Motion for a resolution - B7-0228/2010Motion for a resolution
B7-0228/2010

PROPOSAL FOR A RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL on setting up an EU rapid response capability

23.3.2010

pursuant to Rule 121(1) of the Rules of Procedure

Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Charles Goerens, Louis Michel, Marielle De Sarnez, Frédérique Ries on behalf of the ALDE Group

B7‑0228/2010

European Parliament recommendation to the Council on setting up an EU rapid response capability

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the European Union’s global responsibility to provide rapid humanitarian aid and assistance and to the considerable efforts the EU deploys worldwide,

–   having regard to the need for better coordination and pooling of existing humanitarian assistance, within 24 hours of a disaster,

–   having regard to the fact that, following the recent earthquake in Haiti, the Commission for the first time successfully deployed there two modules made available through a preparatory action on an EU rapid response capability, established with Parliament’s support,

–   having regard to the proposals contained in the report ‘For a European civil protection force: europe aid’, drawn up by Michel Barnier in 2006,

–   having regard to Rule 121(1) of its Rules of Procedure,

1.  Addresses the following recommendation to the Council:

     that it call on the Commission to bring proposals before Parliament as soon as possible for establishing an EU civil protection force based on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and enabling the Union to bring together the resources necessary for providing initial emergency humanitarian aid within 24 hours of a disaster;

     that a European rapid response mechanism should

•   be civilian and/or humanitarian

•   be capable of being mobilised at any time and as rapidly as possible

•   operate under the banner of the EU

•   observe international humanitarian law

•   be open to cooperation with other bodies involved in humanitarian action

•   be prepared to cooperate with the UN system

•   be open to contributions from third countries

•   respect the voluntary nature of the Member States’ participation in the intended arrangements

•   endeavour on an ongoing basis to keep up the standard of the human and material resources available for mobilisation at any time

•   be based on the principle of burden sharing;

 

     that it call on the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response to play a leading role in coordinating the Union’s crisis response, using the responsibilities created under the Lisbon Treaty to coordinate the Union’s response to future crises more effectively, while building on what has already been achieved.

 

2.  Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council and, for information, to the Commission.