# Official Journal C 247E/2009

| | ISSN 1725-2423
  doi:10.3000/17252423.CE2009.247.eng |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 247E |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5215 October 2009 |

ISSN 1725-2423

doi:10.3000/17252423.CE2009.247.eng

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 247E

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5215 October 2009

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 9 to 10 April 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 138 E, 5.6.2008. |
| | |
| | RESOLUTIONS |
| | European Parliament |
| | Thursday 10 April 2008 |
| 2009/C 247E/01 | Rights-based management tools in fisheriesEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on rights-based management tools in fisheries (2007/2111(INI)) | 1 |
| 2009/C 247E/02 | TibetEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Tibet | 5 |
| 2009/C 247E/03 | Croatia: 2007 progress reportEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Croatia's 2007 progress report (2007/2267(INI)) | 7 |
| 2009/C 247E/04 | Combating cancer in the enlarged European UnionEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on combating cancer in the enlarged European Union | 11 |
| 2009/C 247E/05 | Mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action ProgrammeEuropean Parliament resolution of the 10 April 2008 on the mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (2007/2204(INI)) | 18 |
| 2009/C 247E/06 | Cultural industries in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on cultural industries in Europe (2007/2153(INI)) | 25 |
| 2009/C 247E/07 | Culture in a globalising worldEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world (2007/2211(INI)) | 32 |
| 2009/C 247E/08 | Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU actionEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the Commission Green Paper on Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU action (COM(2007)0354) | 41 |
| 2009/C 247E/09 | Subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EUDeclaration of the European Parliament on the subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EU | 48 |
| | |
| | European Parliament |
| | Wednesday 9 April 2008 |
| 2009/C 247E/10 | Approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the CommissionEuropean Parliament decision of 9 April 2008 approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission | 50 |
| | Thursday 10 April 2008 |
| 2009/C 247E/11 | Animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals as regards the extension of the transitional period (COM(2007)0572 — C6-0334/2007 — 2007/0202(COD)) | 51 |
| P6_TC1-COD(2007)0202Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals, as regards the extension of the transitional period | 51 |
| 2009/C 247E/12 | European Migration Network *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a European Migration Network (COM(2007)0466 — C6-0303/2007 — 2007/0167(CNS)) | 52 |
| 2009/C 247E/13 | Amendment of regulation on a standard financial regulation for executive agencies *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (SEC(2007)0492 — C6-0123/2007 — 2007/0901(CNS)) | 60 |
| 2009/C 247E/14 | Framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC, Euratom) amending Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (SEC(2007)1013 — C6-0417/2007 — 2007/0151(CNS)) | 67 |
| 2009/C 247E/15 | Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (Malta and Portugal)European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in application of point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0094 — C6-0085/2008 — 2008/2043(ACI)) | 75 |
| 2009/C 247E/16 | 2009 budget guidelines, other sectionsEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the guidelines for the 2009 budget procedure, Section I — European Parliament, Section II — Council, Section IV — Court of Justice, Section V — Court of Auditors, Section VI — European Economic and Social Committee, Section VII — Committee of the Regions, Section VIII — European Ombudsman, Section IX — European Data Protection Supervisor (2008/2021(BUD)) | 78 |
| 2009/C 247E/17 | Eurostars ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at supporting research and development performing SMEs undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0514 — C6-0281/2007 — 2007/0188(COD))P6_TC1-COD(2007)0188Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2008 with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community's participation in a research and development programme undertaken by several Member States aimed at supporting research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises | 83 |
| 2009/C 247E/18 | Research Fund for Coal and Steel *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0393 — C6-0248/2007 — 2007/0135(CNS)) | 84 |
| 2009/C 247E/19 | Fishing activities of Community and third-country fishing vessels *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council regulation concerning authorisations for fishing activities of Community fishing vessels outside Community waters and the access of third country vessels to Community waters (COM(2007)0330 — C6-0236/2007 — 2007/0114(CNS)) | 87 |

Notice No

Contents

page

European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 9 to 10 April 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 138 E, 5.6.2008.

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Thursday 10 April 2008

2009/C 247E/01

Rights-based management tools in fisheriesEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on rights-based management tools in fisheries (2007/2111(INI))

1

2009/C 247E/02

TibetEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Tibet

5

2009/C 247E/03

Croatia: 2007 progress reportEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Croatia's 2007 progress report (2007/2267(INI))

7

2009/C 247E/04

Combating cancer in the enlarged European UnionEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on combating cancer in the enlarged European Union

11

2009/C 247E/05

Mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action ProgrammeEuropean Parliament resolution of the 10 April 2008 on the mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (2007/2204(INI))

18

2009/C 247E/06

Cultural industries in EuropeEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on cultural industries in Europe (2007/2153(INI))

25

2009/C 247E/07

Culture in a globalising worldEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world (2007/2211(INI))

32

2009/C 247E/08

Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU actionEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the Commission Green Paper on Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU action (COM(2007)0354)

41

2009/C 247E/09

Subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EUDeclaration of the European Parliament on the subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EU

48

European Parliament

Wednesday 9 April 2008

2009/C 247E/10

Approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the CommissionEuropean Parliament decision of 9 April 2008 approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission

50

Thursday 10 April 2008

2009/C 247E/11

Animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals as regards the extension of the transitional period (COM(2007)0572 — C6-0334/2007 — 2007/0202(COD))

51

P6_TC1-COD(2007)0202Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals, as regards the extension of the transitional period

51

2009/C 247E/12

European Migration Network *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a European Migration Network (COM(2007)0466 — C6-0303/2007 — 2007/0167(CNS))

52

2009/C 247E/13

Amendment of regulation on a standard financial regulation for executive agencies *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (SEC(2007)0492 — C6-0123/2007 — 2007/0901(CNS))

60

2009/C 247E/14

Framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC, Euratom) amending Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (SEC(2007)1013 — C6-0417/2007 — 2007/0151(CNS))

67

2009/C 247E/15

Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (Malta and Portugal)European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in application of point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0094 — C6-0085/2008 — 2008/2043(ACI))

75

2009/C 247E/16

2009 budget guidelines, other sectionsEuropean Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the guidelines for the 2009 budget procedure, Section I — European Parliament, Section II — Council, Section IV — Court of Justice, Section V — Court of Auditors, Section VI — European Economic and Social Committee, Section VII — Committee of the Regions, Section VIII — European Ombudsman, Section IX — European Data Protection Supervisor (2008/2021(BUD))

78

2009/C 247E/17

Eurostars ***IEuropean Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at supporting research and development performing SMEs undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0514 — C6-0281/2007 — 2007/0188(COD))P6_TC1-COD(2007)0188Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2008 with a view to the adoption of Decision No .../2008/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Community's participation in a research and development programme undertaken by several Member States aimed at supporting research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises

83

2009/C 247E/18

Research Fund for Coal and Steel *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0393 — C6-0248/2007 — 2007/0135(CNS))

84

2009/C 247E/19

Fishing activities of Community and third-country fishing vessels *European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council regulation concerning authorisations for fishing activities of Community fishing vessels outside Community waters and the access of third country vessels to Community waters (COM(2007)0330 — C6-0236/2007 — 2007/0114(CNS))

87

| 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 | |
| --- | --- |

EN

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European Parliament2008-2009 SESSIONSittings of 9 to 10 April 2008TEXTS ADOPTEDThe Minutes of this session have been published in OJ C 138 E, 5.6.2008.

RESOLUTIONS

European Parliament

Thursday 10 April 2008

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/1

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Thursday 10 April 2008Rights-based management tools in fisheries

P6_TA(2008)0113

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on rights-based management tools in fisheries (2007/2111(INI))

2009/C 247 E/01

The European Parliament,

having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy (1),

having regard to the Communication from the Commission on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (‘Roadmap’) (COM(2002)0181),

having regard to the Communication from the Commission on rights-based management tools in fisheries (COM(2007)0073),

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries (A6-0060/2008),

| A. | whereas, in its Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the Commission expressed the opinion that alternative management mechanisms can play a significant complementary role in Community fisheries management, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, in its Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the Commission expressed the opinion that alternative management mechanisms can play a significant complementary role in Community fisheries management,

| B. | whereas the Commission has initiated a debate on Rights-Based Management (RBM) in fisheries, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Commission has initiated a debate on Rights-Based Management (RBM) in fisheries,

| C. | whereas a number of stakeholders have already submitted contributions to the debate, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas a number of stakeholders have already submitted contributions to the debate,

| D. | whereas there have previously been a number of studies of RBM but none of them has covered all the coastal Member States of the EU, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas there have previously been a number of studies of RBM but none of them has covered all the coastal Member States of the EU,

| E. | whereas, however, a number of studies have considered the operation and effects of systems both within and outside the EU that allow the transfer of fishing rights for economic value, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, however, a number of studies have considered the operation and effects of systems both within and outside the EU that allow the transfer of fishing rights for economic value,

| F. | whereas the Commission has now issued a call for tender for a study, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Commission has now issued a call for tender for a study,

| G. | whereas the Commission has stated that it has no current plans for altering existing management systems but has, equally, expressed its intention to introduce changes in the operation of the CFP and is therefore seeking viable alternatives, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the Commission has stated that it has no current plans for altering existing management systems but has, equally, expressed its intention to introduce changes in the operation of the CFP and is therefore seeking viable alternatives,

| H. | whereas the current fisheries management systems in the European Union, specifically the system of TACs and quotas, do not provide an answer to the sector's problems, and it is necessary and fundamental to hold a wide-ranging debate on this question, assessing the positive and negative aspects of the possible adoption of new management systems, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the current fisheries management systems in the European Union, specifically the system of TACs and quotas, do not provide an answer to the sector's problems, and it is necessary and fundamental to hold a wide-ranging debate on this question, assessing the positive and negative aspects of the possible adoption of new management systems,

| I. | whereas it is therefore important to consider ways in which improvements might be made in the operation of the CFP, in particular through the fisheries management policy, whose current shortcomings are evident, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas it is therefore important to consider ways in which improvements might be made in the operation of the CFP, in particular through the fisheries management policy, whose current shortcomings are evident,

| J. | whereas any changes will not amount to improvements unless they ensure that resources are exploited in a manner that provides sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas any changes will not amount to improvements unless they ensure that resources are exploited in a manner that provides sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions,

| 1. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission has opened a debate on RBM in fisheries in anticipation of the necessary modification of the existing management policy; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission has opened a debate on RBM in fisheries in anticipation of the necessary modification of the existing management policy;

| 2. | Considers that marine biological resources are a common public good; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considers that marine biological resources are a common public good;

| 3. | Believes that the rights involved should not be understood as property rights but as a kind of usufruct or a right to harvest and subject, accordingly, to appropriate limitations; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Believes that the rights involved should not be understood as property rights but as a kind of usufruct or a right to harvest and subject, accordingly, to appropriate limitations;

| 4. | Recognises also, however, that there are separately identifiable systems of RBM that are based on different understandings:






  (a) | as to whom the right is to be allocated, as to the conditions of its transferability and as to its tradability for economic value, |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

Recognises also, however, that there are separately identifiable systems of RBM that are based on different understandings:

(a)

as to whom the right is to be allocated, as to the conditions of its transferability and as to its tradability for economic value,

| (b) | as to the extent of the right, particularly whether it is defined in terms of the location in which it is to be exercised, the quantity that may be fished or the effort that can be expended; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

as to the extent of the right, particularly whether it is defined in terms of the location in which it is to be exercised, the quantity that may be fished or the effort that can be expended;

| 5. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission has put out a call for tenders to allow for a full study of the various management systems; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission has put out a call for tenders to allow for a full study of the various management systems;

| 6. | Considers that the period for debate which has been set is too short and calls for it to be extended to ensure that the various possibilities available are properly explored and studied, along with their consequences; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers that the period for debate which has been set is too short and calls for it to be extended to ensure that the various possibilities available are properly explored and studied, along with their consequences;

| 7. | Recognises, however, even in advance of such a study, that it is evident that there is a wide variety of such systems in place and that most, if not all, employ some form of RBM, if this is taken in its widest sense; recognises, likewise, that experiments with management through fishing rights in Member States which have applied such systems have had very positive consequences in many respects, for example in terms of capacity reduction; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Recognises, however, even in advance of such a study, that it is evident that there is a wide variety of such systems in place and that most, if not all, employ some form of RBM, if this is taken in its widest sense; recognises, likewise, that experiments with management through fishing rights in Member States which have applied such systems have had very positive consequences in many respects, for example in terms of capacity reduction;

| 8. | Considers that it is similarly evident that, at Community level and within at least some of the Member States, the forms of RBM employed are hybrid ones, in terms both of the allocation and transferability/tradability of the rights and of the way in which their scope is defined; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that it is similarly evident that, at Community level and within at least some of the Member States, the forms of RBM employed are hybrid ones, in terms both of the allocation and transferability/tradability of the rights and of the way in which their scope is defined;

| 9. | Notes the degree of complexity involved and the difficulties this poses for movement toward a single system, whether achieved through harmonising the practices of Member States or by its administration at Community level; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Notes the degree of complexity involved and the difficulties this poses for movement toward a single system, whether achieved through harmonising the practices of Member States or by its administration at Community level;

| 10. | Nevertheless takes the view that, as shown by the fact that RBM in fisheries has been introduced in many of the countries and regions which have the most significant fishing interests in the world, these difficulties are not insurmountable and, given that the system could prove highly positive for the management of certain Community fleets, consideration should at least be given to the possibilities for including it in the CFP; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Nevertheless takes the view that, as shown by the fact that RBM in fisheries has been introduced in many of the countries and regions which have the most significant fishing interests in the world, these difficulties are not insurmountable and, given that the system could prove highly positive for the management of certain Community fleets, consideration should at least be given to the possibilities for including it in the CFP;

| 11. | Considers it necessary to ascertain the effects which changes, particularly the introduction of Community-wide individual transferable quotas and other rights-based access, might have in relation to:






  — | relative stability and its role in maintaining the viability of fisheries-dependent communities, |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

Considers it necessary to ascertain the effects which changes, particularly the introduction of Community-wide individual transferable quotas and other rights-based access, might have in relation to:

—

relative stability and its role in maintaining the viability of fisheries-dependent communities,

| — | the degree of concentration of ownership of such rights and the resulting socio-economic consequences, |
| --- | --- |

—

the degree of concentration of ownership of such rights and the resulting socio-economic consequences,

| — | the advantages that could accrue to large companies at the expense of small-scale operators or community-based fisheries, |
| --- | --- |

—

the advantages that could accrue to large companies at the expense of small-scale operators or community-based fisheries,

| — | the fear that additional costs may be involved, creating disincentives towards investment in vessels, gear, safety and working conditions, |
| --- | --- |

—

the fear that additional costs may be involved, creating disincentives towards investment in vessels, gear, safety and working conditions,

| — | the likelihood of quotas being held at one remove from those actively engaged in fishing, |
| --- | --- |

—

the likelihood of quotas being held at one remove from those actively engaged in fishing,

| — | the problems inherent in achieving an initial allocation and in conferring a windfall benefit on those to whom the allocation is made, |
| --- | --- |

—

the problems inherent in achieving an initial allocation and in conferring a windfall benefit on those to whom the allocation is made,

| — | the risk of an excessive concentration of rights; |
| --- | --- |

—

the risk of an excessive concentration of rights;

| 12. | Considers that these concerns must be addressed prior to any move toward a single system, for example the possibility, as shown by existing precedents, of setting a limit on the accumulation of fishing rights; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers that these concerns must be addressed prior to any move toward a single system, for example the possibility, as shown by existing precedents, of setting a limit on the accumulation of fishing rights;

| 13. | Considers that emphasis should also be placed on the positive aspects of RBM in fisheries, on which there is fairly widespread agreement, including the following:






  — | greater rationalisation of management, since right-holders are made directly responsible for management and compliance with the general rules, which tends to produce a sector with greater entrepreneurial capacities that is less dependent on expert advice, brokering and public funding; |
| --- | --- | --- |

13.

Considers that emphasis should also be placed on the positive aspects of RBM in fisheries, on which there is fairly widespread agreement, including the following:

—

greater rationalisation of management, since right-holders are made directly responsible for management and compliance with the general rules, which tends to produce a sector with greater entrepreneurial capacities that is less dependent on expert advice, brokering and public funding;

| — | monitoring is made simpler in fleets where the system is applied, since vessels with rights are accurately identified; |
| --- | --- |

—

monitoring is made simpler in fleets where the system is applied, since vessels with rights are accurately identified;

| — | discards are reduced, since it is possible to purchase fishing rights for species for which only a small quota is available; |
| --- | --- |

—

discards are reduced, since it is possible to purchase fishing rights for species for which only a small quota is available;

| — | fleets tend to make their businesses profitable, which generally leads to a reduction in capacity through the elimination of the oldest and least efficient units; |
| --- | --- |

—

fleets tend to make their businesses profitable, which generally leads to a reduction in capacity through the elimination of the oldest and least efficient units;

| — | the simplest way of introducing the system would be to allocate quotas in line with the relative stability of each Member State, so that such stability would not be affected either; |
| --- | --- |

—

the simplest way of introducing the system would be to allocate quotas in line with the relative stability of each Member State, so that such stability would not be affected either;

| 14. | Wonders also whether a single system of RBM would in any event be appropriate for different types of fisheries; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Wonders also whether a single system of RBM would in any event be appropriate for different types of fisheries;

| 15. | Draws attention, in this context, to: the different requirements of single species and multi-species fisheries; and to the special situation of artisanal fleets; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Draws attention, in this context, to: the different requirements of single species and multi-species fisheries; and to the special situation of artisanal fleets;

| 16. | Considers, in relation to artisanal fleets, that separate provision should be made for them, either using criteria linked to geographical distance from the coast or by setting part of the quota aside for them; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Considers, in relation to artisanal fleets, that separate provision should be made for them, either using criteria linked to geographical distance from the coast or by setting part of the quota aside for them;

| 17. | Welcomes, therefore, the fact that the Commission has no present intention of intervening in current management systems; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Welcomes, therefore, the fact that the Commission has no present intention of intervening in current management systems;

| 18. | Considers, however, that further consideration should nonetheless be given to the advantages and disadvantages of different RBM systems; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Considers, however, that further consideration should nonetheless be given to the advantages and disadvantages of different RBM systems;

| 19. | Considers it necessary to prevent economic distortions in the fishing industry to the detriment of small ship-owners, in particular those representing artisanal fishing; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Considers it necessary to prevent economic distortions in the fishing industry to the detriment of small ship-owners, in particular those representing artisanal fishing;

| 20. | Acknowledges that such systems may promote economic efficiency, provided that they are properly devised; points out that such efficiency is one of the objectives of any economic policy and it is in the CFP's interests to ensure a profitable fishing industry that is less and less dependent on public funds; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Acknowledges that such systems may promote economic efficiency, provided that they are properly devised; points out that such efficiency is one of the objectives of any economic policy and it is in the CFP's interests to ensure a profitable fishing industry that is less and less dependent on public funds;

| 21. | Considers that, given that fisheries is a common policy, fishing rights management mechanisms should be adopted at Community level that will make it possible to improve the management of fishery resources; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Considers that, given that fisheries is a common policy, fishing rights management mechanisms should be adopted at Community level that will make it possible to improve the management of fishery resources;

| 22. | Believes that economic efficiency is valuable insofar as it promotes the objectives of the CFP; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Believes that economic efficiency is valuable insofar as it promotes the objectives of the CFP;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission accordingly to ensure that any studies which it initiates on RBM should be directed at:






  I. | providing a full picture and analysis of the systems of management currently in operation within the Member States, |
| --- | --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission accordingly to ensure that any studies which it initiates on RBM should be directed at:

I.

providing a full picture and analysis of the systems of management currently in operation within the Member States,

| II. | looking at the basic understandings involved in RBM in terms of:






  (a) | to whom the rights may be allocated, to whom they may be transferred and whether they are tradable, together with any limitations in these respects, and |
| --- | --- | --- |

II.

looking at the basic understandings involved in RBM in terms of:

(a)

to whom the rights may be allocated, to whom they may be transferred and whether they are tradable, together with any limitations in these respects, and

| (b) | the extent of the rights, i.e. whether they are defined in terms of location, quantity (output) or effort (input) or a mix of these, |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the extent of the rights, i.e. whether they are defined in terms of location, quantity (output) or effort (input) or a mix of these,

| III. | assessing, using the evidence acquired from the existing systems of management, the effectiveness of each such understanding in achieving the objectives of the CFP in terms of:






  (a) | improving the livelihoods of those engaged in the fishing industry, |
| --- | --- | --- |

III.

assessing, using the evidence acquired from the existing systems of management, the effectiveness of each such understanding in achieving the objectives of the CFP in terms of:

(a)

improving the livelihoods of those engaged in the fishing industry,

| (b) | having a sustainable marine ecology in which fish stocks are conserved, |
| --- | --- |

(b)

having a sustainable marine ecology in which fish stocks are conserved,

| (c) | maintaining the viability of fisheries-dependent communities, |
| --- | --- |

(c)

maintaining the viability of fisheries-dependent communities,

| (d) | the extent to which the system has, since its inception, concentrated ownership of the right to fish and led to loss of employment, and |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the extent to which the system has, since its inception, concentrated ownership of the right to fish and led to loss of employment, and

| (e) | the economic efficiency of the fisheries sector, |
| --- | --- |

(e)

the economic efficiency of the fisheries sector,

| IV. | examining these issues separately for different types of fisheries both inside and outside Community waters; |
| --- | --- |

IV.

examining these issues separately for different types of fisheries both inside and outside Community waters;

| 24. | Urges the Commission to allow a longer period for debate on this issue; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Urges the Commission to allow a longer period for debate on this issue;

| 25. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Regional Advisory Councils and the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture. |
| --- | --- |

25.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Regional Advisory Councils and the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture.

---

(1)  OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) 865/2007 (OJ L 192, 24.7.2007, p. 1).

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/5 |
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15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/5

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Thursday 10 April 2008Tibet

P6_TA(2008)0119

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Tibet

2009/C 247 E/02

The European Parliament,

having regard to its earlier resolutions on China and on Tibet, in particular on:

| (a) | the dialogue between the Chinese Government and Envoys of the Dalai Lama (15 February 2007) (1), |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the dialogue between the Chinese Government and Envoys of the Dalai Lama (15 February 2007) (1),

| (b) | the EU-China Summit and the EU/China human rights dialogue (13 December 2007) (2), |
| --- | --- |

(b)

the EU-China Summit and the EU/China human rights dialogue (13 December 2007) (2),

| (c) | EU-China relations (7 September 2006) (3), |
| --- | --- |

(c)

EU-China relations (7 September 2006) (3),

| (d) | the functioning of the human rights dialogues and consultations on human rights with third countries (6 September 2007) (4), |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the functioning of the human rights dialogues and consultations on human rights with third countries (6 September 2007) (4),

having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising against the Chinese administration led to major demonstrations by Tibetan monks and nuns and ordinary Tibetan citizens protesting against Chinese repression, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan national uprising against the Chinese administration led to major demonstrations by Tibetan monks and nuns and ordinary Tibetan citizens protesting against Chinese repression,

| B. | whereas, according to the Chinese authorities, 20 people died in the protests; whereas, according to other sources, more than 140 Tibetans died in those clashes, and dozens of others have been arrested, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas, according to the Chinese authorities, 20 people died in the protests; whereas, according to other sources, more than 140 Tibetans died in those clashes, and dozens of others have been arrested,

| C. | whereas a state of emergency has been declared by the Chinese Government, and shops and temples have been closed in Lhasa, as well as in other cities, with hundreds of armed police officers and army troops moved to Tibet from the rest of China, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas a state of emergency has been declared by the Chinese Government, and shops and temples have been closed in Lhasa, as well as in other cities, with hundreds of armed police officers and army troops moved to Tibet from the rest of China,

| D. | whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called this Chinese over-reaction ‘cultural genocide’, and has at the same time urged Tibetans ‘to practise non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might be’ (5) whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not demanded Tibetan independence but has instead proposed a middle way of genuine cultural and political autonomy and religious freedom, thereby expressing a view that is supported by the European Parliament, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called this Chinese over-reaction ‘cultural genocide’, and has at the same time urged Tibetans ‘to practise non-violence and not waver from this path, however serious the situation might be’ (5) whereas His Holiness the Dalai Lama has not demanded Tibetan independence but has instead proposed a middle way of genuine cultural and political autonomy and religious freedom, thereby expressing a view that is supported by the European Parliament,

| E. | whereas only peaceful means and sincere dialogue can lead to a lasting settlement, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas only peaceful means and sincere dialogue can lead to a lasting settlement,

| F. | whereas, save for an official international press trip organised by the Chinese Government, the international press has been denied access to the region of Tibet to report on the events, and all journalists have been expelled; whereas the aforementioned international press trip was heavily controlled and the participating journalists were denied unrestricted access to the Tibetan people, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas, save for an official international press trip organised by the Chinese Government, the international press has been denied access to the region of Tibet to report on the events, and all journalists have been expelled; whereas the aforementioned international press trip was heavily controlled and the participating journalists were denied unrestricted access to the Tibetan people,

| G. | whereas the Chinese Government appears to be blocking foreign websites inside China and censoring foreign television broadcasts about the situation in Tibet, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas the Chinese Government appears to be blocking foreign websites inside China and censoring foreign television broadcasts about the situation in Tibet,

| H. | convinced that the Beijing Olympic Games represent an extraordinary opportunity for China to open itself up to the world and vice versa, and to demonstrate that it can honour its undertakings as regards the promotion of fundamental rights for all Chinese people, without distinction, |
| --- | --- |

H.

convinced that the Beijing Olympic Games represent an extraordinary opportunity for China to open itself up to the world and vice versa, and to demonstrate that it can honour its undertakings as regards the promotion of fundamental rights for all Chinese people, without distinction,

| I. | whereas the EU-China human rights dialogue established in 2000 has failed to achieve the expected results, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the EU-China human rights dialogue established in 2000 has failed to achieve the expected results,

| 1. | Firmly condemns the brutal repression visited by the Chinese security forces on Tibetan demonstrators and all acts of violence from whichever source that have taken place in the streets of Lhasa and elsewhere in Tibet, and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Firmly condemns the brutal repression visited by the Chinese security forces on Tibetan demonstrators and all acts of violence from whichever source that have taken place in the streets of Lhasa and elsewhere in Tibet, and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims;

| 2. | Calls on the Chinese Government to guarantee adequate medical care for injured Tibetans and legal assistance for arrested Tibetans; appeals to the authorities to present an account of their detainees, to treat them in accordance with international human rights law and, under all circumstances, to refrain from torture; calls for the immediate release of all those who protested peacefully exercising their legitimate right to freedom of expression; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Chinese Government to guarantee adequate medical care for injured Tibetans and legal assistance for arrested Tibetans; appeals to the authorities to present an account of their detainees, to treat them in accordance with international human rights law and, under all circumstances, to refrain from torture; calls for the immediate release of all those who protested peacefully exercising their legitimate right to freedom of expression;

| 3. | Criticises the often discriminatory treatment of non-Han Chinese ethnic minorities; calls on China to honour its commitments to human and minority rights and the rule of law; urges China not to misuse the 2008 Olympic Games by arresting dissidents, journalists and human rights activists in order to prevent demonstrations and reports which the authorities view as embarrassing to them; calls, in this regard, for the immediate release of Hu Jia, a prominent human rights activist, sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison on subversion charges; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Criticises the often discriminatory treatment of non-Han Chinese ethnic minorities; calls on China to honour its commitments to human and minority rights and the rule of law; urges China not to misuse the 2008 Olympic Games by arresting dissidents, journalists and human rights activists in order to prevent demonstrations and reports which the authorities view as embarrassing to them; calls, in this regard, for the immediate release of Hu Jia, a prominent human rights activist, sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison on subversion charges;

| 4. | Calls for an open and independent inquiry, under the auspices of the United Nations, into the recent riots and repression in Tibet; urges the Chinese authorities to issue a standing invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN bodies to visit Tibet; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls for an open and independent inquiry, under the auspices of the United Nations, into the recent riots and repression in Tibet; urges the Chinese authorities to issue a standing invitation to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN bodies to visit Tibet;

| 5. | Welcomes the fact that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called on the Tibetan people to protest non-violently and has rejected calls for Tibetan independence and instead proposed the middle way of genuine cultural and political autonomy and religious freedom; reaffirms its attachment to China's territorial integrity; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Welcomes the fact that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has called on the Tibetan people to protest non-violently and has rejected calls for Tibetan independence and instead proposed the middle way of genuine cultural and political autonomy and religious freedom; reaffirms its attachment to China's territorial integrity;

| 6. | Calls on the Chinese authorities to open up Tibet to the media and diplomats, in particular EU representatives; urges the Chinese authorities to immediately stop censoring and blocking news and information websites based abroad; calls for the release of all journalists, Internet users and cyber-dissidents detained in China for exercising their right to information; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Chinese authorities to open up Tibet to the media and diplomats, in particular EU representatives; urges the Chinese authorities to immediately stop censoring and blocking news and information websites based abroad; calls for the release of all journalists, Internet users and cyber-dissidents detained in China for exercising their right to information;

| 7. | Is concerned about the increasing economic marginalisation of the Tibetan people in Tibet, who are faced with a rising number of Chinese migrant workers coming into Tibet and taking Tibetan jobs and Tibetan land; points to the gross discrimination in the education system, in which Tibetan children learn their native language as a second language; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Is concerned about the increasing economic marginalisation of the Tibetan people in Tibet, who are faced with a rising number of Chinese migrant workers coming into Tibet and taking Tibetan jobs and Tibetan land; points to the gross discrimination in the education system, in which Tibetan children learn their native language as a second language;

| 8. | Calls on China to respect its own public commitments to human rights and minority rights, democracy and the rule of law announced during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to allow China to organise the Games; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on China to respect its own public commitments to human rights and minority rights, democracy and the rule of law announced during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to allow China to organise the Games;

| 9. | Urges China to ratify without any further delay and in any case before the Olympic Games the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (UN, 1966); calls on Beijing to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, as called for by UN General Assembly resolution 62/149 of 18 December 2007 on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges China to ratify without any further delay and in any case before the Olympic Games the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (UN, 1966); calls on Beijing to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, as called for by UN General Assembly resolution 62/149 of 18 December 2007 on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty;

| 10. | Regrets that the six sessions of talks between the Chinese authorities and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have failed to achieve results, and calls for a constructive dialogue to be opened without preconditions, with a view to reaching a comprehensive political agreement, including a sustainable solution with regard to the cultural and political autonomy of Tibet and religious freedom and true minority rights for the Tibetan people in other neighbouring Chinese provinces; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Regrets that the six sessions of talks between the Chinese authorities and His Holiness the Dalai Lama have failed to achieve results, and calls for a constructive dialogue to be opened without preconditions, with a view to reaching a comprehensive political agreement, including a sustainable solution with regard to the cultural and political autonomy of Tibet and religious freedom and true minority rights for the Tibetan people in other neighbouring Chinese provinces;

| 11. | Calls on the Council, and in particular the Presidency, closely to monitor developments, and to ensure that the EU adopts a consistent common position and that decisions taken on the basis thereof are duly implemented, and considers that EU diplomatic representatives in Beijing should take the initiative of visiting the region in order to report back to the Council about the current situation; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Council, and in particular the Presidency, closely to monitor developments, and to ensure that the EU adopts a consistent common position and that decisions taken on the basis thereof are duly implemented, and considers that EU diplomatic representatives in Beijing should take the initiative of visiting the region in order to report back to the Council about the current situation;

| 12. | Reiterates, in this regard, its call on the Council to appoint a special envoy for Tibetan issues in order to facilitate the dialogue between the parties and closely follow the negotiations once they are resumed; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Reiterates, in this regard, its call on the Council to appoint a special envoy for Tibetan issues in order to facilitate the dialogue between the parties and closely follow the negotiations once they are resumed;

| 13. | Endorses the statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that the Olympic Games are a great opportunity for freedom for all the Chinese people; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Endorses the statement by His Holiness the Dalai Lama that the Olympic Games are a great opportunity for freedom for all the Chinese people;

| 14. | Calls on the EU Presidency-in-Office to strive to find a common EU position with regard to the attendance of the Heads of Government and of State and the EU High Representative at the Olympic Games opening ceremony, with the option of non-attendance in the event that there is no resumption of dialogue between the Chinese authorities and His Holiness the Dalai Lama; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the EU Presidency-in-Office to strive to find a common EU position with regard to the attendance of the Heads of Government and of State and the EU High Representative at the Olympic Games opening ceremony, with the option of non-attendance in the event that there is no resumption of dialogue between the Chinese authorities and His Holiness the Dalai Lama;

| 15. | Urges the People's Republic of China to stop scrutinising and judging Olympic athletes on the basis of their political views and threatening to ban them from the Olympic Games if they dissent from the Chinese Government's official position; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Urges the People's Republic of China to stop scrutinising and judging Olympic athletes on the basis of their political views and threatening to ban them from the Olympic Games if they dissent from the Chinese Government's official position;

| 16. | Looks forward to His Holiness the Dalai Lama 's visit to the European Parliament to address the plenary session scheduled for late 2008, and calls on its Conference of Presidents to explore the possibility of an earlier visit; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Looks forward to His Holiness the Dalai Lama 's visit to the European Parliament to address the plenary session scheduled for late 2008, and calls on its Conference of Presidents to explore the possibility of an earlier visit;

| 17. | 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 applicant countries, the President and Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, the President of the Chinese People's National Congress, the International Olympic Committee and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. |
| --- | --- |

17.

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 applicant countries, the President and Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China, the President of the Chinese People's National Congress, the International Olympic Committee and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

---

(1)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 554.

(2)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0622.

(3)  JO C 305 E, 14.12.2006, p. 219.

(4)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0381.

(5)  Statement issued on 6 April 2008.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/7 |
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15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/7

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Thursday 10 April 2008Croatia: 2007 progress report

P6_TA(2008)0120

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on Croatia's 2007 progress report (2007/2267(INI))

2009/C 247 E/03

The European Parliament,

having regard to the decision adopted by the Council on 3 October 2005 to open accession negotiations with Croatia,

having regard to its resolution of 25 April 2007 on Croatia's 2006 progress report (1),

having regard to the Croatia 2007 Progress Report, published by the Commission on 6 November 2007 (SEC(2007)1431),

having regard to the conclusions of the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 10 December 2007 concerning Croatia,

having regard to the visit of a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to Croatia on 6 to 7 February 2008,

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A6-0048/2008),

| A. | whereas Croatia is well on the way to full membership of the European Union, continuing to meet the Copenhagen criteria and successfully implementing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Croatia is well on the way to full membership of the European Union, continuing to meet the Copenhagen criteria and successfully implementing the Stabilisation and Association Agreement,

| B. | whereas Croatia is a democratic European state which supports European integration and is committed to overcoming existing divisions and achieving reconciliation between peoples, all of which entails a voluntary delegation of powers in certain key policy areas, and whereas Croatia has made substantial and successful efforts in this regard, which have produced visible results, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas Croatia is a democratic European state which supports European integration and is committed to overcoming existing divisions and achieving reconciliation between peoples, all of which entails a voluntary delegation of powers in certain key policy areas, and whereas Croatia has made substantial and successful efforts in this regard, which have produced visible results,

| C. | whereas Croatia's EU accession process has wider regional implications, is seen as a test of the commitments made by the EU to the Western Balkans, and may become a significant incentive for all other countries concerned, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Croatia's EU accession process has wider regional implications, is seen as a test of the commitments made by the EU to the Western Balkans, and may become a significant incentive for all other countries concerned,

| D. | whereas Croatia has continued to meet the Copenhagen political criteria, has been recognised as having a functioning market economy, and has largely continued to implement the Stabilisation and Association Agreement without major difficulties, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas Croatia has continued to meet the Copenhagen political criteria, has been recognised as having a functioning market economy, and has largely continued to implement the Stabilisation and Association Agreement without major difficulties,

| E. | whereas Croatia's serious commitment to accession negotiations has borne fruit and bodes well for the EU integration process of Croatia as well as of other countries in the region, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas Croatia's serious commitment to accession negotiations has borne fruit and bodes well for the EU integration process of Croatia as well as of other countries in the region,

| F. | whereas in the past two years of negotiation Croatia has made substantial and commendable progress in most areas covered by the corpus of Community law, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas in the past two years of negotiation Croatia has made substantial and commendable progress in most areas covered by the corpus of Community law,

| G. | whereas increased efforts and renewed political commitment are required in order to address some of the more problematic sectors where serious reforms are necessary before Croatia can join the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas increased efforts and renewed political commitment are required in order to address some of the more problematic sectors where serious reforms are necessary before Croatia can join the European Union,

| H. | whereas the Presidency Conclusions of the 2003 European Council in Thessaloniki indicate that the future of all the Western Balkan countries lies effectively in the European Union, as confirmed in a number of Parliament's resolutions, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the Presidency Conclusions of the 2003 European Council in Thessaloniki indicate that the future of all the Western Balkan countries lies effectively in the European Union, as confirmed in a number of Parliament's resolutions,

| I. | whereas the statement issued by the EU and the Western Balkan countries, unanimously approved by the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and of the Western Balkan countries on 11 March 2006 in Salzburg, underscores the importance of good neighbourly relations and the need to find mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues with neighbouring countries, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the statement issued by the EU and the Western Balkan countries, unanimously approved by the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and of the Western Balkan countries on 11 March 2006 in Salzburg, underscores the importance of good neighbourly relations and the need to find mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues with neighbouring countries,

| 1. | Congratulates the Croatian authorities on the positive results achieved so far, particularly with regard to the number of negotiation chapters which have been opened; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Congratulates the Croatian authorities on the positive results achieved so far, particularly with regard to the number of negotiation chapters which have been opened;

| 2. | Considers that the objective of the ongoing accession negotiations is to agree on measures that may be necessary in order to facilitate integration, with a clear commitment on the part of the candidate country to accept and implement the acquis and adhere to the political objectives of the Treaties, and that they should not be used as a lever to settle bilateral political disputes falling outside the scope of the acquis and the objectives of the process; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Considers that the objective of the ongoing accession negotiations is to agree on measures that may be necessary in order to facilitate integration, with a clear commitment on the part of the candidate country to accept and implement the acquis and adhere to the political objectives of the Treaties, and that they should not be used as a lever to settle bilateral political disputes falling outside the scope of the acquis and the objectives of the process;

| 3. | Welcomes the fact that Croatia has made good progress in meeting the benchmarks for opening new chapters, and support the Croatian government and parliament in their efforts to meet the benchmarks for the remaining chapters; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the fact that Croatia has made good progress in meeting the benchmarks for opening new chapters, and support the Croatian government and parliament in their efforts to meet the benchmarks for the remaining chapters;

| 4. | Is pleased to record that much of Croatia's corpus of law has been aligned with EU standards, but reminds the Croatian authorities that it is now crucial to speed up the development of administrative capacity required in order to implement the new legislation; in this regard, calls on the Croatian authorities to open up this process and involve civil society in the monitoring of the implementation; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Is pleased to record that much of Croatia's corpus of law has been aligned with EU standards, but reminds the Croatian authorities that it is now crucial to speed up the development of administrative capacity required in order to implement the new legislation; in this regard, calls on the Croatian authorities to open up this process and involve civil society in the monitoring of the implementation;

| 5. | Urges Croatia to speed up the process of public service reform in local and regional self-government, and to supply the necessary resources and training for the implementation of these reforms; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges Croatia to speed up the process of public service reform in local and regional self-government, and to supply the necessary resources and training for the implementation of these reforms;

| 6. | Commends the steps which have been taken in the crucial area of judicial reform, but shares the Commission's view that further improvements are necessary, particularly with a view to:






  — | further reducing the backlog of pending cases, not least by promoting more vigorously amongst judges recourse to alternative forms of dispute resolution; |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

Commends the steps which have been taken in the crucial area of judicial reform, but shares the Commission's view that further improvements are necessary, particularly with a view to:

—

further reducing the backlog of pending cases, not least by promoting more vigorously amongst judges recourse to alternative forms of dispute resolution;

| — | enhancing the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the judiciary, in particular the appointment and management of the careers of judges and state attorneys, including training; |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancing the independence, impartiality and professionalism of the judiciary, in particular the appointment and management of the careers of judges and state attorneys, including training;

| — | giving renewed impetus to the process of rationalising the court system and ensuring that infrastructural investments are in keeping with the newly developed ‘judicial map’; |
| --- | --- |

—

giving renewed impetus to the process of rationalising the court system and ensuring that infrastructural investments are in keeping with the newly developed ‘judicial map’;

| 7. | Congratulates the Croatian authorities on their continued efforts towards an impartial prosecution of domestic war crimes, and urges them to exercise continuous vigilance in order to avert the risk of ethnically biased rulings and to ensure that all measures are in place to protect the integrity of the judicial process; calls in this context for urgent additional measures for the protection of witnesses, including the adoption of strengthened legal provisions; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Congratulates the Croatian authorities on their continued efforts towards an impartial prosecution of domestic war crimes, and urges them to exercise continuous vigilance in order to avert the risk of ethnically biased rulings and to ensure that all measures are in place to protect the integrity of the judicial process; calls in this context for urgent additional measures for the protection of witnesses, including the adoption of strengthened legal provisions;

| 8. | Welcomes the fact that Croatia is continuing to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); is concerned, however, about the negative impact which the judgments of the ICTY in the Vukovar war crimes cases has had on public opinion in Croatia; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Welcomes the fact that Croatia is continuing to cooperate fully with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY); is concerned, however, about the negative impact which the judgments of the ICTY in the Vukovar war crimes cases has had on public opinion in Croatia;

| 9. | In this context, calls on the Croatian authorities to ensure strict compliance with the conditions for the provisional release of defendants arraigned before the ICTY; |
| --- | --- |

9.

In this context, calls on the Croatian authorities to ensure strict compliance with the conditions for the provisional release of defendants arraigned before the ICTY;

| 10. | Welcomes the strengthening of the mandate of the Office for the Prevention of Corruption and Organised Crime (USKOK) and the increased number of corruption cases which are being prosecuted, and looks forward to successful investigations in high-level corruption cases; calls for these efforts to be maintained in order to eradicate the — in some cases unacceptably high — level of corruption, which undermines the economic development of the country; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Welcomes the strengthening of the mandate of the Office for the Prevention of Corruption and Organised Crime (USKOK) and the increased number of corruption cases which are being prosecuted, and looks forward to successful investigations in high-level corruption cases; calls for these efforts to be maintained in order to eradicate the — in some cases unacceptably high — level of corruption, which undermines the economic development of the country;

| 11. | Congratulates Croatia on its exemplary Constitutional Law on National Minorities (CLNM) and commends it for the measures taken to facilitate the integration of minorities into mainstream social and political life; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Congratulates Croatia on its exemplary Constitutional Law on National Minorities (CLNM) and commends it for the measures taken to facilitate the integration of minorities into mainstream social and political life;

| 12. | Welcomes the important decision to appoint a representative of the Serb minority as Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for regional development, reconstruction and refugee returns; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the important decision to appoint a representative of the Serb minority as Deputy Prime Minister with responsibility for regional development, reconstruction and refugee returns;

| 13. | Encourages the government and the parliament to pursue efforts to ensure the elimination of all forms of discrimination and prejudice, including vis-à-vis the Roma community; calls in this context for the adoption by the government of a global anti-discrimination strategy and its effective implementation at state and local level; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Encourages the government and the parliament to pursue efforts to ensure the elimination of all forms of discrimination and prejudice, including vis-à-vis the Roma community; calls in this context for the adoption by the government of a global anti-discrimination strategy and its effective implementation at state and local level;

| 14. | Recalls, moreover, the need to ensure effective implementation of the CLNM, particularly with regard to bilingual teaching in schools and bilingualism in public administration and the planned employment guarantees concerning the adequate representation of minorities within the judiciary and public administration; calls on the Commission to ensure that sufficient attention is paid, under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), to the implementation of the provisions of the CLNM; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Recalls, moreover, the need to ensure effective implementation of the CLNM, particularly with regard to bilingual teaching in schools and bilingualism in public administration and the planned employment guarantees concerning the adequate representation of minorities within the judiciary and public administration; calls on the Commission to ensure that sufficient attention is paid, under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), to the implementation of the provisions of the CLNM;

| 15. | Considers that international confidence-building measures are a key element in ensuring the stability of the country and of the surrounding Balkan area; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Considers that international confidence-building measures are a key element in ensuring the stability of the country and of the surrounding Balkan area;

| 16. | Takes the view that Croatia's educational system, whilst preserving and enhancing the cultural and social traditions of each national community, should strongly promote greater integration and cohesion within Croatian society; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Takes the view that Croatia's educational system, whilst preserving and enhancing the cultural and social traditions of each national community, should strongly promote greater integration and cohesion within Croatian society;

| 17. | Calls for the sustainable reintegration of wartime refugees, and points out in this respect the need for the development and timely implementation of housing, employment and social measures for refugees which are commensurate with the challenge; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls for the sustainable reintegration of wartime refugees, and points out in this respect the need for the development and timely implementation of housing, employment and social measures for refugees which are commensurate with the challenge;

| 18. | Is pleased to note the sustained growth recorded by the Croatian economy; hopes that this growth will result in increased employment opportunities; commends the work carried out by HitroRez in reducing the administrative burden on business, and looks forward to similar results in other sectors; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Is pleased to note the sustained growth recorded by the Croatian economy; hopes that this growth will result in increased employment opportunities; commends the work carried out by HitroRez in reducing the administrative burden on business, and looks forward to similar results in other sectors;

| 19. | Welcomes the reforms adopted in the environmental protection sector; calls on the government to consider measures and policies addressing the detrimental effects of climate change, in line with EU targets; calls for the establishment of a more comprehensive inter-sectoral dialogue to ensure ecologically sustainable development: |
| --- | --- |

19.

Welcomes the reforms adopted in the environmental protection sector; calls on the government to consider measures and policies addressing the detrimental effects of climate change, in line with EU targets; calls for the establishment of a more comprehensive inter-sectoral dialogue to ensure ecologically sustainable development:

| 20. | Urges the Croatian authorities to re-assess the efficiency of the current system of environmental protection measures, including the development of coastal water-treatment plants, differentiated waste collection and heat recovery plants and the elimination of illegal rubbish dumps, and to increase the coordination between all the accountable bodies; also calls in this context for an awareness-raising campaign aimed at increasing public attention towards the environment; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Urges the Croatian authorities to re-assess the efficiency of the current system of environmental protection measures, including the development of coastal water-treatment plants, differentiated waste collection and heat recovery plants and the elimination of illegal rubbish dumps, and to increase the coordination between all the accountable bodies; also calls in this context for an awareness-raising campaign aimed at increasing public attention towards the environment;

| 21. | Welcomes Croatia's Pre-Accession Economic Programme and notes that it envisaged the adoption in March 2008 of the long overdue National Restructuring Programme for the Shipbuilding Industry; reminds the Croatian authorities that progress in this area, besides being a requirement of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, is of crucial importance for accession negotiations; calls on the Commission to facilitate, via the IPA, the implementation of the restructuring programme; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Welcomes Croatia's Pre-Accession Economic Programme and notes that it envisaged the adoption in March 2008 of the long overdue National Restructuring Programme for the Shipbuilding Industry; reminds the Croatian authorities that progress in this area, besides being a requirement of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, is of crucial importance for accession negotiations; calls on the Commission to facilitate, via the IPA, the implementation of the restructuring programme;

| 22. | Insists that new legislation should be rapidly implemented, since this provides a reliable yardstick against which to assess the country's preparedness for membership, a preparedness based on facts and not merely on the adopted legislation, especially as far as judicial reform, the fight against corruption and economic reforms are concerned; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Insists that new legislation should be rapidly implemented, since this provides a reliable yardstick against which to assess the country's preparedness for membership, a preparedness based on facts and not merely on the adopted legislation, especially as far as judicial reform, the fight against corruption and economic reforms are concerned;

| 23. | Calls on the Croatian government to ensure that public invitations to tender are issued as required by Community law; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Croatian government to ensure that public invitations to tender are issued as required by Community law;

| 24. | Has learned with concern about recent criticism voiced by the Commission with regard to the way in which EU funds are being managed by Croatian authorities and urges them, with the assistance of the Commission, to address as a matter of urgency the administrative weaknesses identified so as to allow the lifting of the temporary suspension of contracting under the Phare 2006 programme (with a total financial envelope of EUR 68,5 million) and the reinstatement of the initial allocation for the financial year 2008 under IPA Component 1, following a reduction of EUR 5 million; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Has learned with concern about recent criticism voiced by the Commission with regard to the way in which EU funds are being managed by Croatian authorities and urges them, with the assistance of the Commission, to address as a matter of urgency the administrative weaknesses identified so as to allow the lifting of the temporary suspension of contracting under the Phare 2006 programme (with a total financial envelope of EUR 68,5 million) and the reinstatement of the initial allocation for the financial year 2008 under IPA Component 1, following a reduction of EUR 5 million;

| 25. | As regards bilateral issues that are still unresolved, reminds all the parties concerned of the principle pacta sunt servanda; |
| --- | --- |

25.

As regards bilateral issues that are still unresolved, reminds all the parties concerned of the principle pacta sunt servanda;

| 26. | Welcomes the decision of 13 March 2008 by the Croatian Parliament not to apply the Ecological and Fishing Protection Zone to EU Member States until a common agreement in the EU spirit is reached; is confident that, this issue having been finally resolved, decisions on the opening of new chapters can be rapidly taken; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Welcomes the decision of 13 March 2008 by the Croatian Parliament not to apply the Ecological and Fishing Protection Zone to EU Member States until a common agreement in the EU spirit is reached; is confident that, this issue having been finally resolved, decisions on the opening of new chapters can be rapidly taken;

| 27. | Welcomes the readiness shown by Croatia in resolving its outstanding border issues with Montenegro, as witness the agreement reached between the two Prime Ministers on 12 March 2008; welcomes, moreover, the informal agreement in principle reached by the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Slovenia on the issue of arbitration, and asks both sides to implement that agreement and to endorse the result of the arbitration by a clear decision by the two countries’ parliaments; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Welcomes the readiness shown by Croatia in resolving its outstanding border issues with Montenegro, as witness the agreement reached between the two Prime Ministers on 12 March 2008; welcomes, moreover, the informal agreement in principle reached by the Prime Ministers of Croatia and Slovenia on the issue of arbitration, and asks both sides to implement that agreement and to endorse the result of the arbitration by a clear decision by the two countries’ parliaments;

| 28. | Recalls that addressing border-related issues in particular is defined as a priority for Croatia in its Accession Partnership; expresses in this respect concerns which remain over the commencement of the Pelješac bridge construction works in October 2007 despite opposition voiced by Bosnia and Herzegovina over uncertain sea borders; notes that construction work on this project is currently halted, and calls for a negotiated resolution of this issue between the two states; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Recalls that addressing border-related issues in particular is defined as a priority for Croatia in its Accession Partnership; expresses in this respect concerns which remain over the commencement of the Pelješac bridge construction works in October 2007 despite opposition voiced by Bosnia and Herzegovina over uncertain sea borders; notes that construction work on this project is currently halted, and calls for a negotiated resolution of this issue between the two states;

| 29. | Commends Croatia on the continual progress it has made in the field of regional cooperation and at the same time urges it to continue on this path in the field of good neighbourly relations, since both these areas are crucial for European integration; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Commends Croatia on the continual progress it has made in the field of regional cooperation and at the same time urges it to continue on this path in the field of good neighbourly relations, since both these areas are crucial for European integration;

| 30. | Calls on Croatia to maintain its constructive attitude and continue to play a positive role in the region in order to support and strengthen the consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on Croatia to maintain its constructive attitude and continue to play a positive role in the region in order to support and strengthen the consolidation of Bosnia and Herzegovina;

| 31. | Shares with the Commission the view that, with increased efforts on the part of Croatia and continuous support by the EU institutions, accession negotiations should, in any event, be concluded in 2009; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Shares with the Commission the view that, with increased efforts on the part of Croatia and continuous support by the EU institutions, accession negotiations should, in any event, be concluded in 2009;

| 32. | Calls in this context on the Commission to step up its efforts and increase the resources allocated for the preparation, processing and finalisation of negotiating material so that the EU can respond rapidly and efficiently to progress made by Croatia in meeting the relevant opening and closing benchmarks; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls in this context on the Commission to step up its efforts and increase the resources allocated for the preparation, processing and finalisation of negotiating material so that the EU can respond rapidly and efficiently to progress made by Croatia in meeting the relevant opening and closing benchmarks;

| 33. | Urges the Croatian authorities to involve civil society groups (NGOs, the academic community, trade unions) in the EU accession process; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Urges the Croatian authorities to involve civil society groups (NGOs, the academic community, trade unions) in the EU accession process;

| 34. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and Croatia. |
| --- | --- |

34.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 74 E, 20.3.2008, p. 675.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/11 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/11

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Combating cancer in the enlarged European Union

P6_TA(2008)0121

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on combating cancer in the enlarged European Union

2009/C 247 E/04

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 152 of the Treaty,

having regard to Articles 163-173 of the Treaty,

having regard to Decision No 1350/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 establishing a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013) (1),

having regard to the Commission's White Paper ‘Together for Health: A Strategic Approach for the EU 2008-2013’ (COM(2007) 0630),

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) (2),

having regard to Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work (3),

having regard to reports commissioned by the World Health Organization on cancer, and in particular on health risks for children due to exposure to chemicals (4),

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on medicinal products for paediatric use (5),

having regard to the Council Recommendation 2003/878/EC of 2 December 2003 on cancer screening (6),

having regard to the Commission's Communication on a European Environment and Health Strategy (COM(2003) 0338) and the Commission's Communication on the European Environment & Health Action Plan 2004-2010 (COM(2004) 0416),

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2008 on the Community Strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety at work (7),

having regard to its Declaration of 11 October 2007 on the need for a comprehensive strategy to control cancer (8),

having regard to its resolution of 25 October 2006 on breast cancer in the enlarged European Union (9),

having regard to Decision No 646/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 March 1996 adopting an action plan to combat cancer within the framework for action in the field of public health (1996 to 2000) (10),

having regard to Article 88a of Directive 2001/83/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 November 2001 on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use (11),

having regard to the Council Decision 2004/513/EC of 2 June 2004 concerning the conclusion of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (12),

having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, according to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), one in three Europeans is diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and one in four Europeans dies from the disease, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, according to estimates by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), one in three Europeans is diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and one in four Europeans dies from the disease,

| B. | whereas in 2006 there were nearly 2,3 million new cancer cases and over 1 million cancer deaths within the European Union; whereas most deaths were in people with lung cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas in 2006 there were nearly 2,3 million new cancer cases and over 1 million cancer deaths within the European Union; whereas most deaths were in people with lung cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer,

| C. | whereas cancer is caused by many factors in multiple stages and therefore requires a new cancer prevention paradigm that addresses lifestyle causes and occupational and environmental causes on an equal footing in a manner that reflects the actual combination effects of different causes, rather than focusing on isolated causes, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas cancer is caused by many factors in multiple stages and therefore requires a new cancer prevention paradigm that addresses lifestyle causes and occupational and environmental causes on an equal footing in a manner that reflects the actual combination effects of different causes, rather than focusing on isolated causes,

| D. | whereas, according to a recent study by the trade unions, at least 8 % of annual cancer deaths are directly caused by exposure to carcinogens at the workplace; whereas such exposure could be prevented by the substitution of carcinogens with less harmful substances; whereas employers are moreover legally obliged to substitute carcinogens where possible but, unfortunately, these provisions are poorly implemented and enforced, which is unacceptable, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, according to a recent study by the trade unions, at least 8 % of annual cancer deaths are directly caused by exposure to carcinogens at the workplace; whereas such exposure could be prevented by the substitution of carcinogens with less harmful substances; whereas employers are moreover legally obliged to substitute carcinogens where possible but, unfortunately, these provisions are poorly implemented and enforced, which is unacceptable,

| E. | whereas endocrine disrupting chemicals can play an important role in cancer formation, for example in the case of breast cancer or testicular cancer, and therefore require specific action, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas endocrine disrupting chemicals can play an important role in cancer formation, for example in the case of breast cancer or testicular cancer, and therefore require specific action,

| F. | whereas the Union's ageing population is one of the reasons for the increase in the cancer burden across the Union, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Union's ageing population is one of the reasons for the increase in the cancer burden across the Union,

| G. | whereas death rates from cancer in the new Member States are higher than in the EU-15, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas death rates from cancer in the new Member States are higher than in the EU-15,

| H. | whereas the startling and unacceptable differences in the quality of cancer treatment facilities, screening programmes, evidence-based best-practice guidelines, facilities for radiotherapy, and access to anti-cancer drugs are among the reasons for the big differences in the five-year survival rate from most cancers across Europe, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the startling and unacceptable differences in the quality of cancer treatment facilities, screening programmes, evidence-based best-practice guidelines, facilities for radiotherapy, and access to anti-cancer drugs are among the reasons for the big differences in the five-year survival rate from most cancers across Europe,

| I. | whereas the Parliament's above mentioned Declaration on the need for a comprehensive strategy to control cancer calls on the Council and Commission to formulate a comprehensive cancer control strategy addressing the four basic cancer control factors: a) prevention, b) early detection, c) diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and d) palliative care, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas the Parliament's above mentioned Declaration on the need for a comprehensive strategy to control cancer calls on the Council and Commission to formulate a comprehensive cancer control strategy addressing the four basic cancer control factors: a) prevention, b) early detection, c) diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, and d) palliative care,

| J. | whereas during the term of the Commission's Action Plans Against Cancer (‘Europe against cancer’, most recently covering the period 1996-2002) favourable trends in cancer mortality were established for several common forms of cancer in many countries, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas during the term of the Commission's Action Plans Against Cancer (‘Europe against cancer’, most recently covering the period 1996-2002) favourable trends in cancer mortality were established for several common forms of cancer in many countries,

| K. | whereas the WHO estimates that at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable and that prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer; whereas another third of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated appropriately, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas the WHO estimates that at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable and that prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer; whereas another third of cancers could be cured if detected early and treated appropriately,

| L. | whereas crystalline silica has been classified by the WHO as a class 1 carcinogen and whereas 3,2 million workers in the EU are exposed to this substance during at least 75 % of their working time; whereas 2,7 % of deaths due to lung/bronchial cancers are estimated to be attributable to occupational exposure to crystalline silica, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas crystalline silica has been classified by the WHO as a class 1 carcinogen and whereas 3,2 million workers in the EU are exposed to this substance during at least 75 % of their working time; whereas 2,7 % of deaths due to lung/bronchial cancers are estimated to be attributable to occupational exposure to crystalline silica,

| M. | whereas, according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data, currently an average of only 3 % of the OECD countries’ total budget for health is spent on prevention as against 97 % spent on healthcare and treatment; whereas this gross imbalance needs urgently to be rectified, all the more so as at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas, according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data, currently an average of only 3 % of the OECD countries’ total budget for health is spent on prevention as against 97 % spent on healthcare and treatment; whereas this gross imbalance needs urgently to be rectified, all the more so as at least one third of all cancer cases are preventable,

| N. | whereas it is estimated that 25 % of all cancer deaths in the Union can be attributed to smoking; whereas smoking causes between 80 and 90 % of lung cancer deaths worldwide, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas it is estimated that 25 % of all cancer deaths in the Union can be attributed to smoking; whereas smoking causes between 80 and 90 % of lung cancer deaths worldwide,

| O. | whereas a well-designed, well-managed national cancer control programme lowers cancer incidence and mortality, in some cases by more than 70 %, and improves the life of cancer patients, no matter what resource constraints a country faces, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas a well-designed, well-managed national cancer control programme lowers cancer incidence and mortality, in some cases by more than 70 %, and improves the life of cancer patients, no matter what resource constraints a country faces,

| P. | whereas nationwide implementation of effective, population-based screening programmes — run in accordance with European guidelines if they already exist — significantly improves the quality and accessibility of cancer screening, diagnosis and therapeutic services to the population and thereby also improves cancer control, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas nationwide implementation of effective, population-based screening programmes — run in accordance with European guidelines if they already exist — significantly improves the quality and accessibility of cancer screening, diagnosis and therapeutic services to the population and thereby also improves cancer control,

| Q. | whereas national cancer registries in all Member States are essential with a view to providing comparable data on cancer, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas national cancer registries in all Member States are essential with a view to providing comparable data on cancer,

| R. | whereas there are currently considerable, and unacceptable, qualitative inequalities in cancer screening and early detection and follow-up within the EU, particularly with regard to the diagnostic procedures used and the integration of those procedures into Member States’ health policy, and whereas screening programmes facilitate early diagnosis, which contributes to a cost-effective and measurable reduction in disease burden, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas there are currently considerable, and unacceptable, qualitative inequalities in cancer screening and early detection and follow-up within the EU, particularly with regard to the diagnostic procedures used and the integration of those procedures into Member States’ health policy, and whereas screening programmes facilitate early diagnosis, which contributes to a cost-effective and measurable reduction in disease burden,

| S. | whereas oncology is not recognised as a medical speciality in all Member States, and whereas continuing medical education needs to be provided, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas oncology is not recognised as a medical speciality in all Member States, and whereas continuing medical education needs to be provided,

| T. | whereas EudraCT, the European database for clinical trials at the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), is not open to the general public, and patients have difficulty in locating trials that address their specific condition, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas EudraCT, the European database for clinical trials at the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), is not open to the general public, and patients have difficulty in locating trials that address their specific condition,

| U. | whereas the complexity of cancer requires improved communication between the many and varied healthcare professionals involved in cancer patient treatment; whereas psychosocial care of cancer patients can improve their quality of life, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas the complexity of cancer requires improved communication between the many and varied healthcare professionals involved in cancer patient treatment; whereas psychosocial care of cancer patients can improve their quality of life,

| V. | whereas cancer patients currently have unequal access to medical information and are in urgent need of more information at every stage of their disease, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas cancer patients currently have unequal access to medical information and are in urgent need of more information at every stage of their disease,

| 1. | Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to take appropriate action on prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, including palliative care, in order to reduce the significant approaching increase in the burden of cancer resulting from demographic changes in the coming decades, including provision of adequate financial support for coordinated actions and appropriate capacity building; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Calls on the Commission, the Council and the Member States to take appropriate action on prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, including palliative care, in order to reduce the significant approaching increase in the burden of cancer resulting from demographic changes in the coming decades, including provision of adequate financial support for coordinated actions and appropriate capacity building;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to set up an inter-institutional EU Cancer Task Force composed of Members from the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament which shall meet on a regular basis, to collect and exchange best practice for prevention, (including reducing occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens and other substances contributing to the development of cancer), screening and treatment and to provide leadership for improved cancer control in Europe; stresses that the EU Task Force should, in particular, promote new measures as well as existing screening projects that can help increase the proportion of the population taking part in cancer screening measures by at least 50 % in each of the Member States by 2018; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to set up an inter-institutional EU Cancer Task Force composed of Members from the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament which shall meet on a regular basis, to collect and exchange best practice for prevention, (including reducing occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens and other substances contributing to the development of cancer), screening and treatment and to provide leadership for improved cancer control in Europe; stresses that the EU Task Force should, in particular, promote new measures as well as existing screening projects that can help increase the proportion of the population taking part in cancer screening measures by at least 50 % in each of the Member States by 2018;

| 3. | Welcomes the Commission's initiative of adopting a Communication on cancer and a Communication on rare diseases, both scheduled for later this year; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the Commission's initiative of adopting a Communication on cancer and a Communication on rare diseases, both scheduled for later this year;

| 4. | Asks the Commission to review the European Code Against Cancer on a regular basis and to promote it by means of awareness, information and education campaigns targeting specific population groups; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Commission to review the European Code Against Cancer on a regular basis and to promote it by means of awareness, information and education campaigns targeting specific population groups;

| 5. | Urges the Member States to implement statutory cancer registration with European standardised terminology in order to provide the capacity for population-based evaluation of prevention, screening and treatment programmes, survival rates and comparability of data between Member States; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Urges the Member States to implement statutory cancer registration with European standardised terminology in order to provide the capacity for population-based evaluation of prevention, screening and treatment programmes, survival rates and comparability of data between Member States;

| 6. | Calls on the Commission to revise the existing Recommendation on cancer screening to take account of the rapid development of new technologies and to include:






  (a) | more types of cancers; and |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Commission to revise the existing Recommendation on cancer screening to take account of the rapid development of new technologies and to include:

(a)

more types of cancers; and

| (b) | additional techniques of early diagnosis when these are warranted scientifically; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

additional techniques of early diagnosis when these are warranted scientifically;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to establish a dynamic, flexible and continuous approach to fighting cancer that is based on scientific progress, and to this end to establish:






  (a) | an advisory committee on cancer prevention to evaluate existing evidence and data; |
| --- | --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission to establish a dynamic, flexible and continuous approach to fighting cancer that is based on scientific progress, and to this end to establish:

(a)

an advisory committee on cancer prevention to evaluate existing evidence and data;

| (b) | a special advisory committee on early detection of cancer to ensure that future revisions of the recommendation are incorporated rapidly and efficiently; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

a special advisory committee on early detection of cancer to ensure that future revisions of the recommendation are incorporated rapidly and efficiently;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission to support, within the framework of the Second Public Health Action Programme, networks of national cancer registries with a view to carrying out an EU-wide study of inequalities in cancer incidence and survival; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Commission to support, within the framework of the Second Public Health Action Programme, networks of national cancer registries with a view to carrying out an EU-wide study of inequalities in cancer incidence and survival;

| 9. | Urges the Governments of the Czech Republic and Italy, which have not yet done so, to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which entered into force in February 2005; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Urges the Governments of the Czech Republic and Italy, which have not yet done so, to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which entered into force in February 2005;

| 10. | Calls on the Commission and all Member States to develop and support strong protocols and guidelines when implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and to ensure that resources are available to help low-income countries to meet their obligations under the Convention; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Calls on the Commission and all Member States to develop and support strong protocols and guidelines when implementing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and to ensure that resources are available to help low-income countries to meet their obligations under the Convention;

| 11. | Calls on the Commission to act in its role as guardian of the Treaty by taking swift legal action against all Member States that are not fully implementing Directive 2004/37/EC; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Calls on the Commission to act in its role as guardian of the Treaty by taking swift legal action against all Member States that are not fully implementing Directive 2004/37/EC;

| 12. | Calls on the Commission to take legislative action, where appropriate, and to encourage and support initiatives that include a wide range of stakeholders with the aim to prevent cancer through reduction of occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens and other substances contributing to the development of cancer and promotion of healthy lifestyles, in particular as regards the major risk factors, tobacco, alcohol, obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity and sun protection, putting a strong emphasis on children and adolescents; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Commission to take legislative action, where appropriate, and to encourage and support initiatives that include a wide range of stakeholders with the aim to prevent cancer through reduction of occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens and other substances contributing to the development of cancer and promotion of healthy lifestyles, in particular as regards the major risk factors, tobacco, alcohol, obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity and sun protection, putting a strong emphasis on children and adolescents;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support and implement comprehensive tobacco control policies including smoke free environments and smoking cessation interventions, as effective methods to reduce the incidence of smoking and thus prevent a large number of cancer deaths, in line with its resolution of 24 October 2007 on the Green Paper ‘Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level’ (13), the recommendations in which must now be fully implemented; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to support and implement comprehensive tobacco control policies including smoke free environments and smoking cessation interventions, as effective methods to reduce the incidence of smoking and thus prevent a large number of cancer deaths, in line with its resolution of 24 October 2007 on the Green Paper ‘Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level’ (13), the recommendations in which must now be fully implemented;

| 14. | Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the European Chemicals Agency, in the context of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and establishing a European Chemicals Agency (14), to adopt the candidate list of substances of very high concern, which includes substances that are carcinogenic, as a top priority before 1 June 2008, so as to make possible the application of Article 33(2) of REACH, which allows consumers to request information about carcinogens in consumer items, enabling them to avoid such items if they so desire; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Calls on the Commission, the Member States and the European Chemicals Agency, in the context of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and establishing a European Chemicals Agency (14), to adopt the candidate list of substances of very high concern, which includes substances that are carcinogenic, as a top priority before 1 June 2008, so as to make possible the application of Article 33(2) of REACH, which allows consumers to request information about carcinogens in consumer items, enabling them to avoid such items if they so desire;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission to encourage and support initiatives to prevent the importing of items containing carcinogenic chemicals; calls, furthermore, for EU measures to strengthen food monitoring for chemicals, including pesticides; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission to encourage and support initiatives to prevent the importing of items containing carcinogenic chemicals; calls, furthermore, for EU measures to strengthen food monitoring for chemicals, including pesticides;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that EU wide human bio-monitoring surveys are adequately resourced to monitor carcinogenic substances and other substances contributing to the development of cancer, in order to be able to measure policy effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to ensure that EU wide human bio-monitoring surveys are adequately resourced to monitor carcinogenic substances and other substances contributing to the development of cancer, in order to be able to measure policy effectiveness;

| 17. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote information campaigns on cancer screening directed at the general public and all healthcare providers, as well as exchange of best practice on the use of preventive or early-detection measures, such as cost-effective integration of appropriate human papilloma virus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination to protect young women from cervical cancer, or the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test for the early detection of prostate cancer in men over 50 years of age; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote information campaigns on cancer screening directed at the general public and all healthcare providers, as well as exchange of best practice on the use of preventive or early-detection measures, such as cost-effective integration of appropriate human papilloma virus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination to protect young women from cervical cancer, or the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test for the early detection of prostate cancer in men over 50 years of age;

| 18. | Calls on the Commission to initiate a discussion with the Council to ensure that the Recommendation on cancer screening is promoted and implemented effectively; to this end, urges those Member States that have not yet done so to implement the Recommendation, to establish procedures for the adoption of any future changes to the Recommendation and to set up population-based screening programmes in accordance with European quality-assurance guidelines; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls on the Commission to initiate a discussion with the Council to ensure that the Recommendation on cancer screening is promoted and implemented effectively; to this end, urges those Member States that have not yet done so to implement the Recommendation, to establish procedures for the adoption of any future changes to the Recommendation and to set up population-based screening programmes in accordance with European quality-assurance guidelines;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission to guarantee medium- and long-term scientific and professional support for adequate and appropriate assistance to the Member States to help them act on the Council Recommendation on cancer screening and monitor, evaluate and coordinate pilot activities and continuous quality improvement; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission to guarantee medium- and long-term scientific and professional support for adequate and appropriate assistance to the Member States to help them act on the Council Recommendation on cancer screening and monitor, evaluate and coordinate pilot activities and continuous quality improvement;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to support the development of European accreditation/certification programmes in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment based on European quality-assurance guidelines, which could also serve as an example for other areas of health care; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission to support the development of European accreditation/certification programmes in cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment based on European quality-assurance guidelines, which could also serve as an example for other areas of health care;

| 21. | Calls on the Member States to make nationwide provision for multidisciplinary oncology teams to give optimal individual treatment to all patients, and to improve training of oncologists and healthcare professionals in recognising the psychosocial needs of patients in order to improve their quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls on the Member States to make nationwide provision for multidisciplinary oncology teams to give optimal individual treatment to all patients, and to improve training of oncologists and healthcare professionals in recognising the psychosocial needs of patients in order to improve their quality of life and reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients;

| 22. | Urges the Commission and Member States to recognise oncology as a medical speciality and to make provision for lifelong learning for medical oncologists in accordance with agreed guidelines; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Urges the Commission and Member States to recognise oncology as a medical speciality and to make provision for lifelong learning for medical oncologists in accordance with agreed guidelines;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage and promote palliative care and to establish guidelines for its use; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission and Member States to encourage and promote palliative care and to establish guidelines for its use;

| 24. | Calls on the Commission to ensure that Community legislation contains incentives for industry and researchers to engage in ongoing research with a view to developing new evidence-based medicines and treatments to combat and control cancer; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Calls on the Commission to ensure that Community legislation contains incentives for industry and researchers to engage in ongoing research with a view to developing new evidence-based medicines and treatments to combat and control cancer;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission to provide for dissemination, through networks of health professionals, of best practice in treatment and care, with a view to ensuring that citizens have access to the best available treatment; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the Commission to provide for dissemination, through networks of health professionals, of best practice in treatment and care, with a view to ensuring that citizens have access to the best available treatment;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission to deploy funds from the Structural Funds and the Seventh Framework Programme for Research to create and fund reference networks for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers, in order to pool resources and expertise and improve diagnosis and treatment; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Calls on the Commission to deploy funds from the Structural Funds and the Seventh Framework Programme for Research to create and fund reference networks for rare and difficult-to-treat cancers, in order to pool resources and expertise and improve diagnosis and treatment;

| 27. | Urges the Commission to allocate funds within the Seventh Framework Programme in order to encourage research and innovation in the areas of primary prevention, screening and early detection, and new anti-cancer medicines and treatments; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Urges the Commission to allocate funds within the Seventh Framework Programme in order to encourage research and innovation in the areas of primary prevention, screening and early detection, and new anti-cancer medicines and treatments;

| 28. | Calls on the Council and Commission to establish an EU standard for the assessment of new innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and identification of best clinical and medical practices; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the Council and Commission to establish an EU standard for the assessment of new innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and identification of best clinical and medical practices;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to allocate funds under the Seventh Framework Programme to stimulate research on paediatric cancers; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to allocate funds under the Seventh Framework Programme to stimulate research on paediatric cancers;

| 30. | Urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that cancer medicines are uniformly available to all patients who need them in all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that cancer medicines are uniformly available to all patients who need them in all Member States;

| 31. | Encourages the Commission and Member States to examine within the high-level Pharmaceutical Forum how innovative life-saving cancer medicines can be made available more speedily to patients by accelerating fast-track marketing approval through the EU Centralised Procedure and to consider a conditional pricing and reimbursement process, while data on the value of the medicine is collected on patients in real-life settings; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Encourages the Commission and Member States to examine within the high-level Pharmaceutical Forum how innovative life-saving cancer medicines can be made available more speedily to patients by accelerating fast-track marketing approval through the EU Centralised Procedure and to consider a conditional pricing and reimbursement process, while data on the value of the medicine is collected on patients in real-life settings;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission to submit a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council by June 2008 at the latest to provide for good-quality, objective, reliable, non-promotional information on medicinal products from multiple sources; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Commission to submit a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council by June 2008 at the latest to provide for good-quality, objective, reliable, non-promotional information on medicinal products from multiple sources;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to revise Directive 2001/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the implementation of good clinical practice in the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use (15) (the Clinical Trials Directive) to encourage more academic research on cancer, and in particular research into cancer screening and early detection, whilst recognising the impact of the costs involved for the non-commercial research sector, and to improve the availability of information for patients and the general public on ongoing and completed clinical trials; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the Commission to revise Directive 2001/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 April 2001 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the implementation of good clinical practice in the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use (15) (the Clinical Trials Directive) to encourage more academic research on cancer, and in particular research into cancer screening and early detection, whilst recognising the impact of the costs involved for the non-commercial research sector, and to improve the availability of information for patients and the general public on ongoing and completed clinical trials;

| 34. | Calls on the Member States and the Commission to work towards the development of guidelines for a common definition of disability that may include people with chronic illnesses or cancer and in the meantime for Member States, who have not done so, to act quickly possibly to include those people within their national definitions of disability; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Calls on the Member States and the Commission to work towards the development of guidelines for a common definition of disability that may include people with chronic illnesses or cancer and in the meantime for Member States, who have not done so, to act quickly possibly to include those people within their national definitions of disability;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to draw up a charter for the protection of cancer patients and chronically sick people in the workplace with a view to requiring companies to enable patients to continue in employment during their treatment and to return to their normal professional activities; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission to draw up a charter for the protection of cancer patients and chronically sick people in the workplace with a view to requiring companies to enable patients to continue in employment during their treatment and to return to their normal professional activities;

| 36. | Encourages the Member States to adopt national charters of patients’ rights in accordance with European guidelines and to include patient participation and expertise in the development of health policies; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Encourages the Member States to adopt national charters of patients’ rights in accordance with European guidelines and to include patient participation and expertise in the development of health policies;

| 37. | Calls on the Members States and the Commission to develop and strengthen initiatives that provide support for people directly or indirectly affected by cancer, in particular through the initiation and development of psychological care and support throughout the EU for cancer survivors; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Members States and the Commission to develop and strengthen initiatives that provide support for people directly or indirectly affected by cancer, in particular through the initiation and development of psychological care and support throughout the EU for cancer survivors;

| 38. | Calls on the Commission to increase the information available to cancer patients by encouraging initiatives which inform patients about their treatment options and ways to access such treatments; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Commission to increase the information available to cancer patients by encouraging initiatives which inform patients about their treatment options and ways to access such treatments;

| 39. | Encourages new Member States to make greater use of the Structural Funds to improve healthcare infrastructure, for example by supporting implementation of the Council Recommendation on cancer screening; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Encourages new Member States to make greater use of the Structural Funds to improve healthcare infrastructure, for example by supporting implementation of the Council Recommendation on cancer screening;

| 40. | Supports the Slovenian EU Presidency, which has made cancer one of its priorities in 2008, and calls on all future presidencies to continue to make cancer a priority; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Supports the Slovenian EU Presidency, which has made cancer one of its priorities in 2008, and calls on all future presidencies to continue to make cancer a priority;

| 41. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

41.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 301, 20.11.2007, p. 3.

(2)  OJ L 412, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(3)  OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p. 50.

(4)  Principles for Evaluating Health Risks in Children, WHO, 2006.

(5)  OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(6)  OJ L 327, 16.12.2003, p. 34.

(7)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2008)0009.

(8)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0434.

(9)  OJ C 313 E, 20.12.2006, p. 273.

(10)  OJ L 95, 16.4.1996, p. 9.

(11)  OJ L 311, 28.11.2001, p. 67. Directive as last amended by Directive 2008/29/EC (OJ L 81, 20.3.2008, p. 51).

(12)  OJ L 213, 15.6.2004, p. 8.

(13)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0471.

(14)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1. Corrected version in OJ L 136, 29.5.2007, p. 3. Regulation as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1354/2007 (OJ L 304, 22.11.2007, p. 1).

(15)  OJ L 121, 1.5.2001, p. 34.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/18 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/18

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme

P6_TA(2008)0122

European Parliament resolution of the 10 April 2008 on the mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (2007/2204(INI))

2009/C 247 E/05

The European Parliament,

having regard to Decision No 1600/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 July 2002 laying down the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (1),

having regard to its resolution of 14 November 2006 on a Thematic Strategy on the Protection and Conservation of the Marine Environment (2),

having regard to its position at first reading of 14 November 2006 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Framework for Community Action in the field of Marine Environmental Policy (Marine Strategy Directive) (3),

having regard to its resolution of 25 April 2007 on the Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (4),

having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2006 on the thematic strategy on the urban environment (5),

having regard to its resolution of 13 November 2007 on the thematic strategy for soil protection (6),

having regard to its 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 (7),

having regard to its resolution of 26 September 2006 on the thematic strategy on air pollution (8),

having regard to its position of 26 September 2006 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe (9),

having regard to its resolution of 13 February 2007 on a thematic strategy on the recycling of waste (10),

having regard to its position of 13 February 2007 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste (11),

having regard to its position of 23 October 2007 on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for Community action to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides (12),

having regard to its resolution of 24 October 2007 on a Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (13),

having regard to its position of 23 October 2007 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market (14),

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 and the opinions of the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Regional Development and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A6-0074/2008),

| A. | whereas Europe is not yet on the path towards genuinely sustainable development, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas Europe is not yet on the path towards genuinely sustainable development,

| B. | whereas the Commission recognises that there has been only limited progress on the fundamental issues of integrating environmental concerns into other policy areas and improving the enforcement of Community legislation, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the Commission recognises that there has been only limited progress on the fundamental issues of integrating environmental concerns into other policy areas and improving the enforcement of Community legislation,

| C. | whereas the Commission points to the fact that many environmental pressures are actually increasing: global emissions of greenhouse gases are rising, the loss of biodiversity is accelerating, pollution still has a major effect on public health, the amount of waste produced within the EU continues to increase, and our ecological footprint is steadily growing; whereas this raises serious questions about the environmentally counterproductive effects of other major EU policies, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the Commission points to the fact that many environmental pressures are actually increasing: global emissions of greenhouse gases are rising, the loss of biodiversity is accelerating, pollution still has a major effect on public health, the amount of waste produced within the EU continues to increase, and our ecological footprint is steadily growing; whereas this raises serious questions about the environmentally counterproductive effects of other major EU policies,

| D. | whereas it is unlikely that sustainable development will ever be achieved as long as environmental concerns are not fully integrated into all major policy areas, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas it is unlikely that sustainable development will ever be achieved as long as environmental concerns are not fully integrated into all major policy areas,

| E. | whereas a clean and healthy environment is essential for human well-being and good social conditions, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas a clean and healthy environment is essential for human well-being and good social conditions,

| F. | whereas well designed environmental policies can also contribute to other objectives such as increasing competitiveness, stimulating economic growth, enhancing job creation and innovation and fostering scientific progress through the development of new, safe technologies, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas well designed environmental policies can also contribute to other objectives such as increasing competitiveness, stimulating economic growth, enhancing job creation and innovation and fostering scientific progress through the development of new, safe technologies,

| 1. | Considers it regrettable that the mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (Sixth EAP) has been delayed by almost a year and deplores the fact that, on the whole, the European Union is not on schedule with the implementation of the measures planned in the Action Programme, contrary to what the Commission claims in its own mid-term review; recalls that, unlike its predecessor, the Sixth EAP was adopted under the codecision procedure, pursuant to Article 251 of the EC Treaty; calls for the EU to do everything in its power to attain the objectives agreed in the Sixth EAP, as failure to attain them would damage the EU's credibility, inter alia in the eyes of members of the public who are concerned about the state of the environment; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers it regrettable that the mid-term review of the Sixth Community Environment Action Programme (Sixth EAP) has been delayed by almost a year and deplores the fact that, on the whole, the European Union is not on schedule with the implementation of the measures planned in the Action Programme, contrary to what the Commission claims in its own mid-term review; recalls that, unlike its predecessor, the Sixth EAP was adopted under the codecision procedure, pursuant to Article 251 of the EC Treaty; calls for the EU to do everything in its power to attain the objectives agreed in the Sixth EAP, as failure to attain them would damage the EU's credibility, inter alia in the eyes of members of the public who are concerned about the state of the environment;

| 2. | Notes that the use of thematic strategies as a new procedural tool has increased the importance of the pre-legislative processes and created additional opportunities for stakeholder involvement and a more strategic approach to EU legislative policy; however, regrets that thematic strategies have also lengthened the duration of the environmental policy-making process by delaying the formulation of concrete policy proposals and the adoption of resulting measures; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Notes that the use of thematic strategies as a new procedural tool has increased the importance of the pre-legislative processes and created additional opportunities for stakeholder involvement and a more strategic approach to EU legislative policy; however, regrets that thematic strategies have also lengthened the duration of the environmental policy-making process by delaying the formulation of concrete policy proposals and the adoption of resulting measures;

| 3. | Considers, in view of the importance of environmental policy to industry and the fact that it is, in general, implemented by local authorities, that it should be taken into account when legislation is drafted and that the views of industry, small business and local authorities should be represented in and listened to by the relevant consultative bodies; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Considers, in view of the importance of environmental policy to industry and the fact that it is, in general, implemented by local authorities, that it should be taken into account when legislation is drafted and that the views of industry, small business and local authorities should be represented in and listened to by the relevant consultative bodies;

| 4. | Considers it essential to strengthen the position of the Sixth EAP as the environmental dimension of the EU's sustainable development strategy; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers it essential to strengthen the position of the Sixth EAP as the environmental dimension of the EU's sustainable development strategy;

| 5. | Believes that, within the EU, competences must be clearly allocated and defined and points out that the Commission's mid-term review shows confusion and internal ambiguity with regard to the competences of the Commission and of the Member States; points out that both the limits of their respective competences and their specific responsibilities must be clearly established and set down in order to ensure that those responsibilities continue to be met; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Believes that, within the EU, competences must be clearly allocated and defined and points out that the Commission's mid-term review shows confusion and internal ambiguity with regard to the competences of the Commission and of the Member States; points out that both the limits of their respective competences and their specific responsibilities must be clearly established and set down in order to ensure that those responsibilities continue to be met;

| 6. | Points out that thematic strategies are not useful if they coincide in timing with large legislative dossiers, they are useful either before the appearance of the relevant legislative document or on their own; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Points out that thematic strategies are not useful if they coincide in timing with large legislative dossiers, they are useful either before the appearance of the relevant legislative document or on their own;

| 7. | Stresses the direct connection between the state of the human environment and human health; calls on the Commission, with the aim of implementing the ‘health in all policies’ approach, to draft studies indicating the causal relationship between change in the quality of the environment and change in the state of people's health; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Stresses the direct connection between the state of the human environment and human health; calls on the Commission, with the aim of implementing the ‘health in all policies’ approach, to draft studies indicating the causal relationship between change in the quality of the environment and change in the state of people's health;

Thematic Strategies

| 8. | Considers that the EU has acted consistently to attain the climate diplomacy objectives set in the Sixth EAP; recalls, however, that, as far as the objectives and priority actions to halt climate change are concerned, the EU has not succeeded in fulfilling all the commitments; is extremely concerned about the increase in transport emissions and the slow effect of the measures which have been used in an attempt to improve energy efficiency; reminds the Commission to publish a communication on quantified environmental objectives for a sustainable transport system; expects Member States to attain the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for individual countries laid down in the Kyoto Protocol by 2012; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that the EU has acted consistently to attain the climate diplomacy objectives set in the Sixth EAP; recalls, however, that, as far as the objectives and priority actions to halt climate change are concerned, the EU has not succeeded in fulfilling all the commitments; is extremely concerned about the increase in transport emissions and the slow effect of the measures which have been used in an attempt to improve energy efficiency; reminds the Commission to publish a communication on quantified environmental objectives for a sustainable transport system; expects Member States to attain the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for individual countries laid down in the Kyoto Protocol by 2012;

| 9. | Deplores the fact that the objective of halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010 will probably not be attained and that the proposed strategies for protecting the marine environment and soil will not produce concrete environmental results by 2012; notes that greater effort is needed to assist the integration of biodiversity policy into other policy areas; draws attention to the need for appropriate funding of Natura 2000 and other closely related priority objectives; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Deplores the fact that the objective of halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010 will probably not be attained and that the proposed strategies for protecting the marine environment and soil will not produce concrete environmental results by 2012; notes that greater effort is needed to assist the integration of biodiversity policy into other policy areas; draws attention to the need for appropriate funding of Natura 2000 and other closely related priority objectives;

| 10. | Considers that, as far as chemicals are concerned, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and establishing a European Chemicals Agency (15) represents progress in reducing risks to human beings and the environment, but that it has yet to prove that it will effectively do so in a significant manner, and regrets that the regulation does not in all respects accord with the objectives agreed in the Sixth EAP; considers it regrettable that the thematic strategy concerning the sustainable use of pesticides has been substantially delayed, and that the measures taken to improve air quality and the urban environment and to reduce noise fall far short of the objectives of the Environment Action Programme; calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a revised National Emission Ceilings Directive (16) as soon as possible; believes that it is necessary to ensure full enforcement of the Environmental Noise Directive (17); |
| --- | --- |

10.

Considers that, as far as chemicals are concerned, Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and establishing a European Chemicals Agency (15) represents progress in reducing risks to human beings and the environment, but that it has yet to prove that it will effectively do so in a significant manner, and regrets that the regulation does not in all respects accord with the objectives agreed in the Sixth EAP; considers it regrettable that the thematic strategy concerning the sustainable use of pesticides has been substantially delayed, and that the measures taken to improve air quality and the urban environment and to reduce noise fall far short of the objectives of the Environment Action Programme; calls on the Commission to present a proposal for a revised National Emission Ceilings Directive (16) as soon as possible; believes that it is necessary to ensure full enforcement of the Environmental Noise Directive (17);

| 11. | Given that indoor air quality affects health, urges the Commission and the Member States to support the World Health Organisation's work on indoor air quality and calls on the Commission to propose concrete legislative measures on indoor air quality as soon as possible; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Given that indoor air quality affects health, urges the Commission and the Member States to support the World Health Organisation's work on indoor air quality and calls on the Commission to propose concrete legislative measures on indoor air quality as soon as possible;

| 12. | Notes no major gaps in the specific objectives for water protection set out in the Sixth EAP; however, calls on the Commission to ensure full implementation of the Water Framework Directive (18) and to re-evaluate the integration of EU water protection commitments into other policies; in addition, urges the Commission to put forward as soon as possible a proposal for a directive on cutting the phosphorus load in agriculture as well as in detergents pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents (19); |
| --- | --- |

12.

Notes no major gaps in the specific objectives for water protection set out in the Sixth EAP; however, calls on the Commission to ensure full implementation of the Water Framework Directive (18) and to re-evaluate the integration of EU water protection commitments into other policies; in addition, urges the Commission to put forward as soon as possible a proposal for a directive on cutting the phosphorus load in agriculture as well as in detergents pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents (19);

| 13. | Emphasises the need for a new water policy that focuses on the saving of water and on the sustainable management of water resources; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Emphasises the need for a new water policy that focuses on the saving of water and on the sustainable management of water resources;

| 14. | Considers it regrettable that the thematic strategies on natural resources and waste have watered down the objectives of the Sixth EAP; regrets that no concrete targets have been formulated at EU level to decouple economic growth from resource use by turning towards a sustainable model of production and consumption; agrees that further action is needed on bio-waste to encourage further diversion from landfill and ensure that the best treatment options, such as those based on mitigating climate change, are followed; further encourages support for environmentally friendly forms of waste management and measures to render more severe the consequences of land-filling of waste, which pollutes the environment; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Considers it regrettable that the thematic strategies on natural resources and waste have watered down the objectives of the Sixth EAP; regrets that no concrete targets have been formulated at EU level to decouple economic growth from resource use by turning towards a sustainable model of production and consumption; agrees that further action is needed on bio-waste to encourage further diversion from landfill and ensure that the best treatment options, such as those based on mitigating climate change, are followed; further encourages support for environmentally friendly forms of waste management and measures to render more severe the consequences of land-filling of waste, which pollutes the environment;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all appropriate action in order to ensure that natural resources are used rationally and efficiently and in a way which does not jeopardise biodiversity; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take all appropriate action in order to ensure that natural resources are used rationally and efficiently and in a way which does not jeopardise biodiversity;

Implementation and enforcement of existing legislation

| 16. | Recalls that full and correct implementation of the existing legislation is a top priority and considers that binding legislation remains central to meeting environmental challenges; calls on the Commission to strengthen its activities as guardian of the Treaty; therefore also calls on the EU budgetary authority to provide the Commission with all the necessary financial and human resources to ensure that the most efficient monitoring of the implementation and enforcement of existing legislation is carried out in all Member States; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recalls that full and correct implementation of the existing legislation is a top priority and considers that binding legislation remains central to meeting environmental challenges; calls on the Commission to strengthen its activities as guardian of the Treaty; therefore also calls on the EU budgetary authority to provide the Commission with all the necessary financial and human resources to ensure that the most efficient monitoring of the implementation and enforcement of existing legislation is carried out in all Member States;

| 17. | Emphasises the need for effective and accurate implementation of Community environmental legislation and recommends that special support measures be adopted for the benefit of regions which face difficulties in implementing that aspect of the Community acquis; encourages Member State authorities to draw up transposition strategies in order to define clearly the roles and responsibilities of national, regional and local authorities in correctly transposing and implementing Community environmental law; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Emphasises the need for effective and accurate implementation of Community environmental legislation and recommends that special support measures be adopted for the benefit of regions which face difficulties in implementing that aspect of the Community acquis; encourages Member State authorities to draw up transposition strategies in order to define clearly the roles and responsibilities of national, regional and local authorities in correctly transposing and implementing Community environmental law;

| 18. | Is nonetheless concerned at the various proponents’ suggestions that common regulations should be reduced and weakened, or even replaced with voluntary agreements or other non-binding measures; therefore reiterates that better regulation should concentrate on unambiguous and transparent rules and standards based on legislation linked to agreed objectives, and on better enforcement thereof; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Is nonetheless concerned at the various proponents’ suggestions that common regulations should be reduced and weakened, or even replaced with voluntary agreements or other non-binding measures; therefore reiterates that better regulation should concentrate on unambiguous and transparent rules and standards based on legislation linked to agreed objectives, and on better enforcement thereof;

| 19. | Commends the Commission's proposals to strengthen enforcement of environmental legislation at the national level through improved access to justice and harmonised use of punitive law; notes that the preventive aspects of punitive law contribute to better enforcement and protection of the environment; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Commends the Commission's proposals to strengthen enforcement of environmental legislation at the national level through improved access to justice and harmonised use of punitive law; notes that the preventive aspects of punitive law contribute to better enforcement and protection of the environment;

| 20. | Calls, furthermore, for EU environmental policies to be designed, and reviewed, so as to focus more on goal prescriptions rather than means descriptions, leaving Member States and farmers free to find the most effective and efficient means for reaching the desired goals; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls, furthermore, for EU environmental policies to be designed, and reviewed, so as to focus more on goal prescriptions rather than means descriptions, leaving Member States and farmers free to find the most effective and efficient means for reaching the desired goals;

Nature, biodiversity and climate change

| 21. | Considers that the Commission should ensure full implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives; recommends, with due regard for the principle of subsidiarity, that taxation measures be taken to promote best practice and deter people from engaging in activities that generate pollution; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Considers that the Commission should ensure full implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives; recommends, with due regard for the principle of subsidiarity, that taxation measures be taken to promote best practice and deter people from engaging in activities that generate pollution;

| 22. | Draws the Commission's attention, however, to the fact that holding out the prospect of consequences under criminal law is not sufficient in every case to prevent illegal and at the same time environmentally polluting behaviour; stresses therefore the importance of penalties after the fact under criminal law, particularly for the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in the territory of other countries; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Draws the Commission's attention, however, to the fact that holding out the prospect of consequences under criminal law is not sufficient in every case to prevent illegal and at the same time environmentally polluting behaviour; stresses therefore the importance of penalties after the fact under criminal law, particularly for the illegal dumping of hazardous waste in the territory of other countries;

Environment incentives and reform of environmentally harmful subsidies

| 23. | Welcomes the Commission's green paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes; believes that wider use of market-based instruments, taking the environmental impact of all production and distribution processes and consumption patterns into consideration, is needed; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Welcomes the Commission's green paper on market-based instruments for environment and related policy purposes; believes that wider use of market-based instruments, taking the environmental impact of all production and distribution processes and consumption patterns into consideration, is needed;

| 24. | Is of the opinion that the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has so far not led to reductions in CO2 emissions because of the overly generous allocation of emission allowances; points out that the EU has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by at least 20 % by 2020; insists that the EU ETS for the post-2012 period should include a sufficiently stringent cap, full auctioning and a quantitative and qualitative limit of the use of certified emission reductions (CERs) and emission reduction units (ERUs); |
| --- | --- |

24.

Is of the opinion that the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has so far not led to reductions in CO2 emissions because of the overly generous allocation of emission allowances; points out that the EU has committed itself to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by at least 20 % by 2020; insists that the EU ETS for the post-2012 period should include a sufficiently stringent cap, full auctioning and a quantitative and qualitative limit of the use of certified emission reductions (CERs) and emission reduction units (ERUs);

| 25. | Nevertheless, notes that the role of eco-taxation remains modest and does not show an increasing trend; calls on the Commission and the Member States to devote more effort to ecological tax reform including a gradual shift of the tax burden from welfare-negative taxes (e.g. on labour) towards welfare-positive taxes, (e.g. on environmentally damaging activities, such as resource use or pollution); points out that, despite the unanimity requirement in the area of taxation, the treaties offer the possibility of enhanced cooperation, and draws attention to the existence of the open coordination method; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Nevertheless, notes that the role of eco-taxation remains modest and does not show an increasing trend; calls on the Commission and the Member States to devote more effort to ecological tax reform including a gradual shift of the tax burden from welfare-negative taxes (e.g. on labour) towards welfare-positive taxes, (e.g. on environmentally damaging activities, such as resource use or pollution); points out that, despite the unanimity requirement in the area of taxation, the treaties offer the possibility of enhanced cooperation, and draws attention to the existence of the open coordination method;

| 26. | Notes the impetus that has been given to removing environmentally harmful subsidies; however, finds it unacceptable that no concrete steps towards the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies are expected in the near future, and therefore calls on the Commission to put forward concrete proposals by the end of 2008 to phase out gradually all environmentally harmful subsidies over the next five years; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Notes the impetus that has been given to removing environmentally harmful subsidies; however, finds it unacceptable that no concrete steps towards the reform of environmentally harmful subsidies are expected in the near future, and therefore calls on the Commission to put forward concrete proposals by the end of 2008 to phase out gradually all environmentally harmful subsidies over the next five years;

Environmental policy integration, international cooperation and incentives for innovation

| 27. | Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote stronger and more coherent environmental policy integration in all EU policy-making; with the aim of implementing the ‘health in all policies’ approach which has been proclaimed in the European Union, calls for integration of environmental protection and health protection aspects into all policies and also to involve regions and towns in this; regrets both the lack of integration of these aspects in various environmental legal frameworks and the preparations for new legislation and the lack of their integration into legislation which has primary objectives other than environmental protection; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Urges the Commission and the Member States to promote stronger and more coherent environmental policy integration in all EU policy-making; with the aim of implementing the ‘health in all policies’ approach which has been proclaimed in the European Union, calls for integration of environmental protection and health protection aspects into all policies and also to involve regions and towns in this; regrets both the lack of integration of these aspects in various environmental legal frameworks and the preparations for new legislation and the lack of their integration into legislation which has primary objectives other than environmental protection;

| 28. | Considers that, in order to achieve concrete results in the integration of environmental considerations in other economic sectors, there is a need to draw up binding sectoral targets and timetables; at the same time, stresses the responsibility of economic actors in individual sectors of industry for achieving long-term results in terms of climate and energy policy; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Considers that, in order to achieve concrete results in the integration of environmental considerations in other economic sectors, there is a need to draw up binding sectoral targets and timetables; at the same time, stresses the responsibility of economic actors in individual sectors of industry for achieving long-term results in terms of climate and energy policy;

| 29. | Emphasises the fundamental link between an efficient environmental policy and improved quality of life and, in this connection, highlights the importance of the regional dimension in the implementation of the Sixth EAP, especially in actions concerning the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change; highlights the importance of campaigns to raise public awareness of the objectives of the Sixth EAP and its implementation process; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Emphasises the fundamental link between an efficient environmental policy and improved quality of life and, in this connection, highlights the importance of the regional dimension in the implementation of the Sixth EAP, especially in actions concerning the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change; highlights the importance of campaigns to raise public awareness of the objectives of the Sixth EAP and its implementation process;

| 30. | Points to the need for regional development plans to take into account the Natura 2000 programme, so as to reconcile the principle of protecting Europe's biodiversity with the development and improvement of quality of life; with this in view, believes that a wide-ranging information campaign is needed, together with the promotion of good practice, to demonstrate how these two apparently contradictory goals can be reconciled; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Points to the need for regional development plans to take into account the Natura 2000 programme, so as to reconcile the principle of protecting Europe's biodiversity with the development and improvement of quality of life; with this in view, believes that a wide-ranging information campaign is needed, together with the promotion of good practice, to demonstrate how these two apparently contradictory goals can be reconciled;

| 31. | Emphasises the need for better coordinated networks of regional and local actors in order to disseminate best practices to less developed regions and implement them; supports the promotion of cross-border environmental cooperation, both among Member States and with countries and regions neighbouring the EU, such as the regions of the Black Sea and Baltic Sea as well as the Mediterranean, particularly with the aim of preventing cross-border pollution; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Emphasises the need for better coordinated networks of regional and local actors in order to disseminate best practices to less developed regions and implement them; supports the promotion of cross-border environmental cooperation, both among Member States and with countries and regions neighbouring the EU, such as the regions of the Black Sea and Baltic Sea as well as the Mediterranean, particularly with the aim of preventing cross-border pollution;

| 32. | Is concerned by the findings of various independent studies (20)
   (21)
   (22)
   (23) that the Commission guidelines on impact assessments are not fully respected by Commission DGs, that the assessment and quantification of economic impacts has been emphasised at the expense of environmental, social and international impacts, that the costs of legislation are assessed far more than the benefits, and that short-term considerations overshadow the long-term; considers that such unbalanced impact assessments are counterproductive with regard to environment policy itself and its integration into other EU policies; calls on the Commission to take action to rectify these persistent deficiencies; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Is concerned by the findings of various independent studies (20)
   (21)
   (22)
   (23) that the Commission guidelines on impact assessments are not fully respected by Commission DGs, that the assessment and quantification of economic impacts has been emphasised at the expense of environmental, social and international impacts, that the costs of legislation are assessed far more than the benefits, and that short-term considerations overshadow the long-term; considers that such unbalanced impact assessments are counterproductive with regard to environment policy itself and its integration into other EU policies; calls on the Commission to take action to rectify these persistent deficiencies;

| 33. | Commends the Commission for its strong commitment to enhancing the international dimension of environment policy; believes it is necessary to ensure environmental policy integration into all the EU's external actions and to improve international environmental governance; encourages the Commission and the Member States to continue promoting ambitious environmental policies and requirements, for example by promoting technology transfer and the exchange of best practice with developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Commends the Commission for its strong commitment to enhancing the international dimension of environment policy; believes it is necessary to ensure environmental policy integration into all the EU's external actions and to improve international environmental governance; encourages the Commission and the Member States to continue promoting ambitious environmental policies and requirements, for example by promoting technology transfer and the exchange of best practice with developing countries;

| 34. | Stresses that ‘climate diplomacy’ should be promoted with greater intensity and consistency in the EU's trade relations with states which are not bound by multilateral environmental protection agreements, such as the United States, China and India, which, for various reasons, are not implementing the Kyoto Protocol; also calls on the Commission to assist developing countries in the deployment of sustainable and efficient technologies through all mechanisms available; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Stresses that ‘climate diplomacy’ should be promoted with greater intensity and consistency in the EU's trade relations with states which are not bound by multilateral environmental protection agreements, such as the United States, China and India, which, for various reasons, are not implementing the Kyoto Protocol; also calls on the Commission to assist developing countries in the deployment of sustainable and efficient technologies through all mechanisms available;

| 35. | Recommends that a sustainability clause be added to the WTO, setting out principles of environmental policy, such as the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle, against which trade measures can be judged, in order to ensure that trade rules do not undermine environmental protection and that environmental regulation is not used for the purposes of protectionism; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Recommends that a sustainability clause be added to the WTO, setting out principles of environmental policy, such as the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle, against which trade measures can be judged, in order to ensure that trade rules do not undermine environmental protection and that environmental regulation is not used for the purposes of protectionism;

| 36. | Calls on the Council and the Commission to use bilateral and regional trade negotiations to address trade commitments that have direct environmental benefits; considers that the EU, together with the Member States, needs to intensify dialogue with emerging economies in order to turn the dialogue in areas of mutual concern, such as climate change, waste management and illegal logging, into the implementation of joint programmes; supports the Commission's proposal to establish a Sustainable Development Forum, open to the participation of civil society, with a strong climate component, in each trade agreement and calls for this to be implemented in the current negotiations; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Council and the Commission to use bilateral and regional trade negotiations to address trade commitments that have direct environmental benefits; considers that the EU, together with the Member States, needs to intensify dialogue with emerging economies in order to turn the dialogue in areas of mutual concern, such as climate change, waste management and illegal logging, into the implementation of joint programmes; supports the Commission's proposal to establish a Sustainable Development Forum, open to the participation of civil society, with a strong climate component, in each trade agreement and calls for this to be implemented in the current negotiations;

| 37. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote a more pragmatic and horizontal exploitation of innovation and new technologies in all EU policies, so that those elements play a pivotal role in strengthening the preservation of the environment; stresses the need to introduce without delay an EU ‘top runner’ approach, a more ambitious ongoing improvement instrument for production and consumption patterns, to ensure that, in future, all EU market products are conceived, produced and used in accordance with sustainability criteria; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote a more pragmatic and horizontal exploitation of innovation and new technologies in all EU policies, so that those elements play a pivotal role in strengthening the preservation of the environment; stresses the need to introduce without delay an EU ‘top runner’ approach, a more ambitious ongoing improvement instrument for production and consumption patterns, to ensure that, in future, all EU market products are conceived, produced and used in accordance with sustainability criteria;

| 38. | Recalls that investing in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and in eco-design, energy end-use efficiency and energy performance of buildings is very beneficial in the long term, despite possible high short-term costs, and emphasises the need for regions to encourage companies to take full advantage of such investments; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Recalls that investing in innovative, environmentally friendly technologies and in eco-design, energy end-use efficiency and energy performance of buildings is very beneficial in the long term, despite possible high short-term costs, and emphasises the need for regions to encourage companies to take full advantage of such investments;

| 39. | Encourages the Commission and Member States to adopt genuinely ‘green’ public procurement rules in order to promote innovation and sustainable consumption and production patterns; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Encourages the Commission and Member States to adopt genuinely ‘green’ public procurement rules in order to promote innovation and sustainable consumption and production patterns;

| 40. | Calls on the Commission to assist national, regional and local authorities to engage in joint sustainable procurements by providing a clear framework to facilitate the definition of measurable objectives and quality criteria; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Calls on the Commission to assist national, regional and local authorities to engage in joint sustainable procurements by providing a clear framework to facilitate the definition of measurable objectives and quality criteria;

| 41. | Calls on the Commission to intensify its efforts to achieve the 20 % target for renewables and the 10 % target for biofuel consumption keeping in mind that energy crops must not jeopardise food supplies in Europe and elsewhere; stresses that the sustainability mechanism, which is at the development stage, should apply the most stringent sustainability criteria to biofuels; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Calls on the Commission to intensify its efforts to achieve the 20 % target for renewables and the 10 % target for biofuel consumption keeping in mind that energy crops must not jeopardise food supplies in Europe and elsewhere; stresses that the sustainability mechanism, which is at the development stage, should apply the most stringent sustainability criteria to biofuels;

| 42. | Points out that agriculture in the EU is increasingly geared to the production of safe, high-quality foods which will protect the health of Union citizens; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Points out that agriculture in the EU is increasingly geared to the production of safe, high-quality foods which will protect the health of Union citizens;

| 43. | Encourages the Member States and their regional and local authorities to make optimal use of the new investment opportunities provided by the Structural Funds and the New European Neighbourhood Policy Programmes and to ensure that their Operational Programmes and projects supported by Structural Funds contribute to improved implementation of Community environmental legislation and the long-term goal of EU-wide sustainable development in a way consistent with the other thematic priorities; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Encourages the Member States and their regional and local authorities to make optimal use of the new investment opportunities provided by the Structural Funds and the New European Neighbourhood Policy Programmes and to ensure that their Operational Programmes and projects supported by Structural Funds contribute to improved implementation of Community environmental legislation and the long-term goal of EU-wide sustainable development in a way consistent with the other thematic priorities;

| 44. | Considers it essential to improve the application of the substitution principle, which takes into account the availability, accessibility, benefits and costs of substitute products; points out that account must also be taken of the design, production and use processes, which enable the use of products that do not represent a risk for human health and the environment, or present a lesser such risk; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Considers it essential to improve the application of the substitution principle, which takes into account the availability, accessibility, benefits and costs of substitute products; points out that account must also be taken of the design, production and use processes, which enable the use of products that do not represent a risk for human health and the environment, or present a lesser such risk;

Better regulation principles in environmental policy

| 45. | Points out that, if better regulation is indeed an aim, there should be a revision of the overlap in legislation that generates a bureaucratic burden and undermines competitiveness; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Points out that, if better regulation is indeed an aim, there should be a revision of the overlap in legislation that generates a bureaucratic burden and undermines competitiveness;

| 46. | Considers that the philosophical approach applied to the revision process is devoid of critical reasoning and does not involve analysis of the reasons and grounds for the delays; believes that only by analysing and reflecting on the causes of these delays can the right moves be made in the future; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Considers that the philosophical approach applied to the revision process is devoid of critical reasoning and does not involve analysis of the reasons and grounds for the delays; believes that only by analysing and reflecting on the causes of these delays can the right moves be made in the future;

| 47. | Points out that if there genuinely is a wish to improve legislative methodology and to produce practicable rules that will be easy for the competent authorities, enterprises and citizens to apply, it is imperative to widen interaction between Community institutions and bodies and civil society so as to respond to their queries and to take into account the decisions and opinion of the regions, town halls, affected industries and related associations; stresses also that short-term costs for transformation of existing equipment must be taken into account; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Points out that if there genuinely is a wish to improve legislative methodology and to produce practicable rules that will be easy for the competent authorities, enterprises and citizens to apply, it is imperative to widen interaction between Community institutions and bodies and civil society so as to respond to their queries and to take into account the decisions and opinion of the regions, town halls, affected industries and related associations; stresses also that short-term costs for transformation of existing equipment must be taken into account;

Paving the way for behavioural change

| 48. | Points out that new ways to measure welfare based on realistic values for ecological services are needed; considers that GDP, as it cannot alone reflect all facets and needs of a modern society, is no longer an adequate tool to measure well-being and development; encourages the EU to further develop and make political use of a new indicator that integrates the negative impact of economic progress on our environment and health and that contributes to the effort of decoupling economic growth from the exertion of pressure on the environment; considers that this new indicator should promote the development of an integrated society and give the impetus for better integration of environmental considerations in other policies; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Points out that new ways to measure welfare based on realistic values for ecological services are needed; considers that GDP, as it cannot alone reflect all facets and needs of a modern society, is no longer an adequate tool to measure well-being and development; encourages the EU to further develop and make political use of a new indicator that integrates the negative impact of economic progress on our environment and health and that contributes to the effort of decoupling economic growth from the exertion of pressure on the environment; considers that this new indicator should promote the development of an integrated society and give the impetus for better integration of environmental considerations in other policies;

| 49. | Calls on the Commission to treat the protection of human health as an issue of the first importance among environmental protection priorities; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Calls on the Commission to treat the protection of human health as an issue of the first importance among environmental protection priorities;

| 50. | Considers that the European Union should play a leading role in the development of policy options that would pave the way for radical behavioural changes in consumption and production patterns; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Considers that the European Union should play a leading role in the development of policy options that would pave the way for radical behavioural changes in consumption and production patterns;

| 51. | Stresses the importance of helping consumers to become more aware in their behaviour, which — going beyond the State legal framework — may have a positive influence on the extent and intensity of the environmental commitments of market actors; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Stresses the importance of helping consumers to become more aware in their behaviour, which — going beyond the State legal framework — may have a positive influence on the extent and intensity of the environmental commitments of market actors;

| 52. | Considers that the provision of proper information to citizens should be considered a priority; strongly supports the development of a clear and comprehensive labelling system as it would greatly contribute to helping consumers to ‘make the right choice’; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Considers that the provision of proper information to citizens should be considered a priority; strongly supports the development of a clear and comprehensive labelling system as it would greatly contribute to helping consumers to ‘make the right choice’;

| 53. | Insists that an overall assessment be made of the results of the Sixth EAP before the proposal for the Seventh EAP is finalised; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Insists that an overall assessment be made of the results of the Sixth EAP before the proposal for the Seventh EAP is finalised;

| 54. | Takes the view that the final review of the Sixth EAP should be performed by an outside body independent of the Commission; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Takes the view that the final review of the Sixth EAP should be performed by an outside body independent of the Commission;

*

* *

| 55. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

55.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 242, 10.9.2002, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 314 E, 21.12.2006, p. 131.

(3)  OJ C 314 E, 21.12.2006, p. 86.

(4)  OJ C 74 E, 20.3.2008, p. 660.

(5)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, p. 182.

(6)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0504.

(7)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0509.

(8)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, p. 176.

(9)  OJ C 306 E, 15.12.2006, p. 102.

(10)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 168.

(11)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 135.

(12)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0444.

(13)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0467.

(14)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0445.

(15)  OJ L 396, 30.12.2006, p. 1, Regulation as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 1354/2007 (OJ L 304, 22.11.2007, p. 1).

(16)  Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings for certain atmospheric pollutants (OJ L 309, 27.11.2001, p. 22).

(17)  OJ L 189, 18.7.2002, p. 12.

(18)  OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1. Directive as last amended by Directive 2008/32/EC (OJ L 81, 20.3.2008, p. 60).

(19)  OJ L 104, 8.4.2004, p. 1.

(20)  Impact Assessment of European Commission Policies: Achievements and Prospects, European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils, April 2006.

(21)  Getting Proportions Right — How far should EU impact assessments go? Institut for Miljøvurdering, April 2006.

(22)  For Better or for Worse? The EU's ‘Better Regulation’ Agenda and the Environment, Institute for European Environmental Policy, November 2005.

(23)  Sustainable Development in the European Commission's integrated impact assessments for 2003, Institute for European Environmental Policy, April 2004.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/25 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/25

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Cultural industries in Europe

P6_TA(2008)0123

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on cultural industries in Europe (2007/2153(INI))

2009/C 247 E/06

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 151 of the EC Treaty,

having regard to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 2005,

having regard to the Council conclusions of 13 and 14 November 2006 and 24 and 25 May 2007, in particular as regards the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to the achievement of the Lisbon objectives, and the Council's resolution of 16 November 2007 on a European agenda for culture,

having regard to Directive 2007/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2007 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities (1),

having regard to Council Decision 2006/515/EC of 18 May 2006 on the conclusion of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2),

having regard to the Commission communication on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world (COM(2007)0242) and the accompanying Commission staff working document (SEC(2007)0570),

having regard to its resolution of 4 September 2003 on cultural industries (3),

having regard to its resolution of 15 January 2004 on a Community framework for collective management societies in the field of copyright and neighbouring rights (4),

having regard to Commission Recommendation 2005/737/EC of 18 October 2005 on collective cross-border management of copyright and related rights for legitimate online music services (5),

having regard to its resolution of 7 June 2007 on the social status of artists (6),

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6-0063/2008),

| A. | whereas culture is a public good and an end in itself, fulfilling individuals and benefiting society and at the same time fosters economic growth, employment and social cohesion, and regional and local development, as demonstrated by recent research, particularly as highlighted in the study by KEA European Affairs for the Commission on the economy of culture in Europe, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas culture is a public good and an end in itself, fulfilling individuals and benefiting society and at the same time fosters economic growth, employment and social cohesion, and regional and local development, as demonstrated by recent research, particularly as highlighted in the study by KEA European Affairs for the Commission on the economy of culture in Europe,

| B. | whereas cultural industries could neither exist nor add to European cultural and economic value without a regular input of new content from a thriving creative community of creators, in all artistic fields, such as film makers, composers, authors, visual artists and designers, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas cultural industries could neither exist nor add to European cultural and economic value without a regular input of new content from a thriving creative community of creators, in all artistic fields, such as film makers, composers, authors, visual artists and designers,

| C. | whereas cultural industries are industries that give intellectual works additional economic value and at the same time generate new values for individuals and society; whereas those cultural industries include traditional industries such as the film, music and publishing industries, the media and industries in the creative sector (such as fashion and design), tourist, arts and information industries, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas cultural industries are industries that give intellectual works additional economic value and at the same time generate new values for individuals and society; whereas those cultural industries include traditional industries such as the film, music and publishing industries, the media and industries in the creative sector (such as fashion and design), tourist, arts and information industries,

| D. | whereas, in the light of the definition given by the Unesco Convention, cultural industries encompass all sectors that combine the creation, production and marketing of goods and services, the distinctive character of which lies in contents which are intangible and cultural in nature; whereas the product of cultural industries is typically protected by intellectual property rights, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas, in the light of the definition given by the Unesco Convention, cultural industries encompass all sectors that combine the creation, production and marketing of goods and services, the distinctive character of which lies in contents which are intangible and cultural in nature; whereas the product of cultural industries is typically protected by intellectual property rights,

| E. | whereas, however, greater recognition, the securing of a special legal status and greater support for the entire cultural and creative industries, including micro businesses and SMEs as well as individual artists, are needed to help these sectors to achieve their full potential and contribute also to the Lisbon Strategy objectives, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas, however, greater recognition, the securing of a special legal status and greater support for the entire cultural and creative industries, including micro businesses and SMEs as well as individual artists, are needed to help these sectors to achieve their full potential and contribute also to the Lisbon Strategy objectives,

| F. | whereas cultural industries produce and disseminate a wide range of content to inform, educate and entertain the public, based increasingly on new technologies and new digital and audiovisual formats, in regard to which the Member States and the European Union must play their part as promoters and regulators, guaranteeing that just and adequate economic rewards accrue to the creators of original content through ensuring adequate and effective protection of copyright and related rights, thereby securing the sustainability of European cultural industries, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas cultural industries produce and disseminate a wide range of content to inform, educate and entertain the public, based increasingly on new technologies and new digital and audiovisual formats, in regard to which the Member States and the European Union must play their part as promoters and regulators, guaranteeing that just and adequate economic rewards accrue to the creators of original content through ensuring adequate and effective protection of copyright and related rights, thereby securing the sustainability of European cultural industries,

| G. | whereas new forms of production, distribution and consumption are emerging in today's information and digital technology society and they are generating new cultural goods and services that need protection from piracy, but also, more generally, suitable entrepreneurial and economic models to ensure the accessibility, opening-up and diversity of products with a cultural content while preserving their specific nature as compared to ordinary commercial products and granting fair remuneration to all categories of right holders for the use made of copyright-protected cultural content, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas new forms of production, distribution and consumption are emerging in today's information and digital technology society and they are generating new cultural goods and services that need protection from piracy, but also, more generally, suitable entrepreneurial and economic models to ensure the accessibility, opening-up and diversity of products with a cultural content while preserving their specific nature as compared to ordinary commercial products and granting fair remuneration to all categories of right holders for the use made of copyright-protected cultural content,

| H. | whereas cultural products and services have special characteristics which distinguish them from other products and services, and which must be taken into account when drawing up and implementing EU policies, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas cultural products and services have special characteristics which distinguish them from other products and services, and which must be taken into account when drawing up and implementing EU policies,

| I. | whereas appropriate and effective protection of copyright and related rights is an essential means to enable creators to be fairly remunerated for their creative efforts within the context of the commercial exploitation of their works, and whereas such protection is therefore indispensable to the survival of cultural industries, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas appropriate and effective protection of copyright and related rights is an essential means to enable creators to be fairly remunerated for their creative efforts within the context of the commercial exploitation of their works, and whereas such protection is therefore indispensable to the survival of cultural industries,

| J. | whereas cultural industries and the creative community have a vital contribution to make towards promoting cultural diversity, ensuring consumer choice, increasing the diversity of entrepreneurship, democratising access to culture, enhancing European identity and integration, and promoting intercultural dialogue, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas cultural industries and the creative community have a vital contribution to make towards promoting cultural diversity, ensuring consumer choice, increasing the diversity of entrepreneurship, democratising access to culture, enhancing European identity and integration, and promoting intercultural dialogue,

| K. | whereas cultural industries contribute significantly to local and regional development and cohesion, since they are a magnet for tourist investments, create new categories of commercial products and services of a ‘local’ nature and, by creating new jobs and economic development opportunities, prevent the social marginalisation of remote or disadvantaged regions, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas cultural industries contribute significantly to local and regional development and cohesion, since they are a magnet for tourist investments, create new categories of commercial products and services of a ‘local’ nature and, by creating new jobs and economic development opportunities, prevent the social marginalisation of remote or disadvantaged regions,

| L. | whereas authors play a fundamental part in the activities of the cultural industries and should therefore be provided with an economic, legal and social environment that will enable the development of their creative potential, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas authors play a fundamental part in the activities of the cultural industries and should therefore be provided with an economic, legal and social environment that will enable the development of their creative potential,

| M. | whereas there is a need to ally culture closely with education and training in order to increase the productive and creative capacity of the cultural sector, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas there is a need to ally culture closely with education and training in order to increase the productive and creative capacity of the cultural sector,

| N. | whereas experience with the ‘European Capitals of Culture’ has shown, in practical terms, how the cultural sector contributes to the economic and social life of the city and the enrichment of its inhabitants, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas experience with the ‘European Capitals of Culture’ has shown, in practical terms, how the cultural sector contributes to the economic and social life of the city and the enrichment of its inhabitants,

| O. | whereas State aid and other subsidies for the benefit of the creative sector should be seen as an investment and not a luxury and must be evaluated equally in accordance with EU rules on competition, annexed the Protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States, Article 151 of the EC Treaty, and the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas State aid and other subsidies for the benefit of the creative sector should be seen as an investment and not a luxury and must be evaluated equally in accordance with EU rules on competition, annexed the Protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States, Article 151 of the EC Treaty, and the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity,

| P. | whereas private and public investment as well as patronage should be encouraged in the cultural sector, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas private and public investment as well as patronage should be encouraged in the cultural sector,

| Q. | whereas concentration in the cultural industries sector poses risks for diversity and the supply of cultural goods to consumers, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas concentration in the cultural industries sector poses risks for diversity and the supply of cultural goods to consumers,

| R. | whereas creativity is a condition for the development of innovation in Europe and European technology companies would benefit from working in symbiosis with creators within ‘clusters’, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas creativity is a condition for the development of innovation in Europe and European technology companies would benefit from working in symbiosis with creators within ‘clusters’,

| S. | whereas there is a need for further support for small and micro businesses and for the promotion of their networks, and for the individual workers in those businesses, who contribute hugely to creating wealth in an economy, and whereas creators should be assisted in pursuing training as creative entrepreneurs and encouraged to live from their creativity, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas there is a need for further support for small and micro businesses and for the promotion of their networks, and for the individual workers in those businesses, who contribute hugely to creating wealth in an economy, and whereas creators should be assisted in pursuing training as creative entrepreneurs and encouraged to live from their creativity,

| T. | whereas the fragmentation of the creative sector in Europe, which can be only partially justified by reasons of language and national identity, and the absence of any genuinely European-scale cultural industries, are liable to limit Europe's cultural role globally, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas the fragmentation of the creative sector in Europe, which can be only partially justified by reasons of language and national identity, and the absence of any genuinely European-scale cultural industries, are liable to limit Europe's cultural role globally,

| U. | whereas cultural diversity and the free flow of ideas have their roots in originality, the multiplicity of identities and equality between men and women, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas cultural diversity and the free flow of ideas have their roots in originality, the multiplicity of identities and equality between men and women,

| V. | whereas equality between men and women is one of the European Union's core values, which is passed on through culture, and whereas that transmission of values furthers European integration, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas equality between men and women is one of the European Union's core values, which is passed on through culture, and whereas that transmission of values furthers European integration,

| W. | whereas gender balance is far from being a reality in the cultural industries, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas gender balance is far from being a reality in the cultural industries,

| X. | whereas women hold positions of responsibility in the cultural industry primarily in SMEs or when they establish their own businesses, |
| --- | --- |

X.

whereas women hold positions of responsibility in the cultural industry primarily in SMEs or when they establish their own businesses,

| Y. | whereas the participation of women in the TIMES sector (telecommunications, Internet, media, e-commerce and software), a basic plank of the cultural industry, is extremely low at only 30 %, and whereas only 20 % of new businesses in that sector are established by women, |
| --- | --- |

Y.

whereas the participation of women in the TIMES sector (telecommunications, Internet, media, e-commerce and software), a basic plank of the cultural industry, is extremely low at only 30 %, and whereas only 20 % of new businesses in that sector are established by women,

| 1. | Welcomes the fact that the Council and the Commission are ready to recognise the central role played by culture and creativity as important factors in promoting European citizenship, bringing the arts closer to the European public and achieving the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, thereby bolstering still further their importance in the development of the European project; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the fact that the Council and the Commission are ready to recognise the central role played by culture and creativity as important factors in promoting European citizenship, bringing the arts closer to the European public and achieving the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, thereby bolstering still further their importance in the development of the European project;

| 2. | Stresses that, within the framework of today's ‘post-industrial economy’, the competitiveness of the European Union will also have to be reinforced by the sectors of culture and creativity; calls, within this framework, on the Commission and the Member States to set as their priorities, policies based not only on entrepreneurial innovation, but on the innovation of cultural actions and creative economies; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses that, within the framework of today's ‘post-industrial economy’, the competitiveness of the European Union will also have to be reinforced by the sectors of culture and creativity; calls, within this framework, on the Commission and the Member States to set as their priorities, policies based not only on entrepreneurial innovation, but on the innovation of cultural actions and creative economies;

| 3. | Notes that cultural industries are key providers of value-added services, which are the basis of a dynamic, knowledge-based economy and should thus be recognised as an important contribution to competitiveness in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes that cultural industries are key providers of value-added services, which are the basis of a dynamic, knowledge-based economy and should thus be recognised as an important contribution to competitiveness in the European Union;

| 4. | Considers that cultural industries, which are an important source of job creation in the European Union, particularly need to harness creative talent; urges the Member States to encourage new, innovative types of life-long learning that foster creative talent; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Considers that cultural industries, which are an important source of job creation in the European Union, particularly need to harness creative talent; urges the Member States to encourage new, innovative types of life-long learning that foster creative talent;

| 5. | Calls on the Council and the Commission to clarify what constitutes the European vision of culture, creativity and innovation and to elaborate structured political measures for practical implementation in order to develop European creative industries, incorporating these in a genuine European strategy for culture; considers that, to this end, the identification of the sector of cultural industries and undertakings is a priority; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Calls on the Council and the Commission to clarify what constitutes the European vision of culture, creativity and innovation and to elaborate structured political measures for practical implementation in order to develop European creative industries, incorporating these in a genuine European strategy for culture; considers that, to this end, the identification of the sector of cultural industries and undertakings is a priority;

| 6. | Calls on the Commission, accordingly, to arrange for the collection of systematic statistics in this area, so that the European Union and the Member States have consistent and comparable statistical data, as these are needed to elaborate suitable targeted policies for promoting the cultural and creative sector; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Calls on the Commission, accordingly, to arrange for the collection of systematic statistics in this area, so that the European Union and the Member States have consistent and comparable statistical data, as these are needed to elaborate suitable targeted policies for promoting the cultural and creative sector;

| 7. | Calls on the Member States to include entrepreneurship studies in national secondary and higher education programmes, particularly in the humanities, arts and culture fields; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Member States to include entrepreneurship studies in national secondary and higher education programmes, particularly in the humanities, arts and culture fields;

| 8. | Calls on the Commission and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy to incorporate Europe's cultural dimension, and specifically its cultural industries and creators, more fully and effectively into the European Union's external relations, as well as into the European Neighbourhood Policy, and at the major forums for dialogue with other regions of the world; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the Commission and the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy to incorporate Europe's cultural dimension, and specifically its cultural industries and creators, more fully and effectively into the European Union's external relations, as well as into the European Neighbourhood Policy, and at the major forums for dialogue with other regions of the world;

| 9. | Considers that flourishing cultural industries depend to a large extent on the opportunities for ensuring cross-frontier mobility, and for this reason the problems of the European arrest warrant must be addressed and specific rules drawn up in this regard, and repeats the requests it set out in this connection in the above resolution on the social status of artists; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Considers that flourishing cultural industries depend to a large extent on the opportunities for ensuring cross-frontier mobility, and for this reason the problems of the European arrest warrant must be addressed and specific rules drawn up in this regard, and repeats the requests it set out in this connection in the above resolution on the social status of artists;

| 10. | Welcomes the idea of promoting mobility for the people, goods and services in the creative sector, with due regard for the rules and principles laid down in the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, and calls on the Commission to present Parliament with a Green Paper on this subject, which does justice to the specificity of the sector as both a cultural and economic asset; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Welcomes the idea of promoting mobility for the people, goods and services in the creative sector, with due regard for the rules and principles laid down in the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, and calls on the Commission to present Parliament with a Green Paper on this subject, which does justice to the specificity of the sector as both a cultural and economic asset;

| 11. | Points to the need to develop a social and economic model which provides a suitable safety network for creative entrepreneurs, principally for those who are self-employed, in the sectors of culture and the creative economy, sectors where there has so far been a high percentage of partial employment and unstable working conditions; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Points to the need to develop a social and economic model which provides a suitable safety network for creative entrepreneurs, principally for those who are self-employed, in the sectors of culture and the creative economy, sectors where there has so far been a high percentage of partial employment and unstable working conditions;

| 12. | Considers that well-organised collective cross-border management of copyright and related rights and business models respectful of the rights of all right holders are essential to allow creative potential to be exploited to the full whilst securing fair remuneration to all categories of right holders; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Considers that well-organised collective cross-border management of copyright and related rights and business models respectful of the rights of all right holders are essential to allow creative potential to be exploited to the full whilst securing fair remuneration to all categories of right holders;

| 13. | Reminds the Commission of its abovementioned resolution of 13 March 2007, and calls for a Community approach taking account of the specific nature of the digital era, the importance of safeguarding European cultural diversity, small stakeholders and local repertoires, on the basis of the principle of equal treatment; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Reminds the Commission of its abovementioned resolution of 13 March 2007, and calls for a Community approach taking account of the specific nature of the digital era, the importance of safeguarding European cultural diversity, small stakeholders and local repertoires, on the basis of the principle of equal treatment;

| 14. | Requests the Commission, to proceed systematically and as soon as possible with the full application of Article 151(4) of the EC Treaty, in order to ensure that culture and the cultural sector are taken into account in all the other Community policies, in particular those relating to the internal market, competition, trade, enterprise and research and development, and to take better account of the special nature of the cultural sector in implementing those policies as well as in external policy relating to the conclusion of international treaties in accordance with the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, and to play a proactive role and improve international cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Requests the Commission, to proceed systematically and as soon as possible with the full application of Article 151(4) of the EC Treaty, in order to ensure that culture and the cultural sector are taken into account in all the other Community policies, in particular those relating to the internal market, competition, trade, enterprise and research and development, and to take better account of the special nature of the cultural sector in implementing those policies as well as in external policy relating to the conclusion of international treaties in accordance with the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity, and to play a proactive role and improve international cooperation;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to inject new life into the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity and fully to take into account the principles on which it is based in their internal and external policies; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to inject new life into the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity and fully to take into account the principles on which it is based in their internal and external policies;

| 16. | Calls on the Commission to put in place a structure for strengthening the coordination of activities and policies which have an impact on the cultural and creative sector and to set up a task force for culture and the creative economy, so as to explore more closely the direct contribution of culture and of creativity on innovation, economic growth and social development in the European Union; and to propose concrete measures in cooperation with Parliament in the context of Community policies; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls on the Commission to put in place a structure for strengthening the coordination of activities and policies which have an impact on the cultural and creative sector and to set up a task force for culture and the creative economy, so as to explore more closely the direct contribution of culture and of creativity on innovation, economic growth and social development in the European Union; and to propose concrete measures in cooperation with Parliament in the context of Community policies;

| 17. | In the context of rapid technological and market evolution, and with a view to ensuring that cultural industries and creators benefit from the development of digital platforms, urges the Commission to rethink the critical issue of intellectual property from the cultural and economic point of view and to invite all those active in the sector, involving in particular telecom operators and Internet service providers, to join forces and seek solutions that are equitable to large and small stakeholders, in the interest of a balance between the opportunities for access to cultural events and content and intellectual property rights that guarantee fair, effective remuneration to all categories of right holders, real choice for consumers, and cultural diversity; draws attention, on this point, to the fact that criminalising consumers who are not seeking to make a profit is not the right solution to combat digital piracy; |
| --- | --- |

17.

In the context of rapid technological and market evolution, and with a view to ensuring that cultural industries and creators benefit from the development of digital platforms, urges the Commission to rethink the critical issue of intellectual property from the cultural and economic point of view and to invite all those active in the sector, involving in particular telecom operators and Internet service providers, to join forces and seek solutions that are equitable to large and small stakeholders, in the interest of a balance between the opportunities for access to cultural events and content and intellectual property rights that guarantee fair, effective remuneration to all categories of right holders, real choice for consumers, and cultural diversity; draws attention, on this point, to the fact that criminalising consumers who are not seeking to make a profit is not the right solution to combat digital piracy;

| 18. | Invites the Commission to take measures relating to prevention, education and awareness-raising among consumers, especially among young people in schools on the value of intellectual property and creativity in general and to encourage consumers to respect intellectual property; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Invites the Commission to take measures relating to prevention, education and awareness-raising among consumers, especially among young people in schools on the value of intellectual property and creativity in general and to encourage consumers to respect intellectual property;

| 19. | Calls on the Commission in particular to support efforts to introduce new business models in the digital age that enable the consumer to reap the full benefits of new technologies and at the same time preserve the legitimate right to payment for artistic and cultural creation; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the Commission in particular to support efforts to introduce new business models in the digital age that enable the consumer to reap the full benefits of new technologies and at the same time preserve the legitimate right to payment for artistic and cultural creation;

| 20. | Calls on the Commission to recognise that, as a result of the Internet, traditional ways of using cultural products and services have completely changed and that it is essential to ensure unimpeded access to online cultural content and to the diversity of cultural expressions, over and above that which is driven by industrial and commercial logic, ensuring moreover, fair remuneration for all categories of right holders; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Calls on the Commission to recognise that, as a result of the Internet, traditional ways of using cultural products and services have completely changed and that it is essential to ensure unimpeded access to online cultural content and to the diversity of cultural expressions, over and above that which is driven by industrial and commercial logic, ensuring moreover, fair remuneration for all categories of right holders;

| 21. | Is of the opinion that a reform of intellectual property rights is vital for promoting creativity and encouraging the development of cultural works; recommends the ‘Paris Accord’ as a framework for a achieving a fair balance of interests between creators and consumers; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Is of the opinion that a reform of intellectual property rights is vital for promoting creativity and encouraging the development of cultural works; recommends the ‘Paris Accord’ as a framework for a achieving a fair balance of interests between creators and consumers;

| 22. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide the necessary resources to ensure that intellectual property rights are respected and protected; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide the necessary resources to ensure that intellectual property rights are respected and protected;

| 23. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to recognise that the Internet is a vast platform for cultural expression, access to knowledge, and democratic participation in European creativity, bringing generations together through the information society; calls on the Commission and the Member States, to avoid adopting measures conflicting with civil liberties and human rights and with the principles of proportionality, effectiveness and dissuasiveness, such as the interruption of Internet access; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to recognise that the Internet is a vast platform for cultural expression, access to knowledge, and democratic participation in European creativity, bringing generations together through the information society; calls on the Commission and the Member States, to avoid adopting measures conflicting with civil liberties and human rights and with the principles of proportionality, effectiveness and dissuasiveness, such as the interruption of Internet access;

| 24. | Urges the Commission, in the fight against piracy, to make all parties, including consumers, aware of their responsibilities and to put in place awareness-raising and education campaigns; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Urges the Commission, in the fight against piracy, to make all parties, including consumers, aware of their responsibilities and to put in place awareness-raising and education campaigns;

| 25. | Considers it essential to have adequate funding for cultural and creative industries as well as for creative communities, and calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to take the action required, recommending mixed methods of funding and financial security, and promoting a regulatory and fiscal framework that favours cultural industries as well as creative communities, and more particularly by applying tax credits and reduced rates of VAT to all cultural products, including online works; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Considers it essential to have adequate funding for cultural and creative industries as well as for creative communities, and calls on the Council, the Commission and the Member States to take the action required, recommending mixed methods of funding and financial security, and promoting a regulatory and fiscal framework that favours cultural industries as well as creative communities, and more particularly by applying tax credits and reduced rates of VAT to all cultural products, including online works;

| 26. | Stresses the significance to the European creative sector of free information infrastructures such as the WorldWideWeb, which are based on open participation models and open standards and asks the Commission to put forward a strategy for more open and interoperable information infrastructures; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Stresses the significance to the European creative sector of free information infrastructures such as the WorldWideWeb, which are based on open participation models and open standards and asks the Commission to put forward a strategy for more open and interoperable information infrastructures;

| 27. | Considers it necessary for the Structural Funds, programmes for SMEs and the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) to give pride of place to development and allocate sufficient funding for the cultural and creative industries, including SMEs and individual artistic undertakings in the field, and repeats its request that the Commission put forward a study on the impact of funding from the Structural Funds, and the Seventh Framework Programme, for the cultural and educational sectors; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Considers it necessary for the Structural Funds, programmes for SMEs and the Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007-2013) to give pride of place to development and allocate sufficient funding for the cultural and creative industries, including SMEs and individual artistic undertakings in the field, and repeats its request that the Commission put forward a study on the impact of funding from the Structural Funds, and the Seventh Framework Programme, for the cultural and educational sectors;

| 28. | Reiterates the importance, and calls for the prioritisation of the European Investment Bank's objectives within the Innovation 2010 Initiative (i2i); encourages the Commission and the Member States to explore further ways of providing financial assistance for the start-up and growth of SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors (for example by means of the Seventh Framework Programme; encourages the use of the Structural Funds to support traditional art and heritage sectors and cultural and innovative industries; calls on the Commission to monitor those activities and help the dissemination of best practices; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Reiterates the importance, and calls for the prioritisation of the European Investment Bank's objectives within the Innovation 2010 Initiative (i2i); encourages the Commission and the Member States to explore further ways of providing financial assistance for the start-up and growth of SMEs in the cultural and creative sectors (for example by means of the Seventh Framework Programme; encourages the use of the Structural Funds to support traditional art and heritage sectors and cultural and innovative industries; calls on the Commission to monitor those activities and help the dissemination of best practices;

| 29. | Calls on the Commission to promote access to cultural industries in connection with technical assistance programmes for third countries, in particular with China, India and Latin America; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Calls on the Commission to promote access to cultural industries in connection with technical assistance programmes for third countries, in particular with China, India and Latin America;

| 30. | Calls on the Commission to encourage and support partnerships between the cultural industries sector and the information and communication technology sectors in order to promote synergies between creativity and innovation within the context of the Lisbon Strategy; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Calls on the Commission to encourage and support partnerships between the cultural industries sector and the information and communication technology sectors in order to promote synergies between creativity and innovation within the context of the Lisbon Strategy;

| 31. | Calls on the Commission to look into the possibility of setting up a programme similar to the MEDIA Programme, complete the procedures for implementing the initiative for the European digital library, stimulate and support the music, theatre and publishing industries in order to facilitate the transnational distribution of works, and, as a preliminary step, set up a mechanism under the ‘Culture’ programme allowing non-audiovisual cultural industries to have access to Community funding to promote books (inter alia by way of joint stands at book fairs), and also promote music and professional training; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Calls on the Commission to look into the possibility of setting up a programme similar to the MEDIA Programme, complete the procedures for implementing the initiative for the European digital library, stimulate and support the music, theatre and publishing industries in order to facilitate the transnational distribution of works, and, as a preliminary step, set up a mechanism under the ‘Culture’ programme allowing non-audiovisual cultural industries to have access to Community funding to promote books (inter alia by way of joint stands at book fairs), and also promote music and professional training;

| 32. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase the amount of aid for translation, as the budgets allocated to the European cultural programmes are not sufficient to enable their aims to be fulfilled; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase the amount of aid for translation, as the budgets allocated to the European cultural programmes are not sufficient to enable their aims to be fulfilled;

| 33. | Considers that there is a need to encourage the cultural and creative sector by improving qualification, apprenticeship and training systems, in particular by seeking to provide students at all levels of education in cultural and artistic disciplines with training that will prepare them for professional life, as well as by encouraging better synergies between businesses in the sector and schools and encouraging closer ties between schools and institutions in the Member States that are already working to that end; considers that there is also a need to make further progress towards the mutual recognition of diplomas in art studies; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Considers that there is a need to encourage the cultural and creative sector by improving qualification, apprenticeship and training systems, in particular by seeking to provide students at all levels of education in cultural and artistic disciplines with training that will prepare them for professional life, as well as by encouraging better synergies between businesses in the sector and schools and encouraging closer ties between schools and institutions in the Member States that are already working to that end; considers that there is also a need to make further progress towards the mutual recognition of diplomas in art studies;

| 34. | Emphasises the special nature of certain professions or crafts and skills in the cultural, creative and craft sectors, the continuity of which must be safeguarded by means of appropriate mechanisms for passing on knowledge; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Emphasises the special nature of certain professions or crafts and skills in the cultural, creative and craft sectors, the continuity of which must be safeguarded by means of appropriate mechanisms for passing on knowledge;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take appropriate steps to enhance the status of traditional skills in order to encourage mobility and facilitate access to employment for those occupied in the relevant sectors in the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take appropriate steps to enhance the status of traditional skills in order to encourage mobility and facilitate access to employment for those occupied in the relevant sectors in the European Union;

| 36. | Calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to women's earning levels in the cultural industry, with a view to ensuring that pay schemes do not result in gender-related salary discrimination; |
| --- | --- |

36.

Calls on the Member States to pay particular attention to women's earning levels in the cultural industry, with a view to ensuring that pay schemes do not result in gender-related salary discrimination;

| 37. | Stresses the important role of cultural industries in the fight against gender stereotypes, promoting equality between men and women and changing mentalities; invites the Member States to encourage cultural industries to transmit those ideas through their initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Stresses the important role of cultural industries in the fight against gender stereotypes, promoting equality between men and women and changing mentalities; invites the Member States to encourage cultural industries to transmit those ideas through their initiatives;

| 38. | Calls on the Member States and their local authorities to ensure better communication between the creative industries and the financiers with the development of services for business management consultancy, financial consultancy, information and training for small businesses, entrepreneurs and those working in the cultural and creative sector; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Member States and their local authorities to ensure better communication between the creative industries and the financiers with the development of services for business management consultancy, financial consultancy, information and training for small businesses, entrepreneurs and those working in the cultural and creative sector;

| 39. | Attaches great importance to the provisions of Directive 2007/65/EC and calls on the Member States to ensure its timely transposition and on the Commission to provide Parliament with information on the implementation of that directive; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Attaches great importance to the provisions of Directive 2007/65/EC and calls on the Member States to ensure its timely transposition and on the Commission to provide Parliament with information on the implementation of that directive;

| 40. | Emphasises the opportunities created by far-reaching, high-speed broadband and by new wireless technologies in the development and dissemination of new innovative cultural services and content across both rural and urban areas in each of the 27 Member States; furthermore, calls on the Member States to give priority to the development of broadband networks in rural and peripheral areas in order to overcome the digital divide; notes that technological advances enable consumers to access cultural content more quickly; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Emphasises the opportunities created by far-reaching, high-speed broadband and by new wireless technologies in the development and dissemination of new innovative cultural services and content across both rural and urban areas in each of the 27 Member States; furthermore, calls on the Member States to give priority to the development of broadband networks in rural and peripheral areas in order to overcome the digital divide; notes that technological advances enable consumers to access cultural content more quickly;

| 41. | Reminds the Commission and the Member States of the position they have so far taken as regards audiovisual services within the framework of international trade talks and calls upon them to continue in future, within the framework of the WTO-GATS negotiations, to make neither offers to liberalise audiovisual services nor demands that they be granted a derogation from the application of most favoured nation treatment; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Reminds the Commission and the Member States of the position they have so far taken as regards audiovisual services within the framework of international trade talks and calls upon them to continue in future, within the framework of the WTO-GATS negotiations, to make neither offers to liberalise audiovisual services nor demands that they be granted a derogation from the application of most favoured nation treatment;

| 42. | Welcomes the creation in 2007 of Parliament's annual film prize (PRIX LUX) as a means of strengthening cultural policy, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, preserving cultural tradition and supporting cultural exchanges; calls for that prize to take account, in particular, of women's participation and creativity in recognition of their contribution to the development and advancement of European cinema; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Welcomes the creation in 2007 of Parliament's annual film prize (PRIX LUX) as a means of strengthening cultural policy, promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, preserving cultural tradition and supporting cultural exchanges; calls for that prize to take account, in particular, of women's participation and creativity in recognition of their contribution to the development and advancement of European cinema;

| 43. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, Unesco and the Council of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

43.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 332, 18.12.2007, p. 27.

(2)  OJ L 201, 25.7.2006, p. 15.

(3)  OJ C 76 E, 25.3.2004, p. 459.

(4)  OJ C 92 E, 16.4.2004, p. 425.

(5)  OJ C 301 E, 13.12.2007, p. 64.

(6)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0236.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/32 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/32

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Thursday 10 April 2008Culture in a globalising world

P6_TA(2008)0124

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world (2007/2211(INI))

2009/C 247 E/07

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 151 of the EC Treaty,

having regard to Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007 to 2013) (1),

having regard to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on 20 October 2005,

having regard to Council Decision 2006/515/EC of 18 May 2006 on the conclusion of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2) (Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity),

having regard to the conclusions issued by the Education, Youth and Culture Council following its meeting of 24 and 25 May 2007 on the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to the achievement of the Lisbon objectives (9021/2007),

having regard to the Commission communication entitled ‘Europe in the World — Some Practical Proposals for Greater Coherence, Effectiveness and Visibility’ (COM(2006)0278),

having regard to the Commission communication of 10 May 2007 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world (COM(2007)0242) and to the related Commission staff working paper (SEC(2007)0570),

having regard to the Council resolution of 16 November 2007 on a European Agenda for Culture (3),

having regard to its resolution of 5 September 2001 on cultural cooperation in the European Union (4),

having regard to its resolution of 4 September 2003 on cultural industries (5),

having regard to Commission Recommendation 2005/737/EC of 18 October 2005 on collective cross-border management of copyright and related rights for legitimate online music services (6),

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education and the opinions of the Committee on Development, the Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Regional Development (A6-0075/2008),

| A. | whereas, without denying the fact that it is wholly desirable to take as open an attitude as possible to every other culture, the European Union has a very special duty to safeguard Europe's cultural richness, implying that the European cultural heritage, in all its dimensions, must, by every means, be preserved, disseminated, and shared both within and outside the Union, |
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A.

whereas, without denying the fact that it is wholly desirable to take as open an attitude as possible to every other culture, the European Union has a very special duty to safeguard Europe's cultural richness, implying that the European cultural heritage, in all its dimensions, must, by every means, be preserved, disseminated, and shared both within and outside the Union,

| B. | whereas, arts and culture are a means towards achieving greater expression and self-awareness in personal and social development and allow individuals and communities to deal with their heritage and memory, and to conceptualise their individual and collective futures, |
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B.

whereas, arts and culture are a means towards achieving greater expression and self-awareness in personal and social development and allow individuals and communities to deal with their heritage and memory, and to conceptualise their individual and collective futures,

| C. | whereas, arts and culture open new forms of dialogue, create spaces of cultural understanding and enable individuals and groups to go beyond their own identity stances, |
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C.

whereas, arts and culture open new forms of dialogue, create spaces of cultural understanding and enable individuals and groups to go beyond their own identity stances,

| D. | whereas, as a field of exchange, debate and creativity and for the production of ideas, arts and culture encourage civic engagement and participation, |
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D.

whereas, as a field of exchange, debate and creativity and for the production of ideas, arts and culture encourage civic engagement and participation,

| E. | whereas Europe's cultural heritage, encompassing its diverse forms of expression and the combination of its founding sources, such as, for example, Graeco-Latin and Judaeo-Christian antiquity, has, over the course of history, placed Europe in the vanguard of all the continents, proved to be an unrivalled driver of innovation, development and progress, which has spread in every direction, and today still constitutes an essential reference point for humanism, spiritual enrichment and enlivenment, democracy, tolerance, and citizenship, |
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E.

whereas Europe's cultural heritage, encompassing its diverse forms of expression and the combination of its founding sources, such as, for example, Graeco-Latin and Judaeo-Christian antiquity, has, over the course of history, placed Europe in the vanguard of all the continents, proved to be an unrivalled driver of innovation, development and progress, which has spread in every direction, and today still constitutes an essential reference point for humanism, spiritual enrichment and enlivenment, democracy, tolerance, and citizenship,

| F. | whereas in an increasingly globalised world, the outstanding specific qualities contained within the nucleus of Europe's cultural richness constitute genuine European added value and their identity-giving role is vital for Europe and the Union in that it helps them to understand the world, bring about cohesion within, emphasise their uniqueness, and assert themselves in relation to other peoples, |
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F.

whereas in an increasingly globalised world, the outstanding specific qualities contained within the nucleus of Europe's cultural richness constitute genuine European added value and their identity-giving role is vital for Europe and the Union in that it helps them to understand the world, bring about cohesion within, emphasise their uniqueness, and assert themselves in relation to other peoples,

| G. | whereas flexibility and mobility are both intrinsic to the practice of artistic professions, |
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G.

whereas flexibility and mobility are both intrinsic to the practice of artistic professions,

| H. | whereas artistic productions bring together European and non-European artists alike and whereas the mobility of artists is being impeded by national policies requiring visas from persons moving within the EU, |
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H.

whereas artistic productions bring together European and non-European artists alike and whereas the mobility of artists is being impeded by national policies requiring visas from persons moving within the EU,

| I. | whereas the particular ways in which the influence of European cultural heritage has over the course of history found expression in other continents must lead to special measures emphasising those factors which serve to build civilisation, mutual understanding, and a constructive approach uniting the peoples represented by such forms of expression, |
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I.

whereas the particular ways in which the influence of European cultural heritage has over the course of history found expression in other continents must lead to special measures emphasising those factors which serve to build civilisation, mutual understanding, and a constructive approach uniting the peoples represented by such forms of expression,

| J. | whereas local and regional authorities play a particularly important role in cultural development and consolidation, especially through safeguarding the cultural heritage and promoting artistic innovation within their boundaries, a factor which should be properly taken into account in reorganising the European agenda for culture in the light of globalisation, |
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J.

whereas local and regional authorities play a particularly important role in cultural development and consolidation, especially through safeguarding the cultural heritage and promoting artistic innovation within their boundaries, a factor which should be properly taken into account in reorganising the European agenda for culture in the light of globalisation,

| K. | whereas non-European immigrants, tourists and other visitors are obliged to respect Europe's cultural heritage, which has a privileged status in the Member States, |
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K.

whereas non-European immigrants, tourists and other visitors are obliged to respect Europe's cultural heritage, which has a privileged status in the Member States,

| L. | whereas, on the one hand, European creators, artists, and cultural industries have a decisive role in the creation of European cultural identity, the sharing of values, and in the continuous development of European citizenship that both transcends the nation state as well as recognises the cultural diversity on a European, national, regional and linguistic scale, |
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L.

whereas, on the one hand, European creators, artists, and cultural industries have a decisive role in the creation of European cultural identity, the sharing of values, and in the continuous development of European citizenship that both transcends the nation state as well as recognises the cultural diversity on a European, national, regional and linguistic scale,

| M. | whereas, on the other hand, European creators, artists, and cultural industries also have a real impact on economic incomes, sources of wealth, and the creation of jobs within the EU, |
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M.

whereas, on the other hand, European creators, artists, and cultural industries also have a real impact on economic incomes, sources of wealth, and the creation of jobs within the EU,

| N. | whereas technological progress means that cultural products are increasingly produced, disseminated and consumed in digital form, and policy must take account of this development, |
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N.

whereas technological progress means that cultural products are increasingly produced, disseminated and consumed in digital form, and policy must take account of this development,

| O. | whereas European cultural industries find themselves in a protected space with regard to trade rules, adequately reflecting European perceptions that cultural products and services differ from other kinds of goods and services, necessitating specific rules, |
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O.

whereas European cultural industries find themselves in a protected space with regard to trade rules, adequately reflecting European perceptions that cultural products and services differ from other kinds of goods and services, necessitating specific rules,

| P. | whereas the EU's major museums and cultural institutions are increasingly carrying out economically significant exchanges with equivalent institutions from elsewhere in the world, which are producing substantial revenue over and above that derived from tourism, |
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P.

whereas the EU's major museums and cultural institutions are increasingly carrying out economically significant exchanges with equivalent institutions from elsewhere in the world, which are producing substantial revenue over and above that derived from tourism,

| Q. | whereas the historical, cultural and archaeological heritage of the Member States deserves maximum protection from the risks of illegal exports and illicit trade in general, as provided by the Convention of 14 November 1970 on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and other applicable international instruments, |
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Q.

whereas the historical, cultural and archaeological heritage of the Member States deserves maximum protection from the risks of illegal exports and illicit trade in general, as provided by the Convention of 14 November 1970 on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and other applicable international instruments,

| R. | whereas the EU must show solidarity in protecting the cultural heritage of third countries, in particular those with the weakest cultural sectors, and actively prevent the illegal import of cultural works which are protected in their State of origin, |
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R.

whereas the EU must show solidarity in protecting the cultural heritage of third countries, in particular those with the weakest cultural sectors, and actively prevent the illegal import of cultural works which are protected in their State of origin,

| S. | whereas the EU's trade balance in cultural goods and services is unfavourable, |
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S.

whereas the EU's trade balance in cultural goods and services is unfavourable,

| T. | whereas economic globalisation and the build-up of global cultural industries challenge linguistic and cultural diversity which are values in themselves, therefore making it important to find a European common approach to these challenges, |
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T.

whereas economic globalisation and the build-up of global cultural industries challenge linguistic and cultural diversity which are values in themselves, therefore making it important to find a European common approach to these challenges,

| U. | whereas the tourism industry and related services are one of the points where international trade and culture converge, and in relations between the EU and third countries may be the best means of giving European cultural destinations a higher profile while at the same time benefiting trade, thus helping to ensure social, cultural and environmental sustainability, |
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U.

whereas the tourism industry and related services are one of the points where international trade and culture converge, and in relations between the EU and third countries may be the best means of giving European cultural destinations a higher profile while at the same time benefiting trade, thus helping to ensure social, cultural and environmental sustainability,

| V. | whereas there are hardly any reliable and meaningful statistics on international trade in cultural goods and services, |
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V.

whereas there are hardly any reliable and meaningful statistics on international trade in cultural goods and services,

| W. | whereas digital technologies are to be understood as a novel way of disseminating cultural products and services globally which can advance cross-cultural understanding under the premise of free and fair access and respect for cultural and linguistic divergences, |
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W.

whereas digital technologies are to be understood as a novel way of disseminating cultural products and services globally which can advance cross-cultural understanding under the premise of free and fair access and respect for cultural and linguistic divergences,

| X. | whereas new media technologies, including open source based Internet portals and services and their development, are acquiring an increasing amount of content in order to be competitive, |
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X.

whereas new media technologies, including open source based Internet portals and services and their development, are acquiring an increasing amount of content in order to be competitive,

| Y. | whereas these developments pose unprecedented challenges that call for new thinking on how to manage and regulate issues that affect the protection of intellectual property rights, piracy and unauthorised digitalisation, taking into account the need for an appropriate balance between fair access to cultural products and services and new forms of artistic and intellectual creation, |
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Y.

whereas these developments pose unprecedented challenges that call for new thinking on how to manage and regulate issues that affect the protection of intellectual property rights, piracy and unauthorised digitalisation, taking into account the need for an appropriate balance between fair access to cultural products and services and new forms of artistic and intellectual creation,

| Z. | whereas counterfeiting and piracy of cultural products lead to job losses in the EU, and undermine the competitiveness of cultural industries and the quality of products, which particularly affect Member States which derive their basic revenue from the production of cultural goods and their use for economic purposes, |
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Z.

whereas counterfeiting and piracy of cultural products lead to job losses in the EU, and undermine the competitiveness of cultural industries and the quality of products, which particularly affect Member States which derive their basic revenue from the production of cultural goods and their use for economic purposes,

| AA. | whereas ultimate power has been conferred on the Commission to protect intellectual property rights of European industries in all international forums as well as before those trade partners that do not have adequate legislation in this field, |
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AA.

whereas ultimate power has been conferred on the Commission to protect intellectual property rights of European industries in all international forums as well as before those trade partners that do not have adequate legislation in this field,

| AB. | whereas culture is specifically included in the EU's free-trade agreements (FTAs) and other trade instruments, |
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AB.

whereas culture is specifically included in the EU's free-trade agreements (FTAs) and other trade instruments,

| AC. | whereas culture and language are driving forces behind regional development and greatly help to attract incoming investment, especially in underdeveloped regions, poor in natural resources or tourist attractions, and whereas artists and cultural institutions play a decisive role in forming the identity of regions and increasing their attractiveness in the European integration process, |
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AC.

whereas culture and language are driving forces behind regional development and greatly help to attract incoming investment, especially in underdeveloped regions, poor in natural resources or tourist attractions, and whereas artists and cultural institutions play a decisive role in forming the identity of regions and increasing their attractiveness in the European integration process,

| AD. | whereas culture, as a sector that both provides jobs and fosters economic growth, is particularly important for the development of towns (especially small and medium sized ones) and rural areas, and whereas, in the social sphere, cultural identity is an important factor in fostering integration and greater social cohesion in regions and local communities, |
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AD.

whereas culture, as a sector that both provides jobs and fosters economic growth, is particularly important for the development of towns (especially small and medium sized ones) and rural areas, and whereas, in the social sphere, cultural identity is an important factor in fostering integration and greater social cohesion in regions and local communities,

| AE. | whereas support can be given under cohesion and rural development policies to restoring the cultural heritage and promoting the artistic trades, with a view to increasing the attractiveness of regions, |
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AE.

whereas support can be given under cohesion and rural development policies to restoring the cultural heritage and promoting the artistic trades, with a view to increasing the attractiveness of regions,

| AF. | whereas SMEs and private capital should play an increasingly important role in the cultural sector and should be brought into play in the implementation of projects and measures in this field, particularly through public/private partnerships (PPPs), |
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AF.

whereas SMEs and private capital should play an increasingly important role in the cultural sector and should be brought into play in the implementation of projects and measures in this field, particularly through public/private partnerships (PPPs),

| 1. | Welcomes the Commission communication on a European agenda for culture and endorses the aims set out therein; notes that it has pointed on several occasions to the essential role of culture in imparting structure to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy and establishing a new pillar of global governance and sustainable development; |
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1.

Welcomes the Commission communication on a European agenda for culture and endorses the aims set out therein; notes that it has pointed on several occasions to the essential role of culture in imparting structure to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy and establishing a new pillar of global governance and sustainable development;

| 2. | Likewise welcomes the fact that the abovementioned Commission communication has been well received by the Council, as reflected in the Council resolution of 16 November 2007; |
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2.

Likewise welcomes the fact that the abovementioned Commission communication has been well received by the Council, as reflected in the Council resolution of 16 November 2007;

| 3. | Underlines that local, regional and national authorities play a key role in developing and fostering culture, especially in protecting cultural heritage, as well as promoting artistic innovation and creative industries; |
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3.

Underlines that local, regional and national authorities play a key role in developing and fostering culture, especially in protecting cultural heritage, as well as promoting artistic innovation and creative industries;

| 4. | Welcomes the fact that the Commission is addressing the mobility of artists and culture sector professionals; |
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4.

Welcomes the fact that the Commission is addressing the mobility of artists and culture sector professionals;

| 5. | Points to the need to promote the emergence and mobility of young European artists; |
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5.

Points to the need to promote the emergence and mobility of young European artists;

| 6. | Regrets that no reference to the role of the large number of partnerships between cities, local authorities and regions has been made in establishing a European agenda for culture in a globalising world; |
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6.

Regrets that no reference to the role of the large number of partnerships between cities, local authorities and regions has been made in establishing a European agenda for culture in a globalising world;

| 7. | Highlights the fact that the cultural sector plays an important part in attaining the objectives of the renewed Lisbon strategy and draws attention to the importance of culture in creating a good and dynamic living environment, notably through the tremendous opportunities afforded by cultural tourism for the economic development of many regions; |
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7.

Highlights the fact that the cultural sector plays an important part in attaining the objectives of the renewed Lisbon strategy and draws attention to the importance of culture in creating a good and dynamic living environment, notably through the tremendous opportunities afforded by cultural tourism for the economic development of many regions;

| 8. | Points out that in the light of Article 151 of the Treaty, action in the culture sector, which must not undermine cultural diversity and national identities, has to take the form of cooperation policies and partnership agreements between Member States; also points to the role of the regions of the European Union as an important forum for cultural cooperation; |
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8.

Points out that in the light of Article 151 of the Treaty, action in the culture sector, which must not undermine cultural diversity and national identities, has to take the form of cooperation policies and partnership agreements between Member States; also points to the role of the regions of the European Union as an important forum for cultural cooperation;

| 9. | Is concerned that the communication fails to clarify the ongoing problem concerning misunderstandings about culture in terms of contemporary and traditional arts, European heritage and the profit-driven and profitable ‘creative industries’. Moreover, the objectives set out in the agenda generally represent culture as having important social, economic, political and more generally ‘instrumental’ value but do not incorporate the issue of culture as a value in itself (culture qua culture); |
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9.

Is concerned that the communication fails to clarify the ongoing problem concerning misunderstandings about culture in terms of contemporary and traditional arts, European heritage and the profit-driven and profitable ‘creative industries’. Moreover, the objectives set out in the agenda generally represent culture as having important social, economic, political and more generally ‘instrumental’ value but do not incorporate the issue of culture as a value in itself (culture qua culture);

| 10. | Is concerned that in the debate on intercultural and cultural dialogue and on what is meant by ‘culture’, it is often understood that culture unites people together rather than being a moderator of differences. In this context, Jean Monnet could be quoted: those young people ‘acquainted with all that is great and good in different cultures, without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become Europeans’; |
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10.

Is concerned that in the debate on intercultural and cultural dialogue and on what is meant by ‘culture’, it is often understood that culture unites people together rather than being a moderator of differences. In this context, Jean Monnet could be quoted: those young people ‘acquainted with all that is great and good in different cultures, without ceasing to look to their own lands with love and pride, they will become Europeans’;

| 11. | Believes that if Article 151(4) of the Treaty is to be implemented completely and coherently, the specific features of the culture sector, not least its creative and innovative potential and its social significance have to be taken into account as cultural and economic goods so that culture can fully assume its rightful place within the Lisbon strategy; |
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11.

Believes that if Article 151(4) of the Treaty is to be implemented completely and coherently, the specific features of the culture sector, not least its creative and innovative potential and its social significance have to be taken into account as cultural and economic goods so that culture can fully assume its rightful place within the Lisbon strategy;

| 12. | Believes that the Commission's objective to further develop dialogue with civil society in the cultural sector is crucial to the development of a coherent European agenda for culture, and that only through such structured dialogue could European policies genuinely reflect the realities and demands of European artists and cultural operators; |
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12.

Believes that the Commission's objective to further develop dialogue with civil society in the cultural sector is crucial to the development of a coherent European agenda for culture, and that only through such structured dialogue could European policies genuinely reflect the realities and demands of European artists and cultural operators;

| 13. | Calls on the Commission to submit recommendations for the protection of digital rights management systems which take equal account of the requirements of the EU internal market and of the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity; |
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13.

Calls on the Commission to submit recommendations for the protection of digital rights management systems which take equal account of the requirements of the EU internal market and of the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity;

| 14. | Stresses that cultural productivity and artists’ creativity must be guaranteed in a sustainable manner, but that this presupposes a secure social situation for artists, including an appropriate legal framework in the areas of tax, labour, social security and copyright law; |
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14.

Stresses that cultural productivity and artists’ creativity must be guaranteed in a sustainable manner, but that this presupposes a secure social situation for artists, including an appropriate legal framework in the areas of tax, labour, social security and copyright law;

| 15. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to breathe life into the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity and to take full account of the Convention's underlying principles in its internal and external policies; |
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15.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to breathe life into the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity and to take full account of the Convention's underlying principles in its internal and external policies;

| 16. | Reminds the Commission that the Community is duty-bound to implement the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity when exercising the competences it enjoys in policy areas which are covered by the Convention, namely ‘the common commercial policy, development cooperation policy, economic, financial and technical cooperation with third countries, free movement of goods, persons, services and capital, competition, and the internal market, including intellectual property’ (7); |
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16.

Reminds the Commission that the Community is duty-bound to implement the Unesco Convention on the Protection of Cultural Diversity when exercising the competences it enjoys in policy areas which are covered by the Convention, namely ‘the common commercial policy, development cooperation policy, economic, financial and technical cooperation with third countries, free movement of goods, persons, services and capital, competition, and the internal market, including intellectual property’ (7);

| 17. | Believes that the existing Community programmes in the culture sector do not fully reflect the implications of Europeans’ common cultural heritage, and calls on the Commission, therefore, to propose that specific programmes be drawn up in order to foster artistic creativity and preserve the links, on a wider scale and at a deeper seated level, with the goods and values, both tangible and intangible, that constitute European cultural heritage and to enable those goods and values to interact according to the humanist conception of identities and differences and in present-day cultural works, thus making it possible to reap and share their benefits; |
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17.

Believes that the existing Community programmes in the culture sector do not fully reflect the implications of Europeans’ common cultural heritage, and calls on the Commission, therefore, to propose that specific programmes be drawn up in order to foster artistic creativity and preserve the links, on a wider scale and at a deeper seated level, with the goods and values, both tangible and intangible, that constitute European cultural heritage and to enable those goods and values to interact according to the humanist conception of identities and differences and in present-day cultural works, thus making it possible to reap and share their benefits;

| 18. | Stresses that the programmes in the culture sector will all do a great deal to foster cohesion, real convergence, economic growth, sustainable development, innovation, employment and competitiveness; |
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18.

Stresses that the programmes in the culture sector will all do a great deal to foster cohesion, real convergence, economic growth, sustainable development, innovation, employment and competitiveness;

| 19. | Points out that the EU has an essential role to play in taking practical measures genuinely conducive to the mobility of European and non-Community artists; |
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19.

Points out that the EU has an essential role to play in taking practical measures genuinely conducive to the mobility of European and non-Community artists;

| 20. | Calls for a specific visa to be introduced for artists to enable them to accept immediately when they are offered a very short professional engagement; |
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20.

Calls for a specific visa to be introduced for artists to enable them to accept immediately when they are offered a very short professional engagement;

| 21. | Reiterates the strategic importance of the attractive EU cultural project — the European Capital of Culture scheme — which gives a significant boost to the social and economic development of cities and regions by injecting European added value; |
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21.

Reiterates the strategic importance of the attractive EU cultural project — the European Capital of Culture scheme — which gives a significant boost to the social and economic development of cities and regions by injecting European added value;

| 22. | Asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the strong and effective cooperation between the 2007 to 2011 European Capitals of Culture and the 2010 Cultural Cities Network, which brings together more than 20 towns and cities from Hungary, Germany and Turkey to work together on the development of their own European cultural objectives, to join the Capitals of Culture in their preparations for 2010 and to present their projects simultaneously at a wide range of different locations; |
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22.

Asks the Commission to pay particular attention to the strong and effective cooperation between the 2007 to 2011 European Capitals of Culture and the 2010 Cultural Cities Network, which brings together more than 20 towns and cities from Hungary, Germany and Turkey to work together on the development of their own European cultural objectives, to join the Capitals of Culture in their preparations for 2010 and to present their projects simultaneously at a wide range of different locations;

| 23. | Maintains that mobility and flexibility are the only means of both ensuring the survival of creative activity in the individual Member States and of fostering a European cultural identity; |
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23.

Maintains that mobility and flexibility are the only means of both ensuring the survival of creative activity in the individual Member States and of fostering a European cultural identity;

| 24. | Recommends to the Council and to the Commission that a programme be drawn up with a view to enhancing the prestige of Europe's classical heritage and the historic contributions of national cultures in all their dimensions down through the centuries, and that such a programme should exist alongside and complement the ‘Culture’ framework programme for 2007 to 2013 while also allowing for the needs of the culture sector in the future; |
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24.

Recommends to the Council and to the Commission that a programme be drawn up with a view to enhancing the prestige of Europe's classical heritage and the historic contributions of national cultures in all their dimensions down through the centuries, and that such a programme should exist alongside and complement the ‘Culture’ framework programme for 2007 to 2013 while also allowing for the needs of the culture sector in the future;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission to intensify the policies in support of literary translation provided for in the ‘Culture Programme (2007 to 2013)’; |
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25.

Calls on the Commission to intensify the policies in support of literary translation provided for in the ‘Culture Programme (2007 to 2013)’;

| 26. | Calls on the Commission to draw up a programme aimed at developing the promotion of European languages in the world and their role in creative artistic activity in other continents, so as to facilitate both mutual knowledge and understanding and the cultural interaction generated and conveyed by those languages in their extra-European dimensions; |
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26.

Calls on the Commission to draw up a programme aimed at developing the promotion of European languages in the world and their role in creative artistic activity in other continents, so as to facilitate both mutual knowledge and understanding and the cultural interaction generated and conveyed by those languages in their extra-European dimensions;

| 27. | Calls on the Commission to enhance and promote international cultural exchanges and the acquisition of cultural skills and multilingualism among the citizens of the European Union; |
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27.

Calls on the Commission to enhance and promote international cultural exchanges and the acquisition of cultural skills and multilingualism among the citizens of the European Union;

| 28. | Stresses that, in view of the designation of 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the European Union should put the values of intercultural dialogue into practice and open itself up to other cultures and promote and develop opportunities for cooperation by proposing an interesting range of cultural programmes to European third countries, in particular those covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, for whom involvement in joint cultural programmes would have an extremely important mobilising influence; |
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28.

Stresses that, in view of the designation of 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the European Union should put the values of intercultural dialogue into practice and open itself up to other cultures and promote and develop opportunities for cooperation by proposing an interesting range of cultural programmes to European third countries, in particular those covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, for whom involvement in joint cultural programmes would have an extremely important mobilising influence;

| 29. | Proposes that Parliament, the Council, the Commission, and the Member States undertake to establish conditions genuinely conducive to culture and creative activity in every walk of life in the Union, focusing in particular on the family, schools, lifelong learning, the mass media, and the world of digital technologies; |
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29.

Proposes that Parliament, the Council, the Commission, and the Member States undertake to establish conditions genuinely conducive to culture and creative activity in every walk of life in the Union, focusing in particular on the family, schools, lifelong learning, the mass media, and the world of digital technologies;

| 30. | Maintains that specific cultural projects must continue to be promoted at European level, the European digital library being one example; calls for the library to be set up more rapidly; |
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30.

Maintains that specific cultural projects must continue to be promoted at European level, the European digital library being one example; calls for the library to be set up more rapidly;

| 31. | Supports the numerous cultural partnership arrangements between towns, communities and regions, which are of great importance for the social development of the regions and the promotion of cultural innovation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide every support for local, regional and interregional cultural initiatives as an essential factor in the process of regional and European integration in the face of global challenges; |
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31.

Supports the numerous cultural partnership arrangements between towns, communities and regions, which are of great importance for the social development of the regions and the promotion of cultural innovation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to provide every support for local, regional and interregional cultural initiatives as an essential factor in the process of regional and European integration in the face of global challenges;

| 32. | Points out that teaching of the arts and literature has an important part to play in rounding out the personalities of young people, awakening and fostering their vocations, and enabling them to enjoy cultural goods and values to the full; |
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32.

Points out that teaching of the arts and literature has an important part to play in rounding out the personalities of young people, awakening and fostering their vocations, and enabling them to enjoy cultural goods and values to the full;

| 33. | Stresses the need for the school syllabuses in all Member States to include a common history of the European Union teaching programme to promote European identity and culture in the context of globalisation; |
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33.

Stresses the need for the school syllabuses in all Member States to include a common history of the European Union teaching programme to promote European identity and culture in the context of globalisation;

| 34. | Maintains that it is important, both in schools and in society, to build innovative bridges between culture and research, science, and technology, and to have programmes covering these matters; |
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34.

Maintains that it is important, both in schools and in society, to build innovative bridges between culture and research, science, and technology, and to have programmes covering these matters;

| 35. | Calls on the Commission to devise means in order to identify sectors in crisis in European cultural industries, focusing particular attention on the publishing market, in which the trend has been such that high-quality creative writing is now in danger of being eclipsed by best-sellers, and on the world of music-making, where quality and diversity are likewise under threat due to piracy and the worldwide spread of digital technologies by the concentration processes entailed in collective rights management; |
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35.

Calls on the Commission to devise means in order to identify sectors in crisis in European cultural industries, focusing particular attention on the publishing market, in which the trend has been such that high-quality creative writing is now in danger of being eclipsed by best-sellers, and on the world of music-making, where quality and diversity are likewise under threat due to piracy and the worldwide spread of digital technologies by the concentration processes entailed in collective rights management;

| 36. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to employ the means needed to enforce and protect literary and artistic property rights, especially in the digital environment; |
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36.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to employ the means needed to enforce and protect literary and artistic property rights, especially in the digital environment;

| 37. | Believes that the foundations should be laid for genuine European cultural diplomacy and calls on the Member States and the Community institutions to strengthen the cultural element of their diplomatic representation and embark on regular organised initiatives devoted to European culture; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Believes that the foundations should be laid for genuine European cultural diplomacy and calls on the Member States and the Community institutions to strengthen the cultural element of their diplomatic representation and embark on regular organised initiatives devoted to European culture;

| 38. | Calls on the Member States and the Community institutions to encourage initiatives aimed at developing cultural tourism; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Calls on the Member States and the Community institutions to encourage initiatives aimed at developing cultural tourism;

| 39. | Recommends that the Council and the Commission compile and promote a list of ‘cultural places of pilgrimage’ in all the Member States with a view to organising specific initiatives and events to take place regularly in these monuments to, and powerhouses of, culture; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Recommends that the Council and the Commission compile and promote a list of ‘cultural places of pilgrimage’ in all the Member States with a view to organising specific initiatives and events to take place regularly in these monuments to, and powerhouses of, culture;

| 40. | Believes that a European heritage label should be established with a view to emphasising the European dimension of cultural goods, monuments, memorial sites, and places of remembrance, which all bear witness to Europe's history and heritage; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Believes that a European heritage label should be established with a view to emphasising the European dimension of cultural goods, monuments, memorial sites, and places of remembrance, which all bear witness to Europe's history and heritage;

| 41. | Recommends that the Council and the Commission support and promote the Council of Europe's European Cultural Routes programme, launched in 1987, since the routes in question constitute exemplary networks encompassing regions and local communities and bear witness to Europe's heritage and shared history; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Recommends that the Council and the Commission support and promote the Council of Europe's European Cultural Routes programme, launched in 1987, since the routes in question constitute exemplary networks encompassing regions and local communities and bear witness to Europe's heritage and shared history;

| 42. | Proposes that the Council and the Commission establish a European arts sponsorship scheme and the designation of ‘European patron of the arts’ so as to enable the public and private sectors to enter into effective partnerships consistent with the aims of the Commission's proposed action; |
| --- | --- |

42.

Proposes that the Council and the Commission establish a European arts sponsorship scheme and the designation of ‘European patron of the arts’ so as to enable the public and private sectors to enter into effective partnerships consistent with the aims of the Commission's proposed action;

| 43. | Proposes also that prestigious European prizes, awarded on a regular basis, be established for every sphere of creative artistic activity; |
| --- | --- |

43.

Proposes also that prestigious European prizes, awarded on a regular basis, be established for every sphere of creative artistic activity;

| 44. | Suggests also that the profile of the existing prizes be raised and their effects assessed; |
| --- | --- |

44.

Suggests also that the profile of the existing prizes be raised and their effects assessed;

| 45. | Suggests that, in view of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin, a brilliant composer who has made an undeniable contribution to world culture, 2010 should be designated the ‘European Year of Fryderyk Chopin’; |
| --- | --- |

45.

Suggests that, in view of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Fryderyk Chopin, a brilliant composer who has made an undeniable contribution to world culture, 2010 should be designated the ‘European Year of Fryderyk Chopin’;

| 46. | Suggests that the year 2011 be designated ‘European Year of the Greek and Latin Classics’ in order to make the peoples of the Union more aware of this essential aspect of cultural heritage now in danger of being forgotten; |
| --- | --- |

46.

Suggests that the year 2011 be designated ‘European Year of the Greek and Latin Classics’ in order to make the peoples of the Union more aware of this essential aspect of cultural heritage now in danger of being forgotten;

| 47. | Recommends that the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, in the interest of promoting European cultural values and demonstrating its commitment to culture, should start regularly organising and supporting a European Year commemorating a significant European personality, artistic activity or cultural event; |
| --- | --- |

47.

Recommends that the Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, in the interest of promoting European cultural values and demonstrating its commitment to culture, should start regularly organising and supporting a European Year commemorating a significant European personality, artistic activity or cultural event;

| 48. | Suggests that improvements be made as regards promotion of, access to, and publicity concerning these measures; |
| --- | --- |

48.

Suggests that improvements be made as regards promotion of, access to, and publicity concerning these measures;

| 49. | Points out to the Council that the intended budgetary funding for the measures proposed in the Commission communication and those already in existence need to be reviewed immediately and as a matter of urgency; |
| --- | --- |

49.

Points out to the Council that the intended budgetary funding for the measures proposed in the Commission communication and those already in existence need to be reviewed immediately and as a matter of urgency;

| 50. | Urges the Commission and the Council to guarantee that the rules governing commercial relations at both the bilateral and the multilateral level are transparent, fair, open, and market-access oriented; further insists that these rules must allow European cultural industries to develop all their potential, particularly in the audiovisual, musical and publishing sectors; |
| --- | --- |

50.

Urges the Commission and the Council to guarantee that the rules governing commercial relations at both the bilateral and the multilateral level are transparent, fair, open, and market-access oriented; further insists that these rules must allow European cultural industries to develop all their potential, particularly in the audiovisual, musical and publishing sectors;

| 51. | Calls on the Commission to revise the mechanisms for customs control and exchange of information with the Member States to ensure that they are as effective as possible in combating illegal exports and imports of works of art and other protected cultural goods; |
| --- | --- |

51.

Calls on the Commission to revise the mechanisms for customs control and exchange of information with the Member States to ensure that they are as effective as possible in combating illegal exports and imports of works of art and other protected cultural goods;

| 52. | Calls on the Commission to take the appropriate measures to initiate a thorough revision of the protection of intellectual property rights, in order to better balance the conflicting goals of right-holder protection and free and fair access to cultural products and services in the EU's acquis communautaire, World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and EU bilateral agreements in order to eradicate the root causes of counterfeiting and piracy; |
| --- | --- |

52.

Calls on the Commission to take the appropriate measures to initiate a thorough revision of the protection of intellectual property rights, in order to better balance the conflicting goals of right-holder protection and free and fair access to cultural products and services in the EU's acquis communautaire, World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and EU bilateral agreements in order to eradicate the root causes of counterfeiting and piracy;

| 53. | Calls on the Commission to use its powers to ensure that all trading partners enforce the obligations of the agreements within the framework of WTO and international trade law, including the potential activation of dispute-settlement instruments provided for by international agreements; |
| --- | --- |

53.

Calls on the Commission to use its powers to ensure that all trading partners enforce the obligations of the agreements within the framework of WTO and international trade law, including the potential activation of dispute-settlement instruments provided for by international agreements;

| 54. | Calls on the Commission to develop a reliable and coherent set of indicators and instruments to measure and evaluate international trade in cultural products; |
| --- | --- |

54.

Calls on the Commission to develop a reliable and coherent set of indicators and instruments to measure and evaluate international trade in cultural products;

| 55. | Taking into account that cultural tourism is an ever growing segment of the cultural industry worldwide, calls on the Commission to incorporate into EU trade policy agreements clauses on the spread of and trade in products with cultural and historical value; |
| --- | --- |

55.

Taking into account that cultural tourism is an ever growing segment of the cultural industry worldwide, calls on the Commission to incorporate into EU trade policy agreements clauses on the spread of and trade in products with cultural and historical value;

| 56. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increasingly take into account the clauses of the EUs FTAs and other trade instruments that deal with trade in cultural products when following up these trade agreements; |
| --- | --- |

56.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increasingly take into account the clauses of the EUs FTAs and other trade instruments that deal with trade in cultural products when following up these trade agreements;

| 57. | Stresses the importance of supporting the transborder flow of cultural products through enhanced mobility of artists and workers in the cultural sector; considers that transborder mobility of European arts and culture has a significant role to play in disseminating European values as well as maintaining and developing cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue; |
| --- | --- |

57.

Stresses the importance of supporting the transborder flow of cultural products through enhanced mobility of artists and workers in the cultural sector; considers that transborder mobility of European arts and culture has a significant role to play in disseminating European values as well as maintaining and developing cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;

| 58. | Calls on the Commission to identify possible non-tariff barriers imposed by third countries in commercial transactions for certain European cultural goods and services and, if necessary, to take steps to eliminate them; |
| --- | --- |

58.

Calls on the Commission to identify possible non-tariff barriers imposed by third countries in commercial transactions for certain European cultural goods and services and, if necessary, to take steps to eliminate them;

| 59. | Stresses, in this regard, that the EU should support and facilitate access to its market in cultural products and services as regards developing countries, paying particular attention to the positive impact that this may have on job creation and technological development in their cultural industries, |
| --- | --- |

59.

Stresses, in this regard, that the EU should support and facilitate access to its market in cultural products and services as regards developing countries, paying particular attention to the positive impact that this may have on job creation and technological development in their cultural industries,

| 60. | Calls on the Commission to propose specific cultural actions and events that would promote European culture in developing countries, while giving access to culture priority in development policies; |
| --- | --- |

60.

Calls on the Commission to propose specific cultural actions and events that would promote European culture in developing countries, while giving access to culture priority in development policies;

| 61. | Supports the systematic integration of the cultural dimension and the various aspects of culture in all external and development policies, projects and programmes, as a means of strengthening the quality of the Commission's diplomatic efforts and the viability and sustainability of all EU cooperation activities and of stepping up measures to raise public awareness of the importance of the cultural aspect of development activities; |
| --- | --- |

61.

Supports the systematic integration of the cultural dimension and the various aspects of culture in all external and development policies, projects and programmes, as a means of strengthening the quality of the Commission's diplomatic efforts and the viability and sustainability of all EU cooperation activities and of stepping up measures to raise public awareness of the importance of the cultural aspect of development activities;

| 62. | Welcomes the establishment of specific cultural cooperation programmes of an inter-dependent nature with some partner countries in the ENP region, in Asia and elsewhere, such as the Culture Fund for India; |
| --- | --- |

62.

Welcomes the establishment of specific cultural cooperation programmes of an inter-dependent nature with some partner countries in the ENP region, in Asia and elsewhere, such as the Culture Fund for India;

| 63. | Welcomes the Commission's proposal to create an EU-ACP Cultural Fund as a joint EU contribution to supporting the distribution and production of ACP cultural goods, noting that the 10th European Development Fund will provide start-up funds that will be complemented by contributions from the Member States; |
| --- | --- |

63.

Welcomes the Commission's proposal to create an EU-ACP Cultural Fund as a joint EU contribution to supporting the distribution and production of ACP cultural goods, noting that the 10th European Development Fund will provide start-up funds that will be complemented by contributions from the Member States;

| 64. | Calls on the Commission to promote compliance with international agreements and other legal instruments with a bearing on cultural rights in order to ensure cultural freedom and safeguard diversity and its manifestations in the face of market liberalisation plans that threaten cultural diversity in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

64.

Calls on the Commission to promote compliance with international agreements and other legal instruments with a bearing on cultural rights in order to ensure cultural freedom and safeguard diversity and its manifestations in the face of market liberalisation plans that threaten cultural diversity in developing countries;

| 65. | Calls on the Commission to promote cultural exchanges between the EU and third countries and regions; |
| --- | --- |

65.

Calls on the Commission to promote cultural exchanges between the EU and third countries and regions;

| 66. | Asks the Commission to promote the incorporation of cultural policy in development cooperation policy, in particular with regard to social and economic measures; |
| --- | --- |

66.

Asks the Commission to promote the incorporation of cultural policy in development cooperation policy, in particular with regard to social and economic measures;

| 67. | Invites the Commission to ensure that all its cooperation programmes and projects take account of local culture and contribute to increasing people's access to culture and to the means of cultural expression, in addition to tackling poverty and reducing social exclusion; underlines the importance of education, including advocacy for the integration of culture in education curricula at all levels in developing countries; |
| --- | --- |

67.

Invites the Commission to ensure that all its cooperation programmes and projects take account of local culture and contribute to increasing people's access to culture and to the means of cultural expression, in addition to tackling poverty and reducing social exclusion; underlines the importance of education, including advocacy for the integration of culture in education curricula at all levels in developing countries;

| 68. | Reminds the Commission that the development of cultural heritage is inextricably linked to public use and enjoyment of it and that cultural heritage should be managed in a sustainable manner in view of its transitory nature; considers, too, that the management of cultural heritage should necessarily be economically viable and consequently play a part in improving the socio-economic conditions in which people live; |
| --- | --- |

68.

Reminds the Commission that the development of cultural heritage is inextricably linked to public use and enjoyment of it and that cultural heritage should be managed in a sustainable manner in view of its transitory nature; considers, too, that the management of cultural heritage should necessarily be economically viable and consequently play a part in improving the socio-economic conditions in which people live;

| 69. | Supports the active involvement of the EU in the work of international organisations dealing with culture and in the United Nations ‘Alliance of Civilisations’ process; |
| --- | --- |

69.

Supports the active involvement of the EU in the work of international organisations dealing with culture and in the United Nations ‘Alliance of Civilisations’ process;

| 70. | Acknowledges the significance of the plans for a European cultural agenda, but notes that the Commission communication on that agenda fails to provide any details regarding its funding or any practical plan for employing the open method of coordination; calls on the Commission to supply those details at the earliest opportunity; |
| --- | --- |

70.

Acknowledges the significance of the plans for a European cultural agenda, but notes that the Commission communication on that agenda fails to provide any details regarding its funding or any practical plan for employing the open method of coordination; calls on the Commission to supply those details at the earliest opportunity;

| 71. | Emphasises the important role played by local and regional authorities in fostering and nurturing culture in their areas, above all in the sphere of cultural heritage and as patrons of artistic innovation, as the bodies responsible for providing and sponsoring cultural amenities and initiatives and education and training and as organisers of festivals and cultural encounters; |
| --- | --- |

71.

Emphasises the important role played by local and regional authorities in fostering and nurturing culture in their areas, above all in the sphere of cultural heritage and as patrons of artistic innovation, as the bodies responsible for providing and sponsoring cultural amenities and initiatives and education and training and as organisers of festivals and cultural encounters;

| 72. | Recommends that the Member States involve local and regional authorities in the process not only of monitoring results, but also of implementing any new EU cultural agenda, so that the cultural policy actually implemented reflects the specific expectations and needs of the regions; |
| --- | --- |

72.

Recommends that the Member States involve local and regional authorities in the process not only of monitoring results, but also of implementing any new EU cultural agenda, so that the cultural policy actually implemented reflects the specific expectations and needs of the regions;

| 73. | Draws attention to the need to promote cultural diversity and to give culture a significant role in dialogue not only between individual countries but also between regions throughout the world, promoting intercultural exchanges and including culture in development programmes; supports the idea of the integrated approach to creating strategies for culture, including all sectors and factors that directly or indirectly influence the development of culture; |
| --- | --- |

73.

Draws attention to the need to promote cultural diversity and to give culture a significant role in dialogue not only between individual countries but also between regions throughout the world, promoting intercultural exchanges and including culture in development programmes; supports the idea of the integrated approach to creating strategies for culture, including all sectors and factors that directly or indirectly influence the development of culture;

| 74. | Stresses that cultural tourism plays a significant role in regional economic growth and wealth creation and in enhancing the value of Europe's cultural heritage and that regional cultural associations and those active in the arts must be involved in this process; |
| --- | --- |

74.

Stresses that cultural tourism plays a significant role in regional economic growth and wealth creation and in enhancing the value of Europe's cultural heritage and that regional cultural associations and those active in the arts must be involved in this process;

| 75. | Regrets the fact that the Commission pays too little attention to twinning arrangements between towns, municipalities and regions, which have for many years provided an excellent forum for cultural cooperation and information exchange; |
| --- | --- |

75.

Regrets the fact that the Commission pays too little attention to twinning arrangements between towns, municipalities and regions, which have for many years provided an excellent forum for cultural cooperation and information exchange;

| 76. | Calls on the Commission to promote best practices in cultural activities at European level, drawing attention to the fact that most best practices in this area are generated at regional level; suggests that thematic conferences be organised and that publicly accessible best-practice databases be set up in all the official languages of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

76.

Calls on the Commission to promote best practices in cultural activities at European level, drawing attention to the fact that most best practices in this area are generated at regional level; suggests that thematic conferences be organised and that publicly accessible best-practice databases be set up in all the official languages of the European Union;

| 77. | Bearing in mind the forthcoming European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, stresses the role which the regions can play as a genuine cultural meeting point; calls on the Commission to put forward firm proposals for activities for 2008 and to actively involve the regions in the planning and implementation of these activities; |
| --- | --- |

77.

Bearing in mind the forthcoming European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, stresses the role which the regions can play as a genuine cultural meeting point; calls on the Commission to put forward firm proposals for activities for 2008 and to actively involve the regions in the planning and implementation of these activities;

| 78. | Agrees with the Commission that the EU's cultural and linguistic diversity is a major competitive asset; reminds the Member States that language teaching and educational and cultural exchange programmes within and outside the European Union need continuous support; recalls the role of television broadcasting in the field of intercultural exchange; |
| --- | --- |

78.

Agrees with the Commission that the EU's cultural and linguistic diversity is a major competitive asset; reminds the Member States that language teaching and educational and cultural exchange programmes within and outside the European Union need continuous support; recalls the role of television broadcasting in the field of intercultural exchange;

| 79. | Calls on the Commission to support cultural initiatives in regional cooperation projects, including at town level, especially in small and medium-sized towns, inter alia by means of the Interreg IV C programme, and to incorporate a cultural dimension into the regions for economic change initiative; |
| --- | --- |

79.

Calls on the Commission to support cultural initiatives in regional cooperation projects, including at town level, especially in small and medium-sized towns, inter alia by means of the Interreg IV C programme, and to incorporate a cultural dimension into the regions for economic change initiative;

| 80. | Calls on the Member States to support culture in the regions by investing in cultural infrastructure, making use of structural funding, and to draw up regional cultural development programmes in consultation with the cultural and education sectors and with civil society; |
| --- | --- |

80.

Calls on the Member States to support culture in the regions by investing in cultural infrastructure, making use of structural funding, and to draw up regional cultural development programmes in consultation with the cultural and education sectors and with civil society;

| 81. | Calls on the Commission and the Member States to lay down straightforward, transparent and clear rules for the implementation of PPPs, so that they may become an effective means of funding cultural ventures in the regions and may facilitate more active involvement on the part of SMEs; |
| --- | --- |

81.

Calls on the Commission and the Member States to lay down straightforward, transparent and clear rules for the implementation of PPPs, so that they may become an effective means of funding cultural ventures in the regions and may facilitate more active involvement on the part of SMEs;

| 82. | Welcomes the Commission's proposal to set up an EU-ACP Cultural Fund as an EU contribution to the distribution of ACP and OCT cultural goods; takes the view that similar arrangements should be put in place for neighbourhood policy countries in particular, |
| --- | --- |

82.

Welcomes the Commission's proposal to set up an EU-ACP Cultural Fund as an EU contribution to the distribution of ACP and OCT cultural goods; takes the view that similar arrangements should be put in place for neighbourhood policy countries in particular,

| 83. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and to Unesco and the Council of Europe. |
| --- | --- |

83.

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

---

(1)  OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1.

(2)  OJ L 201, 25.7.2006, p. 15.

(3)  OJ C 287, 29.11.2007, p. 1.

(4)  OJ C 72 E, 21.3.2002, p. 142.

(5)  OJ C 76 E, 25.3.2004, p. 459.

(6)  OJ C 301 E, 13.12.2007, p. 64.

(7)  Answer to Written Question P-5554/07.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/41 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/41

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Thursday 10 April 2008Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU action

P6_TA(2008)0125

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the Commission Green Paper on ‘Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU action’ (COM(2007)0354)

2009/C 247 E/08

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission Green Paper on Adapting to climate change in Europe — options for EU action (COM(2007)0354) (Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change),

having regard to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and, in particular, Article 2 and Article 4(1)(b), (e) and (f) thereof, the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC and the procedures for its implementation,

having regard to the Commission Communication entitled ‘Strategy for the Outermost Regions: Achievements and Future Prospects’ (COM(2007)0507),

having regard to the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and, in particular, the contribution of Working Group II to that report,

having regard to the United Nations Security Council debate of 17 April 2007 on the impact of climate change on peace and security,

having regard to the thirteenth Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the UNFCCC and the third Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP 3), held in Bali, Indonesia, from 3 to 15 December 2007,

having regard to its previous resolutions regarding climate change, and in particular those of 16 November 2005 on winning the battle against global climate change (1), 18 January 2006 on climate change (2), which dealt with the outcome of the Montreal Conference (COP 11-COP/MOP 1), 4 July 2006 on reducing the climate change impact of aviation (3), 14 February 2007 on climate change (4), and 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/MOP3) (5),

having regard to Oral Question B6-0014/2008 by the Temporary Committee on Climate Change, tabled pursuant to Rule 108 of its Rules of Procedure, and to the statements in that context by the Council and the Commission,

having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Brussels European Council of 8 to 9 March 2007,

having regard to the Commission Work Programme for 2008,

having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas, according to the contribution of Working Group II to the IPCC AR4, it is expected that nearly all European regions will be negatively affected by future impacts of climate change; whereas these impacts will present challenges to many economic sectors, but will also pose a further threat to European biodiversity and interfere with social development, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas, according to the contribution of Working Group II to the IPCC AR4, it is expected that nearly all European regions will be negatively affected by future impacts of climate change; whereas these impacts will present challenges to many economic sectors, but will also pose a further threat to European biodiversity and interfere with social development,

| B. | whereas regional scientific observation from all continents and many oceans provides evidence that nature is being affected by climate change mostly due to temperature rise but also to other changing climate impacts; whereas that observed temperature rise is caused by human activity and influences physical and biological systems, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas regional scientific observation from all continents and many oceans provides evidence that nature is being affected by climate change mostly due to temperature rise but also to other changing climate impacts; whereas that observed temperature rise is caused by human activity and influences physical and biological systems,

| C. | whereas the EU should consider to what extent adaptation to climate change can pave the way for a new model for economic growth and development that protects the environment, enhances employment and gives a new dimension to social policies, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the EU should consider to what extent adaptation to climate change can pave the way for a new model for economic growth and development that protects the environment, enhances employment and gives a new dimension to social policies,

| D. | whereas climate change is a problem that concerns modern societies as a whole and all levels of governance, from the EU level and public authorities to individual citizens, can and should thus play an important role in adaptation measures, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas climate change is a problem that concerns modern societies as a whole and all levels of governance, from the EU level and public authorities to individual citizens, can and should thus play an important role in adaptation measures,

| E. | whereas adaptation measures to prevent damage are not only needed to respond to the future impacts of climate change inside and outside Europe, but also have to be developed and applied now to respond regionally and locally to consequences of current levels of global warming because of historical greenhouse gas emissions; whereas such adaptation measures require a truly cross-cutting approach and the inclusion of social, economic and environmental aspects in the broad sense, |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas adaptation measures to prevent damage are not only needed to respond to the future impacts of climate change inside and outside Europe, but also have to be developed and applied now to respond regionally and locally to consequences of current levels of global warming because of historical greenhouse gas emissions; whereas such adaptation measures require a truly cross-cutting approach and the inclusion of social, economic and environmental aspects in the broad sense,

| F. | whereas numerous studies and models exist, of a regional or local scale, on the likely impact of climate change; whereas, in many such studies, there is no equivalent examination of the socio-economic dimension and the predictable consequences for the populations concerned, |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas numerous studies and models exist, of a regional or local scale, on the likely impact of climate change; whereas, in many such studies, there is no equivalent examination of the socio-economic dimension and the predictable consequences for the populations concerned,

| G. | whereas, at the EU level, the monitoring of climate change and the coordination of measures to tackle it should be a priority in order to facilitate a common strategy as regards the problem, |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas, at the EU level, the monitoring of climate change and the coordination of measures to tackle it should be a priority in order to facilitate a common strategy as regards the problem,

| H. | whereas investment, both public and private, in research and development activities for climate change will be paramount in ensuring that adaptation and mitigation efforts are as effective as possible in limiting the consequences of climate change, |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas investment, both public and private, in research and development activities for climate change will be paramount in ensuring that adaptation and mitigation efforts are as effective as possible in limiting the consequences of climate change,

| I. | whereas national research into climate change needs to be coordinated with research conducted under the Seventh Framework Programme, |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas national research into climate change needs to be coordinated with research conducted under the Seventh Framework Programme,

| J. | whereas adaptation to climate change has been less in the focus of public debate following a clear emphasis on the necessary mitigation measures to limit global warming, |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas adaptation to climate change has been less in the focus of public debate following a clear emphasis on the necessary mitigation measures to limit global warming,

| K. | whereas meeting the EU target to halt global warming at 2 °C would still mean a warming scenario for Europe marked by extreme regional climate changes, with a number of consequences for the populations concerned, the local and regional economy and the environment, leading to a further increase in existing inequalities and regional disparities regarding resources and assets in Europe, |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas meeting the EU target to halt global warming at 2 °C would still mean a warming scenario for Europe marked by extreme regional climate changes, with a number of consequences for the populations concerned, the local and regional economy and the environment, leading to a further increase in existing inequalities and regional disparities regarding resources and assets in Europe,

| L. | whereas research into the preconditions for, and understanding of, extreme weather events should be stepped up as a necessary basis for preventive measures, including the implementation of early-warning systems, and actions in the future to avoid casualties and harm to people, property, biodiversity and the environment, and whereas tools to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures have to be developed, |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas research into the preconditions for, and understanding of, extreme weather events should be stepped up as a necessary basis for preventive measures, including the implementation of early-warning systems, and actions in the future to avoid casualties and harm to people, property, biodiversity and the environment, and whereas tools to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures have to be developed,

| M. | whereas an approach towards adaptation mechanisms which is based solely on a cost-benefit analysis does not seem appropriate, as it is foreseeable that in Europe too the poorest will be hardest hit, because they generally lack sufficient insurance, information and mobility to respond to a changing environment, |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas an approach towards adaptation mechanisms which is based solely on a cost-benefit analysis does not seem appropriate, as it is foreseeable that in Europe too the poorest will be hardest hit, because they generally lack sufficient insurance, information and mobility to respond to a changing environment,

| N. | whereas a bottom-up approach, with communities experiencing the negative consequences of climate change presenting the techniques they have found successful in combating those consequences, would be a helpful indicator for the EU to work as an umbrella in promoting strategies, developing relevant support programmes and leading policy coordination through scientific, regional or local networks and partnerships, |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas a bottom-up approach, with communities experiencing the negative consequences of climate change presenting the techniques they have found successful in combating those consequences, would be a helpful indicator for the EU to work as an umbrella in promoting strategies, developing relevant support programmes and leading policy coordination through scientific, regional or local networks and partnerships,

| O. | whereas a key component of responding to the impact of climate change is to increase and improve professional and public education regarding adaptation action, |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas a key component of responding to the impact of climate change is to increase and improve professional and public education regarding adaptation action,

| P. | whereas it is evident that climate change affects development achievements and threatens successful development in Europe, but has a much stronger impact on developing countries; whereas the issue of financing adaptation measures has to be further assessed both within the EU and in terms of providing support to developing countries, |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas it is evident that climate change affects development achievements and threatens successful development in Europe, but has a much stronger impact on developing countries; whereas the issue of financing adaptation measures has to be further assessed both within the EU and in terms of providing support to developing countries,

| Q. | whereas, according to the concept of mainstreaming, adaptation to climate change has to be included in the decision-making process on questions such as how and where to invest; whereas debates during that decision-making process have to involve local and regional stakeholders and decision makers alike, |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas, according to the concept of mainstreaming, adaptation to climate change has to be included in the decision-making process on questions such as how and where to invest; whereas debates during that decision-making process have to involve local and regional stakeholders and decision makers alike,

| R. | whereas the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change neither specifically recognises the geographic, climatic and developmental exceptions represented by the EU's outermost regions, which are likely to be vulnerable in different ways from those to be expected for mainland Europe, nor specifically examines the climate conditions of urban areas or highly populated parts of Europe, |
| --- | --- |

R.

whereas the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change neither specifically recognises the geographic, climatic and developmental exceptions represented by the EU's outermost regions, which are likely to be vulnerable in different ways from those to be expected for mainland Europe, nor specifically examines the climate conditions of urban areas or highly populated parts of Europe,

| S. | whereas climate change is likely to affect those regions which, given their topographical features, are particularly dependent on the dynamics of nature (inter alia glacial zones and mountainous regions), thereby exposing the local economy, culture and the population as a whole to great pressures and adaptation costs, while potentially further increasing regional disparities, |
| --- | --- |

S.

whereas climate change is likely to affect those regions which, given their topographical features, are particularly dependent on the dynamics of nature (inter alia glacial zones and mountainous regions), thereby exposing the local economy, culture and the population as a whole to great pressures and adaptation costs, while potentially further increasing regional disparities,

| T. | whereas southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin are two of the most vulnerable areas in Europe which are already coping with water scarcity, droughts and forest fires, |
| --- | --- |

T.

whereas southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin are two of the most vulnerable areas in Europe which are already coping with water scarcity, droughts and forest fires,

| U. | whereas successful adaptation strategies to meet unavoidable climate change will require the support of education and communication through the involvement of the mass media and of citizens’ participation in environmental issues, |
| --- | --- |

U.

whereas successful adaptation strategies to meet unavoidable climate change will require the support of education and communication through the involvement of the mass media and of citizens’ participation in environmental issues,

| V. | whereas the World Health Organisation estimates that 60 000 deaths per year are already attributable to climate-related natural disasters; whereas the IPCC AR4 highlights the impact of climate change on public health; whereas there are serious concerns about the propagation of tropical diseases and their vectors to temperate regions; whereas, as a particular consequence of this, health care facilities targeted on the most vulnerable sections of society are likely to have to adapt to climate change to the greatest extent, |
| --- | --- |

V.

whereas the World Health Organisation estimates that 60 000 deaths per year are already attributable to climate-related natural disasters; whereas the IPCC AR4 highlights the impact of climate change on public health; whereas there are serious concerns about the propagation of tropical diseases and their vectors to temperate regions; whereas, as a particular consequence of this, health care facilities targeted on the most vulnerable sections of society are likely to have to adapt to climate change to the greatest extent,

| W. | whereas climate change will cause further serious damage to already vulnerable and threatened ecosystems and will impact on European biodiversity; whereas such damage will be most severely felt indirectly through the degradation of ecosystems fundamental to human wellbeing; whereas the protection of ecosystems must therefore be the basis for an EU adaptation strategy; whereas soil is the largest terrestrial pool of organic carbon and unadapted soil management practices are contributing to reducing that pool; whereas it is necessary to reverse that trend and ensure that appropriate measures to maintain and, where possible, increase soil organic carbon form an integral part of an EU adaptation strategy, |
| --- | --- |

W.

whereas climate change will cause further serious damage to already vulnerable and threatened ecosystems and will impact on European biodiversity; whereas such damage will be most severely felt indirectly through the degradation of ecosystems fundamental to human wellbeing; whereas the protection of ecosystems must therefore be the basis for an EU adaptation strategy; whereas soil is the largest terrestrial pool of organic carbon and unadapted soil management practices are contributing to reducing that pool; whereas it is necessary to reverse that trend and ensure that appropriate measures to maintain and, where possible, increase soil organic carbon form an integral part of an EU adaptation strategy,

| 1. | Welcomes the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change and the stakeholder consultation process; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Welcomes the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change and the stakeholder consultation process;

| 2. | Underlines the importance of strong interconnectivity between adaptation and mitigation efforts to use synergies for limiting the consequences of climate change; calls on the Commission to examine how to balance both efforts mutually in order to improve their effectiveness with a view to developing a clear holistic strategy; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Underlines the importance of strong interconnectivity between adaptation and mitigation efforts to use synergies for limiting the consequences of climate change; calls on the Commission to examine how to balance both efforts mutually in order to improve their effectiveness with a view to developing a clear holistic strategy;

| 3. | Recognises that, although issues are presented in the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change on a sectoral basis, many of the sectors referred to therein are strongly interdependent; considers that impacts on, and adaptation decisions made in, one sector will often have an effect on other sectors, and therefore asks the Commission to take into account those interactions in implementing adaptation measures; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Recognises that, although issues are presented in the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change on a sectoral basis, many of the sectors referred to therein are strongly interdependent; considers that impacts on, and adaptation decisions made in, one sector will often have an effect on other sectors, and therefore asks the Commission to take into account those interactions in implementing adaptation measures;

| 4. | Affirms the need for further scientific modelling and studies on a risk-based approach to better analyse, understand and predict the human and social impacts of climate change in relation to the EU mitigation target of 2 °C and the dimension of necessary local or regional adaptation; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Affirms the need for further scientific modelling and studies on a risk-based approach to better analyse, understand and predict the human and social impacts of climate change in relation to the EU mitigation target of 2 °C and the dimension of necessary local or regional adaptation;

| 5. | Asks the Commission to carry out a study on the economics of adaptation, to develop scenarios establishing a balance sheet of adaptation costs and benefits and to stimulate and anticipate economic action; underlines the importance of using a sectoral bottom-up approach taking into account the differences in Europe's natural habitats such as mountainous areas or island regions; calls on the Commission to chart the shifts in employment in both growing and shrinking sectors; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Asks the Commission to carry out a study on the economics of adaptation, to develop scenarios establishing a balance sheet of adaptation costs and benefits and to stimulate and anticipate economic action; underlines the importance of using a sectoral bottom-up approach taking into account the differences in Europe's natural habitats such as mountainous areas or island regions; calls on the Commission to chart the shifts in employment in both growing and shrinking sectors;

| 6. | Invites the Commission to coordinate and support the scientific preparation of a common European database on vulnerabilities so as to understand how societal groups and the European cultural and national heritage would be affected and how societies could react to the consequences of climate change in the future; believes that databases including other important information on adaptation activities and policies, such as indices, policies and measures, should also be established; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Invites the Commission to coordinate and support the scientific preparation of a common European database on vulnerabilities so as to understand how societal groups and the European cultural and national heritage would be affected and how societies could react to the consequences of climate change in the future; believes that databases including other important information on adaptation activities and policies, such as indices, policies and measures, should also be established;

| 7. | Calls on the Commission to coordinate the existing environmental data monitoring networks and, where appropriate, to combine them with new structures, with a view to compiling databases containing homogeneous measurements that can be used to produce models enabling the action most urgently required at continental, regional and local level to be identified; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the Commission to coordinate the existing environmental data monitoring networks and, where appropriate, to combine them with new structures, with a view to compiling databases containing homogeneous measurements that can be used to produce models enabling the action most urgently required at continental, regional and local level to be identified;

| 8. | Invites the Commission to examine how to further develop and support a pan-European network of universities, social partners, civil society organisations, operational organisations, in particular national weather-forecasting organisations, which have extensive data resources, and local or regional decision makers in order to promote cross- sector partnerships on adaptation for the exchange of knowledge and policies as well as for the development of tools measuring the success of measures adopted and communication or dissemination of scientific findings and scenarios on necessary adaptation to climate change to the public; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Invites the Commission to examine how to further develop and support a pan-European network of universities, social partners, civil society organisations, operational organisations, in particular national weather-forecasting organisations, which have extensive data resources, and local or regional decision makers in order to promote cross- sector partnerships on adaptation for the exchange of knowledge and policies as well as for the development of tools measuring the success of measures adopted and communication or dissemination of scientific findings and scenarios on necessary adaptation to climate change to the public;

| 9. | Considers that, in order to make research into the impact of climate change more effective, research conducted under the Seventh Framework Programme should be coordinated with research conducted at national level (particularly space-based Earth observation programmes); |
| --- | --- |

9.

Considers that, in order to make research into the impact of climate change more effective, research conducted under the Seventh Framework Programme should be coordinated with research conducted at national level (particularly space-based Earth observation programmes);

| 10. | Considers that the EU has to undertake substantial efforts to increase technological development in adaptation measures in order to support its economy and transfer those technologies to the developing world; believes that development of effective, safe and cheap technologies is an essential way in which to adapt to climate change and considers that the next Conference/Meeting of the Parties in Poznan (COP 14) should focus on that issue; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Considers that the EU has to undertake substantial efforts to increase technological development in adaptation measures in order to support its economy and transfer those technologies to the developing world; believes that development of effective, safe and cheap technologies is an essential way in which to adapt to climate change and considers that the next Conference/Meeting of the Parties in Poznan (COP 14) should focus on that issue;

| 11. | Asks the Commission to include adaptation when drawing up and modifying existing and all forthcoming legislation, strategies and funding projects with a spatial impact, so as to limit the effects of climate change; calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive analysis of existing European financial instruments and their use for climate change adaptation measures in their original fields of application and to indicate where additional funding would be needed; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Asks the Commission to include adaptation when drawing up and modifying existing and all forthcoming legislation, strategies and funding projects with a spatial impact, so as to limit the effects of climate change; calls on the Commission to carry out a comprehensive analysis of existing European financial instruments and their use for climate change adaptation measures in their original fields of application and to indicate where additional funding would be needed;

| 12. | Strongly urges the Council to reach a decision, without further delay, on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), bearing in mind that Parliament adopted its position as long ago as on 18 May 2006 (6); believes that the proposed regulation, which, along with other measures, lowers the thresholds for the mobilisation of the EUSF, will make it possible to address damage caused by natural or man-made disasters in a more effective, flexible and timely manner; insists that such financial instrument is very important, especially since natural disasters are also expected to increase in the future because of climate change; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Strongly urges the Council to reach a decision, without further delay, on the proposal for a regulation establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), bearing in mind that Parliament adopted its position as long ago as on 18 May 2006 (6); believes that the proposed regulation, which, along with other measures, lowers the thresholds for the mobilisation of the EUSF, will make it possible to address damage caused by natural or man-made disasters in a more effective, flexible and timely manner; insists that such financial instrument is very important, especially since natural disasters are also expected to increase in the future because of climate change;

| 13. | Invites the Commission to consider including financial measures for adaptation in the next long-term financial framework for regional policies and structural funds, as well as to propose that additional resources be allocated to finding innovative solutions to address climate change; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Invites the Commission to consider including financial measures for adaptation in the next long-term financial framework for regional policies and structural funds, as well as to propose that additional resources be allocated to finding innovative solutions to address climate change;

| 14. | Points out that strategic guidelines for EU cohesion policy explicitly spell out the need to strengthen synergies between the environment and growth; states that regional policy programmes invest in infrastructure in the areas of water, waste and air, biodiversity, promotion of land-use planning, and public transport; underlines the fact that they contribute to meeting climate commitments and fostering risk prevention measures through innovative public management policies including, for example, preventative monitoring; points also to the need for the Commission and the Member States to step up the coordination of civil protection organisation and contingency planning; points, in this respect, to the work of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Programme; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Points out that strategic guidelines for EU cohesion policy explicitly spell out the need to strengthen synergies between the environment and growth; states that regional policy programmes invest in infrastructure in the areas of water, waste and air, biodiversity, promotion of land-use planning, and public transport; underlines the fact that they contribute to meeting climate commitments and fostering risk prevention measures through innovative public management policies including, for example, preventative monitoring; points also to the need for the Commission and the Member States to step up the coordination of civil protection organisation and contingency planning; points, in this respect, to the work of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Programme;

| 15. | Stresses the need for Member States to use rural development funds to enhance adaptation to climate change in agriculture and forestry; recalls the role that soil organic matter plays in terms of soil fertility and water retention capacity and as a carbon sink and invites the Community to adopt and support appropriate soil management practices that maintain soil organic matter levels across European soils as an effective way for adapting to increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns; underlines the need for adequate crisis prevention and risk management measures at the Community level as well as at national and regional levels, as the number of crises will clearly rise in the future, with particular reference to a systematic land management effort ensuring longer water retention times and a lower fire burden on forests; believes that risk management should be made an integral and explicit part of EU cohesion policy; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Stresses the need for Member States to use rural development funds to enhance adaptation to climate change in agriculture and forestry; recalls the role that soil organic matter plays in terms of soil fertility and water retention capacity and as a carbon sink and invites the Community to adopt and support appropriate soil management practices that maintain soil organic matter levels across European soils as an effective way for adapting to increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns; underlines the need for adequate crisis prevention and risk management measures at the Community level as well as at national and regional levels, as the number of crises will clearly rise in the future, with particular reference to a systematic land management effort ensuring longer water retention times and a lower fire burden on forests; believes that risk management should be made an integral and explicit part of EU cohesion policy;

| 16. | Calls for the Commission to propose an EU-wide framework for adaptation planning and preparedness; emphasises the need to take due account of the subsidiarity principle in tackling the consequences of climate change through concrete adaptive measures, as regions and local authorities in Europe will be more able to respond with political answers to their own experiences; underlines, however, the need for coherence and coordination as regards adaptation plans at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Calls for the Commission to propose an EU-wide framework for adaptation planning and preparedness; emphasises the need to take due account of the subsidiarity principle in tackling the consequences of climate change through concrete adaptive measures, as regions and local authorities in Europe will be more able to respond with political answers to their own experiences; underlines, however, the need for coherence and coordination as regards adaptation plans at EU level;

| 17. | Underlines the key role which local communities play in fighting climate change; calls, therefore, for the implementation of integrated sustainable urban, regional and rural development strategies which take full account of mitigation and adaptation measures, and for scientific studies to be conducted to analyse the infrastructures most suited to addressing climate change; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Underlines the key role which local communities play in fighting climate change; calls, therefore, for the implementation of integrated sustainable urban, regional and rural development strategies which take full account of mitigation and adaptation measures, and for scientific studies to be conducted to analyse the infrastructures most suited to addressing climate change;

| 18. | Calls for closer cooperation and exchanges of best practises between European institutions and regional and local authorities and among those in the development of construction, utilities and services aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral status in their respective areas, such as district heating schemes, improved recycling services, integrated public transport, energy-efficient and water-efficient buildings, increased production and use of alternative energy, and more provision of public information on energy consumption; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Calls for closer cooperation and exchanges of best practises between European institutions and regional and local authorities and among those in the development of construction, utilities and services aiming to achieve a carbon-neutral status in their respective areas, such as district heating schemes, improved recycling services, integrated public transport, energy-efficient and water-efficient buildings, increased production and use of alternative energy, and more provision of public information on energy consumption;

| 19. | Underlines the fact that the agricultural sector is one of the most vulnerable to climate change but has at the same time been accused of causing environmental damage; believes that adaptation measures in this sector must work towards reducing vulnerability and increasing sustainability from both an environmental and an economic perspective; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Underlines the fact that the agricultural sector is one of the most vulnerable to climate change but has at the same time been accused of causing environmental damage; believes that adaptation measures in this sector must work towards reducing vulnerability and increasing sustainability from both an environmental and an economic perspective;

| 20. | Underlines the fact that gradual adaptation of the agricultural sector to the new needs resulting from climate change should be examined as part of the ‘health check’; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Underlines the fact that gradual adaptation of the agricultural sector to the new needs resulting from climate change should be examined as part of the ‘health check’;

| 21. | Emphasises that the agricultural sector can adapt to climate change and mitigate the effects by implementing legislation that steps up sustainability and promotes new ways to use and manage water and other natural resources; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Emphasises that the agricultural sector can adapt to climate change and mitigate the effects by implementing legislation that steps up sustainability and promotes new ways to use and manage water and other natural resources;

| 22. | Stresses the importance of Member States and the Commission in identifying the transport infrastructure which could be most affected by changing climate conditions and where additional efforts and investments are needed to ensure continued and safe functioning; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses the importance of Member States and the Commission in identifying the transport infrastructure which could be most affected by changing climate conditions and where additional efforts and investments are needed to ensure continued and safe functioning;

| 23. | Applauds the significant outcome of MOP 3 in Bali to put into operation the Adaptation Fund, bringing together concrete adaptation projects with funds from a levy on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects undertaken in developing countries that are parties to the Kyoto Protocol; underlines the fact that this breakthrough decision to finance adaptation in developing countries independently of donors was taken before the Bali Action Plan was adopted; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Applauds the significant outcome of MOP 3 in Bali to put into operation the Adaptation Fund, bringing together concrete adaptation projects with funds from a levy on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects undertaken in developing countries that are parties to the Kyoto Protocol; underlines the fact that this breakthrough decision to finance adaptation in developing countries independently of donors was taken before the Bali Action Plan was adopted;

| 24. | Stresses the need to ensure that, as part of environmental impact assessment, all building permits and urban plans take into account different adaptation scenarios to prevent investments in incompatible infrastructure; points out that in many cases it would be more appropriate not to develop vulnerable areas, or to renaturate already developed areas, than to construct defences to prepare for adverse climate effects; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Stresses the need to ensure that, as part of environmental impact assessment, all building permits and urban plans take into account different adaptation scenarios to prevent investments in incompatible infrastructure; points out that in many cases it would be more appropriate not to develop vulnerable areas, or to renaturate already developed areas, than to construct defences to prepare for adverse climate effects;

| 25. | Regards cooperation to support the poorer parts of Europe and the developing world as imperative, since those areas are likely to be the worst hit by climate change but least able to deal with its consequences; regrets that the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change does not sufficiently address the need for cooperation on adaptation between the EU and developing countries; highlights in particular the need for technology transfer and capacity building; in this context welcomes the Commission's initiative to launch a Global Climate Change Alliance, but stresses that it is currently grossly underfunded; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Regards cooperation to support the poorer parts of Europe and the developing world as imperative, since those areas are likely to be the worst hit by climate change but least able to deal with its consequences; regrets that the Green Paper on Adapting to Climate Change does not sufficiently address the need for cooperation on adaptation between the EU and developing countries; highlights in particular the need for technology transfer and capacity building; in this context welcomes the Commission's initiative to launch a Global Climate Change Alliance, but stresses that it is currently grossly underfunded;

| 26. | Recognises a conditional link between development goals and both mitigation and adaptation to climate change; emphasises that climate change must be mainstreamed into all EU development cooperation, including existing partnership programmes such as the EUROMED dialogue or the EU-Africa energy partnership; emphasises also the great importance of strengthening partnerships with developing countries to enhance efforts to avoid deforestation, providing both mitigation and adaptation benefits; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Recognises a conditional link between development goals and both mitigation and adaptation to climate change; emphasises that climate change must be mainstreamed into all EU development cooperation, including existing partnership programmes such as the EUROMED dialogue or the EU-Africa energy partnership; emphasises also the great importance of strengthening partnerships with developing countries to enhance efforts to avoid deforestation, providing both mitigation and adaptation benefits;

| 27. | Calls for significant and predictable financial instruments to be developed in the framework of EU policies, such as the Emission Trading Scheme, in order to assist developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change as well as to provide funds for adaptation policies within Member States; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Calls for significant and predictable financial instruments to be developed in the framework of EU policies, such as the Emission Trading Scheme, in order to assist developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change as well as to provide funds for adaptation policies within Member States;

| 28. | Points out that climate change could accelerate diminishing access to natural resources; invites the Commission to consider further measures for adapting to new challenges in ensuring security of food and energy supplies; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Points out that climate change could accelerate diminishing access to natural resources; invites the Commission to consider further measures for adapting to new challenges in ensuring security of food and energy supplies;

| 29. | Invites the Commission to examine on a European level, and in the international context, how to incorporate necessary adaptation in response to climate change into development plans and budget negotiations; invites the Commission to investigate how to apply such measures to sectoral policies to steer public and private funding and investments; underlines the fact that such incorporation efforts must cover the fields of science, mainstreaming, awareness raising, information, cooperation and monitoring, clearly following criteria checked regularly for compliance to justify further support and with reporting back to Parliament and the Council; |
| --- | --- |

29.

Invites the Commission to examine on a European level, and in the international context, how to incorporate necessary adaptation in response to climate change into development plans and budget negotiations; invites the Commission to investigate how to apply such measures to sectoral policies to steer public and private funding and investments; underlines the fact that such incorporation efforts must cover the fields of science, mainstreaming, awareness raising, information, cooperation and monitoring, clearly following criteria checked regularly for compliance to justify further support and with reporting back to Parliament and the Council;

| 30. | Stresses the importance of an increased need for rational use of water by means of ‘water demand management’, since water is becoming a scarce resource; calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt integrative measures to ensure the availability, accessibility, use and conservation of water, and to promote innovative technologies and practices, including pilot projects, which will help to reduce drought damage and flooding risks; in this context, recognises the importance of an ecosystem approach in preventing and absorbing the impacts of soil erosion, flooding, desertification, rising sea levels and invasive alien species, and in increasing resistance to forest fires; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Stresses the importance of an increased need for rational use of water by means of ‘water demand management’, since water is becoming a scarce resource; calls on the Commission and Member States to adopt integrative measures to ensure the availability, accessibility, use and conservation of water, and to promote innovative technologies and practices, including pilot projects, which will help to reduce drought damage and flooding risks; in this context, recognises the importance of an ecosystem approach in preventing and absorbing the impacts of soil erosion, flooding, desertification, rising sea levels and invasive alien species, and in increasing resistance to forest fires;

| 31. | Recognises that climate change contributes to the global burden of disease and premature deaths by affecting, in particular, the most vulnerable population groups; invites the Member States to consider measures to strengthen the capacity of health systems to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change; invites the Commission to set up an EU-wide system for the monitoring and surveillance of the effects of climate change on health; calls on the Commission to ensure that the threats posed by climate change to human health are at the centre of EU adaptation and mitigation policy; |
| --- | --- |

31.

Recognises that climate change contributes to the global burden of disease and premature deaths by affecting, in particular, the most vulnerable population groups; invites the Member States to consider measures to strengthen the capacity of health systems to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change; invites the Commission to set up an EU-wide system for the monitoring and surveillance of the effects of climate change on health; calls on the Commission to ensure that the threats posed by climate change to human health are at the centre of EU adaptation and mitigation policy;

| 32. | Stresses the need for a differentiated climatic and developmental approach regarding areas and regions particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as mountainous or coastal areas, islands or, for example, the seven outermost regions of the EU, which, given their topographical features and their structural disadvantages, are especially dependent on the dynamics of natural events; calls in this context on the Commission to expand the list of most vulnerable areas and to cooperate with existing regional initiatives, such as the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention, in order to make the best possible use of existing knowledge gained through such initiatives; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Stresses the need for a differentiated climatic and developmental approach regarding areas and regions particularly vulnerable to climate change, such as mountainous or coastal areas, islands or, for example, the seven outermost regions of the EU, which, given their topographical features and their structural disadvantages, are especially dependent on the dynamics of natural events; calls in this context on the Commission to expand the list of most vulnerable areas and to cooperate with existing regional initiatives, such as the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention, in order to make the best possible use of existing knowledge gained through such initiatives;

| 33. | Calls on the Commission to consider the vital role that healthy ecosystems can play in adaptation policy; highlights the fact that existing EU legislation (i.e. the Birds Directive (7), the Habitats Directive (8), Natura 2000 and the Water Framework Directive (9)) can help to address this issue in Europe; calls on the Commission and Member States to attach the highest priority to implementation of this policy, so as to ensure rapid and efficient adaptation to climate change; |
| --- | --- |

33.

Calls on the Commission to consider the vital role that healthy ecosystems can play in adaptation policy; highlights the fact that existing EU legislation (i.e. the Birds Directive (7), the Habitats Directive (8), Natura 2000 and the Water Framework Directive (9)) can help to address this issue in Europe; calls on the Commission and Member States to attach the highest priority to implementation of this policy, so as to ensure rapid and efficient adaptation to climate change;

| 34. | Welcomes the Commission's initiative to establish a European Advisory Group for Adaptation to Climate Change and stresses the need for this expert group to provide capabilities for realising coherent intersectoral strategies at EU level as well as for enhancing policy frameworks that could provide incentives for investing in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities; |
| --- | --- |

34.

Welcomes the Commission's initiative to establish a European Advisory Group for Adaptation to Climate Change and stresses the need for this expert group to provide capabilities for realising coherent intersectoral strategies at EU level as well as for enhancing policy frameworks that could provide incentives for investing in climate change adaptation and mitigation activities;

| 35. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission as Parliament's contribution to the stakeholder consultation process on the Green Paper initiated by the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

35.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission as Parliament's contribution to the stakeholder consultation process on the Green Paper initiated by the Commission.

---

(1)  OJ C 280 E, 18.11.2006, p. 120.

(2)  OJ C 287 E, 24.11.2006, p. 182.

(3)  OJ C 303 E, 13.12.2006, p. 119.

(4)  OJ C 287 E, 29.11.2007, p. 344.

(5)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0537.

(6)  OJ C 297 E, 7.12.2006, p. 331.

(7)  Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, p. 1). Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 368).

(8)  Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7). Directive as last amended by Directive 2006/105/EC.

(9)  Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). Directive as last amended by Directive 2008/32/EC (OJ L 81, 20.3.2008, p. 60).

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/48 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/48

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Thursday 10 April 2008Subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EU

P6_TA(2008)0127

Declaration of the European Parliament on the subtitling of all public service television programmes in the EU

2009/C 247 E/09

The European Parliament,

having regard to Articles 3, 13, 149 and 151 of the EC Treaty,

having regard to Rule 116 of its Rules of Procedure,

| A. | whereas the European Union should ensure that citizens have equal access to information, education and culture, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European Union should ensure that citizens have equal access to information, education and culture,

| B. | whereas partial or complete loss of hearing is a condition that affects more than 83 million people in Europe; whereas, given the ageing of the European population, this problem will continue to grow, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas partial or complete loss of hearing is a condition that affects more than 83 million people in Europe; whereas, given the ageing of the European population, this problem will continue to grow,

| C. | whereas access to television in Europe is universal; whereas public service television has a public service mission consisting, among other things, in informing and educating viewers, |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas access to television in Europe is universal; whereas public service television has a public service mission consisting, among other things, in informing and educating viewers,

| D. | whereas today's technology enables television programmes (including live programmes) to be subtitled as they go out, one example of this being programmes broadcast by the BBC, which has undertaken to subtitle all of its programmes from April 2008, |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas today's technology enables television programmes (including live programmes) to be subtitled as they go out, one example of this being programmes broadcast by the BBC, which has undertaken to subtitle all of its programmes from April 2008,

| 1. | Considers the subtitling of all public service television programmes in the European Union to be essential with a view to ensuring that all viewers, including deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, have full access to them; takes the view that this would also help with foreign-language learning; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Considers the subtitling of all public service television programmes in the European Union to be essential with a view to ensuring that all viewers, including deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, have full access to them; takes the view that this would also help with foreign-language learning;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal requiring public service television broadcasters in the European Union to subtitle all of their programmes; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to put forward a legislative proposal requiring public service television broadcasters in the European Union to subtitle all of their programmes;

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

3.

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

List of signatories

| | Gabriele Albertini, Jan Andersson, Alfonso Andria, Emmanouil Angelakas, Roberta Angelilli, Kader Arif, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Robert Atkins, John Attard-Montalto, Elspeth Attwooll, Inés Ayala Sender, Liam Aylward, Peter Baco, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Mariela Velichkova Baeva, Enrique Barón Crespo, Katerina Batzeli, Edit Bauer, Jean Marie Beaupuy, Christopher Beazley, Zsolt László Becsey, Irena Belohorská, Monika Beňová, Rolf Berend, Sergio Berlato, Giovanni Berlinguer, Thijs Berman, Adam Bielan, Slavi Binev, Šarūnas Birutis, Sebastian Valentin Bodu, Herbert Bösch, Jens-Peter Bonde, Vito Bonsignore, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Victor Boștinaru, Costas Botopoulos, Bernadette Bourzai, Sharon Bowles, Iles Braghetto, Mihael Brejc, Frieda Brepoels, Jan Březina, Elmar Brok, Danutė Budreikaitė, Wolfgang Bulfon, Nicodim Bulzesc, Ieke van den Burg, Niels Busk, Philippe Busquin, Jerzy Buzek, Joan Calabuig Rull, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Marco Cappato, Carlos Carnero González, Paulo Casaca, Michael Cashman, Carlo Casini, Françoise Castex, Alejandro Cercas, Giles Chichester, Giulietto Chiesa, Zdzisław Kazimierz Chmielewski, Ole Christensen, Sylwester Chruszcz, Luigi Cocilovo, Carlos Coelho, Richard Corbett, Giovanna Corda, Titus Corlățean, Paolo Costa, Jean Louis Cottigny, Michael Cramer, Corina Crețu, Gabriela Crețu, Brian Crowley, Magor Imre Csibi, Marek Aleksander Czarnecki, Ryszard Czarnecki, Daniel Dăianu, Dragoș Florin David, Chris Davies, Antonio De Blasio, Véronique De Keyser, Panayiotis Demetriou, Gérard Deprez, Proinsias De Rossa, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Harlem Désir, Nirj Deva, Mia De Vits, Jolanta Dičkutė, Alexandra Dobolyi, Valdis Dombrovskis, Beniamino Donnici, Bert Doorn, Brigitte Douay, Avril Doyle, Mojca Drčar Murko, Petr Duchoň, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Cristian Dumitrescu, Saïd El Khadraoui, Edite Estrela, Harald Ettl, Jonathan Evans, Robert Evans, Göran Färm, Richard Falbr, Claudio Fava, Szabolcs Fazakas, Emanuel Jardim Fernandes, Anne Ferreira, Elisa Ferreira, Ilda Figueiredo, Petru Filip, Věra Flasarová, Alessandro Foglietta, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Nicole Fontaine, Glyn Ford, Brigitte Fouré, Armando França, Monica Frassoni, Urszula Gacek, Milan Gaľa, Gerardo Galeote, Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón, Iratxe García Pérez, Giuseppe Gargani, Jean-Paul Gauzès, Jas Gawronski, Evelyne Gebhardt, Eugenijus Gentvilas, Bronisław Geremek, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Claire Gibault, Adam Gierek, Maciej Marian Giertych, Neena Gill, Norbert Glante, Robert Goebbels, Bogdan Golik, Ana Maria Gomes, Donata Gottardi, Hélène Goudin, Genowefa Grabowska, Dariusz Maciej Grabowski, Vasco Graça Moura, Ingeborg Gräßle, Louis Grech, Lilli Gruber, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Ambroise Guellec, Pedro Guerreiro, Umberto Guidoni, Zita Gurmai, Catherine Guy-Quint, Klaus Hänsch, Benoît Hamon, Małgorzata Handzlik, Gábor Harangozó, Marian Harkin, Rebecca Harms, Joel Hasse Ferreira, Satu Hassi, Jutta Haug, Anna Hedh, Gyula Hegyi, Edit Herczog, Jim Higgins, Krzysztof Hołowczyc, Mary Honeyball, Milan Horáček, Richard Howitt, Ján Hudacký, Alain Hutchinson, Iliana Malinova Iotova, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Lily Jacobs, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Stanisław Jałowiecki, Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, Lívia Járóka, Anne E. Jensen, Karin Jöns, Dan Jørgensen, Madeleine Jouye de Grandmaison, Jelko Kacin, Filip Kaczmarek, Gisela Kallenbach, Othmar Karas, Sajjad Karim, Ioannis Kasoulides, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Tunne Kelam, Glenys Kinnock, Evgeni Kirilov, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Jaromír Kohlíček, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Magda Kósáné Kovács, Miloš Koterec, Sergej Kozlík, Guntars Krasts, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Constanze Angela Krehl, Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Helmut Kuhne, Jan Jerzy Kułakowski, Aldis Kušķis, Sepp Kusstatscher, Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Alain Lamassoure, Stavros Lambrinidis, Vytautas Landsbergis, Henrik Lax, Roselyne Lefrançois, Klaus-Heiner Lehne, Lasse Lehtinen, Jörg Leichtfried, Jo Leinen, Katalin Lévai, Janusz Lewandowski, Bogusław Liberadzki, Marcin Libicki, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann, Andrea Losco, Caroline Lucas, Astrid Lulling, Elizabeth Lynne, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Linda McAvan, Mary Lou McDonald, Mairead McGuinness, Edward McMillan-Scott, Jamila Madeira, Eugenijus Maldeikis, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Vladimír Maňka, Erika Mann, Mario Mantovani, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Helmuth Markov, Sérgio Marques, David Martin, Miguel Ángel Martínez Martínez, Jan Tadeusz Masiel, Antonio Masip Hidalgo, Jiří Maštálka, Maria Matsouka, Mario Mauro, Manolis Mavrommatis, Manuel Medina Ortega, Erik Meijer, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Emilio Menéndez del Valle, Willy Meyer Pleite, Rosa Miguélez Ramos, Marianne Mikko, Miroslav Mikolášik, Viktória Mohácsi, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Luisa Morgantini, Jan Mulder, Roberto Musacchio, Cristiana Muscardini, Joseph Muscat, Riitta Myller, Pasqualina Napoletano, Hartmut Nassauer, Robert Navarro, Cătălin-Ioan Nechifor, Catherine Neris, James Nicholson, null Nicholson of Winterbourne, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Ljudmila Novak, Raimon Obiols i Germà, Vural Öger, Cem Özdemir, Jan Olbrycht, Seán Ó Neachtain, Gérard Onesta, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Reino Paasilinna, Borut Pahor, Justas Vincas Paleckis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Atanas Paparizov, Georgios Papastamkos, Ioan Mircea Pașcu, Vincent Peillon, Maria Petre, Rihards Pīks, Józef Pinior, Mirosław Mariusz Piotrowski, Paweł Bartłomiej Piskorski, Gianni Pittella, Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar, Zita Pleštinská, Rovana Plumb, Guido Podestà, Anni Podimata, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Samuli Pohjamo, Bernard Poignant, Lydie Polfer, Bernd Posselt, Christa Prets, Pierre Pribetich, Jacek Protasiewicz, Bilyana Ilieva Raeva, Miloslav Ransdorf, Vladimír Remek, Karin Resetarits, Teresa Riera Madurell, Frédérique Ries, Karin Riis-Jørgensen, Giovanni Rivera, Bogusław Rogalski, Zuzana Roithová, Luca Romagnoli, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Dariusz Rosati, Wojciech Roszkowski, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Mechtild Rothe, Libor Rouček, Martine Roure, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Eoin Ryan, Guido Sacconi, Aloyzas Sakalas, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, María Isabel Salinas García, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Manuel António dos Santos, Daciana Octavia Sârbu, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Christel Schaldemose, Karin Scheele, Olle Schmidt, György Schöpflin, Jürgen Schröder, Inger Segelström, Esko Seppänen, Adrian Severin, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Kathy Sinnott, Marek Siwiec, Csaba Sógor, Søren Bo Søndergaard, Bogusław Sonik, María Sornosa Martínez, Francesco Enrico Speroni, Bart Staes, Grażyna Staniszewska, Dirk Sterckx, Struan Stevenson, Catherine Stihler, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Margie Sudre, László Surján, Eva-Britt Svensson, Hannes Swoboda, József Szájer, Andrzej Jan Szejna, Konrad Szymański, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Antonio Tajani, Hannu Takkula, Charles Tannock, Andres Tarand, Britta Thomsen, Marianne Thyssen, Silvia-Adriana Țicău, Gary Titley, Patrizia Toia, László Tőkés, Ewa Tomaszewska, Witold Tomczak, Jacques Toubon, Catherine Trautmann, Kyriacos Triantaphyllides, Claude Turmes, Evangelia Tzampazi, Vladimir Urutchev, Inese Vaidere, Nikolaos Vakalis, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Elena Valenciano Martínez-Orozco, Frank Vanhecke, Anne Van Lancker, Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Yannick Vaugrenard, Armando Veneto, Riccardo Ventre, Donato Tommaso Veraldi, Bernadette Vergnaud, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Kristian Vigenin, Oldřich Vlasák, Johannes Voggenhuber, Diana Wallis, Graham Watson, Renate Weber, Jan Marinus Wiersma, Glenis Willmott, Janusz Wojciechowski, Francis Wurtz, Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García, Anna Záborská, Zbigniew Zaleski, Andrzej Tomasz Zapałowski, Stefano Zappalà, Tomáš Zatloukal, Tatjana Ždanoka, Roberts Zīle, Jaroslav Zvěřina, Tadeusz Zwiefka |
| --- | --- |

Gabriele Albertini, Jan Andersson, Alfonso Andria, Emmanouil Angelakas, Roberta Angelilli, Kader Arif, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Robert Atkins, John Attard-Montalto, Elspeth Attwooll, Inés Ayala Sender, Liam Aylward, Peter Baco, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Mariela Velichkova Baeva, Enrique Barón Crespo, Katerina Batzeli, Edit Bauer, Jean Marie Beaupuy, Christopher Beazley, Zsolt László Becsey, Irena Belohorská, Monika Beňová, Rolf Berend, Sergio Berlato, Giovanni Berlinguer, Thijs Berman, Adam Bielan, Slavi Binev, Šarūnas Birutis, Sebastian Valentin Bodu, Herbert Bösch, Jens-Peter Bonde, Vito Bonsignore, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Victor Boștinaru, Costas Botopoulos, Bernadette Bourzai, Sharon Bowles, Iles Braghetto, Mihael Brejc, Frieda Brepoels, Jan Březina, Elmar Brok, Danutė Budreikaitė, Wolfgang Bulfon, Nicodim Bulzesc, Ieke van den Burg, Niels Busk, Philippe Busquin, Jerzy Buzek, Joan Calabuig Rull, Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos, Marco Cappato, Carlos Carnero González, Paulo Casaca, Michael Cashman, Carlo Casini, Françoise Castex, Alejandro Cercas, Giles Chichester, Giulietto Chiesa, Zdzisław Kazimierz Chmielewski, Ole Christensen, Sylwester Chruszcz, Luigi Cocilovo, Carlos Coelho, Richard Corbett, Giovanna Corda, Titus Corlățean, Paolo Costa, Jean Louis Cottigny, Michael Cramer, Corina Crețu, Gabriela Crețu, Brian Crowley, Magor Imre Csibi, Marek Aleksander Czarnecki, Ryszard Czarnecki, Daniel Dăianu, Dragoș Florin David, Chris Davies, Antonio De Blasio, Véronique De Keyser, Panayiotis Demetriou, Gérard Deprez, Proinsias De Rossa, Marie-Hélène Descamps, Harlem Désir, Nirj Deva, Mia De Vits, Jolanta Dičkutė, Alexandra Dobolyi, Valdis Dombrovskis, Beniamino Donnici, Bert Doorn, Brigitte Douay, Avril Doyle, Mojca Drčar Murko, Petr Duchoň, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Cristian Dumitrescu, Saïd El Khadraoui, Edite Estrela, Harald Ettl, Jonathan Evans, Robert Evans, Göran Färm, Richard Falbr, Claudio Fava, Szabolcs Fazakas, Emanuel Jardim Fernandes, Anne Ferreira, Elisa Ferreira, Ilda Figueiredo, Petru Filip, Věra Flasarová, Alessandro Foglietta, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Nicole Fontaine, Glyn Ford, Brigitte Fouré, Armando França, Monica Frassoni, Urszula Gacek, Milan Gaľa, Gerardo Galeote, Vicente Miguel Garcés Ramón, Iratxe García Pérez, Giuseppe Gargani, Jean-Paul Gauzès, Jas Gawronski, Evelyne Gebhardt, Eugenijus Gentvilas, Bronisław Geremek, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Claire Gibault, Adam Gierek, Maciej Marian Giertych, Neena Gill, Norbert Glante, Robert Goebbels, Bogdan Golik, Ana Maria Gomes, Donata Gottardi, Hélène Goudin, Genowefa Grabowska, Dariusz Maciej Grabowski, Vasco Graça Moura, Ingeborg Gräßle, Louis Grech, Lilli Gruber, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Ambroise Guellec, Pedro Guerreiro, Umberto Guidoni, Zita Gurmai, Catherine Guy-Quint, Klaus Hänsch, Benoît Hamon, Małgorzata Handzlik, Gábor Harangozó, Marian Harkin, Rebecca Harms, Joel Hasse Ferreira, Satu Hassi, Jutta Haug, Anna Hedh, Gyula Hegyi, Edit Herczog, Jim Higgins, Krzysztof Hołowczyc, Mary Honeyball, Milan Horáček, Richard Howitt, Ján Hudacký, Alain Hutchinson, Iliana Malinova Iotova, Mikel Irujo Amezaga, Marie Anne Isler Béguin, Lily Jacobs, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Stanisław Jałowiecki, Mieczysław Edmund Janowski, Lívia Járóka, Anne E. Jensen, Karin Jöns, Dan Jørgensen, Madeleine Jouye de Grandmaison, Jelko Kacin, Filip Kaczmarek, Gisela Kallenbach, Othmar Karas, Sajjad Karim, Ioannis Kasoulides, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Tunne Kelam, Glenys Kinnock, Evgeni Kirilov, Dieter-Lebrecht Koch, Jaromír Kohlíček, Eija-Riitta Korhola, Magda Kósáné Kovács, Miloš Koterec, Sergej Kozlík, Guntars Krasts, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Constanze Angela Krehl, Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Wiesław Stefan Kuc, Helmut Kuhne, Jan Jerzy Kułakowski, Aldis Kušķis, Sepp Kusstatscher, Zbigniew Krzysztof Kuźmiuk, Alain Lamassoure, Stavros Lambrinidis, Vytautas Landsbergis, Henrik Lax, Roselyne Lefrançois, Klaus-Heiner Lehne, Lasse Lehtinen, Jörg Leichtfried, Jo Leinen, Katalin Lévai, Janusz Lewandowski, Bogusław Liberadzki, Marcin Libicki, Marie-Noëlle Lienemann, Andrea Losco, Caroline Lucas, Astrid Lulling, Elizabeth Lynne, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Linda McAvan, Mary Lou McDonald, Mairead McGuinness, Edward McMillan-Scott, Jamila Madeira, Eugenijus Maldeikis, Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Vladimír Maňka, Erika Mann, Mario Mantovani, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Helmuth Markov, Sérgio Marques, David Martin, Miguel Ángel Martínez Martínez, Jan Tadeusz Masiel, Antonio Masip Hidalgo, Jiří Maštálka, Maria Matsouka, Mario Mauro, Manolis Mavrommatis, Manuel Medina Ortega, Erik Meijer, Íñigo Méndez de Vigo, Emilio Menéndez del Valle, Willy Meyer Pleite, Rosa Miguélez Ramos, Marianne Mikko, Miroslav Mikolášik, Viktória Mohácsi, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Luisa Morgantini, Jan Mulder, Roberto Musacchio, Cristiana Muscardini, Joseph Muscat, Riitta Myller, Pasqualina Napoletano, Hartmut Nassauer, Robert Navarro, Cătălin-Ioan Nechifor, Catherine Neris, James Nicholson, null Nicholson of Winterbourne, Lambert van Nistelrooij, Ljudmila Novak, Raimon Obiols i Germà, Vural Öger, Cem Özdemir, Jan Olbrycht, Seán Ó Neachtain, Gérard Onesta, Janusz Onyszkiewicz, Josu Ortuondo Larrea, Reino Paasilinna, Borut Pahor, Justas Vincas Paleckis, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Dimitrios Papadimoulis, Atanas Paparizov, Georgios Papastamkos, Ioan Mircea Pașcu, Vincent Peillon, Maria Petre, Rihards Pīks, Józef Pinior, Mirosław Mariusz Piotrowski, Paweł Bartłomiej Piskorski, Gianni Pittella, Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar, Zita Pleštinská, Rovana Plumb, Guido Podestà, Anni Podimata, Zdzisław Zbigniew Podkański, Samuli Pohjamo, Bernard Poignant, Lydie Polfer, Bernd Posselt, Christa Prets, Pierre Pribetich, Jacek Protasiewicz, Bilyana Ilieva Raeva, Miloslav Ransdorf, Vladimír Remek, Karin Resetarits, Teresa Riera Madurell, Frédérique Ries, Karin Riis-Jørgensen, Giovanni Rivera, Bogusław Rogalski, Zuzana Roithová, Luca Romagnoli, Raül Romeva i Rueda, Dariusz Rosati, Wojciech Roszkowski, Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, Mechtild Rothe, Libor Rouček, Martine Roure, Leopold Józef Rutowicz, Eoin Ryan, Guido Sacconi, Aloyzas Sakalas, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, María Isabel Salinas García, Antolín Sánchez Presedo, Manuel António dos Santos, Daciana Octavia Sârbu, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Christel Schaldemose, Karin Scheele, Olle Schmidt, György Schöpflin, Jürgen Schröder, Inger Segelström, Esko Seppänen, Adrian Severin, Czesław Adam Siekierski, Kathy Sinnott, Marek Siwiec, Csaba Sógor, Søren Bo Søndergaard, Bogusław Sonik, María Sornosa Martínez, Francesco Enrico Speroni, Bart Staes, Grażyna Staniszewska, Dirk Sterckx, Struan Stevenson, Catherine Stihler, Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Margie Sudre, László Surján, Eva-Britt Svensson, Hannes Swoboda, József Szájer, Andrzej Jan Szejna, Konrad Szymański, Csaba Sándor Tabajdi, Antonio Tajani, Hannu Takkula, Charles Tannock, Andres Tarand, Britta Thomsen, Marianne Thyssen, Silvia-Adriana Țicău, Gary Titley, Patrizia Toia, László Tőkés, Ewa Tomaszewska, Witold Tomczak, Jacques Toubon, Catherine Trautmann, Kyriacos Triantaphyllides, Claude Turmes, Evangelia Tzampazi, Vladimir Urutchev, Inese Vaidere, Nikolaos Vakalis, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Elena Valenciano Martínez-Orozco, Frank Vanhecke, Anne Van Lancker, Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna, Yannick Vaugrenard, Armando Veneto, Riccardo Ventre, Donato Tommaso Veraldi, Bernadette Vergnaud, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Kristian Vigenin, Oldřich Vlasák, Johannes Voggenhuber, Diana Wallis, Graham Watson, Renate Weber, Jan Marinus Wiersma, Glenis Willmott, Janusz Wojciechowski, Francis Wurtz, Luis Yáñez-Barnuevo García, Anna Záborská, Zbigniew Zaleski, Andrzej Tomasz Zapałowski, Stefano Zappalà, Tomáš Zatloukal, Tatjana Ždanoka, Roberts Zīle, Jaroslav Zvěřina, Tadeusz Zwiefka

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European Parliament

Wednesday 9 April 2008

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/50 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/50

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Wednesday 9 April 2008Approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission

P6_TA(2008)0108

European Parliament decision of 9 April 2008 approving the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission

2009/C 247 E/10

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 214(2), third subparagraph, and Article 215 of the EC Treaty,

having regard to Article 4 of the Framework Agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the Commission (1),

having regard to the resignation of Mr Markos Kyprianou as a Member of the Commission, tendered on 28 February 2008,

having regard to the nomination by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus of Mrs Androula Vassiliou for appointment as a Member of the Commission,

having regard to Council Decision 2008/184/EC of 29 February 2008 appointing a new member of the Commission of the European Communities (2),

having regard to the hearing of the Commissioner designate before its responsible committee held on 1 April 2008,

having regard to Rule 99 of its Rules of Procedure,

| 1. | Approves the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission for the remainder of the Commission’s term of office until 31 October 2009; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the appointment of Mrs Androula Vassiliou as a Member of the Commission for the remainder of the Commission’s term of office until 31 October 2009;

| 2. | Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States. |
| --- | --- |

2.

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

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(1)  OJ C 117 E, 18.5.2006, p. 123.

(2)  OJ L 59, 4.3.2008, p. 18.

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Thursday 10 April 2008

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/51 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/51

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Thursday 10 April 2008Animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals ***I

P6_TA(2008)0109

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals as regards the extension of the transitional period (COM(2007)0572 — C6-0334/2007 — 2007/0202(COD))

2009/C 247 E/11

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0572),

having regard to Articles 251(2), 37 and 152(4)(b) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0334/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0051/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

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Thursday 10 April 2008P6_TC1-COD(2007)0202

Position of the European Parliament adopted at first reading on 10 April 2008 with a view to the adoption of Regulation (EC) No .../2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movements of pet animals, as regards the extension of the transitional period

2009/C 247 E/12

(As an agreement was reached between Parliament and Council, Parliament's position at first reading corresponds to the final legislative act, Regulation (EC) No 454/2008.)

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/52 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/52

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Thursday 10 April 2008European Migration Network *

P6_TA(2008)0110

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision establishing a European Migration Network (COM(2007)0466 — C6-0303/2007 — 2007/0167(CNS))

2009/C 247 E/13

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0466),

having regard to Article 66 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0303/2007),

having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Legal Affairs on the proposed legal basis,

having regard to Rules 51 and 35 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A6-0066/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1 |
| Title |
| Proposal for a
  COUNCIL DECISION
  establishing a European Migration Network | Proposal for a
  COUNCIL DECISION
  establishing a European Migration
  and Asylum
  Network |
| Amendment 2 |
| Recital 6 |
| (6) | The
  EMN
  should avoid duplicating the work of existing Community instruments or structures whose purpose is to collect and exchange information in the areas of migration and asylum and should provide an added value in comparison with them, in particular through the broad scope of its tasks, a strong focus on analysis, links with the academic community and the public availability of its outputs. |

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 1

Title

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

establishing a European Migration Network

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

establishing a European Migration
  and Asylum
  Network

Amendment 2

Recital 6

(6)

The
  EMN
  should avoid duplicating the work of existing Community instruments or structures whose purpose is to collect and exchange information in the areas of migration and asylum and should provide an added value in comparison with them, in particular through the broad scope of its tasks, a strong focus on analysis, links with the academic community and the public availability of its outputs.

| (6) | The
  EMAN
  should avoid duplicating the work of existing Community instruments or structures whose purpose is to collect and exchange information in the areas of migration and asylum and should provide an added value in comparison with them, in particular through
  its neutrality,
  the broad scope of its tasks, a strong focus on analysis, links with the academic community
  , non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations and central administrations,
  and the public availability of its outputs.

  (if the amendment concerning abbreviation EMAN applies throughout the whole text, except for recitals 1 to 5) |
| --- | --- |

(6)

The
  EMAN
  should avoid duplicating the work of existing Community instruments or structures whose purpose is to collect and exchange information in the areas of migration and asylum and should provide an added value in comparison with them, in particular through
  its neutrality,
  the broad scope of its tasks, a strong focus on analysis, links with the academic community
  , non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations and central administrations,
  and the public availability of its outputs.

(if the amendment concerning abbreviation EMAN applies throughout the whole text, except for recitals 1 to 5)

Amendment 3

Recital 6a (new)

| (6a) | Among other existing instruments and structures, 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 (1) constitutes an important reference framework for the functioning of the EMAN. Attention should also be paid to the valuable work carried out by the CIREFI (2) and to Council Decision 2005/267/EC of 16 March 2005 establishing a secure web-based Information and Coordination Network for Member States’ Migration Management Services (3) (ICOnet). |
| --- | --- |

(6a)

Amendment 4

Recital 8

| (8) | In order to ensure that the National Contact Points have the necessary expertise to deal with the multi-faceted aspects of migration and asylum issues, they should be composed of at least three experts who, individually or jointly, have competencies in policy-making, law, research and statistics. These experts may come from the Member States’ administrations
  or from any other organisation
  . |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In order to ensure that the National Contact Points have the necessary expertise to deal with the multi-faceted aspects of migration and asylum issues, they should be composed of at least three experts who, individually or jointly, have competencies in policy-making, law, research and statistics. These experts may come from the Member States’ administrations
  or from any other organisation
  .

| (8) | In order to ensure that the National Contact Points have the necessary expertise to deal with the multi-faceted aspects of migration and asylum issues, they should be composed of at least three experts
  from different backgrounds (government departments, NGOs and universities)
  who, individually or jointly, have competencies in policy-making, law, research and statistics. These experts may come from the Member States’ administrations
  , NGOs, universities or research centres. Each National Contact Point should also collectively have adequate expertise in information technology, in setting up collaboration schemes and networking with other national organisations and entities, and in collaborating in a multilingual environment at European level. |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In order to ensure that the National Contact Points have the necessary expertise to deal with the multi-faceted aspects of migration and asylum issues, they should be composed of at least three experts
  from different backgrounds (government departments, NGOs and universities)
  who, individually or jointly, have competencies in policy-making, law, research and statistics. These experts may come from the Member States’ administrations
  , NGOs, universities or research centres. Each National Contact Point should also collectively have adequate expertise in information technology, in setting up collaboration schemes and networking with other national organisations and entities, and in collaborating in a multilingual environment at European level.

Amendment 5

Recital 9

| (9) | Each National Contact Point should establish a national migration network, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum,
  and including
  , for example, universities, research organisations and researchers, governmental and non-governmental organisations and international organisations, in order to enable the voices of all relevant stakeholders to be heard. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Each National Contact Point should establish a national migration network, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum,
  and including
  , for example, universities, research organisations and researchers, governmental and non-governmental organisations and international organisations, in order to enable the voices of all relevant stakeholders to be heard.

| (9) | Each National Contact Point should establish a national migration network, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum
  . In order to ensure the reliability and comparability of information on migration and asylum produced by the network, the National Contact Points should include representatives from,
  for example, universities, research organisations and researchers, governmental and non-governmental organisations and international organisations, in order to enable the voices of all relevant stakeholders to be heard. |
| --- | --- |

(9)

Each National Contact Point should establish a national migration network, composed of organisations and individuals active in the area of migration and asylum
  . In order to ensure the reliability and comparability of information on migration and asylum produced by the network, the National Contact Points should include representatives from,
  for example, universities, research organisations and researchers, governmental and non-governmental organisations and international organisations, in order to enable the voices of all relevant stakeholders to be heard.

Amendment 6

Recital 12

| (12) | When necessary for the attainment of its objectives, the
  EMN
  should be able to establish cooperative relationships with other entities active in the area of migration and asylum. When establishing such relationships, particular attention should be paid to ensuring a good degree of cooperation with entities in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, the candidate countries, countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy and Russia. |
| --- | --- |

(12)

When necessary for the attainment of its objectives, the
  EMN
  should be able to establish cooperative relationships with other entities active in the area of migration and asylum. When establishing such relationships, particular attention should be paid to ensuring a good degree of cooperation with entities in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, the candidate countries, countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy and Russia.

| (12) | When necessary for the attainment of its objectives, the
  EMAN
  should be able to establish cooperative relationships with other entities active in the area of migration and asylum. When establishing such relationships, particular attention should be paid to ensuring a good degree of cooperation with entities in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, the candidate countries, countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy and Russia
  , with international organisations, including NGOs, with universities and research centres and with the countries of origin and of transit of asylum seekers and migrants
  . |
| --- | --- |

(12)

When necessary for the attainment of its objectives, the
  EMAN
  should be able to establish cooperative relationships with other entities active in the area of migration and asylum. When establishing such relationships, particular attention should be paid to ensuring a good degree of cooperation with entities in Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, the candidate countries, countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy and Russia
  , with international organisations, including NGOs, with universities and research centres and with the countries of origin and of transit of asylum seekers and migrants
  .

Amendment 7

Recital 14

| (14) | Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data should be taken into account in the context of the information exchange system of the
  EMN
  . |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data should be taken into account in the context of the information exchange system of the
  EMN
  .

| (14) | Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents

   (4), Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data should be taken into account in the context of the information exchange system of the
  EMAN
  . |
| --- | --- |

(14)

Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2001 regarding public access to European Parliament, Council and Commission documents

   (4), Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data should be taken into account in the context of the information exchange system of the
  EMAN
  .

Amendment 8

Recital 14a (new)

| (14a) | In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, the United Kingdom is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application. |
| --- | --- |

(14a)

Amendment 9

Recital 14b (new)

| (14b) | In accordance with Articles 1 and 2 of the Protocol on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Decision and is not bound by it or subject to its application, |
| --- | --- |

(14b)

Amendment 10

Article 1, paragraph 2

The objective of the
  EMN
  shall be to meet the information needs of Community institutions, Member States’ authorities and institutions, and the general public on migration and asylum, by providing up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration
  and
  asylum, with a view to supporting policy- and decision-making in the European Union in these areas.

The objective of the
  EMAN
  shall be to meet the information needs of Community institutions, Member States’ authorities and institutions, and the general public
  , as well as third countries and international organisations,
  on
  all aspects of
  migration and asylum, by providing up-to-date, objective, reliable and comparable information on migration
  ,
  asylum
  and integration, including detailed statistics showing the impact of EU legislation
  , with a view to supporting policy- and decision-making in the European Union in these areas.

Amendment 11

Article 2, point (a)

| (a) | collect and exchange up-to-date data and information from a range of sources, including academia; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

collect and exchange up-to-date data and information from a range of sources, including academia;

| (a) | collect and exchange up-to-date
  and reliable
  data and information from a range of sources, including academia
  and NGOs
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

collect and exchange up-to-date
  and reliable
  data and information from a range of sources, including academia
  and NGOs
  ;

Amendment 12

Article 2, point (b)

| (b) | undertake analysis of the data and information referred to in point (a) and provide it in a readily-accessible format; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

undertake analysis of the data and information referred to in point (a) and provide it in a readily-accessible format;

| (b) | undertake analysis of the data and information referred to in point (a) and provide it in a readily-accessible
  , understandable and comparable
  format; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

undertake analysis of the data and information referred to in point (a) and provide it in a readily-accessible
  , understandable and comparable
  format;

Amendment 13

Article 2, point (c)

| (c) | develop methods to improve the comparability, objectivity and reliability of data at Community level by establishing indicators and criteria that will improve the consistency of information and help in the development of Community activities related to migratory statistics; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

develop methods to improve the comparability, objectivity and reliability of data at Community level by establishing indicators and criteria that will improve the consistency of information and help in the development of Community activities related to migratory statistics;

| (c) | develop methods to improve the comparability, objectivity and reliability of data at Community level by establishing indicators and criteria that will improve the consistency of information and help in the development of Community activities relating to migratory statistics
  and to asylum (for example, data and statistics concerning the number of legal and illegal immigrants, of returns, of asylum applications accepted and rejected, and of countries of origin) for the purpose of harmonising such indicators and criteria at European level, in cooperation with other competent European bodies
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

develop methods to improve the comparability, objectivity and reliability of data at Community level by establishing indicators and criteria that will improve the consistency of information and help in the development of Community activities relating to migratory statistics
  and to asylum (for example, data and statistics concerning the number of legal and illegal immigrants, of returns, of asylum applications accepted and rejected, and of countries of origin) for the purpose of harmonising such indicators and criteria at European level, in cooperation with other competent European bodies
  ;

Amendment 14

Article 2, point (d)

| (d) | publish periodic reports on the migration and asylum situation in the Community and its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

publish periodic reports on the migration and asylum situation in the Community and its Member States;

| (d) | produce and
  publish periodic reports on the migration and asylum situation in the Community and its Member States; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

produce and
  publish periodic reports on the migration and asylum situation in the Community and its Member States;

Amendment 15

Article 2, point (da) (new)

| (da) | compile and publish the EU's and the Member States’ migration and asylum laws and any other relevant information on the subject (quotas, regularisations, terms and conditions to be met by those wishing to apply for refugee status, practices and related case-law, etc.). The exchange of information concerning the differing requirements on the labour market in the Member States could represent a step forward in the management of economic migrants as part of a comprehensive approach at EU level; |
| --- | --- |

(da)

Amendment 16

Article 2, point (db) (new)

| (db) | produce analyses, assessments, recommendations and conclusions on the implementation in the Member States of EC directives on migration and asylum and on the compliance of national rules with European and international rules, at the request of the Commission, the European Parliament or the Council, with a view to providing them with assistance and support in the performance of their respective tasks; |
| --- | --- |

(db)

Amendment 17

Article 2, point (f)

| (f) | raise awareness of the
  EMN
  , by providing access to the information it gathers and disseminating the output of the
  EMN
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

raise awareness of the
  EMN
  , by providing access to the information it gathers and disseminating the output of the
  EMN
  ;

| (f) | raise awareness of the
  EMAN
  , by providing access to the information it gathers and disseminating the output of the
  EMAN as widely as possible
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(f)

raise awareness of the
  EMAN
  , by providing access to the information it gathers and disseminating the output of the
  EMAN as widely as possible
  ;

Amendment 18

Article 2, point (g)

| (g) | coordinate information and cooperate with other relevant European and international bodies. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

coordinate information and cooperate with other relevant European and international bodies.

| (g) | coordinate information and cooperate with other relevant
  national,
  European and international
  governmental and non-governmental
  bodies. |
| --- | --- |

(g)

coordinate information and cooperate with other relevant
  national,
  European and international
  governmental and non-governmental
  bodies.

Amendment 19

Article 2, paragraph 1a (new)

The EMAN shall ensure that its activities are consistent and coordinated with the relevant Community instruments and structures in the area of migration and asylum.

Amendment 20

Article 4, paragraph 2, point (a)

| (a) | participate in
  the preparation of the
  EMN's
  annual programme of activities, on the basis of a draft from the Chair; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

participate in
  the preparation of the
  EMN's
  annual programme of activities, on the basis of a draft from the Chair;

| (a) | contribute to
  the preparation of
  and approve
  the
  EMAN's
  annual programme of activities
  , including an indicative amount of the minimum and maximum budget for each National Contact Point, which ensures that the basic costs arising from the proper functioning of the EMAN, in accordance with Article 5, are covered,
  on the basis of a draft from the Chair; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

contribute to
  the preparation of
  and approve
  the
  EMAN's
  annual programme of activities
  , including an indicative amount of the minimum and maximum budget for each National Contact Point, which ensures that the basic costs arising from the proper functioning of the EMAN, in accordance with Article 5, are covered,
  on the basis of a draft from the Chair;

Amendment 21

Article 4, paragraph 2, point (d)

| (d) | identify the most appropriate strategic cooperative relationships with other entities competent in the area of migration and asylum and approve, when necessary, the administrative arrangements for such cooperation, as referred to in Article 10; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

identify the most appropriate strategic cooperative relationships with other entities competent in the area of migration and asylum and approve, when necessary, the administrative arrangements for such cooperation, as referred to in Article 10;

| (d) | identify the most appropriate strategic cooperative relationships with other
  national, European and international governmental and non-governmental
  entities competent in the area of migration and asylum and approve, when necessary, the administrative arrangements for such cooperation, as referred to in Article 10; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

identify the most appropriate strategic cooperative relationships with other
  national, European and international governmental and non-governmental
  entities competent in the area of migration and asylum and approve, when necessary, the administrative arrangements for such cooperation, as referred to in Article 10;

Amendment 22

Article 5, paragraph 1

| 1. | Each Member State shall designate one entity which shall act as National Contact Point. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Each Member State shall designate one entity which shall act as National Contact Point.

| 1. | Each Member State shall designate one
  neutral
  entity which shall act as National Contact Point. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Each Member State shall designate one
  neutral
  entity which shall act as National Contact Point.

In order to facilitate the work of the EMAN and to ensure the achievement of its objectives, the Member States shall take into account, when necessary, the need for coordination between their representative on the Steering Board and their National Contact Point.

The National Contact Point shall be composed of at least three experts. One of these experts, who shall act as the national coordinator, shall be an official or employee of the designated entity.
  The remaining experts may belong to this entity or to other national and international organisations based in the Member State, either public or private.

The National Contact Point shall be composed of at least three experts
  from different backgrounds (government departments, NGOs and universities)
  . One of these experts, who shall act as the national coordinator, shall be an official or employee of the designated entity.

The National Contact Points shall be bound by the principles of impartiality and objectivity in all aspects of their competences.

Amendment 23

Article 5, paragraph 2, point (a)

| (a) | expertise in the area of asylum and migration, covering aspects of policy-making, law, research and statistics; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

expertise in the area of asylum and migration, covering aspects of policy-making, law, research and statistics;

| (a) | wide-ranging
  expertise in the area of asylum and migration, covering aspects of policy-making, law, research and statistics; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

wide-ranging
  expertise in the area of asylum and migration, covering aspects of policy-making, law, research and statistics;

Amendment 24

Article 5, paragraph 3, point (b)

| (b) | contribute national data to the information exchange system referred to in Article 8; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

contribute national data to the information exchange system referred to in Article 8;

| (b) | contribute national data
  , analyses and assessments
  to the information exchange system referred to in Article 8; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

contribute national data
  , analyses and assessments
  to the information exchange system referred to in Article 8;

Amendment 25

Article 5, paragraph 3, point (c)

| (c) | develop a capacity to issue ad hoc requests addressed to it and to quickly respond to such requests from other National Contact Points; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

develop a capacity to issue ad hoc requests addressed to it and to quickly respond to such requests from other National Contact Points;

| (c) | develop a capacity to issue ad hoc requests addressed to it and to quickly respond to such requests from other National Contact Points
  as well as to requests from the Commission, the European Parliament or the Council
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

develop a capacity to issue ad hoc requests addressed to it and to quickly respond to such requests from other National Contact Points
  as well as to requests from the Commission, the European Parliament or the Council
  ;

Amendment 26

Article 5, paragraph 3, point (d)

| (d) | establish a national migration network, composed of a wide-range of organisations and individuals active in the
  area
  of migration and asylum
  and
  representing all relevant stakeholders. Members of the national migration network
  may
  be called upon to contribute to the activities of the
  EMN
  , in particular with regard to Articles 8 and 9. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

establish a national migration network, composed of a wide-range of organisations and individuals active in the
  area
  of migration and asylum
  and
  representing all relevant stakeholders. Members of the national migration network
  may
  be called upon to contribute to the activities of the
  EMN
  , in particular with regard to Articles 8 and 9.

| (d) | establish a national migration
  and asylum
  network, composed of a wide-range of
  governmental and non-governmental
  organisations
  , in particular universities, research centres, and professional associations,
  and individuals active in the
  various areas
  of migration and asylum
  ,
  representing all relevant stakeholders
  and capable of providing specific know-how
  . Members of the national migration
  and asylum
  network
  shall
  be called upon to contribute to the activities of the
  EMAN
  , in particular with regard to Articles 8 and 9. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

establish a national migration
  and asylum
  network, composed of a wide-range of
  governmental and non-governmental
  organisations
  , in particular universities, research centres, and professional associations,
  and individuals active in the
  various areas
  of migration and asylum
  ,
  representing all relevant stakeholders
  and capable of providing specific know-how
  . Members of the national migration
  and asylum
  network
  shall
  be called upon to contribute to the activities of the
  EMAN
  , in particular with regard to Articles 8 and 9.

Amendment 27

Article 6, paragraph 3

| 3. | After consultation of
  the Steering Board and
  the National Contact Points, the Commission shall, within the limits of the general objective and tasks defined in Articles 1 and 2, adopt the
  EMN's
  annual programme of activities. The programme shall specify the objectives and thematic priorities. The Commission shall monitor the execution of the annual programme of activities and regularly report on its execution and the development of the
  EMN
  to the Steering Board. |
| --- | --- |

3.

After consultation of
  the Steering Board and
  the National Contact Points, the Commission shall, within the limits of the general objective and tasks defined in Articles 1 and 2, adopt the
  EMN's
  annual programme of activities. The programme shall specify the objectives and thematic priorities. The Commission shall monitor the execution of the annual programme of activities and regularly report on its execution and the development of the
  EMN
  to the Steering Board.

| 3. | After consultation of the National Contact Points
  and of the European Parliament and approval by the Steering Board
  , the Commission shall,
  with due regard to the financial resources available and
  within the limits of the general objective and tasks defined in Articles 1 and 2, adopt the
  EMAN's
  annual programme of activities. The programme shall specify the objectives and thematic priorities. The Commission shall monitor the execution of the annual programme of activities and regularly report on its execution and the development of the
  EMAN
  to the Steering Board. |
| --- | --- |

3.

After consultation of the National Contact Points
  and of the European Parliament and approval by the Steering Board
  , the Commission shall,
  with due regard to the financial resources available and
  within the limits of the general objective and tasks defined in Articles 1 and 2, adopt the
  EMAN's
  annual programme of activities. The programme shall specify the objectives and thematic priorities. The Commission shall monitor the execution of the annual programme of activities and regularly report on its execution and the development of the
  EMAN
  to the Steering Board.

Amendment 28

Article 7, paragraph 5a (new)

| 5a. | The activities referred to in paragraph 5, if not planned in the EMAN's annual programme of activities, shall be communicated in good time to the National Contact Points. |
| --- | --- |

5a.

Amendment 29

Article 8, title

Information
  exchange
  system

Publication, dissemination and
  exchange
  of information

Amendment 30

Article 8, paragraph 1

| 1. | An Internet-based information exchange system, accessible via a dedicated website, shall be established in accordance with this Article. |
| --- | --- |

1.

An Internet-based information exchange system, accessible via a dedicated website, shall be established in accordance with this Article.

| 1. | An Internet-based information
  publication, dissemination and
  exchange system, accessible via a dedicated website, shall be established in accordance with this Article. |
| --- | --- |

1.

An Internet-based information
  publication, dissemination and
  exchange system, accessible via a dedicated website, shall be established in accordance with this Article.

Amendment 31

Article 8, paragraph 2, subparagraph 1

| 2. | The content of the information exchange system shall normally be public. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The content of the information exchange system shall normally be public.

| 2. | The content of the information
  publication, dissemination and
  exchange system shall normally be public. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The content of the information
  publication, dissemination and
  exchange system shall normally be public.

Amendment 32

Article 8, paragraph 3, point (f)

| (f) | a directory of researchers and research institutions in the area of migration and asylum. |
| --- | --- |

(f)

a directory of researchers and research institutions in the area of migration and asylum.

| (f) | a directory of researchers and research institutions in the area of migration and asylum
  and of NGOs and national, European, international and intergovernmental organisations active in that area
  . |
| --- | --- |

(f)

a directory of researchers and research institutions in the area of migration and asylum
  and of NGOs and national, European, international and intergovernmental organisations active in that area
  .

Amendment 33

Article 8, paragraph 3, point (fa) (new)

| (fa) | a European bibliography including published and unpublished academic works, in particular reports, brochures and conference papers; |
| --- | --- |

(fa)

Amendment 34

Article 8, paragraph 3, point (fb) (new)

| (fb) | a European agenda announcing conferences and key events in relation to all aspects of migration and asylum; |
| --- | --- |

(fb)

Amendment 35

Article 8, paragraph 3, point (fc) (new)

| (fc) | a database into which researchers and doctoral students may enter information on their theses and studies in progress. |
| --- | --- |

(fc)

Amendment 36

Article 9, paragraph 1

| 1. | Each National Contact Point shall produce every year a report describing the migration and asylum situation in the Member State, which shall include policy developments and statistical data. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Each National Contact Point shall produce every year a report describing the migration and asylum situation in the Member State, which shall include policy developments and statistical data.

| 1. | Each National Contact Point shall produce every year a report describing the migration and asylum situation in the Member State, which shall include
  legal developments (laws and case-law),
  policy developments and statistical data. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Each National Contact Point shall produce every year a report describing the migration and asylum situation in the Member State, which shall include
  legal developments (laws and case-law),
  policy developments and statistical data.

Amendment 37

Article 10, paragraph 1

| 1. | The
  EMN
  shall cooperate with entities in the Member States
  or in
  third countries,
  including
  international organisations
  ,
  competent in the field of migration and asylum. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The
  EMN
  shall cooperate with entities in the Member States
  or in
  third countries,
  including
  international organisations
  ,
  competent in the field of migration and asylum.

| 1. | The
  EMAN
  shall cooperate with
  governmental and non-governmental
  entities
  , bodies and organisations at European Union level and
  in the Member States
  and
  third countries
  and
  international organisations competent in the field of migration and asylum.


  The EMAN shall give priority to interaction with third countries of origin and transit for migrants to the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The
  EMAN
  shall cooperate with
  governmental and non-governmental
  entities
  , bodies and organisations at European Union level and
  in the Member States
  and
  third countries
  and
  international organisations competent in the field of migration and asylum.

The EMAN shall give priority to interaction with third countries of origin and transit for migrants to the European Union.

Amendment 38

Article 10, paragraph 1a (new)

| 1a. | EMAN cooperation with the countries in which asylum-seekers and migrants originate and through which they transit shall ensure consistency in the implementation of the common immigration and asylum policy. Such cooperation shall be designed to achieve a suitable degree of cooperation with neighbouring countries in order to consolidate the European neighbourhood policy. |
| --- | --- |

1a.

Amendment 39

Article 13

No later than three years after the entry into force of this Decision, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Economic and Social Committee, a report on the development of the
  EMN
  . The report shall be accompanied, if necessary, by proposals for amendments to this Decision.

No later than three years after the entry into force of this Decision, and every three years thereafter, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, a report on the development of the
  EMAN
  . The report shall be accompanied, if necessary, by proposals for amendments to this Decision
  with a view to the possible establishment of a European Migration Monitoring Centre
  .

Amendment 40

Article 15, paragraph 1

This Decision shall apply from
  1 January 2008
  .

This Decision shall apply from
  the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union
  .

Amendment 41

Article 15a (new)

Article 15a

Revision

This Decision shall be revised within a period of six months following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon.

---

(1)  

  OJ L 199, 31.7.2007, p. 23.

(2)  
  Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (CIREFI), as established following Council Conclusions of 30 November 1994 (OJ C 274, 19.9.1996, p. 50).

(3)  

  OJ L 83, 1.4.2005, p. 48.

(4)  

  OJ L 145, 31.5.2001, p. 43.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/60 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/60

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Amendment of regulation on a standard financial regulation for executive agencies *

P6_TA(2008)0111

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC) amending Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004 on a standard financial regulation for the executive agencies pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 58/2003 laying down the statute for executive agencies to be entrusted with certain tasks in the management of Community programmes (SEC(2007)0492 — C6-0123/2007 — 2007/0901(CNS))

2009/C 247 E/14

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the draft Commission regulation (SEC(2007)0492),

having been consulted by the Commission by letter of 25 April 2007 (C6-0123/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the opinion of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A6-0068/2008),

| 1. | Approves the draft Commission regulation as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the draft Commission regulation as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its draft regulation accordingly, |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its draft regulation accordingly,

| 3. | Asks to be consulted again if the Commission intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks to be consulted again if the Commission intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1 |
| RECITAL 3A (new) |
| | (3a) | The fact that the discharge to the director of the agency in respect of the administrative budget is distinguished from the discharge in respect of the implementation by the agency of operational appropriations relating to Community programmes may endanger the clarity of the discharge procedure in the event of a proliferation of executive agencies. |

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 1

RECITAL 3A (new)

(3a)

Amendment 2

RECITAL 3B (new)

| (3b) | In view of the difference in deadlines for the European Parliament's discharge decision in respect of the general budget, which is 15 May of year N+2, and its discharge decision in respect of the executive agencies, which is 29 April of year N+2, all actors involved should try to avoid difficulties in practice and strive for a harmonisation of the legal bases in the future. |
| --- | --- |

(3b)

Amendment 4

RECITAL 9A (new)

| (9a) | It should be clarified that the management board or steering committee — which is appointed by the Commission, the Commission being therefore responsible for ensuring that the board members possess the necessary qualifications and are not subject to any conflict of interest — bears certain responsibilities for budget and control issues and should therefore be accountable to the discharge authority. |
| --- | --- |

(9a)

Amendment 5

ARTICLE 1, POINT 1A (new)

Article 9, paragraph 4 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (1a) | In Article 9, the fourth paragraph is replaced by the following:


  The appropriations available at 31 December arising from the assigned revenue referred to in Article 15 shall be carried over automatically. The appropriations available corresponding to assigned revenue carried over must be used first.

  By 1 June of the following year at the latest, the agency shall inform the Commission on the implementation of the assigned revenue carried over. The Commission shall send a summary report on the usage of the assigned revenue of all executive agencies to the budgetary authority by 15 July of the following year at the latest. |
| --- | --- |

(1a)

The appropriations available at 31 December arising from the assigned revenue referred to in Article 15 shall be carried over automatically. The appropriations available corresponding to assigned revenue carried over must be used first.

  By 1 June of the following year at the latest, the agency shall inform the Commission on the implementation of the assigned revenue carried over. The Commission shall send a summary report on the usage of the assigned revenue of all executive agencies to the budgetary authority by 15 July of the following year at the latest.

Amendment 6

ARTICLE 1, POINT 2A (new)

Article 13, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (2a) | In Article 13, the second paragraph is replaced by the following:


  However, for cash-flow purposes, the accounting officer of the executive agency may, in duly justified cases, carry out operations in national currencies. |
| --- | --- |

(2a)

However, for cash-flow purposes, the accounting officer of the executive agency may, in duly justified cases, carry out operations in national currencies.

Amendment 7

ARTICLE 1, POINT 4

Article 19a, paragraph 2, point (c) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (c) | safeguarding of assets and information; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

safeguarding of assets and information;

| (c) | safeguarding of assets and
  transparency of
  information; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

safeguarding of assets and
  transparency of
  information;

Amendment 8

ARTICLE 1, POINT 5, POINT (A)

Article 20, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission and published on the website of the agency concerned. A summary of the budgets and amending budgets shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption.

The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission and published on the website of the agency concerned. A summary of the budgets and amending budgets shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption.
  This summary shall contain the following items: revenue and expenditure, stating changes in relation to the previous year; the five main expenditure budget lines for the administrative and operational budgets; the five main revenue budget lines; and the establishment plan including officials and temporary staff, as well as an overview of contract staff and national experts, and stating changes in relation to the previous year.

Amendment 9

ARTICLE 1, POINT 5, POINT (B)

Article 20, paragraph 2a (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

The agency shall make available
  , in an appropriate manner,
  information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget. This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality, in particular the protection of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2001 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data and of the requirements of security.

The agency shall make available
  on its Internet site
  information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget.
  The published information shall be easily accessible to third parties, transparent and comprehensive.
  This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality, in particular the protection of personal data as laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data and of the requirements of security.
  Where the information is not published in full, data on beneficiaries shall be made available in an appropriate manner to the European Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control. Information on funds received shall be published in anonymous form, stating the reasons for confidentiality and the unit responsible for the decision on confidentiality, in accordance with the first two sentences of this paragraph.

Amendment 10

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6A (new)

Article 21, point (a) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6a) | In Article 21, point (a) is replaced by the following:








  (a) | an establishment plan setting the number of temporary posts authorised within the limits of the budget appropriations, by grade and by category,

  as well as a well-founded estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(6a)

(a)

an establishment plan setting the number of temporary posts authorised within the limits of the budget appropriations, by grade and by category,

  as well as a well-founded estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted;

Amendment 11

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6B (new)

Article 21, point (b) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6b) | In Article 21, point (b) is replaced by the following:









  (b) | detailed documentation on assigned revenue; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(6b)

(b)

detailed documentation on assigned revenue;

Amendment 12

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6C (new)

Article 21, point (c) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6c) | In Article 21, point (c) is replaced by the following:









  (c) | information on the achievement of all previously set objectives for the various activities as well as new objectives measured by indicators; evaluation results shall be consulted and referred to as evidence of the likely merits of a proposed budget amendment. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(6c)

(c)

information on the achievement of all previously set objectives for the various activities as well as new objectives measured by indicators; evaluation results shall be consulted and referred to as evidence of the likely merits of a proposed budget amendment.

Amendment 13

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6D (new)

Article 22, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6d) | In Article 22, the third paragraph is replaced by the following:


  The budgetary authority shall adopt the establishment plan of all the agencies and any subsequent amendment thereto in accordance with Article 24.

  The approved establishment plan shall be published in an annex to Section III — Commission — of the general budget of the European Union together with an estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(6d)

The budgetary authority shall adopt the establishment plan of all the agencies and any subsequent amendment thereto in accordance with Article 24.

  The approved establishment plan shall be published in an annex to Section III — Commission — of the general budget of the European Union together with an estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year concerned.

Amendment 14

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6E (new)

Article 23, point 1 (b) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6e) | In Article 23(1), point (b) is replaced by the following:








  (b) | the revenue for the preceding financial year and the revenue for year N-2

  , including assigned revenue
  ; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(6e)

(b)

the revenue for the preceding financial year and the revenue for year N-2

  , including assigned revenue
  ;

Amendment 15

ARTICLE 1, POINT 6F (new)

Article 24, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (6f) | In Article 24(1), the first subparagraph is replaced by the following:


  1.   The establishment plan referred to in Article 21 shall show next to the number of posts authorised for the financial year, the number authorised for the preceding year and the number of posts actually filled

  , as well as the number of contract staff and national experts. By analogy, the well-founded estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year referred to in Article 21 shall also include the number of contract staff estimated for the preceding year and the number of staff actually employed.




  The establishment plan

  shall constitute an absolute limit for the agency; no appointment may be made in excess of the limit set. |
| --- | --- |

(6f)

1.   The establishment plan referred to in Article 21 shall show next to the number of posts authorised for the financial year, the number authorised for the preceding year and the number of posts actually filled

  , as well as the number of contract staff and national experts. By analogy, the well-founded estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year referred to in Article 21 shall also include the number of contract staff estimated for the preceding year and the number of staff actually employed.

The establishment plan

  shall constitute an absolute limit for the agency; no appointment may be made in excess of the limit set.

Amendment 16

ARTICLE 1, POINT 8

Article 27, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| 1. | All financial actors within the meaning of Chapter 2 of this Title and any other person involved in budget implementation, management, audit or control shall be prohibited from taking any measures
  of budget implementation
  which may bring their own interests into conflict with those of the agency or of the Communities. Should such a case arise, the person in question must refrain from such measures and refer the matter to his/her superior. The director must refer it to the management board. |
| --- | --- |

1.

All financial actors within the meaning of Chapter 2 of this Title and any other person involved in budget implementation, management, audit or control shall be prohibited from taking any measures
  of budget implementation
  which may bring their own interests into conflict with those of the agency or of the Communities. Should such a case arise, the person in question must refrain from such measures and refer the matter to his/her superior. The director must refer it to the management board.

| 1. | All financial actors within the meaning of Chapter 2 of this Title and any other person involved in budget implementation, management, audit or control shall be prohibited from taking any measures which may bring their own interests into conflict with those of the agency or of the Communities.
  The provisions of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union, and of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities, shall apply mutatis mutandis.
  Should such a case arise, the person in question must refrain from such measures and refer the matter to his/her superior. The director must refer it to the management board. |
| --- | --- |

1.

All financial actors within the meaning of Chapter 2 of this Title and any other person involved in budget implementation, management, audit or control shall be prohibited from taking any measures which may bring their own interests into conflict with those of the agency or of the Communities.
  The provisions of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union, and of the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities, shall apply mutatis mutandis.
  Should such a case arise, the person in question must refrain from such measures and refer the matter to his/her superior. The director must refer it to the management board.

Amendment 17

ARTICLE 1, POINT 8A (new)

Article 29, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (8a) | In Article 29, the second paragraph is replaced by the following:


  The authorising officer shall put in place, in compliance with the minimum standards adopted by the Commission for its own departments and having due regard to the specific risks associated with his/her management environment

  and the nature of the action financed,

  the organisational structure and the internal management and control procedures suited to the performance of his/her duties, including where appropriate ex post verifications. |
| --- | --- |

(8a)

The authorising officer shall put in place, in compliance with the minimum standards adopted by the Commission for its own departments and having due regard to the specific risks associated with his/her management environment

  and the nature of the action financed,

  the organisational structure and the internal management and control procedures suited to the performance of his/her duties, including where appropriate ex post verifications.

Amendment 18

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9A (new)

Article 29, paragraph 5 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (9a) | In Article 29, the fifth paragraph is replaced by the following:



  In accordance with Article 9(7) of Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, the authorising officer shall submit to the Steering Committee by 15 March of each financial year an annual report of his activities. In that report the authorising officer shall confirm, in a declaration of assurance signed by him, that the information contained in the annual report presents a true and fair view of the situation within the executive agency, except as otherwise specified in any reservations. |
| --- | --- |

(9a)

In accordance with Article 9(7) of Regulation (EC) No 58/2003, the authorising officer shall submit to the Steering Committee by 15 March of each financial year an annual report of his activities. In that report the authorising officer shall confirm, in a declaration of assurance signed by him, that the information contained in the annual report presents a true and fair view of the situation within the executive agency, except as otherwise specified in any reservations.

Amendment 19

ARTICLE 1, POINT 10

Article 30, introductory part (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

The management board shall appoint an accounting officer, who shall be a seconded official
  or a member of the temporary staff directly recruited by the agency
  and who shall be responsible for the following:

The management board shall appoint an accounting officer, who shall be a seconded official and who shall be responsible for the following:

Amendment 20

ARTICLE 1, POINT 10

Article 30, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

Before the approval of the accounts by the management board, the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying that he/she has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the agency.

Before the approval of the accounts by the management board, the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying
  in a declaration of assurance
  that he/she has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the agency.

Amendment 21

ARTICLE 1, POINT 12A (new)

Article 35, paragraph 1, subparagraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (12a) | In Article 35(1), the second subparagraph is replaced by the following:


  On the basis of the opinion of this panel, the director shall decide whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings or proceedings for the payment of compensation. If the panel detects systemic problems, it shall send a report with recommendations to the authorising officer and to the Commission's internal auditor. If the opinion implicates the director, the panel shall send it to the management board and the Commission's internal auditor

  . The director's indications on these cases and the explanation of his follow-up decisions shall be added to the agency's report to the budgetary authority on budgetary and financial management. |
| --- | --- |

(12a)

On the basis of the opinion of this panel, the director shall decide whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings or proceedings for the payment of compensation. If the panel detects systemic problems, it shall send a report with recommendations to the authorising officer and to the Commission's internal auditor. If the opinion implicates the director, the panel shall send it to the management board and the Commission's internal auditor

  . The director's indications on these cases and the explanation of his follow-up decisions shall be added to the agency's report to the budgetary authority on budgetary and financial management.

Amendment 22

ARTICLE 1, POINT 15

Article 42a (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

The accounting officer shall keep a list of amounts due to be recovered, in which entitlements of the agency are grouped according to their date of issue. The list shall be added to the report on budgetary and financial management of the agency. The agency shall establish a list of the entitlements of the agency stating the names of the debtors and the amount of the debt, where the debtor has been ordered to pay by a Court decision that has the force of res judicata and where no or no significant payment has been made for one year following its pronouncement. The list shall be published, taking account of the relevant legislation on data protection.

The accounting officer shall keep a list of amounts due to be recovered, in which entitlements of the agency are grouped according to their date of issue. The list shall be added to the report
  to the budgetary authority
  on budgetary and financial management of the agency.
  It shall specify also any waived or partially waived recovery orders
  .

The agency shall establish a list of the entitlements of the agency
  relating to the agency's own budget,
  stating the names of the debtors and the amount of the debt, where the debtor has been ordered to pay by a Court decision that has the force of res judicata and where no or no significant payment has been made for one year following its pronouncement. The list shall be published, taking account of the relevant legislation on data protection.

Amendment 23

ARTICLE 1, POINT 16A (new)

Article 48, paragraph 1a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (16a) | In Article 48, the following paragraph is added
  :


  In the case of IT-based payment systems, the accounting officer shall validate the security and reliability of such systems. |
| --- | --- |

(16a)

In Article 48, the following paragraph is added
  :

In the case of IT-based payment systems, the accounting officer shall validate the security and reliability of such systems.

Amendment 24

ARTICLE 1, POINT 19

Article 50a (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

Article 265a of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 shall apply mutatis mutandis for the selection of experts, to be paid on the basis of a fixed amount, for assisting the agency, in particular in evaluating proposals and grant applications or tenders for procurement, and for providing technical assistance in the follow-up to, and final evaluation of projects. The agencies may also use the lists of experts drawn up by the Commission.

Article 265a of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 shall apply mutatis mutandis for the selection of experts, to be paid on the basis of a fixed amount, for assisting the agency, in particular in evaluating proposals and grant applications or tenders for procurement, and for providing technical assistance in the follow-up to, and final evaluation of projects. The agencies may also use the lists of experts drawn up by the Commission.
  A list with the names of the experts who cooperated with the agency during the financial year in question and the remuneration received by these experts shall be attached to the executive agency's report to the budgetary authority on budgetary and financial management, taking due account of the protection of personal data.

Amendment 25

ARTICLE 1, POINT 21A (new)

Article 66, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1653/2004)

| (21a) | In Article 66, the first paragraph is replaced by the following:


  The European Parliament, upon a recommendation from the Council, which shall decide by qualified majority, shall give a discharge to the director in respect of the implementation of the administrative budget for year N by no later than 29 April of year N+2

  . The director shall inform the management board of the observations of the European Parliament contained in the resolution accompanying the discharge decision. |
| --- | --- |

(21a)

The European Parliament, upon a recommendation from the Council, which shall decide by qualified majority, shall give a discharge to the director in respect of the implementation of the administrative budget for year N by no later than 29 April of year N+2

  . The director shall inform the management board of the observations of the European Parliament contained in the resolution accompanying the discharge decision.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/67 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/67

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 *

P6_TA(2008)0112

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the draft Commission regulation (EC, Euratom) amending Commission Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002 on the framework Financial Regulation for the bodies referred to in Article 185 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (SEC(2007)1013 — C6-0417/2007 — 2007/0151(CNS))

2009/C 247 E/15

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the draft Commission regulation (SEC(2007)1013),

having been consulted by the Commission by letter of 20 July 2007 (C6-0417/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets and the opinion of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A6-0069/2008),

| 1. | Approves the draft Commission regulation as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the draft Commission regulation as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its draft regulation accordingly; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its draft regulation accordingly;

| 3. | Asks to be consulted again if the Commission should intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Asks to be consulted again if the Commission should intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1 |
| RECITAL 3A (new) |
| | (3a) | In view of the difference in deadlines between the European Parliament's discharge decision in respect of the general budget, which is 15 May of year n+2, and its discharge decision in respect of the agencies, which is 30 April of year n+2, all actors involved should try to avoid difficulties in practice and strive for a harmonisation of the legal bases in the future. |

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 1

RECITAL 3A (new)

(3a)

Amendment 2

ARTICLE 1, POINT –1 (new)

Article 2, point 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (–1) | In Article 2, point 1 is replaced by the following:








  1. | ‘Community body’ shall mean any body referred to in Article 185(1) of the general Financial Regulation.


  Community bodies which actually receive contributions charged to the budget as referred to in Article 185(1) of the general Financial Regulation shall mean any Community bodies receiving direct grants from the budget and any other Community bodies receiving contributions from the budget; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(–1)

1.

‘Community body’ shall mean any body referred to in Article 185(1) of the general Financial Regulation.

Amendment 3

ARTICLE 1, POINT 3, POINT (CA) (new)

Article 10, paragraph 7 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (ca) | Paragraph 7 is replaced by the following:


  7.   The appropriations available at 31 December arising from the assigned revenue referred to in Article 19 shall be carried over automatically.


  The appropriations available corresponding to assigned revenue carried over must be used first. By 1 June of the following year at the latest, the Community body shall inform the Commission on the implementation of the assigned revenue carried over. The Commission shall send a summary report on the usage of the assigned revenue of all Community bodies to the budgetary authority by 15 July of the following year at the latest. |
| --- | --- |

(ca)

7.   The appropriations available at 31 December arising from the assigned revenue referred to in Article 19 shall be carried over automatically.

The appropriations available corresponding to assigned revenue carried over must be used first. By 1 June of the following year at the latest, the Community body shall inform the Commission on the implementation of the assigned revenue carried over. The Commission shall send a summary report on the usage of the assigned revenue of all Community bodies to the budgetary authority by 15 July of the following year at the latest.

Amendment 5

ARTICLE 1, POINT 7

Article 23, paragraph 4 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 4. | The Director shall inform the management board as soon as possible of all transfers made. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Director shall inform the management board as soon as possible of all transfers made.

| 4. | The Director shall inform the management board as soon as possible of all transfers made.
  The Director shall inform the budgetary authority of all transfers carried out under paragraph 2
  . |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Director shall inform the management board as soon as possible of all transfers made.
  The Director shall inform the budgetary authority of all transfers carried out under paragraph 2
  .

Amendment 6

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9, POINT (A)

Article 26, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 2. | A summary of the budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption. |
| --- | --- |

2.

A summary of the budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption.

| 2. | A summary of the budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption.
  This summary shall indicate revenue and expenditure, the changes in relation to the year before, the five main expenditure headings for the administrative and the operational budget, the five main revenue headings, the establishment plan with permanent and temporary staff, as well as an overview of the number of contract staff and national experts and the changes in relation to the previous year. |
| --- | --- |

2.

A summary of the budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union within three months of their adoption.
  This summary shall indicate revenue and expenditure, the changes in relation to the year before, the five main expenditure headings for the administrative and the operational budget, the five main revenue headings, the establishment plan with permanent and temporary staff, as well as an overview of the number of contract staff and national experts and the changes in relation to the previous year.

Amendment 7

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9, POINT (B)

Article 26, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 3. | The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission, and shall be published on the website of the Community body concerned within two months of their adoption. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted, shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission, and shall be published on the website of the Community body concerned within two months of their adoption.

| 3. | The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted,
  including the establishment plan (with permanent and temporary staff, as well as an overview on the number of contract staff and national experts)
  , shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission, and shall be published on the website of the Community body concerned within two months of their adoption. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The budget and amending budgets, as finally adopted,
  including the establishment plan (with permanent and temporary staff, as well as an overview on the number of contract staff and national experts)
  , shall be transmitted for information to the budgetary authority, the Court of Auditors and the Commission, and shall be published on the website of the Community body concerned within two months of their adoption.

Amendment 8

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9, POINT (B)

Article 26, paragraph 4 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 4. | The Community body shall make available,
  in an appropriate manner
  , information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget. This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality and security, in particular the protection of personal data laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Community body shall make available,
  in an appropriate manner
  , information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget. This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality and security, in particular the protection of personal data laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

| 4. | The Community body shall make available
  on its Internet site
  information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget.
  The published information shall be easily accessible to third parties, transparent and comprehensive (publication in full).
  This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality and security, in particular the protection of personal data laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. Where the information is not published in full, data on beneficiaries shall be made available in an appropriate manner to the European Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control. Information on funds received shall be published in anonymous form, stating the reasons for confidentiality and the unit responsible for the decision on confidentiality, in accordance with the first two sentences of this paragraph. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Community body shall make available
  on its Internet site
  information on the beneficiaries of funds deriving from its budget.
  The published information shall be easily accessible to third parties, transparent and comprehensive (publication in full).
  This information shall be made available with due observance of the requirements of confidentiality and security, in particular the protection of personal data laid down in Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data. Where the information is not published in full, data on beneficiaries shall be made available in an appropriate manner to the European Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control. Information on funds received shall be published in anonymous form, stating the reasons for confidentiality and the unit responsible for the decision on confidentiality, in accordance with the first two sentences of this paragraph.

Amendment 9

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9A (new)

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (ba) (new) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (9a) | In Article 27(3), the following point (ba) is inserted:









  (ba) | detailed documentation on assigned revenue, in particular an estimate of the operating surplus from the year n-1 in order to complete the information already available concerning the surplus of n-2; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(9a)

(ba)

detailed documentation on assigned revenue, in particular an estimate of the operating surplus from the year n-1 in order to complete the information already available concerning the surplus of n-2;

Amendment 10

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9B (new)

Article 27, paragraph 3, point (da) (new) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (9b) | In Article 27(3), the following point (da) is added:









  (da) | an estimate of the balance of the outturn account within the meaning of Article 81 from the year n-1. |
| --- | --- | --- |

(9b)

(da)

an estimate of the balance of the outturn account within the meaning of Article 81 from the year n-1.

Amendment 11

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9C (new)

Article 27, paragraph 3a (new) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (9c) | In Article 27, the following paragraph 3a is inserted:



  3a.
     
  The Community body shall also send to the Commission and the budgetary authority by 31 March each year at the latest:










  (a) | its draft work programme, |
| --- | --- | --- |

(9c)

3a.
     
  The Community body shall also send to the Commission and the budgetary authority by 31 March each year at the latest:

(a)

its draft work programme,

| (b) | its updated multi-annual staff policy plan, established in line with the guidelines set by the Commission, |
| --- | --- |

(b)

its updated multi-annual staff policy plan, established in line with the guidelines set by the Commission,

| (c) | information on the number of officials, temporary and contract staff and national experts for the year n-1 and n as well as an estimate for the year n+1, |
| --- | --- |

(c)

information on the number of officials, temporary and contract staff and national experts for the year n-1 and n as well as an estimate for the year n+1,

| (d) | information on contributions in kind granted by the host Member State to the Community body. |
| --- | --- |

(d)

information on contributions in kind granted by the host Member State to the Community body.

Amendment 12

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9D (new)

Article 27, paragraph 5 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (9d) | In Article 27, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:


  5.   The budgetary authority shall adopt the establishment plan of the Community body and any subsequent amendment thereto in accordance with Article 32(1). The approved establishment plan shall be published in an annex to Section III — Commission — of the general budget of the European Union together with an estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year concerned. |
| --- | --- |

(9d)

5.   The budgetary authority shall adopt the establishment plan of the Community body and any subsequent amendment thereto in accordance with Article 32(1). The approved establishment plan shall be published in an annex to Section III — Commission — of the general budget of the European Union together with an estimate of the number of contract staff planned and provisionally budgeted for the financial year concerned.

Amendment 13

ARTICLE 1, POINT 9E (new)

Article 31, point 1 (b) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (9e) | In Article 31, point 1(b) is replaced by the following:








  (b) | the estimated revenue for the preceding financial year and the revenue for year n-2, including assigned revenue; |
| --- | --- | --- |

(9e)

(b)

the estimated revenue for the preceding financial year and the revenue for year n-2, including assigned revenue;

Amendment 15

ARTICLE 1, POINT 15

Article 40, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 1. | The authorising officer shall report to the management board on the performance of his duties in the form of an annual activity report, together with financial and management information confirming that the information contained in the report presents a true and fair view except as otherwise specified in any reservations related to defined areas of revenue and expenditure. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The authorising officer shall report to the management board on the performance of his duties in the form of an annual activity report, together with financial and management information confirming that the information contained in the report presents a true and fair view except as otherwise specified in any reservations related to defined areas of revenue and expenditure.

| 1. | The authorising officer shall report to the management board on the performance of his duties in the form of an annual activity report, together with financial and management information confirming
  in a declaration of assurance
  that the information contained in the report presents a true and fair view except as otherwise specified in any reservations related to defined areas of revenue and expenditure. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The authorising officer shall report to the management board on the performance of his duties in the form of an annual activity report, together with financial and management information confirming
  in a declaration of assurance
  that the information contained in the report presents a true and fair view except as otherwise specified in any reservations related to defined areas of revenue and expenditure.

Amendment 16

ARTICLE 1, POINT 15A (new)

Article 40, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (15a) | In Article 40, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:


  2.   By no later than 15 June each year, the management board shall send the budgetary authority and the Court of Auditors an analysis and an assessment of the authorising officer's annual report on the previous financial year, including his declaration of assurance. This analysis and assessment shall be included in the annual report of the Community body, in accordance with the provisions of the constituent instrument. |
| --- | --- |

(15a)

2.   By no later than 15 June each year, the management board shall send the budgetary authority and the Court of Auditors an analysis and an assessment of the authorising officer's annual report on the previous financial year, including his declaration of assurance. This analysis and assessment shall be included in the annual report of the Community body, in accordance with the provisions of the constituent instrument.

Amendment 17

ARTICLE 1, POINT 16

Article 43, paragraph 2a, subparagraph 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 2a. | Before the adoption of the accounts by the
  Director
  , the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying that he has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the Community body. |
| --- | --- |

2a.

Before the adoption of the accounts by the
  Director
  , the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying that he has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the Community body.

| 2a. | Before the adoption of the accounts by the
  management board
  , the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying that he has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the Community body. |
| --- | --- |

2a.

Before the adoption of the accounts by the
  management board
  , the accounting officer shall sign them off, thereby certifying that he has a reasonable assurance that the accounts present a true and fair view of the financial situation of the Community body.

Amendment 18

ARTICLE 1, POINT 19

Article 47, paragraph 4 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 4. | The specialised financial irregularities panel set up by the Commission in accordance with Article 66(4) of the general Financial Regulation, shall exercise the same powers in respect of the Community body as it does in respect of Commission departments,
  unless the management board decides to set up a functionally independent panel, or to participate in a joint panel established by several Community bodies. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The specialised financial irregularities panel set up by the Commission in accordance with Article 66(4) of the general Financial Regulation, shall exercise the same powers in respect of the Community body as it does in respect of Commission departments,
  unless the management board decides to set up a functionally independent panel, or to participate in a joint panel established by several Community bodies.

| 4. | The specialised financial irregularities panel set up by the Commission in accordance with Article 66(4) of the general Financial Regulation shall exercise the same powers in respect of the Community body as it does in respect of Commission departments. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The specialised financial irregularities panel set up by the Commission in accordance with Article 66(4) of the general Financial Regulation shall exercise the same powers in respect of the Community body as it does in respect of Commission departments.

For cases concerning agencies the panel shall foresee one seat for a representative of the agencies.

On the basis of the opinion of this panel, the Director shall decide whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings or proceedings for the payment of compensation. If the panel detects systemic problems, it shall send a report with recommendations to the authorising officer and to the Commission's internal auditor. If the opinion implicates the Director, the panel shall send it to the management board and the Commission's internal auditor.

On the basis of the opinion of this panel, the Director shall decide whether to initiate disciplinary proceedings or proceedings for the payment of compensation. If the panel detects systemic problems, it shall send a report with recommendations to the authorising officer and to the Commission's internal auditor. If the opinion implicates the Director, the panel shall send it to the management board and the Commission's internal auditor.

The director's indications on these cases and the explanation of his follow-up decisions shall be included in the annual activity report of the director
  .

Amendment 19

ARTICLE 1, POINT 22

Article 58a, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

The accounting officer shall keep a list of amounts due to be recovered, in which Community entitlements are grouped according to the date of issue of the recovery order. The list shall be added to the Community body's report on budgetary and financial management.

The accounting officer shall keep a list of amounts due to be recovered, in which Community entitlements are grouped according to the date of issue of the recovery order. The list shall be added to the Community body's report on budgetary and financial management.
  It shall specify also the waived or partially waived recovery orders.

Amendment 20

ARTICLE 1, POINT 23

Article 59, point (b) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (b) | Where fees and charges are entirely determined by legislation or decisions of the management board, the authorising officer may abstain from issuing recovery orders and directly draw up debit notes after having established the amount receivable. In this case all details of the Community body's entitlement shall be registered. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Where fees and charges are entirely determined by legislation or decisions of the management board, the authorising officer may abstain from issuing recovery orders and directly draw up debit notes after having established the amount receivable. In this case all details of the Community body's entitlement shall be registered.

| (b) | Where fees and charges are entirely determined by legislation or decisions of the management board, the authorising officer may abstain from issuing recovery orders and directly draw up debit notes after having established the amount receivable. In this case all details of the Community body's entitlement shall be registered.
  The accounting officer shall keep a list of the debit notes. The list shall be added to the Community body's report on budgetary and financial management. It shall specify also the waived or partially waived debit notes. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

Where fees and charges are entirely determined by legislation or decisions of the management board, the authorising officer may abstain from issuing recovery orders and directly draw up debit notes after having established the amount receivable. In this case all details of the Community body's entitlement shall be registered.
  The accounting officer shall keep a list of the debit notes. The list shall be added to the Community body's report on budgetary and financial management. It shall specify also the waived or partially waived debit notes.

Amendment 21

ARTICLE 1, POINT 25A (new)

Article 69 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (25a) | Article 69 is replaced by the following:


  Article 69



  The validation, authorisation and payment of expenditure must be carried out within the time limits specified in, and in accordance with the provisions of, the general Financial Regulation and the detailed rules for its implementation. In the case of IT-based payment systems, the accounting officer shall validate the security and reliability of such systems. |
| --- | --- |

(25a)

Article 69

The validation, authorisation and payment of expenditure must be carried out within the time limits specified in, and in accordance with the provisions of, the general Financial Regulation and the detailed rules for its implementation. In the case of IT-based payment systems, the accounting officer shall validate the security and reliability of such systems.

Amendment 22

ARTICLE 1, POINT 28

Article 74a (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

Article 265a of the Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 shall apply mutatis mutandis for the selection of experts. Such experts shall be paid on the basis of a fixed amount, for assisting the Community body, in particular in evaluating proposals and grant applications or tenders for procurement, and for providing technical assistance in the follow-up to, and final evaluation of projects. The Community body may use the lists drawn up by the Commission or other Community bodies.

Article 265a of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 shall apply mutatis mutandis for the selection of experts. Such experts shall be paid on the basis of a fixed amount, for assisting the Community body, in particular in evaluating proposals and grant applications or tenders for procurement, and for providing technical assistance in the follow-up to, and final evaluation of projects. The Community body may use the lists drawn up by the Commission or other Community bodies.
  A list with the names of the experts who cooperated with the Community body during the financial year in question and the remuneration received by these experts shall be attached to the Community body's report on budgetary and financial management to the budgetary authority, taking due account of the protection of personal data.

Amendment 23

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30

Article 82, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

The accounting officer shall send to the Commission's accounting officer and the Court of Auditors by no later than 1 March of the following year its provisional accounts, together with the report on budgetary and financial management during the year, referred to in Article 76 of this Regulation, so that the Commission's accounting officer can consolidate the accounts as provided for in Article 128 of the general Financial Regulation.

The accounting officer shall send to the Commission's accounting officer and the Court of Auditors by no later than 1 March of the following year its provisional accounts, together with the report on budgetary and financial management during the year, referred to in Article 76 of this Regulation, so that the Commission's accounting officer can consolidate the accounts as provided for in Article 128 of the general Financial Regulation.
  The Commission's accounting officer shall provide the budgetary authority with a report on the consolidation of accounts of all agencies.

Amendment 24

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30

Article 82, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

The accounting officer shall also send the report on budgetary and financial management to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 March of the following year at the latest.

The accounting officer shall also send the report on budgetary and financial management
  with his declaration of assurance
  to the European Parliament and the Council by 31 March of the following year at the latest.

Amendment 25

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30

Article 83, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 2. | On receiving the Court of Auditors’ observations on the provisional accounts of the Community body, the Director shall draw up the final accounts of the Community body in accordance with Article 43, under his own responsibility,
  and send them to
  the management board,
  which shall give an opinion on these accounts
  . |
| --- | --- |

2.

On receiving the Court of Auditors’ observations on the provisional accounts of the Community body, the Director shall draw up the final accounts of the Community body in accordance with Article 43, under his own responsibility,
  and send them to
  the management board,
  which shall give an opinion on these accounts
  .

| 2. | On receiving the Court of Auditors’ observations on the provisional accounts of the Community body, the Director shall draw up the final accounts of the Community body in accordance with Article 43, under his own responsibility.
  The final accounts shall be approved by
  the management board. |
| --- | --- |

2.

On receiving the Court of Auditors’ observations on the provisional accounts of the Community body, the Director shall draw up the final accounts of the Community body in accordance with Article 43, under his own responsibility.
  The final accounts shall be approved by
  the management board.

Amendment 26

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30

Article 83, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| 3. | The Director shall send the final accounts,
  together with the opinion of
  the management board, to the Commission's accounting officer, the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and the Council, by 1 July of the following year at the latest. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Director shall send the final accounts,
  together with the opinion of
  the management board, to the Commission's accounting officer, the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and the Council, by 1 July of the following year at the latest.

| 3. | The Director shall send the final accounts,
  as approved by
  the management board, to the Commission's accounting officer, the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and the Council, by 1 July of the following year at the latest. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Director shall send the final accounts,
  as approved by
  the management board, to the Commission's accounting officer, the Court of Auditors, the European Parliament and the Council, by 1 July of the following year at the latest.

Amendment 27

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30A (new)

Article 94, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002

| (30a) | In Article 94, paragraph 17.30 1 is replaced by the following:


  1.   The European Parliament, upon a recommendation from the Council, shall, before 30 April of year n+2, give a discharge to the director in respect of the implementation of the budget for year n; the director shall inform the management board of the observations of the European Parliament contained in the resolution accompanying the discharge decision. |
| --- | --- |

(30a)

1.   The European Parliament, upon a recommendation from the Council, shall, before 30 April of year n+2, give a discharge to the director in respect of the implementation of the budget for year n; the director shall inform the management board of the observations of the European Parliament contained in the resolution accompanying the discharge decision.

Amendment 28

ARTICLE 1, POINT 30B (new)

Article 94, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (30b) | In Article 94, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:


  3.   If the European Parliament postpones the decision giving a discharge, the director , in cooperation with the management board, shall make every effort to take measures, as soon as possible, to remove or facilitate removal of the obstacles to that decision. |
| --- | --- |

(30b)

3.   If the European Parliament postpones the decision giving a discharge, the director , in cooperation with the management board, shall make every effort to take measures, as soon as possible, to remove or facilitate removal of the obstacles to that decision.

Amendment 29

ARTICLE 1, POINT 31A (new)

Article 98a (new) (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (31a) | The following Article 98a is inserted:


  Article 98a



  Two years before the expiry of a financial perspective or multi-annual financial framework, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an opinion concerning the functioning and the necessity of each agency. |
| --- | --- |

(31a)

Article 98a

Two years before the expiry of a financial perspective or multi-annual financial framework, the Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with an opinion concerning the functioning and the necessity of each agency.

Amendment 30

ARTICLE 1, POINT 32

Article 99 (Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2343/2002)

| (32) | In
  Article 99,
  the following sentence is added: ‘The director shall transmit these rules to the Commission for information.’; |
| --- | --- |

(32)

In
  Article 99,
  the following sentence is added: ‘The director shall transmit these rules to the Commission for information.’;

| (32) | Article 99
  is replaced by the following:




  Article 99



  The management board shall, as far as is necessary and in agreement with the Commission, adopt detailed rules for implementing the financial regulation of the Community body, on a proposal from its director. |
| --- | --- |

(32)

Article 99
  is replaced by the following:

Article 99

The management board shall, as far as is necessary and in agreement with the Commission, adopt detailed rules for implementing the financial regulation of the Community body, on a proposal from its director.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/75 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/75

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (Malta and Portugal)

P6_TA(2008)0114

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, in application of point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (COM(2008)0094 — C6-0085/2008 — 2008/2043(ACI))

2009/C 247 E/16

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2008)0094 — C6-0085/2008),

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 28 thereof,

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2),

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0083/2008),

| A. | whereas the European Union has set up the appropriate legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who suffer from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market, |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the European Union has set up the appropriate legislative and budgetary instruments to provide additional support to workers who suffer from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist their reintegration into the labour market,

| B. | whereas the European Union's financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible, |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the European Union's financial assistance to workers made redundant should be dynamic and made available as quickly and efficiently as possible,

| C. | whereas Malta and Portugal have requested assistance in respect of redundancies in the textile sector in Malta and the automobile sector in Portugal, by letters of 12 September 2007 and 9 October 2007 (3), |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas Malta and Portugal have requested assistance in respect of redundancies in the textile sector in Malta and the automobile sector in Portugal, by letters of 12 September 2007 and 9 October 2007 (3),

| 1. | Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to accelerate the mobilisation of the Fund; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Requests the institutions involved to make the necessary efforts to accelerate the mobilisation of the Fund;

| 2. | Stresses its concern regarding the nature of measures financed from the Fund with a view to reducing the number of persons remaining unemployed; asks the Commission, in cooperation with the Portuguese authorities, to closely monitor the situation in relation to the provisions of Article 3, second paragraph, of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 and to report to the legislative and budgetary authorities; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Stresses its concern regarding the nature of measures financed from the Fund with a view to reducing the number of persons remaining unemployed; asks the Commission, in cooperation with the Portuguese authorities, to closely monitor the situation in relation to the provisions of Article 3, second paragraph, of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 and to report to the legislative and budgetary authorities;

| 3. | Approves the decision annexed to this resolution; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Approves the decision annexed to this resolution;

| 4. | Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Instructs its President to sign the decision with the President of the Council and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution, including its annex, to the Council and Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

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

---

(1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

(2)  OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

(3)  Applications EGF/2007/008 and EGF/2007/010.

---

Thursday 10 April 2008ANNEX

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 10 April 2008

on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in accordance with point 28 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1), and in particular point 28 thereof,

Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on establishing the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2), and in particular Article 12(3) thereof,

Having regard to the Commission proposal,

Whereas:

| (1) | The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (the ‘Fund’) was established to provide additional support to workers who suffer from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (the ‘Fund’) was established to provide additional support to workers who suffer from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns and to assist them with their reintegration into the labour market.

| (2) | The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the Fund within the annual ceiling of EUR 500 million. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 allows the mobilisation of the Fund within the annual ceiling of EUR 500 million.

| (3) | On 12 September 2007 Malta submitted an application to deploy the Fund, in respect of redundancies in the textile sector, specifically for workers made redundant by VF(Malta)Ltd and Bortex Clothing Ind Co Ltd. The application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

On 12 September 2007 Malta submitted an application to deploy the Fund, in respect of redundancies in the textile sector, specifically for workers made redundant by VF(Malta)Ltd and Bortex Clothing Ind Co Ltd. The application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006.

| (4) | On 9 October 2007 Portugal submitted an application to deploy the Fund, in respect of redundancies in the automobile sector, specifically for workers made redundant by Opel in Azambuja, Alcoa Fujikura in Seixal and Johnson Controls in Portalegre. The application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006. |
| --- | --- |

(4)

On 9 October 2007 Portugal submitted an application to deploy the Fund, in respect of redundancies in the automobile sector, specifically for workers made redundant by Opel in Azambuja, Alcoa Fujikura in Seixal and Johnson Controls in Portalegre. The application complies with the requirements for determining the financial contributions as laid down in Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006.

| (5) | The Fund should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution for the applications, |
| --- | --- |

(5)

The Fund should, therefore, be mobilised in order to provide a financial contribution for the applications,

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund shall be mobilised to provide the sum of EUR 3 106 882 in commitment and payment appropriations.

Article 2

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 10 April 2008.

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President

---

(1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

1

(2)  OJ L 406, 30.12.2006, p. 1.

2

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/78 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/78

---

Thursday 10 April 20082009 budget guidelines, other sections

P6_TA(2008)0115

European Parliament resolution of 10 April 2008 on the guidelines for the 2009 budget procedure, Section I — European Parliament, Section II — Council, Section IV — Court of Justice, Section V — Court of Auditors, Section VI — European Economic and Social Committee, Section VII — Committee of the Regions, Section VIII — European Ombudsman, Section IX — European Data Protection Supervisor (2008/2021(BUD))

2009/C 247 E/17

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 272 of the EC Treaty,

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (1),

having regard to Council Decision 2000/597/EC, Euratom of 29 September 2000 on the system of the European Communities’ own resources (2),

having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (3),

having regard to the fifth report by the Secretaries-General of the Institutions on trends in heading 5 of the financial perspective of May 2006,

having regard to the Annual Report of the Court of Auditors on the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2006, together with the institutions’ replies (4),

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0082/2008),

| A. | whereas, at this stage of the annual procedure, the European Parliament is awaiting the other institutions’ estimates and its own Bureau's proposals for the 2009 Budget, |
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A.

whereas, at this stage of the annual procedure, the European Parliament is awaiting the other institutions’ estimates and its own Bureau's proposals for the 2009 Budget,

| B. | whereas a pilot exercise was agreed in which enhanced cooperation and relations between the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets would be applied throughout the 2009 budget procedure, |
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B.

whereas a pilot exercise was agreed in which enhanced cooperation and relations between the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets would be applied throughout the 2009 budget procedure,

| C. | whereas the ceiling of heading 5 in 2009 is EUR 7 777 000 000 (5), representing an increase of 4,3 % compared to 2008, |
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C.

whereas the ceiling of heading 5 in 2009 is EUR 7 777 000 000 (5), representing an increase of 4,3 % compared to 2008,

| D. | whereas the European Parliament’s budget for 2008 amounts to EUR 1 452 517 167, representing 19,68 % of heading 5 this year, |
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D.

whereas the European Parliament’s budget for 2008 amounts to EUR 1 452 517 167, representing 19,68 % of heading 5 this year,

European Parliament

General Framework and main challenges

| 1. | Stresses that 2009 will be a year of far-reaching change for the Parliament and considers that this should be reflected in its budget procedure; believes that this is a fresh opportunity to ensure that its political priorities are properly financed while, at the same time, being scrutinised in order to identify savings wherever possible and to ensure sustainability of the budget; |
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1.

Stresses that 2009 will be a year of far-reaching change for the Parliament and considers that this should be reflected in its budget procedure; believes that this is a fresh opportunity to ensure that its political priorities are properly financed while, at the same time, being scrutinised in order to identify savings wherever possible and to ensure sustainability of the budget;

| 2. | Considers that the following main challenges must be met while insisting on the most effective use of resources:






  — | Challenges related to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, |
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2.

Considers that the following main challenges must be met while insisting on the most effective use of resources:

—

Challenges related to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon,

| — | Challenges related to 2009 as an election year for the Parliament, |
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—

Challenges related to 2009 as an election year for the Parliament,

| — | Challenges related to the new Statute for Members and to the change of term; |
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—

Challenges related to the new Statute for Members and to the change of term;

| 3. | Notes the opening of the question of the voluntary 20 % share of the Parliament presented in the Bureau's document; wishes to recall that successive budgets have shown surpluses at the end of the year and, although it is ready to consider additional expenditures that will certainly be needed for the particular demands of 2009, wishes to review all expenditure items while staying within the 20 % share; |
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3.

Notes the opening of the question of the voluntary 20 % share of the Parliament presented in the Bureau's document; wishes to recall that successive budgets have shown surpluses at the end of the year and, although it is ready to consider additional expenditures that will certainly be needed for the particular demands of 2009, wishes to review all expenditure items while staying within the 20 % share;

| 4. | Is of the opinion that a tendency to temperance is a virtue when establishing the budget, although this may not necessarily hold true in other circumstances; welcomes, therefore, the Secretary-General's intention to carefully examine all expenditure before making detailed proposals; insists that the forthcoming draft estimates reflect as closely as possible the final proposal for the Parliament’s expenditure from the administration and the Bureau, especially now that the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets have adopted a new pilot conciliation procedure; believes that such an approach will send a good message to the taxpayer in the European Union and, also, serve the Parliament well in the run-up to the review of the multi-annual financial framework; considers that this examination should be available in good time for the preparation of the 1st reading; |
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4.

Is of the opinion that a tendency to temperance is a virtue when establishing the budget, although this may not necessarily hold true in other circumstances; welcomes, therefore, the Secretary-General's intention to carefully examine all expenditure before making detailed proposals; insists that the forthcoming draft estimates reflect as closely as possible the final proposal for the Parliament’s expenditure from the administration and the Bureau, especially now that the Bureau and the Committee on Budgets have adopted a new pilot conciliation procedure; believes that such an approach will send a good message to the taxpayer in the European Union and, also, serve the Parliament well in the run-up to the review of the multi-annual financial framework; considers that this examination should be available in good time for the preparation of the 1st reading;

| 5. | Points out, nevertheless, that the evolution of the financial ceiling must continue to be monitored carefully over the remainder of the MFF 2009-2013, especially as the annual adjustment is done according to a fixed rate (+2 %) and any divergence in real inflation will have an impact on the margin; calls on all institutions to thoroughly assess their budget needs in light of the means available in the current MFF; |
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5.

Points out, nevertheless, that the evolution of the financial ceiling must continue to be monitored carefully over the remainder of the MFF 2009-2013, especially as the annual adjustment is done according to a fixed rate (+2 %) and any divergence in real inflation will have an impact on the margin; calls on all institutions to thoroughly assess their budget needs in light of the means available in the current MFF;

| 6. | Also wishes to explore, in this regard, how different institutions can adapt to changing staffing needs under the budget; notes that the Commission, contrary to the other institutions, finances an increasing share of staff from their operational programmes (thus not heading 5), normally through the creation of agencies in an out-sourcing process; recognises that the Parliament does not have recourse to such possibilities and must finance all its needs under heading 5; |
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6.

Also wishes to explore, in this regard, how different institutions can adapt to changing staffing needs under the budget; notes that the Commission, contrary to the other institutions, finances an increasing share of staff from their operational programmes (thus not heading 5), normally through the creation of agencies in an out-sourcing process; recognises that the Parliament does not have recourse to such possibilities and must finance all its needs under heading 5;

| 7. | Welcomes the 2008 pilot exercise to enhance cooperation between its Bureau and Committee on Budgets, which should test a streamlined budget procedure as well as allowing for more timely and transparent consultation on all parliamentary matters with significant financial implications; underlines that the pilot exercise should be carefully evaluated before any decisions are taken for the longer term; |
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7.

Welcomes the 2008 pilot exercise to enhance cooperation between its Bureau and Committee on Budgets, which should test a streamlined budget procedure as well as allowing for more timely and transparent consultation on all parliamentary matters with significant financial implications; underlines that the pilot exercise should be carefully evaluated before any decisions are taken for the longer term;

Challenges related to the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon

| 8. | Considers that the Parliament’s increased responsibilities following a ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon should be of prime concern for the formulation of the 2009 budget, especially as regards its role as lawmaker on an equal footing with the Council; stresses that its role as one arm of the budgetary authority of course remains, but with changed provisions as regards both expenditure classification and budgetary procedures; |
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8.

Considers that the Parliament’s increased responsibilities following a ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon should be of prime concern for the formulation of the 2009 budget, especially as regards its role as lawmaker on an equal footing with the Council; stresses that its role as one arm of the budgetary authority of course remains, but with changed provisions as regards both expenditure classification and budgetary procedures;

| 9. | Considers that all efforts should be made to fully assist Members to fulfil their responsibilities in this new context and that the appropriate structures and facilities must be put in place, including adequate and easily accessible meeting facilities for individual Members; underlines that such changes are not new to the Parliament and that growing co-decision powers have been smoothly integrated into its structures following previous treaty changes; looks forward to the conclusions of the Working Party on Human and Financial resources set up by the Secretary-General, especially regarding the requirement to respond to the enhanced legislative role of parliamentary committees and the other new responsibilities of Parliament; |
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9.

Considers that all efforts should be made to fully assist Members to fulfil their responsibilities in this new context and that the appropriate structures and facilities must be put in place, including adequate and easily accessible meeting facilities for individual Members; underlines that such changes are not new to the Parliament and that growing co-decision powers have been smoothly integrated into its structures following previous treaty changes; looks forward to the conclusions of the Working Party on Human and Financial resources set up by the Secretary-General, especially regarding the requirement to respond to the enhanced legislative role of parliamentary committees and the other new responsibilities of Parliament;

| 10. | Does not take the view, however, that this is automatically a question of financial resources but, rather, that more relevant and cost-effective ways of organising the work must always be sought, including a stronger focus on core activities, redeployment of staff when possible, re-structuring of services to suit new circumstances, better use of modern technologies and, also, increased inter-institutional cooperation; |
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10.

Does not take the view, however, that this is automatically a question of financial resources but, rather, that more relevant and cost-effective ways of organising the work must always be sought, including a stronger focus on core activities, redeployment of staff when possible, re-structuring of services to suit new circumstances, better use of modern technologies and, also, increased inter-institutional cooperation;

| 11. | Invites the Secretary-General to analyse in greater detail which tasks and responsibilities can genuinely be regarded as new compared to the current ones following on from the Treaty of Lisbon, perhaps also prompting new working practices, and which could motivate the requests for a certain amount of new resources as flagged in the Bureau's guidelines document; emphasises that requests for new resources should be accompanied by clear accounts of what has been achieved with previous increases in staff and expenditure, such as the use and results of the new ‘comitology posts’ granted in 2008; |
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11.

Invites the Secretary-General to analyse in greater detail which tasks and responsibilities can genuinely be regarded as new compared to the current ones following on from the Treaty of Lisbon, perhaps also prompting new working practices, and which could motivate the requests for a certain amount of new resources as flagged in the Bureau's guidelines document; emphasises that requests for new resources should be accompanied by clear accounts of what has been achieved with previous increases in staff and expenditure, such as the use and results of the new ‘comitology posts’ granted in 2008;

| 12. | Also stresses the importance of a thorough analysis on the possible impact on the 2009 budget stemming from the proposals of its Working Party on Parliamentary Reform, which, in conjunction with the Treaty changes, will certainly influence its working methods; |
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12.

Also stresses the importance of a thorough analysis on the possible impact on the 2009 budget stemming from the proposals of its Working Party on Parliamentary Reform, which, in conjunction with the Treaty changes, will certainly influence its working methods;

| 13. | Wishes to see an assessment of the structure and capacity of the committee secretariats in order to ensure that they are ready to step up the quality of their legislative work; is surprised at recent claims that a mere 6 % of staff work on committees and invites the Secretary-General to provide, before 1 July 2008, a mid-term evaluation of human resources needs, including more precise information on the needs of the various committees, as well as a detailed organisation chart of all staff (officials and other staff) working in the administration and to suggest appropriate solutions, including redeployment, in order to strengthen the core activity of legislative work; |
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13.

Wishes to see an assessment of the structure and capacity of the committee secretariats in order to ensure that they are ready to step up the quality of their legislative work; is surprised at recent claims that a mere 6 % of staff work on committees and invites the Secretary-General to provide, before 1 July 2008, a mid-term evaluation of human resources needs, including more precise information on the needs of the various committees, as well as a detailed organisation chart of all staff (officials and other staff) working in the administration and to suggest appropriate solutions, including redeployment, in order to strengthen the core activity of legislative work;

| 14. | Reiterates its belief that the introduction of a Knowledge Management System, bringing together multiple sources of information, texts and references into a single point access- system for both Members and staff, will constitute a useful management tool; follows with interest the recent discussion of this issue in the Bureau; calls for an early exchange of views and for information, including cost estimates, as already requested in 2007; urges the Bureau to decide on the next steps during the budgetary procedure; |
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14.

Reiterates its belief that the introduction of a Knowledge Management System, bringing together multiple sources of information, texts and references into a single point access- system for both Members and staff, will constitute a useful management tool; follows with interest the recent discussion of this issue in the Bureau; calls for an early exchange of views and for information, including cost estimates, as already requested in 2007; urges the Bureau to decide on the next steps during the budgetary procedure;

| 15. | Welcomes the pilot project on individual interpretation for Members and looks forward to its rapid launch; notes that it is directed, in a first stage, towards rapporteurs and/or shadow rapporteurs ‘in legislative or budgetary procedures’; invites the Secretary-General to follow up this project during its 6 months and, in due time before first reading, present an objective cost-benefit analysis; |
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15.

Welcomes the pilot project on individual interpretation for Members and looks forward to its rapid launch; notes that it is directed, in a first stage, towards rapporteurs and/or shadow rapporteurs ‘in legislative or budgetary procedures’; invites the Secretary-General to follow up this project during its 6 months and, in due time before first reading, present an objective cost-benefit analysis;

| 16. | Recalls that EUR 2 million was placed in the reserve during the 2008 budgetary procedure in order to encourage the administration to give priority to more efficient linguistic support for Members during official meetings; calls on the administration to provide information on measures taken and progress made to improve linguistic services at official meetings; |
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16.

Recalls that EUR 2 million was placed in the reserve during the 2008 budgetary procedure in order to encourage the administration to give priority to more efficient linguistic support for Members during official meetings; calls on the administration to provide information on measures taken and progress made to improve linguistic services at official meetings;

| 17. | Awaits the outcome of the evaluation of the pilot project for the analytical service to be provided to Members in the library of Parliament and its implications for 2009; recalls that in its resolution of 29 March 2007 on the guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure (6), Parliament asked to be able to publish the answers to such queries on its Intranet; points out that such publication would serve transparency and enable all members to benefit from such service; |
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17.

Awaits the outcome of the evaluation of the pilot project for the analytical service to be provided to Members in the library of Parliament and its implications for 2009; recalls that in its resolution of 29 March 2007 on the guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure (6), Parliament asked to be able to publish the answers to such queries on its Intranet; points out that such publication would serve transparency and enable all members to benefit from such service;

Challenges related to 2009 as an election year for the Parliament

| 18. | Underlines that 2009 will be a year of European elections and considers this an essential aspect of the budget to be agreed; reiterates its conviction that European citizens must be adequately informed of the work carried out by their elected representatives as well as the political and legislative role of the Parliament; |
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18.

Underlines that 2009 will be a year of European elections and considers this an essential aspect of the budget to be agreed; reiterates its conviction that European citizens must be adequately informed of the work carried out by their elected representatives as well as the political and legislative role of the Parliament;

| 19. | Draws particular attention to the importance it attaches to decentralised communication measures that also involve regional and local media; considers this a cost-effective way to achieve the targeted information necessary and, furthermore, insists that Members should actively participate in such initiatives; |
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19.

Draws particular attention to the importance it attaches to decentralised communication measures that also involve regional and local media; considers this a cost-effective way to achieve the targeted information necessary and, furthermore, insists that Members should actively participate in such initiatives;

| 20. | Believes that changes related to the election year must however be seen in the context of prudent financial management and not automatically considered as additional expenditure that comes ‘on top’ of other activities; believes that an election year also requires a certain amount of focus of actions and expenditure in that particular year; |
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20.

Believes that changes related to the election year must however be seen in the context of prudent financial management and not automatically considered as additional expenditure that comes ‘on top’ of other activities; believes that an election year also requires a certain amount of focus of actions and expenditure in that particular year;

| 21. | Will monitor in this regard the financing of three major information-related projects directed towards citizens, i.e. the visitors centre and the audiovisual centre, which are meant to be fully operational by 2009, and the web-TV project, which should be operational before 1 July 2008; while noting that this area has already seen substantial growth in recent years, believes the web-TV project will achieve added value from the investment under communication policy, as it offers easy access to all Union citizens to the proceedings of the Parliament; asks to receive information on a regular basis, assessing the results by reference to a set of performance indicators; |
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21.

Will monitor in this regard the financing of three major information-related projects directed towards citizens, i.e. the visitors centre and the audiovisual centre, which are meant to be fully operational by 2009, and the web-TV project, which should be operational before 1 July 2008; while noting that this area has already seen substantial growth in recent years, believes the web-TV project will achieve added value from the investment under communication policy, as it offers easy access to all Union citizens to the proceedings of the Parliament; asks to receive information on a regular basis, assessing the results by reference to a set of performance indicators;

| 22. | Also notes the proposal to earmark funds for a ‘House of European History’ project in the Bureau's document and, in view of the limited margin of financial manoeuvre and the pressing needs relating to Parliament’s core tasks, awaits a more detailed analysis concerning the financial and budgetary elements and also the results of the work of the committee of experts; wishes to explore the possibility of support for this important project also from the Commission; |
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22.

Also notes the proposal to earmark funds for a ‘House of European History’ project in the Bureau's document and, in view of the limited margin of financial manoeuvre and the pressing needs relating to Parliament’s core tasks, awaits a more detailed analysis concerning the financial and budgetary elements and also the results of the work of the committee of experts; wishes to explore the possibility of support for this important project also from the Commission;

Challenges related to the new Statute for Members and to the change of term

| 23. | Attaches high importance to the unified statute for its Members, which will be introduced in the second half of 2009; notes that the additional expenditure, taking into account the transitional arrangements that can be used for a period of up to ten years, is so far approximate and welcomes the Secretary-General's statement that the figures will be re-examined before the Estimates stage; |
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23.

Attaches high importance to the unified statute for its Members, which will be introduced in the second half of 2009; notes that the additional expenditure, taking into account the transitional arrangements that can be used for a period of up to ten years, is so far approximate and welcomes the Secretary-General's statement that the figures will be re-examined before the Estimates stage;

| 24. | Asks the Secretary-General to provide an updated budgetary estimate for these expenditures as soon as possible given the fact that more Members than originally foreseen are likely to opt for the new system; also wishes an update on the financial impact of the new rules on allowances that should be reformed in tandem with the new Statute; |
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24.

Asks the Secretary-General to provide an updated budgetary estimate for these expenditures as soon as possible given the fact that more Members than originally foreseen are likely to opt for the new system; also wishes an update on the financial impact of the new rules on allowances that should be reformed in tandem with the new Statute;

| 25. | Agrees that a provisional amount could be foreseen for the possibility of admitting Croatian observers at the end of 2009 and looks forward to an estimation of the financial implications; |
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25.

Agrees that a provisional amount could be foreseen for the possibility of admitting Croatian observers at the end of 2009 and looks forward to an estimation of the financial implications;

| 26. | Supports the recommendations of the conference of Presidents and the Bureau to ensure the consistent implementation of Parliament’s internal rules on the reimbursement of parliamentary assistance expenses and to charge the Bureau working party on the Members’ Statute, the Assistants’ Statute and the Pension Fund with assessing in detail and as a matter of urgency the operation of the existing rules and, given the importance of the matter, to put forward proposals for amendments to those rules; calls on the working group set up within the Bureau to put forward, together with the competent Commission services, proposals relating to a statute for Members’ assistants to be forwarded as a matter of urgency to the Council for adoption under the French presidency so that it can become applicable on the same day as the new Members’ Statute; believes that this proposed statute would ensure equal treatment of Members’ assistants that is also transparent, and help ensure that tax and social obligations, such as salaries and social security rights, are fulfilled; welcomes the decision of the Bureau of 10 March 2008 on Members’ parliamentary assistance, as a first step towards complying with the request expressed in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on the draft general budget for 2008 (7); calls on the Bureau and its Secretary General to report on the progress on the matter in due time before the first reading; |
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26.

Supports the recommendations of the conference of Presidents and the Bureau to ensure the consistent implementation of Parliament’s internal rules on the reimbursement of parliamentary assistance expenses and to charge the Bureau working party on the Members’ Statute, the Assistants’ Statute and the Pension Fund with assessing in detail and as a matter of urgency the operation of the existing rules and, given the importance of the matter, to put forward proposals for amendments to those rules; calls on the working group set up within the Bureau to put forward, together with the competent Commission services, proposals relating to a statute for Members’ assistants to be forwarded as a matter of urgency to the Council for adoption under the French presidency so that it can become applicable on the same day as the new Members’ Statute; believes that this proposed statute would ensure equal treatment of Members’ assistants that is also transparent, and help ensure that tax and social obligations, such as salaries and social security rights, are fulfilled; welcomes the decision of the Bureau of 10 March 2008 on Members’ parliamentary assistance, as a first step towards complying with the request expressed in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on the draft general budget for 2008 (7); calls on the Bureau and its Secretary General to report on the progress on the matter in due time before the first reading;

Buildings

| 27. | Welcomes the preparation of a long-term strategy proposal for its buildings policy, including the expected development of maintenance costs, which should be analysed during the 2009 procedure; considers particularly important the financial implications stemming from rental arrangements, on the one hand, and acquisitions, on the other hand; wishes to see the arguments put forward and debated during the year; appreciates the Secretary-General's inter-institutional initiative to improve conditions concerning public procurement, especially to avoid cartel or monopolistic situations; awaits further information so that it can continue to follow the process very closely; |
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27.

Welcomes the preparation of a long-term strategy proposal for its buildings policy, including the expected development of maintenance costs, which should be analysed during the 2009 procedure; considers particularly important the financial implications stemming from rental arrangements, on the one hand, and acquisitions, on the other hand; wishes to see the arguments put forward and debated during the year; appreciates the Secretary-General's inter-institutional initiative to improve conditions concerning public procurement, especially to avoid cartel or monopolistic situations; awaits further information so that it can continue to follow the process very closely;

| 28. | Recognises that considerable savings have been achieved due to the advance payments made on buildings over the last ten years, considers that Parliament’s acquisition policy in the longer term needs to be assessed in the light of the limits of the financial ceiling and the particular needs in its three places of work; would welcome a debate on this issue following the presentation of the long-term strategy; |
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28.

Recognises that considerable savings have been achieved due to the advance payments made on buildings over the last ten years, considers that Parliament’s acquisition policy in the longer term needs to be assessed in the light of the limits of the financial ceiling and the particular needs in its three places of work; would welcome a debate on this issue following the presentation of the long-term strategy;

| 29. | Insists that environmental concerns should be a key element of its policy; believes that further improvements in terms of energy efficiency are necessary, as well as a further shift towards the use of green energy sources in all premises occupied by Parliament; expects the commitments undertaken in the framework of EMAS to be honoured and awaits more detailed information on the results of the EMAS action plan as well as on the use of solar panels, the possibility of renewing Parliament’s car fleet with environmentally friendly cars, and the new mobility point, which should also become easily accessible online; |
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29.

Insists that environmental concerns should be a key element of its policy; believes that further improvements in terms of energy efficiency are necessary, as well as a further shift towards the use of green energy sources in all premises occupied by Parliament; expects the commitments undertaken in the framework of EMAS to be honoured and awaits more detailed information on the results of the EMAS action plan as well as on the use of solar panels, the possibility of renewing Parliament’s car fleet with environmentally friendly cars, and the new mobility point, which should also become easily accessible online;

| 30. | Recalls that in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Parliament asked the administration to present an action plan for reducing and off-setting CO2 emissions caused by Parliament’s activities; |
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30.

Recalls that in its resolution of 25 October 2007 on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2008, Parliament asked the administration to present an action plan for reducing and off-setting CO2 emissions caused by Parliament’s activities;

| 31. | Wishes to see a report on the constraints, both regulatory and practical, which may have led to unnecessarily high maintenance costs for EU buildings, including the Parliament’s; wishes the report to be a cross-cutting effort in order to establish the root causes, whether linked to a restricted market in any way, burdens imposed by the Financial Regulation and public tendering, or any other relevant factor; considers that the rule requiring the blacklisting of firms that have put forward unnecessarily high costs should be enforced; believes that Parliament should seek ways to achieve savings in the building budget; |
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31.

Wishes to see a report on the constraints, both regulatory and practical, which may have led to unnecessarily high maintenance costs for EU buildings, including the Parliament’s; wishes the report to be a cross-cutting effort in order to establish the root causes, whether linked to a restricted market in any way, burdens imposed by the Financial Regulation and public tendering, or any other relevant factor; considers that the rule requiring the blacklisting of firms that have put forward unnecessarily high costs should be enforced; believes that Parliament should seek ways to achieve savings in the building budget;

| 32. | Is pleased to note that the implementing practices concerning the sharing of external offices with the Commission (European Houses) are currently being modified in order to better reflect the occupancy share of each institution; congratulates the Secretary-General for work in this direction, as called for last year, and asks to be informed at each stage of the process; |
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32.

Is pleased to note that the implementing practices concerning the sharing of external offices with the Commission (European Houses) are currently being modified in order to better reflect the occupancy share of each institution; congratulates the Secretary-General for work in this direction, as called for last year, and asks to be informed at each stage of the process;

Staff

| 33. | Considers that staffing levels have now entered a phase of consolidation following the very significant increases made with the last enlargements; calls on all services and the political groups to provide a detailed analysis and justification of staff deployment in Parliament’s various departments before making any requests for staffing and creating any new posts, and to use possibilities of re-deployment whenever feasible; considers that this budgetary exercise shall constitute a continuation of such efforts in 2008, while recognising the special challenges for 2009 and the fact that redeployment possibilities will vary from one year to the next; |
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33.

Considers that staffing levels have now entered a phase of consolidation following the very significant increases made with the last enlargements; calls on all services and the political groups to provide a detailed analysis and justification of staff deployment in Parliament’s various departments before making any requests for staffing and creating any new posts, and to use possibilities of re-deployment whenever feasible; considers that this budgetary exercise shall constitute a continuation of such efforts in 2008, while recognising the special challenges for 2009 and the fact that redeployment possibilities will vary from one year to the next;

| 34. | Is therefore prepared to consider reasonable requests for new posts after the administration has presented a clear analysis, also including any training and development programmes necessary; welcomes the Secretary-General's intention to carry out an extensive effort in this regard; |
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34.

Is therefore prepared to consider reasonable requests for new posts after the administration has presented a clear analysis, also including any training and development programmes necessary; welcomes the Secretary-General's intention to carry out an extensive effort in this regard;

| 35. | Considers that the previously mentioned analysis of what can be considered genuinely new tasks and responsibilities emanating from the Treaty of Lisbon, and the possible financial implications, including establishment plans, will be a crucial element for the budget; |
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35.

Considers that the previously mentioned analysis of what can be considered genuinely new tasks and responsibilities emanating from the Treaty of Lisbon, and the possible financial implications, including establishment plans, will be a crucial element for the budget;

Other institutions

| 36. | Invites the institutions to present realistic and cost-based budget requests that take full account of the general context of financial rigour, effective management of resources, and added value for European citizens; |
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36.

Invites the institutions to present realistic and cost-based budget requests that take full account of the general context of financial rigour, effective management of resources, and added value for European citizens;

| 37. | Is very interested in how a future European External Action Service would be integrated into the EU budget overall and, in the event of this Service, or parts thereof, being absorbed into the Council's section, calls on the Council and the Commission to be fully transparent and pro-active as to the implications this will have, including the dividing lines between administrative and operational expenditure; |
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37.

Is very interested in how a future European External Action Service would be integrated into the EU budget overall and, in the event of this Service, or parts thereof, being absorbed into the Council's section, calls on the Council and the Commission to be fully transparent and pro-active as to the implications this will have, including the dividing lines between administrative and operational expenditure;

| 38. | Notes with some trepidation the significant increases in building expenditure over the medium-term and invites all institutions to examine such plans carefully and to present all financing plans and/or solutions in an open and easily understandable format; recognises that there are also unavoidable needs for such expenditure in certain cases, for example linked to legal requirements and to achieving satisfactory conditions for staff; |
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38.

Notes with some trepidation the significant increases in building expenditure over the medium-term and invites all institutions to examine such plans carefully and to present all financing plans and/or solutions in an open and easily understandable format; recognises that there are also unavoidable needs for such expenditure in certain cases, for example linked to legal requirements and to achieving satisfactory conditions for staff;

| 39. | Invites its rapporteur for 2009 to carry out individual visits to the Council, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, European Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions, the Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor, in order to hear them before the Estimates stage and to report back to its Committee on Budgets; |
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39.

Invites its rapporteur for 2009 to carry out individual visits to the Council, Court of Justice, Court of Auditors, European Economic and Social Committee, Committee of the Regions, the Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor, in order to hear them before the Estimates stage and to report back to its Committee on Budgets;

*

* *

| 40. | Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the European Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor. |
| --- | --- |

40.

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, the European Ombudsman and the European Data Protection Supervisor.

---

(1)  OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1. Agreement as amended by Decision 2008/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 6, 10.1.2008, p. 7).

(2)  OJ L 253, 7.10.2000, p. 42.

(3)  OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1525/2007 (OJ L 343, 27.12.2007, p. 9).

(4)  OJ C 273, 15.11.2007, p. 1.

(5)  Including EUR 78 000 000 in staff contributions for pensions.

(6)  OJ C 27 E, 31.1.2008, p. 225.

(7)  Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0474.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/83 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/83

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Thursday 10 April 2008Eurostars ***I

P6_TA(2008)0116

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the participation by the Community in a research and development programme aimed at supporting research and development performing SMEs undertaken by several Member States (COM(2007)0514 — C6-0281/2007 — 2007/0188(COD))

2009/C 247 E/18

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the European Parliament and the Council (COM(2007)0514),

having regard to Article 251(2) and Articles 169 and 172(2) of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C6-0281/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0064/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend the proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

| 3. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

---

| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/84 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/84

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Research Fund for Coal and Steel *

P6_TA(2008)0117

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council decision on the multiannual technical guidelines for the research programme of the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (COM(2007)0393 — C6-0248/2007 — 2007/0135(CNS))

2009/C 247 E/20

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0393),

having regard to Article 4(3) of Council Decision 2003/76/EC of 1 February 2003 establishing the measures necessary for the implementation of the Protocol, annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community, on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (1), pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0248/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A6-0039/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 2 |
| Article 4, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1a (new) |
| | Such projects shall make coal more competitive on local energy markets, subject to efficient use being made of local coal reserves. |
| Amendment 3 |
| Article 4, paragraph 2, point (ca) (new) |
| | (ca) | more efficient conversion of the primary energy latent in coal into other energy forms, for example through the use of conventional coal gasification and liquefaction technologies; |

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 2

Article 4, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1a (new)

Such projects shall make coal more competitive on local energy markets, subject to efficient use being made of local coal reserves.

Amendment 3

Article 4, paragraph 2, point (ca) (new)

(ca)

Amendment 4

Article 4, paragraph 2, point (cb) (new)

| (cb) | more economic and more reliable technologies. |
| --- | --- |

(cb)

Amendment 5

Article 6, paragraph 2, point (d)

| (d) | the refurbishment of waste heaps and the
  industrial
  use of residues from coal production and consumption; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the refurbishment of waste heaps and the
  industrial
  use of residues from coal production and consumption;

| (d) | the refurbishment of waste heaps and the use of residues from coal production and consumption; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

the refurbishment of waste heaps and the use of residues from coal production and consumption;

Amendment 6

Article 7, paragraph 1

Research projects with this objective shall relate to the prospects for long-term energy supply and concern the upgrading — in economic, energy-related and environmental terms — of coal
  deposits
  which cannot be extracted economically by conventional mining techniques. Projects may include studies, the definition of strategies, fundamental and applied research and the testing of innovative techniques which offer prospects for the upgrading of Community coal resources.

Research projects with this objective shall relate to the prospects for
  safeguarding
  long-term energy supply and concern the upgrading
  and efficient transport
  — in economic, energy-related and environmental terms — of coal which cannot be extracted economically by conventional mining techniques. Projects may include studies, the definition of strategies, fundamental and applied research and the testing of innovative techniques which offer prospects for the upgrading of Community coal resources.

Amendment 7

Article 7, paragraph 2

Preference shall be given to projects integrating complementary techniques such as the adsorption of methane or carbon dioxide, coal bed methane extraction and underground coal gasification.

Preference shall be given to projects integrating complementary techniques such as the adsorption of methane or carbon dioxide, coal bed methane extraction and
  use as an energy source, efficient coal burning in heat and electricity generation processes and unconventional
  underground coal gasification
  methods
  .

Amendment 8

Article 8, point (ja) (new)

| (ja) | steel castings and forgings and sintered products obtained by powder metallurgy from iron powders and ferro-alloys as semi-finished products for further processing; |
| --- | --- |

(ja)

Amendment 9

Article 9, point (b)

| (b) | steel
  properties
  addressing mechanical properties at low and high temperatures such as strength
  and toughness
  , fatigue,
  wear,
  creep,
  corrosion and resistance against
  fracture; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

steel
  properties
  addressing mechanical properties at low and high temperatures such as strength
  and toughness
  , fatigue,
  wear,
  creep,
  corrosion and resistance against
  fracture;

| (b) | steel
  characteristics
  addressing
  the
  mechanical properties
  of steels
  at low and high temperatures such as strength
  under varying degrees of tension, hardness, shock resistance
  ,
  mechanical and thermal
  fatigue, creep
  and
  fracture
  resistance and abrasion wear and corrosion resistance
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

steel
  characteristics
  addressing
  the
  mechanical properties
  of steels
  at low and high temperatures such as strength
  under varying degrees of tension, hardness, shock resistance
  ,
  mechanical and thermal
  fatigue, creep
  and
  fracture
  resistance and abrasion wear and corrosion resistance
  ;

Amendment 10 and 11

Article 9, point (c)

| (c) | prolonging service life, in particular by improving the resistance of steels and steel structures to
  heat and
  corrosion; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

prolonging service life, in particular by improving the resistance of steels and steel structures to
  heat and
  corrosion;

| (c) | prolonging service life, in particular by improving the resistance of steels and steel structures to
  high-temperature wear,
  corrosion
  and other influences
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(c)

prolonging service life, in particular by improving the resistance of steels and steel structures to
  high-temperature wear,
  corrosion
  and other influences
  ;

Amendment 12

Article 9, point (d)

| (d) | steel-containing
  composites and
  sandwich
  structures; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

steel-containing
  composites and
  sandwich
  structures;

| (d) | fibrous and layered
  composites and structures; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

fibrous and layered
  composites and structures;

Amendment 13

Article 9, point (e)

| (e) | predictive simulation models on microstructures
  and
  mechanical properties; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

predictive simulation models on microstructures
  and
  mechanical properties;

| (e) | predictive simulation models on microstructures
  ,
  mechanical properties
  , etc
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(e)

predictive simulation models on microstructures
  ,
  mechanical properties
  , etc
  ;

Amendment 14

Article 10, point (b)

| (b) | steel grades and
  design of
  assembled
  structures to
  facilitate the easy
  recovery of steel scrap and its reconversion into usable steels; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

steel grades and
  design of
  assembled
  structures to
  facilitate the easy
  recovery of steel scrap and its reconversion into usable steels;

| (b) | design of
  steel
  structures
  that are easy to disassemble at the end of their service life, with a view
  to the recovery of steel scrap and its reconversion into usable steels; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

design of
  steel
  structures
  that are easy to disassemble at the end of their service life, with a view
  to the recovery of steel scrap and its reconversion into usable steels;

Amendment 15

Article 13

Any undertaking, public body, research organisation or higher and secondary education establishment, or other legal entity, including natural persons, from third countries shall be entitled to participate on the basis of individual projects without receiving any financial contribution under the Research Programme, provided that such participation is in the interest of the Community.

Any undertaking, public body, research organisation or higher and secondary education establishment, or other legal entity, including natural persons, from third countries shall be entitled to participate on the basis of individual projects without receiving any financial contribution under the Research Programme, provided that such participation is in the interest of the Community
  and provided that the participant is able to provide the basic resources required for the project's implementation
  .

Amendment 16

Article 20

The Coal and Steel Advisory Groups (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Advisory Groups’) shall be independent technical advisory groups.

The Coal and Steel Advisory Groups (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Advisory Groups’) shall be independent technical advisory groups
  comprising appropriately qualified specialists
  .

Amendment 17

Article 22, paragraph 3

The Commission shall ensure, within each Advisory Group, a balanced range of expertise and the broadest possible geographical representation.

The Commission shall ensure, within each Advisory Group, a balanced range of expertise and the broadest possible geographical
  and geo-economic
  representation
  , with special reference to the Member States which joined the European Union in 2004 and after
  .

Amendment 18

Article 25, paragraph 3, subparagraph 1

| 3. | The Commission shall establish an information package setting out the detailed rules for participation, the methods of managing proposals and projects, application forms, rules for the submission of proposals, model grant agreements, eligible costs, the maximum financial contribution allowable, methods of payment and the annual priority objectives of the Research Programme. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission shall establish an information package setting out the detailed rules for participation, the methods of managing proposals and projects, application forms, rules for the submission of proposals, model grant agreements, eligible costs, the maximum financial contribution allowable, methods of payment and the annual priority objectives of the Research Programme.

| 3. | The Commission shall establish an information package setting out the detailed rules for participation, the methods of managing proposals and projects, application forms
  (including instructions for the completion thereof)
  , rules for the submission of proposals, model grant agreements, eligible costs, the maximum financial contribution allowable, methods of payment and the annual priority objectives of the Research Programme. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Commission shall establish an information package setting out the detailed rules for participation, the methods of managing proposals and projects, application forms
  (including instructions for the completion thereof)
  , rules for the submission of proposals, model grant agreements, eligible costs, the maximum financial contribution allowable, methods of payment and the annual priority objectives of the Research Programme.

---

(1)  OJ L 29, 5.2.2003, p. 22.

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| 15.10.2009 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 247/87 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

15.10.2009

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 247/87

---

Thursday 10 April 2008Fishing activities of Community and third-country fishing vessels *

P6_TA(2008)0118

European Parliament legislative resolution of 10 April 2008 on the proposal for a Council regulation concerning authorisations for fishing activities of Community fishing vessels outside Community waters and the access of third country vessels to Community waters (COM(2007)0330 — C6-0236/2007 — 2007/0114(CNS))

2009/C 247 E/21

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0330),

having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0236/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinion of the Committee on Development (A6-0072/2008),

| 1. | Approves the Commission proposal as amended; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

| 2. | Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

| 3. | Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

| 4. | Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

| 5. | Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council and the Commission.

| TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION | AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT |
| --- | --- |
| Amendment 1 |
| Article 1, point (b) |
| (b) | the authorisation for vessels flying the flag of a Member State other than Community fishing vessels to engage in activities outside Community waters in the framework of an agreement; |

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSION

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT

Amendment 1

Article 1, point (b)

(b)

deleted

Amendment 2

Article 2, point (m)

| (m) | Serious infringement: a serious infringement as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1447/99 of 24 June 1999 establishing a list of types of behaviour which seriously infringe the rules of the common fisheries policy or a serious infringement or a serious violation under the agreement concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(m)

Serious infringement: a serious infringement as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1447/99 of 24 June 1999 establishing a list of types of behaviour which seriously infringe the rules of the common fisheries policy or a serious infringement or a serious violation under the agreement concerned;

| (m) | Serious infringement: a serious infringement as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1447/1999 of 24 June 1999 establishing a list of types of behaviour which seriously infringe the rules of the common fisheries policy, or a serious infringement or a serious violation under the agreement concerned;
  an infringement shall be confirmed by a successful prosecution in accordance with the relevant national legislation; |
| --- | --- |

(m)

Serious infringement: a serious infringement as defined in Regulation (EC) No 1447/1999 of 24 June 1999 establishing a list of types of behaviour which seriously infringe the rules of the common fisheries policy, or a serious infringement or a serious violation under the agreement concerned;
  an infringement shall be confirmed by a successful prosecution in accordance with the relevant national legislation;

Amendment 3

Article 2, point (n)

| (n) | IUU list: list of fishing vessels identified in the framework of a RFMO as having been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; |
| --- | --- |

(n)

IUU list: list of fishing vessels identified in the framework of a RFMO as having been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;

| (n) | IUU list: list of fishing vessels identified in the framework of a RFMO
  or by the Commission under Council Regulation (EC) No ... of ... [establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing]

   (1) as having been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; |
| --- | --- |

(n)

IUU list: list of fishing vessels identified in the framework of a RFMO
  or by the Commission under Council Regulation (EC) No ... of ... [establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing]

   (1) as having been involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing;

Amendment 5

Article 3

Only Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued in accordance with this Regulation shall be entitled to engage in fishing activities
  in the waters subject to an agreement
  .

Only Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued in accordance with this Regulation shall be entitled to engage in fishing activities
  outside Community waters
  .

Amendment 6

Article 4, paragraph 1

| 1. | When an agreement has been concluded, the Commission shall inform the Member States thereof. |
| --- | --- |

1.

When an agreement has been concluded, the Commission shall inform the Member States thereof.

| 1. | The Commission may seek expressions of interest from the Member States before negotiations start on an agreement, subject to confirmation once negotiations are complete and allocations made.
  When an agreement has been concluded
  by the third country and approved by the Council,
  the Commission shall inform the Member States thereof. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission may seek expressions of interest from the Member States before negotiations start on an agreement, subject to confirmation once negotiations are complete and allocations made.
  When an agreement has been concluded
  by the third country and approved by the Council,
  the Commission shall inform the Member States thereof.

Amendment 7

Article 7, paragraph 1, point (a)

| (a) | that are not eligible for a fishing authorisation under the agreement concerned
  or are not included in the list of vessels notified in accordance with Article 4
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

that are not eligible for a fishing authorisation under the agreement concerned
  or are not included in the list of vessels notified in accordance with Article 4
  ;

| (a) | that are not eligible for a fishing authorisation under the agreement concerned; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

that are not eligible for a fishing authorisation under the agreement concerned;

Amendment 8

Article 7, paragraph 1, point (b)

| (b) | that during the previous 12 months of fishing activities under the agreement concerned or, in case of a new agreement, of fishing activities of the agreement that preceded that agreement, have committed a serious infringement, or, where appropriate, have not yet fulfilled the conditions under that agreement for that period; |
| --- | --- |

(b)

that during the previous 12 months of fishing activities under the agreement concerned or, in case of a new agreement, of fishing activities of the agreement that preceded that agreement, have committed a serious infringement, or, where appropriate, have not yet fulfilled the conditions under that agreement for that period;

| (b) | that during the previous 12 months of fishing activities under the agreement concerned or, in case of a new agreement, of fishing activities of the agreement that preceded that agreement, have committed a serious infringement, or, where appropriate, have not yet fulfilled the conditions under that agreement for that period
  , except where a penalty has already been imposed on the vessel concerned, where there is evidence that the infringement was not serious, and/or where the owner of the vessel has changed and the new owner provides guarantees that those conditions will be fulfilled. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

that during the previous 12 months of fishing activities under the agreement concerned or, in case of a new agreement, of fishing activities of the agreement that preceded that agreement, have committed a serious infringement, or, where appropriate, have not yet fulfilled the conditions under that agreement for that period
  , except where a penalty has already been imposed on the vessel concerned, where there is evidence that the infringement was not serious, and/or where the owner of the vessel has changed and the new owner provides guarantees that those conditions will be fulfilled.

Amendment 9

Article 7, paragraph 1, point (d)

| (d) | for which the
  data
  contained
  in the Community fleet register and the Community fishing authorisation information system within the meaning of Article 16 is

  incomplete or inaccurate
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

for which the
  data
  contained
  in the Community fleet register and the Community fishing authorisation information system within the meaning of Article 16 is

  incomplete or inaccurate
  ;

| (d) | until such time as incomplete or inaccurate
  data
  concerning them
  in the Community fleet register and the Community fishing authorisation information system within the meaning of Article 16
  have been corrected
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(d)

until such time as incomplete or inaccurate
  data
  concerning them
  in the Community fleet register and the Community fishing authorisation information system within the meaning of Article 16
  have been corrected
  ;

Amendment 10

Article 9, paragraph 1, introductory part

| 1. | The Commission shall not transmit to the authorising authority applications, with regard to which: |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission shall not transmit to the authorising authority applications, with regard to which:

| 1. | The Commission
  , having given the Member States the opportunity to submit their observations,
  shall not transmit to the authorising authority applications, with regard to which: |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Commission
  , having given the Member States the opportunity to submit their observations,
  shall not transmit to the authorising authority applications, with regard to which:

Amendment 11

Article 9, paragraph 1, point (a)

| (a) | the data provided by the Member State is incomplete; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the data provided by the Member State is incomplete;

| (a) | the data provided by the Member State is incomplete
  with respect to the requirements of the fisheries agreement in question
  ; |
| --- | --- |

(a)

the data provided by the Member State is incomplete
  with respect to the requirements of the fisheries agreement in question
  ;

Amendment 12

Article 10

Where
  the Commission has reason to believe
  that a Member State has not complied with the obligations referred to in Annex I with regard to a specific agreement,
  it
  shall inform the Member State thereof and give that Member State the opportunity to submit its observations.
  Should the Commission determine
  , in the light of any observations submitted by the Member State,
  that
  a breach of those obligations
  has
  occurred,
  then it shall
  decide, having due regard to the principles of legitimate expectation and proportionality, to exclude the vessels of that Member State from further participation under that agreement.

Where
  it comes to the Commission's knowledge, on the basis of duly substantiated facts,
  that a Member State has not complied with the obligations referred to in Annex I with regard to a specific agreement,
  the Commission
  shall inform the Member State thereof and give that Member State the opportunity to submit its observations.
  If
  , in the light of any observations submitted by the Member State, a breach of those obligations
  is proven to have
  occurred,
  the Commission may
  decide, having due regard to the principles of legitimate expectation and proportionality, to exclude the vessels of that Member State from further participation under that agreement.

Amendment 13

Article 17, paragraph 1

| 1. | Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Titles II and IIa of Regulation (EC) No 2847/93, Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued under Section II or Section III shall transmit
  on a daily basis
  to their competent national authority the data concerning their catches and fishing effort. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Titles II and IIa of Regulation (EC) No 2847/93, Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued under Section II or Section III shall transmit
  on a daily basis
  to their competent national authority the data concerning their catches and fishing effort.

| 1. | Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Titles II and IIa of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued under Section II or Section III shall transmit to their competent national authority the data concerning their catches and fishing effort
  with a frequency appropriate to each agreement and fishery concerned. The transmission requirements shall be compatible with those contained in Council Regulation (EC) No 1966/2006 of 21 December 2006 on electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities and on means of remote sensing

   (2). |
| --- | --- |

1.

Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Titles II and IIa of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, Community fishing vessels for which a fishing authorisation has been issued under Section II or Section III shall transmit to their competent national authority the data concerning their catches and fishing effort
  with a frequency appropriate to each agreement and fishery concerned. The transmission requirements shall be compatible with those contained in Council Regulation (EC) No 1966/2006 of 21 December 2006 on electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities and on means of remote sensing

   (2).

Amendment 14

Article 19, paragraph 1

| 1. | Without prejudice to Article 26(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and Article 21(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2847/93, when a Member State considers that the fishing opportunities which have been allocated to it have been exhausted, it shall immediately prohibit fishing activities for the respective area, stock or group of stocks. |
| --- | --- |

1.

Without prejudice to Article 26(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and Article 21(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2847/93, when a Member State considers that the fishing opportunities which have been allocated to it have been exhausted, it shall immediately prohibit fishing activities for the respective area, stock or group of stocks.

| 1. | Without prejudice to Article 26(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and Article 21(3) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, when a Member State considers that the fishing opportunities which have been allocated to it have been exhausted, it shall immediately prohibit fishing activities for the respective area, stock or group of stocks
  , and suspend those authorisations which have already been granted
  . |
| --- | --- |

1.

Without prejudice to Article 26(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 and Article 21(3) of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93, when a Member State considers that the fishing opportunities which have been allocated to it have been exhausted, it shall immediately prohibit fishing activities for the respective area, stock or group of stocks
  , and suspend those authorisations which have already been granted
  .

Amendment 15

Article 19, paragraph 3

| 3. | Where fishing authorisations have been issued for mixed fisheries and one of the stocks or group of stocks concerned is deemed to be exhausted, the Member State shall prohibit
  all fishing activities that are part of the mixed fisheries
  . |
| --- | --- |

3.

Where fishing authorisations have been issued for mixed fisheries and one of the stocks or group of stocks concerned is deemed to be exhausted, the Member State shall prohibit
  all fishing activities that are part of the mixed fisheries
  .

| 3. | Where fishing authorisations have been issued for mixed fisheries and one of the stocks or group of stocks concerned is deemed to be exhausted, the Member State shall prohibit
  the specific activities which threaten endangered stocks
  . |
| --- | --- |

3.

Where fishing authorisations have been issued for mixed fisheries and one of the stocks or group of stocks concerned is deemed to be exhausted, the Member State shall prohibit
  the specific activities which threaten endangered stocks
  .

Amendment 16

Article 20, paragraph 1

| 1. | If a Community fishing vessel has committed a serious infringement, the Member State shall ensure that the vessels will no longer be allowed to make use of the fishing authorisation issued under the agreement concerned for the remaining duration of that authorisation and shall inform the Commission thereof without delay by electronic transmission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

If a Community fishing vessel has committed a serious infringement, the Member State shall ensure that the vessels will no longer be allowed to make use of the fishing authorisation issued under the agreement concerned for the remaining duration of that authorisation and shall inform the Commission thereof without delay by electronic transmission.

| 1. | If a Community fishing vessel has committed a serious infringement
  when fishing under an agreement
  , the Member State shall ensure that the vessels will no longer be allowed to make use of the fishing authorisation issued under the agreement concerned for the remaining duration of that authorisation and shall inform the Commission thereof without delay by electronic transmission. |
| --- | --- |

1.

If a Community fishing vessel has committed a serious infringement
  when fishing under an agreement
  , the Member State shall ensure that the vessels will no longer be allowed to make use of the fishing authorisation issued under the agreement concerned for the remaining duration of that authorisation and shall inform the Commission thereof without delay by electronic transmission.

Amendment 17

Article 20, paragraph 3

| 3. | Inspection and surveillance reports drawn up by Commission inspectors, Community inspectors, inspectors of the Member States or inspectors of a third country, which is party to the agreement concerned, shall constitute admissible evidence in administrative or judicial proceedings of any Member State. For establishing facts they shall be treated equally to inspection and surveillance reports of the Member State. |
| --- | --- |

3.

Inspection and surveillance reports drawn up by Commission inspectors, Community inspectors, inspectors of the Member States or inspectors of a third country, which is party to the agreement concerned, shall constitute admissible evidence in administrative or judicial proceedings of any Member State. For establishing facts they shall be treated equally to inspection and surveillance reports of the Member State.

| 3. | Inspection and surveillance reports drawn up by Commission inspectors, Community inspectors, inspectors of the Member States or inspectors of a third country, which is party to the agreement concerned, shall constitute admissible evidence in administrative or judicial proceedings of any Member State. For establishing facts they shall be treated equally to inspection and surveillance reports of the Member State
  in accordance with the relevant national legislation
  . |
| --- | --- |

3.

Inspection and surveillance reports drawn up by Commission inspectors, Community inspectors, inspectors of the Member States or inspectors of a third country, which is party to the agreement concerned, shall constitute admissible evidence in administrative or judicial proceedings of any Member State. For establishing facts they shall be treated equally to inspection and surveillance reports of the Member State
  in accordance with the relevant national legislation
  .

Amendment 18

Article 21, paragraph 1, point (a)

| (a) | For
  all concerned users of the Member States and
  concerned
  authorising authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to
  that
  data they need in the framework of the fishing authorisation process. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

For
  all concerned users of the Member States and
  concerned
  authorising authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to
  that
  data they need in the framework of the fishing authorisation process.

| (a) | For authorising authorities concerned on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to those data they need in the framework of the fishing authorisation process. |
| --- | --- |

(a)

For authorising authorities concerned on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to those data they need in the framework of the fishing authorisation process.

Amendment 19

Article 21, paragraph 1, point (b)

| (b) | For
  all concerned users of
  the competent inspection authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to
  that
  data they need in the framework of their inspection activities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

For
  all concerned users of
  the competent inspection authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to
  that
  data they need in the framework of their inspection activities.

| (b) | For the competent inspection authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to those data they need in the framework of their inspection activities. |
| --- | --- |

(b)

For the competent inspection authorities on the website linked to the Community fishing authorisation information system. The data accessible to these persons shall be limited to those data they need in the framework of their inspection activities.

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(1)  
  COM(2007)0602.

(2)  

  OJ L 409, 30.12.2006, p. 1

  .

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