Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) — Contribution of the XLI COSAC — Prague, 10 - 12 May 2009
Date: 2009-05-12
Institutions: European Parliament
Subjects: COSAC, decision-making, economic recession, economic stabilisation, employment policy, fundamental rights, national parliament, sustainable development, third country








C_2009230EN.01000501.xml










24.9.2009   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 230/5





Conference of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC)
Contribution of the XLI COSAC
Prague, 10-12 May 2009
2009/C 230/02
1.   Current economic and financial situation







1.1.


COSAC affirms that the EU faces one of the greatest challenges in its history posed by the current economic, financial and social crisis. The economic downturn affects and concerns EU citizens. Therefore targeted and coordinated action is required from supranational and intergovernmental bodies.










1.2.


COSAC notes that the crisis has hit each Member State differently. COSAC therefore deems it important to have regard to each Member State's specific situation and varying needs and to take action accordingly. COSAC welcomes the action undertaken in solidarity with the worst affected Member States.










1.3.


COSAC welcomes the Conclusions of the European Council of 19 and 20 March 2009 and the Council's effort to tackle the economic crisis through the fiscal stimulus package which contains measures to encourage and strengthen the European economy both in the short and long terms. COSAC underlines the progress already achieved since December 2008 through the implementation of the European Economic Recovery Plan (notably promoting investments in the field of the Trans-European Networks and boosting the SME financing possibilities) and through the reform of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund that will reinforce its efficiency. COSAC in this respect recalls the important role of the common currency for those countries which are part of it and of maintaining sustainable public finances in the long term.










1.4.


COSAC is aware of the rapid increase in unemployment as a cause of great concern. The Member States, in particular, have the responsibility to prevent and limit job losses and negative social impacts.










1.5.


COSAC supports the European Council’s intention to improve regulation and supervision of financial institutions. Restoring the confidence of citizens and investors in the financial markets and the proper functioning of these markets are of primary importance for a return to economic stability.










1.6.


COSAC warns against all forms of economic protectionism. COSAC also recalls that openness of world markets and a renewed effort to conclude the Doha round remain key to successfully overcoming the global crisis.










1.7.


COSAC supports the new EU rules on the management of EU funds and encourages the Commission and the European Parliament further to analyse and adapt these rules in order to improve the managing of the funds, thus helping to speed up their allocation.










1.8.


COSAC reiterates in this context that the economic slowdown must not lead the European Union to lower its ambitions in terms of sustainable development and the climate strategy as adopted by the European Council.




2.   The role of EU parliaments in the promotion of human rights and democracy in the world







2.1.


COSAC notes that protection of human rights and promotion of democracy in the world are among the most important issues for EU parliaments. The 20th anniversary of the fall of the Iron Curtain, and liberation from communism, highlights the significance of democratic countries insisting on respect for human rights. COSAC thanks the former Czech President Václav Havel for his valuable contribution to the promotion of human rights and democracy in the world.










2.2.


COSAC shares the European Parliament’s view expressed in its recent resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism that the documentation of Europe’s troubled past must be supported, as reconciliation would be difficult without disclosure and assessment of the crimes committed by the totalitarian regimes. COSAC notes the European Parliament’s appeal for the establishment of a platform of European memory and conscience that would connect present national activities related to examination and remembrance of totalitarian regimes.










2.3.


COSAC reiterates that human trafficking comprises serious violations of fundamental human rights and human dignity which can only be tackled properly through a joint effort of EU Member States.










2.4.


COSAC also reiterates the importance of EU parliaments cooperating with bodies such as the Council of Europe in promoting human rights and democracy in the world. It also stresses that, faced with opposition from some countries in international institutions, the EU should carry on supporting firmly the universal nature of human rights, as has been proclaimed by the international community in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.










2.5.


COSAC welcomes the insertion of ‘human rights and democracy suspension clauses’ in treaties the EC agrees with third countries. These clauses are an effective tool allowing for better parliamentary control of human rights and protection of democracy.










2.6.


In the light of the present human rights situation in certain third countries, COSAC stresses the importance of further substantial promotion of human rights in the EU’s relations with these countries. COSAC regrets the fact that there are countries where human rights protection has deteriorated recently despite the joint effort of the EU Member States and the attention EU pays to the rule of law.










2.7.


COSAC notes with satisfaction that the European Union is moving towards a consensus as regards its policies on supporting democracy. In this context it encourages the European Commission to make additional progress with a view to the implementation of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) which entered into force on 1 January 2007. It urges the creation of synergies with the existing activities of the Council of Europe and making full use of the instruments of the Council of Europe. COSAC supports the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights, thus strengthening by all means the European Court of Human Rights.




3.   Parliamentary oversight of Europol and evaluation of Eurojust







3.1.


COSAC welcomes the will of national parliaments and the European Parliament to scrutinise Europol’s and to evaluate Eurojust’s activities as set out in the discussions at the Paris and Prague meetings and in the 11th Biannual Report.










3.2.


COSAC recalls that the conclusions of the Speakers’ Conference in Paris on 27 and 28 February 2009 stressed the importance of the role of national parliaments in the assessment and the monitoring of the construction of a European area of freedom, security and justice. COSAC is aware that the legal basis for joint parliamentary oversight of Europol and Eurojust would be created by the Treaty of Lisbon. COSAC encourages parliaments to continue all necessary preparations so that the national parliaments and the European Parliament are ready for their new role if the Treaty comes into force.










3.3.


COSAC considers that the mechanisms for parliamentary oversight are crucial as Europol and Eurojust's powers are increasing and thus the there is a constantly reiterated need for proper democratic oversight of these bodies. Such oversight can only be carried out by national parliaments and the European Parliament together as they possess a mandate from Europe's citizens.










3.4.


COSAC discussed oversight mechanisms and as a result has identified different possible approaches. COSAC has agreed to use the existing interparliamentary forms of cooperation for this purpose.










3.5.


COSAC reiterates the request of the XL COSAC in Paris, that the European Commission should seek the views of the national parliaments and the European Parliament via a consultation document before finalising proposals for dealing with the parliamentary oversight of Europol and Eurojust. Furthermore, after the Commission issues these proposals, the Council and the European Parliament are requested to enter into dialogue with national parliaments giving them reasonable time to express their views, in the course of which they may in turn consult each other. Any legislative proposals must be guided by the principle that Europol's and Eurojust’s operational activities are independent of political interference.




4.   Eastern dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy







4.1.


COSAC reiterates its long-term support for strengthening the European Neighbourhood Policy. It welcomed the recent boost to the policy’s southern dimension by establishing the Union for the Mediterranean.










4.2.


COSAC also stresses the importance of well-established relations with its eastern neighbours. COSAC considers the Eastern Partnership to be a useful tool for maintaining and fostering relations with the third countries involved and therefore supports the initiative and is keen to encourage its further development.










4.3.


COSAC welcomes the results of the Eastern Partnership founding Summit held in Prague on 7 May 2009 as expressed in the joint Declaration. COSAC especially welcomes the establishment of the partnership on commitments to democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and the focus on enhanced multilateral cooperation that should not only foster relations between the EU and the eastern partners, but also strengthen the relations between the eastern partnership countries themselves.










4.4.


COSAC notes with satisfaction that the joint declaration stipulates that European Union financial support will be provided serving the goals of the Eastern Partnership and taking into consideration progress made by individual Eastern Partners.










4.5.


COSAC encourages the next Council presidencies to continue developing good, effective and conditional relations with the partner countries through the Eastern Partnership framework. COSAC underlines the importance of stability and security in the eastern dimension. Peace and security and the rule of law with respect for territorial integrity remain fundamental for strengthening democracy and respect for human rights. In this context, increasing parliamentary exchanges and meetings can play a very positive role in ensuring a stable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood.










4.6.


COSAC supports the ongoing negotiations with Russia for a new partnership and cooperation agreement. With regard to its previous debates COSAC reaffirms its stance that cooperation in the framework of the new agreement should also concentrate on issues of democracy and human rights.










4.7.


COSAC notes that the EU must ensure real and effective complementarities between the Eastern Partnership and other cooperation mechanisms (e.g. Black Sea Synergy).




5.   Annual Policy Strategy 2010







5.1.


COSAC reiterates its intention to discuss the Annual Policy Strategy of the European Commission on a regular basis. The Annual Policy Strategy represents a welcome initial source of information for effective parliamentary scrutiny. It facilitates the EU parliaments’ early involvement in the EU's decision-making process.










5.2.


COSAC expects the next Commission to continue the current political dialogue with national parliaments: the so-called Barroso initiative. This initiative has found good resonance in the national parliaments. COSAC hopes that the next Commission will build on the existing submissions from national parliaments and take them into account in the process of further policy formulation.