MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(2018/C 443/02)

CONTENTS

1. Urgent topic No 1: Urgency of new measures to fight international terrorism 5

2. ACP-EU relations post-Cotonou: a strong parliamentary dimension 5

3. Social and environmental consequences of urbanisation, particularly the sound management of industrial and domestic waste in ACP countries 6

4. The impact of the illegal trade in phytosanitary products, seeds and other agricultural inputs on ACP Countries’ economies 6

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(The sitting opened at 9.15)

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Co-President

1. Urgent topic No 1: Urgency of new measures to fight international terrorism

Speakers: Birgit Loeser (EEAS), Frank Engel, Jo Leinen, Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Ivory Coast), Louis Michel, Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Tesfaye Daba Wakjira (Ethiopia), João Ferreira, Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Price Cyprien (Haiti), Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Pally Iriase (Nigeria), Francesc Gambús, Papa Babou Ndiaye (Senegal), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Andre Misiekaba (Suriname) and Adjedoue Weidou (Chad).

The representative from the EEAS introduced the debate and recalled the solid engagement of the EU in security in Africa. The recent signature of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the African Union, the EU and the United Nations demonstrates the commitment of these three international organisations to working even more closely together. Members stressed the importance of the development-security nexus and rejected the link between terrorism and migration. They reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism (poverty, exclusion, human rights abuses, corruption etc.) and of designing more efficient de-radicalization policies. The strengthening of the concept and the role of the State should be made a priority in this context. The discussion also touched upon the financing of terrorism and the importance of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, while underlining the fact that there is no justification whatsoever for terrorism.

ACP-EU relations post-Cotonou: a strong parliamentary dimension

2.

Committee on Political Affairs

Co-Rapporteurs: Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Cristian Dan Preda

Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia) replacing Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Cristian Dan Preda presented the report.

Speakers: Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands (Barbados), Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Carlos Zorrinho, Gilbert Shimane Mangole (Botswana), Louis Michel, Tesfaye Daba Wakjira (Ethiopia), Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Price Cyprien (Haiti), Michael Gahler, Maria Arena, McHenry Venaani (Namibia), Frank Engel, Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Julie Ward, Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Joachim Zeller, Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Andre Misiekaba (Surinam), Sabine Lösing, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad) and Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

While the negotiations on a new agreement between the EU and the ACP states are due to start at the latest in August 2018, most Members agreed that the future agreement should be legally binding and that it should build on the acquis of Cotonou, especially with regard to human rights, good governance and political dialogue. The proposed budgetisation of the European Development Fund could contribute to improved absorption, increased predictability and stricter parliamentary control of funds. The up-coming negotiations are a unique opportunity to modernise the partnership and to adapt it to current global challenges. There was a general consensus on the need to preserve the ACP overall framework and to reinforce its parliamentary dimension. The suggestion to do away with the ACP structure to concentrate on stronger regional relations was not supported. Members also noted the important role that technology transfer could play in industrialisation processes in ACP countries.

Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia), wound up the debate.

Social and environmental consequences of urbanisation, particularly the sound management of industrial and domestic waste in ACP countries

3.

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment

Co-rapporteurs: Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) and Eleni Theocharous

Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) presented the report.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Frank Engel, Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Ivory Coast), Jo Leinen, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Catherine Bearder, Abderrahmane Marrakchy (Mauritania), Neoklis Sylikiotis, Liuga Faumuina (Samoa), Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Francesc Gambús, Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Raphael Mhone (Malawi), Thierry Cornillet and Paolo Ciccarelli (European Commission).

Rapid urbanisation in ACP countries has created massive challenges with regard to waste management. Members discussed the effects of bad waste management on human health and on the environment. There is a need to improve the regulatory framework and to enforce the existing legislation, also in relation to the export of hazardous waste. Members mentioned the importance of education, and the potential offered by the circular economy.

Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) wound up the debate.

The impact of the illegal trade in phytosanitary products, seeds and other agricultural inputs on ACP Countries’ economies

4.

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade

Co-rapporteurs: Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena

Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena presented the report.

Speakers: Dariusz Rosati, Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Thierry Cornillet, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Maria Heubuch and Leonard Mizzi (European Commission).

The illegal trade in phytosanitary products, seeds and other agriculture inputs has turned into a lucrative business, which is facilitated by the absence of a clear legal framework and sanctions. Members stressed the impact of this illegal trade on health (especially on women and girls) and on the environment. Members noted the need to raise awareness among ACP farmers, to build the capacity of laboratories, and to reinforce customs controls. Some Members stressed the need for a holistic approach, which should combine regional and national measures. Other issues touched upon the role of the private sector, agriculture models and the importance of research and technology.

Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena wound up the debate.

(The sitting closed at 12.51)