb officers to the Kosovo police force and urges the Kosovo authorities to support the reintegration of those police officers who have yet to return;

| 21. | Emphasises the need for decentralised governance, as stipulated in the CSP; underlines that decentralisation is not merely in the interest of the Serb community, but will work for the benefit of all Kosovo citizens, since it will make governance more transparent and bring it closer to citizens; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Emphasises the need for decentralised governance, as stipulated in the CSP; underlines that decentralisation is not merely in the interest of the Serb community, but will work for the benefit of all Kosovo citizens, since it will make governance more transparent and bring it closer to citizens;

| 22. | Reiterates the importance of a strong civil society which would strengthen the democratic principles underpinning governance in Kosovo; urges the Kosovo Government, in this regard, to support peaceful movements of citizens and the development of free media without any political interference; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Reiterates the importance of a strong civil society which would strengthen the democratic principles underpinning governance in Kosovo; urges the Kosovo Government, in this regard, to support peaceful movements of citizens and the development of free media without any political interference;

| 23. | Stresses the need to implement the minority protection provisions enshrined in the Kosovo Constitution and considers that full implementation of minority rights is fundamentally important for the stability of Kosovo and the region as a whole; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Stresses the need to implement the minority protection provisions enshrined in the Kosovo Constitution and considers that full implementation of minority rights is fundamentally important for the stability of Kosovo and the region as a whole;

| 24. | Urges the Kosovo Government to continue to abide by its commitment to promote a spirit of peace, tolerance and intercultural and interreligious dialogue among all the communities in Kosovo, namely the Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, Gorani, Turks and Bosnians, to create the right conditions for refugees to return to Kosovo, including through investment in job opportunities, infrastructure and the provision of basic services in relevant areas, and to ensure that minorities can benefit from the measures referred to above; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Urges the Kosovo Government to continue to abide by its commitment to promote a spirit of peace, tolerance and intercultural and interreligious dialogue among all the communities in Kosovo, namely the Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Ashkali, Egyptians, Gorani, Turks and Bosnians, to create the right conditions for refugees to return to Kosovo, including through investment in job opportunities, infrastructure and the provision of basic services in relevant areas, and to ensure that minorities can benefit from the measures referred to above;

| 25. | Expresses concern at the criticism voiced by the UN Secretary-General in his above-mentioned report on UNMIK concerning the revision of the beneficiary selection criteria for return funding proposed by the Kosovo Ministry of Communities and Returns; reminds the Kosovo Government that, in the light of the sharp decline in the number of returns, the scarce funds available should continue to be targeted exclusively at facilitating the return of displaced persons to Kosovo; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Expresses concern at the criticism voiced by the UN Secretary-General in his above-mentioned report on UNMIK concerning the revision of the beneficiary selection criteria for return funding proposed by the Kosovo Ministry of Communities and Returns; reminds the Kosovo Government that, in the light of the sharp decline in the number of returns, the scarce funds available should continue to be targeted exclusively at facilitating the return of displaced persons to Kosovo;

| 26. | Urges the international and local authorities to settle the legal status of the stateless Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians living in Kosovo, including their rights of ownership; calls on the authorities to improve the situation of these communities by guaranteeing equal access to mainstream quality education and, where possible, to education in their mother tongue, by granting access to the labour market and to healthcare, by providing adequate sanitary and housing conditions and by ensuring participation in social and political life; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Urges the international and local authorities to settle the legal status of the stateless Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians living in Kosovo, including their rights of ownership; calls on the authorities to improve the situation of these communities by guaranteeing equal access to mainstream quality education and, where possible, to education in their mother tongue, by granting access to the labour market and to healthcare, by providing adequate sanitary and housing conditions and by ensuring participation in social and political life;

| 27. | Expresses grave concern at the acute ill-health of Roma families in the Osterode and Cesmin Lug refugee camps; believes that this is directly linked to the improper siting of those camps, which are located on the highly toxic tailing stands of the Trepça lead mines; welcomes the Commission's initial representations to the Kosovo Government and urges the Commission to continue to work to secure the relocation, as a matter of urgency, of the families concerned; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Expresses grave concern at the acute ill-health of Roma families in the Osterode and Cesmin Lug refugee camps; believes that this is directly linked to the improper siting of those camps, which are located on the highly toxic tailing stands of the Trepça lead mines; welcomes the Commission's initial representations to the Kosovo Government and urges the Commission to continue to work to secure the relocation, as a matter of urgency, of the families concerned;

| 28. | Asks the Member States to take a measured, sensitive approach to the issue of the forced repatriation of members of ethnic minorities, above all Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Roma, who have been living in western Europe for many years and to implement at the same time measures to foster the socioeconomic integration of the persons concerned; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Asks the Member States to take a measured, sensitive approach to the issue of the forced repatriation of members of ethnic minorities, above all Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Roma, who have been living in western Europe for many years and to implement at the same time measures to foster the socioeconomic integration of the persons concerned;

| 29. | Stresses that respect for cultural diversity is at the heart of the European project; emphasises that understanding the multi-ethnic dimension of religious and cultural heritage is a necessary condition for peace and stability in the region; urges, therefore, all the parties concerned to engage in a technical dialogue on the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and promotion of cultural and religious heritage and cultural identity in Kosovo; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Stresses that respect for cultural diversity is at the heart of the European project; emphasises that understanding the multi-ethnic dimension of religious and cultural heritage is a necessary condition for peace and stability in the region; urges, therefore, all the parties concerned to engage in a technical dialogue on the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and promotion of cultural and religious heritage and cultural identity in Kosovo;

| 30. | Notes the Constitution of Kosovo, in which equality between women and men is clearly recognised, but also the fact that women are not sufficiently involved in the political, economic and social development of Kosovo and that they are disadvantaged in terms of education and employment opportunities; calls, therefore, on the Kosovo Government to initiate and implement, with the support of the Commission, measures to ensure equal opportunities for women, their appropriate representation in Kosovo's institutions and their participation in the country's economic, social and political life; calls, furthermore, on the Kosovo Government to take effective measures to counter domestic violence against women; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Notes the Constitution of Kosovo, in which equality between women and men is clearly recognised, but also the fact that women are not sufficiently involved in the political, economic and social development of Kosovo and that they are disadvantaged in terms of education and employment opportunities; calls, therefore, on the Kosovo Government to initiate and implement, with the support of the Commission, measures to ensure equal opportunities for women, their appropriate representation in Kosovo's institutions and their participation in the country's economic, social and political life; calls, furthermore, on the Kosovo Government to take effective measures to counter domestic violence against women;

| 31. | Insists that academic exchanges must be supported and promoted through programmes such as Erasmus Mundus in order to encourage citizens of Kosovo to obtain qualifications and experience within the EU, in the expectation that a broad education will help them contribute to the democratic development of the country; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Insists that academic exchanges must be supported and promoted through programmes such as Erasmus Mundus in order to encourage citizens of Kosovo to obtain qualifications and experience within the EU, in the expectation that a broad education will help them contribute to the democratic development of the country;

| 32. | Urges Kosovo and Serbia to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of common interest and to contribute to regional cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Urges Kosovo and Serbia to engage in constructive dialogue on matters of common interest and to contribute to regional cooperation;

| 33. | Emphasises the need for resolve and transparency in the privatisation process, in order to avoid any impression of nepotism and corruption; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Emphasises the need for resolve and transparency in the privatisation process, in order to avoid any impression of nepotism and corruption;

| 34. | Expresses concern at the economic situation in Kosovo and the adverse influence which the slow pace of reforms, widespread corruption and organised crime are having on the economy and on the credibility of Kosovo's institutions; emphasises the need for the Kosovo Government to make genuine efforts to secure further transparency and accountability and to strengthen links between the political level and civil society; calls on the Kosovo Government to use both public and international donors' money in a transparent and accountable manner, and urges the Commission to help Kosovo move closer to European standards in the fields of public-sector accountability and economic transparency; regards this as essential for creating an attractive environment for investment and business development; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Expresses concern at the economic situation in Kosovo and the adverse influence which the slow pace of reforms, widespread corruption and organised crime are having on the economy and on the credibility of Kosovo's institutions; emphasises the need for the Kosovo Government to make genuine efforts to secure further transparency and accountability and to strengthen links between the political level and civil society; calls on the Kosovo Government to use both public and international donors' money in a transparent and accountable manner, and urges the Commission to help Kosovo move closer to European standards in the fields of public-sector accountability and economic transparency; regards this as essential for creating an attractive environment for investment and business development;

| 35. | Underlines the importance of full regional economic cooperation and the obligation to comply with and fully implement the provisions of the CEFTA; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Underlines the importance of full regional economic cooperation and the obligation to comply with and fully implement the provisions of the CEFTA;

| 36. | Advises the Kosovo authorities to invest in renewable energy and to seek to establish regional cooperation in that field; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Advises the Kosovo authorities to invest in renewable energy and to seek to establish regional cooperation in that field;

| 37. | Expresses serious concern at the energy shortages in Kosovo and understands the need to tackle this problem; is nevertheless worried by the Government's plan to build a single large lignite power plant in a densely populated area; urges the Kosovo Government to take into account the impact of a new lignite plant on the environment, on public health and on the use of scarce resources, such as land and water, and to comply with European environmental standards and European policy on climate change; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Expresses serious concern at the energy shortages in Kosovo and understands the need to tackle this problem; is nevertheless worried by the Government's plan to build a single large lignite power plant in a densely populated area; urges the Kosovo Government to take into account the impact of a new lignite plant on the environment, on public health and on the use of scarce resources, such as land and water, and to comply with European environmental standards and European policy on climate change;

| 38. | Requests the ICR to monitor the dissolution of the Kosovo Protection Corps and the establishment of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) under the direct supervision of KFOR; urges the Kosovo Government to provide for complete civilian supervision of the KSF; believes that a revision of the Kumanovo Agreement between NATO and the Serbian Government cannot take place until full stability and security have been guaranteed and relations between Serbia and Kosovo have been clarified; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Requests the ICR to monitor the dissolution of the Kosovo Protection Corps and the establishment of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) under the direct supervision of KFOR; urges the Kosovo Government to provide for complete civilian supervision of the KSF; believes that a revision of the Kumanovo Agreement between NATO and the Serbian Government cannot take place until full stability and security have been guaranteed and relations between Serbia and Kosovo have been clarified;

*

- *

| 39. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government of Kosovo, the Government of Serbia, the Head of Mission of UNMIK, the Head of Mission of EULEX KOSOVO, the European Union Special Representative, the members of the International Steering Group and the United Nations Security Council. |
| --- | --- |

39.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Government of Kosovo, the Government of Serbia, the Head of Mission of UNMIK, the Head of Mission of EULEX KOSOVO, the European Union Special Representative, the members of the International Steering Group and the United Nations Security Council.

---

(1)  OJ C 27 E, 31.1.2008, p. 207.

(2)  OJ L 42, 16.2.2008, p. 92.

(3)  OJ L 42, 16.2.2008, p. 88.

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| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/132 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/132

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Trade and economic relations with China

P6_TA(2009)0053

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Trade and economic relations with China (2008/2171(INI))

(2010/C 67 E/16)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism (HLM) that met for the first time in Beijing on 25 April 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU-China High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism (HLM) that met for the first time in Beijing on 25 April 2008,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Tenth China-EU Summit held in Beijing on 28 November 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the conclusions of the Tenth China-EU Summit held in Beijing on 28 November 2007,

| — | having regard to the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘EU – China: Closer partners, growing responsibilities’ (COM (2006)0631) and its accompanying working document entitled ‘A policy paper on EU-China trade and investment: Competition and Partnership’ (COM(2006)0632), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘EU – China: Closer partners, growing responsibilities’ (COM (2006)0631) and its accompanying working document entitled ‘A policy paper on EU-China trade and investment: Competition and Partnership’ (COM(2006)0632),

| — | having regard to the decision taken by the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) held in Doha, Qatar on 9-14 November 2001 on the admission of China to the WTO with effect from 11 November 2001 and Chinese Taipei with effect from 1 January 2002, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decision taken by the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) held in Doha, Qatar on 9-14 November 2001 on the admission of China to the WTO with effect from 11 November 2001 and Chinese Taipei with effect from 1 January 2002,

| — | having regard to its resolutions on China, in particular its resolution of 7 September 2006 on EU-China relations (1) and of 13 October 2005 on prospects for trade relations between the EU and China (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions on China, in particular its resolution of 7 September 2006 on EU-China relations (1) and of 13 October 2005 on prospects for trade relations between the EU and China (2),

| — | having regard to the study of the Commission of 15 February 2007 entitled ‘Future Opportunities and challenges in EU-China Trade and Investment Relations 2006-2010’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the study of the Commission of 15 February 2007 entitled ‘Future Opportunities and challenges in EU-China Trade and Investment Relations 2006-2010’,

| — | having regard to its resolution of 10 July 2008 on the situation in China after the earthquake and before the Olympic Games (3), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 10 July 2008 on the situation in China after the earthquake and before the Olympic Games (3),

| — | having regard to the Eighth Annual Report ‘European Business in China Position Paper 2008/2009’ of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Eighth Annual Report ‘European Business in China Position Paper 2008/2009’ of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China,

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

—

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Development, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A6-0021/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Development, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (A6-0021/2009),

| A. | Whereas EU-China trade has increased enormously since the year 2000 and whereas the European Union has been China's biggest trading partner since 2006 and China has been second largest trading partner of the European Union since 2007, |
| --- | --- |

A.

Whereas EU-China trade has increased enormously since the year 2000 and whereas the European Union has been China's biggest trading partner since 2006 and China has been second largest trading partner of the European Union since 2007,

| B. | Whereas increased development and WTO membership entail, besides substantial benefits, a greater responsibility for China to play a full and positive role in the global economic order, including in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, |
| --- | --- |

B.

Whereas increased development and WTO membership entail, besides substantial benefits, a greater responsibility for China to play a full and positive role in the global economic order, including in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group,

| C. | Whereas, despite continued growth, bilateral trade between China and the EU, which has a trade deficit with China of over EUR 160 billion in 2007, remains imbalanced, |
| --- | --- |

C.

Whereas, despite continued growth, bilateral trade between China and the EU, which has a trade deficit with China of over EUR 160 billion in 2007, remains imbalanced,

| D. | Whereas financial and macro-economic imbalances and the drop in internal demand and exports are at the root of the current global financial and economic crisis which also affects China, |
| --- | --- |

D.

Whereas financial and macro-economic imbalances and the drop in internal demand and exports are at the root of the current global financial and economic crisis which also affects China,

| E. | Whereas access to the Chinese market is complicated due to state-led industrial policies, patent infringements and an ambiguous standards and compliance regime, resulting in technical and non tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade for EU companies, |
| --- | --- |

E.

Whereas access to the Chinese market is complicated due to state-led industrial policies, patent infringements and an ambiguous standards and compliance regime, resulting in technical and non tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade for EU companies,

| F. | Whereas EU producers of goods and services are highly competitive on world markets, and whereas free and fair access to the Chinese market would allow EU companies to increase their exports and presence in such a market, and also increase quality and services for Chinese consumers, |
| --- | --- |

F.

Whereas EU producers of goods and services are highly competitive on world markets, and whereas free and fair access to the Chinese market would allow EU companies to increase their exports and presence in such a market, and also increase quality and services for Chinese consumers,

| G. | Whereas EU exports to China increased in 2007 by 18.7 percent with a value of EUR 231 billion, |
| --- | --- |

G.

Whereas EU exports to China increased in 2007 by 18.7 percent with a value of EUR 231 billion,

| H. | Whereas the scale of production of counterfeit and pirated goods inside China remains at an alarmingly high level and 60% of the counterfeit goods seized by the customs authorities of the European Union are produced in China; whereas production of these goods frequently takes place in facilities also producing goods for the regular market and in disregard of both labour rights and health and safety requirements, and pose a danger to consumers and, in the case of chemicals, to the wider environment, |
| --- | --- |

H.

Whereas the scale of production of counterfeit and pirated goods inside China remains at an alarmingly high level and 60% of the counterfeit goods seized by the customs authorities of the European Union are produced in China; whereas production of these goods frequently takes place in facilities also producing goods for the regular market and in disregard of both labour rights and health and safety requirements, and pose a danger to consumers and, in the case of chemicals, to the wider environment,

General

| 1. | 1Stresses that EU - China trade has expanded enormously and is the single most important challenge to EU trade relations; |
| --- | --- |

1.

1Stresses that EU - China trade has expanded enormously and is the single most important challenge to EU trade relations;

| 2. | Stresses that Europe's trade relations with China should be based on the principles of reciprocity and fair competition and trade, according to our common values and adherence to WTO rules, while taking into account sustainable development, respect for environmental limits and contribution to global goals in the prevention of climate change; |
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2.

Stresses that Europe's trade relations with China should be based on the principles of reciprocity and fair competition and trade, according to our common values and adherence to WTO rules, while taking into account sustainable development, respect for environmental limits and contribution to global goals in the prevention of climate change;

| 3. | Takes the view that China, as one of the engines of world growth, should play its full part in ensuring that the global economic order develops in a sustainable and balanced way; |
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3.

Takes the view that China, as one of the engines of world growth, should play its full part in ensuring that the global economic order develops in a sustainable and balanced way;

| 4. | Calls on the Commission to continue the policy of engagement and dialogue with China; welcomes the trade-related technical assistance provided to China by the Commission; considers such assistance vital to support China's successful integration into the world economy and, in particular, in implementing its obligations and commitments in the WTO and improving social and environment conditions; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the Commission to continue the policy of engagement and dialogue with China; welcomes the trade-related technical assistance provided to China by the Commission; considers such assistance vital to support China's successful integration into the world economy and, in particular, in implementing its obligations and commitments in the WTO and improving social and environment conditions;

| 5. | Stresses that unprecedented cooperation is needed between the European Union and China in order to resolve the current financial and economic crisis; considers that it is a great opportunity for China and the European Union together to show a sense of responsibility and to play their part in helping to resolve this crisis; |
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5.

Stresses that unprecedented cooperation is needed between the European Union and China in order to resolve the current financial and economic crisis; considers that it is a great opportunity for China and the European Union together to show a sense of responsibility and to play their part in helping to resolve this crisis;

| 6. | Takes the view that the development of trade relations with China must go hand in hand with the development of a genuine, fruitful and effective political dialogue, which covers a wide variety of topics; considers that human rights should be an essential and integral part of the relationship between the European Union and China; calls on the Commission to insist on the strengthening of the Human Rights Clause in negotiations with China about a renewed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA); |
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6.

Takes the view that the development of trade relations with China must go hand in hand with the development of a genuine, fruitful and effective political dialogue, which covers a wide variety of topics; considers that human rights should be an essential and integral part of the relationship between the European Union and China; calls on the Commission to insist on the strengthening of the Human Rights Clause in negotiations with China about a renewed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA);

| 7. | Believes that today's open trading system could stimulate economic activity between China and developing countries to the possible benefit of both sides and could be an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and for their integration into the world economy, on the condition that trade policies are consistent with development objectives and that economic growth translates into poverty reduction; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Believes that today's open trading system could stimulate economic activity between China and developing countries to the possible benefit of both sides and could be an unprecedented opportunity for economic growth and for their integration into the world economy, on the condition that trade policies are consistent with development objectives and that economic growth translates into poverty reduction;

| 8. | Encourages the Commission to pursue openness in EU trade with China; believes that the European Union and the Member States should continue to offer open and fair access to China's exports and anticipate the competitive challenge posed by China; considers that China should reciprocate by strengthening its commitment to economic openness and market reform; |
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8.

Encourages the Commission to pursue openness in EU trade with China; believes that the European Union and the Member States should continue to offer open and fair access to China's exports and anticipate the competitive challenge posed by China; considers that China should reciprocate by strengthening its commitment to economic openness and market reform;

| 9. | Urges China to play an active role in the WTO, commensurate with its economic and trading importance in order to foster the sound development of global trade within a strong and transparent framework of rules; |
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9.

Urges China to play an active role in the WTO, commensurate with its economic and trading importance in order to foster the sound development of global trade within a strong and transparent framework of rules;

| 10. | Welcomes the participation of China at the G-20 Meeting held in Washington on 15 November 2008, which should pave the way for its definitive involvement in economic and financial world affairs with a subsequent taking up of major responsibilities at a global level; |
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10.

Welcomes the participation of China at the G-20 Meeting held in Washington on 15 November 2008, which should pave the way for its definitive involvement in economic and financial world affairs with a subsequent taking up of major responsibilities at a global level;

| 11. | Underlines that protectionism cannot be Europe's response to the growth in EU-China trade relations; believes that the European Union and the Member States should strive more urgently to make further progress on the Lisbon reform agenda in order to develop and consolidate areas of comparative advantage in the global economy and to foster innovation and vocational training; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Underlines that protectionism cannot be Europe's response to the growth in EU-China trade relations; believes that the European Union and the Member States should strive more urgently to make further progress on the Lisbon reform agenda in order to develop and consolidate areas of comparative advantage in the global economy and to foster innovation and vocational training;

| 12. | Notes that a major Chinese recovery plan for growth and jobs has been presented to deal with the current economic crisis; emphasises that the support measures have to be temporary, should meet WTO rules and should not distort fair competition; |
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12.

Notes that a major Chinese recovery plan for growth and jobs has been presented to deal with the current economic crisis; emphasises that the support measures have to be temporary, should meet WTO rules and should not distort fair competition;

| 13. | Welcomes investments of China's sovereign wealth fund and state owned enterprises in the European Union, contributing to the creation of jobs and growth and to the mutual benefit and balance of investment flows; recalls however the intransparency of China's financial markets and stresses the importance of introducing at least a code of conduct to ensure the transparency of China's investment operations into the EU market; calls on the European Union and China to keep their respective markets equally open to investment but to introduce transparency provisions; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes investments of China's sovereign wealth fund and state owned enterprises in the European Union, contributing to the creation of jobs and growth and to the mutual benefit and balance of investment flows; recalls however the intransparency of China's financial markets and stresses the importance of introducing at least a code of conduct to ensure the transparency of China's investment operations into the EU market; calls on the European Union and China to keep their respective markets equally open to investment but to introduce transparency provisions;

Market Access

| 14. | Welcomes the fact that since joining the WTO, a growing number of industrial sectors in China have been opened to foreign investors; however, is concerned that at the same time some sectors are restricted or prevented from accessing foreign investment and discriminatory measures against foreign firms were introduced -especially on cross-border mergers and acquisitions; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Welcomes the fact that since joining the WTO, a growing number of industrial sectors in China have been opened to foreign investors; however, is concerned that at the same time some sectors are restricted or prevented from accessing foreign investment and discriminatory measures against foreign firms were introduced -especially on cross-border mergers and acquisitions;

| 15. | Considers that in China protectionist practices, excessive bureaucracy, the undervaluing of the Renminbi, subsidies in various forms, and the lack of a proper and agreed level of enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) hinder full market access for many EU companies; |
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15.

Considers that in China protectionist practices, excessive bureaucracy, the undervaluing of the Renminbi, subsidies in various forms, and the lack of a proper and agreed level of enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs) hinder full market access for many EU companies;

| 16. | Calls on China to further open its markets for goods and services and to continue with economic reforms in order to establish a stable, predictable and transparent legal framework for EU companies, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs); |
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16.

Calls on China to further open its markets for goods and services and to continue with economic reforms in order to establish a stable, predictable and transparent legal framework for EU companies, especially for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs);

| 17. | Calls on the Commission to discuss the draft Chinese Postal Law with the Chinese Government for as long as this draft contains a provision that would hamper foreign express services; believes that a balanced regulatory framework for postal and express services is required in order to continue China's policy of supporting foreign investment and fair competition in the express delivery sector; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the Commission to discuss the draft Chinese Postal Law with the Chinese Government for as long as this draft contains a provision that would hamper foreign express services; believes that a balanced regulatory framework for postal and express services is required in order to continue China's policy of supporting foreign investment and fair competition in the express delivery sector;

| 18. | Acknowledges the steps taken by the Chinese authorities to reduce administrative burdens at national level and the progress in E-Government to make legislative acts available to the public, but notes that further progress is needed in order to secure free and equal access to the Chinese market for foreign companies; |
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18.

Acknowledges the steps taken by the Chinese authorities to reduce administrative burdens at national level and the progress in E-Government to make legislative acts available to the public, but notes that further progress is needed in order to secure free and equal access to the Chinese market for foreign companies;

| 19. | Emphasises that further opening in terms of Chinese market access will provide opportunities for EU companies in numerous areas such as, machinery manufacture, chemicals, the automotive sector, pharmaceuticals and Information and Communication Technologies, Clean Development Mechanism projects, agriculture, construction and in financial, insurance, telecommunications and retail services; |
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19.

Emphasises that further opening in terms of Chinese market access will provide opportunities for EU companies in numerous areas such as, machinery manufacture, chemicals, the automotive sector, pharmaceuticals and Information and Communication Technologies, Clean Development Mechanism projects, agriculture, construction and in financial, insurance, telecommunications and retail services;

Barriers, standards

| 20. | Notes that NTBs represent a major obstacle for EU companies in China and for Chinese and non-EU companies in the European Union, particularly for SMEs; |
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20.

Notes that NTBs represent a major obstacle for EU companies in China and for Chinese and non-EU companies in the European Union, particularly for SMEs;

| 21. | Calls on China to adopt international standards for products and services with a view to promoting further trade between China and other countries; welcomes the fact that China is increasing its participation in international standard-setting bodies and believes that this should be encouraged and reciprocated by EU participation in China's own standard-setting bodies; stresses the importance of Chinese imports complying with European standards for food and non-food products; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on China to adopt international standards for products and services with a view to promoting further trade between China and other countries; welcomes the fact that China is increasing its participation in international standard-setting bodies and believes that this should be encouraged and reciprocated by EU participation in China's own standard-setting bodies; stresses the importance of Chinese imports complying with European standards for food and non-food products;

Raw materials

| 22. | Deplores the persistent use of trade-distorting export restrictions such as export taxes on raw materials by the Chinese Government; calls on the Commission to insist on the removal of all existing export restrictions in all bilateral negotiations with China; stresses that the removal of these export restrictions constitutes an essential element of fair trade between the European Union and China; underlines that it will evaluate all future trade agreements with China in this respect; |
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22.

Deplores the persistent use of trade-distorting export restrictions such as export taxes on raw materials by the Chinese Government; calls on the Commission to insist on the removal of all existing export restrictions in all bilateral negotiations with China; stresses that the removal of these export restrictions constitutes an essential element of fair trade between the European Union and China; underlines that it will evaluate all future trade agreements with China in this respect;

State aid

| 23. | Is concerned that continued state intervention in industrial policy and explicit discriminatory restrictions, such as unlimited state funds for export financing and limitations on the level of foreign ownership in certain sectors, distort the Chinese market for EU companies; |
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23.

Is concerned that continued state intervention in industrial policy and explicit discriminatory restrictions, such as unlimited state funds for export financing and limitations on the level of foreign ownership in certain sectors, distort the Chinese market for EU companies;

Public procurement

| 24. | Calls on China to join the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) as committed in 2001 and to engage constructively in negotiations on opening its public procurement markets and, pending the successful outcome of such negotiations, to apply transparent, predictable and fair procedures when awarding public contracts so that foreign companies can participate on an equal basis; calls on China to provide immediate access to EU companies established and operating in China; |
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24.

Calls on China to join the Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) as committed in 2001 and to engage constructively in negotiations on opening its public procurement markets and, pending the successful outcome of such negotiations, to apply transparent, predictable and fair procedures when awarding public contracts so that foreign companies can participate on an equal basis; calls on China to provide immediate access to EU companies established and operating in China;

Currency

| 25. | Welcomes a certain rise in the value of the Renminbi that has taken place in 2008; urges China to continue to let the Renminbi rise in value, so that its worth on international financial markets, in particular in relation to the Euro, more closely reflects China's economic position; urges the Chinese to hold more of their foreign exchange reserves in Euros; |
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25.

Welcomes a certain rise in the value of the Renminbi that has taken place in 2008; urges China to continue to let the Renminbi rise in value, so that its worth on international financial markets, in particular in relation to the Euro, more closely reflects China's economic position; urges the Chinese to hold more of their foreign exchange reserves in Euros;

EU presence/assistance

| 26. | Welcomes the progress made in establishing an EU Centre in Beijing, which will help SMEs, and in making permanent the budget line to fund the Centre, in order to secure its future; stresses the need to ensure that this Centre has a clear mandate, which avoids the creation of double structures and leads to synergies with existing public and private institutions from the Member States; welcomes the work done by the IPR SME Helpdesk to provide information and training to EU SMEs on protecting and enforcing IPRs in China; |
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26.

Welcomes the progress made in establishing an EU Centre in Beijing, which will help SMEs, and in making permanent the budget line to fund the Centre, in order to secure its future; stresses the need to ensure that this Centre has a clear mandate, which avoids the creation of double structures and leads to synergies with existing public and private institutions from the Member States; welcomes the work done by the IPR SME Helpdesk to provide information and training to EU SMEs on protecting and enforcing IPRs in China;

| 27. | Stresses the importance of assisting in particular SMEs to overcome market access barriers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the successful functioning of EU Market Access Teams in China; |
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27.

Stresses the importance of assisting in particular SMEs to overcome market access barriers; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure the successful functioning of EU Market Access Teams in China;

Energy, sustainable energy

| 28. | Calls on the European Union and China to take steps to promote trade in environmentally friendly goods and services, the growth of investment in sustainable projects and infrastructure and to encourage the development of industry that contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions; |
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28.

Calls on the European Union and China to take steps to promote trade in environmentally friendly goods and services, the growth of investment in sustainable projects and infrastructure and to encourage the development of industry that contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions;

| 29. | Stresses the opportunities of China's emerging renewable energy sector for the European renewable energy business sector; calls on China to improve market access in this field; |
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29.

Stresses the opportunities of China's emerging renewable energy sector for the European renewable energy business sector; calls on China to improve market access in this field;

| 30. | Calls for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and China to promote the transfer of low-carbon technology, in particular energy efficiency and renewables; stresses the critical importance of developing and deploying carbon capture and storage in China, given the importance of coal to its economy; calls on the Commission to examine ways of supporting further the exchange of best practice with China on the issue of sustainable development; |
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30.

Calls for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and China to promote the transfer of low-carbon technology, in particular energy efficiency and renewables; stresses the critical importance of developing and deploying carbon capture and storage in China, given the importance of coal to its economy; calls on the Commission to examine ways of supporting further the exchange of best practice with China on the issue of sustainable development;

Financial services

| 31. | Expresses its concern that investment in China is still restricted for EU companies, especially in the banking and insurance sector, due to heavy and discriminatory licensing costs and rules requiring joint ventures with Chinese firms; calls on China to address urgently these issues; |
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31.

Expresses its concern that investment in China is still restricted for EU companies, especially in the banking and insurance sector, due to heavy and discriminatory licensing costs and rules requiring joint ventures with Chinese firms; calls on China to address urgently these issues;

| 32. | Believes that deep, liquid, open, transparent and well-regulated financial markets are capable of fostering economic growth, considers that Chinese securities, banking and insurance sectors are underdeveloped, and encourages China to participate fully in the global debate on improving the regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial markets; |
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32.

Believes that deep, liquid, open, transparent and well-regulated financial markets are capable of fostering economic growth, considers that Chinese securities, banking and insurance sectors are underdeveloped, and encourages China to participate fully in the global debate on improving the regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial markets;

| 33. | Stresses the importance of Chinese involvement and cooperation with the IMF regarding the development of a global code of conduct for sovereign wealth funds, which is likely to lead to a higher degree of transparency; |
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33.

Stresses the importance of Chinese involvement and cooperation with the IMF regarding the development of a global code of conduct for sovereign wealth funds, which is likely to lead to a higher degree of transparency;

| 34. | Calls on the Commission to evaluate, as early as possible, the impact of the financial and economic crisis on relevant European industry and service sectors, which play a crucial role in defining the export-import relationship between the European Union and China; requests that this evaluation be sent to Parliament as soon as a clear trend is recognisable; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Commission to evaluate, as early as possible, the impact of the financial and economic crisis on relevant European industry and service sectors, which play a crucial role in defining the export-import relationship between the European Union and China; requests that this evaluation be sent to Parliament as soon as a clear trend is recognisable;

Free and Fair trade

Anti dumping/market economy status

| 35. | Considers that a permanent dialogue between trade authorities can be helpful to prevent and resolve trade disputes; notes, nevertheless that an effective and efficient use of trade defence instruments contributes to ensuring fair conditions of trade between China and the European Union given the rising number of anti-dumping cases filed against Chinese producers; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Considers that a permanent dialogue between trade authorities can be helpful to prevent and resolve trade disputes; notes, nevertheless that an effective and efficient use of trade defence instruments contributes to ensuring fair conditions of trade between China and the European Union given the rising number of anti-dumping cases filed against Chinese producers;

| 36. | Takes the view that in many areas China's economy still does not fulfil the criteria by which it could be considered a market economy; calls on the Commission to work with the Chinese Government to overcome barriers to market economy status and to grant this status to China only when it has fulfilled the criteria; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Takes the view that in many areas China's economy still does not fulfil the criteria by which it could be considered a market economy; calls on the Commission to work with the Chinese Government to overcome barriers to market economy status and to grant this status to China only when it has fulfilled the criteria;

IPRs and counterfeiting

| 37. | Notes with concern that, although China has made progress in the streamlining of its intellectual property legislation, the effective enforcement of IPRs remains highly problematic; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Notes with concern that, although China has made progress in the streamlining of its intellectual property legislation, the effective enforcement of IPRs remains highly problematic;

| 38. | Calls on China to increase its efforts to address the lack of implementation and the enforcement of IPRs; stresses the importance of the harmonisation of central and regional trade policy and regulation in China and its unified implementation throughout the country; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on China to increase its efforts to address the lack of implementation and the enforcement of IPRs; stresses the importance of the harmonisation of central and regional trade policy and regulation in China and its unified implementation throughout the country;

| 39. | Is concerned about the scale of production of counterfeit and pirated goods inside China, which remains at an alarmingly high level; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Chinese authorities at national and regional level, to continue its fight against counterfeiting; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Is concerned about the scale of production of counterfeit and pirated goods inside China, which remains at an alarmingly high level; calls on the Commission, in cooperation with the Chinese authorities at national and regional level, to continue its fight against counterfeiting;

| 40. | Expresses great concern about the increasing number of utility model and design patents in China that are often copies or minor modifications of existing European technology and do not contribute to real innovation; |
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40.

Expresses great concern about the increasing number of utility model and design patents in China that are often copies or minor modifications of existing European technology and do not contribute to real innovation;

| 41. | Believes that, as China becomes more innovative, it is in its best interests to protect IPRs; believes, however, that regulations requiring the exclusive registration of innovations in China would heavily constrain business activities, prevent China benefiting from innovation and devalue the ‘Made in China’ brand; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Believes that, as China becomes more innovative, it is in its best interests to protect IPRs; believes, however, that regulations requiring the exclusive registration of innovations in China would heavily constrain business activities, prevent China benefiting from innovation and devalue the ‘Made in China’ brand;

Customs

| 42. | Welcomes the signing of a joint IPR Customs Enforcement Action Plan, aimed at enhancing custom cooperation on seizures of counterfeit goods and implementing concrete measures to reduce counterfeit sales; calls on the Commission to negotiate with China on its conditions in order to take part in the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA); |
| --- | --- |

42.

Welcomes the signing of a joint IPR Customs Enforcement Action Plan, aimed at enhancing custom cooperation on seizures of counterfeit goods and implementing concrete measures to reduce counterfeit sales; calls on the Commission to negotiate with China on its conditions in order to take part in the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA);

| 43. | Asks the Commission to intensify cooperation in the Customs Cooperation Agreement with the Chinese authorities aimed at trade facilitation; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Asks the Commission to intensify cooperation in the Customs Cooperation Agreement with the Chinese authorities aimed at trade facilitation;

| 44. | Asks the Commission, as a follow-up to the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on textiles, to continue to discuss developments in the EU -China textile trade dialogue and in the High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism (HLM); calls on the Commission to follow closely the textiles imports originating in China; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Asks the Commission, as a follow-up to the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding on textiles, to continue to discuss developments in the EU -China textile trade dialogue and in the High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism (HLM); calls on the Commission to follow closely the textiles imports originating in China;

Social and environmental impact

| 45. | Expresses its serious concern about the high levels of pollution caused by China's industry and its growing consumption of natural resources, in particular those obtained from unsustainable sources; is aware of the shared European responsibility for the situation, given that a high share of Chinese industrial production is owned by European firms or ordered by European firms and retailers for consumption in Europe; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Expresses its serious concern about the high levels of pollution caused by China's industry and its growing consumption of natural resources, in particular those obtained from unsustainable sources; is aware of the shared European responsibility for the situation, given that a high share of Chinese industrial production is owned by European firms or ordered by European firms and retailers for consumption in Europe;

| 46. | Notes that the recent years of high economic growth in China have not benefited all segments of the Chinese population and that the social gap between the rich and the poor has never been as significant as now; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Notes that the recent years of high economic growth in China have not benefited all segments of the Chinese population and that the social gap between the rich and the poor has never been as significant as now;

| 47. | Welcomes China's activities in the environmental sector in the context of the preparation of the 2008 Olympic Games; calls upon the Chinese Government to contribute actively to the success of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 15) to be held from 30 November to 11 December 2009 in Copenhagen by encouraging its financial sector to prepare itself for the introduction of an international emissions trading scheme; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Welcomes China's activities in the environmental sector in the context of the preparation of the 2008 Olympic Games; calls upon the Chinese Government to contribute actively to the success of the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 15) to be held from 30 November to 11 December 2009 in Copenhagen by encouraging its financial sector to prepare itself for the introduction of an international emissions trading scheme;

| 48. | Urges China to participate in COP 15 and accept its responsibilities by taking up its global share for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Urges China to participate in COP 15 and accept its responsibilities by taking up its global share for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change;

| 49. | Urges the Chinese authorities to take concrete steps to adopt and encourage the use of technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; notes that promoting green business technologies will be essential if the Chinese Government wants to maintain economic growth while protecting its environment; recognises that China cannot be expected to ask its population to carry the burden of limiting greenhouse gas emissions without action by the West; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Urges the Chinese authorities to take concrete steps to adopt and encourage the use of technologies and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; notes that promoting green business technologies will be essential if the Chinese Government wants to maintain economic growth while protecting its environment; recognises that China cannot be expected to ask its population to carry the burden of limiting greenhouse gas emissions without action by the West;

| 50. | Is concerned about child labour in China; asks the Commission to address this issue as soon as possible and asks the Chinese Government to maximise their efforts to remove the underlying causes in order to end this phenomenon; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Is concerned about child labour in China; asks the Commission to address this issue as soon as possible and asks the Chinese Government to maximise their efforts to remove the underlying causes in order to end this phenomenon;

| 51. | Urges China to ratify key International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, in particular Convention No 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China has signed but not yet ratified; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Urges China to ratify key International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, in particular Convention No 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise, as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which China has signed but not yet ratified;

| 52. | Welcomes China's transposition of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) into domestic law; encourages China to continue adopting IFRS while ensuring its implementation in practice; request the Commission to monitor closely the adoption and implementation of IFRS in China; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Welcomes China's transposition of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) into domestic law; encourages China to continue adopting IFRS while ensuring its implementation in practice; request the Commission to monitor closely the adoption and implementation of IFRS in China;

| 53. | Calls on European businesses operating in China to apply the highest international standards and best practices in corporate social responsibility with regard to workers and the environment; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls on European businesses operating in China to apply the highest international standards and best practices in corporate social responsibility with regard to workers and the environment;

| 54. | Expresses its concern about working conditions and employees' rights in China; calls on China to improve working conditions in order to bring them up to the level of the core ILO standards; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Expresses its concern about working conditions and employees' rights in China; calls on China to improve working conditions in order to bring them up to the level of the core ILO standards;

| 55. | Calls on the European Union and China to cooperate on standards on cars, trucks, heavy vehicles, aviation and shipping, in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions and make the standards more climate-friendly; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Calls on the European Union and China to cooperate on standards on cars, trucks, heavy vehicles, aviation and shipping, in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions and make the standards more climate-friendly;

| 56. | Calls for cooperation on the regulation, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (REACH) between the European Union and China; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Calls for cooperation on the regulation, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals (REACH) between the European Union and China;

| 57. | Is alarmed by the recent spate of incidents involving unsafe Chinese products and in particular by those involving children's toys, food and medicines; welcomes the Chinese Government's determination to tackle this problem; calls on the Commission to reinforce support and coordination with the Chinese authorities in this field; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Is alarmed by the recent spate of incidents involving unsafe Chinese products and in particular by those involving children's toys, food and medicines; welcomes the Chinese Government's determination to tackle this problem; calls on the Commission to reinforce support and coordination with the Chinese authorities in this field;

| 58. | Strongly condemns the death sentences imposed by the Chinese authorities on some of those involved in the contamination of powdered infant formula with melamine; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Strongly condemns the death sentences imposed by the Chinese authorities on some of those involved in the contamination of powdered infant formula with melamine;

| 59. | Welcomes the efforts the Commission has made in this area, thanks to the new system of quarterly reporting on Chinese enforcement actions to track down at source dangerous goods notified within the Rapex-China system, thus increasing European consumer safety; |
| --- | --- |

59.

Welcomes the efforts the Commission has made in this area, thanks to the new system of quarterly reporting on Chinese enforcement actions to track down at source dangerous goods notified within the Rapex-China system, thus increasing European consumer safety;

| 60. | Underlines the importance of the trilateral contacts between the Commission and the US and Chinese administrations aimed at improving the global governance of product safety; in this area; considers that it would be extremely useful for concrete shape to be given as soon as possible to the Commission's proposal to establish a joint working party on product and import safety within the Transatlantic Economic Council; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Underlines the importance of the trilateral contacts between the Commission and the US and Chinese administrations aimed at improving the global governance of product safety; in this area; considers that it would be extremely useful for concrete shape to be given as soon as possible to the Commission's proposal to establish a joint working party on product and import safety within the Transatlantic Economic Council;

Future Steps

| 61. | Notes that Chinese society has changed greatly during the last 30 years and that lasting progress can take place only slowly; believes that democracy requires an effective civil society, which is in turn strengthened by trade and economic relations with the European Union; therefore believes that ‘change through trade’ is a way to aid China's transformation towards being an open and democratic society benefiting all sections of society; while regretting that the intensification of economic and trade relations between the European Union and China has not gone hand in hand with substantial progress with regard to the human rights dialogue; believes that further reforms, especially in the environmental and social areas, are needed in order to ensure overall and lasting progress; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Notes that Chinese society has changed greatly during the last 30 years and that lasting progress can take place only slowly; believes that democracy requires an effective civil society, which is in turn strengthened by trade and economic relations with the European Union; therefore believes that ‘change through trade’ is a way to aid China's transformation towards being an open and democratic society benefiting all sections of society; while regretting that the intensification of economic and trade relations between the European Union and China has not gone hand in hand with substantial progress with regard to the human rights dialogue; believes that further reforms, especially in the environmental and social areas, are needed in order to ensure overall and lasting progress;

| 62. | Regrets China's postponement of the EU-China summit which was to be held on 1 December 2008 in Lyon given the current financial and economic crisis and stresses the utmost importance of a constructive dialogue on climate change as well as mutual understanding on the main trade issues at such a critical moment for the world economy; hopes that such a summit will take place as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Regrets China's postponement of the EU-China summit which was to be held on 1 December 2008 in Lyon given the current financial and economic crisis and stresses the utmost importance of a constructive dialogue on climate change as well as mutual understanding on the main trade issues at such a critical moment for the world economy; hopes that such a summit will take place as soon as possible;

| 63. | Calls upon China to continue to fully contribute to efforts to speed up the negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Calls upon China to continue to fully contribute to efforts to speed up the negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda;

| 64. | Stresses that the new EU-China PCA should aim to establish free and fair trade based on the enforcement of clauses on human rights, environmental, sustainable development and social issues; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Stresses that the new EU-China PCA should aim to establish free and fair trade based on the enforcement of clauses on human rights, environmental, sustainable development and social issues;

| 65. | Welcomes the establishment of the HLM as a forum for further developing EU-China relations at a strategic level and considers that an important element of this process is that the HLM results in the satisfactory resolution of trade irritants; calls on the Commission to put more ambition into the HLM by appointing one of its Vice -Presidents of the newly established Commission in 2009 as the coordinating Commissioner, leading the HLM- delegation; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Welcomes the establishment of the HLM as a forum for further developing EU-China relations at a strategic level and considers that an important element of this process is that the HLM results in the satisfactory resolution of trade irritants; calls on the Commission to put more ambition into the HLM by appointing one of its Vice -Presidents of the newly established Commission in 2009 as the coordinating Commissioner, leading the HLM- delegation;

| 66. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that all existing research and development (R & D) agreements work effectively with China to promote cooperation on R & D; recommends concentrating R & D efforts between the European Union and China more strategically and in a more relevant way in terms of technology breakthroughs, needs of society, environmental disasters and future economic developments; asks both parties to facilitate the transfer of technology and technical know-how by facilitating researchers' and academics' exchange programmes; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that all existing research and development (R & D) agreements work effectively with China to promote cooperation on R & D; recommends concentrating R & D efforts between the European Union and China more strategically and in a more relevant way in terms of technology breakthroughs, needs of society, environmental disasters and future economic developments; asks both parties to facilitate the transfer of technology and technical know-how by facilitating researchers' and academics' exchange programmes;

| 67. | Welcomes the rapprochement between China and Taiwan; considers Taiwan, which is the EU's 4th largest trade partner in Asia, as an economic and commercial entity; supports Taiwan's participation as an observer in relevant international organisations where this does not require statehood, for instance in the ILO; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Welcomes the rapprochement between China and Taiwan; considers Taiwan, which is the EU's 4th largest trade partner in Asia, as an economic and commercial entity; supports Taiwan's participation as an observer in relevant international organisations where this does not require statehood, for instance in the ILO;

| 68. | Calls for increased cooperation between European and Chinese universities and increased mobility for scientists, researchers and students between the EU and China; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Calls for increased cooperation between European and Chinese universities and increased mobility for scientists, researchers and students between the EU and China;

| 69. | Supports the continued development of EU-China cooperation on space science, applications and technology; considers that close collaboration is essential for the coexistence of the Compass and Galileo programmes, in particular to ensure their compatibility in the interest of global users; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Supports the continued development of EU-China cooperation on space science, applications and technology; considers that close collaboration is essential for the coexistence of the Compass and Galileo programmes, in particular to ensure their compatibility in the interest of global users;

| 70. | Urges the Commission and the Chinese Government to explore together means of developing a parliamentary dimension to the work of the HLM, mandated to reach out to the broader stakeholder community and to give a voice to their concerns; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Urges the Commission and the Chinese Government to explore together means of developing a parliamentary dimension to the work of the HLM, mandated to reach out to the broader stakeholder community and to give a voice to their concerns;

| 71. | Supports the efforts made by the Commission to establish an SME friendly business environment through the adoption of the Communication entitled ‘Think Small First - A on the Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), and in this regard welcomes the intention to launch a ‘Gateway to China’ scheme, with particular focus on establishing an Executive Training Programme in China to promote European SMEs' access to the Chinese market by 2010; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Supports the efforts made by the Commission to establish an SME friendly business environment through the adoption of the Communication entitled ‘Think Small First - A on the Small Business Act for Europe’ (COM(2008)0394), and in this regard welcomes the intention to launch a ‘Gateway to China’ scheme, with particular focus on establishing an Executive Training Programme in China to promote European SMEs' access to the Chinese market by 2010;

| 72. | Calls on China to promote cooperation between Chinese universities and EU SMEs to enhance SME innovation in China, thus creating more jobs and increasing trade and economic output; calls also on China to promote cooperation between the two sides to improve and enhance climate-friendly techniques and to minimise greenhouse gas emissions caused by EU SMEs in China; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Calls on China to promote cooperation between Chinese universities and EU SMEs to enhance SME innovation in China, thus creating more jobs and increasing trade and economic output; calls also on China to promote cooperation between the two sides to improve and enhance climate-friendly techniques and to minimise greenhouse gas emissions caused by EU SMEs in China;

| 73. | Calls on the Commission to promote business-to-business cooperation, to raise awareness of the Market Access Database website and to improve dispute settlement mechanisms; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Calls on the Commission to promote business-to-business cooperation, to raise awareness of the Market Access Database website and to improve dispute settlement mechanisms;

| 74. | Encourages programmes designed to increase China-EU trade participation, such as the Executive Training Programme; calls on the Commission to increase technical assistance to China in order to implement health and safety rules and to improve customs cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Encourages programmes designed to increase China-EU trade participation, such as the Executive Training Programme; calls on the Commission to increase technical assistance to China in order to implement health and safety rules and to improve customs cooperation;

| 75. | Believes that the European Union and China are becoming more interdependent and that the complexities and importance of EU-China relations require greater coordination among the Member States and with the Commission; reminds China that it must fulfil its obligations arising from international agreements, is looking forward to an effective and outcome-oriented dialogue with China concerning global challenges; endorses the strategic partnership between the EU and China; urges the Commission to increase transparency in the negotiation of the PCA between the European Union and China; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Believes that the European Union and China are becoming more interdependent and that the complexities and importance of EU-China relations require greater coordination among the Member States and with the Commission; reminds China that it must fulfil its obligations arising from international agreements, is looking forward to an effective and outcome-oriented dialogue with China concerning global challenges; endorses the strategic partnership between the EU and China; urges the Commission to increase transparency in the negotiation of the PCA between the European Union and China;

| 76. | Considers that the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, will be a great opportunity for the EU business sector in terms of its exposure, network and presentation to the Chinese public and the Chinese business sector; urges the Commission to ensure that the EU business sector will have a stand at EXPO 2010; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Considers that the EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, will be a great opportunity for the EU business sector in terms of its exposure, network and presentation to the Chinese public and the Chinese business sector; urges the Commission to ensure that the EU business sector will have a stand at EXPO 2010;

| 77. | Calls on the Commission to support the setting up of a China-EU Business Council, similar to the US-EU Business Council; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Calls on the Commission to support the setting up of a China-EU Business Council, similar to the US-EU Business Council;

*

- *

| 78. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese National People's Congress. |
| --- | --- |

78.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and to the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Chinese National People's Congress.

---

(1)  OJ C 305 E, 14.12.06, p. 219.

(2)  OJ C 233 E, 28.9.2006, p. 103.

(3)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0362.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/141 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/141

---

Situation in Sri Lanka

P6_TA(2009)0054

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on Sri Lanka

(2010/C 67 E/17)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Sri Lanka of 18 May 2000 (1), 14 March 2002 (2) and 20 November 2003 (3), its resolution of 13 January 2005 (4) on the tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean and its resolution of 18 May 2006 (5) on the situation in Sri Lanka, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Sri Lanka of 18 May 2000 (1), 14 March 2002 (2) and 20 November 2003 (3), its resolution of 13 January 2005 (4) on the tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean and its resolution of 18 May 2006 (5) on the situation in Sri Lanka,

| — | having regard to the decision of the Council of the European Union of 29 May 2006 (6) to formally proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decision of the Council of the European Union of 29 May 2006 (6) to formally proscribe the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),

| — | having regard to the statement of the Presidency of the European Union of 17 August 2006 on Sri Lanka, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of the Presidency of the European Union of 17 August 2006 on Sri Lanka,

| — | having regard to the Tokyo Declaration on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka of 10 June 2003, which linked donor support to progress in the peace process, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Tokyo Declaration on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka of 10 June 2003, which linked donor support to progress in the peace process,

| — | having regard to the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE which entered into force on 23 February 2002, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Ceasefire Agreement signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE which entered into force on 23 February 2002,

| — | having regard to the Oslo Declaration of December 2002, in which the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE agreed to explore a solution based on a federal structure within a united Sri Lanka, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Oslo Declaration of December 2002, in which the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE agreed to explore a solution based on a federal structure within a united Sri Lanka,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, since the beginning of the Government's military offensive in October 2008, the LTTE has retreated into the northern area, forcing civilians deeper into territory they control and leaving hundreds dead and some 250 000 civilians caught in deadly crossfire between the Sri Lankan army and the separatist LTTE in the Mullaitivu region, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, since the beginning of the Government's military offensive in October 2008, the LTTE has retreated into the northern area, forcing civilians deeper into territory they control and leaving hundreds dead and some 250 000 civilians caught in deadly crossfire between the Sri Lankan army and the separatist LTTE in the Mullaitivu region,

| B. | whereas Sri Lanka has been afflicted by the armed insurgency of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) and the Government's response for some 25 years, causing over 70 000 deaths, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Sri Lanka has been afflicted by the armed insurgency of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) and the Government's response for some 25 years, causing over 70 000 deaths,

| C. | whereas the civilian population in the liberated areas is in need of humanitarian assistance and, while government agencies have now been able to respond to their needs, many thousands of civilians in the areas of continuing conflict are still exposed to great danger and remain deprived of the basic necessities of life, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the civilian population in the liberated areas is in need of humanitarian assistance and, while government agencies have now been able to respond to their needs, many thousands of civilians in the areas of continuing conflict are still exposed to great danger and remain deprived of the basic necessities of life,

| D. | whereas there is great concern about the shelling of a hospital and a compound sheltering United Nations national staff inside a safety zone, which killed and wounded many civilians, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas there is great concern about the shelling of a hospital and a compound sheltering United Nations national staff inside a safety zone, which killed and wounded many civilians,

| E. | whereas, according to Amnesty International, both government forces and the LTTE have been violating the laws of war by displacing civilians and preventing them from escaping to safety, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, according to Amnesty International, both government forces and the LTTE have been violating the laws of war by displacing civilians and preventing them from escaping to safety,

| F. | whereas the International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka notes three trends in connection with reporting on the conflict: lack of press access and independent information flow in the conflict zone, assaults on and intimidation of journalists covering the conflict, and self-censorship by the media, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the International Press Freedom Mission to Sri Lanka notes three trends in connection with reporting on the conflict: lack of press access and independent information flow in the conflict zone, assaults on and intimidation of journalists covering the conflict, and self-censorship by the media,

| G. | whereas since the beginning of 2009, the killing of a senior editor, Lasantha Wickramatunga, and the attack on the facilities of a popular independent TV channel have led to a paralysis of the media community, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas since the beginning of 2009, the killing of a senior editor, Lasantha Wickramatunga, and the attack on the facilities of a popular independent TV channel have led to a paralysis of the media community,

| H. | whereas at least 14 journalists have been killed and many more abducted or arrested since 2006 and whereas Reporters Without Borders ranked Sri Lanka 165th out of 173 countries in its 2008 press freedom index, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas at least 14 journalists have been killed and many more abducted or arrested since 2006 and whereas Reporters Without Borders ranked Sri Lanka 165th out of 173 countries in its 2008 press freedom index,

| I. | whereas the primacy of respect for human rights and humanitarian norms by all parties to the conflict should be ensured, not only as an immediate response to the worsening situation but as a fundamental building block in a just and enduring resolution of the conflict, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the primacy of respect for human rights and humanitarian norms by all parties to the conflict should be ensured, not only as an immediate response to the worsening situation but as a fundamental building block in a just and enduring resolution of the conflict,

| J. | whereas the Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, the US and the EU) have called jointly on the LTTE to discuss with the Sri Lankan Government the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Sri Lankan Government offer of an amnesty, and participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the Tokyo Co-Chairs (Norway, Japan, the US and the EU) have called jointly on the LTTE to discuss with the Sri Lankan Government the modalities for ending hostilities, including the laying down of arms, renunciation of violence, acceptance of the Sri Lankan Government offer of an amnesty, and participation as a political party in a process to achieve a just and lasting political solution,

| K. | whereas the Tokyo Co-Chairs have called jointly on the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to declare a ‘no-fire period’ to allow for evacuation of the sick and wounded and provision of humanitarian aid to civilians, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the Tokyo Co-Chairs have called jointly on the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE to declare a ‘no-fire period’ to allow for evacuation of the sick and wounded and provision of humanitarian aid to civilians,

| 1. | Believes that the recent development may constitute a turning point in the crisis in Sri Lanka, endorses the statement by the Tokyo Co-Chairs and hopes that peace and stability will soon prevail in the country; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Believes that the recent development may constitute a turning point in the crisis in Sri Lanka, endorses the statement by the Tokyo Co-Chairs and hopes that peace and stability will soon prevail in the country;

| 2. | Believes that a military victory over the LTTE, as envisaged by the Sri Lankan Government, will not obviate the need to find a political solution in order to ensure a lasting peace; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Believes that a military victory over the LTTE, as envisaged by the Sri Lankan Government, will not obviate the need to find a political solution in order to ensure a lasting peace;

| 3. | Calls on the government and the LTTE to abide by the rules of war, to minimise harm to civilians during military operations and immediately to allow the thousands of civilians trapped in the conflict zone safe passage and access to humanitarian aid; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the government and the LTTE to abide by the rules of war, to minimise harm to civilians during military operations and immediately to allow the thousands of civilians trapped in the conflict zone safe passage and access to humanitarian aid;

| 4. | Welcomes the Sri Lankan Government's pledge to ensure full, open and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of media freedom in order also to address the culture of impunity and indifference over killings and attacks on journalists in Sri Lanka; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the Sri Lankan Government's pledge to ensure full, open and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of media freedom in order also to address the culture of impunity and indifference over killings and attacks on journalists in Sri Lanka;

| 5. | Emphasises the need for international monitors to assess the humanitarian needs of a quarter of a million people trapped in the Wanni region and to ensure proper distribution of food and other humanitarian assistance, particularly as the fighting comes closer to the trapped civilian population; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Emphasises the need for international monitors to assess the humanitarian needs of a quarter of a million people trapped in the Wanni region and to ensure proper distribution of food and other humanitarian assistance, particularly as the fighting comes closer to the trapped civilian population;

| 6. | Reiterates its condemnation of the appalling abuse of children constituted by the recruitment of child soldiers, which is a war crime, and calls on all rebel groups to stop this practice, to release those whom they are holding and to make a declaration of principle that they will not recruit any children in the future; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Reiterates its condemnation of the appalling abuse of children constituted by the recruitment of child soldiers, which is a war crime, and calls on all rebel groups to stop this practice, to release those whom they are holding and to make a declaration of principle that they will not recruit any children in the future;

| 7. | Urges the government to give urgent attention to the clearance of land-mines, the presence of which may present a serious obstacle to rehabilitation and economic regeneration; calls on the Sri Lankan Government in this connection to take the very positive step of acceding to the Ottawa Treaty (The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction); |
| --- | --- |

7.

Urges the government to give urgent attention to the clearance of land-mines, the presence of which may present a serious obstacle to rehabilitation and economic regeneration; calls on the Sri Lankan Government in this connection to take the very positive step of acceding to the Ottawa Treaty (The Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction);

| 8. | Welcomes the commitment of the Sri Lankan Government to substantive provincial devolution, which will enable predominantly Tamil, as well as other, areas to exercise greater control over their administration within a united country; calls on the government to bring about its rapid implementation, thus ensuring that all citizens of Sri Lanka have equal rights; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the commitment of the Sri Lankan Government to substantive provincial devolution, which will enable predominantly Tamil, as well as other, areas to exercise greater control over their administration within a united country; calls on the government to bring about its rapid implementation, thus ensuring that all citizens of Sri Lanka have equal rights;

| 9. | Calls on the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States to redouble their efforts to help bring a stable and just peace to Sri Lanka and to restore security and prosperity; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Calls on the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States to redouble their efforts to help bring a stable and just peace to Sri Lanka and to restore security and prosperity;

| 10. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Government of Norway and the other Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, the President and Government of Sri Lanka, and the other parties to the conflict. |
| --- | --- |

10.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Government of Norway and the other Co-Chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, the President and Government of Sri Lanka, and the other parties to the conflict.

---

(1)  OJ C 59, 23.2.2001, p. 278.

(2)  OJ C 47 E, 27.2.2003, p. 613.

(3)  OJ C 87 E, 7.4.2004, p. 527.

(4)  OJ C 247 E, 6.10.2005, p. 147.

(5)  OJ C 297 E, 7.12.2006, p. 384

(6)  Council Decision 2006/379/EC of 29 May 2006 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism and repealing Decision 2005/930/EC (OJ L 144, 31.5.2006, p. 21).

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/144 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/144

---

Situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand

P6_TA(2009)0055

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the situation of Burmese refugees in Thailand

(2010/C 67 E/18)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1967 Protocol thereto, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1967 Protocol thereto,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions on Burma, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its previous resolutions on Burma,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas it has been reported that around 1 000 Rohingya boat people from Burma were intercepted by the navy in Thai territorial waters between 18 and 30 December 2008 and were subsequently towed into international waters without navigational equipment or sufficient food and water; whereas many of those boat people are missing and feared drowned while some of them were rescued by Indonesian or Indian coastguards, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas it has been reported that around 1 000 Rohingya boat people from Burma were intercepted by the navy in Thai territorial waters between 18 and 30 December 2008 and were subsequently towed into international waters without navigational equipment or sufficient food and water; whereas many of those boat people are missing and feared drowned while some of them were rescued by Indonesian or Indian coastguards,

| B. | whereas the Rohingya people, a mainly Muslim ethnic community in western Burma, are subjected to systematic, persistent and widespread human rights violations by the ruling military regime, including refusing them the status of citizenship, imposing severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, and subjecting them to arbitrary arrest, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Rohingya people, a mainly Muslim ethnic community in western Burma, are subjected to systematic, persistent and widespread human rights violations by the ruling military regime, including refusing them the status of citizenship, imposing severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, and subjecting them to arbitrary arrest,

| C. | whereas in recent years thousands of Burmese have fled from their home country because of the repression and wide-spread hunger and risked their lives to arrive in Thailand and other south-east Asian countries; whereas Thailand is increasingly becoming a transit destination for Burmese refugees, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas in recent years thousands of Burmese have fled from their home country because of the repression and wide-spread hunger and risked their lives to arrive in Thailand and other south-east Asian countries; whereas Thailand is increasingly becoming a transit destination for Burmese refugees,

| D. | whereas the Thai authorities have denied those accusations and Prime Thai Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised a full investigation, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the Thai authorities have denied those accusations and Prime Thai Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has promised a full investigation,

| E. | whereas the United Nations Refugee Agency has voiced its concern about the reports of mistreatment of the Burmese refugees and has gained access to some of the 126 Rohingya people who are still being held in custody by the Thai authorities, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the United Nations Refugee Agency has voiced its concern about the reports of mistreatment of the Burmese refugees and has gained access to some of the 126 Rohingya people who are still being held in custody by the Thai authorities,

| F. | whereas the Thai authorities claim that migrants caught in Thai waters were illegal economic migrants, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Thai authorities claim that migrants caught in Thai waters were illegal economic migrants,

| 1. | Deplores reports of inhumane treatment inflicted on the Rohingya refugees and urges the Government of Thailand, as a respected member of the international community well-known for its hospitality towards refugees, to take all necessary measures to ensure that the lives of Rohingya people are not at risk and that they are treated in accordance with humanitarian standards; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Deplores reports of inhumane treatment inflicted on the Rohingya refugees and urges the Government of Thailand, as a respected member of the international community well-known for its hospitality towards refugees, to take all necessary measures to ensure that the lives of Rohingya people are not at risk and that they are treated in accordance with humanitarian standards;

| 2. | Strongly condemns the continuous persecution of the Rohingya people by the Burmese Government, which holds prime responsibility for the plight of the refugees; demands the restoration of the Burmese citizenship of the Rohingya people, the immediate lifting of all restrictions on their freedom of movement and their right to be educated and marry, the cessation of religious persecution and the destruction of mosques and other places of worship, and an end to all human rights violations across the country as well as deliberate impoverishment, arbitrary taxation and land confiscation; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Strongly condemns the continuous persecution of the Rohingya people by the Burmese Government, which holds prime responsibility for the plight of the refugees; demands the restoration of the Burmese citizenship of the Rohingya people, the immediate lifting of all restrictions on their freedom of movement and their right to be educated and marry, the cessation of religious persecution and the destruction of mosques and other places of worship, and an end to all human rights violations across the country as well as deliberate impoverishment, arbitrary taxation and land confiscation;

| 3. | Appeals to the Thai Government not to return the Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, including the boat people, to Burma, where their lives will be in danger or where they may be subject to torture; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Appeals to the Thai Government not to return the Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers, including the boat people, to Burma, where their lives will be in danger or where they may be subject to torture;

| 4. | Welcomes the statement by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that the allegations of mistreatment of Rohingya asylum seekers by the military will be investigated, and requests that a thorough and impartial inquiry be carried out, with full transparency in order to establish the facts and take appropriate action against those responsible for mistreatment of Burmese refugees; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Welcomes the statement by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that the allegations of mistreatment of Rohingya asylum seekers by the military will be investigated, and requests that a thorough and impartial inquiry be carried out, with full transparency in order to establish the facts and take appropriate action against those responsible for mistreatment of Burmese refugees;

| 5. | Welcomes the Thai Government's cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and calls for immediate and full access to all the detained Rohingya boat people in order to define thee level of their need for protection; calls, at the same time, on the Thai Government to sign the Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol thereto; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the Thai Government's cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and calls for immediate and full access to all the detained Rohingya boat people in order to define thee level of their need for protection; calls, at the same time, on the Thai Government to sign the Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol thereto;

| 6. | Stresses that the phenomenon of boat people, which affects Thailand and other countries, is essentially a regional one; views positively the efforts of the Thai Government to increase cooperation among regional neighbours to address concerns about the Rohingya people; welcomes, in this respect, the meeting held on 23 January 2009 by the Thai Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Virasakdi Futrakul, with the Ambassadors of India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Burma; and appeals to the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and, in particular, its Thai chair and relevant international organisations, to work on a permanent solution to this long-standing problem; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Stresses that the phenomenon of boat people, which affects Thailand and other countries, is essentially a regional one; views positively the efforts of the Thai Government to increase cooperation among regional neighbours to address concerns about the Rohingya people; welcomes, in this respect, the meeting held on 23 January 2009 by the Thai Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Virasakdi Futrakul, with the Ambassadors of India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Burma; and appeals to the members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and, in particular, its Thai chair and relevant international organisations, to work on a permanent solution to this long-standing problem;

| 7. | Calls on the Member States to strengthen the EU Common Position, which is due for renewal in April 2009, in order to address the appalling discrimination against the Rohingya people; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Member States to strengthen the EU Common Position, which is due for renewal in April 2009, in order to address the appalling discrimination against the Rohingya people;

| 8. | Considers that sending a Parliament delegation to Burma is of major importance in the present human rights situation, which continues to show no signs of improvement, and believes that international pressure on the regime should be reinforced; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that sending a Parliament delegation to Burma is of major importance in the present human rights situation, which continues to show no signs of improvement, and believes that international pressure on the regime should be reinforced;

| 9. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Government of Burma, the Secretary-General of the Association of South East Asian Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments of the Member States, the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Government of Burma, the Secretary-General of the Association of South East Asian Nations, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/146 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/146

---

The refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from Brazil

P6_TA(2009)0056

European Parliament resolution of 5 February 2009 on the refusal to extradite Cesare Battisti from Brazil

(2010/C 67 E/19)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Véronique De Keyser on behalf of the PSE Group on the European Union-Brazil Strategic Partnership (B6-0449/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a recommendation to the Council by Véronique De Keyser on behalf of the PSE Group on the European Union-Brazil Strategic Partnership (B6-0449/2008),

| — | having regard to the Framework Agreement for Cooperation between the European Community and the Federative Republic of Brazil, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Framework Agreement for Cooperation between the European Community and the Federative Republic of Brazil,

| — | having regard to the Commission communication of 30 May 2007 entitled ‘Towards an EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership’ (COM(2007)0281), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission communication of 30 May 2007 entitled ‘Towards an EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership’ (COM(2007)0281),

| — | having regard to the case of the Italian citizen, Cesare Battisti, whose extradition from Brazil has been requested by Italy and is being refused by the Brazilian authorities, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the case of the Italian citizen, Cesare Battisti, whose extradition from Brazil has been requested by Italy and is being refused by the Brazilian authorities,

| — | having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas Cesare Battisti was convicted in absentia, in final judgements handed down by the Italian courts, of four murders and of involvement in an armed group, robbery, possession of fire-arms and armed acts of violence, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Cesare Battisti was convicted in absentia, in final judgements handed down by the Italian courts, of four murders and of involvement in an armed group, robbery, possession of fire-arms and armed acts of violence,

| B. | having regard to Cesare Battisti's flight to France in 1990 and the final decision of the French Council of State and Court of Cassation in 2004 to authorise his surrender to the Italian authorities, |
| --- | --- |

B.

having regard to Cesare Battisti's flight to France in 1990 and the final decision of the French Council of State and Court of Cassation in 2004 to authorise his surrender to the Italian authorities,

| C. | whereas following that decision Cesare Battisti went into hiding until he was arrested in Brazil in March 2007, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas following that decision Cesare Battisti went into hiding until he was arrested in Brazil in March 2007,

| D. | whereas Cesare Battisti lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights in respect of his extradition to Italy, and whereas that application was declared inadmissible in December 2006, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Cesare Battisti lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights in respect of his extradition to Italy, and whereas that application was declared inadmissible in December 2006,

| E. | whereas on 17 January 2009 Cesare Battisti was declared a political refugee by the Brazilian Government, and whereas his extradition has therefore been refused on the grounds that the Italian justice system fails to provide sufficient guarantees in respect of prisoners' rights, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas on 17 January 2009 Cesare Battisti was declared a political refugee by the Brazilian Government, and whereas his extradition has therefore been refused on the grounds that the Italian justice system fails to provide sufficient guarantees in respect of prisoners' rights,

| F. | whereas the granting of political refugee status must be in compliance with the provisions of international law, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the granting of political refugee status must be in compliance with the provisions of international law,

| G. | whereas this decision may be interpreted as a sign of mistrust towards the European Union, which is founded, inter alia, on respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, which include the rights of prisoners, and whereas those principles are shared by all Member States, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas this decision may be interpreted as a sign of mistrust towards the European Union, which is founded, inter alia, on respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law, which include the rights of prisoners, and whereas those principles are shared by all Member States,

| H. | whereas economic, trade and political relations between Brazil and the European Union are excellent and buoyant and are founded, inter alia, on shared principles such as respect for human rights and the rule of law, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas economic, trade and political relations between Brazil and the European Union are excellent and buoyant and are founded, inter alia, on shared principles such as respect for human rights and the rule of law,

| I. | whereas, with the full support of all EU Member States, Brazil is assuming a major role at international level, and whereas its participation in the G-20 meeting held in Washington in November 2008 and its future participation in such meetings are a sign of this increasing responsibility at global level, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas, with the full support of all EU Member States, Brazil is assuming a major role at international level, and whereas its participation in the G-20 meeting held in Washington in November 2008 and its future participation in such meetings are a sign of this increasing responsibility at global level,

| 1. | Takes note that legal proceedings have been brought, and that the final decision of the Brazilian authorities should be issued in the coming weeks; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Takes note that legal proceedings have been brought, and that the final decision of the Brazilian authorities should be issued in the coming weeks;

| 2. | Trusts that the re-examination of the decision on the extradition of Cesare Battisti will take into account the judgment delivered by an EU Member State in full compliance with the principle of the rule of law in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Trusts that the re-examination of the decision on the extradition of Cesare Battisti will take into account the judgment delivered by an EU Member State in full compliance with the principle of the rule of law in the European Union;

| 3. | Expresses the hope that, in the light of such considerations, the Brazilian authorities reach a decision founded on common principles shared by Brazil and the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Expresses the hope that, in the light of such considerations, the Brazilian authorities reach a decision founded on common principles shared by Brazil and the European Union;

| 4. | Points out that the partnership between the European Union and the Federative Republic of Brazil is based on the mutual understanding that both parties will uphold the rule of law and fundamental rights, including the right of defence and the right to a fair and equitable trial; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Points out that the partnership between the European Union and the Federative Republic of Brazil is based on the mutual understanding that both parties will uphold the rule of law and fundamental rights, including the right of defence and the right to a fair and equitable trial;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Brazilian Government, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the President of the Brazilian Congress and the President of the Mercosur Parliament. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Brazilian Government, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the President of the Brazilian Congress and the President of the Mercosur Parliament.

---

II Information

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/148 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/148

---

Request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf

P6_TA(2009)0035

European Parliament decision of 3 February 2009 on the request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf (2008/2176(IMM))

(2010/C 67 E/20)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf, forwarded by the competent authority of the Czech Republic on 16 June 2008, and announced in plenary sitting on 9 July 2008, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the request for waiver of the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf, forwarded by the competent authority of the Czech Republic on 16 June 2008, and announced in plenary sitting on 9 July 2008,

| — | having heard Miloslav Ransdorf in accordance with Rule 7(3) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having heard Miloslav Ransdorf in accordance with Rule 7(3) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to Article 10 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 10 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities, and Article 6(2) of the Act of 20 September 1976 concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage,

| — | having regard to the judgments of 12 May 1964 and 10 July 1986 (1) of the Court of Justice of the European Communities, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the judgments of 12 May 1964 and 10 July 1986 (1) of the Court of Justice of the European Communities,

| — | having regard to Article 27(4) of the Czech Constitution, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 27(4) of the Czech Constitution,

| — | having regard to Rules 6(2) and 7 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 6(2) and 7 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0008/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A6-0008/2009),

| A. | whereas Miloslav Ransdorf is a Member of the European Parliament who was elected in the sixth direct elections of 10 to 13 June 2004 and whereas his credentials were verified by Parliament on 14 December 2004 (2), |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Miloslav Ransdorf is a Member of the European Parliament who was elected in the sixth direct elections of 10 to 13 June 2004 and whereas his credentials were verified by Parliament on 14 December 2004 (2),

| B. | whereas, according to Article 10 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities of 8 April 1965, during the sessions of the European Parliament its Members enjoy in the territory of their own State the immunities accorded to members of their parliament; whereas immunity cannot be claimed when a Member is caught in the act of committing an offence; and whereas this does not prevent the European Parliament from exercising its right to waive the immunity of one of its Members, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, according to Article 10 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities of 8 April 1965, during the sessions of the European Parliament its Members enjoy in the territory of their own State the immunities accorded to members of their parliament; whereas immunity cannot be claimed when a Member is caught in the act of committing an offence; and whereas this does not prevent the European Parliament from exercising its right to waive the immunity of one of its Members,

| C. | whereas, according to Article 27(4) of the Czech Constitution, no Member of Parliament or Senator may be criminally prosecuted without the consent of the chamber of which he or she is member and, if the respective chamber denies its consent, criminal prosecution shall be excluded forever, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas, according to Article 27(4) of the Czech Constitution, no Member of Parliament or Senator may be criminally prosecuted without the consent of the chamber of which he or she is member and, if the respective chamber denies its consent, criminal prosecution shall be excluded forever,

| 1. | Decides to waive the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Decides to waive the immunity of Miloslav Ransdorf;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision, and the report of its committee responsible, immediately to the appropriate authorities of the Czech Republic. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward this decision, and the report of its committee responsible, immediately to the appropriate authorities of the Czech Republic.

---

(1)  Case 101/63 Wagner v Fohrmann and Krier [1964] ECR 195 and Case 149/85 Wybot v Faure and others [1986] ECR 2391.

(2)  OJ C 226 E, 15.9.2005, p. 51.

---

III Preparatory Acts

European Parliament

Tuesday 3 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/149 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/149

---

Extension of the EC-USA agreement for scientific and technological cooperation *

P6_TA(2009)0032

European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the extension of the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Government of the United States of America (COM(2008)0581 – C6-0392/2008 – 2008/0184(CNS))

(2010/C 67 E/21)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0581), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0581),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (1),

| — | having regard to Article 170 and Article 300(2), first subparagraph of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 170 and Article 300(2), first subparagraph of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0392/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0392/2008),

| — | having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0006/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0006/2009),

| 1. | Approves extension of the Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves extension of the Agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the United States of America. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the United States of America.

---

(1)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/150 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/150

---

Renewal of the Agreement between the EC and Russia on cooperation in science and technology *

P6_TA(2009)0033

European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of an Agreement aimed at renewing the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation (COM(2008)0728 – C6-0456/2008 – 2008/0209(CNS))

(2010/C 67 E/22)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0728), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the proposal for a Council decision (COM(2008)0728),

| — | having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (1), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1982/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) (1),

| — | having regard to Article 170 and Article 300(2), first subparagraph of the EC Treaty, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 170 and Article 300(2), first subparagraph of the EC Treaty,

| — | having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0456/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 300(3), first subparagraph, of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0456/2008),

| — | having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rules 51, 83(7) and 43(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0005/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0005/2009),

| 1. | Approves conclusion of the agreement; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves conclusion of the agreement;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Russian Federation. |
| --- | --- |

2.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Russian Federation.

---

(1)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

---

Wednesday 4 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/151 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/151

---

Sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals ***I

P6_TA(2009)0043

Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals (COM(2007)0249 – C6-0143/2007 – 2007/0094(COD))

(2010/C 67 E/23)

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The proposal was amended on 4 February 2009 (1) and approved on 19 February 2009 as thus amended (2).

---

(1)  The matter was then referred back to committee pursuant to Rule 51(2), second subparagraph, read in conjunction with Rule168(2) (A6-0026/2009).

(2)  Texts adopted, P6_TA(2009)0069.

---

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0094

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 19 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Directive 2009/.../EC of the European Parliament and of the Council providing for minimum standards on sanctions and measures against employers of illegally staying third-country nationals

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position at first reading corresponds to the final legislative act, Directive 2009/52/EC.)

---

Thursday 5 February 2009

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/152 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/152

---

Information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products *

P6_TA(2009)0046

European Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a Council regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 on information provision and promotion measures for agricultural products on the internal market and in third countries (COM(2008)0431 – C6-0313/2008 – 2008/0131(CNS))

(2010/C 67 E/24)

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2008)0431), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2008)0431),

| — | having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0313/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0313/2008),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0004/2009), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0004/2009),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.   In the absence of programmes to be carried out on the internal market for one or more of the information measures referred to in Article 2(1)(b) submitted in accordance with Article 6(1), each interested Member State shall draw up, on the basis of the guidelines referred to in Article 5(1), a programme and its specification and shall select through a public call for tenders the implementing body for the programme it undertakes to co-finance.

1.   In the absence of programmes to be carried out on the internal market for one or more of the information measures referred to in Article 2(1)(b) submitted in accordance with Article 6(1), each interested Member State shall draw up, on the basis of the guidelines referred to in Article 5(1),
  following an assessment of the need for, and the desirability of, those programmes in the Member State(s) in question, and on the basis of consultations with trade associations and organisations operating in the sector concerned,
  a programme and its specification and shall select through a public call for tenders the implementing body for the programme it undertakes to co-finance.

2.   In the absence of programmes to be carried out in third countries for one or more of the information measures referred to in Article 2(1)(a), (b) and (c), submitted in accordance with Article 6(1), each interested Member State shall draw up, on the basis of the guidelines referred to in Article 5(2), a programme and its specification and shall select through a public call for tenders the implementing body for the programme it undertakes to co-finance.

2.   In the absence of programmes to be carried out in third countries for one or more of the information measures referred to in Article 2(1)(a), (b) and (c), submitted in accordance with Article 6(1), each interested Member State shall draw up, on the basis of the guidelines referred to in Article 5(2),
  following an assessment of the need for, and the desirability of, those programmes in the Member State(s) in question, and on the basis of consultations with trade associations and organisations operating in the sector concerned,
  a programme and its specification and shall select through a public call for tenders the implementing body for the programme it undertakes to co-finance.

The implementing body for the programme eventually selected by the Member State(s) concerned may be an international organisation, in particular when the programme regards the promotion for the olive oil and table olive sector in third countries.

The implementing body for the programme eventually selected by the Member State(s) concerned may be an international organisation, in particular when the programme concerns the promotion for the olive oil and table olive sector
  , or for wines with protected designation of origin and protected geographical indication,
  in third countries.

| (c) | an assessment of the programme's
  value for money
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

an assessment of the programme's
  value for money
  ;

| (c) | an assessment of the programme's
  cost effectiveness
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

an assessment of the programme's
  cost effectiveness
  ;

Article 1a

The first and second subparagraphs of Article 13(2) of Regulation (EC) No 3/2008 shall be replaced by the following
  :

‘
  2.
     The Community's financial participation in the programmes selected under Articles 8 and 9 shall not exceed

  60 %

  of the actual cost of these programmes. Where information and promotion programmes have a duration of two or three years, the participation for each year of implementation shall not exceed this ceiling.

The percentage referred to in the first subparagraph shall be

  70 %

  for measures for the promotion of fruit and vegetables intended specifically for children in schools of the Community.’voir caractere avant

---

| 18.3.2010 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 67/155 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.3.2010

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 67/155

---

The placing on the market and the use of feed for animals ***I

P6_TA(2009)0050

European Parliament legislative resolution of 5 February 2009 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed (COM(2008)0124 – C6-0128/2008 – 2008/0050(COD))

(2010/C 67 E/25)

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

| — | having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0124), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0124),

| — | having regard to Article 251(2), Article 37 and Article 152(4)(b) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0128/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 251(2), Article 37 and Article 152(4)(b) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0128/2008),

| — | having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0407/2008), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0407/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Takes note of the declarations of the Commission annexed hereto; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Takes note of the declarations of the Commission annexed hereto;

| 3. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and Commission.

---

P6_TC1-COD(2008)0050

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 5 February 2009 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the placing on the market and use of feed, amending Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and repealing Directives 79/373/EEC, 80/511/EEC, 82/471/EEC, 83/228/EEC, 93/74/EEC, 93/113/EC and 96/25/EC and Decision 2004/217/EC

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position at first reading corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EC) No .../2009.)

---

ANNEX

Commission's Declarations on the subject of:

1.   Revision of Annex IV:

In order to adapt Annex IV (on the tolerances for the compositional labelling of feed materials and compound feed) as provided for in Article 11 of the Regulation to scientific and technical development, the Commission and its services envisage to take up the examination of the above mentioned Annex IV. In this context the Commission will also consider certain feed materials with moister content greater than 50%.

2.   Labelling of additives:

The Commission will study whether the principles of information through labelling of feed could also apply to the additives and premixtures authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition.

3.   Interpretation of ‘any urgencies related to human and animal health and the environment’ as addressed by Recital 21, Article 5 and Article 17

‘The Commission understands that “any urgencies related to human and animal health and the environment” may include urgencies generated amongst others by negligence, intentional fraud and criminal acts.’

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