natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In practical terms, this means, for the ACP Group, the troika of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors and the chairperson of the ACP sub-committee on political, social, humanitarian and cultural affairs and, for the JPA, the co-presidents or their designated representatives.
In practical terms, this means, for the ACP Group, the troika of the ACP Committee of Ambassadors and the chairperson of the ACP sub-committee on political, social, humanitarian and cultural affairs and, for the JPA, the co-presidents or their designated representatives.
Strengthening of the parliaments (Article 58(2))
Strengthening of the parliaments (Article 58(2))
For the first time, express reference is made to national parliaments as aid recipients.
For the first time, express reference is made to national parliaments as aid recipients.
What is now provided for was already possible in the past, but is sure to encourage the governments of the ACP countries to involve parliaments more systematically in their negotiations on national strategy documents.
What is now provided for was already possible in the past, but is sure to encourage the governments of the ACP countries to involve parliaments more systematically in their negotiations on national strategy documents.
The reference to the International Criminal Court (Preamble and Article 6)
The reference to the International Criminal Court (Preamble and Article 6)
This is another completely new element in the Agreement.
This is another completely new element in the Agreement.
The partner states asserted their support for the ICC, but discussions on this issue were difficult.
The partner states asserted their support for the ICC, but discussions on this issue were difficult.
The ACP States were broadly in favour of the ICC, with some of them having been a driving force behind it.
The ACP States were broadly in favour of the ICC, with some of them having been a driving force behind it.
At the same time, pressure was exerted on them by the United States, which threatened retaliatory action against those countries who signed the Rome Statute.
At the same time, pressure was exerted on them by the United States, which threatened retaliatory action against those countries who signed the Rome Statute.
This issue was the subject of much debate at the discussions between the President of the ICC, Mr Philippe Kirsch, and the ACP-EU JPA in The Hague on 23 November 2004.
This issue was the subject of much debate at the discussions between the President of the ICC, Mr Philippe Kirsch, and the ACP-EU JPA in The Hague on 23 November 2004.
President Kirsch's intervention was without doubt decisive, at a critical juncture in the negotiations, in winning the support of the ACP representatives.
President Kirsch's intervention was without doubt decisive, at a critical juncture in the negotiations, in winning the support of the ACP representatives.
Cooperation in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) (Article 11b)
Cooperation in countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) (Article 11b)
This is doubtless one of the most politically important amendments to the Agreement and was the subject of fierce negotiations.
This is doubtless one of the most politically important amendments to the Agreement and was the subject of fierce negotiations.
It provides for (1) a statement that additional financial and technical assistance will be granted for cooperation on the non-proliferation of WMD and that this will not be funded from resources intended for ACP-EU development cooperation; (2) a statement specifying that the timetable for such measures will be tailored to the specific circumstances in each country; and (3) a provision whereby compliance with non‑proliferation measures must be assessed, in particular, on the basis of reports produced by the relevant multilateral institutions.
It provides for (1) a statement that additional financial and technical assistance will be granted for cooperation on the non-proliferation of WMD and that this will not be funded from resources intended for ACP-EU development cooperation; (2) a statement specifying that the timetable for such measures will be tailored to the specific circumstances in each country; and (3) a provision whereby compliance with non‑proliferation measures must be assessed, in particular, on the basis of reports produced by the relevant multilateral institutions.
Countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will henceforth be an essential element of the partnership, alongside human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.
Countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will henceforth be an essential element of the partnership, alongside human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law.
The ACP countries were reluctant to include this point in the amended agreement as, in their view, this was what had triggered the war in Iraq even though, subsequently, the existence of weapons of mass destruction in that country had not been proved
The ACP countries were reluctant to include this point in the amended agreement as, in their view, this was what had triggered the war in Iraq even though, subsequently, the existence of weapons of mass destruction in that country had not been proved
See the speech by Mrs Coye, Chair of the Committee of ACP Ambassadors, to the Committee on Political Affairs of the ACP-EU JPA on 3 February 2005. .
See the speech by Mrs Coye, Chair of the Committee of ACP Ambassadors, to the Committee on Political Affairs of the ACP-EU JPA on 3 February 2005. .
Another problem, expressed less openly by the ACP countries, was that of the structural weakness of some ACP States and the fact they are unable to exercise de facto control over all their territory.
Another problem, expressed less openly by the ACP countries, was that of the structural weakness of some ACP States and the fact they are unable to exercise de facto control over all their territory.
Agreement was eventually reached on a wording satisfactory to both parties, not least because provision is made therein for additional support for technical assistance.
Agreement was eventually reached on a wording satisfactory to both parties, not least because provision is made therein for additional support for technical assistance.
The fight against terrorism (Article 11a)
The fight against terrorism (Article 11a)
Combating terrorism is described as a joint objective.
Combating terrorism is described as a joint objective.
Other points in the amended agreement:
Other points in the amended agreement:
a. reference to the Millennium Development Goals (Preamble)
a. reference to the Millennium Development Goals (Preamble)
b. reference to the decentralised local authorities (Articles 4 and 58(2))
b. reference to the decentralised local authorities (Articles 4 and 58(2))
c. prevention of mercenary activities (Article 3a (new))
c. prevention of mercenary activities (Article 3a (new))
d. promotion of traditional knowledge (Article 23(e))
d. promotion of traditional knowledge (Article 23(e))
e. prevention of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (Article 25 (new))
e. prevention of HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (Article 25 (new))
f. encouragement of student and youth exchanges (Article 27(e))
f. encouragement of student and youth exchanges (Article 27(e))
g. extension of regional cooperation to non-ACP countries (Articles 30(2) and 58)
g. extension of regional cooperation to non-ACP countries (Articles 30(2) and 58)
h. information and communication technologies (Article 43(4))
h. information and communication technologies (Article 43(4))
i. least developed, landlocked and island countries (Article 89)
i. least developed, landlocked and island countries (Article 89)
The simplification of management procedures has been included in the annexes and will also be the subject of a decision by the Joint Council.
The simplification of management procedures has been included in the annexes and will also be the subject of a decision by the Joint Council.
Assessment of the amendments
Assessment of the amendments
The amendments, which are deliberately limited in scope, can as a whole be supported.
The amendments, which are deliberately limited in scope, can as a whole be supported.
The new procedure for political dialogue, the new role awarded to the parliaments, the reference to the International Criminal Court, the reference to the Millennium Development Goals and regional cooperation are unarguably improvements on the previous text.
The new procedure for political dialogue, the new role awarded to the parliaments, the reference to the International Criminal Court, the reference to the Millennium Development Goals and regional cooperation are unarguably improvements on the previous text.
Some question whether it was really appropriate to elevate the countering of WMD proliferation to the status of an essential element of the Agreement.
Some question whether it was really appropriate to elevate the countering of WMD proliferation to the status of an essential element of the Agreement.
It is absolutely essential to ensure that the objectives in the areas of human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance are not watered down, as they form the principal reference of any agreement.
It is absolutely essential to ensure that the objectives in the areas of human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance are not watered down, as they form the principal reference of any agreement.
The express reference to the Millennium Development Goals is to be welcomed.
The express reference to the Millennium Development Goals is to be welcomed.
This should be mirrored in the national strategy documents, with priority being given to poverty reduction, basic education and health.
This should be mirrored in the national strategy documents, with priority being given to poverty reduction, basic education and health.
The reference to the role of the parliaments in the implementation of the agreement is, for the European Parliament, one of the key points in the amended agreement.
The reference to the role of the parliaments in the implementation of the agreement is, for the European Parliament, one of the key points in the amended agreement.
While, in effect, there never used to be anything to prevent parliamentary capacity being enhanced via EDF appropriations, this happened relatively rarely.
While, in effect, there never used to be anything to prevent parliamentary capacity being enhanced via EDF appropriations, this happened relatively rarely.
According to the Commission, only 7 of the 77 ACP countries (prior to the accession of East Timor) have to date received parliamentary support via the EDF.
According to the Commission, only 7 of the 77 ACP countries (prior to the accession of East Timor) have to date received parliamentary support via the EDF.
The development of parliamentary capacity is key to ensuring transparency and good governance, and that there is public debate on development policy choices and priorities.
The development of parliamentary capacity is key to ensuring transparency and good governance, and that there is public debate on development policy choices and priorities.
Parliamentary control has become all the more essential since budgetary aid is now utilised for over a third of all ACP countries.
Parliamentary control has become all the more essential since budgetary aid is now utilised for over a third of all ACP countries.
The JPA's Committee on Political Affairs has drawn up a report examining the issue of strengthening the role of national parliaments in implementing the Cotonou Agreement and, in a resolution adopted on 24 November 2005 in Edinburgh, suggests tangible ways of strengthening the role of the parliaments
The JPA's Committee on Political Affairs has drawn up a report examining the issue of strengthening the role of national parliaments in implementing the Cotonou Agreement and, in a resolution adopted on 24 November 2005 in Edinburgh, suggests tangible ways of strengthening the role of the parliaments
Not yet published in OJ. .
Not yet published in OJ. .
In particular, it suggests that the parliaments should be systematically involved in the programming, monitoring and assessment of the impact of cooperation and that 'best practices' in the area of parliamentary control should be identified and disseminated.
In particular, it suggests that the parliaments should be systematically involved in the programming, monitoring and assessment of the impact of cooperation and that 'best practices' in the area of parliamentary control should be identified and disseminated.
On the ACP side, Mr Borges, Cape Verde's Minister for Foreign Affairs and President‑in-Office of the ACP Council, stated at a meeting of the Committee on Development on 21 June 2005 that the Agreement was 'satisfactory and balanced'.
On the ACP side, Mr Borges, Cape Verde's Minister for Foreign Affairs and President‑in-Office of the ACP Council, stated at a meeting of the Committee on Development on 21 June 2005 that the Agreement was 'satisfactory and balanced'.
He nevertheless expressed the desire for a simplification of the administrative procedures for accessing the EDF.
He nevertheless expressed the desire for a simplification of the administrative procedures for accessing the EDF.
Lastly, as will be seen below, the main shortcoming of the Agreement is that it fails to fix an amount for the multi-annual financial framework.
Lastly, as will be seen below, the main shortcoming of the Agreement is that it fails to fix an amount for the multi-annual financial framework.
The financial framework
The financial framework
Unlike previous agreements, the amended Cotonou Agreement contains no provisions on the financial framework.
Unlike previous agreements, the amended Cotonou Agreement contains no provisions on the financial framework.
No agreement could be reached on this point, owing partially to the on-going discussions on the budgetisation of the EDF and on the financial perspective.
No agreement could be reached on this point, owing partially to the on-going discussions on the budgetisation of the EDF and on the financial perspective.
The new multi-annual financial framework is set to begin on 1 January 2008.
The new multi-annual financial framework is set to begin on 1 January 2008.
Annex 1a of the revised Cotonou Agreement simply provides that:
Annex 1a of the revised Cotonou Agreement simply provides that:
'For this new period, the European Union will maintain its aid effort to ACP Countries at least at the same level as that of the 9 th EDF, not including balances; to this should be added, based on Community estimates, the effects of inflation, growth within the European Union, and enlargement to 10 new Member States in 2004.'
'For this new period, the European Union will maintain its aid effort to ACP Countries at least at the same level as that of the 9 th EDF, not including balances; to this should be added, based on Community estimates, the effects of inflation, growth within the European Union, and enlargement to 10 new Member States in 2004.'
Despite a statement of intent by the EU in this respect, it proved impossible to establish an 'exact amount' by September 2005.
Despite a statement of intent by the EU in this respect, it proved impossible to establish an 'exact amount' by September 2005.
On the basis of Annex 1a to the revised Cotonou Agreement, the Luxembourg Presidency had calculated an amount of 22 682 billion euros at current prices for the six-year period 2008‑20013, in the context of the negotiations on the financial perspective, with a view to the European Council meeting of 16-17 June 2005
On the basis of Annex 1a to the revised Cotonou Agreement, the Luxembourg Presidency had calculated an amount of 22 682 billion euros at current prices for the six-year period 2008‑20013, in the context of the negotiations on the financial perspective, with a view to the European Council meeting of 16-17 June 2005
Council of the European Union, 15 June 2005 - ST 10090/05, CADREFIN 130. .
Council of the European Union, 15 June 2005 - ST 10090/05, CADREFIN 130. .
The European Commission, for its part, had set the amount at 24 948 billion euros
The European Commission, for its part, had set the amount at 24 948 billion euros
COM(2003) 590, COM(2004) 629, and COM(2004) 838 .
COM(2003) 590, COM(2004) 629, and COM(2004) 838 .
In its resolution of 23 March 2006
In its resolution of 23 March 2006
P6_TA-PROV(2006)0112 . , Parliament expressed the view that the final amount should reflect a continuation of the aid effort under the 9th EDF, along the lines set out in Annex 1a, but that it should also reflect the commitment to increasing development aid to at least 0.39% of GNP in 2006, 0.56% by 2010 and 0.7% by 2015.
P6_TA-PROV(2006)0112 . , Parliament expressed the view that the final amount should reflect a continuation of the aid effort under the 9th EDF, along the lines set out in Annex 1a, but that it should also reflect the commitment to increasing development aid to at least 0.39% of GNP in 2006, 0.56% by 2010 and 0.7% by 2015.
Finally, the ACP-EU Joint Council which met at Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) on 2 June 2006 agreed to an amount of 23 966 million euros, which will cover a six-year period starting on 1 January 2008.
Finally, the ACP-EU Joint Council which met at Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea) on 2 June 2006 agreed to an amount of 23 966 million euros, which will cover a six-year period starting on 1 January 2008.
The sum of 21 966 million euros under the 10th EDF will be available as from the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework and will be allocated as follows: 17 766 million euros to fund national and regional indicative programmes; 2 700 million euros to fund intra-ACP and interregional cooperation; and 1 500 million euros to fund the investment facility.
The sum of 21 966 million euros under the 10th EDF will be available as from the entry into force of the multiannual financial framework and will be allocated as follows: 17 766 million euros to fund national and regional indicative programmes; 2 700 million euros to fund intra-ACP and interregional cooperation; and 1 500 million euros to fund the investment facility.
2 000 million euros will be allocated by the European Investment Bank in the form of loans from its own resources.
2 000 million euros will be allocated by the European Investment Bank in the form of loans from its own resources.
This amount will be allocated exclusively to the ACP, which rules out the proposal to include Overseas countries and territories (PTOM).
This amount will be allocated exclusively to the ACP, which rules out the proposal to include Overseas countries and territories (PTOM).
Following the request of the Parliament, administrative costs are additional.
Following the request of the Parliament, administrative costs are additional.
They amount to 430 million euros.
They amount to 430 million euros.
By and large, your rapporteur supports the amendments to the Agreement, subject to certain remarks and suggestions as regards its implementation.
By and large, your rapporteur supports the amendments to the Agreement, subject to certain remarks and suggestions as regards its implementation.
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
for the Committee on Development
for the Committee on Development
on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement amending 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
on the proposal for a Council decision concerning the conclusion of the Agreement amending 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
(6987/2006 – C6 0124/2006 – 2005/0071(AVC) )
(6987/2006 – C6 0124/2006 – 2005/0071(AVC) )
Draftsman: Johan Van Hecke
Draftsman: Johan Van Hecke
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on Development, as the committee responsible, to approve the conclusion of the Agreement.
The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on Development, as the committee responsible, to approve the conclusion of the Agreement.
In so doing, the Committee:
In so doing, the Committee:
Welcomes many positive developments, reflecting new strength and new ambitions in Africa, such as the establishment of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the creation of the African Union and increasing African leadership of peacekeeping and mediation efforts;
Welcomes many positive developments, reflecting new strength and new ambitions in Africa, such as the establishment of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the creation of the African Union and increasing African leadership of peacekeeping and mediation efforts;
Underlines that the revised Agreement marks an improvement in the relationship between the ACP States, the European Community and the EU Member States, while maintaining the Cotonou acquis;
Underlines that the revised Agreement marks an improvement in the relationship between the ACP States, the European Community and the EU Member States, while maintaining the Cotonou acquis;
Urges a stronger focus on effective regional mechanisms to enforce international and regional legal standards and norms;
Urges a stronger focus on effective regional mechanisms to enforce international and regional legal standards and norms;
Welcomes the enhanced provisions on political dialogue in the revised Cotonou Agreement, and calls for the strategic use of these new provisions to allow faster and more effective responses to crises;
Welcomes the enhanced provisions on political dialogue in the revised Cotonou Agreement, and calls for the strategic use of these new provisions to allow faster and more effective responses to crises;
Notes that more structured and effective political dialogue must also be developed with countries and regions where there is no evident or imminent crisis;
Notes that more structured and effective political dialogue must also be developed with countries and regions where there is no evident or imminent crisis;
Calls for an integration of EU activities for conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution, reconciliation and reconstruction, and for special attention to be given to states emerging from recent conflicts, and calls on the Commission to actively monitor compliance by the parties concerned with international peace agreements;
Calls for an integration of EU activities for conflict prevention, crisis management, conflict resolution, reconciliation and reconstruction, and for special attention to be given to states emerging from recent conflicts, and calls on the Commission to actively monitor compliance by the parties concerned with international peace agreements;
Emphasises the importance of the role played by EU election observation missions in conflict prevention and the promotion of democracy, and calls for the findings contained in the reports prepared by those missions to be taken into account in the elaboration of EU development policy towards the ACP States;
Emphasises the importance of the role played by EU election observation missions in conflict prevention and the promotion of democracy, and calls for the findings contained in the reports prepared by those missions to be taken into account in the elaboration of EU development policy towards the ACP States;