A4-0300/95

Proposal for a Council Regulation on cofinancing operations with European non- governmental development organizations (NGDOs) in fields of interest to the developing countries (COM(95)0292 - C4-0496/95 - 95/0168(SYN))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 7)

Article 1(1)

>Original text>

1. The Community shall cofinance operations with European non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) to meet directly the basic needs of disadvantaged people in developing countries. Such operations shall be proposed by European NGDOs and conducted in cooperation with their partners in the developing countries and shall be aimed at poverty alleviation as well as enhancing the target group's quality of life and own development capacity.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The Community shall cofinance operations with European non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) to meet directly the basic needs of disadvantaged people in developing countries. Priority shall be assigned to the proposal of operations based on an initiative by partners in developing countries. Such operations shall be proposed by European NGDOs and conducted in cooperation with their partners in the developing countries and shall be aimed at poverty alleviation as well as enhancing the target group's quality of life and own development capacity.

(Amendment 1)

Article 2(1)

>Original text>

1. The operations cofinanced in the developing countries under Article 1(1) of this Regulation shall, in particular, concern local social and economic development in rural and urban areas, the development of human resources and institutional support for local partners in the developing countries.

Within those fields of activity, though the quality of operation is paramount, particular attention shall be given to operations connected with:

>Text following EP vote>

1. The operations cofinanced in the developing countries under Article 1(1) of this Regulation shall, in particular, concern local social and economic development in rural and urban areas, the development of human resources, particularly by means of training, and institutional support for local partners in the developing countries.

Within those fields of activity, though the quality of operation is paramount, particular attention shall be given to operations connected with:

>Original text>

- the strengthening of civil society and participatory development, and the promotion and defence of human rights and democracy,

- the role of women in development,

- sustainable development.

>Text following EP vote>

- the strengthening of civil society and participatory development, and the promotion and defence of human rights - especially the rights of the child - and democracy,

- the role of women in development,

- sustainable development.

(Amendment 2)

Article 2(2), 1st subparagraph

>Original text>

2. Public awareness and information operations under Article 1(2) of this Regulation shall be targeted at clearly-defined groups, deal with relevant issues, be founded on a balanced analysis and a sound knowledge of the issues and groups targeted, and involve a European dimension.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Public awareness and information operations under Article 1(2) of this Regulation shall be targeted at clearly-defined groups, deal with relevant issues, and be founded on a balanced analysis and a sound knowledge of the issues and groups targeted.

(Amendment 8)

Article 4(1)

>Original text>

1. Community cofinancing for the operations referred to in Article 1 may cover both investment and operational spending in foreign or local currency, and generally any spending necessary for the smooth implementation of the co- financed operations, including the administrative costs of NGDOs or NGDO networks.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Community cofinancing for the operations referred to in Article 1 may cover both investment and operational spending in foreign or local currency, in which connection changes in the exchange rate shall be taken into account, and generally any spending necessary for the smooth implementation of the co- financed operations, including the administrative costs of NGDOs or NGDO networks.

(Amendment 9)

Article 5

>Original text>

Community cofinancing under this Regulation shall take the form of grants.

>Text following EP vote>

Community cofinancing under this Regulation shall take the form of grants; NGDOs may agree with the beneficiaries that part of the funding is to be repaid and invested in new projects for the beneficiaries.

(Amendment 4)

Article 6(1), 2nd and 3rd subparagraphs (new)

>Text following EP vote>

As a rule, the decision as to whether an operation is to be supported should be taken within 6 months. If the decision is negative, verifiable reasons shall be stated.

>Text following EP vote>

The completeness of the documents shall be checked within one month.

(Amendment 5)

Article 7, 1st paragraph

>Original text>

After each budget year, the Commission shall report to Parliament and the Council, summarizing the operations financed in the course of that year, evaluating the implementation of this Regulation in that period and proposing general guidelines for its future application.

>Text following EP vote>

By 30 June of each year, the Commission shall report to Parliament and the Council, giving details of the NGDOs benefiting from cofinancing and summarizing the operations financed in the course of the previous budget year, evaluating the implementation of this Regulation in that period and proposing general guidelines for its future application.

(Amendment 6)

Article 8, 1st paragraph a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

It shall be subject to review five years after it enters into force.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation on cofinancing operations with European non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) in fields of interest to the developing countries (COM(95)0292 - C4-0496/95 - 95/0168(SYN))

(Cooperation procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(95)0292 - 95/0168(SYN) ((OJ C 251, 27.9.1995, p. 18.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 189c and 130w of the EC Treaty (C4-0496/95),

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

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Development and Cooperation and opinions of the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Budgetary Control (A4-0300/95),

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

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

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

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

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