A4-0112/96

Proposal for a Council Regulation on environmental measures in developing countries in the context of sustainable development (COM(95)0294 - C4-0334/95 - 95/0161(SYN))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 2a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in view of the limited resources available, information measures and pilot projects in close cooperation with local experts promise the greatest multiplier effect;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 7a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the budget line (B7-5040) to finance projects under this Regulation is always heavily over-subscribed with requests for worthwhile and much needed actions in developing countries;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 7b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the funds to be attributed to this budget line are to increase to ECU 50 million by the year 2000;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 9a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in view of the scale of environmental problems, the coordination of all EU financial instruments is necessary with a view to achieving sustainability;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 10

>Original text>

Whereas the financial instruments available to the Community for conservation and sustainable development could be usefully supplemented,

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the special financial instruments available to the Community for conservation and sustainable development should be supplemented by an instrument intended to favour environmental protection exclusively in the developing countries,

(Amendment 6)

Article 1

>Original text>

The Community shall provide financial assistance and technical expertise for activities aimed at facilitating the integration of an environmental dimension into the sustainable development process in the developing countries.

>Text following EP vote>

The Community shall provide financial assistance and technical expertise in developing countries for activities intended to help people in those countries to integrate environmental protection and notions of sustainable development into their everyday life.

(Amendment 7)

Article 1a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 1a

For the purposes of this Regulation:

(a) 'developing countries' means countries covered by the ACP, ALA and MED agreements;

(b) 'sustainable development' means improving the quality of human lives within the limits of the underlying ecosystem's capacity to sustain such development.

(Amendment 8)

Article 2(1), 1st indent

>Original text>

- preserving biological diversity through the conservation of the ecosystems and habitats necessary to maintain the diversity of species and the survival of endangered species and by identifying and assessing biodiversity resources,

>Text following EP vote>

- pilot initiatives at local, regional and national level which combine information campaigns in the field of environmental protection and conservation of resources with an ensuing improvement in the ability of the people concerned to cope with the practicalities of everyday life,

(Amendment 9)

Article 2(1), 2nd indent

>Original text>

- improving the environment, especially the urban environment, through management plans for waste, waste water and air pollution in the context of regional planning,

>Text following EP vote>

- improving the environment and regional planning through town and traffic planning and by supporting local regional planners and town administrators in realising technologically appropriate plans and pilot projects for transport, waste, waste water, drinking water supplies and air pollution,

(Amendment 10)

Article 2(1), 3rd indent

>Original text>

- preserving coastal areas by reducing sources of pollution and supporting initiatives for the sustainable management of marine ecosystems,

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting local initiatives aimed at preserving coastal areas by avoiding pollution and reducing sources of pollution and supporting initiatives for the sustainable management of marine ecosystems by means of innovative and low-cost measures,

(Amendment 11)

Article 2(1), 4th indent

>Original text>

- applying and transferring technologies adapted to environmental constraints, particularly in the field of energy,

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting local initiatives aimed at applying and transferring technologies adapted to environmental constraints, particularly in the field of energy, especially renewable sources of energy, having regard to long-term environmental effects and suitability for the traditional life of the region concerned,

(Amendment 12)

Article 2(1), 4th indent a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- measures aimed at avoiding pollution which contributes to climatic change, for instance the replacement of energy sources which are particularly harmful to the climate with those which are less harmful,

(Amendment 13)

Article 2(1), 5th indent

>Original text>

- improving practices for soil conservation and management in livestock farming, forest protection and the fight against desertification,

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting local initiatives aimed at improving practices for soil conservation and grazing management and pastoral farming in the areas of forest protection, improvement of livestock farming methods, optimization of rearing techniques for wild animals, arable farming, tourism and the fight against desertification,

(Amendment 14)

Article 2(1), 6th indent

>Original text>

- adapting production processes in developing countries and making economic operators aware of the environmental constraints that may have an impact on trade with developing countries (e.g. standards, labels, certification),

>Text following EP vote>

- adapting production processes in developing countries and making economic operators and social players aware of the environmental constraints that may have an impact on trade with developing countries (e.g. standards, labels, certification); promoting local initiatives to encourage compliance with specific environmental standards (e.g. labels, certification),

(Amendment 15)

Article 2(1), 6th indent a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- providing information on and making local people aware of the concept of sustainable development, in particular as regards problems associated with population growth, public health policies, non-viable production methods, use of hazardous chemical products and the dispersal of toxic waste in the environment,

(Amendment 16)

Article 2(1), 6th indent b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting information campaigns on hazardous substances such as toxic waste and pesticides,

(Amendment 17)

Article 2(1), 6th indent c (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting initiatives for the protection of ecosystems and habitats and for the conservation of species diversity,

(Amendment 18)

Article 2(2), 1st indent

>Original text>

- pilot schemes in the field likely to contribute to sustainable development, environmental protection and long-term management of natural resources,

>Text following EP vote>

- pilot schemes, including information exchange, in the field likely to contribute to sustainable development, creation of environmental awareness, education, environmental protection and long-term management of natural resources,

(Amendment 19)

Article 2(2), 2nd indent

>Original text>

- establishment of guidelines and instruments aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental integration, particularly in the form of plans and programmes,

>Text following EP vote>

- establishment of guidelines and operational instruments aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental integration, particularly in the form of databases, plans and programmes; these measures must not exceed 10% of annual appropriations,

(Amendment 20)

Article 2(2), 3rd indent

>Original text>

- analysis (impact assessment) of the environmental effects of projects, programmes, strategies and policies in developing countries.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

(Amendment 21)

Article 2(2), 3rd indent a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- development cooperation projects which contain an environmental component which distinguishes, identifies and assesses the sustainable dimension in these projects,

(Amendment 22)

Article 2(2), 3rd indent b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- the establishment of national green accounting systems,

(Amendment 23)

Article 2(3), 1st indent

>Original text>

- schemes to build up the institutions of developing countries at national, regional and local level;

>Text following EP vote>

- schemes to build up the institutions and operational capacities of developing countries at national, regional and local level;

(Amendment 24)

Article 2(3), 1st indent a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- measures relating to climate protection objectives, such as promotion of renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency and energy saving;

(Amendment 25)

Article 2(3), 2nd indent

>Original text>

- the involvement of local people in identifying, planning and implementing projects.

>Text following EP vote>

- the provision of information in advance to the local people, followed by their involvement in and support for identifying, planning and implementing projects; the special role and situation of women will be taken into account.

(Amendment 26)

Article 2(3), 2nd indent a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- regional projects or projects which help to strengthen regional cooperation in the area of sustainable development.

(Amendment 46)

Article 2(3), 2nd indent b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

- cooperation with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and other multinational donors.

(Amendment 27)

Article 2(3a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

3a. No support shall be given to projects containing measures to cushion the effects on the environment of EU or Member State projects funded from other programmes (including environmental impact assessments and evaluations).

(Amendment 28)

Article 2a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 2a

1. Pilot schemes in the field carried out under this Regulation shall be the subject of prior reports on their environmental, social, economic and cultural impact, indicating the specific aims and the qualitative and quantitative objectives. If necessary, the local people shall be involved in the assessment of these schemes.

2. Where these schemes have an impact on the traditional territories and ways of living of indigenous peoples their informed consent shall be essential.

(Amendment 29)

Article 3

>Original text>

Aid recipients and cooperation partners shall include not only states and regions but also decentralized departments, regional bodies, public agencies, traditional and local communities, private operators and industries, including cooperatives and non-governmental organizations and associations representing local people.

>Text following EP vote>

Aid recipients and cooperation partners shall include decentralized departments, regional bodies, public agencies, traditional and local communities, private operators and industries, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations and associations representing local people, regions and states. These will be notified to the budgetary authority.

(Amendment 30)

Article 4(1)

>Original text>

1. Community assistance in the implementation of the operations referred to in Article 2 shall include studies, technical assistance, training or other services, supplies and works, and evaluation and monitoring missions and audits.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Community assistance in the implementation of the operations referred to in Article 2 shall include, in addition to financial benefits, technical assistance, education, training and further training or other services, supplies and works, and evaluation and monitoring missions and audits.

(Amendment 31)

Article 4(2)

>Original text>

2. According to the needs of the operations concerned, Community financing may cover both capital investment, other than the purchase of real estate, and operating costs in foreign or local currency. However, with the exception of training programmes, operating costs may normally be covered only during the start-up phase and on a degressive basis.

>Text following EP vote>

2. According to the needs of the operations concerned, Community financing may cover both capital investment, other than the purchase of real estate, and operating costs in foreign or local currency. However, with the exception of training and education programmes, operating costs may normally be covered only during the start-up phase and on a degressive basis. For projects aiming at the preservation of biological diversity or the conservation of ecosystems, the purchase of real estate shall be allowed.

(Amendment 32)

Article 4(5)(b)

>Original text>

(b) on-the-spot coordination of operations through regular meetings and exchanges of information between the representatives of the Commission and the Member States in the recipient country.

>Text following EP vote>

(b) on-the-spot coordination of operations through regular meetings and exchanges of information between the representatives of the Commission and the Member States, the recipient countries and the local partners (NGOs, base communities, associations).

(Amendment 33)

Article 6(1) and (2)

>Original text>

1. The Commission shall be responsible for appraising, approving and managing operations covered by this Regulation in accordance with the budgetary and other procedures in force, and in particular those laid down in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Pursuant to Article 205 of the Treaty, the Commission shall be responsible for appraising, approving and managing operations covered by this Regulation in accordance with the budgetary and other procedures in force, and in particular those laid down in the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities.

>Original text>

2. Decisions relating to grants of more than ECU 2 million for individual operations financed under this Regulation and any changes resulting in an increase of more than 20% in the sum initially approved for such an operation shall be adopted under the procedure laid down in Article 7.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Decisions relating to grants of more than ECU 5 million for individual operations financed under this Regulation and any changes resulting in an increase of more than 20% in the sum initially approved for such an operation shall be adopted under the procedure laid down in Article 7.

(Amendment 47)

Article 6(5)

>Original text>

5. Participation in invitations to tender and the award of contracts shall be open on equal terms to natural and legal persons of the Member States and of the recipient country. It may be extended to other developing countries.

>Text following EP vote>

5. Participation in invitations to tender and the award of contracts shall be open on equal terms to natural and legal persons of the Member States and of the recipient country and other developing countries.

(Amendment 35)

Article 6(6)

>Original text>

6. Supplies shall originate in the Member States, the recipient country or other developing countries. In exceptional cases, where circumstances warrant, supplies may originate elsewhere.

>Text following EP vote>

6. Supplies should originate in the Member States, the recipient country or other developing countries in particular other countries in the region. Exceptions may be made by arrangement with the responsible department, particularly in cases where the participants would otherwise incur higher costs or a disproportionate burden.

(Amendment 36)

Article 6(6a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6a. The horizontal nature of the projects under this Regulation requires the establishment of an environmental monitoring unit which will be responsible for the coordination, linking and integration of the various aspects of development cooperation projects in order to maximize investigation and follow-up.

(Amendment 37)

Article 6(6b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

6b. For the sake of justice and active solidarity, which seeks to reduce the north-south gap in development, special attention shall be paid to reducing inverse capital flows, especially in the services sector, by improving the institutional and operational capacities of the developing countries.

(Amendment 38)

Article 7(1), 2nd subparagraph (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The committee shall take account of the advice of relevant scientific, environmental and technical organisations.

(Amendment 39)

Article 7(1), 3rd subparagraph (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The committee shall have the task of integrating the lessons from pilot projects funded under this Regulation into mainstream development funding.

(Amendment 40)

Article 7(2), 3rd subparagraph a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The committee shall meet as a rule in public, unless a specific duly motivated decision is taken to the contrary and published in good time. It shall publish agendas two weeks before its meetings. It shall publish minutes of its meetings. It shall establish a public register of declarations of interest by its members.

(Amendment 41)

Article 8

>Original text>

At the end of each budget year, the Commission shall report to Parliament and the Council summarizing the operations financed in the course of that year and evaluating the implementation of this Regulation over that period.

>Text following EP vote>

By 1 September of each budget year, the Commission shall submit an annual report to Parliament and the Council giving a list of the partners of co-funded operations and the percentage of co-funding, a summary of the operations financed in the course of that year and an evaluation, complete with figures, of the implementation of this Regulation over that period.

>Original text>

The summary shall in particular contain information about those with whom contracts have been concluded.

>Text following EP vote>

This report shall contain information concerning the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the projects funded, the results obtained from the projects (or from earlier projects), those with whom contracts have been concluded and an overview of all the projects submitted and the reasons for the selection made.

>Original text>

The report shall also summarize any independent evaluations conducted of specific operations.

>Text following EP vote>

The report shall also include a quantified summary of any independent evaluations conducted of specific operations.

(Amendment 44)

Article 8a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 8a

The guidelines to and criteria for project selection shall be published in the Official Journal and distributed among interested parties by the Commission offices in the countries eligible to submit applications.

(Amendment 45)

Article 8b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 8b

This Regulation shall be implemented on a coherent basis, taking into account the general principles outlined in Regulation (EEC) 443/92 on financial and technical assistance to, and economic cooperation with, the developing countries in Asia and Latin America1, the ACP-EEC Convention and the current agreements with the southern Mediterranean countries, while also respecting the criteria common to all stages of projects from identification to assessment; these criteria shall be geared towards an exchange of information, harmonization of working methods and mutual cooperation at all stages of the project.

1 OJ L 52, 27.2.1992, p. 1.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation on environmental measures in developing countries in the context of sustainable development (COM(95)0294 - C4-0334/95 - 95/0161(SYN))

(Cooperation procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(95)0294 - 95/0161(SYN) ((OJ C 20, 24.1.1996, p. 4.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 189c, 130s and 130w of the EC Treaty (C4-0334/95),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation and the opinions of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Protection (A4-0112/96),

1. Approves the Commission proposal subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to amend its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189c(a) of the EC Treaty;

4. Calls for the conciliation procedure to be opened if the Council should intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

5. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

6. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.