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20042009{ENVI}Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
2004/0219(COD)
{18/07/2005}19.7.2005
OPINION
of the {ENVI}Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
for the {AFET}Committee on Foreign Affairs
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
(COM(2004)0628 C60129/2004 2004/0219(COD))
Draftsman: Vittorio Prodi
PA_Leg
SHORT JUSTIFICATION
The proposal for a regulation establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) stems from the newly created European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), which aims to develop an increasingly close relationship with countries which border the European Union or face closely the same sea basin. It is a framework regulation, which provides the financial tools for the implementation of said policy, according to the existing and future action plans, tailor-made to their respective interests and capacities, agreed upon with each country.
The intention of the proposal is to create a powerful instrument based on the idea that a good relationship and a democratic attitude, in line with the traditional values of the Union, such as the respect for democracy and for human rights, the promotion of peace, freedom, the European social model and sustainable development, will foster integration and development in the countries covered by the ENPI. A specific application could be the case for Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA): Israel has already signed the ENPI and negotiations are well under way with the PA. The EU could then use the partnership with both countries for resolving the conflict.
The financial effort, set at EUR 14 929 million for the period 2007-2013, does not seem adequate: as the effective participation of partner countries to EU agencies, including the participation of scientists, technicians and managers from neighbouring countries to training schemes and common projects should be further stressed and therefore requires a more important allocation of funds. In this respect, your rapporteur wishes to mention specifically the European Environment Agency (EEA), the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDPC).
Other fields of common interest for the allocation of funds could be the facilities for territorial mapping and environmental monitoring (in particular from space).
There is grave concern about the proposed budget lines, as stated in the Legislative Financial Statement of the Commission. Indeed, the financial allocation of funds earmarked for the European Neighbourhood Policy should not result in a reduction of the funds to developing (non-neighbouring) countries in Asia, Latin America or Africa.
AMENDMENTS
The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:
Text proposed by the CommissionAmendments by ParliamentAmendment 1
Recital 4
(4) The privileged relationship between the European Union and its neighbours will build on commitments to common values, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights, and to the principles of market economy, free trade, sustainable development and poverty reduction.(4) The privileged relationship between the European Union and its neighbours will build on commitments to common values, including democracy, the rule of law, good governance, access to information, public participation and respect for human rights, and to the principles of market economy, free trade, sustainable development and poverty reduction.
Justification
The Aarhus criteria are important to be built in the national laws in order to ensure proper access to environmental information and public participation to decision making.
Amendment 2
Article 1, paragraph 3
(3) The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights and seeks to promote commitment to these values in partner countries through dialogue and cooperation.(3) The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, liberty, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights and for the environment and seeks to promote commitment to these values in partner countries through dialogue and cooperation.
Justification
Respect for the environment can very well be included among the few fundamental principles of the EU and represents a commitment also for future generations of the Neighbouring Countries (NC).
Amendment 3
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (c)
(c) strengthening of national institutions and bodies responsible for the elaboration and the effective implementation of policies in areas covered in association agreements, partnership and cooperation agreement and other future comparable agreements;(c) strengthening of national institutions and bodies responsible for the elaboration and the effective implementation of policies in areas covered in association agreements, partnership and cooperation agreements, multilateral agreements to which the EU and the partner countries are parties, and other future comparable agreements;
Justification
Priority should be given to building capacities in partner countries to implement commitments under multilateral agreements, in particular as regards the protection of environment.
Amendment 4
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (d)
(d) promoting sustainable development;(d) promoting sustainable development in all aspects, including the drafting and the implementation of international treaties and schemes and regional co-operation to foster protection of maritime zones;
Justification
It is necessary to make reference to International agreements such as the Protocol on climate change or the emissions trading scheme.
Moreover, marine issues are high on the EU agenda: a thematic Strategy (EU Marine Strategy) is to be adopted in 2005 and the design of an EU Maritime Policy has been proposed by President Barroso and Commissioner Borg. Both initiatives aim to increase security and well-being in the bordering regions of the EU. The Neighbouring Countries should be fully associated from the beginning.
Amendment 5
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (e)
(e) promoting environmental protection and good management of natural resources;(e) promoting environmental protection, nature conservation and sustainable management of natural and renewable resources, in particular, sustainable management of freshwater resources and protection of freshwater ecosystems through full integration of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) principles and approaches in national legislation and implementation of regional initiatives such as the EU Water Initiative;
Justification
The concept of "nature conservation" has to be promoted as much as the idea of "use" and management of natural resources. Moreover, environmental protection should include renewable resources, with special stress on freshwater.
Indeed, freshwater management is a key issues in the Neighbouring Countries (NC). In the Mediterranean it is a very scarce resource and its management is very much linked to regional security issues. In all NC, freshwater ecosystems are threatened by unsustainable development initiatives and this will add to the pressure and to the insecurity in the bordering regions of the EU. Implementation of the freshwater (WFD) part of environmental acquis should be considered as a priority for the NC.
Amendment 6
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (e a) (new)
(ea) promoting cooperation in the marine and fisheries sector, including the participation of partner countries in the implementation and management of initiatives related to the EU marine strategy and the future EU maritime policy.
Justification
Marine issues are important and should be a ground for cooperation with Neighbouring Countries.
Amendment 7
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (e b) (new)
(eb) promoting the rural assets of the countries;
Justification
The promotion of rural assets is important in order to boost sustainable development.
Amendment 8
Article 2, paragraph 2, point (t)
(t) supporting participation of partner countries in Community programmes and agencies;(t) supporting participation of partner countries in Community programmes, agencies, training schemes and the future European Research Council and technological platforms;Justification
It is important to invest in the training of relevant officials and managers from partner countries in order to make the participation to programmes more effective. Participation to the European Research Council and technological platforms activities will foster better understanding and sharing of the European "model".
Amendment 9
Article 6, paragraph 1, point (b)
(b) thematic programmes, addressing one or more specific challenges which are common to several partner countries and which may be relevant to one or more Member States;(b) thematic programmes, addressing one or more specific challenges which are common to several partner countries and which may be relevant to one or more Member States, in particular on issues such as environmental protection, the promotion of health or civil society development;
Justification
Environment and people to people issues, including civil society development are identified in the Communication of the Commission on the ENP Strategy Paper as part of the priorities for regional co-operation. This needs also to be integrated in the text of the new Regulation so that it becomes mandatory.
Amendment 10
Article 7, paragraph 2
(2) In establishing country or multicountry programmes the Commission shall determine the allocations for each programme taking into account the specific characteristics and the needs of the country or the region concerned, the level of ambition of the Unions partnership with a given country, the management capacity and the potential for absorption of funds.(2) In establishing country or multicountry programmes the Commission shall determine the allocations for each programme taking into account the specific characteristics and the needs of the country or the region concerned, the level of ambition of the Unions partnership with a given country, the management capacity, the potential for absorption of funds and environmental considerations.
Justification
Environmental considerations should be taken into account when setting up strategy papers.
Amendment 11
Article 7, paragraph 5
(5) In the event of crises or threats to democracy, the rule of law, human rights or fundamental freedoms, an emergency procedure may be used to conduct an ad hoc review of strategy papers. This review shall ensure coherence between Community assistance provided under this Regulation and assistance provided under other Community financial instruments, including Regulation (EC) No (( establishing an instrument for stability.(5) In the event of crises or threats to democracy, the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms or environmentally sustainable development, an emergency procedure may be used to conduct an ad hoc review of strategy papers. This review shall ensure coherence between Community assistance provided under this Regulation and assistance provided under other Community financial instruments, including Regulation (EC) No [] establishing an instrument for stability.
Justification
In case of community assistance - given its importance- environmental threats and concerns should also be a reason for reviewing strategy papers.
Amendment 12
Article 9, paragraph 5
(5) Joint programmes may be revised at the initiative of the participating countries or the Commission to take into account changes in cooperation priorities, socio-economic developments, the results observed from implementation of the measures concerned and from the monitoring and evaluation process, and the need to adjust the amounts of aid available and reallocate resources.(5) Joint programmes may be revised at the initiative of the participating countries or the Commission in particular when serious negative environmental and social impacts are identified, to take into account changes in cooperation priorities, socio-economic developments, environmental impacts, the results observed from implementation of the measures concerned and from the monitoring and evaluation process, and the need to adjust the amounts of aid available and reallocate resources.
Justification
In some cases, (such as the development of infrastructures. in the framework of the TEN-T Network extended to the partner countries), national , regional or cross bordering co-operation projects funded with EU resources (ENPI and others) may have an overwhelming negative environmental and social impact. It is therefore crucial that the text of the Regulation reflects the necessary revision of the projects when such negative impacts are made clear in the assessments.
Amendment 13
Article 14, point (h), introductory part
(h) the following nonstate actors:(h) the following nonstate actors, provided that they have legal personality:
Justification
See justification to amendment on Article 14, point (g), letter v.
Amendment 14
Article 15, paragraph 2, point (a a) (new)
(aa) to strengthen the capacity of civil society and ensure its participation in the implementation of this Regulation;
Justification
The promotion of civil society is crucial for the development of democratic and transparent participation as well as for the success of the local projects.
Amendment 15
Article 15, paragraph 2, point (b a) (new)
(ba) for operational grants to support civil society organisations and ensure their participation in the implementation of this Regulation;
Justification
Enhancing the capacity of civil society organisations is crucial for their participation in the fulfilment of the objectives of the Neighbourhood instrument, as well as acceptance and successful implementation of projects on the ground.
Amendment 16
Article 15, paragraph 2, point (i a) (new)
(ia) to finance the costs of facilities for territorial mapping and environmental monitoring, including from space;Justification
It is important to give partner countries the opportunity to participate in the monitoring networks created by the EU.
Amendment 17
Article 15, paragraph 2, point (j)
(j) for food aid;(j) for food aid and food safety;
Justification
Measures related to food safety are to be promoted, in line with the scope of assistance mentioned in Art. 2.2 (m).
PROCEDURE
TitleProposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument
ReferencesCOM(2004)0628 C6-0129/2004 2004/02194 (COD)]Committee responsibleAFETCommittee asked for its opinion Date announced in plenaryENVI
14.12.2004Enhanced cooperationNoDraftsman Date appointedVittorio Prodi30.11.2004Discussed in committee24.5.200513.7.2004Date amendments adopted13.7.2005Result of final votefor:
against:
abstentions:39
0
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