# Official Journal C 179/18 M

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 179 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 5918 May 2016 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 179

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 5918 May 2016

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | The 30th session took place in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015. |
| 2016/C 179/01 | Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Monday, 7 December 2015 | 1 |
| 2016/C 179/02 | Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Tuesday, 8 December 2015 | 5 |
| 2016/C 179/03 | Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Wednesday, 9 December 2015 | 10 |

Notice No

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

The 30th session took place in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015.

2016/C 179/01

Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Monday, 7 December 2015

1

2016/C 179/02

Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Tuesday, 8 December 2015

5

2016/C 179/03

Joint Parliamentary Assembly of the Partnership Agreement concluded between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part — Minutes of the sitting of Wednesday, 9 December 2015

10

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| KEYS TO SYMBOLS USED






  - | Consultation procedure |
| --- | --- |
| *** | Consent procedure |
| ***I | Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading |
| ***II | Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading |
| ***III | Ordinary legislative procedure: third reading |

KEYS TO SYMBOLS USED

*

Consultation procedure

***

Consent procedure

***I

Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading

***II

Ordinary legislative procedure: second reading

***III

Ordinary legislative procedure: third reading

(The type of procedure is determined by the legal basis proposed in the draft act.)

ABBREVIATIONS USED FOR PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

| AFET | Committee on Foreign Affairs |
| --- | --- |
| DEVE | Committee on Development |
| INTA | Committee on International Trade |
| BUDG | Committee on Budgets |
| CONT | Committee on Budgetary Control |
| ECON | Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs |
| EMPL | Committee on Employment and Social Affairs |
| ENVI | Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety |
| ITRE | Committee on Industry, Research and Energy |
| IMCO | Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection |
| TRAN | Committee on Transport and Tourism |
| REGI | Committee on Regional Development |
| AGRI | Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development |
| PECH | Committee on Fisheries |
| CULT | Committee on Culture and Education |
| JURI | Committee on Legal Affairs |
| LIBE | Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs |
| AFCO | Committee on Constitutional Affairs |
| FEMM | Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality |
| PETI | Committee on Petitions |
| DROI | Subcommittee on Human Rights |
| SEDE | Subcommittee on Security and Defence |

AFET

Committee on Foreign Affairs

DEVE

Committee on Development

INTA

Committee on International Trade

BUDG

Committee on Budgets

CONT

Committee on Budgetary Control

ECON

Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

EMPL

Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

ENVI

Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

ITRE

Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

IMCO

Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

TRAN

Committee on Transport and Tourism

REGI

Committee on Regional Development

AGRI

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

PECH

Committee on Fisheries

CULT

Committee on Culture and Education

JURI

Committee on Legal Affairs

LIBE

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

AFCO

Committee on Constitutional Affairs

FEMM

Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality

PETI

Committee on Petitions

DROI

Subcommittee on Human Rights

SEDE

Subcommittee on Security and Defence

ABBREVIATIONS USED FOR POLITICAL GROUPS

| PPE | Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) |
| --- | --- |
| S&D | Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament |
| ECR | European Conservatives and Reformists Group |
| ALDE | Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe |
| GUE/NGL | Confederal Group of the European United Left — Nordic Green Left |
| Verts/ALE | Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance |
| EFDD | Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group |
| NI | Non-attached Members |

PPE

Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

S&D

Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

ECR

European Conservatives and Reformists Group

ALDE

Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe

GUE/NGL

Confederal Group of the European United Left — Nordic Green Left

Verts/ALE

Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance

EFDD

Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group

NI

Non-attached Members

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

EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

The 30th session took place in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015.

| 18.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 179/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 179/1

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JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC GROUP OF STATES, OF THE ONE PART, AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS MEMBER STATES, OF THE OTHER PART

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2015

(2016/C 179/01)

Contents

| Formal inaugural sitting | 1 |
| --- | --- |

| Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly | 2 |
| --- | --- |

| Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly | 2 |
| --- | --- |

| Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives | 2 |
| --- | --- |

| 1. | Adoption of agenda (AP101.966) | 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Approval of the minutes of the last sitting of the 29th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OJ C 391, 24.11.2015) | 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Co-Presidents’ announcements, including decisions taken at the Bureau meeting of 7 December 2015 | 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | The state of democracy in the EU and in ACP countries | 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union | 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Urgent Topic No 2: The post-election situation in Burundi | 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 7 December 2015

(The sitting opened at 11.00)

Formal inaugural sitting

The following addressed the Assembly:

Louis Michel, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Fitz A. Jackson, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, and Mars di Bartolomeo, President of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies (Luxembourg, Presidency of the European Union).

(The sitting adjourned at 12.00 and resumed at 15.05)

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President welcomed all the participants.

Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President announced that the list of members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, as forwarded by the authorities of the ACP states and the European Parliament, would be annexed to the minutes.

Accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives

The Co-President announced that a list of requests for accreditation of non-parliamentary representatives had been received in accordance with Article 17(1) of the Cotonou Agreement and Article 1(2) of the Rules of Procedure of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly. The representatives’ presence would be recorded and their names listed in an annex to the minutes.

1.   Adoption of agenda (AP101.966)

Speakers: Co-President Jackson and Co-President Michel.

The agenda was adopted as shown in these minutes.

2.   Approval of the minutes of the last sitting of the 29th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (OJ C 391, 24.11.2015)

The minutes were approved.

3.   Co-Presidents’ announcements, including decisions taken at the Bureau meeting of 7 December 2015

The Co-President reported on the outcome of the Bureau meeting of 7 December 2015.

The following decisions were taken:

| a) | The standing committees would draft the following reports: | Committee on Political Affairs: Constitutional limits on presidential terms |
| --- | --- | --- |

a)

The standing committees would draft the following reports:

Committee on Political Affairs: Constitutional limits on presidential terms

| | Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade: The impact of illicit financial flows on development finance |
| --- | --- |

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade: The impact of illicit financial flows on development finance

| | Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment: Challenges for family farming and small-scale agricultural production in ACP countries |
| --- | --- |

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment: Challenges for family farming and small-scale agricultural production in ACP countries

| b) | The 31st session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly would take place on 13—15 June 2016 in Southern Africa. |
| --- | --- |

b)

The 31st session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly would take place on 13—15 June 2016 in Southern Africa.

| c) | The 32nd session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly would take place in Central Africa. |
| --- | --- |

c)

The 32nd session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly would take place in Central Africa.

The Co-President announced the following deadlines:

| — | for amendments to compromise resolutions and other urgent resolutions to be put to the vote: Tuesday, 8 December, at 12 noon; |
| --- | --- |

—

for amendments to compromise resolutions and other urgent resolutions to be put to the vote: Tuesday, 8 December, at 12 noon;

| — | for requests relating to voting methods: Wednesday, 9 December, at 10.00 a.m., in writing. |
| --- | --- |

—

for requests relating to voting methods: Wednesday, 9 December, at 10.00 a.m., in writing.

Speaker: João Ferreira, on the lack of Portuguese interpretation.

The Co-President recalled the rules applicable.

4.   The state of democracy in the EU and in ACP countries

Debate with Yves Leterme, Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)

Yves Leterme, Secretary-General of International IDEA, made a presentation on the state of democracy in the EU and in ACP countries.

Speakers: Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Davor Ivo Stier, Maria Arena, Younoussa Tondy (Niger), Ana Rita Geremias Sithole (Mozambique), João Ferreira, Ahamada Soukouna (Mali), Sonny Ogbuoji (Nigeria), Ignazio Corrao, Michael Gahler, Enrique Guerrero Salom, Jo Leinen, Michela Giuffrida, Mariya Gabriel and Louis Michel.

Yves Leterme stressed that International IDEA used the concept of democracy in its broadest sense, while pointing out that there was not just one model. Governments could support and commit to democracy but could not export it to other countries. A democratic system was based on control by citizens and on the equality of all citizens in the exercise of their powers of scrutiny. For Sustainable Development Goal number 16, which promoted democratic institutions as a vehicle of peace, it was important to establish concrete indicators.

Members stressed that, even if democratic values were sometimes interpreted differently in different countries, they were intrinsically universal. Issues raised also included the crisis relating to the interface between political leaders and the population, caused by the incapacity of political parties to adapt to a changing global environment, increasing popular demands for political participation and the ever-faster development of technology.

5.   Forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade

Co-Rapporteurs: Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and David Martin

Sanjay Tanna (Uganda) (replacing Jacob Oulanyah) and Enrique Guerrero Salom (replacing David Martin) outlined the report.

Speakers: Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Norbert Neuser, Younoussa Tondy (Niger), Netty Baldeh (Gambia), Daniel K. Shumba (Zimbabwe), Javier Nart, João Ferreira, Maria Heubuch, Laura Ferrara, Ousmane Kaba (Guinea), Teshome Toga (Ethiopia), Maurice Ponga, Michael Gahler and Erja Askola (European Commission).

There was broad consensus on a generally positive assessment of the ACP-EU partnership but also on the need for it to adapt to new realities and to combat poverty more effectively and stimulate growth, investment, diversification and better access for ACP countries to EU and global markets. Opinions were more varied on the trade and development effects of the Economic Partnership Agreements, with some Members stressing the opportunities they afforded and others criticising them for being more geared to trade than to development.

Sanjay Tanna (Uganda) and Enrique Guerrero Salom wound up the debate.

6.   Urgent Topic No 2: The post-election situation in Burundi

Speakers: Erminia Norarangelo (European External Action Service), Netty Baldeh (Gambia), Louis Michel, Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Maria Arena, Tulia Ackson (Tanzania), Veikko Nekundi (Namibia), Teshome Toga (Ethiopia), Maria Heubuch, Ignazio Corrao, Anicet Niyongabo (Burundi), Mariya Gabriel, Kashetu Kyenge, Maurice Ponga, Bogdan Brunon Wenta and Joachim Zeller.

There was a clear divide between EP and ACP Members on the post-electoral situation in Burundi, mainly over how to interpret the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi in terms of calculating the number of terms of office served by the Burundian President so far. While the EP Members were of the view that the Arusha Agreement had been infringed, the ACP Members considered that both the Burundian and the East African Community judiciary had ruled in favour of the Burundian Government position. There was also disagreement over the decision by the EU to open consultations with the Government of Burundi under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

Some Members also condemned the violent attacks and increased cases of human rights violations and abuses, including assassinations, extra-judicial killings, violations of the physical integrity of individuals, acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and/or degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, and violations of the freedom of press and expression, as well as the prevalence of impunity.

(The sitting closed at 18.15)

Fitz A. JACKSON

Louis MICHEL

Co-Presidents

Patrick I. GOMES and

Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA

Co-Secretaries-General

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| 18.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 179/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 179/5

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JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC GROUP OF STATES, OF THE ONE PART, AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS MEMBER STATES, OF THE OTHER PART

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2015

(2016/C 179/02)

Contents

| 1. | Statement by Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development | 5 |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | Debate with Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development — catch-the-eye | 6 |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | Question Time to the Commission | 6 |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 29th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly | 6 |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future | 7 |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Report of the economic and social partners | 7 |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Statement by Mamphono Khaketla, Minister of Finance (Lesotho) and President-in-Office of the ACP Council | 7 |
| --- | --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Statement by Romain Schneider, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (Luxembourg) and President-in-Office of the EU Council | 8 |
| --- | --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Question Time to the Council | 8 |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

| 10. | Debate with the Council — catch-the-eye | 9 |
| --- | --- | --- |

10.

| 11. | Urgent topic No 1: Migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees | 9 |
| --- | --- | --- |

11.

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF TUESDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2015

(The sitting opened at 9.00.)

IN THE CHAIR: Fitz A. JACKSON

Co-President

1.   Statement by Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development

Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, focused his statement on the future of the Cotonou Agreement, which will expire in 2020. He explained that a Joint Consultation had been launched by the European Commission and the European External Action Service in order to gather suggestions for the future, based on a critical review of the first 15 years of the Agreement, its objectives and its results, and that a formal evaluation would be launched in the first half of 2016 and the different policy options of the future partnership analysed through an impact assessment process. Commissioner Mimica also stressed the need to fully take into account Agenda 2030 and the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals, which would give rise to the adaptation of EU development policy. Commissioner Mimica addressed climate change issues and reiterated that the outcome of the COP 21 Conference in Paris would be crucial, notably for many ACP states affected by adverse weather conditions.

2.   Debate with Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development — catch-the-eye

Speakers: Norbert Neuser, Davor Ivo Stier, João Ferreira, Maria Heubuch, Kennedy K. Hamudulu (Zambia), Purmanund Jhugroo (Mauritius), Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Enrique Guerrero Salom, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad) and Ana Rita Gerenias Sithole (Mozambique).

The exchange of views focused on the future of the ACP-EU Partnership, the review process, the link between migration and development, climate change and the need to integrate the new Sustainable Development Goals into the future framework. Members also raised questions relating to Eritrea, peace and development, humanitarian assistance and the link between relief, rehabilitation and development, the state of play of the Economic Partnership Agreement in the Pacific, and malnutrition, agriculture and food security.

Commissioner Mimica answered the questions raised by Members under the catchtheeye procedure.

3.   Question Time to the Commission

A total of 37 questions were put to the European Commission.

The Commission had previously responded to the questions in writing. Commissioner Mimica gave oral replies to the supplementary questions related to the following original questions:

| | Question 1 by Catherine Bearder on ACP states and asylum |
| --- | --- |

Question 1 by Catherine Bearder on ACP states and asylum

| | Question 5 by Bodil Valero and Judith Sargentini on the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 5 by Bodil Valero and Judith Sargentini on the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa

| | Question 6 by Kashetu Kyenge on the implementation of the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 6 by Kashetu Kyenge on the implementation of the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration in Africa

| | Question 7 by Nathalie Griesbeck on the special fund for Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 7 by Nathalie Griesbeck on the special fund for Africa

| | Question 9 by Kennedy Hamudulu (Zambia) on illicit financial flows |
| --- | --- |

Question 9 by Kennedy Hamudulu (Zambia) on illicit financial flows

| | Question 10 by Lidia Senra Rodríguez on combating tax evasion |
| --- | --- |

Question 10 by Lidia Senra Rodríguez on combating tax evasion

| | Question 16 by Sabine Lösing (replaced by João Ferreira) on the further negotiation between Cuba, the EU and the US |
| --- | --- |

Question 16 by Sabine Lösing (replaced by João Ferreira) on the further negotiation between Cuba, the EU and the US

| | Question 17 by Netty Baldeh (Gambia) on political dialogue |
| --- | --- |

Question 17 by Netty Baldeh (Gambia) on political dialogue

| | Question 19 by Sanjit Patel (Fiji) (replaced by Ashneel Sudhakar (Fiji)) on Fiji — Accompanying Measures Support for Sugar Protocol countries |
| --- | --- |

Question 19 by Sanjit Patel (Fiji) (replaced by Ashneel Sudhakar (Fiji)) on Fiji — Accompanying Measures Support for Sugar Protocol countries

| | Question 27 by Desmond Long (Saint Lucia) (replaced by Carl Greenidge (Guyana)) on Small Island Developing States resilience building |
| --- | --- |

Question 27 by Desmond Long (Saint Lucia) (replaced by Carl Greenidge (Guyana)) on Small Island Developing States resilience building

| | Question 28 by Michèle Rivasi on electrification of rural Africa as a means of combating poverty and climate change |
| --- | --- |

Question 28 by Michèle Rivasi on electrification of rural Africa as a means of combating poverty and climate change

| | Question 32 by João Ferreira on universal health coverage |
| --- | --- |

Question 32 by João Ferreira on universal health coverage

| | Question 33 by Marlene Mizzi on EU assistance to people with disabilities in the Central African Republic |
| --- | --- |

Question 33 by Marlene Mizzi on EU assistance to people with disabilities in the Central African Republic

| | Question 36 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on implementation of EU funds by international NGOs. |
| --- | --- |

Question 36 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on implementation of EU funds by international NGOs.

The authors of questions 4, 21, 29 and 30 had no supplementary questions.

The authors of questions 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 31, 34, 35 and 37 were not present.

4.   Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 29th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

A document concerning the action taken by the Commission and the European External Action Service on the resolutions adopted by the Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Suva (Fiji) had been forwarded to the Assembly.

5.   Evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future

Committee on Political Affairs

Co-rapporteurs: Kombo Gberi (Cameroun) and Mariya Gabriel

Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono (Cameroun) (replacing Kombo Gberi (Cameroun)) and Mariya Gabriel outlined the report.

Speakers: Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Elmi Obsieh Wais (Djibouti), João Ferreira, Daniel K. Shumba (Zimbabwe), Bodil Valero, Teshome Toga (Ethiopia), Isabella Adinolfi, Kashetu Kyenge, James Kembi Gitura (Kenya), Joachim Zeller, Tadeusz Zwiefka, Eleni Theocharous, Michael Gahler, Kristin de Peyron (EEAS) and Françoise Moreau (European Commission).

Members praised the African Peace Facility (APF) for its achievements. It has supported the capacity of the African Union to deal with conflicts in Africa and has proved to be a game-changer in a wider partnership. Some Members called for a broadening of its scope and insisted on the need to ensure the involvement of the countries targeted. Members also insisted on the need to better balance the funding of the Peace Support Operations and the activities aimed at improving the capacities of the structures of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) — in particular in the field of conflict prevention and mediation. Several Members referred to the nexus between security and development and called for better coordination and complementarity between the APF and other EU instruments.

Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono (Cameroun) and Mariya Gabriel wound up the debate.

6.   Report of the economic and social partners

Presentation by Yves Somville, Chair of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee

Yves Somville, Chair of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee, gave a presentation on different aspects affecting the overall ACP-EU Partnership, including migration and the role of civil society.

(The sitting adjourned at 12.44 and resumed at 15.00)

| Fitz A. JACKSON
  Louis MICHEL | Patrick I. GOMES and
  Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA |
| --- | --- |
| Co-Presidents | Co-Secretaries-General |

Fitz A. JACKSON

Louis MICHEL

Patrick I. GOMES and

Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA

Co-Presidents

Co-Secretaries-General

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

7.   Statement by Mamphono Khaketla, Minister of Finance (Lesotho) and President-in-Office of the ACP Council

Mamphono Khaketla, Minister of Finance (Lesotho) and President-in-Office of the ACP Council, recognised the role of the Assembly as the democratic political forum for ACP-EU relations. The Minister thanked the European Parliament for hosting the session. She also expressed her sympathy and sent her condolences to the governments and people of France, Mali, Nigeria and Chad on the recent terrorist attacks perpetrated by religious extremists. She expressed her confidence that the long-standing partnership would continue after the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement. Minister Khaketla stressed the importance of trade relations and of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) negotiated between the EU and ACP countries, but expressed some concern about certain unilateral decisions taken in the context of the partnership. She concluded by highlighting two essential topics that needed to be addressed by ACP and EU countries in a spirit of collegiality: the impact of climate change and the management of migratory flows.

8.   Statement by Romain Schneider, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (Luxembourg) and President-in-Office of the EU Council

Romain Schneider, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (Luxembourg) and President-in-Office of the EU Council, referred to the recent terrorist attacks in France, Mali and Chad and offered his condolences. The Minister outlined a number of central challenges which the ACP-EU Partnership was currently facing and needed to address, including the migratory and refugee crisis to which European and African states sought to respond at the recent Valletta Summit. Combating terrorism was also emerging as another important challenge for European and ACP states. Achieving durable security and stability required promoting post-conflict reconciliation and building democratic and accountable institutions. A final challenge for the ACP and EU states would be the negotiation of a successor to the Cotonou Agreement.

9.   Question Time to the Council

A total of 35 questions were put to the Council.

Mamphono Khaketla replied on behalf of the ACP Council to the following questions and supplementary questions:

| | Question 2 by Enrique Guerrero Salom (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on counterterrorism efforts in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 2 by Enrique Guerrero Salom (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on counterterrorism efforts in Africa

| | Question 6 by Catherine Bearder on biodiversity in Africa. |
| --- | --- |

Question 6 by Catherine Bearder on biodiversity in Africa.

The following questions were answered but not followed by a supplementary question:

| | Question 9 by Neena Gill (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on addressing concerns regarding the functioning of the ICC |
| --- | --- |

Question 9 by Neena Gill (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on addressing concerns regarding the functioning of the ICC

| | Question 10 by Marielle de Sarnez (replaced by Catherine Bearder) on allowing for development disparities between the prospective partners in the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) |
| --- | --- |

Question 10 by Marielle de Sarnez (replaced by Catherine Bearder) on allowing for development disparities between the prospective partners in the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)

| | Question 11 by Davor Ivo Stier on increased migration flows — young and educated people leaving Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 11 by Davor Ivo Stier on increased migration flows — young and educated people leaving Africa

| | Question 12 by Kashetu Kyenge on research and development in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 12 by Kashetu Kyenge on research and development in Africa

| | Question 14 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on relevance of European Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to economic leaps by poor countries |
| --- | --- |

Question 14 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on relevance of European Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to economic leaps by poor countries

| | Question 15 by Joyce Laboso (Kenya) (replaced by Abdikadir Aden) on influence of ACP and EU countries in global governance. |
| --- | --- |

Question 15 by Joyce Laboso (Kenya) (replaced by Abdikadir Aden) on influence of ACP and EU countries in global governance.

The authors of questions 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 were not present.

Question 13 had been withdrawn.

Romain Schneider replied on behalf of the EU Council to the following questions and supplementary questions:

| | Question 29 by Enrique Guerrero Salom (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on counterterrorism efforts in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 29 by Enrique Guerrero Salom (replaced by Kashetu Kyenge) on counterterrorism efforts in Africa

| | Question 30 by Catherine Bearder on biodiversity in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 30 by Catherine Bearder on biodiversity in Africa

| | Question 33 by Sabine Lösing (replaced by Lidia Senra Rodríguez) on restructuring of national debt |
| --- | --- |

Question 33 by Sabine Lösing (replaced by Lidia Senra Rodríguez) on restructuring of national debt

| | Question 34 by Lidia Senra Rodríguez on binding instruments regulating transnational corporations. |
| --- | --- |

Question 34 by Lidia Senra Rodríguez on binding instruments regulating transnational corporations.

The following questions were answered but not followed by a supplementary question:

| | Question 18 by Netty Baldeh (Gambia) on the human rights of migrants |
| --- | --- |

Question 18 by Netty Baldeh (Gambia) on the human rights of migrants

| | Question 24 by Kashetu Kyenge on research and development in Africa |
| --- | --- |

Question 24 by Kashetu Kyenge on research and development in Africa

| | Question 26 by Marielle de Sarnez (replaced by Catherine Bearder) on allowing for development disparities between the prospective partners in the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) |
| --- | --- |

Question 26 by Marielle de Sarnez (replaced by Catherine Bearder) on allowing for development disparities between the prospective partners in the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)

| | Question 27 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on relevance of European Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to economic leaps by poor countries. |
| --- | --- |

Question 27 by Worlea-Saywah Dunah (Liberia) (replaced by Netty Baldeh (Gambia)) on relevance of European Partnership Agreements (EPAs) to economic leaps by poor countries.

The authors of questions 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32 and 35 were not present.

Question 21 had been withdrawn.

10.   Debate with the Council — catch-the-eye

Speakers: Iriase Pally (Nigeria), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Michael Gahler and Lidia Senra Rodríguez.

Members expressed gratitude for the international support and solidarity in the fight against Boko Haram, and asked about the action taken by the EU and the ACP Council in addressing the migration crisis, and the rules and regulations which could be applied to multinational corporations to promote corporate responsibility and, in particular, prevent land-grabbing.

11.   Urgent topic No 1: Migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees

Speakers: Domenico Rosa (European Commission), Attilio Pacifici (European External Action Service), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Michael Gahler, Marlene Mizzi, Younoussa Tondy (Niger), Netty Baldeh (Gambia), Catherine Bearder, Magnus Kofi Amoatey (Ghana), Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Elmi Obsieh Wais (Djibouti), Bodil Valero, Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Ahamada Soukouna (Mali), Norbert Neuser, Veikko Nekundi (Namibia), Eleni Theocharous, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Teshome Toga (Ethiopia), Anna Zaborska, Abdoulaye Toure (Côte d’Ivoire), Kashetu Kyenge, Abdikadir Aden (Kenya), Julie Ward, Joseph Hyacinthe Owona Kono (Cameroon) and Raphael Siluvangii Umba (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Members pointed out that the root causes of migration and the current refugee crisis had not been properly addressed in the past, and stressed that EU responses should not only address urgent issues but also help to reduce migratory pressures in the longer term. They mentioned armed conflict, the lack of economic perspectives for young people, governance failures and human rights abuses as some of the push factors for migration and forced displacement. They also remarked that migration was a natural phenomenon and that people had the right to move. Most Members agreed that migration should be managed by providing legal and organised pathways to Europe, while also avoiding too many talented people leaving their home countries instead of contributing to development. ACP Members stressed that the EU should not discriminate against African migrants compared with those from the Near and Middle East.

(The sitting closed at 17.35)

Fitz A. JACKSON

Louis MICHEL

Co-Presidents

Patrick I. GOMES and

Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA

Co-Secretaries-General

---

| 18.5.2016 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 179/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

18.5.2016

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 179/10

---

JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT CONCLUDED BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC GROUP OF STATES, OF THE ONE PART, AND THE EUROPEAN UNION AND ITS MEMBER STATES, OF THE OTHER PART

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2015

(2016/C 179/03)

Contents

| 1. | How to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters | 10 |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

| 2. | The electrification of Africa | 11 |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

| 3. | 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention of the United Nations on climate change: ‘Paris 2015’ | 11 |
| --- | --- | --- |

3.

| 4. | Universal healthcare cover | 11 |
| --- | --- | --- |

4.

| 5. | Solidarity-based economy | 12 |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

| 6. | Vote on the motions for resolutions included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees | 12 |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

| 7. | Vote on urgent motions for resolutions | 13 |
| --- | --- | --- |

7.

| 8. | Any other business | 14 |
| --- | --- | --- |

8.

| 9. | Date and place of the 31st Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly | 14 |
| --- | --- | --- |

9.

| ANNEX I | ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY | 15 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ANNEX I

| ANNEX II | RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AT THE SESSION HELD IN BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) FROM 7 TO 9 DECEMBER 2015 | 19 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ANNEX II

| ANNEX III | ACCREDITATION OF NON-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATES | 23 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ANNEX III

| ANNEX IV | TEXTS ADOPTED | 24 |
| --- | --- | --- |

ANNEX IV

| — | Resolution on the evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future | 24 |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

| — | Resolution on forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union | 29 |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

| — | Resolution on how to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters | 34 |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

| — | Resolution on migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees | 40 |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

| — | Resolution on the post-election situation in Burundi | 46 |
| --- | --- | --- |

—

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2015 a.m.

(The sitting opened at 9.07)

IN THE CHAIR: Fitz A. JACKSON

Co-President

1.   How to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment

Co-rapporteurs: Ibrahim R. Bundu (Sierra Leone) and Arne Gericke

Ibrahim R. Bundu (Sierra Leone) and Arne Gericke presented the report.

Speakers: Anna Zaborska, Marlene Mizzi, Purmanund Jhugroo (Mauritius), Arne Gericke, Ana Rita Geremias Sithole (Mozambique), Catherine Bearder, Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Michèle Rivasi, Hermann Razafindravelo (Madagascar), Laura Agea, Joyce Laboso (Kenya), Krzysztof Hetman, Eleni Theocharous, Sangoné Sall (Senegal), Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Elmi Obsieh Wais (Djibouti) and Walter Seidel (European Commission).

Members underlined the necessity to embed all development strategies locally and to draw on small enterprises and their links with local communities. Small family enterprises, including small farms, play not only an economic, but also a social role in their communities and are more likely to act responsibly and look after the environment. Fair and effective taxation were also mentioned as important factors for inclusive growth and social development. Taxation is necessary to build a viable public infrastructure for business and to prevent and react to epidemics such as Ebola and other emergencies when they occur.

Arne Gericke wound up the debate.

2.   The electrification of Africa

Debate with Jean-Louis Borloo, President of the Foundation ‘Energies for Africa’

Jean-Louis Borloo, President of the Foundation ‘Energies for Africa’, stated that access to electricity is a gateway to the realisation of fundamental human rights, such as the rights to food, water, healthcare, education, employment and security. In Africa, however, three quarters of households currently lack secure access to electricity. Symbolically and practically, electricity stood for light and knowledge, and its appeal was driving young people from the rural areas to the electrified urban centres. The ‘Energies for Africa’ initiative, which would aim to mobilise an investment of USD 5 billion annually, was based on the will of African leaders and would rely entirely on renewable energies.

Speakers: Michèle Rivasi, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Maurice Ponga, Carlos Zorrinho, Ben Oumar (Niger), Ana Rita Geremias Sithole (Mozambique), Netty Baldeh (Gambia), Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Hermann Razafindravelo (Madagascar), Elmi Obsieh Wais (Djibouti), Piernicola Pedicini, Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Ousmane Kaba (Guinea), Ahamada Soukouna (Mali), Dambert René Ndouane (Republic of Congo), Michael Gahler, Kennedy K. Hamudulu (Zambia), Norbert Neuser, Iriase Pally (Nigeria), Louis Michel and Roberto Ridolfi (European Commission).

Members welcomed the passionate presentation and stressed that ‘energy poverty’ compounds extreme poverty and the lack of development. Members insisted on the importance of political will and of massive public investment in the production of energy from renewable sources. ACP members showed a great interest in the practical plans for the initiative, such as the creation of an African Energy Agency, investment facilities and local ownership.

3.   21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention of the United Nations on climate change: ‘Paris 2015’

Debate without resolution

Roberto Ridolfi (European Commission) made an introductory presentation.

Speakers: Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Maurice Ponga, Carlos Zorrinho, Purmanund Jhugroo (Mauritius), Elmi Obsieh Wais (Djibouti), Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Michèle Rivasi, Netty Baldeh (Gambia), Piernicola Pedicini, Mikael Phillips (Jamaica), Teshome Toga (Ethiopia), Joyce Laboso (Kenya), Seb Dance and Roberto Ridolfi (European Commission)

Members expressed their hope for an ambitious and binding international climate agreement as the result of the UN climate conference (COP21) that was taking place in Paris. ACP members mentioned several ways in which their own countries were already affected by climate change and what actions they took to mitigate further global warming and to adapt to climate change. Members stated that climate finance was probably the most important stumbling block in the negotiations, while most countries had recognised the need to limit and reduce carbon emissions.

4.   Universal healthcare cover

Keynote debate with Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, and Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (by video message), Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, and Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, highlighted recent progress made to reduce mortality due to diseases in developing countries, namely through vaccination and prevention, as well as better access to treatment. They also outlined current challenges towards the goal of universal healthcare coverage, including the outreach of clinics, introduction of health insurance and access to affordable medicines.

Speakers: Eleni Theocharous, Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Norbert Neuser, Abdoulaye Touré (Côte d’Ivoire), Charles Goerens, Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Michèle Rivasi, Piernicola Pedicini, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Anna Zaborska, Walter Seidel (European Commission), Pedro Alonso and Mark Dybul.

Members stressed the challenge of unequal access to medicines and treatment, the importance of local and rural basic healthcare, the weakness of national health systems in fragile and least developed countries, coupled with a lack of international support, and the lack of social insurance in many developing countries. Several Members also highlighted successes in public health policy, such as the introduction of health insurance systems, the reduction of malaria deaths and widened and cheaper access to antiviral drugs treating HIV/AIDS, and pleaded for the pursuit of an ambitious global health agenda.

Pedro Alonso and Mark Dybul wound up the debate.

(The sitting adjourned at 12.55 and resumed at 15.07)

| Fitz A. JACKSON
  Louis MICHEL | Patrick I. GOMES and
  Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA |
| --- | --- |
| Co-Presidents | Co-Secretaries-General |

Fitz A. JACKSON

Louis MICHEL

Patrick I. GOMES and

Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALDA

Co-Presidents

Co-Secretaries-General

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

5.   Solidarity-based economy

Exchange of views with Nicolas Schmit, Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy (Luxembourg)

Nicolas Schmit stressed that promoting a solidarity-based economy was one of the priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency. He emphasised the growing importance of human-centred economies in EU and ACP countries and their potential for creating jobs for young people, addressing environmental problems and reducing poverty and inequalities. He also underlined the importance of education, of reducing the informal economy, and of financing in order for a solidarity-based economy to reach its full potential in ACP countries.

Speakers: Arne Gericke, Neena Gill and Laura Agea

Members noted that a solidarity-based economy needs to be rooted in the local context, and stressed that its full potential can only be reached with the promotion of the necessary legal frameworks. Some Members also called for a solidarity-based economy to be at the base of the development model to be promoted by the future ACP-EU partnership.

6.   Vote on the motions for resolutions included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees

The Co-President reminded the Assembly of the voting procedures.

| — | Evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future
  Committee on Political Affairs
  Report by Kombo Gberi (Cameroon) and Mariya Gabriel
  Amendments rejected: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
  All amendments were voted by separate houses at the request of the EFDD Group. A split vote was requested by the EFDD Group on Amendments 3 and 4.
  The resolution, thus amended, was adopted with 57 votes in favour and 6 votes against. |
| --- | --- |

—

Evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future

Committee on Political Affairs

Report by Kombo Gberi (Cameroon) and Mariya Gabriel

Amendments rejected: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

All amendments were voted by separate houses at the request of the EFDD Group. A split vote was requested by the EFDD Group on Amendments 3 and 4.

The resolution, thus amended, was adopted with 57 votes in favour and 6 votes against.

| — | Forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union
  Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade
  Report by Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and David Martin
  Amendments adopted: 1, 2, 3, 4, paragraph 4, paragraph 5, paragraph 12, paragraph 21, paragraph 26, paragraph 28.
  A vote by separate houses on Amendments 1 and 2 was requested by the ACP House.
  A split vote on paragraphs 5, 12 and 26 was requested by the Greens/EFA Group.
  A split vote on paragraph 21 was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.
  Amendments rejected: paragraph 3, paragraph 7, recital D, recital G, recital I, recital J.
  A vote by separate houses on paragraph 7, recital D, recital G, recital I and recital J was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.
  Fallen: Paragraph 16
  A split vote and a separate vote by separate houses were requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.
  The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 1 vote against. |
| --- | --- |

—

Forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade

Report by Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and David Martin

Amendments adopted: 1, 2, 3, 4, paragraph 4, paragraph 5, paragraph 12, paragraph 21, paragraph 26, paragraph 28.

A vote by separate houses on Amendments 1 and 2 was requested by the ACP House.

A split vote on paragraphs 5, 12 and 26 was requested by the Greens/EFA Group.

A split vote on paragraph 21 was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.

Amendments rejected: paragraph 3, paragraph 7, recital D, recital G, recital I, recital J.

A vote by separate houses on paragraph 7, recital D, recital G, recital I and recital J was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.

Fallen: Paragraph 16

A split vote and a separate vote by separate houses were requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.

The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 1 vote against.

| — | How to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters
  Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment
  Report by Ibrahim R. Bundu (Sierra Leone) and Arne Gericke
  Amendments adopted: paragraph 11, paragraph 12, paragraph 24, paragraph 34, recital K, recital P.
  A vote by separate houses on paragraph 11, paragraph 12, recital K and recital P was requested by the EPP Group.
  A split vote on paragraph 34 was requested by the Green/EFA Group.
  A split vote on paragraph 12 was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.
  Amendments rejected: 1, 2, paragraph 15, paragraph 44, paragraph 45.
  A vote by separate houses on amendments 1 and 2, paragraph 15 and paragraph 45 was requested by the EPP.
  A vote by separate houses on paragraph 44 was requested by the ACP House and the EPP Group.
  The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by 68 Members in favour with 1 abstention. |
| --- | --- |

—

How to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment

Report by Ibrahim R. Bundu (Sierra Leone) and Arne Gericke

Amendments adopted: paragraph 11, paragraph 12, paragraph 24, paragraph 34, recital K, recital P.

A vote by separate houses on paragraph 11, paragraph 12, recital K and recital P was requested by the EPP Group.

A split vote on paragraph 34 was requested by the Green/EFA Group.

A split vote on paragraph 12 was requested by the EPP and ALDE Groups.

Amendments rejected: 1, 2, paragraph 15, paragraph 44, paragraph 45.

A vote by separate houses on amendments 1 and 2, paragraph 15 and paragraph 45 was requested by the EPP.

A vote by separate houses on paragraph 44 was requested by the ACP House and the EPP Group.

The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by 68 Members in favour with 1 abstention.

7.   Vote on urgent motions for resolutions

| — | Migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees
  Amendments adopted: paragraph 12, part 1, paragraph 28, recital D.
  A split vote and a vote by separate houses on paragraph 12, part 1, paragraph 28 and recital D were requested by the EPP Group.
  Amendments rejected: 1, 2, 3, Paragraph 12, part 2.
  A split vote and a vote by separate houses on paragraph 12, part 2 were requested by the EPP Group.
  The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 4 abstentions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees

Amendments adopted: paragraph 12, part 1, paragraph 28, recital D.

A split vote and a vote by separate houses on paragraph 12, part 1, paragraph 28 and recital D were requested by the EPP Group.

Amendments rejected: 1, 2, 3, Paragraph 12, part 2.

A split vote and a vote by separate houses on paragraph 12, part 2 were requested by the EPP Group.

The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 4 abstentions.

| — | The post-election situation in Burundi
  Amendments adopted: oral amendment 1, oral amendment 2.
  Fallen: Split vote on Paragraph 17
  A split vote on Paragraph 17 was requested by the EFDD Group.
  The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 1 vote against. |
| --- | --- |

—

The post-election situation in Burundi

Amendments adopted: oral amendment 1, oral amendment 2.

Fallen: Split vote on Paragraph 17

A split vote on Paragraph 17 was requested by the EFDD Group.

The resolution, thus amended, was adopted by all Members present, with 1 vote against.

8.   Any other business

The minutes of the afternoon sitting of Monday, 7 December 2015 and of the morning and afternoon sittings of Tuesday, 8 December 2015 were approved.

Co-President Louis Michel announced that the mandate of Co-President Fitz A. Jackson had come to an end and that he would be replaced as ACP Co-President by Netty Baldeh (Gambia). Mr Michel thanked Mr Jackson for his work and commitment, and wished him all the best for the future.

Co-President Fitz A. Jackson thanked Louis Michel and the whole Assembly for their appreciation and full support during his mandate.

9.   Date and place of the 31st Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The 31st session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly would be held from 13 to 15 June 2016. The venue would be confirmed at a later stage.

(The sitting closed at 16.32 p.m.)

Fitz A. JACKSON

Louis MICHEL

Co-Presidents

Patrick I. GOMES and

Luis Marco AGUIRIANO NALda

Co-Secretaries-General

---

ANNEX I

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

| ACP representatives | EP representatives |
| --- | --- |
| JACKSON (JAMAICA), Co-President | MICHEL, Co-President |
| ANGOLA
  ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
  BAHAMAS
  BARBADOS (VP)
  BELIZE
  BENIN
  BOTSWANA
  BURKINA FASO
  BURUNDI
  CAMEROON
  CAPE VERDE
  CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
  CHAD (VP)
  COMOROS
  CONGO (Democratic Republic of the) (VP)
  CONGO (Republic of the)
  COOK ISLANDS
  CÔTE D’IVOIRE
  DJIBOUTI
  DOMINICA
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
  EQUATORIAL GUINEA (*)

  ERITREA
  ETHIOPIA (VP)
  FIJI
  GABON
  GAMBIA
  GHANA
  GRENADA
  GUINEA
  GUINEA-BISSAU
  GUYANA
  HAITI
  KENYA
  KIRIBATI
  LESOTHO
  LIBERIA
  MADAGASCAR
  MALAWI (VP)
  MALI
  MARSHALL ISLANDS (Republic of the)
  MAURITANIA
  MAURITIUS
  MICRONESIA (Federated States of)
  MOZAMBIQUE (VP)
  NAMIBIA
  NAURU
  NIGER
  NIGERIA (VP)
  NIUE (VP)
  PALAU
  PAPUA NEW GUINEA
  RWANDA
  SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
  SAINT LUCIA
  SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
  SAMOA
  SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
  SENEGAL (VP)
  SEYCHELLES
  SIERRA LEONE
  SOLOMON ISLANDS
  SOMALIA
  SOUTH AFRICA
  SUDAN (VP) (*)

  SURINAME (VP)
  SWAZILAND
  TANZANIA
  TIMOR-LESTE
  TOGO
  TONGA (VP)
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
  TUVALU
  UGANDA
  VANUATU
  ZAMBIA
  ZIMBABWE | ADINOLFI
  AGEA
  ALIOT
  ARENA
  BAY
  BEARDER
  BUONANNO
  CAMPBELL BANNERMAN
  CASA
  CZESAK (VP)
  CHAUPRADE
  CHRISTENSEN
  CORRAO
  DANCE
  DELAHAYE
  DE SARNEZ
  ENGSTRÖM
  ESTARÀS FERRAGUT
  FERRARA
  FERREIRA (VP)
  FLAŠÍKOVÁ BEŇOVÁ
  FLORENZ
  GABRIEL
  GÁL
  GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL
  GEBHARDT
  GERICKE
  GERINGER DE OEDENBERG
  GIRAUTA VIDAL
  GIUFFRIDA
  GOERENS
  GRIESBECK
  GUERRERO SALOM
  HANNAN (VP)
  HERRANZ GARCÍA
  HETMAN
  HEUBUCH
  KARSKI
  KYENGE (VP)
  LÓPEZ AGUILAR (VP)
  LÖSING
  MCAVAN
  MANSCOUR (VP)
  MARUSIK
  MIZZI
  MUSELIER (VP)
  MUSSOLINI
  NART (VP)
  NEGRESCU
  NEUSER
  NOICHL
  OMARJEE
  PAPADIMOULIS
  PEDICINI (VP)
  POGLIESE
  POREBA
  RIVASI (VP)
  ROLIN
  ROSATI
  RUAS (VP)
  SALVINI
  SARGENTINI
  SCHREIJER-PIERIK
  SENRA RODRÍGUEZ
  STIER
  STOLOJAN
  THOMAS
  VAIDERE
  VALERO
  WENTA
  WERNER
  WIELAND
  WIŚNIEWSKA (VP)
  ZÁBORSKÁ
  ZELLER
  ZORRINHO
  ZWIEFKA |

ACP representatives

EP representatives

JACKSON (JAMAICA), Co-President

MICHEL, Co-President

ANGOLA

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

BAHAMAS

BARBADOS (VP)

BELIZE

BENIN

BOTSWANA

BURKINA FASO

BURUNDI

CAMEROON

CAPE VERDE

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

CHAD (VP)

COMOROS

CONGO (Democratic Republic of the) (VP)

CONGO (Republic of the)

COOK ISLANDS

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

DJIBOUTI

DOMINICA

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

EQUATORIAL GUINEA (*)

ERITREA

ETHIOPIA (VP)

FIJI

GABON

GAMBIA

GHANA

GRENADA

GUINEA

GUINEA-BISSAU

GUYANA

HAITI

KENYA

KIRIBATI

LESOTHO

LIBERIA

MADAGASCAR

MALAWI (VP)

MALI

MARSHALL ISLANDS (Republic of the)

MAURITANIA

MAURITIUS

MICRONESIA (Federated States of)

MOZAMBIQUE (VP)

NAMIBIA

NAURU

NIGER

NIGERIA (VP)

NIUE (VP)

PALAU

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

RWANDA

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

SAINT LUCIA

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SAMOA

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

SENEGAL (VP)

SEYCHELLES

SIERRA LEONE

SOLOMON ISLANDS

SOMALIA

SOUTH AFRICA

SUDAN (VP) (*)

SURINAME (VP)

SWAZILAND

TANZANIA

TIMOR-LESTE

TOGO

TONGA (VP)

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

TUVALU

UGANDA

VANUATU

ZAMBIA

ZIMBABWE

ADINOLFI

AGEA

ALIOT

ARENA

BAY

BEARDER

BUONANNO

CAMPBELL BANNERMAN

CASA

CZESAK (VP)

CHAUPRADE

CHRISTENSEN

CORRAO

DANCE

DELAHAYE

DE SARNEZ

ENGSTRÖM

ESTARÀS FERRAGUT

FERRARA

FERREIRA (VP)

FLAŠÍKOVÁ BEŇOVÁ

FLORENZ

GABRIEL

GÁL

GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL

GEBHARDT

GERICKE

GERINGER DE OEDENBERG

GIRAUTA VIDAL

GIUFFRIDA

GOERENS

GRIESBECK

GUERRERO SALOM

HANNAN (VP)

HERRANZ GARCÍA

HETMAN

HEUBUCH

KARSKI

KYENGE (VP)

LÓPEZ AGUILAR (VP)

LÖSING

MCAVAN

MANSCOUR (VP)

MARUSIK

MIZZI

MUSELIER (VP)

MUSSOLINI

NART (VP)

NEGRESCU

NEUSER

NOICHL

OMARJEE

PAPADIMOULIS

PEDICINI (VP)

POGLIESE

POREBA

RIVASI (VP)

ROLIN

ROSATI

RUAS (VP)

SALVINI

SARGENTINI

SCHREIJER-PIERIK

SENRA RODRÍGUEZ

STIER

STOLOJAN

THOMAS

VAIDERE

VALERO

WENTA

WERNER

WIELAND

WIŚNIEWSKA (VP)

ZÁBORSKÁ

ZELLER

ZORRINHO

ZWIEFKA

COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| SHUMBA (ZIMBABWE), Co-Chair
  TRAORÉ (BURKINA FASO), VC
  WAIS (DJIBOUTI), VC | GOERENS (for GAHLER, M.), Co-Chair
  ZELLER, VC
  GUERRERO SALOM, VC |
| ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
  GBIAN (BENIN)
  OWONA KONO (CAMEROON)
  CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
  COMOROS
  CONGO, REPUBLIC OF
  TOURÉ (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
  SUDHAKAR (FIJI)
  GREENIDGE (GUYANA)
  HAITI
  PHILLIPS (JAMAICA)
  GITURA (KENYA)
  LIBERIA
  MALAWI
  COULIBALY (MALI)
  MARSHALL ISLANDS
  SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE)
  NAURU
  ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
  ACKSON MWANSASU (TANZANIA)
  FILIPE (TIMOR LESTE)
  TOGO
  TUVALU | ADINOLFI
  CASA
  CEBALLOS
  CORRAO
  DANCE
  DUDA
  ENGSTRÖM
  GABRIEL
  GAL
  GEBHARDT
  KARSKI
  KYENGE
  LEWER
  LÖSING
  LÓPEZ AGUILAR
  MICHEL
  PHILIPPOT
  POGLIESE
  RUAS
  WERNER
  WIELAND
  ZORRINHO
  ZWIEFKA |

ACP Members

EP Members

SHUMBA (ZIMBABWE), Co-Chair

TRAORÉ (BURKINA FASO), VC

WAIS (DJIBOUTI), VC

GOERENS (for GAHLER, M.), Co-Chair

ZELLER, VC

GUERRERO SALOM, VC

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

GBIAN (BENIN)

OWONA KONO (CAMEROON)

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

COMOROS

CONGO, REPUBLIC OF

TOURÉ (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)

SUDHAKAR (FIJI)

GREENIDGE (GUYANA)

HAITI

PHILLIPS (JAMAICA)

GITURA (KENYA)

LIBERIA

MALAWI

COULIBALY (MALI)

MARSHALL ISLANDS

SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE)

NAURU

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

ACKSON MWANSASU (TANZANIA)

FILIPE (TIMOR LESTE)

TOGO

TUVALU

ADINOLFI

CASA

CEBALLOS

CORRAO

DANCE

DUDA

ENGSTRÖM

GABRIEL

GAL

GEBHARDT

KARSKI

KYENGE

LEWER

LÖSING

LÓPEZ AGUILAR

MICHEL

PHILIPPOT

POGLIESE

RUAS

WERNER

WIELAND

ZORRINHO

ZWIEFKA

COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FINANCE AND TRADE

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| THOMPSON (for TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO), Co-Chair
  TANNA (UGANDA), VC
  TU’I’AFITU (TONGA), VC | FERRARA, Co-Chair
  ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, VC
  MANSCOUR, VC |
| THOMPSON (BARBADOS)
  MANGOLE (BOTSWANA)
  GAHWAYI (BURUNDI)
  SANCHES (CAPE VERDE)
  UMBA (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
  MANANA (EQUATORIAL GUINEA) (**)

  TOGA CHANAKA (ETHIOPIA)
  KABA (GUINEA)
  MANÉ (GUINEA BISSAU)
  KIRIBATI
  LIAHOSOA (MADAGASCAR)
  NEKUNDI (NAMIBIA)
  OGBUOJI (NIGERIA)
  NIUE
  SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
  SALL (SENEGAL)
  SOLOMON ISLANDS
  ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
  ST. LUCIA
  ABDALLA (SUDAN) (**)

  SURINAME
  DLAMINI (SWAZILAND)
  HAMUDULU (ZAMBIA) | ARENA
  BAY
  CAMPBELL BANNERMAN
  DE SARNEZ
  DELAHAYE
  FLAŠÍKOVÁ BEŇOVÁ
  FLORENZ
  GIRAUTA VIDAL
  GRIESBECK
  HANNAN
  MIZZI
  MUSELIER
  NEGRESCU
  OMARJEE
  PAPADIMOULIS
  PEDICINI
  ROSATI
  SALVINI
  SARGENTINI
  SCHREIJER-PIERIK
  STOLOJAN
  THOMAS
  WENTA |

ACP Members

EP Members

THOMPSON (for TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO), Co-Chair

TANNA (UGANDA), VC

TU’I’AFITU (TONGA), VC

FERRARA, Co-Chair

ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, VC

MANSCOUR, VC

THOMPSON (BARBADOS)

MANGOLE (BOTSWANA)

GAHWAYI (BURUNDI)

SANCHES (CAPE VERDE)

UMBA (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO)

MANANA (EQUATORIAL GUINEA) (**)

TOGA CHANAKA (ETHIOPIA)

KABA (GUINEA)

MANÉ (GUINEA BISSAU)

KIRIBATI

LIAHOSOA (MADAGASCAR)

NEKUNDI (NAMIBIA)

OGBUOJI (NIGERIA)

NIUE

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

SALL (SENEGAL)

SOLOMON ISLANDS

ST. KITTS AND NEVIS

ST. LUCIA

ABDALLA (SUDAN) (**)

SURINAME

DLAMINI (SWAZILAND)

HAMUDULU (ZAMBIA)

ARENA

BAY

CAMPBELL BANNERMAN

DE SARNEZ

DELAHAYE

FLAŠÍKOVÁ BEŇOVÁ

FLORENZ

GIRAUTA VIDAL

GRIESBECK

HANNAN

MIZZI

MUSELIER

NEGRESCU

OMARJEE

PAPADIMOULIS

PEDICINI

ROSATI

SALVINI

SARGENTINI

SCHREIJER-PIERIK

STOLOJAN

THOMAS

WENTA

COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

| ACP Members | EP Members |
| --- | --- |
| MANGOUALA (GABON), Co-Chair
  BALDEH (GAMBIA), VC
  JIMENEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), VC | RIVASI, Co-Chair
  AGEA, VC
  MUSSOLINI, VC |
| ANGOLA
  BAHAMAS
  BELIZE
  WEIDOU (CHAD)
  COOK ISLANDS
  DOMINICA
  NAIB (ERITREA)
  AMOATEY (GHANA)
  GRENADA
  SEKATLE (LESOTHO)
  BOUNA (MAURITANIA)
  MAURITIUS
  MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF)
  TONDY (NIGER)
  PALAU
  PAPUA NEW GUINEA
  RWANDA
  SAMOA
  SEYCHELLES
  BUNDU (SIERRA LEONE)
  SOMALIA
  SOUTH AFRICA
  LENGKON (VANUATU) | ALIOT
  BEARDER
  BUONANNO
  CHRISTENSEN
  FERREIRA
  GARDIAZÁBAL RUBIAL
  GERICKE
  GERINGER DE OEDENBERG
  GIUFFRIDA
  HERRANZ GARCÍA
  HETMAN
  HEUBUCH
  MARUSIK
  MAVAN
  NART
  NEUSER
  NOICHL
  ROLIN
  SENRA RODRÍGUEZ
  VAIDERE
  WIŚNIEWSKA
  ZABORSKA |

ACP Members

EP Members

MANGOUALA (GABON), Co-Chair

BALDEH (GAMBIA), VC

JIMENEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC), VC

RIVASI, Co-Chair

AGEA, VC

MUSSOLINI, VC

ANGOLA

BAHAMAS

BELIZE

WEIDOU (CHAD)

COOK ISLANDS

DOMINICA

NAIB (ERITREA)

AMOATEY (GHANA)

GRENADA

SEKATLE (LESOTHO)

BOUNA (MAURITANIA)

MAURITIUS

MICRONESIA (FEDERATED STATES OF)

TONDY (NIGER)

PALAU

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

RWANDA

SAMOA

SEYCHELLES

BUNDU (SIERRA LEONE)

SOMALIA

SOUTH AFRICA

LENGKON (VANUATU)

ALIOT

BEARDER

BUONANNO

CHRISTENSEN

FERREIRA

GARDIAZÁBAL RUBIAL

GERICKE

GERINGER DE OEDENBERG

GIUFFRIDA

HERRANZ GARCÍA

HETMAN

HEUBUCH

MARUSIK

MAVAN

NART

NEUSER

NOICHL

ROLIN

SENRA RODRÍGUEZ

VAIDERE

WIŚNIEWSKA

ZABORSKA

---

(*)  With observer status.

(**)  With observer status.

---

ANNEX II

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AT THE SESSION HELD IN BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) FROM 7 TO 9 DECEMBER 2015

| JACKSON (JAMAICA), Co-President | MICHEL, Co-President |
| --- | --- |
| PEREIRA (Angola)
  THOMPSON (BARBADOS) (VP)
  PEYREFITTE (BELIZE)
  GBIAN (BENIN)
  MANGOLE (BOTSWANA)
  SANOU (BURKINA FASO)
  NIYONGABO (BURUNDI)
  OWONA KONO (CAMEROON)
  SANCHES (CAPE VERDE)
  WEIDOU (CHAD) (VP)
  LUHONGE KABINDA NGOY (CONGO, Democratic Republic of the) (VP)
  NDOUANE (CONGO, Republic of the)
  PUNA (COOK ISLANDS)
  TOURÉ (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)
  WAIS (DJIBOUTI)
  ISHMAEL (DOMINICA)
  JIMÉNEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
  NAIB (ERITREA)
  TOGA CHANAKA (ETHIOPIA) (VP)
  SUDHAKAR (FIJI)
  MANGOUALA (GABON)
  BALDEH (GAMBIA)
  AMOATEY (GHANA)
  KABA (GUINEA)
  MANÉ (GUINEA-BISSAU)
  GREENIDGE (GUYANA)
  PHILLIPS (JAMAICA)
  LABOSO (KENYA)
  SEKATLE (LESOTHO)
  RAZAFINDRAVELO (MADAGASCAR)
  SOUKOUNA (MALI)
  BOUNA (MAURITANIA)
  JHUGROO (MAURITIUS)
  SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE) (VP)
  NEKUNDI (NAMIBIA)
  TONDI (NIGER)
  PALLY (NIGERIA) (VP)
  MARO (PAPUA NEW GUINEA)
  MUSARE (RWANDA)
  HIPPOLYTE-BAUWENS (SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES)
  BUNDU (SIERRA LEONE)
  IBROW (SOMALIA)
  MAHLALELA (SOUTH AFRICA)
  TOUM (SUDAN) (VP) (*)

  DLAMINI (SWAZILAND)
  ACKSON MWANSASU (TANZANIA)
  FILIPE (TIMOR LESTE)
  IBRAHIMA (TOGO)
  BROOKS (TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO)
  TAUSI (TUVALU)
  OULANYAH (UGANDA)
  LENGKON (VANUATU)
  HAMUDULU (ZAMBIA)
  SHUMBA (ZIMBABWE) | ADINOLFI (2)
   (3)

  AGEA (3)

  ARENA (1)

  BEARDER
  CHAUPRADE
  CHRISTENSEN (2)
   (3)

  CORRAO (1)
   (3)

  COZZOLINO (3)

  CZESAK (3)

  DANCE (3)

  DELI (3) (for CASA, D.)
  DE SARNEZ (1)

  ESTARAS FERRAGUT (2)

  FERREIRA (2)
   (3)

  GABRIEL (1)
   (2)

  GAL
  GAHLER (for RUAS, F.)
  GERICKE (2)
   (3)

  GILL (3) (for NEGRESCU, V.)
  GIUFFRIDA (1)
   (3)

  GOERENS (3)

  GRIESBECK
  GUERRERA SALOM
  HETMAN (3)

  HEUBUCH
  JIMÉNEZ-BECERRIL BARRIO (3)

  KYENGE
  LEINEN (1)
   (2)

  LÓPEZ AGUILAR
  MIZZI (2)
   (3)

  NEUSER
  NOICHL (3)

  PEDICINI (3)

  POGLIESE (3)

  PONGA (for MUSSOLINI, A.)
  RIVASI
  SCHAFFHAUSER (3)

  SENRA RODRÌGUEZ
  SIYLIKIOTIS (2)

  STIER (2)

  STOLOJAN (1)
   (3)

  THEOCHAROUS (for POGLIESE, S.)
  VAIDERE (3)

  VALERO
  WARD (2)

  WENTA
  WIELAND (3)

  WISNIEWSKA (1)

  ZABORSKA
  ZELLER
  ZORRINHO
  ZWIEFKA |

JACKSON (JAMAICA), Co-President

MICHEL, Co-President

PEREIRA (Angola)

THOMPSON (BARBADOS) (VP)

PEYREFITTE (BELIZE)

GBIAN (BENIN)

MANGOLE (BOTSWANA)

SANOU (BURKINA FASO)

NIYONGABO (BURUNDI)

OWONA KONO (CAMEROON)

SANCHES (CAPE VERDE)

WEIDOU (CHAD) (VP)

LUHONGE KABINDA NGOY (CONGO, Democratic Republic of the) (VP)

NDOUANE (CONGO, Republic of the)

PUNA (COOK ISLANDS)

TOURÉ (CÔTE D’IVOIRE)

WAIS (DJIBOUTI)

ISHMAEL (DOMINICA)

JIMÉNEZ (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

NAIB (ERITREA)

TOGA CHANAKA (ETHIOPIA) (VP)

SUDHAKAR (FIJI)

MANGOUALA (GABON)

BALDEH (GAMBIA)

AMOATEY (GHANA)

KABA (GUINEA)

MANÉ (GUINEA-BISSAU)

GREENIDGE (GUYANA)

PHILLIPS (JAMAICA)

LABOSO (KENYA)

SEKATLE (LESOTHO)

RAZAFINDRAVELO (MADAGASCAR)

SOUKOUNA (MALI)

BOUNA (MAURITANIA)

JHUGROO (MAURITIUS)

SITHOLE (MOZAMBIQUE) (VP)

NEKUNDI (NAMIBIA)

TONDI (NIGER)

PALLY (NIGERIA) (VP)

MARO (PAPUA NEW GUINEA)

MUSARE (RWANDA)

HIPPOLYTE-BAUWENS (SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES)

BUNDU (SIERRA LEONE)

IBROW (SOMALIA)

MAHLALELA (SOUTH AFRICA)

TOUM (SUDAN) (VP) (*)

DLAMINI (SWAZILAND)

ACKSON MWANSASU (TANZANIA)

FILIPE (TIMOR LESTE)

IBRAHIMA (TOGO)

BROOKS (TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO)

TAUSI (TUVALU)

OULANYAH (UGANDA)

LENGKON (VANUATU)

HAMUDULU (ZAMBIA)

SHUMBA (ZIMBABWE)

ADINOLFI (2)
   (3)

AGEA (3)

ARENA (1)

BEARDER

CHAUPRADE

CHRISTENSEN (2)
   (3)

CORRAO (1)
   (3)

COZZOLINO (3)

CZESAK (3)

DANCE (3)

DELI (3) (for CASA, D.)

DE SARNEZ (1)

ESTARAS FERRAGUT (2)

FERREIRA (2)
   (3)

GABRIEL (1)
   (2)

GAL

GAHLER (for RUAS, F.)

GERICKE (2)
   (3)

GILL (3) (for NEGRESCU, V.)

GIUFFRIDA (1)
   (3)

GOERENS (3)

GRIESBECK

GUERRERA SALOM

HETMAN (3)

HEUBUCH

JIMÉNEZ-BECERRIL BARRIO (3)

KYENGE

LEINEN (1)
   (2)

LÓPEZ AGUILAR

MIZZI (2)
   (3)

NEUSER

NOICHL (3)

PEDICINI (3)

POGLIESE (3)

PONGA (for MUSSOLINI, A.)

RIVASI

SCHAFFHAUSER (3)

SENRA RODRÌGUEZ

SIYLIKIOTIS (2)

STIER (2)

STOLOJAN (1)
   (3)

THEOCHAROUS (for POGLIESE, S.)

VAIDERE (3)

VALERO

WARD (2)

WENTA

WIELAND (3)

WISNIEWSKA (1)

ZABORSKA

ZELLER

ZORRINHO

ZWIEFKA

Also present:

ANGOLA

SIMBRÃO DE CARVALHO

TEIXEIRA

RESCOVA

BRAVO

ANTONIO

COSTA DE JESUS

ANTÓNIO DA GAMA GUIM

BARBADOS

CHANDLER

BENIN

NDAH

DAGNIHO

GBENOU

AHONOUKOUN

GBENONCHI

OGUIDAN

BOTSWANA

NGAKA

OUTLULE

MOSINKI

NTONGANA

MATAMBO

BURKINA FASO

OUEDRAOGO

BONKOUNGOU’

DRABO

BONKOUNGOU’

BURUNDI

NTAKARUTIMANA

GAHWAYI

NAHAYO

SUKUNOBA

NDUWUMWAMI

MUKESHAIMANA

BAVUGAMENSHI

BIMENYIMANA

CAMEROON

AWUDU MBAYA

OWONA KONO

DAOUDA

CONGO (REPUBLIC OF THE)

BOUNKOULOU

DOUMA

TOLOKOUM

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE

MABAYA GIZI AMINE

KILOSHO BULAMBO

MOLIWA MOLEKO

MAKA BASIALA

KATUMWA

LIHAU EBUA

NGOY MWAMBA

MUKENDI KABAMBI

AIMA TSHANDIA

SILUVANGII UMBA

NGINDU KABUNDI BIDUAYA

PIKA

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

TOURÉ

SANGANOKO MINATA

DJIBOUTI

GOUMANEH

ABDI SAID

BOURHAN ALI

ERITREA

TEKLE

HAGOS

ETHIOPIA

TEKLEHAIMANOT

GELETA

SUDHAKAR

SARAN

SINGH

LEDUA

GABON

NZEH ELLANG

OWONO NGUEMA

JOUMAS (SALAMBA)

BEWOTSE

RISSONGA

BEWOTSE

YALIS

TISIABA

GAMBIA

SILLAH

NJIE

OJANG

BOJANG

JAITEH

CAMARA

GHANA

ASAMOAH

NSIAH

OKAIKOE

GUINEA

SYLLA

DIALLO

BAH

SYLLA

DIALLO

TOURÉ

GUINEA- BISSAU

MANÉ

DIAS

GUYANA

GREENIDGE

McDONALD

NAUGHTON

KENYA

KEMBI GITURA

ADEN

MURIUKI

MUNYUA

NJAU

NZUSI

NTHIWA

LESOTHO

MAHASE-MOILOA

KOTO

MAPHIKE

MADAGASCAR

RATEFIARIVONY

RAKOTOMANJATO

NORBERT RICHARD

RAJAON

RAZAFISON

MALAWI

KALEBE

MWANYULA

MAKANDE

MUNTHALI

MALI

CISSÉ

MOHAMED

DIALLO

COULIBALY

MAURITANIA

CHEIN

SOUEID AHMED

MARRAKCHY

WANE

GHRIB

MAURITIUS

DILLUM

MUNGUR

RAMDIN

MARIE

MOZAMBIQUE

NAMBURETE

NEMBA UAIENE

MATE

DAVA

NAMIBIA

VENAANI

ALEY

RUMPF

HIYANDJUA

APOLLUS

NIGER

OUSMANE

CHEGOU

FOUKORI

TONDY

MAINA

NIGERIA

JOSHUA

OGBUOJI

OLATUNBOSUN

ABUBAKAR

OKORIE

NSIEGBE

YUNUSA

RABIU

AKPAN

SULU-GAMBARI

OWUH

ALUYA

OLAGESHIN

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

MANDURU

RWANDA

MUSARE

ST. VINCENT& THE GRENADINES

HIPPOLYTE-BAUWENS

SAMOA

MAIN

SIERRA LEONE

BUNDU

LEWALLY

KUYEMBEH

KOROMA

SOMALIA

IBROW

FAQI

SOUTH AFRICA

MAMPURU

BERGMANN

ROTHKEGEL

KHUZWAYO

MADLALA

SUDAN

AGLA

AL-TAYEB

AHMED

BABIKER SALAH

SWAZILAND

DLAMINI

TANZANIA

NICHOLAS MATIKO

KAWAMALA

TCHAD

ADJI

TEKILIO

BOUKAR

TIMOR LESTE

FILIPE

MARTINS

TOGO

M’BEOU

ABIGUIME

FABRE

LAWSON

AZILAN

TRINIDAD & TOBOGA

EXETER

TUVALU

LEUELU

UGANDA

TANNA

BAKO

KATUNGWE

KIBIRIGE

ROBINSON

AWOR

KAGANZI

LUGWARO

VANUATU

JOY

KOUBACK

TIMAKATA

ZAMBIA

KABWE

MUBANGA

CHIBULA

NAKAPONDA

KACHALI

ZIMBABWE

ZINDI

MLOTSHWA

CHIFAMBA

CHIPARE

SAMASUWO

CHIDAWANYIKA

NYAMUKAPA

ACP COUNCIL

MAMPHONO KHAKETLA, Minister of Finance (Lesotho), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

EU COUNCIL

ROMAIN SCHNEIDER, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs (Luxembourg), President-in-Office of the EU Council

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

NEVEN MIMICA, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development

EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE

DE PEYRON, Head of Division, Pan-African Affairs

EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE

VERBOVEN

ACP SECRETARIAT

GOMES, Co-Secretary-General

EU SECRETARIAT

AGUIRIANO NALDA, Co-Secretary-General

---

(*)  With observer status.

(1)  Present on 7 December 2015

(2)  Present on 8 December 2015

(3)  Present on 9 December 2015

---

ANNEX III

ACCREDITATION OF NON-PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATES

Ethiopia

Teshome TOGA CHANAKA

Ambassador

Embassy of Ethiopia

Dominica

Len ISHMAEL

Ambassador

Embassy of Dominica

Rwanda

Francis MUSARE

Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Embassy of Rwanda

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Paula HIPPOLYTE-BAUWENS

First Secretary

Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Papua New Guinea

Kapi MARO

First Secretary

Embassy of Papua New Guinea

---

ANNEX IV

TEXTS ADOPTED

RESOLUTION (1)

on the evaluation of the African Peace Facility after ten years: effectiveness and prospects for the future

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015,

| — | having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and ACP countries, and in particular Article 1, Article 8(5), Article 11, Article 28(2)(a) and Article 29(1) thereof, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and ACP countries, and in particular Article 1, Article 8(5), Article 11, Article 28(2)(a) and Article 29(1) thereof,

| — | having regard to Decision No 3/2003 of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers of 11 December 2003 on the use of resources from the long-term development envelope of the ninth EDF for the creation of a Peace Facility for Africa, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 3/2003 of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers of 11 December 2003 on the use of resources from the long-term development envelope of the ninth EDF for the creation of a Peace Facility for Africa,

| — | having regard to the EU Strategy for Africa of 12 May 2005, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Strategy for Africa of 12 May 2005,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 13 November 2006 on Strengthening African Capabilities for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 13 November 2006 on Strengthening African Capabilities for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of Conflicts,

| — | having regard to the EU Council conclusions on security and development of 19—20 November 2007, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Council conclusions on security and development of 19—20 November 2007,

| — | having regard to the declaration of the Ministerial Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of 26 April 2011 on the state of peace and security in Africa, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the declaration of the Ministerial Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of 26 April 2011 on the state of peace and security in Africa,

| — | having regard to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the EU Council on ‘Capacity building in support of security and development — Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’ (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the EU Council on ‘Capacity building in support of security and development — Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’ (2),

| — | having regard to the Council decision of 26 June 2013 on the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the EU, meeting within the Council, on the financing of EU aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020, in accordance with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU applies, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Council decision of 26 June 2013 on the Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States of the EU, meeting within the Council, on the financing of EU aid under the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020, in accordance with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, and on the allocation of financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which Part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU applies,

| — | having regard to the roadmap 2014-2017 adopted during the 4th Africa-EU Summit in Brussels (2—3 April 2014), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the roadmap 2014-2017 adopted during the 4th Africa-EU Summit in Brussels (2—3 April 2014),

| — | having regard to the report of the Peace and Security Council of 31 January 2015 on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Peace and Security Council of 31 January 2015 on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa,

| — | having regard to the European Commission decision of 15 July 2014 on the 2014-2016 action programme of the African Peace Facility to be financed from the European Development Fund Bridging Facility and the 11th European Development Fund, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Commission decision of 15 July 2014 on the 2014-2016 action programme of the African Peace Facility to be financed from the European Development Fund Bridging Facility and the 11th European Development Fund,

| — | having regard to Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 208 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

| — | having regard to the Constitutive Act of the African Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Constitutive Act of the African Union,

| — | having regard to the protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union adopted on 9 July 2002 by the 1st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the protocol relating to the establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union adopted on 9 July 2002 by the 1st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union,

| — | having regard to the decision of the African Union of 12 July 2003 on the establishment by the European Union of a Peace Support Operation Facility for the African Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decision of the African Union of 12 July 2003 on the establishment by the European Union of a Peace Support Operation Facility for the African Union,

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

| — | having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding of 2 September 2007 on cooperation in the area of peace and security between the African Union, the regional economic communities and the coordinating mechanisms of the regional standby brigades of Eastern Africa and Northern Africa, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Memorandum of Understanding of 2 September 2007 on cooperation in the area of peace and security between the African Union, the regional economic communities and the coordinating mechanisms of the regional standby brigades of Eastern Africa and Northern Africa,

| — | having regard to the decision of the Assembly of the African Union of 15 June 2015 on the scale of assessment and alternative sources of financing of the African Union, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the decision of the Assembly of the African Union of 15 June 2015 on the scale of assessment and alternative sources of financing of the African Union,

| — | having regard to the ECOWAS Protocol of 10 December 1999 relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the ECOWAS Protocol of 10 December 1999 relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security,

| — | having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000 on women and peace and security, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 of 31 October 2000 on women and peace and security,

| — | having regard to the statement of 16 April 2010 by the President of the United Nations Security Council on post-conflict peacebuilding, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 16 April 2010 by the President of the United Nations Security Council on post-conflict peacebuilding,

| — | having regard to the statement of 29 June 2010 by the President of the United Nations Security Council on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the statement of 29 June 2010 by the President of the United Nations Security Council on the promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security,

| — | having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2151 of 28 April 2014 on the maintenance of international peace and security: security sector reform: challenges and opportunities, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2151 of 28 April 2014 on the maintenance of international peace and security: security sector reform: challenges and opportunities,

| — | having regard to the EU Council conclusions of 15 October 2012 on ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with civil society in external relations’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the EU Council conclusions of 15 October 2012 on ‘The roots of democracy and sustainable development: Europe’s engagement with civil society in external relations’,

| — | having regard to the report of the Committee on Political Affairs, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the report of the Committee on Political Affairs,

| A. | whereas there are, or have been, internal armed conflicts in many African countries which have been generated by political, social, economic, ethnic or religious tensions; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas there are, or have been, internal armed conflicts in many African countries which have been generated by political, social, economic, ethnic or religious tensions;

| B. | whereas the improvement of socio-economic conditions, successfully addressing poverty, all forms of discrimination, poor labour conditions, human rights violations, and inhuman and degrading treatment, is essential in order to ensure a truly inclusive process of consolidating stability and development, and of reconciliation, and whereas such a process is the only way to prevent conflict resurgence; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the improvement of socio-economic conditions, successfully addressing poverty, all forms of discrimination, poor labour conditions, human rights violations, and inhuman and degrading treatment, is essential in order to ensure a truly inclusive process of consolidating stability and development, and of reconciliation, and whereas such a process is the only way to prevent conflict resurgence;

| C. | whereas conflicts aggravate the phenomena of famine and absolute poverty, undermine the enjoyment of human rights, and block any economic, political and social development over long periods; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas conflicts aggravate the phenomena of famine and absolute poverty, undermine the enjoyment of human rights, and block any economic, political and social development over long periods;

| D. | whereas the rationale behind the African Peace Facility (APF) is that of the interdependence of security and development in a country or region; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the rationale behind the African Peace Facility (APF) is that of the interdependence of security and development in a country or region;

| E. | whereas the APF was established in 2004 to reinforce the African Union (AU) and through it, the eight regional economic communities (RECs) and provide them with a lever to better manage conflicts on the continent without the intervention of foreign troops; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the APF was established in 2004 to reinforce the African Union (AU) and through it, the eight regional economic communities (RECs) and provide them with a lever to better manage conflicts on the continent without the intervention of foreign troops;

| F. | whereas the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, since its adoption in Lisbon in 2007 and again at the EU-Africa Summit in April 2014, defined peace and security as one of the priority areas of the partnership and the APF as an instrument forming part of a broader strategy of the EU; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, since its adoption in Lisbon in 2007 and again at the EU-Africa Summit in April 2014, defined peace and security as one of the priority areas of the partnership and the APF as an instrument forming part of a broader strategy of the EU;

| G. | whereas since 2005, over 90 % of the total of more than EUR 1,2 billion that has been allocated to the APF has been contracted for peace support operations in six countries, namely for AMIS (Darfur), Amisom (Somalia), Micopax followed by Misca (Central African Republic — CAR), Afisma (Mali) and RCI-LRA (CAR, DRC, South Sudan, Uganda); |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas since 2005, over 90 % of the total of more than EUR 1,2 billion that has been allocated to the APF has been contracted for peace support operations in six countries, namely for AMIS (Darfur), Amisom (Somalia), Micopax followed by Misca (Central African Republic — CAR), Afisma (Mali) and RCI-LRA (CAR, DRC, South Sudan, Uganda);

| H. | whereas the APF extended its scope in 2007, from funding mainly peace support operations and the operational strengthening of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), to include a broader range of conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation activities; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas the APF extended its scope in 2007, from funding mainly peace support operations and the operational strengthening of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), to include a broader range of conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation activities;

| I. | whereas particularly since 2007, approximately 8,3 % of all contracts have been allocated to African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) capacity-building activities, providing significant support to make the APSA operational; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas particularly since 2007, approximately 8,3 % of all contracts have been allocated to African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) capacity-building activities, providing significant support to make the APSA operational;

| J. | whereas since 2009, 1,3 % of the budget has been allocated to activities related to the early response mechanism, involving mediation, start-up, fact-finding missions and missions aimed at temporary reinforcement of the planning cell; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas since 2009, 1,3 % of the budget has been allocated to activities related to the early response mechanism, involving mediation, start-up, fact-finding missions and missions aimed at temporary reinforcement of the planning cell;

| K. | whereas by providing predictable and reliable resources to the AU and the regional organisations to act, the APF has enabled African countries to take collective actions to provide security, based on the emerging political role of the AU’s Peace and Security Council, putting it to the test and making it operational; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas by providing predictable and reliable resources to the AU and the regional organisations to act, the APF has enabled African countries to take collective actions to provide security, based on the emerging political role of the AU’s Peace and Security Council, putting it to the test and making it operational;

| L. | whereas the AU adopted a decision on 15 June 2015 on the alternative sources of financing which states that 25 % of all resources will be used for the AU’s peace support operations budget; |
| --- | --- |

L.

whereas the AU adopted a decision on 15 June 2015 on the alternative sources of financing which states that 25 % of all resources will be used for the AU’s peace support operations budget;

| M. | whereas when the APF was established in 2003, its financing via EDF funds was meant to be provisional, and only until such time as alternative funding sources were found; whereas 12 years later, the EDF remains the main source of funding for the APF; |
| --- | --- |

M.

whereas when the APF was established in 2003, its financing via EDF funds was meant to be provisional, and only until such time as alternative funding sources were found; whereas 12 years later, the EDF remains the main source of funding for the APF;

| N. | whereas demands on the EU’s APF for peace-support operations are increasing due to mission creep, as the experience of some UN missions has shown, and due to new missions under the banner of the ‘responsibility to protect’; |
| --- | --- |

N.

whereas demands on the EU’s APF for peace-support operations are increasing due to mission creep, as the experience of some UN missions has shown, and due to new missions under the banner of the ‘responsibility to protect’;

| O. | whereas a whole range of other donors, such as international organisations (UN and others), political and military alliances (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation — NATO) and states (the US, China, Japan and the Member States of the European Union), are also active in this area; whereas complementarity is ensured by the AU partners’ group on peace and security, which meets regularly in Addis Ababa; |
| --- | --- |

O.

whereas a whole range of other donors, such as international organisations (UN and others), political and military alliances (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation — NATO) and states (the US, China, Japan and the Member States of the European Union), are also active in this area; whereas complementarity is ensured by the AU partners’ group on peace and security, which meets regularly in Addis Ababa;

| P. | whereas at EU level, both Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and development actors promote the reform of the security sector in crisis-prone countries and the establishment of a transparent, accountable and effective police, justice and military apparatus; whereas there is a lack of coordination in the use of EU instruments; |
| --- | --- |

P.

whereas at EU level, both Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and development actors promote the reform of the security sector in crisis-prone countries and the establishment of a transparent, accountable and effective police, justice and military apparatus; whereas there is a lack of coordination in the use of EU instruments;

| Q. | whereas the EU Council has recognised the essential role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the peace and security agenda; whereas CSOs are hardly involved at all in the APF; |
| --- | --- |

Q.

whereas the EU Council has recognised the essential role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in the peace and security agenda; whereas CSOs are hardly involved at all in the APF;

| 1. | Recognises that the APF has enabled the operationalisation of the link between security and development and established an in-depth dialogue on peace and security challenges between the EU and the AU; acknowledges that the APF has played a catalytic role at a time when no other instrument was able to finance African troops for AU or REC peace operations; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Recognises that the APF has enabled the operationalisation of the link between security and development and established an in-depth dialogue on peace and security challenges between the EU and the AU; acknowledges that the APF has played a catalytic role at a time when no other instrument was able to finance African troops for AU or REC peace operations;

| 2. | Strongly believes that the APF should be oriented to strengthen the active participation of civil society, democratic and participatory governance and cultural capacity building; stresses that any decision-making process should be grounded in transparency, efficiency and accountability; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Strongly believes that the APF should be oriented to strengthen the active participation of civil society, democratic and participatory governance and cultural capacity building; stresses that any decision-making process should be grounded in transparency, efficiency and accountability;

| 3. | Welcomes the extension of APF-financed activities to conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation and the establishment of a rapid reaction mechanism; considers these developments to be of primary importance in order to avoid the APF being used mostly as a conflict management tool; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Welcomes the extension of APF-financed activities to conflict prevention and post-conflict stabilisation and the establishment of a rapid reaction mechanism; considers these developments to be of primary importance in order to avoid the APF being used mostly as a conflict management tool;

| 4. | Calls on the AU and the REC to ensure that peacekeeping operations are conducted in the context of good governance and in keeping with international law and human rights; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Calls on the AU and the REC to ensure that peacekeeping operations are conducted in the context of good governance and in keeping with international law and human rights;

| 5. | Recognises the important results achieved so far by African-led peace support operations; underlines nonetheless the need to address the root causes of conflict and the security development nexus and to enhance dialogue, to implement common approaches and to strengthen coordination in crisis management; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Recognises the important results achieved so far by African-led peace support operations; underlines nonetheless the need to address the root causes of conflict and the security development nexus and to enhance dialogue, to implement common approaches and to strengthen coordination in crisis management;

| 6. | Considers it regrettable that the APF is still mainly financed via the EDF, despite this clearly being intended as a provisional solution back in 2003; calls on the Commission to make a proposal during the EU Multiannual Financial Framework review in order to integrate the financing of the APF into the EU budget; considers that this means of financing would solve the ongoing problems related to the eligibility of some APF expenditure; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Considers it regrettable that the APF is still mainly financed via the EDF, despite this clearly being intended as a provisional solution back in 2003; calls on the Commission to make a proposal during the EU Multiannual Financial Framework review in order to integrate the financing of the APF into the EU budget; considers that this means of financing would solve the ongoing problems related to the eligibility of some APF expenditure;

| 7. | Calls on the African States to adopt a sustainable and inclusive approach with a view to consolidating regional stability, extending the legitimate authority of the support operations and preventing the re-emergence of conflicts; stresses that socioeconomic development fosters sustainable peace; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the African States to adopt a sustainable and inclusive approach with a view to consolidating regional stability, extending the legitimate authority of the support operations and preventing the re-emergence of conflicts; stresses that socioeconomic development fosters sustainable peace;

| 8. | Considers that the EU-sponsored peace-building measures, such as security sector reform (SSR) or disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants (DDR), need to be developed and established in an integrated way using available instruments from both security and development policies; considers that common means and objectives should be developed and that short-term measures should be replaced by long-term development initiatives, especially with regard to socio-economic stabilisation; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Considers that the EU-sponsored peace-building measures, such as security sector reform (SSR) or disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants (DDR), need to be developed and established in an integrated way using available instruments from both security and development policies; considers that common means and objectives should be developed and that short-term measures should be replaced by long-term development initiatives, especially with regard to socio-economic stabilisation;

| 9. | Underscores the necessity to support the implementation of long-term peace and security capacity building strategies, and underlines that it is necessary to improve coordination and complementarity of donors mobilised in the field of peace and security (mainly the Member States, the EU, the UN and the WB) in terms of financial support and economic aid and to ensure sustainability; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Underscores the necessity to support the implementation of long-term peace and security capacity building strategies, and underlines that it is necessary to improve coordination and complementarity of donors mobilised in the field of peace and security (mainly the Member States, the EU, the UN and the WB) in terms of financial support and economic aid and to ensure sustainability;

| 10. | Underscores that it is necessary to develop a strategy and actions for conflict prevention to secure the effective implementation of the different AU instruments on democracy, elections and human rights while addressing the underlying economic and social causes of instability and preserving the balance between unity and diversity; recalls that the reinforcement of institutional capacities of the AU Member States, the AU and the REC is key to lasting peace and security and to development, and thus calls for better coordination of EU efforts through the APF and other instruments; notes that greater emphasis should be put on conflict prevention, including prevention of radicalisation and of conflicts related to electoral cycles, and on mediation capacities; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Underscores that it is necessary to develop a strategy and actions for conflict prevention to secure the effective implementation of the different AU instruments on democracy, elections and human rights while addressing the underlying economic and social causes of instability and preserving the balance between unity and diversity; recalls that the reinforcement of institutional capacities of the AU Member States, the AU and the REC is key to lasting peace and security and to development, and thus calls for better coordination of EU efforts through the APF and other instruments; notes that greater emphasis should be put on conflict prevention, including prevention of radicalisation and of conflicts related to electoral cycles, and on mediation capacities;

| 11. | Encourages the European Union and the AU to make the success of this instrument more apparent to European and African citizens; in this regard, calls for the launch of a wide information campaign on the APF, in particular in Africa, and for appropriate training of all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the APF to enable them to fully understand this mechanism and its objectives, and so that they can also themselves give more visibility to the APF and raise awareness of it; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Encourages the European Union and the AU to make the success of this instrument more apparent to European and African citizens; in this regard, calls for the launch of a wide information campaign on the APF, in particular in Africa, and for appropriate training of all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the APF to enable them to fully understand this mechanism and its objectives, and so that they can also themselves give more visibility to the APF and raise awareness of it;

| 12. | Stresses that peace in Africa will depend, above all, on the elimination of the political, social, economic, ethnic and religious root causes, and on the political dialogue and the political will of the African partners to work together, including by strengthening the structures of the AU; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Stresses that peace in Africa will depend, above all, on the elimination of the political, social, economic, ethnic and religious root causes, and on the political dialogue and the political will of the African partners to work together, including by strengthening the structures of the AU;

| 13. | Stresses that the principle of ownership by African countries should be further pursued, particularly by setting a limited number of clear priorities and increasing EU assistance with capacity building; calls on the EU to explore options to further decentralise aspects of APF programme management, including monitoring of AU and REC/RM APF-funded activities, on-the-spot coordination of EU affairs relating to the APF, and technical support; welcomes the Joint Communication on ‘Capacity building in support of security and development — Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’ (3); calls in this regard on the Commission to propose far-reaching legislation to improve the EU’s support to regional security actors; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Stresses that the principle of ownership by African countries should be further pursued, particularly by setting a limited number of clear priorities and increasing EU assistance with capacity building; calls on the EU to explore options to further decentralise aspects of APF programme management, including monitoring of AU and REC/RM APF-funded activities, on-the-spot coordination of EU affairs relating to the APF, and technical support; welcomes the Joint Communication on ‘Capacity building in support of security and development — Enabling partners to prevent and manage crises’ (3); calls in this regard on the Commission to propose far-reaching legislation to improve the EU’s support to regional security actors;

| 14. | Stresses the importance of supporting women’s participation in peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction, and of protecting women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Stresses the importance of supporting women’s participation in peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction, and of protecting women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict;

| 15. | Calls on the EU to engage more frequently with the Member States of the AU and the RECs/RMs at both policy and political levels to provide the foundation for a regular dialogue on how to consolidate recent APF gains over the medium to longer term; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Calls on the EU to engage more frequently with the Member States of the AU and the RECs/RMs at both policy and political levels to provide the foundation for a regular dialogue on how to consolidate recent APF gains over the medium to longer term;

| 16. | Requests a more systematic joint programming with other EU instruments and as part of other policies, as well as strengthening of the role and capacity of EU delegations; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Requests a more systematic joint programming with other EU instruments and as part of other policies, as well as strengthening of the role and capacity of EU delegations;

| 17. | Welcomes the AU intention to operationalise its capacity to quickly respond to crises by integrating its African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) into the African Standby Forces; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Welcomes the AU intention to operationalise its capacity to quickly respond to crises by integrating its African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC) into the African Standby Forces;

| 18. | Underlines the progress being made towards the full operationalisation of the APSA, whose objective is to ensure that all the AU instruments designed for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa operate in synergy and produce the expected outcomes; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Underlines the progress being made towards the full operationalisation of the APSA, whose objective is to ensure that all the AU instruments designed for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in Africa operate in synergy and produce the expected outcomes;

| 19. | Calls on the APF partners (EU/AU/REC/RMs) to adopt a more tailored approach to capacity building, especially for AMISOM officers, in the field of peace and security, which is based on a thorough needs assessment and informed by an overall strategic plan for institutional development; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Calls on the APF partners (EU/AU/REC/RMs) to adopt a more tailored approach to capacity building, especially for AMISOM officers, in the field of peace and security, which is based on a thorough needs assessment and informed by an overall strategic plan for institutional development;

| 20. | Underlines that the APF can only be an instrument that complements collective international efforts; welcomes the AU’s willingness to assume increasing responsibility for its security through its decision of 15 June 2015 on the alternative sources of financing; calls on the EU to explore further measures in order to help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the APF; stresses that stepping up financial management capacity-building will be crucial in this respect; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Underlines that the APF can only be an instrument that complements collective international efforts; welcomes the AU’s willingness to assume increasing responsibility for its security through its decision of 15 June 2015 on the alternative sources of financing; calls on the EU to explore further measures in order to help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the APF; stresses that stepping up financial management capacity-building will be crucial in this respect;

| 21. | Calls for the restructuring of the current APF model so as to centralise operational and financial decision-making, thus enhancing effectiveness; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Calls for the restructuring of the current APF model so as to centralise operational and financial decision-making, thus enhancing effectiveness;

| 22. | Welcomes the EU decision to apply an 80 % ceiling for the EU contribution to troop allowances for all new Peace Support Operations and for AMISOM as from January 2016 onwards; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Welcomes the EU decision to apply an 80 % ceiling for the EU contribution to troop allowances for all new Peace Support Operations and for AMISOM as from January 2016 onwards;

| 23. | Underlines that effective measures to stop small arms and light weapons (SALW) accumulation, trafficking and proliferation, and to promote disarmament, should be urgently adopted as they are crucial to preventing the intensification of conflicts, violence and fragility in Africa; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Underlines that effective measures to stop small arms and light weapons (SALW) accumulation, trafficking and proliferation, and to promote disarmament, should be urgently adopted as they are crucial to preventing the intensification of conflicts, violence and fragility in Africa;

| 24. | Insists that the European Union should continue to be a committed partner in the APF and other peaceful enterprises but underscores that optimum results will only be obtained if there is real African leadership and regional cooperation; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Insists that the European Union should continue to be a committed partner in the APF and other peaceful enterprises but underscores that optimum results will only be obtained if there is real African leadership and regional cooperation;

| 25. | Recommends the integration of the discussion on the APF, which forms part of the European Development Fund, into the discussion on the future of the Cotonou Agreement; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Recommends the integration of the discussion on the APF, which forms part of the European Development Fund, into the discussion on the future of the Cotonou Agreement;

| 26. | Recommends the alignment of current and future APF programmes to the available resources, in order to better link the finances with the objectives and needs on the ground; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Recommends the alignment of current and future APF programmes to the available resources, in order to better link the finances with the objectives and needs on the ground;

| 27. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the institutions of the AU and of the European Union, the ACP Council, the ACP Group’s regional integration organisations and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

27.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the institutions of the AU and of the European Union, the ACP Council, the ACP Group’s regional integration organisations and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

RESOLUTION (4)

on forty years of partnership: evaluation of the impact on trade and development in the ACP countries and prospects for enduring relations between the ACP countries and the European Union

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015,

| — | having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (1), in particular Article 21 thereof, and revisions of the Cotonou Agreement in 2005 and 2010 (2), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (1), in particular Article 21 thereof, and revisions of the Cotonou Agreement in 2005 and 2010 (2),

| — | having regard to its resolutions of 19 February 2004 on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA): problems and prospects (3), of 23 November 2006 on the review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (4), of 9 April 2009 on Economic Partnership Agreements and their impact on ACP States (5), and of 19 June 2013 on Economic Partnership Agreements — next steps (6), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolutions of 19 February 2004 on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA): problems and prospects (3), of 23 November 2006 on the review of negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements (4), of 9 April 2009 on Economic Partnership Agreements and their impact on ACP States (5), and of 19 June 2013 on Economic Partnership Agreements — next steps (6),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 19 March 2014 on regional integration and modernisation of customs for sustainable development in ACP countries, in cooperation with the EU (7), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to its resolution of 19 March 2014 on regional integration and modernisation of customs for sustainable development in ACP countries, in cooperation with the EU (7),

| — | having regard to the declaration of the ACP Council of Ministers of 12 June 2014 on the post-2015 development agenda (8) and the joint ACP-EU declaration on the post-2015 development agenda, |
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—

having regard to the declaration of the ACP Council of Ministers of 12 June 2014 on the post-2015 development agenda (8) and the joint ACP-EU declaration on the post-2015 development agenda,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 26 September 2002 containing its recommendation to the Commission concerning the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries and regions (9), of 23 March 2006 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (10), of 12 December 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (11), of 23 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (12), and of 5 February 2009 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (13), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 26 September 2002 containing its recommendation to the Commission concerning the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries and regions (9), of 23 March 2006 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (10), of 12 December 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (11), of 23 May 2007 on Economic Partnership Agreements (12), and of 5 February 2009 on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements (13),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 25 March 2009 on the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EC and Cariforum (14), of 19 January 2011 on the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Pacific States (15), of 17 January 2013 on the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an EC-Eastern and Southern Africa States Economic Partnership Agreement (16), and of 13 June 2013 on the ‘Stepping-stone Economic Partnership Agreement between the EC and Central Africa’ (17), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 25 March 2009 on the Economic Partnership Agreement between the EC and Cariforum (14), of 19 January 2011 on the Interim Partnership Agreement between the EC and the Pacific States (15), of 17 January 2013 on the Interim agreement establishing a framework for an EC-Eastern and Southern Africa States Economic Partnership Agreement (16), and of 13 June 2013 on the ‘Stepping-stone Economic Partnership Agreement between the EC and Central Africa’ (17),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 23 October 2012 on ‘An Agenda for Change: the future of EU development policy’ (18), of 12 March 2013 on the preparation of the multiannual financial framework regarding the financing of EU cooperation for African, Caribbean and Pacific States and Overseas Countries and Territories for the 2014-2020 period (11th European Development Fund) (19), of 25 November 2014 on the EU and the global development framework after 2015 (20), and of 19 May 2015 on Financing for Development (21), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions of 23 October 2012 on ‘An Agenda for Change: the future of EU development policy’ (18), of 12 March 2013 on the preparation of the multiannual financial framework regarding the financing of EU cooperation for African, Caribbean and Pacific States and Overseas Countries and Territories for the 2014-2020 period (11th European Development Fund) (19), of 25 November 2014 on the EU and the global development framework after 2015 (20), and of 19 May 2015 on Financing for Development (21),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 11 February 2015 on the work of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (22), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 11 February 2015 on the work of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (22),

| — | having regard to the European Commission communication of 13 October 2011 entitled ‘Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change’ (23), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Commission communication of 13 October 2011 entitled ‘Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change’ (23),

| — | having regard to the Joint Consultation Paper of 6 October 2015 entitled ‘Towards a new partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries after 2020’ (24), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Joint Consultation Paper of 6 October 2015 entitled ‘Towards a new partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries after 2020’ (24),

| — | having regard to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), in particular Article XXIV thereof, and of the Ministerial Declarations adopted at the Fourth Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference on 14 November 2001 in Doha and the Sixth Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference on 18 December 2005 in Hong Kong, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), in particular Article XXIV thereof, and of the Ministerial Declarations adopted at the Fourth Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference on 14 November 2001 in Doha and the Sixth Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference on 18 December 2005 in Hong Kong,

| — | having regard to the Sipopo Declaration of the 7th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government of 13—14 December 2012 — ‘The Future of the ACP Group in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities’, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Sipopo Declaration of the 7th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government of 13—14 December 2012 — ‘The Future of the ACP Group in a Changing World: Challenges and Opportunities’,

| — | having regard to the Progress Report to the 99th and the 100th Sessions of the ACP Council of Ministers of the Eminent Persons Group of 16—18 June 2014 and 12 December 2014, respectively, on the Future of the ACP Group Beyond 2020 (25), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Progress Report to the 99th and the 100th Sessions of the ACP Council of Ministers of the Eminent Persons Group of 16—18 June 2014 and 12 December 2014, respectively, on the Future of the ACP Group Beyond 2020 (25),

| — | having regard to the Final Report of the Office for Economic Policy and Regional Development (EPRD) on ACP-EU relations after 2020: Issues for the EU in consultation phase 1 of July 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Final Report of the Office for Economic Policy and Regional Development (EPRD) on ACP-EU relations after 2020: Issues for the EU in consultation phase 1 of July 2015,

| — | having regard to the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation agreed on 1 December 2011, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the Busan Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation agreed on 1 December 2011,

| — | having regard to the European Development Fund, its programming and procedures, as well as the investment facility and the support offered by the EIB to the ACP countries, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the European Development Fund, its programming and procedures, as well as the investment facility and the support offered by the EIB to the ACP countries,

| — | having regard to Decision No 1/2013 of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers of 7 June 2013 adopting a protocol on the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020 under the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Decision No 1/2013 of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers of 7 June 2013 adopting a protocol on the multiannual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020 under the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part,

| — | having regard to the synthesis report of the UN Secretary-General on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda entitled ‘The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet’ (26), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the synthesis report of the UN Secretary-General on the post-2015 sustainable development agenda entitled ‘The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet’ (26),

| — | having regard to the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development: Addis Ababa Action Agenda of 16 July 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome document of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development: Addis Ababa Action Agenda of 16 July 2015,

| — | having regard to the outcome document on the post-2015 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to the outcome document on the post-2015 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),

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

—

having regard to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights,

| A. | whereas the Cotonou Agreement (‘Cotonou’) has been the best example of the largest framework for North-South cooperation, governing relations between 78 ACP countries and the EU, combining long-term development finance, trade and economic cooperation and political dialogue; whereas, after its expiry in 2020, a post-Cotonou framework is needed; |
| --- | --- |

A.

whereas the Cotonou Agreement (‘Cotonou’) has been the best example of the largest framework for North-South cooperation, governing relations between 78 ACP countries and the EU, combining long-term development finance, trade and economic cooperation and political dialogue; whereas, after its expiry in 2020, a post-Cotonou framework is needed;

| B. | whereas the key objective of Cotonou is the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty, ‘consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries in the world economy’ alongside the promotion of good governance and defence of inalienable human rights; |
| --- | --- |

B.

whereas the key objective of Cotonou is the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty, ‘consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries in the world economy’ alongside the promotion of good governance and defence of inalienable human rights;

| C. | whereas the unilateral, non-reciprocal preferential market access characteristic of the Lomé Conventions (‘Lomé’) alone has not sufficiently achieved Lomé IV’s aim ‘to promote and expedite the economic, cultural, and social development of the ACP States, and to consolidate and diversify their relations’; and whereas the export price stabilisation mechanisms and commodity protocols included in Lomé failed to lead to export diversification in ACP countries; |
| --- | --- |

C.

whereas the unilateral, non-reciprocal preferential market access characteristic of the Lomé Conventions (‘Lomé’) alone has not sufficiently achieved Lomé IV’s aim ‘to promote and expedite the economic, cultural, and social development of the ACP States, and to consolidate and diversify their relations’; and whereas the export price stabilisation mechanisms and commodity protocols included in Lomé failed to lead to export diversification in ACP countries;

| D. | whereas the EPA negotiations were launched with the aim of creating a shared trade and development partnership; whereas they must ensure that gradual and controlled liberalisation of trade in goods and rules for sectors such as services and investment contribute to the development of the ACP countries and their full integration into the global economy; |
| --- | --- |

D.

whereas the EPA negotiations were launched with the aim of creating a shared trade and development partnership; whereas they must ensure that gradual and controlled liberalisation of trade in goods and rules for sectors such as services and investment contribute to the development of the ACP countries and their full integration into the global economy;

| E. | whereas the trade agreements under Lomé and the trade cooperation chapter of the Cotonou Agreement, under which the EU extended non-reciprocal trade preferences to ACP countries, expired on 31 December 2007, and the ACP and the EU set out to negotiate EPAs intended to be instruments of trade and development for ACP States, most of which are least developed; |
| --- | --- |

E.

whereas the trade agreements under Lomé and the trade cooperation chapter of the Cotonou Agreement, under which the EU extended non-reciprocal trade preferences to ACP countries, expired on 31 December 2007, and the ACP and the EU set out to negotiate EPAs intended to be instruments of trade and development for ACP States, most of which are least developed;

| F. | whereas EPAs have the possibility to provide a stable and predictable framework for trade, investment, structural reform and job creation; whereas, however, EPAs have been criticised for, among other things, the likelihood of them reducing ACP countries’ policy space, undermining regional integration, and leading to losses in ACP fiscal revenues and de-industrialisation; |
| --- | --- |

F.

whereas EPAs have the possibility to provide a stable and predictable framework for trade, investment, structural reform and job creation; whereas, however, EPAs have been criticised for, among other things, the likelihood of them reducing ACP countries’ policy space, undermining regional integration, and leading to losses in ACP fiscal revenues and de-industrialisation;

| G. | whereas regional integration is vital for encouraging intra-ACP cooperation, including trade and investments; |
| --- | --- |

G.

whereas regional integration is vital for encouraging intra-ACP cooperation, including trade and investments;

| H. | whereas respect for universal human rights including the right to development is and should remain an essential element of the partnership; |
| --- | --- |

H.

whereas respect for universal human rights including the right to development is and should remain an essential element of the partnership;

| I. | whereas development cooperation and trade have been pillars of ACP-EU relations since the first Lomé Convention; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas development cooperation and trade have been pillars of ACP-EU relations since the first Lomé Convention;

| J. | whereas the European Development Fund (EDF), specifically designed to provide technical and financial assistance to ACP countries, remains the largest geographic instrument for development cooperation in the EU and will provide EUR 30,506 billion to ACP countries, European Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and administrative expenditures in 2014 — 2020; |
| --- | --- |

J.

whereas the European Development Fund (EDF), specifically designed to provide technical and financial assistance to ACP countries, remains the largest geographic instrument for development cooperation in the EU and will provide EUR 30,506 billion to ACP countries, European Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) and administrative expenditures in 2014 — 2020;

| K. | whereas implementing the SDGs has an estimated cost of USD 2,6 trillion, which will require new, additional resources for development finance; |
| --- | --- |

K.

whereas implementing the SDGs has an estimated cost of USD 2,6 trillion, which will require new, additional resources for development finance;

| 1. | Is of the opinion that the ACP-EU framework is essential in allowing dialogue and increased mutual understanding between EU and ACP States, and should be adapted to meet emerging global challenges, such as the current flows of migrants and asylum seekers, based on the core principles of equity and equality, mutual respect, inclusiveness, guaranteeing peace, security, stability, respect for human rights, giving particular attention to the situation of women, children and fragile persons, democratic principles and the rule of law, and good governance with a view to achieving long-term development and economic integration into the global economy; is of the opinion, however, that the current arrangement should be tailored to issues where the partnership can have added value; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Is of the opinion that the ACP-EU framework is essential in allowing dialogue and increased mutual understanding between EU and ACP States, and should be adapted to meet emerging global challenges, such as the current flows of migrants and asylum seekers, based on the core principles of equity and equality, mutual respect, inclusiveness, guaranteeing peace, security, stability, respect for human rights, giving particular attention to the situation of women, children and fragile persons, democratic principles and the rule of law, and good governance with a view to achieving long-term development and economic integration into the global economy; is of the opinion, however, that the current arrangement should be tailored to issues where the partnership can have added value;

| 2. | Emphasises that the history of the ACP-EU partnership has demonstrated that neither aid nor trade alone are sufficient for sustainable development and poverty reduction; |
| --- | --- |

2.

Emphasises that the history of the ACP-EU partnership has demonstrated that neither aid nor trade alone are sufficient for sustainable development and poverty reduction;

| 3. | Takes the view that, if mutually agreed upon and well implemented, EPAs can offer ACP countries favourable and stable access to the EU market in order to enable them to increase and diversify their exports and to foster regional integration, creating hubs that would benefit the whole of the regions and become fully integrated in the world economy in a way that supports sustainable and fair trade; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Takes the view that, if mutually agreed upon and well implemented, EPAs can offer ACP countries favourable and stable access to the EU market in order to enable them to increase and diversify their exports and to foster regional integration, creating hubs that would benefit the whole of the regions and become fully integrated in the world economy in a way that supports sustainable and fair trade;

| 4. | Emphasises the importance of supporting, through public-private partnership, economic and investment opportunities for ACP countries such as renewable energy and sustainable use of oceans, including rich fisheries resources and aquaculture; |
| --- | --- |

4.

Emphasises the importance of supporting, through public-private partnership, economic and investment opportunities for ACP countries such as renewable energy and sustainable use of oceans, including rich fisheries resources and aquaculture;

| 5. | Emphasises that it is essential that proper dialogue at all levels is maintained in order to make full use of the Cotonou agreement; |
| --- | --- |

5.

Emphasises that it is essential that proper dialogue at all levels is maintained in order to make full use of the Cotonou agreement;

| 6. | Regrets that, despite calls from the European Parliament to do so, the EU did not extend the end date of the Market Access Regulation beyond 1 October 2014; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Regrets that, despite calls from the European Parliament to do so, the EU did not extend the end date of the Market Access Regulation beyond 1 October 2014;

| 7. | Encourages all parties to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement, before the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, in order to fully benefit from good customs modernisation and reform, the exchange of knowhow and good practices in terms of customs cooperation, and optimising the use of funds and instruments within the existing framework; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Encourages all parties to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement, before the Tenth WTO Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, in order to fully benefit from good customs modernisation and reform, the exchange of knowhow and good practices in terms of customs cooperation, and optimising the use of funds and instruments within the existing framework;

| 8. | Reminds the EU and its Member States of its commitment to implement its Policy Coherence for Development agenda, in order to increase coherence between its trade, agriculture, tax, climate change, investment, access to raw materials and development policies and thus enhance the transformation of ACP States into self-sustainable economies; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Reminds the EU and its Member States of its commitment to implement its Policy Coherence for Development agenda, in order to increase coherence between its trade, agriculture, tax, climate change, investment, access to raw materials and development policies and thus enhance the transformation of ACP States into self-sustainable economies;

| 9. | Recalls that the nexus connecting trade, economic development and poverty reduction does not function automatically; recalls that trade already makes up a significant portion of the economies of the Least Developed Countries (LDC); notes, however, that the reduction in poverty in LDCs lags far behind that in developing countries as a whole; accordingly, encourages the Commission to explore more flexible ways to achieve WTO-compatible asymmetrical market access, including through waivers from WTO rules, and to continue to demonstrate flexibility in partner discussions; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Recalls that the nexus connecting trade, economic development and poverty reduction does not function automatically; recalls that trade already makes up a significant portion of the economies of the Least Developed Countries (LDC); notes, however, that the reduction in poverty in LDCs lags far behind that in developing countries as a whole; accordingly, encourages the Commission to explore more flexible ways to achieve WTO-compatible asymmetrical market access, including through waivers from WTO rules, and to continue to demonstrate flexibility in partner discussions;

| 10. | Takes the view that EU market access must be coupled with the diversification of economies and exports, and that emphasis must also be placed on promoting and strengthening south-south integration and private-public partnerships; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Takes the view that EU market access must be coupled with the diversification of economies and exports, and that emphasis must also be placed on promoting and strengthening south-south integration and private-public partnerships;

| 11. | Stresses the importance of the sustainable development provisions in EPAs and the future cooperation framework; (and the fact that the non-execution clause is non-negotiable); |
| --- | --- |

11.

Stresses the importance of the sustainable development provisions in EPAs and the future cooperation framework; (and the fact that the non-execution clause is non-negotiable);

| 12. | Welcomes the signing of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tripartite FTA and the launch of negotiations on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) in Africa; calls on the EU to facilitate, including through assistance in the framework of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, further regional integration processes such as the CFTA; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Welcomes the signing of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tripartite FTA and the launch of negotiations on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) in Africa; calls on the EU to facilitate, including through assistance in the framework of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, further regional integration processes such as the CFTA;

| 13. | Calls on the EU and ACP to ensure that the EPAs and the ACP-EU future framework continue to have concrete development and human rights provisions and calls on ACP-EU partners to adhere to environmental and labour standards, to ensure sustainable use of resources and to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); urges EPA partners to use their momentum as a catalyst for sustainable and sustained development; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Calls on the EU and ACP to ensure that the EPAs and the ACP-EU future framework continue to have concrete development and human rights provisions and calls on ACP-EU partners to adhere to environmental and labour standards, to ensure sustainable use of resources and to promote Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); urges EPA partners to use their momentum as a catalyst for sustainable and sustained development;

| 14. | Stresses that Official Development Aid (ODA) as defined in the post-2015 agenda and the UN Addis Ababa development financing programme, remains crucial for the ACP States, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDC); notes the EU’s commitment to providing development assistance to ACP countries; calls on the European Union and its Member States to provide assistance in the form of grants and loans including the use of the ‘blending mechanism’, so as not to increase the debt burden; regrets that many EU Member States have not met the 0,7 % target of Gross National Income (GNI) in ODA by 2015; deplores the fact that certain Member States, such as Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg and France, have decreased their share of development aid; calls on all partners to honour their commitments to the full; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Stresses that Official Development Aid (ODA) as defined in the post-2015 agenda and the UN Addis Ababa development financing programme, remains crucial for the ACP States, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDC); notes the EU’s commitment to providing development assistance to ACP countries; calls on the European Union and its Member States to provide assistance in the form of grants and loans including the use of the ‘blending mechanism’, so as not to increase the debt burden; regrets that many EU Member States have not met the 0,7 % target of Gross National Income (GNI) in ODA by 2015; deplores the fact that certain Member States, such as Finland, Denmark, Luxembourg and France, have decreased their share of development aid; calls on all partners to honour their commitments to the full;

| 15. | Reminds that post-Cotonou development objectives shall take into consideration that trade affects men and women differently, mainly in ACP countries, providing appropriate measure to alleviate any possible negative impacts; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Reminds that post-Cotonou development objectives shall take into consideration that trade affects men and women differently, mainly in ACP countries, providing appropriate measure to alleviate any possible negative impacts;

| 16. | Recognises the importance of the EDF as the central instrument for development cooperation with ACP countries and the value of some of its distinctive features such as providing a large share of aid to LDCs, and cooperation in the drafting of a national programming document; emphasises the importance of the predictability of resources as well as flexibility and effectiveness in the implementation thereof; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Recognises the importance of the EDF as the central instrument for development cooperation with ACP countries and the value of some of its distinctive features such as providing a large share of aid to LDCs, and cooperation in the drafting of a national programming document; emphasises the importance of the predictability of resources as well as flexibility and effectiveness in the implementation thereof;

| 17. | Notes with concern that EU aid to financing the EPA adjustment costs is not new and additional aid but comes from existing funds under the EDF, which would thus come at the expense of revenues otherwise earmarked for health, education and social protection; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Notes with concern that EU aid to financing the EPA adjustment costs is not new and additional aid but comes from existing funds under the EDF, which would thus come at the expense of revenues otherwise earmarked for health, education and social protection;

| 18. | Notes that ODA is only one of the available sources of development finance; urges the ACP States and the EU Member States to explore other concrete ways of mobilising the necessary funds, including through greater involvement of the private sector in trade and development-oriented investment, strengthening fiscal capacities and domestic resource mobilisation and establishing an international enabling environment for development by combating tax evasion, tax avoidance and illicit financial flows; emphasises that scarce public aid resources should support public investment in the host countries, which are not necessarily expected to yield short- or medium-term financial returns; |
| --- | --- |

18.

Notes that ODA is only one of the available sources of development finance; urges the ACP States and the EU Member States to explore other concrete ways of mobilising the necessary funds, including through greater involvement of the private sector in trade and development-oriented investment, strengthening fiscal capacities and domestic resource mobilisation and establishing an international enabling environment for development by combating tax evasion, tax avoidance and illicit financial flows; emphasises that scarce public aid resources should support public investment in the host countries, which are not necessarily expected to yield short- or medium-term financial returns;

| 19. | Recalls likewise that private investment should not be a substitute for ODA, while public-private partnerships financed through blending mechanisms should in all circumstances be aligned to the host country’s national development plan and be subjected to a sound regulatory framework on responsible financing, including on cost recovery and benefit distribution; |
| --- | --- |

19.

Recalls likewise that private investment should not be a substitute for ODA, while public-private partnerships financed through blending mechanisms should in all circumstances be aligned to the host country’s national development plan and be subjected to a sound regulatory framework on responsible financing, including on cost recovery and benefit distribution;

| 20. | Stresses that the SDGs should stimulate the establishment of creative new forms of ACP-EU cooperation, which are supported by the EU in other third countries and are aimed at reducing the current exploitation of natural resources and promoting economic, social and environmental development through a proper use of and investment in renewable sources; recalls the importance of contributing to a successful United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris in 2015 in order to help ACP countries to decarbonise their economies, which are completely dependent on the use of fossil fuels; |
| --- | --- |

20.

Stresses that the SDGs should stimulate the establishment of creative new forms of ACP-EU cooperation, which are supported by the EU in other third countries and are aimed at reducing the current exploitation of natural resources and promoting economic, social and environmental development through a proper use of and investment in renewable sources; recalls the importance of contributing to a successful United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris in 2015 in order to help ACP countries to decarbonise their economies, which are completely dependent on the use of fossil fuels;

| 21. | Notes that future comprehensive ACP-EU cooperation must be built on collaborative approaches, creative and accountable methods and innovative interventions, and allow the ACP to be more effective and visible, taking into account national and regional specificities and the involvement of all stakeholders in the EPA negotiation and implementation processes to ensure local ownership as well as coherence in and effective follow-up of subsequent policies; |
| --- | --- |

21.

Notes that future comprehensive ACP-EU cooperation must be built on collaborative approaches, creative and accountable methods and innovative interventions, and allow the ACP to be more effective and visible, taking into account national and regional specificities and the involvement of all stakeholders in the EPA negotiation and implementation processes to ensure local ownership as well as coherence in and effective follow-up of subsequent policies;

| 22. | Stresses the importance of taking into account the demands of the respective civil societies throughout the implementation of the EPAs and the preparation of the post-Cotonou framework; |
| --- | --- |

22.

Stresses the importance of taking into account the demands of the respective civil societies throughout the implementation of the EPAs and the preparation of the post-Cotonou framework;

| 23. | Notes that the post-Cotonou discussion will be an opportunity to thoroughly analyse both the successes and failures of the current agreement in terms of the sustainable socio-economic development of ACP countries; stresses the need to have a strong sustainable development chapter in the future EU-ACP trade strategy and transparent consultation procedures; |
| --- | --- |

23.

Notes that the post-Cotonou discussion will be an opportunity to thoroughly analyse both the successes and failures of the current agreement in terms of the sustainable socio-economic development of ACP countries; stresses the need to have a strong sustainable development chapter in the future EU-ACP trade strategy and transparent consultation procedures;

| 24. | Is deeply concerned by the reports of huge gaps between the funds allocated to the ACP countries under the EDF and their actual disbursements; calls on the Commission to enhance aid transparency, tracking and efficiency, and to ensure that development aid reaches those who need it the most; furthermore calls on the Commission to closely monitor this issue and produce detailed reports on aid spending and allocation on a regular basis; |
| --- | --- |

24.

Is deeply concerned by the reports of huge gaps between the funds allocated to the ACP countries under the EDF and their actual disbursements; calls on the Commission to enhance aid transparency, tracking and efficiency, and to ensure that development aid reaches those who need it the most; furthermore calls on the Commission to closely monitor this issue and produce detailed reports on aid spending and allocation on a regular basis;

| 25. | Calls on the Commission to support ACP developing countries in their efforts to promote fair competition and to establish an appropriate regulatory and domestic legislative framework in cooperation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and International Competition Network (ICN) initiatives as a strategic tool to increase trade, foster growth and improve social welfare; |
| --- | --- |

25.

Calls on the Commission to support ACP developing countries in their efforts to promote fair competition and to establish an appropriate regulatory and domestic legislative framework in cooperation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and International Competition Network (ICN) initiatives as a strategic tool to increase trade, foster growth and improve social welfare;

| 26. | Emphasises that it must be ensured that no ACP country be left worse off, and that poverty reduction, sustainable development and job creation are placed at the centre of any future ACP-EU partnership; |
| --- | --- |

26.

Emphasises that it must be ensured that no ACP country be left worse off, and that poverty reduction, sustainable development and job creation are placed at the centre of any future ACP-EU partnership;

| 27. | Stresses that job creation, in particular green jobs and those linked to the circular economy, will form the core part of future ACP-EU economic relations; recognises therefore the strategic role of the agricultural and livestock sector, which is affected by major challenges such as climate change, price instability and compliance with safety standards in production, and which employs a majority of the ACP population and which needs specific attention; |
| --- | --- |

27.

Stresses that job creation, in particular green jobs and those linked to the circular economy, will form the core part of future ACP-EU economic relations; recognises therefore the strategic role of the agricultural and livestock sector, which is affected by major challenges such as climate change, price instability and compliance with safety standards in production, and which employs a majority of the ACP population and which needs specific attention;

| 28. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament, the regional and national parliaments, the regional organisations relating to ACP countries, and the European Investment Bank (EIB). |
| --- | --- |

28.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the African Union, the Pan-African Parliament, the regional and national parliaments, the regional organisations relating to ACP countries, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

RESOLUTION (5)

on how to improve economic and social conditions in developing countries, including the contribution of family businesses, in order to prevent health disasters

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015, |
| --- | --- |

—

meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015,

| — | having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure, |
| --- | --- |

—

having regard to Article 18(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (27), in particular Article 21 thereof, and revisions of the Cotonou Agreement in 2005 and 2010 (28), |
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—

having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (the Cotonou Agreement) (27), in particular Article 21 thereof, and revisions of the Cotonou Agreement in 2005 and 2010 (28),

| — | having regard to its resolution of 3 December 2014 on the Ebola outbreak (29), |
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—

having regard to its resolution of 3 December 2014 on the Ebola outbreak (29),

| — | having regard to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted on 25 September 2015 at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York, USA, |
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—

having regard to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted on 25 September 2015 at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York, USA,

| — | having regard to the outcome document of the third UN International Conference on Financing for Development held on 13—16 July 2015 in Addis Ababa, |
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—

having regard to the outcome document of the third UN International Conference on Financing for Development held on 13—16 July 2015 in Addis Ababa,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 July 2013 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax (30), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament legislative resolution of 3 July 2013 on the proposal for a Council directive implementing enhanced cooperation in the area of financial transaction tax (30),

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 26 October 2015 on the long-term lessons of the Ebola crisis, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 26 October 2015 on the long-term lessons of the Ebola crisis,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 18 September 2014 on the EU’s response to the Ebola outbreak (31), |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 18 September 2014 on the EU’s response to the Ebola outbreak (31),

| — | having regard to the Brussels Conclusions and Recommendations on Health in the context of the post-2015 Development Agenda in ACP States adopted by the 2nd Meeting of ACP Ministers of Health held on 25—26 February 2015 in Brussels, Belgium, |
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—

having regard to the Brussels Conclusions and Recommendations on Health in the context of the post-2015 Development Agenda in ACP States adopted by the 2nd Meeting of ACP Ministers of Health held on 25—26 February 2015 in Brussels, Belgium,

| — | having regard to the European Development Fund Investment Facility and the support offered by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to the ACP countries, |
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—

having regard to the European Development Fund Investment Facility and the support offered by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to the ACP countries,

| — | having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement signed on 29 October 2014 on the automatic transfer of information in tax matters, |
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—

having regard to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement signed on 29 October 2014 on the automatic transfer of information in tax matters,

| — | having regard to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report entitled ‘Food wastage footprint — Impacts on natural resources’ published in 2013, |
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—

having regard to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) report entitled ‘Food wastage footprint — Impacts on natural resources’ published in 2013,

| A. | whereas the OECD estimates that the global financial industry comprises between 12 % and 19 % of the total global economy and that the daily foreign exchange market averages USD 5,5 trillion at present and is projected to reach USD 7,8 trillion daily by 2019; whereas the total size of the global debt securities market is USD 78 trillion, and the gross market value of outstanding derivatives contracts is USD 20,9 trillion, with a notional value of USD 630 trillion; |
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A.

whereas the OECD estimates that the global financial industry comprises between 12 % and 19 % of the total global economy and that the daily foreign exchange market averages USD 5,5 trillion at present and is projected to reach USD 7,8 trillion daily by 2019; whereas the total size of the global debt securities market is USD 78 trillion, and the gross market value of outstanding derivatives contracts is USD 20,9 trillion, with a notional value of USD 630 trillion;

| B. | whereas health disasters create serious social and economic challenges for countries affected; whereas the Ebola outbreak had a devastating impact on the economies of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and has dragged the countries deeper into recession; |
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B.

whereas health disasters create serious social and economic challenges for countries affected; whereas the Ebola outbreak had a devastating impact on the economies of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and has dragged the countries deeper into recession;

| C. | whereas studies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank for International Settlements show that the level of financial development is good only up to a point, after which it can restrict and suppress general economic growth in other sectors such as agriculture, and that a fast-growing financial sector is detrimental to aggregate productivity growth; |
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C.

whereas studies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank for International Settlements show that the level of financial development is good only up to a point, after which it can restrict and suppress general economic growth in other sectors such as agriculture, and that a fast-growing financial sector is detrimental to aggregate productivity growth;

| D. | whereas technological advances in the financial industry and the move to centralised trading systems have made concealing transactions more difficult; |
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D.

whereas technological advances in the financial industry and the move to centralised trading systems have made concealing transactions more difficult;

| E. | whereas 51 OECD and G20 members signed a Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement in Berlin on 29 October 2014 implementing the automatic exchange of financial information in tax matters in order to improve tax transparency; |
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E.

whereas 51 OECD and G20 members signed a Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement in Berlin on 29 October 2014 implementing the automatic exchange of financial information in tax matters in order to improve tax transparency;

| F. | whereas it is estimated that 60 million farms in ACP countries generate one third of their GDP; whereas of these, 50 million are small, family-run farms working on average less than 2 hectares of land, with about 80 % of the population working in agriculture; |
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F.

whereas it is estimated that 60 million farms in ACP countries generate one third of their GDP; whereas of these, 50 million are small, family-run farms working on average less than 2 hectares of land, with about 80 % of the population working in agriculture;

| G. | whereas poor nutrition is the cause of the deaths of 3,1 million children each year; whereas globally about 4 billion tonnes of food is produced per annum, of which a third is wasted, mainly owing to poor practices in harvesting, storage and transportation; whereas the FAO estimates that in ACP countries in 2009, 23 % of all food produced — or about 545 Kcal/capita/day — was lost or wasted; |
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G.

whereas poor nutrition is the cause of the deaths of 3,1 million children each year; whereas globally about 4 billion tonnes of food is produced per annum, of which a third is wasted, mainly owing to poor practices in harvesting, storage and transportation; whereas the FAO estimates that in ACP countries in 2009, 23 % of all food produced — or about 545 Kcal/capita/day — was lost or wasted;

| H. | whereas developing countries need the policy space to protect infant industries from competition, as well as fiscal resources and technical assistance to drive economic diversification; |
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H.

whereas developing countries need the policy space to protect infant industries from competition, as well as fiscal resources and technical assistance to drive economic diversification;

| I. | whereas SMEs and microenterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide, are a fundamental part of the economy of developing countries and, along with well-functioning public sectors, are a key factor in furthering economic, social and cultural growth; whereas these SMEs face restricted access to capital, particularly those owned by minority groups or women, with nearly half of all SMEs in developing countries reporting that restricted access to finance is a major constraint and that they face an estimated EUR 200 billion shortfall in financing every year; |
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I.

whereas SMEs and microenterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide, are a fundamental part of the economy of developing countries and, along with well-functioning public sectors, are a key factor in furthering economic, social and cultural growth; whereas these SMEs face restricted access to capital, particularly those owned by minority groups or women, with nearly half of all SMEs in developing countries reporting that restricted access to finance is a major constraint and that they face an estimated EUR 200 billion shortfall in financing every year;

| J. | whereas inadequate tax systems may discriminate against SMEs and family businesses to the advantage of multinationals and weaken the public sector in developing countries; whereas a key objective of EU development policy as well as for policy-makers in ACP countries themselves must be to strengthen the ACP countries’ existing structures of the tax system and to create new ones that take into account the real situation — not only economic but also social — of the countries in which they are implemented, with an emphasis on fighting tax evasion and avoidance as well as illicit financial flows and protecting and promoting family SMEs and micro-enterprises; |
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J.

whereas inadequate tax systems may discriminate against SMEs and family businesses to the advantage of multinationals and weaken the public sector in developing countries; whereas a key objective of EU development policy as well as for policy-makers in ACP countries themselves must be to strengthen the ACP countries’ existing structures of the tax system and to create new ones that take into account the real situation — not only economic but also social — of the countries in which they are implemented, with an emphasis on fighting tax evasion and avoidance as well as illicit financial flows and protecting and promoting family SMEs and micro-enterprises;

| K. | whereas multinationals have used developing countries to generate large profits without applying the standards that are insisted upon in their home countries and have used their commercial strength to coerce the host authorities and have failed to clean up after their activities; |
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K.

whereas multinationals have used developing countries to generate large profits without applying the standards that are insisted upon in their home countries and have used their commercial strength to coerce the host authorities and have failed to clean up after their activities;

| L. | whereas an epidemic of the Ebola virus broke out in West Africa in December 2013, infecting 28 000 people and killing 11 000; whereas the international response to the epidemic was slow and it was not until 8 August 2014 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern; |
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L.

whereas an epidemic of the Ebola virus broke out in West Africa in December 2013, infecting 28 000 people and killing 11 000; whereas the international response to the epidemic was slow and it was not until 8 August 2014 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern;

| M. | whereas it is imperative for the respective ACP countries to build an efficient health system that provides the entire population with access to good quality services, health workers, medicines and technologies, and that is supported by a financing system that protects people from financial hardship and impoverishment due to healthcare costs; |
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M.

whereas it is imperative for the respective ACP countries to build an efficient health system that provides the entire population with access to good quality services, health workers, medicines and technologies, and that is supported by a financing system that protects people from financial hardship and impoverishment due to healthcare costs;

| N. | whereas in a large number of African countries the health and education systems have deteriorated through the Structural Adjustment Programmes imposed by the IMF and the World Bank, which required budget cuts in the public sector; |
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N.

whereas in a large number of African countries the health and education systems have deteriorated through the Structural Adjustment Programmes imposed by the IMF and the World Bank, which required budget cuts in the public sector;

| O. | whereas, due to the socio-economic underdevelopment in ACP countries, little is done to improve health risk prevention, raise health risk awareness and construct sufficient emergency centres, especially in remote areas; |
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O.

whereas, due to the socio-economic underdevelopment in ACP countries, little is done to improve health risk prevention, raise health risk awareness and construct sufficient emergency centres, especially in remote areas;

| P. | whereas education is impossible without freedom and no progress in the area of education and training is possible if censorship and the denial of free access to information are not brought to an end; |
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P.

whereas education is impossible without freedom and no progress in the area of education and training is possible if censorship and the denial of free access to information are not brought to an end;

| Q. | whereas in ACP States there is a shortage of a strong, dynamic, competitive and self-confident private sector, guided by modern knowledge and skills, which can play a decisive role in the economy; whereas SMEs and family businesses lack the necessary support and proper attention; |
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Q.

whereas in ACP States there is a shortage of a strong, dynamic, competitive and self-confident private sector, guided by modern knowledge and skills, which can play a decisive role in the economy; whereas SMEs and family businesses lack the necessary support and proper attention;

| R. | whereas in ACP States there is a lack of a strong, self-reliant and participatory economy which benefits all, with an equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth via the state budget, and responsible utilisation of natural resources; |
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R.

whereas in ACP States there is a lack of a strong, self-reliant and participatory economy which benefits all, with an equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth via the state budget, and responsible utilisation of natural resources;

| S. | whereas education in particular is instrumental in poverty eradication, socio-cultural transformation, enhancing economic growth, and ultimately improving the health, living conditions and lifestyles of the majority of the people; |
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S.

whereas education in particular is instrumental in poverty eradication, socio-cultural transformation, enhancing economic growth, and ultimately improving the health, living conditions and lifestyles of the majority of the people;

| T. | whereas political stability as a result of peace and security is the primary condition for improving the economic and social situation as well as prevention of epidemic diseases and health disasters; |
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T.

whereas political stability as a result of peace and security is the primary condition for improving the economic and social situation as well as prevention of epidemic diseases and health disasters;

| 1. | Recalls that many of the 79 ACP countries have had a long historical relationship with EU countries and therefore the EU should give special consideration to its cooperation with ACP countries; that the EU and the ACP consist of 106 states with a total population of over 1,4 billion; that the EU, while wealthy and well developed, has a growth rate of less than 2 % per annum; that the ACP is growing at a faster rate; and that the EU and the ACP combined are a global economic force that can compete worldwide; |
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1.

Recalls that many of the 79 ACP countries have had a long historical relationship with EU countries and therefore the EU should give special consideration to its cooperation with ACP countries; that the EU and the ACP consist of 106 states with a total population of over 1,4 billion; that the EU, while wealthy and well developed, has a growth rate of less than 2 % per annum; that the ACP is growing at a faster rate; and that the EU and the ACP combined are a global economic force that can compete worldwide;

| 2. | Proposes the establishment of a fund, receiving half of the proceeds from financial transaction tax receipts, to be used exclusively for the benefit of low-income ACP countries; believes that a significant proportion could be applied for micro-financing of a vibrant SME and family business infrastructure in those countries, and that funding should also go to health, education, transport and energy infrastructure to more effectively respond to health disasters such as the Ebola outbreak as well as minimising the migration flows of young people resulting in the brain drain of the much-needed human resource capacity; calls on ACP countries to tackle corruption, strengthen their tax systems and, in close cooperation with the EU, address illicit financial flows; believes that debt relief could be applied for these ACP countries which have difficulty repaying their debts because of poverty; |
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2.

Proposes the establishment of a fund, receiving half of the proceeds from financial transaction tax receipts, to be used exclusively for the benefit of low-income ACP countries; believes that a significant proportion could be applied for micro-financing of a vibrant SME and family business infrastructure in those countries, and that funding should also go to health, education, transport and energy infrastructure to more effectively respond to health disasters such as the Ebola outbreak as well as minimising the migration flows of young people resulting in the brain drain of the much-needed human resource capacity; calls on ACP countries to tackle corruption, strengthen their tax systems and, in close cooperation with the EU, address illicit financial flows; believes that debt relief could be applied for these ACP countries which have difficulty repaying their debts because of poverty;

| 3. | Notes that, in many ACP countries, tax evasion is a big problem that causes public budgets the loss of billions of euros; |
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3.

Notes that, in many ACP countries, tax evasion is a big problem that causes public budgets the loss of billions of euros;

| 4. | Recalls that family farming, which is the most common agricultural model worldwide, plays a key role in the fulfilment of the SDGs: it contributes substantially to food security, to the fight against soil erosion and biodiversity loss, and to the mitigation of climate change, while providing jobs; stresses that the EU should henceforth promote sustainable agriculture worldwide as a means of ensuring food security and a decent life and fair income for farmers; recalls the EU’s responsibility to set an example domestically, by fully integrating social and environmental concerns into agricultural production and strengthening rural development for the benefit of local communities; in particular, urges the EU to commit, in line with the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, to a fundamental shift towards agro-ecology as a way of improving the resilience and sustainability of food systems; |
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4.

Recalls that family farming, which is the most common agricultural model worldwide, plays a key role in the fulfilment of the SDGs: it contributes substantially to food security, to the fight against soil erosion and biodiversity loss, and to the mitigation of climate change, while providing jobs; stresses that the EU should henceforth promote sustainable agriculture worldwide as a means of ensuring food security and a decent life and fair income for farmers; recalls the EU’s responsibility to set an example domestically, by fully integrating social and environmental concerns into agricultural production and strengthening rural development for the benefit of local communities; in particular, urges the EU to commit, in line with the recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, to a fundamental shift towards agro-ecology as a way of improving the resilience and sustainability of food systems;

| 5. | Calls on the EU to create a funding programme (DEVETAX 2030) to specifically assist the establishment of tax structures in emerging market economies and to help developing countries to create new regional tax authority offices by the year 2030; |
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5.

Calls on the EU to create a funding programme (DEVETAX 2030) to specifically assist the establishment of tax structures in emerging market economies and to help developing countries to create new regional tax authority offices by the year 2030;

| 6. | Believes, moreover, that financial support could also be allocated to forms of active support, such as a minimum income for persons living in a state of poverty and social exclusion, and that the advisability of increasing crowdfunding in order to promote the entrepreneurial spirit, especially among young people, could be examined; |
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6.

Believes, moreover, that financial support could also be allocated to forms of active support, such as a minimum income for persons living in a state of poverty and social exclusion, and that the advisability of increasing crowdfunding in order to promote the entrepreneurial spirit, especially among young people, could be examined;

| 7. | Calls on development banks, including the EIB, in cooperation with the ACP recipient governments, to propose a microcredit facility to subsidise loans to family farms by means of microcredits to improve their productivity and reduce food wastage; emphasises that microfinance contributes to better working conditions for women; calls on the ACP governments to facilitate and support the creation of farmers’ organisations, including cooperatives; expresses its concern that both land-grabbing and large-scale agro-industries can be a threat to local populations, since they can lead to over-exploitation in the short term of the land that will be abandoned later on; |
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7.

Calls on development banks, including the EIB, in cooperation with the ACP recipient governments, to propose a microcredit facility to subsidise loans to family farms by means of microcredits to improve their productivity and reduce food wastage; emphasises that microfinance contributes to better working conditions for women; calls on the ACP governments to facilitate and support the creation of farmers’ organisations, including cooperatives; expresses its concern that both land-grabbing and large-scale agro-industries can be a threat to local populations, since they can lead to over-exploitation in the short term of the land that will be abandoned later on;

| 8. | Notes that over 40 % of the world population still lacks piped water to their homes; notes that 1,5 million deaths annually are caused by water contamination, and that rural water which is most at risk of contamination can be made safe for drinking at low cost by drilling boreholes and using chlorine tablets; considers that SMEs are much more frugal in their consumption of water than large companies or multinationals; urges ACP countries to fine polluters to combat water pollution; |
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8.

Notes that over 40 % of the world population still lacks piped water to their homes; notes that 1,5 million deaths annually are caused by water contamination, and that rural water which is most at risk of contamination can be made safe for drinking at low cost by drilling boreholes and using chlorine tablets; considers that SMEs are much more frugal in their consumption of water than large companies or multinationals; urges ACP countries to fine polluters to combat water pollution;

| 9. | Encourages the use of investment programmes for family businesses through affordable and stable credit; emphasises the important and positive role that women play in family businesses; |
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9.

Encourages the use of investment programmes for family businesses through affordable and stable credit; emphasises the important and positive role that women play in family businesses;

| 10. | Calls on governments to create conditions conducive to economic development and to draw up appropriate strategies and policies in order to stimulate the development of the private sector in general and SMEs and family businesses in particular; |
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10.

Calls on governments to create conditions conducive to economic development and to draw up appropriate strategies and policies in order to stimulate the development of the private sector in general and SMEs and family businesses in particular;

| 11. | Calls for the right of all peoples to food sovereignty to be guaranteed; |
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11.

Calls for the right of all peoples to food sovereignty to be guaranteed;

| 12. | Recalls that globalisation has affected the ability of countries to generate domestic government revenues and to choose their taxation structure; notes that increased mobility of capital, combined with widespread use of tax havens, has greatly altered the conditions for taxing income and wealth, thereby affecting the fairness of the tax system; against this background, insists that effective mobilisation of domestic resources and a strengthening of tax systems will be an indispensable factor in improving economic and social conditions in developing countries, e.g. through increased support to SMEs; to that effect, calls on the EU to upgrade its financial and technical assistance in developing countries; |
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12.

Recalls that globalisation has affected the ability of countries to generate domestic government revenues and to choose their taxation structure; notes that increased mobility of capital, combined with widespread use of tax havens, has greatly altered the conditions for taxing income and wealth, thereby affecting the fairness of the tax system; against this background, insists that effective mobilisation of domestic resources and a strengthening of tax systems will be an indispensable factor in improving economic and social conditions in developing countries, e.g. through increased support to SMEs; to that effect, calls on the EU to upgrade its financial and technical assistance in developing countries;

| 13. | Notes that, while there has been a substantial reduction in child mortality since 1990, UNICEF’s latest figures estimate that every year, 6,3 million under-fives die from largely preventable causes; that three quarters of these deaths are caused by pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and new-born conditions such as asphyxia and infections, for which cost-effective treatments are known; that the poor are most affected, facing both a disproportionately high disease burden and greater difficulties in accessing health care; that improving child health requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, addressing multiple factors together, including the availability of essential health services, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and education; |
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13.

Notes that, while there has been a substantial reduction in child mortality since 1990, UNICEF’s latest figures estimate that every year, 6,3 million under-fives die from largely preventable causes; that three quarters of these deaths are caused by pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and new-born conditions such as asphyxia and infections, for which cost-effective treatments are known; that the poor are most affected, facing both a disproportionately high disease burden and greater difficulties in accessing health care; that improving child health requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, addressing multiple factors together, including the availability of essential health services, access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and education;

| 14. | Calls for an end to land-grabbing and for policies to be formulated to ensure that farmers have access to land, water and seed; |
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14.

Calls for an end to land-grabbing and for policies to be formulated to ensure that farmers have access to land, water and seed;

| 15. | Notes that there are still 140 000 infant deaths annually from measles, even though the disease can be prevented with a double dose of inexpensive vaccine; urges the international community to continue its measles elimination campaign; |
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15.

Notes that there are still 140 000 infant deaths annually from measles, even though the disease can be prevented with a double dose of inexpensive vaccine; urges the international community to continue its measles elimination campaign;

| 16. | Calls for policies to develop small-scale and family farming to supply local and regional markets; |
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16.

Calls for policies to develop small-scale and family farming to supply local and regional markets;

| 17. | Calls on national governments, the African Union and the EU to create and implement specific framework programmes for public health — at local, regional, national and international level — to emphasise the preventive and sustainable nature of healthcare systems; |
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17.

Calls on national governments, the African Union and the EU to create and implement specific framework programmes for public health — at local, regional, national and international level — to emphasise the preventive and sustainable nature of healthcare systems;

| 18. | Considers that policies are needed to support and develop artisanal and small-scale fisheries; |
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18.

Considers that policies are needed to support and develop artisanal and small-scale fisheries;

| 19. | Calls on the EU to support and promote in-country medical education in ACP countries to stop the brain drain and to increase the number of professionals in their healthcare systems, including paediatricians, dermatologists, eye specialists and tropical disease specialists as well as midwives and surgeons; |
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19.

Calls on the EU to support and promote in-country medical education in ACP countries to stop the brain drain and to increase the number of professionals in their healthcare systems, including paediatricians, dermatologists, eye specialists and tropical disease specialists as well as midwives and surgeons;

| 20. | Stresses that social dialogue is essential to ensure that the private sector engages effectively in development; insists upon developing countries’ responsibility to support social dialogue between private sector employers, workers and national governments as a way to improve good governance and state stability; in particular, calls on developing countries to ensure that social dialogue is extended to Export Processing Zones and to industrial clusters; |
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20.

Stresses that social dialogue is essential to ensure that the private sector engages effectively in development; insists upon developing countries’ responsibility to support social dialogue between private sector employers, workers and national governments as a way to improve good governance and state stability; in particular, calls on developing countries to ensure that social dialogue is extended to Export Processing Zones and to industrial clusters;

| 21. | Considers that the international response to the Ebola epidemic was insufficient and showed a lack of preparedness in dealing with epidemics and pandemics; calls for the establishment of a permanent European rapid response capability comprising experts, laboratory support staff, epidemiologists and logistics facilities, including mobile laboratories, that can be deployed extremely swiftly; more broadly, takes the view that building a resilient health system over the long term requires, inter alia, (i) investing resources in basic public health services, (ii) ensuring safe and quality care by increasing resources to train, supervise and pay health workers adequately and by giving access to safe drugs, (iii) engaging local stakeholders and communities in crisis response and development planning; calls on international donors to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA) to those countries through country systems such as budget support; |
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21.

Considers that the international response to the Ebola epidemic was insufficient and showed a lack of preparedness in dealing with epidemics and pandemics; calls for the establishment of a permanent European rapid response capability comprising experts, laboratory support staff, epidemiologists and logistics facilities, including mobile laboratories, that can be deployed extremely swiftly; more broadly, takes the view that building a resilient health system over the long term requires, inter alia, (i) investing resources in basic public health services, (ii) ensuring safe and quality care by increasing resources to train, supervise and pay health workers adequately and by giving access to safe drugs, (iii) engaging local stakeholders and communities in crisis response and development planning; calls on international donors to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA) to those countries through country systems such as budget support;

| 22. | Notes that existing best-practice models — for instance in the case of the prevention of polio (or the anti-polio campaign) — could serve overall as role models for the development of new structures in emergency and health disaster management and the health sector in general; |
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22.

Notes that existing best-practice models — for instance in the case of the prevention of polio (or the anti-polio campaign) — could serve overall as role models for the development of new structures in emergency and health disaster management and the health sector in general;

| 23. | Stresses that vaccines are the most cost-effective way to prevent and control infectious diseases such as Ebola; urges the research and development community to invest in the development of vaccines for infectious diseases that mostly affect the poor, but with cross-border infection capacity; |
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23.

Stresses that vaccines are the most cost-effective way to prevent and control infectious diseases such as Ebola; urges the research and development community to invest in the development of vaccines for infectious diseases that mostly affect the poor, but with cross-border infection capacity;

| 24. | Encourages ACP States to put in place health risk prevention mechanisms, including awareness raising programmes and give priority to the remote and disadvantaged areas in the construction of health centres equipped with the necessary manpower and medical facilities; |
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24.

Encourages ACP States to put in place health risk prevention mechanisms, including awareness raising programmes and give priority to the remote and disadvantaged areas in the construction of health centres equipped with the necessary manpower and medical facilities;

| 25. | Considers it necessary for policies for the prevention of Ebola and other diseases to include ensuring the access of the population to healthy food in sufficient quantities, safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as the strengthening of public health systems; |
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25.

Considers it necessary for policies for the prevention of Ebola and other diseases to include ensuring the access of the population to healthy food in sufficient quantities, safe drinking water and sanitation, as well as the strengthening of public health systems;

| 26. | Believes that the approach to epidemics such as Ebola must attach particular importance to preventing infection; considers, therefore, that the extensive training of medical, nursing and healthcare staff should be organised, also involving the world of education, so that there is as much information as possible on the need for rules governing health and daily behaviour so as to avert the risk of infection; |
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26.

Believes that the approach to epidemics such as Ebola must attach particular importance to preventing infection; considers, therefore, that the extensive training of medical, nursing and healthcare staff should be organised, also involving the world of education, so that there is as much information as possible on the need for rules governing health and daily behaviour so as to avert the risk of infection;

| 27. | Notes that wastage of food results in loss of income for farmers and a waste of resources such as water and land at a time when world population is expected to increase from 7,3 billion in 2015 to 9,5 billion in 2050 with a concomitant demand for food, and that three quarters of the waste of food in ACP countries occurs in the production, handling and storage phases which can be remedied by low cost, low tech solutions; if ACP wastage in these stages was reduced to European levels, the GDP of the ACP would be increased by 2,6 % per year; |
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27.

Notes that wastage of food results in loss of income for farmers and a waste of resources such as water and land at a time when world population is expected to increase from 7,3 billion in 2015 to 9,5 billion in 2050 with a concomitant demand for food, and that three quarters of the waste of food in ACP countries occurs in the production, handling and storage phases which can be remedied by low cost, low tech solutions; if ACP wastage in these stages was reduced to European levels, the GDP of the ACP would be increased by 2,6 % per year;

| 28. | Calls on the international community to fulfil their commitments in support of the post-Ebola social and economic reconstruction of the most affected countries in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), in particular those agreed on at the High Level Brussels Conference ‘Ebola: From Emergency to Recovery’ held on 3 March 2015; |
| --- | --- |

28.

Calls on the international community to fulfil their commitments in support of the post-Ebola social and economic reconstruction of the most affected countries in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), in particular those agreed on at the High Level Brussels Conference ‘Ebola: From Emergency to Recovery’ held on 3 March 2015;

| 29. | Calls on the Member States of the EU to support the implementation of training programmes for preventive health care, not only financially, but also by promoting a real culture of prevention in ACP countries; |
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29.

Calls on the Member States of the EU to support the implementation of training programmes for preventive health care, not only financially, but also by promoting a real culture of prevention in ACP countries;

| 30. | Notes that most family businesses are SMEs, that they improve the socio-economic status of families in underdeveloped regions and rural areas, and that for family businesses the level of profitability is not the primary concern; |
| --- | --- |

30.

Notes that most family businesses are SMEs, that they improve the socio-economic status of families in underdeveloped regions and rural areas, and that for family businesses the level of profitability is not the primary concern;

| 31. | Notes that SMEs employ the most people and pay the most tax in ACP countries, receive a stronger boost in growth than large companies when their capital requirements are met, and proportionately provide more employment, greater income and higher tax revenue for the same investment; |
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31.

Notes that SMEs employ the most people and pay the most tax in ACP countries, receive a stronger boost in growth than large companies when their capital requirements are met, and proportionately provide more employment, greater income and higher tax revenue for the same investment;

| 32. | Calls for the development of a dual education system, where apprenticeships in a company are combined with vocational education at a technical college to provide knowledge of practical skills, so that the skills being taught can be tested in practice, with incentives for companies, such as tax exemptions, for accepting students in apprenticeship positions without lowering the total tax revenue; calls for the implementation of efficient, effective and transparent anti-corruption programmes in order to avoid brain drain; |
| --- | --- |

32.

Calls for the development of a dual education system, where apprenticeships in a company are combined with vocational education at a technical college to provide knowledge of practical skills, so that the skills being taught can be tested in practice, with incentives for companies, such as tax exemptions, for accepting students in apprenticeship positions without lowering the total tax revenue; calls for the implementation of efficient, effective and transparent anti-corruption programmes in order to avoid brain drain;

| 33. | Calls on the EU to make close cooperation between SMEs in the EU and ACP States a clear goal of the Corporate Social Responsibility policy; calls for the establishment of an EU-ACP partnership network to set up selective pilot schemes in ACP States where young entrepreneurs and start-up businesses will get the chance to develop professionally in the emerging economies and to cooperate with European research institutes or businesses; |
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33.

Calls on the EU to make close cooperation between SMEs in the EU and ACP States a clear goal of the Corporate Social Responsibility policy; calls for the establishment of an EU-ACP partnership network to set up selective pilot schemes in ACP States where young entrepreneurs and start-up businesses will get the chance to develop professionally in the emerging economies and to cooperate with European research institutes or businesses;

| 34. | Encourages ACP countries to integrate technical and vocational education and training programmes into their skills development strategies, involving industry to ensure that, inter alia, entrepreneurship is integrated into quality training programmes; |
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34.

Encourages ACP countries to integrate technical and vocational education and training programmes into their skills development strategies, involving industry to ensure that, inter alia, entrepreneurship is integrated into quality training programmes;

| 35. | Calls for the development of a public education system with a curriculum tailored to meet the needs and priorities of each country; |
| --- | --- |

35.

Calls for the development of a public education system with a curriculum tailored to meet the needs and priorities of each country;

| 36. | Believes it necessary to regulate the system of traineeships and apprenticeships in order to eliminate all forms of abuse of such instruments, by equating them with any other form of work and ensuring the necessary wage safeguards; |
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36.

Believes it necessary to regulate the system of traineeships and apprenticeships in order to eliminate all forms of abuse of such instruments, by equating them with any other form of work and ensuring the necessary wage safeguards;

| 37. | Encourages the strengthening of a sustainable entrepreneurial spirit among young people in ACP countries, where over 75 % of the population is under 25 years of age, by encouraging more business-orientated education in schools and by establishing more efficient university partnerships and Erasmus exchange programmes; calls for the introduction of teacher training and exchange programmes to help improve the quality and provision of education in ACP countries; in order to encourage school education, calls on ACP countries to strive in every way to ensure that all children have access to free, quality education, taking into account in particular the needs of the most vulnerable population groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion; |
| --- | --- |

37.

Encourages the strengthening of a sustainable entrepreneurial spirit among young people in ACP countries, where over 75 % of the population is under 25 years of age, by encouraging more business-orientated education in schools and by establishing more efficient university partnerships and Erasmus exchange programmes; calls for the introduction of teacher training and exchange programmes to help improve the quality and provision of education in ACP countries; in order to encourage school education, calls on ACP countries to strive in every way to ensure that all children have access to free, quality education, taking into account in particular the needs of the most vulnerable population groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion;

| 38. | Urges ACP States to build economic systems based on principles of social justice, self-reliance, public participation, a system that primarily relies on development of its human and natural resources and its responsible utilisation, in a manner that guarantees inclusive sustainable development; governments should come up with policies that are pro poor and result oriented which encourage private initiative, competition and investment, promote the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and increase productivity, ensure fair and appropriate distribution of all basic services and encourage and strengthen international economic cooperation and investment; |
| --- | --- |

38.

Urges ACP States to build economic systems based on principles of social justice, self-reliance, public participation, a system that primarily relies on development of its human and natural resources and its responsible utilisation, in a manner that guarantees inclusive sustainable development; governments should come up with policies that are pro poor and result oriented which encourage private initiative, competition and investment, promote the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and increase productivity, ensure fair and appropriate distribution of all basic services and encourage and strengthen international economic cooperation and investment;

| 39. | Urges EU and ACP countries to promote ethical business principles as the basis for future international markets and to do everything possible to combat corruption as well as illicit financial flows; urges all ACP countries to put in place effective, efficient and transparent anti-corruption programmes; notes that ethical awareness should be learned as early as possible and therefore urges ACP countries to include it in their educational programmes at all levels from primary to university; |
| --- | --- |

39.

Urges EU and ACP countries to promote ethical business principles as the basis for future international markets and to do everything possible to combat corruption as well as illicit financial flows; urges all ACP countries to put in place effective, efficient and transparent anti-corruption programmes; notes that ethical awareness should be learned as early as possible and therefore urges ACP countries to include it in their educational programmes at all levels from primary to university;

| 40. | Recalls that EIB financing operations implemented through the EU guarantee granted to the EIB in developing countries shall have as their primary objective the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty; in particular, stresses that the EIB and the European Development Financial Institutions should only cooperate with financial intermediaries not operating in offshore financial centres, which have substantial local ownership and are equipped to implement a pro-development approach supporting the specificity of SMEs in the countries of operation; |
| --- | --- |

40.

Recalls that EIB financing operations implemented through the EU guarantee granted to the EIB in developing countries shall have as their primary objective the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty; in particular, stresses that the EIB and the European Development Financial Institutions should only cooperate with financial intermediaries not operating in offshore financial centres, which have substantial local ownership and are equipped to implement a pro-development approach supporting the specificity of SMEs in the countries of operation;

| 41. | Considers that there should be equitable and free access to quality education at all levels in developing countries, especially in literacy and numeracy; that entrepreneurial skills and in particular technical and vocational education and training should be provided; that the use of information and communication technology in learning and skills development is considered essential; that all schools should have access to computers and adequate resources and a source of energy for their own use; ensure that teaching materials are country specific and taught in the country’s official languages; and that endeavours should be made to achieve equality between women and men in human resource development; |
| --- | --- |

41.

Considers that there should be equitable and free access to quality education at all levels in developing countries, especially in literacy and numeracy; that entrepreneurial skills and in particular technical and vocational education and training should be provided; that the use of information and communication technology in learning and skills development is considered essential; that all schools should have access to computers and adequate resources and a source of energy for their own use; ensure that teaching materials are country specific and taught in the country’s official languages; and that endeavours should be made to achieve equality between women and men in human resource development;

| 42. | Notes that, in the past, loans from the World Bank (WB) to ACP countries tended to use standards that did not properly address the specific needs of those countries; notes also that some of the WB projects benefited the donors more the than recipient countries; notes also that the developing countries are at risk of falling into debt through some of the conditions imposed by the WB, and insists that this practice should be ended; |
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42.

Notes that, in the past, loans from the World Bank (WB) to ACP countries tended to use standards that did not properly address the specific needs of those countries; notes also that some of the WB projects benefited the donors more the than recipient countries; notes also that the developing countries are at risk of falling into debt through some of the conditions imposed by the WB, and insists that this practice should be ended;

| 43. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the World Bank and the EIB. |
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43.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council of Ministers, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Council, the World Bank and the EIB.

RESOLUTION (6)

on migration, human rights and humanitarian refugees

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7—9 December 2015, |
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—

meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7—9 December 2015,

| — | having regard to Article 18(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Article 18(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to its previous resolutions, |
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—

having regard to its previous resolutions,

| — | having regard to the revised Cotonou Agreement, and especially Article 13 thereof, on the basis of which the ACP-EU migration dialogue takes place, |
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—

having regard to the revised Cotonou Agreement, and especially Article 13 thereof, on the basis of which the ACP-EU migration dialogue takes place,

| — | having regard to the African (Banjul) Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted by the Organisation of African Unity Assembly on 27 June 1981, |
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—

having regard to the African (Banjul) Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adopted by the Organisation of African Unity Assembly on 27 June 1981,

| — | having regard to the June 2010 ACP-EU Council Joint Declaration on migration and development, |
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—

having regard to the June 2010 ACP-EU Council Joint Declaration on migration and development,

| — | having regard to the report on the 2011-2012 dialogue on migration and development endorsed by the ACP-EU Council of Ministers at its 37th session, held in Port Vila on 14 June 2012, |
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—

having regard to the report on the 2011-2012 dialogue on migration and development endorsed by the ACP-EU Council of Ministers at its 37th session, held in Port Vila on 14 June 2012,

| — | having regard to the creation of the ACP Observatory on Migration, |
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—

having regard to the creation of the ACP Observatory on Migration,

| — | having regard to the Joint EU-Africa Strategy, |
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—

having regard to the Joint EU-Africa Strategy,

| — | having regard to the key political declaration and the roadmap for 2014-2017 on migration and mobility endorsed by the Heads of State and Government at the 4th EU-Africa Summit, held in April 2014, |
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—

having regard to the key political declaration and the roadmap for 2014-2017 on migration and mobility endorsed by the Heads of State and Government at the 4th EU-Africa Summit, held in April 2014,

| — | having regard to the Rome Declaration and Programme for 2015-2017 adopted at the fourth Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development, held in November 2014, |
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—

having regard to the Rome Declaration and Programme for 2015-2017 adopted at the fourth Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development, held in November 2014,

| — | having regard to the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative, launched on 28 November 2014, |
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—

having regard to the EU-Horn of Africa Migration Route Initiative, launched on 28 November 2014,

| — | having regard to the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, adopted by the Council on 20 April 2015, |
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—

having regard to the Sahel Regional Action Plan 2015-2020, adopted by the Council on 20 April 2015,

| — | having regard to the EU-Africa Summit on Migration of 11—12 November 2015 and the adoption of a Joint Declaration and Action Plan, |
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—

having regard to the EU-Africa Summit on Migration of 11—12 November 2015 and the adoption of a Joint Declaration and Action Plan,

| — | having regard to the UN High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development of 3 October 2013, and the Joint Declaration of the EU and its Member States and the ACP countries on the same subject, |
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—

having regard to the UN High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development of 3 October 2013, and the Joint Declaration of the EU and its Member States and the ACP countries on the same subject,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2240 relating to combating the recent proliferation of, and endangerment of lives by, the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons on the high seas in the Mediterranean, |
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—

having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2240 relating to combating the recent proliferation of, and endangerment of lives by, the smuggling of migrants and trafficking of persons on the high seas in the Mediterranean,

| — | having regard to the annual reports drawn up by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, in particular those published in April 2013 on the management of the external borders of the EU and its impact on the human rights of migrants and in April 2014 on the exploitation of migrant workers, |
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—

having regard to the annual reports drawn up by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, in particular those published in April 2013 on the management of the external borders of the EU and its impact on the human rights of migrants and in April 2014 on the exploitation of migrant workers,

| — | having regard to the UNHCR Central Mediterranean Sea initiative and to the UNHCR proposals to address current and future arrivals of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Europe, |
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—

having regard to the UNHCR Central Mediterranean Sea initiative and to the UNHCR proposals to address current and future arrivals of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in Europe,

| — | having regard to the Council Conclusions on the EU’s Gender Action Plan 2016-2020 of 26 October 2015, |
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—

having regard to the Council Conclusions on the EU’s Gender Action Plan 2016-2020 of 26 October 2015,

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

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

| — | having regard to the Geneva Convention of 1951 and the additional protocol thereto, |
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—

having regard to the Geneva Convention of 1951 and the additional protocol thereto,

| — | having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948, |
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—

having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolutions on the situation of migration, refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those of 17 December 2014, 29 April 2015 and 10 September 2015, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolutions on the situation of migration, refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those of 17 December 2014, 29 April 2015 and 10 September 2015,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council of 29 September 2015 entitled ‘Managing the refugee crisis: immediate operational, budgetary and legal measures under the European Agenda on Migration’, |
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—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council of 29 September 2015 entitled ‘Managing the refugee crisis: immediate operational, budgetary and legal measures under the European Agenda on Migration’,

| — | having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council of 14 October 2015 entitled ‘Managing the refugee crisis: State of Play of the Implementation of the Priority Actions under the European Agenda on Migration’, |
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—

having regard to the communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council and the Council of 14 October 2015 entitled ‘Managing the refugee crisis: State of Play of the Implementation of the Priority Actions under the European Agenda on Migration’,

| — | having regard to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 December 1965, |
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—

having regard to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 21 December 1965,

| — | having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966, |
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—

having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966,

| — | having regard to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989, and to its Optional Protocols, |
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—

having regard to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 20 November 1989, and to its Optional Protocols,

| — | having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966, |
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—

having regard to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 December 1966,

| — | having regard to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 2008, |
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—

having regard to the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 2008,

| — | having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 1979, |
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—

having regard to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 1979,

| — | having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000, |
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—

having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union of 7 December 2000,

| — | having regard to Council Decisions (EU) 2015/1601 of 22 September 2015 and (EU) 2015/1523 of 14 September 2015, both establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece, |
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—

having regard to Council Decisions (EU) 2015/1601 of 22 September 2015 and (EU) 2015/1523 of 14 September 2015, both establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece,

| A. | whereas political, social and economic instability, economic downturn, poor governance, lack of security, human rights violations, political repression, humanitarian crises and natural disasters, and growing disparities in living conditions are the major driving forces behind migration; |
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A.

whereas political, social and economic instability, economic downturn, poor governance, lack of security, human rights violations, political repression, humanitarian crises and natural disasters, and growing disparities in living conditions are the major driving forces behind migration;

| B. | whereas of the estimated 232 million international migrants, approximately three quarters are citizens of non-OECD countries, and about a third reside in low- or middle-income countries; whereas over 10 million refugees find themselves in protracted situations in developing countries; |
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B.

whereas of the estimated 232 million international migrants, approximately three quarters are citizens of non-OECD countries, and about a third reside in low- or middle-income countries; whereas over 10 million refugees find themselves in protracted situations in developing countries;

| C. | whereas regional instability, violation of human rights and persistent conflicts are giving rise to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis which led to the displacement of 60 million persons in 2014; |
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C.

whereas regional instability, violation of human rights and persistent conflicts are giving rise to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis which led to the displacement of 60 million persons in 2014;

| D. | whereas well-managed migration can be of benefit to both the EU and ACP countries, helping to meet existing and future labour needs and contributing to the development of all the countries concerned; whereas many governments continue to maintain an illusion of stopping migration flows by means of ill-treatment, cumbersome procedures, fences and even outright human rights violations; |
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D.

whereas well-managed migration can be of benefit to both the EU and ACP countries, helping to meet existing and future labour needs and contributing to the development of all the countries concerned; whereas many governments continue to maintain an illusion of stopping migration flows by means of ill-treatment, cumbersome procedures, fences and even outright human rights violations;

| E. | whereas the World Humanitarian Summit to be held in May 2016 should address humanitarian crises in a holistic manner; |
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E.

whereas the World Humanitarian Summit to be held in May 2016 should address humanitarian crises in a holistic manner;

| F. | whereas the ACP-EU Council agreed in May 2011 that the dialogue on the mobility of skilled people, legal migration, readmission, visas, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings, migrants’ rights and remittances should be continued; whereas the ACP and EU countries have made commitments to uphold respect for the human rights of migrants regardless of their immigration status; |
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F.

whereas the ACP-EU Council agreed in May 2011 that the dialogue on the mobility of skilled people, legal migration, readmission, visas, smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings, migrants’ rights and remittances should be continued; whereas the ACP and EU countries have made commitments to uphold respect for the human rights of migrants regardless of their immigration status;

| G. | whereas according to the International Organisation for Migration, between 2000 and 2015 at least 22 000 people have died while crossing the Mediterranean between North Africa and Europe; whereas according to UNHCR data 2 800 women, men and children have been reported dead or missing in 2015 in their attempts to reach safety in Europe; whereas climate change will lead to millions of people becoming migrants and the EU and ACP countries have to be ready to address the consequences; |
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G.

whereas according to the International Organisation for Migration, between 2000 and 2015 at least 22 000 people have died while crossing the Mediterranean between North Africa and Europe; whereas according to UNHCR data 2 800 women, men and children have been reported dead or missing in 2015 in their attempts to reach safety in Europe; whereas climate change will lead to millions of people becoming migrants and the EU and ACP countries have to be ready to address the consequences;

| H. | whereas it is estimated that Africa loses in excess of 70 000 skilled professionals annually to emigration, resulting in a huge human capacity deficit on that continent; |
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H.

whereas it is estimated that Africa loses in excess of 70 000 skilled professionals annually to emigration, resulting in a huge human capacity deficit on that continent;

| I. | whereas South-South migration is still much more widespread than South-North migration, as it accounts for approximately two-thirds of all migration; whereas according to the UNHCR there are 60 million displaced persons and refugees in the world, 80 % of whom come from 10 countries affected by destabilisation and war; whereas the UNHCR has projected a number of 15 million people concerned by displacements in Africa in 2015; whereas 85 % of refugees from developing countries seek refuge in their own region and whereas despite these huge figures, the right to seek and enjoy asylum in Africa is largely respected; |
| --- | --- |

I.

whereas South-South migration is still much more widespread than South-North migration, as it accounts for approximately two-thirds of all migration; whereas according to the UNHCR there are 60 million displaced persons and refugees in the world, 80 % of whom come from 10 countries affected by destabilisation and war; whereas the UNHCR has projected a number of 15 million people concerned by displacements in Africa in 2015; whereas 85 % of refugees from developing countries seek refuge in their own region and whereas despite these huge figures, the right to seek and enjoy asylum in Africa is largely respected;

| J. | whereas discrimination and violence particularly target migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, with noticeably increasing xenophobia, anti-migrant sentiment, hate speech and hate crimes becoming an area of deep concern for the EU and ACP countries; whereas the conditions in many refugee camps in the Middle East and Africa are deteriorating and the security of refugees is often not guaranteed; |
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J.

whereas discrimination and violence particularly target migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, with noticeably increasing xenophobia, anti-migrant sentiment, hate speech and hate crimes becoming an area of deep concern for the EU and ACP countries; whereas the conditions in many refugee camps in the Middle East and Africa are deteriorating and the security of refugees is often not guaranteed;

| K. | considering the special situation of vulnerability of women and girl refugees who are victims of human trafficking, forced marriages, sexual exploitation and gender violence; whereas the EU, in its Gender Action Plan 2016-2020, has fully committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout its external relations; |
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K.

considering the special situation of vulnerability of women and girl refugees who are victims of human trafficking, forced marriages, sexual exploitation and gender violence; whereas the EU, in its Gender Action Plan 2016-2020, has fully committed to gender equality and women’s empowerment throughout its external relations;

| 1. | Expresses its deep regret and sorrow at the loss of lives of migrants and people seeking asylum in the EU; urges the EU and the Member States to do everything possible to prevent further loss of life, at sea or on land; calls on the EU, Frontex and the Member States to ensure that assistance to migrants in distress is part of the main priorities in the framework of the implementation of the Eurosur Regulation; |
| --- | --- |

1.

Expresses its deep regret and sorrow at the loss of lives of migrants and people seeking asylum in the EU; urges the EU and the Member States to do everything possible to prevent further loss of life, at sea or on land; calls on the EU, Frontex and the Member States to ensure that assistance to migrants in distress is part of the main priorities in the framework of the implementation of the Eurosur Regulation;

| 2. | Highlights the need for a common EU-ACP approach to migration; recalls that according to Article 13 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou in June 2000, ‘the issue of migration shall be the subject of in-depth dialogue’; |
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2.

Highlights the need for a common EU-ACP approach to migration; recalls that according to Article 13 of the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou in June 2000, ‘the issue of migration shall be the subject of in-depth dialogue’;

| 3. | Notes the outcome of the Valletta Summit on Migration that took place on 11—12 November 2015; believes that the summit should serve as a starting point for the development of a far-reaching EU-Africa strategy responding to the human, social and political challenges of migratory flows between Africa and the EU and focussing on the root causes; |
| --- | --- |

3.

Notes the outcome of the Valletta Summit on Migration that took place on 11—12 November 2015; believes that the summit should serve as a starting point for the development of a far-reaching EU-Africa strategy responding to the human, social and political challenges of migratory flows between Africa and the EU and focussing on the root causes;

| 4. | Calls on all state and non-state actors involved in conflicts to cease all attacks against civilians, to comply with international humanitarian law and to ensure that civilians are protected, have unhindered access to medical facilities and humanitarian assistance, and are able to leave areas affected by violence safely and with dignity; |
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4.

Calls on all state and non-state actors involved in conflicts to cease all attacks against civilians, to comply with international humanitarian law and to ensure that civilians are protected, have unhindered access to medical facilities and humanitarian assistance, and are able to leave areas affected by violence safely and with dignity;

| 5. | Calls on the international community to show itself equal to the scale of the current crises and to fund the humanitarian effort of the UNHCR and other bodies according to the identified needs; |
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5.

Calls on the international community to show itself equal to the scale of the current crises and to fund the humanitarian effort of the UNHCR and other bodies according to the identified needs;

| 6. | Believes that a genuine response to migration crises in the EU and in Africa will come from tackling, with a long-term approach, their root causes, namely poverty, instability, inequality, organised crime, armed conflict, trafficking, persecution, violations of human rights, climate change and natural disasters; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Believes that a genuine response to migration crises in the EU and in Africa will come from tackling, with a long-term approach, their root causes, namely poverty, instability, inequality, organised crime, armed conflict, trafficking, persecution, violations of human rights, climate change and natural disasters;

| 7. | Calls on the EU to continue its efforts to sustain development and democratisation in the countries of origin; urges the EU and the ACP countries to help find sustainable political solutions in countries in conflict and to strengthen the political dialogue encompassing all human rights elements, in order to support inclusive and democratic institutions, to build the resilience of local communities, and to foster social and democratic development in the countries of origin and among their peoples; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Calls on the EU to continue its efforts to sustain development and democratisation in the countries of origin; urges the EU and the ACP countries to help find sustainable political solutions in countries in conflict and to strengthen the political dialogue encompassing all human rights elements, in order to support inclusive and democratic institutions, to build the resilience of local communities, and to foster social and democratic development in the countries of origin and among their peoples;

| 8. | Calls on the EU and the ACP countries to undertake concrete actions to boost economic development and employment, in order to significantly reduce the existing widespread poverty and income inequalities; deplores the fact that many EU Member States have not met the target of earmarking 0,7 % of their gross national income for development aid and that some are cutting their development aid budgets; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Calls on the EU and the ACP countries to undertake concrete actions to boost economic development and employment, in order to significantly reduce the existing widespread poverty and income inequalities; deplores the fact that many EU Member States have not met the target of earmarking 0,7 % of their gross national income for development aid and that some are cutting their development aid budgets;

| 9. | Notes the establishment of the EU’s ‘Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa’ (‘Trust Fund’), including a provision of EUR 1,8 billion from EU funds and EUR 81 million from European countries; insists that the resources under this fund should be devoted to supporting relevant aid projects, especially those focused on supporting and promoting most vulnerable people, such as women and children, and that development cooperation has to respect aid effectiveness principles, including ownership and alignment with priorities defined by beneficiaries rather than those of the donors; stresses that the Trust Fund should not be used for cooperation on border management and return; notes that some EU Member States decided to contribute substantially to this fund while others made very limited contributions; invites the Commission to fully ensure political accountability and financial transparency of the Trust Fund; |
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9.

Notes the establishment of the EU’s ‘Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa’ (‘Trust Fund’), including a provision of EUR 1,8 billion from EU funds and EUR 81 million from European countries; insists that the resources under this fund should be devoted to supporting relevant aid projects, especially those focused on supporting and promoting most vulnerable people, such as women and children, and that development cooperation has to respect aid effectiveness principles, including ownership and alignment with priorities defined by beneficiaries rather than those of the donors; stresses that the Trust Fund should not be used for cooperation on border management and return; notes that some EU Member States decided to contribute substantially to this fund while others made very limited contributions; invites the Commission to fully ensure political accountability and financial transparency of the Trust Fund;

| 10. | Recalls that the right to leave any country, including one’s own, is enshrined in Article 13 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights; stresses that, while this is a liberty and a fundamental right that should benefit everyone, only citizens of the ‘global North’ and the wealthiest citizens of the ‘global South’ are able currently to exercise this right; |
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10.

Recalls that the right to leave any country, including one’s own, is enshrined in Article 13 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights; stresses that, while this is a liberty and a fundamental right that should benefit everyone, only citizens of the ‘global North’ and the wealthiest citizens of the ‘global South’ are able currently to exercise this right;

| 11. | Calls for the permanent resettlement mechanism to be consolidated and for the Member States to make available, as a matter of urgency, numbers of resettlement places commensurate with the scale of the current humanitarian disaster; calls for a substantial increase in EU funding for reception arrangements for asylum seekers and refugees; emphasises that priority should be given to integrating migrants, in particular in the areas of education, employment, housing, health and social security, in order to guarantee equal rights for all citizens; |
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11.

Calls for the permanent resettlement mechanism to be consolidated and for the Member States to make available, as a matter of urgency, numbers of resettlement places commensurate with the scale of the current humanitarian disaster; calls for a substantial increase in EU funding for reception arrangements for asylum seekers and refugees; emphasises that priority should be given to integrating migrants, in particular in the areas of education, employment, housing, health and social security, in order to guarantee equal rights for all citizens;

| 12. | Highlights the importance of respecting international obligations when it comes to welcoming refugees and protecting their rights; welcomes, in this context, the resolve shown by the European Commission in opening numerous infringement cases; |
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12.

Highlights the importance of respecting international obligations when it comes to welcoming refugees and protecting their rights; welcomes, in this context, the resolve shown by the European Commission in opening numerous infringement cases;

| 13. | Calls for the rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States, in order to ensure common European standards as a minimum, including on reception conditions for asylum seekers and respect for fundamental rights, as envisaged under existing legislation; |
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13.

Calls for the rapid and full transposition and effective implementation of the Common European Asylum System by all participating Member States, in order to ensure common European standards as a minimum, including on reception conditions for asylum seekers and respect for fundamental rights, as envisaged under existing legislation;

| 14. | Condemns all instances of human rights violations in EU Member States affecting the lives and dignity of migrants and refugees; recalls that all human beings must have their rights respected in accordance with international law and EU law; calls on EU Member States to respect the principle of non-refoulement and to put an immediate end to any improper and extended detention practices; urges the improvement of the living conditions and the capacities of refugee camps; strongly reaffirms that human rights must be respected at all times and that special attention must be given to the most vulnerable individuals such as unaccompanied minors, the elderly and isolated women; rejects any attempt to link development aid to cooperation on return policies or cooperation on border management; |
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14.

Condemns all instances of human rights violations in EU Member States affecting the lives and dignity of migrants and refugees; recalls that all human beings must have their rights respected in accordance with international law and EU law; calls on EU Member States to respect the principle of non-refoulement and to put an immediate end to any improper and extended detention practices; urges the improvement of the living conditions and the capacities of refugee camps; strongly reaffirms that human rights must be respected at all times and that special attention must be given to the most vulnerable individuals such as unaccompanied minors, the elderly and isolated women; rejects any attempt to link development aid to cooperation on return policies or cooperation on border management;

| 15. | Considers the violation of human rights and problems faced by women and girl migrants and refugees in the migration process and the impact of this process on women’s empowerment and human rights to be of major importance; stresses that an explicit gender perspective should be included in migration and refugee crisis policies and that all services should be made accessible, including sexual and reproductive health services; calls in particular for gender discrimination and gender violence to be eliminated in relation to migration; |
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15.

Considers the violation of human rights and problems faced by women and girl migrants and refugees in the migration process and the impact of this process on women’s empowerment and human rights to be of major importance; stresses that an explicit gender perspective should be included in migration and refugee crisis policies and that all services should be made accessible, including sexual and reproductive health services; calls in particular for gender discrimination and gender violence to be eliminated in relation to migration;

| 16. | Stresses the need to strengthen the existing mechanisms for the protection of children from abuse and exploitation at all times, including through the provision of essential services such as medical care, psychological support, quality education and specific measures for their progressive integration in the various Member States; calls for special attention to be paid to the needs of separated families and those left behind, facilitating family reunification; |
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16.

Stresses the need to strengthen the existing mechanisms for the protection of children from abuse and exploitation at all times, including through the provision of essential services such as medical care, psychological support, quality education and specific measures for their progressive integration in the various Member States; calls for special attention to be paid to the needs of separated families and those left behind, facilitating family reunification;

| 17. | Considers the issues and problems faced by women, children and vulnerable groups (such as the elderly, people with special needs, disabled people, LGTBI people, minorities and others) in the migration process within the EU and their impact on their empowerment and human rights to be of major importance; stresses that an inclusive perspective in migration policies that takes account of the specific features of each vulnerable group is vital, and calls for such a perspective to be included in all policies relating to migrants; |
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17.

Considers the issues and problems faced by women, children and vulnerable groups (such as the elderly, people with special needs, disabled people, LGTBI people, minorities and others) in the migration process within the EU and their impact on their empowerment and human rights to be of major importance; stresses that an inclusive perspective in migration policies that takes account of the specific features of each vulnerable group is vital, and calls for such a perspective to be included in all policies relating to migrants;

| 18. | Deplores the tendency to prioritise the fight against ‘irregular’ migration, while giving insufficient attention to legal routes for those on the move and migrating by reaping the mutual benefits of circular migration; calls for a better framework for legal migration and mobility – including circular and temporary migration schemes – and for better information, protection, and pre-departure training, and the establishment of further safe and legal migration channels and humanitarian corridors by issuing more visas, in particular humanitarian visas, to migrants from countries beset by conflicts or humanitarian crises, and by facilitating family reunification and legal migration channels for workers; urges the EU to enable the filing of asylum applications from outside its territory, thus supporting safe and legal entry into the EU; |
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18.

Deplores the tendency to prioritise the fight against ‘irregular’ migration, while giving insufficient attention to legal routes for those on the move and migrating by reaping the mutual benefits of circular migration; calls for a better framework for legal migration and mobility – including circular and temporary migration schemes – and for better information, protection, and pre-departure training, and the establishment of further safe and legal migration channels and humanitarian corridors by issuing more visas, in particular humanitarian visas, to migrants from countries beset by conflicts or humanitarian crises, and by facilitating family reunification and legal migration channels for workers; urges the EU to enable the filing of asylum applications from outside its territory, thus supporting safe and legal entry into the EU;

| 19. | Calls for joint concrete actions focused on improving the fight against smuggling and trafficking in human beings; stresses that they should include institutional and administrative capacity-building, improvement of the regulatory framework, and joint operational measures accompanied by risk analysis and the exchange of information; recalls that smuggling ends with the migrants’ arrival at their destination, while trafficking involves the ongoing exploitation and control of victims; |
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19.

Calls for joint concrete actions focused on improving the fight against smuggling and trafficking in human beings; stresses that they should include institutional and administrative capacity-building, improvement of the regulatory framework, and joint operational measures accompanied by risk analysis and the exchange of information; recalls that smuggling ends with the migrants’ arrival at their destination, while trafficking involves the ongoing exploitation and control of victims;

| 20. | Underlines that both EU Member States and ACP countries should lay down strong criminal sanctions against human trafficking and smuggling, and also against individuals or groups exploiting vulnerable migrants in the EU; stresses the need for wide-ranging information campaigns to raise awareness of the kinds of risks faced by those who put their lives into the hands of smugglers or are victims of human trafficking; strongly condemns the criminal networks which organise human trafficking and smuggling with complete disregard for human lives, and calls for urgent action to combat such networks; therefore supports the ACP-EU Council recommendations of June 2015; |
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20.

Underlines that both EU Member States and ACP countries should lay down strong criminal sanctions against human trafficking and smuggling, and also against individuals or groups exploiting vulnerable migrants in the EU; stresses the need for wide-ranging information campaigns to raise awareness of the kinds of risks faced by those who put their lives into the hands of smugglers or are victims of human trafficking; strongly condemns the criminal networks which organise human trafficking and smuggling with complete disregard for human lives, and calls for urgent action to combat such networks; therefore supports the ACP-EU Council recommendations of June 2015;

| 21. | Calls for better cross-border police cooperation and intelligence sharing that will help fight organised criminal operations; |
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21.

Calls for better cross-border police cooperation and intelligence sharing that will help fight organised criminal operations;

| 22. | Calls on the Member States to make a greater contribution to existing resettlement programmes and support for the integration of long-term refugees and displaced persons in host communities, especially in the case of those EU Member States which have not contributed anything; calls on the EU to increase its support; |
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22.

Calls on the Member States to make a greater contribution to existing resettlement programmes and support for the integration of long-term refugees and displaced persons in host communities, especially in the case of those EU Member States which have not contributed anything; calls on the EU to increase its support;

| 23. | Calls on the Member States to enforce the decisions of the Council for the relocation in their territory of 160 000 people who are in clear need of international protection; |
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23.

Calls on the Member States to enforce the decisions of the Council for the relocation in their territory of 160 000 people who are in clear need of international protection;

| 24. | Stresses that any attempt by Member States to ‘push back’ migrants who have not been given the opportunity to present asylum claims runs contrary to EU and international law; points out that collective expulsions which fail to take account of individuals’ circumstances constitute a breach of international law; |
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24.

Stresses that any attempt by Member States to ‘push back’ migrants who have not been given the opportunity to present asylum claims runs contrary to EU and international law; points out that collective expulsions which fail to take account of individuals’ circumstances constitute a breach of international law;

| 25. | Recalls that the return of migrants should be carried out safely, preferably voluntarily, and only after an appropriate individual examination of their application in full compliance with the fundamental and procedural rights of the migrant in question; |
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25.

Recalls that the return of migrants should be carried out safely, preferably voluntarily, and only after an appropriate individual examination of their application in full compliance with the fundamental and procedural rights of the migrant in question;

| 26. | Recalls that arms exports and the limited efforts to fight illicit capital flows from developing countries have negative effects on economic and social development, as well as on peace, security and human rights in developing countries, thus contributing to instability and migration flows; also insists that Policy Coherence for Development, notably when defining EU trade, fisheries and agriculture policies, is crucial to avoid such effects; |
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26.

Recalls that arms exports and the limited efforts to fight illicit capital flows from developing countries have negative effects on economic and social development, as well as on peace, security and human rights in developing countries, thus contributing to instability and migration flows; also insists that Policy Coherence for Development, notably when defining EU trade, fisheries and agriculture policies, is crucial to avoid such effects;

| 27. | Calls on the EU and its Member States and ACP States to review their arms trade regulations in line with the principles of Policy Coherence for Development and to reinforce measures against grey market and illegal arms trade; |
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27.

Calls on the EU and its Member States and ACP States to review their arms trade regulations in line with the principles of Policy Coherence for Development and to reinforce measures against grey market and illegal arms trade;

| 28. | Calls for the issue of climate refugees to be addressed by extending existing legal instruments or principles which would allow a coherent and binding solution; calls in this respect on the EU to provide the funds for climate financing that it has promised in the past, in order to fulfil the common objective of mobilising climate finance additionally to traditional development assistance targeted at poverty eradication; |
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28.

Calls for the issue of climate refugees to be addressed by extending existing legal instruments or principles which would allow a coherent and binding solution; calls in this respect on the EU to provide the funds for climate financing that it has promised in the past, in order to fulfil the common objective of mobilising climate finance additionally to traditional development assistance targeted at poverty eradication;

| 29. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States, the member states and institutions of the African Union, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, the governments and parliaments of the countries of the Middle East and the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, and the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean. |
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29.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the EU Member States, the member states and institutions of the African Union, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the General Assembly of the United Nations, the President of the Pan-African Parliament, the governments and parliaments of the countries of the Middle East and the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy, and the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean.

RESOLUTION (7)

on the post-election situation in Burundi

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,

| — | meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015, |
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—

meeting in Brussels (Belgium) from 7 to 9 December 2015,

| — | having regard to Article 18(2) of its Rules of Procedure, |
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—

having regard to Article 18(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

| — | having regard to the revised Cotonou Agreement, |
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—

having regard to the revised Cotonou Agreement,

| — | having regard to the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi of 28 August 2000, |
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—

having regard to the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement for Burundi of 28 August 2000,

| — | having regard to the Constitution of Burundi, and in particular Article 96 thereof, |
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—

having regard to the Constitution of Burundi, and in particular Article 96 thereof,

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), |
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—

having regard to the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG),

| — | having regard to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, |
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—

having regard to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights,

| — | having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2248 (2015) of 12 November 2015 on the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to UN Security Council Resolution 2248 (2015) of 12 November 2015 on the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to the joint statement of 12 November 2015 by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the joint statement of 12 November 2015 by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on Burundi,

| — | having regard to the decisions of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) of 13 June, 17 October and 13 November 2015 on the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the decisions of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) of 13 June, 17 October and 13 November 2015 on the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to the statements by the East African Community on 31 May and 6 July 2015 on the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the statements by the East African Community on 31 May and 6 July 2015 on the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to the statement by the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 17 June 2015 on the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the statement by the Co-Presidents of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly of 17 June 2015 on the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 of 1 October 2015 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2015/1755 of 1 October 2015 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 March, 18 May, 22 June and 16 November 2015 on Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the Council conclusions of 16 March, 18 May, 22 June and 16 November 2015 on Burundi,

| — | having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 9 July 2015 on the situation in Burundi, |
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—

having regard to the European Parliament resolution of 9 July 2015 on the situation in Burundi,

| — | having regard to the EU decision of 26 October 2015 to request the opening of consultations with the Burundian authorities under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, |
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—

having regard to the EU decision of 26 October 2015 to request the opening of consultations with the Burundian authorities under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement,

| — | having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union on the EU-Republic of Burundi consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, adopted on 8 December 2015, |
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—

having regard to the conclusions of the Council of the European Union on the EU-Republic of Burundi consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, adopted on 8 December 2015,

| A. | whereas Article 96 of the Constitution of Burundi and Article 7(3) of Protocol II to thevArusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement stipulate that the President of Burundi is to be elected by direct universal suffrage, for a period of five years, renewable once; |
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A.

whereas Article 96 of the Constitution of Burundi and Article 7(3) of Protocol II to thevArusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement stipulate that the President of Burundi is to be elected by direct universal suffrage, for a period of five years, renewable once;

| B. | whereas Burundi held legislative and local elections on 29 June 2015 and presidential elections on 21 July 2015; whereas both electoral processes were considered by the observers of the international community not to be transparent, inclusive, free and credible; whereas for that reason the AU did not send observers to follow the elections, the EU suspended its electoral mission to Burundi, and a large part of the Burundian opposition decided to boycott the elections; |
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B.

whereas Burundi held legislative and local elections on 29 June 2015 and presidential elections on 21 July 2015; whereas both electoral processes were considered by the observers of the international community not to be transparent, inclusive, free and credible; whereas for that reason the AU did not send observers to follow the elections, the EU suspended its electoral mission to Burundi, and a large part of the Burundian opposition decided to boycott the elections;

| C. | whereas President Nkurunziza’s candidacy for a subsequent term, which is considered by the international community and a part of the Burundian opposition to be a third term, and the elections of 21 July 2015 have plunged the country into its deepest political crisis since the end of the civil war; |
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C.

whereas President Nkurunziza’s candidacy for a subsequent term, which is considered by the international community and a part of the Burundian opposition to be a third term, and the elections of 21 July 2015 have plunged the country into its deepest political crisis since the end of the civil war;

| D. | whereas the Burundian Government did not fully take into account decisions and recommendations of the AU and the East African Community (EAC) adopted on 13 June 2015 and 6 July 2015 respectively, whose full implementation would have paved the way for credible and inclusive elections; |
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D.

whereas the Burundian Government did not fully take into account decisions and recommendations of the AU and the East African Community (EAC) adopted on 13 June 2015 and 6 July 2015 respectively, whose full implementation would have paved the way for credible and inclusive elections;

| E. | whereas, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights organisations, politically motivated human rights violations, human rights abuses and acts of violence have been carried out in the country both during the pre-election and the post-election period, targeting opposition activists, human rights defenders and journalists in particular, including Pierre Claver Mbonimpa; whereas there is a widespread perception that they are mostly, but not exclusively, linked to state institutions; whereas the primary responsibility for ensuring security in Burundi and protecting the Burundian population with respect to the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law lies with the Burundian Government; |
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E.

whereas, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other human rights organisations, politically motivated human rights violations, human rights abuses and acts of violence have been carried out in the country both during the pre-election and the post-election period, targeting opposition activists, human rights defenders and journalists in particular, including Pierre Claver Mbonimpa; whereas there is a widespread perception that they are mostly, but not exclusively, linked to state institutions; whereas the primary responsibility for ensuring security in Burundi and protecting the Burundian population with respect to the rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian law lies with the Burundian Government;

| F. | whereas more than 200 000 people have been internally displaced or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries as a result of the worsening political situation in Burundi; whereas in July 2015 the EU stepped up its humanitarian assistance and mobilised an additional EUR 4,5 million in aid for displaced populations; |
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F.

whereas more than 200 000 people have been internally displaced or have sought refuge in neighbouring countries as a result of the worsening political situation in Burundi; whereas in July 2015 the EU stepped up its humanitarian assistance and mobilised an additional EUR 4,5 million in aid for displaced populations;

| G. | whereas on 26 October 2015 the EU requested the opening of consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement to investigate the non-compliance with essential elements of the Agreement, in particular human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law; whereas these consultations started on 8 December 2015; |
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G.

whereas on 26 October 2015 the EU requested the opening of consultations under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement to investigate the non-compliance with essential elements of the Agreement, in particular human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law; whereas these consultations started on 8 December 2015;

| H. | whereas the political deadlock in Burundi, marked by a lack of dialogue among Burundian stakeholders, and the resulting deterioration in the security and economic situation, have serious consequences for the population and pose a serious risk for the stability of the region; |
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H.

whereas the political deadlock in Burundi, marked by a lack of dialogue among Burundian stakeholders, and the resulting deterioration in the security and economic situation, have serious consequences for the population and pose a serious risk for the stability of the region;

| I. | whereas the international community plays a significant role as the guarantor of the Arusha Agreement; whereas all the regional and sub-regional efforts aimed at addressing the crisis and restoring dialogue between all political forces have so far not produced sufficient positive results; |
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I.

whereas the international community plays a significant role as the guarantor of the Arusha Agreement; whereas all the regional and sub-regional efforts aimed at addressing the crisis and restoring dialogue between all political forces have so far not produced sufficient positive results;

| J. | whereas on 1 August 2015, political opposition and civil society gathered in Addis Ababa to create the National Council on Respect for the Arusha Agreement and the Rule of Law; |
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J.

whereas on 1 August 2015, political opposition and civil society gathered in Addis Ababa to create the National Council on Respect for the Arusha Agreement and the Rule of Law;

| K. | whereas on 23 September 2015, the President signed a decree creating a national commission for inter-Burundian dialogue to lead negotiations for six months; whereas a significant part of civil society showed great scepticism about the potential achievements of this commission; |
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K.

whereas on 23 September 2015, the President signed a decree creating a national commission for inter-Burundian dialogue to lead negotiations for six months; whereas a significant part of civil society showed great scepticism about the potential achievements of this commission;

| L. | whereas the AU, the EU and the United States have imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on government and opposition leaders whose actions and statements contribute to the persistence of violence and impede the search for a political solution to the crisis in Burundi; |
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L.

whereas the AU, the EU and the United States have imposed an asset freeze and travel ban on government and opposition leaders whose actions and statements contribute to the persistence of violence and impede the search for a political solution to the crisis in Burundi;

| M. | whereas the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 17 October 2015 requested the finalisation of contingency planning for the purposes of the deployment in Burundi, should the situation so require, of an African-led mission to prevent violence in the country, and agreed on the launching of a thorough investigation on the violations of human rights and other abuses against the civilian population in Burundi; |
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M.

whereas the African Union’s Peace and Security Council on 17 October 2015 requested the finalisation of contingency planning for the purposes of the deployment in Burundi, should the situation so require, of an African-led mission to prevent violence in the country, and agreed on the launching of a thorough investigation on the violations of human rights and other abuses against the civilian population in Burundi;

| N. | whereas on 30 November 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon made three proposals to the Security Council recommending a revision of the mandate of the United Nations presence in Burundi on the basis of developments in the situation; whereas these proposals include the possibility of sending a peacekeeping mission should the situation so warrant; |
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N.

whereas on 30 November 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon made three proposals to the Security Council recommending a revision of the mandate of the United Nations presence in Burundi on the basis of developments in the situation; whereas these proposals include the possibility of sending a peacekeeping mission should the situation so warrant;

| O. | whereas the AU and other international actors have repeatedly called for a genuine and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, based on respect for the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution, to find a consensual solution to the conflict in Burundi; whereas the EU and the UN support this call; |
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O.

whereas the AU and other international actors have repeatedly called for a genuine and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, based on respect for the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution, to find a consensual solution to the conflict in Burundi; whereas the EU and the UN support this call;

| P. | whereas mediation efforts continue, with the full support of the AU, the EU and the UN, to promote inter-Burundian dialogue in order to find a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis in Burundi; |
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P.

whereas mediation efforts continue, with the full support of the AU, the EU and the UN, to promote inter-Burundian dialogue in order to find a consensual and peaceful solution to the crisis in Burundi;

| Q. | whereas the EU contributes significantly to Burundi’s annual budget, approximately half of which comes from international aid, and has recently allocated EUR 432 million to Burundi under the European Development Fund 2014-2020; |
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Q.

whereas the EU contributes significantly to Burundi’s annual budget, approximately half of which comes from international aid, and has recently allocated EUR 432 million to Burundi under the European Development Fund 2014-2020;

| R. | whereas the Burundian authorities, by means of decree 530/1597, suspended the activities of 10 human rights organisations, namely ACAT-Burundi, APRODH, AMINA, FOCODE, FORSC, FONTAINE-ISOKO, Maison Shalon, PARCEM, RCP and SPPDF, and blocked their bank accounts; |
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R.

whereas the Burundian authorities, by means of decree 530/1597, suspended the activities of 10 human rights organisations, namely ACAT-Burundi, APRODH, AMINA, FOCODE, FORSC, FONTAINE-ISOKO, Maison Shalon, PARCEM, RCP and SPPDF, and blocked their bank accounts;

| 1. | Expresses its deepest concern regarding the grave security and political situation in Burundi, as well as the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation, and the consequences that this may have for the security and stability in the entire sub-region; |
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1.

Expresses its deepest concern regarding the grave security and political situation in Burundi, as well as the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation, and the consequences that this may have for the security and stability in the entire sub-region;

| 2. | Condemns the recent violent attacks and the increasing cases of human rights violations and abuses, including assassinations, extra-judicial killings, violations of the physical integrity of individuals, acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and/or degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, and violations of the freedom of press and expression, as well as the prevalence of impunity; |
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2.

Condemns the recent violent attacks and the increasing cases of human rights violations and abuses, including assassinations, extra-judicial killings, violations of the physical integrity of individuals, acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman and/or degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, and violations of the freedom of press and expression, as well as the prevalence of impunity;

| 3. | Calls for an immediate end to violence, human rights violations and political intimidation of opponents and for the immediate disarmament of all armed groups allied to political parties in strict accordance with international law and human rights; |
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3.

Calls for an immediate end to violence, human rights violations and political intimidation of opponents and for the immediate disarmament of all armed groups allied to political parties in strict accordance with international law and human rights;

| 4. | Points in particular to the presence of many young persons within the armed groups operating in Burundi and calls on the international community to pay specific attention to their reintegration and to the promotion of their participation in a peaceful political process; |
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4.

Points in particular to the presence of many young persons within the armed groups operating in Burundi and calls on the international community to pay specific attention to their reintegration and to the promotion of their participation in a peaceful political process;

| 5. | Urges all sides in Burundi to refrain from any action that would threaten peace and security in the country; strongly condemns all public statements aimed at inciting violence or hatred towards different groups in Burundian society, which have the potential to aggravate the current tension, and calls on all actors to refrain from making such statements; |
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5.

Urges all sides in Burundi to refrain from any action that would threaten peace and security in the country; strongly condemns all public statements aimed at inciting violence or hatred towards different groups in Burundian society, which have the potential to aggravate the current tension, and calls on all actors to refrain from making such statements;

| 6. | Reminds the Burundian authorities of their obligation to ensure security in Burundi and guarantee human rights, civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms, as provided for in the Burundian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional human rights instruments; |
| --- | --- |

6.

Reminds the Burundian authorities of their obligation to ensure security in Burundi and guarantee human rights, civil and political rights and fundamental freedoms, as provided for in the Burundian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international and regional human rights instruments;

| 7. | Recalls, in this context, that the EU-Burundi partnership is governed by the Cotonou Agreement, and that all parties are bound to respect and implement the terms of that Agreement, in particular respect for human rights; recalls, in particular, that Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement provides for the possibility of instituting consultation procedures in cases of non-respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and welcomes, in this respect, the EU’s decision to request the opening of consultations as provided for in that article; |
| --- | --- |

7.

Recalls, in this context, that the EU-Burundi partnership is governed by the Cotonou Agreement, and that all parties are bound to respect and implement the terms of that Agreement, in particular respect for human rights; recalls, in particular, that Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement provides for the possibility of instituting consultation procedures in cases of non-respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and welcomes, in this respect, the EU’s decision to request the opening of consultations as provided for in that article;

| 8. | Urges all parties to establish the necessary conditions for rebuilding trust and fostering national unity and calls for the immediate resumption of an inclusive and transparent national dialogue, including the Government, opposition parties and civil society representatives; |
| --- | --- |

8.

Urges all parties to establish the necessary conditions for rebuilding trust and fostering national unity and calls for the immediate resumption of an inclusive and transparent national dialogue, including the Government, opposition parties and civil society representatives;

| 9. | Stresses that such dialogue, aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability, and at restoring democracy and the rule of law, in the interest of the citizens of Burundi, should be based on the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution; |
| --- | --- |

9.

Stresses that such dialogue, aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability, and at restoring democracy and the rule of law, in the interest of the citizens of Burundi, should be based on the Arusha Agreement and the Burundian Constitution;

| 10. | Welcomes the mediation efforts led by the EAC, with the support of the AU and the UN, to facilitate dialogue among the Burundian stakeholders; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to also support these mediation efforts; urges the Government of Burundi and other concerned stakeholders to fully cooperate with the mediator; |
| --- | --- |

10.

Welcomes the mediation efforts led by the EAC, with the support of the AU and the UN, to facilitate dialogue among the Burundian stakeholders; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to also support these mediation efforts; urges the Government of Burundi and other concerned stakeholders to fully cooperate with the mediator;

| 11. | Expresses its grave concern at the number of victims and cases of serious human rights violations reported since the beginning of the crisis; urges the competent authorities to undertake a rigorous and prompt investigation into the circumstances and motives behind these crimes and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; reiterates that there can be no impunity for those responsible for violations or serious abuses of human rights; recalls the possibility for the International Criminal Court to intervene in such cases; |
| --- | --- |

11.

Expresses its grave concern at the number of victims and cases of serious human rights violations reported since the beginning of the crisis; urges the competent authorities to undertake a rigorous and prompt investigation into the circumstances and motives behind these crimes and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice; reiterates that there can be no impunity for those responsible for violations or serious abuses of human rights; recalls the possibility for the International Criminal Court to intervene in such cases;

| 12. | Calls on the Burundian Government to lift, as soon as possible, the suspension of the activities of the 10 human rights organisations and to immediately unfreeze their bank accounts so that these organisations can freely exercise their activities; |
| --- | --- |

12.

Calls on the Burundian Government to lift, as soon as possible, the suspension of the activities of the 10 human rights organisations and to immediately unfreeze their bank accounts so that these organisations can freely exercise their activities;

| 13. | Welcomes the deployment by the AU of human rights observers and experts to monitor the human rights situation, and stresses the importance of cooperating with them in order to facilitate the implementation of their mandate; |
| --- | --- |

13.

Welcomes the deployment by the AU of human rights observers and experts to monitor the human rights situation, and stresses the importance of cooperating with them in order to facilitate the implementation of their mandate;

| 14. | Welcomes the targeted sanctions approved by the EU, consistent with the decision by the AU to impose targeted sanctions, including a travel ban and asset freeze, against Burundians whose actions and statements contribute to the perpetuation of violence and obstruct efforts to achieve a political solution to the crisis; |
| --- | --- |

14.

Welcomes the targeted sanctions approved by the EU, consistent with the decision by the AU to impose targeted sanctions, including a travel ban and asset freeze, against Burundians whose actions and statements contribute to the perpetuation of violence and obstruct efforts to achieve a political solution to the crisis;

| 15. | Encourages the EU and its Member States, in view of the outcome of the consultation procedure carried out under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, to re-orientate their aid with a view to reinforcing civil society; |
| --- | --- |

15.

Encourages the EU and its Member States, in view of the outcome of the consultation procedure carried out under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, to re-orientate their aid with a view to reinforcing civil society;

| 16. | Expresses its deep concern regarding the continued exodus of Burundian refugees to neighbouring countries; reiterates its support for all humanitarian organisations operating on the ground as well as for the neighbouring host countries; appeals to the international community and humanitarian agencies to continue to provide assistance to displaced persons and refugees fleeing the conflict; welcomes the EU’s commitment to increasing financial support and humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of these people; |
| --- | --- |

16.

Expresses its deep concern regarding the continued exodus of Burundian refugees to neighbouring countries; reiterates its support for all humanitarian organisations operating on the ground as well as for the neighbouring host countries; appeals to the international community and humanitarian agencies to continue to provide assistance to displaced persons and refugees fleeing the conflict; welcomes the EU’s commitment to increasing financial support and humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs of these people;

| 17. | Calls on the AU, the UN and the EU to seriously consider the regional dimension and prevent any further destabilisation of the region, in particular by maintaining a permanent political dialogue between countries in the region; urges the AU, in this context, to consider deploying an African-led peacekeeping mission should the security and human rights situation further deteriorate in Burundi; |
| --- | --- |

17.

Calls on the AU, the UN and the EU to seriously consider the regional dimension and prevent any further destabilisation of the region, in particular by maintaining a permanent political dialogue between countries in the region; urges the AU, in this context, to consider deploying an African-led peacekeeping mission should the security and human rights situation further deteriorate in Burundi;

| 18. | Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the Government and the Parliament of Burundi, the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the East African Community and the Governments of its Member States, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the institutions of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
| --- | --- |

18.

Instructs its Co-Presidents to forward this resolution to the Government and the Parliament of Burundi, the ACP-EU Council, the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the East African Community and the Governments of its Member States, the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the institutions of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

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(1)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 9 December 2015 in Brussels (Belgium).

1

(2)  JOIN(2015) 0017, 28.4.2015

2

(3)  See footnote 2.

3

(4)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 9 December 2015 in Brussels (Belgium).

4

(1)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

1

(2)  OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3.

2

(3)  OJ C 120, 30.4.2004, p. 16.

3

(4)  OJ C 330, 30.12.2006, p. 36.

4

(5)  OJ C 221, 14.9.2009, p. 24.

5

(6)  ACP-EU/101.293/fin.

6

(7)  OJ C 345, 2.10.2014, p. 28.

7

(8)  ACP/84/025/14 Rev.5, ACP-EU 2118/14

8

(9)  OJ C 273 E, 14.11.2003, p. 305.

9

(10)  OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 121.

10

(11)  OJ C 323 E, 18.12.2008, p. 361.

11

(12)  OJ C 102 E, 24.4.2008, p. 301.

12

(13)  OJ C 67 E, 18.3.2010, p. 120.

13

(14)  OJ C 117 E, 6.5.2010, p. 256.

14

(15)  OJ C 136 E, 11.5.2012, p. 19.

15

(16)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0025

16

(17)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0272

17

(18)  OJ C 68 E, 7.3.2014, p. 30.

18

(19)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0076

19

(20)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0059

20

(21)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0196

21

(22)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2015)0035

22

(23)  COM(2011) 0637 final

23

(24)  JOIN(2015) 33 final

24

(25)  ACP/28/050/14/Rev.2

25

(26)  UNGA A/69/700.

26

(5)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 9 December 2015 in Brussels (Belgium).

5

(27)  OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

27

(28)  OJ L 287, 4.11.2010, p. 3.

28

(29)  OJ C 160, 13.5.2015, p. 42.

29

(30)  Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0312.

30

(31)  Texts adopted, P8_TA(2014)0026.

31

(6)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 9 December 2015 in Brussels (Belgium).

6

(7)  Adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on 9 December 2015 in Brussels (Belgium).

7

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