Report - A7-0446/2013Report
A7-0446/2013
European Parliament

REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries

6.12.2013 - (COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)) - ***I

Committee on Foreign Affairs
Rapporteur: Antonio López-Istúriz White
Rapporteur for the opinion (*): Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Committee on International Trade
(*) Associated committee – Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure


Procedure : 2011/0411(COD)
Document stages in plenary
Document selected :  
A7-0446/2013
Texts tabled :
A7-0446/2013
Debates :
Votes :
Texts adopted :

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries

(COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2011)0843),

–   having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 207(2), 209(1) and 212(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7‑0495/2011),

–   having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

-   having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions of 9 December 2012[1],

–   having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 4 December 2013 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–   having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on International Trade, the Committee on Development, the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A7-0446/2013),

1.  Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2.  Approves the statement by Parliament annexed to this resolution,

3.  Takes note of the Commission statement annexed to this resolution,

4.  Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

5.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1 (1)

AMENDMENTS BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT[2]*

to the Commission proposal

---------------------------------------------------------

[REGULATION (EU) No.../2014 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of

establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 207(2), 209(1) and 212(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the▌ Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of Regions[3]1

After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments,

Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure,

Whereas:

(1)         The Union shall seek to develop relations and build partnerships with third countries. This Regulation constitutes a new and complementary instrument providing direct support for the European Union's external policies, expanding cooperation partnerships and policy dialogues to areas and subjects beyond development cooperation .It follows on from the experience gained with industrialised countries and▌ high income countries and territories under Council Regulation No 1934/2006[4].

(2)         The scope of cooperation under the geographic programmes with developing countries, territories and regions established under the Development Cooperation Instrument is almost entirely limited to financing measures designed to fulfil the criteria set for official development assistance (ODA) set by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (DAC/OECD).

(3)         Over the last decade, the Union has consistently strengthened its bilateral relations with a broad range of industrialised and other high-income or middle-income countries and territories across different regions of the world▌.

(4)  The EU needs a foreign policy financial instrument of global scope allowing the financing of measures that might not qualify as ODA but which are crucially important for deepening and consolidating its relations with the partner countries concerned, in particular through policy dialogues and the development of partnerships. This new instrument, innovative in terms of scope and objectives, should create a positive environment for deepened relationship between the EU and ▌ relevant third countries and promote core EU interests.

▌

(5)         In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation it is necessary to pursue a differentiated and flexible approach ▌ with key partner countries which takes into account their economic, social and political contexts and also the Union's specific interests, policy priorities and strategies, whilst maintaining the ability to intervene all over the world wherever needed. The Union should use a comprehensive approach to foreign policy including the Union's sectoral policies.

(6)         The Union should be able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and /or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promote and defend its interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

(7)  It is in the Union's interest to deepen its relations and dialogue with countries where the Union has a strategic interest in promoting links, especially developed and developing countries which play an increasingly important role in world affairs, including in global governance, foreign policy, international economy, multilateral fora and bodies such as the G8 and the G20, and in addressing challenges of global concern.

(8)         ▌The Union needs to build comprehensive partnerships with new players on the international scene, in order to promote a stable and inclusive international order, pursue common global public goods, promote core interests of the Union and increase knowledge of the Union in these countries.

(9)         The scope of this Regulation should be worldwide in order to enable cooperation measures to be supported as appropriate to underpin relations with any country where the Union has strategic interests, in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation.

(10)       It is in the Union's interest to continue to promote dialogue and cooperation with countries which no longer qualify for bilateral programmes under the Development Cooperation Instrument

(11)       It is in the Union's interest to work towards inclusive global institutions, based on effective multilateralism.

(12)  Under this Regulation, the Union should support the implementation of the external dimension of "Europe 2020 – A Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", bringing together three pillars: economic, social and environmental. In particular, this Regulation should support objectives relating to global issues such as climate change, energy security and resource efficiency, the transition to a greener economy, science, innovation and competitiveness, mobility, trade and investment, economic partnerships, business, employment and regulatory cooperation with third countries, and better market access for European companies including the internationalisation of SMEs. It should also promote public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities.

▌

(13)       In particular, fighting climate change is recognised as one of the great global challenges faced by the Union ▌and the broader international community. Climate change is an area where urgent international action is necessary, and where the achievement of the Union's goals requires cooperation with third country partners. The EU should therefore invest renewed efforts in promoting global consensus in this respect. In accordance with the intention stated in the Commission's Communication of 29 June 2011 "A budget for Europe 2020" of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20%, this Regulation should contribute to that goal.

(14)  Transnational challenges, such as environmental degradation and access to and the sustainable use of raw materials and rare earths require a rule-based, inclusive approach.

(15)       The Union is committed to helping to meet the global 2020 biodiversity targets and to deliver on the associated Strategy for resource mobilisation.

(16)       The Union is committed in relations with its partners worldwide to promoting decent work for all along with ratification and effective implementation of the internationally recognised labour standards and multilateral environmental agreements.

(17)       An important strategic interest of the EU is to boost growth and jobs by promoting fair and open trade and investment at the multilateral and bilateral level and by supporting the negotiation and implementation of EU trade and investment agreements. Under this Regulation, the Union should contribute to creating a secure climate for the increase of trading and investment opportunities for European companies worldwide, not least Small and Medium–sized Enterprises, including by supporting regulatory cooperation and convergence, promoting international standards, improving the protection of intellectual property rights, and targeting the removal of unwarranted market access barriers.

(18)  The Union's action on the international scene should be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world, namely democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principle of equality, and solidarity and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

(19)       The Union should seek the most efficient use of available resources in order to optimise the impact of its external action. This should be achieved through coherence and complementarity between Instruments for external action, as well as the creation of synergies between the present Instrument, other Instruments for external action and other policies of the Union. This should further entail mutual reinforcement of the programmes devised under these Instruments.

(20)       In order to ensure the visibility of the Union's assistance towards the citizens of the beneficiary countries and those of the Union, there should be, where appropriate, targeted communication and information by adequate means.

(21)  The objectives of this Regulation should, whenever possible and appropriate, be pursued in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders, including civil society organisations and local authorities, taking into account the importance of their roles.

(22)       The Union's external action under the instrument should contribute to clear results (covering outputs, outcomes and impacts) in countries benefiting from external financial assistance of the Union. Whenever appropriate and possible, the results of the Union's external action and the efficiency of this particular instrument should be monitored and assessed on the basis of pre-defined, clear, transparent and, where appropriate, country-specific and measurable indicators, adapted to the specificities and objectives of this Instrument.

(23)       Actions under this regulation should, where appropriate, take due account of the Resolutions and Recommendations of the European Parliament.

▌

(24)        In order to adapt the scope of this Regulation to the rapidly evolving reality in third countries, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the priorities defined in the Annex. It is of particular importance that the Commission should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

(25)  In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation N° 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council[5]. Taking into account the nature of those implementing acts, in particular their policy orientation nature or their financial implications, the examination procedure should ▌be used for their adoption, except for technical implementing measures of a small financial scale.

(26)       Since the objectives of this Regulation cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can therefore, by reason of the scale of the action, be better achieved at Union level, the Union may adopt measures, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty of the European Union. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, as set out in that Article, this Regulation does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve those objectives.

(27)       Common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Union's instruments for external action are laid down in Regulation (EU) No …/…of the European Parliament and of the Council [6]▌, hereinafter referred to as 'the Common Implementing Regulation'

(28)  The organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service are described in Council Decision 2010/427/EU[7]▌

(29)       It is appropriate to align the duration of this Regulation with the Council Regulation (EU) No …/… [8]. Therefore, this Regulation should apply as from 1 January 2014,

HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1Subject matter and objectives

1.          This Regulation establishes a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries to advance and promote EU and mutual interests. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures that respond in an effective and flexible manner to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries and address challenges of global concern, or ensure an adequate follow-up to decisions taken at multilateral level

2.          The measures to be financed under this Instrument shall reflect the following specific Union objectives:

(a)    ▌ supporting the Union's bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern. This objective shall be measured inter alia by the progress made by key partner countries in the fight against climate change or in promoting the environmental standards of the Union;

(b)    implementing the international dimension of "Europe 2020 - A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth". This objective shall be measured by the uptake of the "Europe 2020" policies and objectives by key partner countries;

(c)  improving ▌access to third country markets and boosting trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies, while eliminating barriers to market access and investment, by means of economic partnerships, business and regulatory cooperation. This objective shall be measured by the Union's share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investment flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation;

(d)    enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, people to people contacts, education/academic/think tank cooperation and outreach activities to promote the Union's values and interests. This objective may be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

Article 2Scope

1.          ▌This Regulation shall primarily support cooperation measures with countries where the Union has a strategic interest in promoting links, especially developed and developing countries which play an increasingly prominent role in global affairs, including in foreign policy, international economy and trade, ▌ multilateral fora, ▌ global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern or where the Union has other significant interests.

2.          Without prejudice to paragraph 1, all third countries, regions and territories may be eligible for cooperation under this Regulation.

Article 3General principles

1.          The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the principles of ▌ democracy, equality, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which it is founded by means of dialogue and cooperation with third countries.

2.          To enhance the impact of the Union's assistance, a differentiated and flexible approach shall be pursued, where appropriate, in designing cooperation with third countries to take account of their economic, social and political contexts ▌and also of the Union's specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

3.          ▌The Union shall promote a coherent multilateral approach to global challenges and shall foster cooperation with international or regional organisations and bodies, including international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, ▌and other bilateral donors.

4.  In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure coherence and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union's policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures.

5.          Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union, the international organisations and the third countries and regions concerned.

Measures financed under this Regulation shall also relate to areas linked to the promotion of the Union's specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

6.          Union support under this Regulation shall be implemented in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation.

Article 4

Thematic priorities

The thematic priorities to be pursued by the Union's assistance under this Regulation are listed in the Annex. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7 to amend the thematic priorities laid down in the Annex to this Regulation. In particular, following the publication of the Mid-term report, as referred to in Article 17 of the Common Implementing Regulation, and based upon the recommendations contained in the mid-term review report, the Commission shall adopt a delegated act amending the Annex by 31 March 2018.

Article 5Programming and Indicative allocation of funds

1.          Multi-annual indicative programmes shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 16 (3) of the Common Implementing Regulation. ▌

2.          The multi-annual indicative programmes shall set out the Union's strategic and/or mutual interests and priorities, the specific objectives and expected results. For countries or regions for which a Joint Framework Document, laying down a comprehensive Union strategy has been established, the multi-annual indicative programmes shall be based on this document.

3.  The multiannual indicative programmes shall also set out the priority areas selected for financing by the Union and shall outline the indicative financial allocation of funds, both overall, per priority area and per partner country or group of partner countries for the period concerned including the participation in global initiatives; these amounts may, where appropriate, be expressed in the form of a range.

▌

4.          Multi-annual indicative programmes may provide for an amount of funds, not exceeding 5 % of the total amount, that is not allocated to a priority area or partner country or group of countries. These funds shall be committed in accordance with Article 2 (2) and (3) of the Common Implementing Regulation.

▌

5.  The procedure referred in Article 16(4) of the Common Implementing Regulation may be applied for modifying multiannual indicative programmes on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency.

6.          With reference to Article 1, the Commission may take into account the geographic proximity of the Union's outermost regions and overseas countries and territories in its cooperation with third countries.

7.          Any programming or reviews of programmes taking place after the publication of the Mid-term report referred to in Article 17 of the Common Implementing Regulation shall take into account its results, findings and conclusions.

Article 6Committee

The Commission shall be assisted by the Partnership Instrument committee. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Article 7Exercise of delegation

1.          The delegation of powers referred to in Article 4 shall be conferred for the period of validity of this Regulation.

2.          The delegation of powers may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision of revocation shall put an end to the delegation of power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3.  As soon as it adopts a delegated act, the Commission shall notify it simultaneously to the European Parliament and the Council.

4.          A delegated act adopted shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of the act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by 2 months at the initiative of the European Parliament or the Council.

Article 8Financial reference amount

1.          The financial reference amount for implementation of this Regulation for the period from 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 954.765.000. Annual appropriations shall be decided by the budgetary authority as part of the annual budget procedure within the limits set in the Multiannual Financial Framework.

2.  As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of Regulation No … of the European Parliament and of the Council [9], in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 680 000 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the Regulation No … will apply to the use of those funds. The funding will be made available through two multiannual allocations only covering the first four years and the remaining three years respectively. This funding will be reflected in the multiannual indicative programming of these instruments, in line with the identified needs and priorities of the countries concerned. The allocations can be revised in case of major unforeseen circumstances or important political changes in line with the EU external priorities.

3.          Actions within the scope of "Erasmus +" will only be funded by the Partnership Instrument in so far as they are not eligible for funding under other external action instruments, and complement or reinforce other initiatives under this Regulation.

Article 9 European External Action Service

The application of this Regulation shall be in accordance with Decision 2010/427 EU establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service.

Article 10Entry into force

▌This Regulation shall enter into force on the ▌day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall apply from 1 January 2014 until 31 December 2020.

▌This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States▌

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament                                     For the Council

The President                                                         The President

ANNEX

THEMATIC PRIORITIES UNDER THE PARTNERSHIP INSTRUMENT AS A GENERAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROGRAMMING

Objective 1.2 (a):

Support for the Union's bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern.

· Support for the implementation of Partnership and Cooperation Agreements, Action Plans and similar bilateral instruments;

· Deepening the political and economic dialogue with third countries of particular relevance in world affairs, including in foreign policy;

· Supporting engagement with relevant third countries on bilateral and global issues of common concern;

· Promoting an adequate follow-up or coordinated implementation of the conclusions of international fora, such as the G-20.

Reinforcement of cooperation on global challenges addressing in particular climate change, energy security and the protection of the environment.

· Stimulate efforts in partner countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in particular by promoting and supporting adequate regulatory and performance standards;

· Boosting the greening of production and trade;

· Developing energy cooperation;

· Promoting renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Objective 1.2 (b):

Implementing the international dimension of the "Europe 2020 – A Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth", bringing together three pillars: economic, social and environmental:

· Enhancing policy dialogues and cooperation with relevant third countries, taking into consideration all areas within the scope of the Europe 2020 strategy;

· Promoting the Union's internal policies with key partner countries and supporting regulatory convergence in this regard.

Objective 1.2 (c):

Facilitation and support of economic and trade relations with partner countries:

· Promotion of a secure environment for investment and business, including protection of intellectual property rights, tackling market access barriers, reinforced regulatory cooperation, and promotion of opportunities for Europe's goods and services, especially in areas where Europe has a competitive advantage, and international standards;

· Support for the negotiation, implementation and enforcement of EU trade and investment agreements.

Objective 1.2 (d):

Enhancing cooperation in higher education:

· Enhance student and academic staff mobility, leading to the creation of partnerships aiming at improving the quality of higher education and of joint degrees leading to academic recognition (Erasmus +);

Enhancing widespread knowledge and raising the profile of the Union:

· Promoting the EU's values and interests in partner countries through enhanced public diplomacy and outreach activities in support of the objectives of the instrument.

––––––––––––––––––––––

  • [1]               OJ C 391, 18.12.2012, p. 110
  • [2] *              Amendments: new or replacement text is marked in bold italics, and deletions are indicated by the symbol ▌
  • [3] 1             OJ C 391, 18.12.2012, p. 110
  • [4]               Council Regulation (EC) No 1934/2006 of 21 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries and territories (OJ L 405, 30.12.2006, p.41).
  • [5]               Regulation No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning the mechanisms of control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011,p. 13).
  • [6]               Regulation (EU) No …/…of the European Parliament and of the Council of … establishing common rules and procedures for the implementation of the Union's instruments for external action (OJ….)
  • [7]               Council Decision 2010/427 EU of 26 July 2010 establishing the organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service (OJ L 201, 3.8.2010, p. 30).
  • [8]               Council Regulation (EU) No …/… of laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2014-2020 (OJ …).
  • [9]               Regulation No … of the European Parliament and of the Council of … establishing "Erasmus+":the Union programme for education, training, youth and sport and repealing Decisions Nos 1719/2006/EC, 1720/2006/EC and 1298/2008/EC(OJ L …).

ANNEX TO THE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

STATEMENT BY THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF ASSISTANCE GRANTED UNDER THE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The European Parliament notes that the Regulation establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation, the Regulation establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument, the Regulation establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries and the Regulation on the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance do not contain any explicit reference to the possibility of suspending assistance in cases where a beneficiary country fails to observe the basic principles enunciated in the respective instrument and notably the principles of democracy, rule of law and the respect for human rights. 

The European Parliament considers that any suspension of assistance under these instruments would modify the overall financial scheme agreed under the ordinary legislative procedure. As a co-legislator and co-branch of the budgetary authority, the European Parliament is therefore entitled to fully exercise its prerogatives in that regard, if such a decision is to be taken.

The European Parliament notes that the Regulation establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation, the Regulation establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument, the Regulation establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries and the Regulation on the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance do not contain any explicit reference to the possibility of suspending assistance in cases where a beneficiary country fails to observe the basic principles enunciated in the respective instrument and notably the principles of democracy, rule of law and the respect for human rights. 

The European Parliament considers that any suspension of assistance under these instruments would modify the overall financial scheme agreed under the ordinary legislative procedure. As a co-legislator and co-branch of the budgetary authority, the European Parliament is therefore entitled to fully exercise its prerogatives in that regard, if such a decision is to be taken.

STATEMENT BY THE COMMISSION ON THE STRATEGIC DIALOGUE WITH THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT The Commission will be represented at the responsible Commissioner level* Where applicable

On the basis of Article 14 TEU, the Commission will conduct a strategic dialogue with the European Parliament prior to the programming of [add the name of the corresponding ENI, DCI, IPA II, EIDHR, ISP, PI Regulation] and after initial consultation of its relevant beneficiaries, where appropriate. The Commission will present to the Parliament the relevant available documents on programming with indicative allocations foreseen per country/region, and, within a country/region, priorities, possible results and indicative allocations foreseen per priority for geographic programmes, as well as the choice of assistance modalities*. The Commission will present to the Parliament the relevant available documents on programming with thematic priorities, possible results, choice of assistance modalities*, and financial allocations for such priorities foreseen in thematic programmes. The Commission will take into account the position expressed by the European Parliament on the matter.

The Commission will conduct a strategic dialogue with the European Parliament in preparing the Mid Term Review and before any substantial revision of the programming documents during the period of validity of this Regulation.

The Commission, if invited by the European Parliament, will explain where Parliament's observations have been taken into consideration in the programming documents and any other follow-up given to the strategic dialogue.

  • [1]  The Commission will be represented at the responsible Commissioner level
    * Where applicable

OPINION of the Committee on International Trade (*) (22.6.2012)

for the Committee on Foreign Affairs

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries
(COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD))

Rapporteur (*): Laima Liucija Andrikienė

(*) Associated committee – Rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure.

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

This draft regulation is one of EU external policy elements. It is innovative and is different from EU external development instruments. It aims at partnership and cooperation between EU and especially with countries graduating from development assistance and becoming EU economic interest partners like China, Russia, Latin America etc. It aims to advance and promote EU interests and to address major global challenges in line with Europe 2020 strategy. This instrument is limited in budget, 1.131 billion euro being foreseen for 2014-2020 period. And therefore, the objectives, targeted sectors and countries have to be well defined, coordination mechanisms foreseen already in this Regulation.

Partnership Instrument shall allow the EU to pursue agendas beyond development cooperation with global players to promote EU interests effectively worldwide and to deal with global issues wherever needed. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries, regions and territories and address challenges of global concern. It shall aim at improving market access and developing trade, eliminating trade and investment barriers and fighting against unjustified protectionist measures, opening new business opportunities for European companies worldwide by means of economic partnerships and business and regulatory cooperation.

The values of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of international law, the founding pillars of the Union shall be core for the Regulation. This should be ensured when formulating the Union's cooperation policy and its strategic planning programming and implementation of measures.

More effective cooperation, and coordination of procedures, both between the Union and its Member States and in relations with other donors and actors, are essential for ensuring the consistency and relevance of measures. This proposal will target and coordinate batter among Member States and Union legislators the priorities and actions that Union is able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving circumstances in order to make its commitment to promote its interests in its relations with third countries more effective. The indicative areas of cooperation and the indicative financial allocations and their modifications shall be a subject of delegated acts procedure.

In this respect it is proposed that multi-annual indicative programmes shall set out the coordinated Union's strategy for the geographic area and area of cooperation concerned. Therefore, it is proposed that indicative financial allocation for the period 2014-2020 is part of this Regulation and is laid down in the annex. The Commission shall be entitled to adopt delegated acts to reallocate amounts between programmes. Within a framework defining priorities in terms of strategic geographical areas and areas of cooperation, the Commission shall carry out a thorough, impartial and unprejudiced ex-ante evaluation of Union interests before deciding on multi-annual indicative programmes.

It is also proposed to reduce the share of non-substantial modifications to multiannual indicative programmes from 20% to 10% of the initial allocation. This proposal would be safe enough that these modifications do not affect the priority areas and objectives set out in the multi-annual indicative programmes. Proposal regulates also the procedure of adjustments which shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in the Common Implementing Regulation.

Review mechanism for the implementation of the Regulation shall be foreseen. Therefore, new provisions on review are proposed. Not later than 30 June 2017, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report evaluating the implementation of this Regulation in the first three years introducing the necessary modifications, including the indicative financial allocations set out in new Annex Ia.

All these amendments will help to better target and coordinate the global Union instrument to foster partnership and Union visibility globally.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(1a) The Union is founded on the values of democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, and the principles of international law. It seeks to develop and consolidate commitment to those values in partner countries and regions through dialogue and cooperation. The Union also aims to ensure coherence with other areas of its external action. This should be ensured when formulating the Union's cooperation policy and its strategic planning programming and implementation of measures. More effective cooperation, and coordination of procedures, both between the Union and its Member States and in relations with other donors and actors, are essential in order to ensure the consistency and relevance of measures. The Union and the Member States should improve the consistency and the complementarity of their respective policies on cooperation. To ensure that the Union's cooperation policy and that of the Member States complement and reinforce each other, it is appropriate to provide for joint programming procedures which should be implemented whenever possible and relevant.

Amendment  2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) Preparatory actions such as business dialogues, trade promotion and scientific exchanges were set up to strengthen and deepen cooperation in areas outside the scope of the Development Cooperation Instrument with India and China and with middle-income group countries in Asia and Latin America.

(5) Preparatory actions such as dialogues between public or private economic partners, scientific exchanges should strengthen and deepen cooperation in areas outside the scope of the Development Cooperation Instrument with India and China and with middle-income group countries in Asia and Latin America.

Amendment  3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) It is in the Union’s interest to deepen its relations with partners who are playing an increasingly important role in the international economy and trade, in south-south trade and cooperation, in multilateral fora including Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G 20), in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern. The Union needs to build comprehensive partnerships with new players on the international scene, in order to promote a stable and inclusive international order, pursue common global public goods, defend core interests of the Union and increase knowledge of the Union in these countries.

(7) It is in the Union’s interest to deepen its relations with partners who are playing an increasingly important role in the international economy and trade, in south-south trade and cooperation, in multilateral fora including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G 20), in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern. The Union needs to build comprehensive partnerships with new players on the international scene, in order to promote a stable and inclusive international order, pursue common global public goods, defend core interests of the Union and increase knowledge of the Union in these countries.

Amendment  4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) Notwithstanding the specific focus on global players, the scope of this Regulation should be worldwide enabling to support cooperation measures with developing countries where the Union has significant interests in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation.

(9) Notwithstanding the specific focus on global players, the scope of this Regulation should be worldwide enabling to support cooperation measures both with developed and developing countries where there are significant mutual interests in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation.

Amendment  5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10a) The cooperation measures aimed at improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities should take account of Union interests and should ensure long-term benefits for Union growth through strengthened economic security and continued creation of new competitive jobs within the Union, while promoting progress and development in partner countries, permitting better regional cooperation, encouraging investment and improving economic governance, strengthening economic and trade relations with strategic partners and achieving real reciprocal market access. The cooperation measures should better address the specific needs of the Union's micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises in order to enhance their competitiveness. Greater consistency between the rules and practices of the Union and those of its main partners should be pursued, while not lowering the Union's standards and certification practices but leading to greater acceptance of existing multilateral ones, supporting measures aimed at regulatory convergence with its main trading partners and regulatory cooperation in general, with a view to promoting equivalence and convergence of international standards and thereby limiting disputes and the associated trade costs.

Amendment  6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11) The Union is committed in relations with its partners worldwide to promoting decent work for all along with ratification and effective implementation of the internationally recognised labour standards and multilateral environmental agreements.

(11) The Union is committed in relations with its partners worldwide to promoting sustainable development, free and fair trade and decent work for all along with ratification and effective implementation of the internationally recognised labour standards and multilateral environmental agreements. This Regulation should be used as a tool for supporting international competitiveness and contributing to a reduction in the risk of protectionism, while promoting European values and commercial interests, and as an instrument for free and fair trade that can bring into general practice the effective inclusion and implementation of social and environmental standards with partner countries, including promotion of new forms of employment policies and the creation of jobs meeting International Labour Organization (ILO) decent work standards and growth opportunities for European industries and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) In particular, fighting climate change is recognised as one of the great challenges which the Union faces and the area where urgent international action is necessary. In accordance with the intent stated in the Commission Communication “A budget for Europe 2020” of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20%, this Regulation should contribute to that goal.

(12) In particular, fighting climate change is recognised as one of the great challenges facing the Union and the international community and is the area where urgent international action is necessary, considering that the Union's goals in this area can only be achieved by cooperation with its main trading partners. In accordance with the intent stated in the Commission Communication “A budget for Europe 2020” of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget, this Regulation should contribute to that goal.

Amendment  8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15) Promotion of diversified cooperation and partnership initiatives within a single instrument should, furthermore, allow economies of scale, synergy effects, greater effectiveness, more streamlined decision-making and management and a high degree of visibility for the Union’s external action.

(15) Promotion of diversified cooperation and partnership initiatives within a single instrument should, furthermore, allow a forward-looking and innovative strategy on trade and investment taking into account the new challenges facing the Union, economies of scale, synergy effects, greater effectiveness, more streamlined decision-making and management and a high degree of visibility for the Union’s external action.

Amendment  9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation it is necessary to pursue a differentiated and flexible approach by developing models for cooperation with key partner countries which take into account their economic, social and political contexts and also the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies, whilst maintaining the ability to intervene all over the world wherever needed.

(16) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation it is necessary to pursue a differentiated and flexible approach by developing models for cooperation with key partner countries which take into account their economic, social and political contexts and also the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies, whilst maintaining the ability to intervene all over the world wherever needed. The Union should use an integrated approach with regard to trade, foreign, development, agricultural, environmental and research policies.

Amendment  10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17) The Union should be able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and/or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promote its interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

(17) Adequate programming, planning and enforcement measures and inter-institutional cooperation should be provided for in order to ensure that the Union is able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and/or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promoting mutual interests, and protecting its investments, in its relations with third countries more effective, and by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

Amendment  11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19) In order to adapt the scope of this Regulation to the rapidly evolving reality in third countries, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed areas of cooperation defined in the Annex. It is of particular importance that the Commission should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

(19) Modifications within the detailed areas of cooperation, adoption of multi-annual indicative programmes, and adjustments of the indicative financial allocation constitute non-essential elements of this Regulation. Consequently, in order to adapt the scope of this Regulation to the rapidly evolving reality in third countries, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission in respect of the detailed areas of cooperation defined in the Annex, adoption of multi-annual indicative programmes as defined in Article 5, and the indicative allocations per programme set out in Annex Ia. It is of particular importance that the Commission should carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing-up delegated acts, should ensure simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and to the Council.

Amendment  12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation N° 182/2011 of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning the mechanisms of control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers. Taking into account the nature of those implementing acts, in particular their policy orientation nature or their financial implications, the examination procedure should in principle be used for their adoption, except for technical implementing measures of a small financial scale.

(20) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation N° 182/2011 of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning the mechanisms of control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers. Taking into account the nature of those implementing acts, in particular their financial implications, the advisory procedure should in principle be used for their adoption.

Amendment  13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) This Regulation establishes a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries to advance and promote EU and mutual interests. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures that respond in an effective and flexible manner to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries and address challenges of global concern.

1. This Regulation establishes a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries to advance and promote EU values and mutual interests. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures that respond in an effective and flexible manner to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries, regions and territories and address challenges of global concern.

Amendment  14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) implementing the international dimension of the “Europe 2020” strategy by supporting Union’s bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern such as energy security, climate change and environment. This objective shall be measured by the uptake of the “Europe 2020” policies and objectives by key partner countries;

(a) implementing the international dimension of the “Europe 2020” strategy in order to strengthen the complementary relationship between internal and external Union policies – especially in the field of innovation, research, and competitiveness – by supporting Union’s bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern such as energy security, climate change and environment. This objective shall be measured by the uptake of the “Europe 2020” policies and objectives by key partner countries and influence on policy formulation in those countries;

Amendment  15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies by means of economic partnerships and business and regulatory cooperation. This objective shall be measured by the Union’s share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investments flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation;

(b) improving access to third country markets, boosting trade, eliminating barriers to trade and investment while also counteracting unwarranted and/or unjustified protectionist measures and regulatory barriers, by promoting international standards, improving the protection of intellectual property rights, and creating a secure climate for investment and new trading opportunities for European companies worldwide, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by means of economic partnerships, business and legal and taxation regulatory cooperation, and support programmes and instruments to promote SME internationalisation; this objective shall be measured by the Union’s share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investment flows to all partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation;

Amendment  16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities to promote Union’s values and interests. This objective may be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities to promote Union’s values and interests. This objective may be measured by better perception and enhanced mutual understanding of the Union in key partner countries illustrated, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

Amendment  17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which it is founded by means of dialogue and cooperation with third countries.

1. The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which it is founded by means of dialogue and cooperation with third countries, regions and territories.

Amendment  18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) To enhance the impact of the Union’s assistance, a differentiated and flexible approach shall be pursued, where appropriate, in designing cooperation with partner countries to take account of their economic, social and political contexts as and also of the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

2. To enhance the impact of the Union’s assistance, a differentiated and flexible approach shall be pursued, where appropriate, in designing cooperation with partner countries, regions and territories to take account of their economic, social and political contexts as and also of the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

Amendment  19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) Within their respective spheres of competence, the Union and the Member States shall promote a multilateral approach to global challenges and shall foster cooperation with international or regional organisations and bodies, including international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, OECD, and the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20) and other bilateral donors.

3. Within their respective spheres of competence, the Union and the Member States shall promote a multilateral approach to global challenges and shall foster cooperation with international or regional organisations and bodies, including international financial institutions, the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, OECD, and the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20) and other bilateral donors.

Amendment  20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure coherence and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union’s policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures.

4. In implementing this Regulation, coherence and consistency shall be ensured with other areas of Union external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union’s policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementation of measures. The Union shall ensure that environmental, sustainable energy, social, employment and other welfare values are adequately considered in programming and implementation.

Amendment  21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and the third countries and regions concerned, and shall also relate to areas linked to the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

5. Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and the third countries, regions and territories concerned, and shall be aimed at improving their implementation capacity, on the Union’s decisions, specific interests, policy priorities and strategies. The Union's strategy for promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation shall be based on a thorough analysis of current trends in world trade, the Union's internal and external development and the diversity of European enterprises, their know-how and their technological advances.

Amendment  22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph - 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

-1a. Within a framework defining priorities in terms of strategic geographical areas and areas of cooperation, the Commission shall carry out a thorough, impartial and unprejudiced ex-ante evaluation of Union interests before deciding on multi-annual indicative programmes.

Amendment  23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) Multi-annual indicative programmes shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 15 (3) of the Common Implementing Regulation. This procedure shall also apply to substantial reviews which have the effect of changing significantly the strategy or its programming.

1. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7 to adopt multi-annual indicative programmes. This procedure shall also apply to substantial reviews or adjustments which have the effect of changing significantly the strategy or its programming.

Amendment  24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) The multi-annual indicative programmes shall set out the Union’s strategic and/or mutual interests and priorities, the specific objectives and expected results. For countries or regions for which a Joint Framework Document, laying down a comprehensive Union strategy has been established, the multi-annual indicative programmes shall be based on this document.

2. The multi-annual indicative programmes shall set out the Union's strategy for the geographic area and area of cooperation concerned, the Union’s strategic and/or mutual interests and priorities, the specific objectives, the expected results and the performance indicators. For countries or regions for which a Joint Framework Document, laying down a comprehensive Union strategy has been established, the multi-annual indicative programmes shall be based on this document.

Amendment  25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

3a. The Commission and the Member States shall consult each other, as well as other donors and actors including stakeholders and local authorities, at an early stage of the programming process in order to promote complementarity among their cooperation activities. Such consultation may lead to joint programming between the Union and its Member States.

Amendment  26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) A Reserve for unallocated funds may be established in the multi-annual indicative programmes. The allocation of these funds shall be decided in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation.

5. A reserve for unallocated funds not exceeding 5% may be established in the multi-annual indicative programmes. The allocation of these funds shall be decided in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation.

Amendment  27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) The examination procedure referred in paragraph (1) shall not apply to non-substantial modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, making technical adjustments, reassigning funds within the indicative allocations per priority area or increasing or decreasing the size of the initial overall allocation by less than 20%, provided that these modifications do not affect the priority areas and objectives set out in the multi-annual indicative programmes. Such adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council.

6. The procedure referred in paragraph 1 shall not apply to non-substantial modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, making technical adjustments, reassigning funds within the indicative allocations per priority area or increasing or decreasing the size of the initial allocation by less than 10%, provided that these modifications do not affect the priority areas and objectives set out in the multi-annual indicative programmes. Such adjustments shall be adopted by the Commission in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 15(2) of the Common Implementing Regulation and shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council.

Amendment  28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) The procedure referred in Article 15(4) of the Common Implementing Regulation may be applied for modifying multiannual indicative programmes where a swift response from the Union is required.

7. The procedure referred in Article 15(4) of the Common Implementing Regulation may be applied for modifying multiannual indicative programmes on duly justified imperative grounds of urgency where a swift response from the Union is required.

Amendment  29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) The delegation of powers referred to in Article 4 shall be conferred for the period of validity of this Regulation.

1. The delegation of powers referred to in Articles 4, 5(1) and 8(1) shall be conferred for the period of validity of this Regulation.

Amendment  30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The financial reference amount for implementation of this Regulation for the period from 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 1 131 000 000. Annual appropriations shall be decided by the budgetary authority as part of the annual budget procedure within the limits set in the Multiannual Financial Framework.

1. The financial reference amount for implementation of this Regulation for the period from 2014 to 2020 shall be EUR 1 131 000 000. The indicative financial allocation for the period 2014-2020 is laid down in Annex Ia. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7 to amend or supplement Annex Ia or to reallocate amounts between programmes. Annual appropriations shall be decided by the budgetary authority as part of the annual budget procedure within the limits set in the Multiannual Financial Framework.

Amendment  31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the “Erasmus for All” Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the “Erasmus for All” Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2, of the “Erasmus for All” Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non-EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with local, regional, and national authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the “Erasmus for All” Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

Amendment  32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

Article 9a

 

Review

 

Not later than 30 June 2017, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report evaluating the implementation of this Regulation in the first three years together, if appropriate, with a legislative proposal introducing the necessary modifications, including changes to the indicative financial allocations set out in Annex Ia.

Amendment  33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from 1 January 2014.

1. This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It shall apply from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.

Amendment  34

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) the facilitation of (and support of) trade relations and trade integration processes, including south-south, support to Union investment flows and economic partnerships, including a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises;

(c) the facilitation of (and support of) economic and trade relations and trade integration processes, including south-south, and the consolidation of trading relations with emerging macro-areas important to the Union, support to Union investment flows and economic partnerships, including a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); support measures and instruments to promote SME internationalisation (including training and information programmes and help desks on third-country markets); improvements to the protection of intellectual property rights, intensification of regulatory dialogue, facilitation of access to third-country markets, and best practices in economics, trade, tax and financial matters;

Amendment  35

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) the promotion of policy and sectoral dialogues involving Union and non-Union political, economic, regulatory, environmental, social, research and cultural actors and non-governmental organisations;

(d) the promotion of policy and sectoral dialogues involving Union and non-Union political, economic, regulatory, environmental, social, research and cultural actors and non-governmental organisations and regional and local authorities and associations thereof;

Amendment  36

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point d a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(da) improvement of anti-corruption tools and transparency actions, and reinforcement of their implementation;

Amendment  37

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point f

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f) the promotion of initiatives and actions of Union or mutual interest in areas such as climate change, environmental matters including biodiversity, resource efficiency, raw materials, energy, transport, science, research and innovation, employment and social policy, sustainable development, including promotion of decent work, and corporate social responsibility, south-south trade and cooperation, education, culture, tourism, information and communication technologies, health, justice, customs, taxation, financial, statistics and any other matter pertaining to the Union’s specific interests or of mutual interest between the Union and third countries;

(f) the promotion of initiatives and actions of Union or mutual interest in areas such as climate change, environmental matters including biodiversity, resource efficiency, raw materials, energy, transport, science, research and innovation, consolidation of regional and local authorities and civil society, employment and social policy, sustainable development, including promotion of decent work, and corporate social responsibility, south-south and north-south trade and cooperation, education, vocational training, culture, tourism, local development, information and communication technologies, health, justice, customs, intellectual property rights, data protection, taxation, financial and statistics matters pertaining to the Union’s specific interests or of mutual interest between the Union and third countries;

Amendment  38

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

ANNEX Ia

 

INDICATIVE FINANCIAL ALLOCATION FOR THE PERIOD 2014-2020

 

The breakdown by specific objective of the total financial reference amount (EUR 1 131 000 000) shall be as follows:

 

Objective No 1 (implementing the international dimension of the “Europe 2020” strategy): 48%;

 

Objective No 2 (improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies): 25%;

 

Objective No 3 (enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene): 18%;

 

Unallocated reserve (to be programmed between the three objectives according to the needs): 5%; and

 

Administrative support expenditure: 4%.

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries.

References

COM(2011)0843 – C7-0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

AFET

 

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

INTA

 

Associated committee(s) - date announced in plenary

24.5.2012

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Laima Liucija Andrikienė

29.2.2012

Discussed in committee

27.3.2012

29.5.2012

 

 

Date adopted

21.6.2012

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

24

4

2

Members present for the final vote

William (The Earl of) Dartmouth, Laima Liucija Andrikienė, John Attard-Montalto, Maria Badia i Cutchet, Daniel Caspary, María Auxiliadora Correa Zamora, Marielle de Sarnez, Harlem Désir, Yannick Jadot, Metin Kazak, Franziska Keller, Bernd Lange, David Martin, Paul Murphy, Cristiana Muscardini, Franck Proust, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl, Niccolò Rinaldi, Helmut Scholz, Peter Šťastný, Gianluca Susta, Iuliu Winkler, Paweł Zalewski

Substitute(s) present for the final vote

Amelia Andersdotter, George Sabin Cutaş, Syed Kamall, Elisabeth Köstinger, Marietje Schaake, Konrad Szymański, Jarosław Leszek Wałęsa, Pablo Zalba Bidegain

Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote

Richard Ashworth, Françoise Castex, Philip Claeys, Marielle Gallo

OPINION of the Committee on Development (5.6.2012)

for the Committee on Foreign Affairs

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries
(COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD))

Rapporteur: Enrique Guerrero Salom

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The New Partnership Instrument (NPI) replaces the Financing Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialized and other high income countries and territories. The NPI will allow the EU to develop broad based agreements with emerging economies, stimulating efforts from these countries to build up collective approaches to tackle global challenges, implementing the international dimension of the "Europe 2020".

The rapporteur points out that the Article 208 of the Lisbon Treaty requires the EU to take account of development cooperation objectives. Taking this into consideration, the rapporteur presents the following comments regarding the Commission proposal for a regulation:

· Recalls that emerging economies have an increasing responsibility towards LDCs and developing countries;

· Considers that the EU needs to take into consideration the heterogeneity of countries classified as emerging economies; the rapporteur recalls that over 70 % of world's poor people live now in MICs;

· Underlines that effective coordination and coherent approach with other EU external instruments, in particular the DCI, should have particular relevance;

· Stresses that the promotion of human rights, democracy, rule of law, good governance, inclusive and sustainable growth as well as poverty eradication and free and fair trade are basic principles of the EU that should received strengthen support in the implementation of NPI;

· Underlines the importance of identifying specific targets and reporting on their achievement;

· Strongly recommends the implementation of effective monitoring mechanisms, transparent indicators and benchmarks, which must take into account social cohesion and fight against inequalities when cooperating with MICs;

· Recalls the importance of engaging the European Parliament in all phases of this process;

· Stresses that Climate action and energy efficiency should be tracked with clear methodology;

· Considers that increased cooperation with private sector should be pursued with full transparency and accountability, respect and promotion of labour rights and environmental protection; Stresses also that investment projects supported by EU mechanisms for blending grants and loans must be subject to monitoring and impact studies of internationally agreed social and environmental standards.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(9) Notwithstanding the specific focus on global players, the scope of this Regulation should be worldwide enabling to support cooperation measures with developing countries where the Union has significant interests in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation.

(9) Notwithstanding the specific focus on global players, the scope of this Regulation should be worldwide enabling to support cooperation measures with developing countries where there are significant mutual interests in accordance with the objectives of this Regulation. Consideration ought therefore to be given to the overseas countries and territories associated with the Union throughout the world, in order in particular to enhance knowledge and understanding of the Union and improve its visibility in third countries.

Amendment  2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) In particular, fighting climate change is recognised as one of the great challenges which the Union faces and the area where urgent international action is necessary. In accordance with the intent stated in the Commission Communication “A budget for Europe 2020” of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20%, this Regulation should contribute to that goal.

(12) Eradicating poverty and fighting climate change are recognised as being the two great challenges which the Union faces and the areas where urgent international action is necessary. In accordance with the intent stated in the Commission Communication “A budget for Europe 2020” of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20%, this Regulation should inter alia contribute to that goal.

Amendment  3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) The Union is committed to helping to meet the global 2020 biodiversity targets and to deliver on the associated Strategy for resource mobilisation.

(13) The Union is committed to helping to meet the global 2020 biodiversity targets and to deliver on the associated Strategy for resource mobilisation and their sustainable integrated management.

Amendment  4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14) Under this Regulation, the Union should support the implementation of the “Europe 2020” strategy, in particular objectives relating to climate change, the transition to a greener economy and resource efficiency, trade and investment, business and regulatory cooperation with third countries, and should promote public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities.

(14) Under this Regulation, the Union should support the implementation of the “Europe 2020” strategy, in particular objectives relating to poverty eradication, climate change, the transition to a greener economy and efficient use of natural resources, trade and investment, business and regulatory cooperation with third countries, policy coherence for development, and should promote public diplomacy, good financial and tax governance, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities, notably in regard to access to healthcare for women and children.

Amendment  5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation it is necessary to pursue a differentiated and flexible approach by developing models for cooperation with key partner countries which take into account their economic, social and political contexts and also the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies, whilst maintaining the ability to intervene all over the world wherever needed.

(16) In order to achieve the objectives of this Regulation it is necessary to pursue a differentiated and flexible approach by developing models for cooperation with key partner countries and principles of good governance which prevent corruption and which take into account their economic, social and political contexts and also the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies, whilst maintaining the ability to intervene all over the world wherever needed.

Amendment  6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(16a) The EU should ensure greater transparency and appropriate scrutiny of the cooperation programmes to deliver value for money.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17) The Union should be able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and /or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promote its interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

(17) The Union should be able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and /or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promote mutual interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

Amendment  8

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) This Regulation establishes a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries to advance and promote EU and mutual interests. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures that respond in an effective and flexible manner to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries and address challenges of global concern.

(1) This Regulation establishes a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries to advance and promote mutual interests, based on respect for all human rights, promoting shared values and interest and the principle of mutual accountability. The Partnership Instrument shall support measures that respond in an effective, transparent and flexible manner to objectives arising from the Union's bilateral, regional or multilateral relationships with third countries and address, on the basis of mutual respect, challenges of global concern.

Amendment  9

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point (a)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) implementing the international dimension of the “Europe 2020” strategy by supporting Union’s bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern such as energy security, climate change and environment. This objective shall be measured by the uptake of the “Europe 2020” policies and objectives by key partner countries;

(a) implementing the international dimension of the “Europe 2020” strategy by supporting the Union’s bilateral, regional and inter-regional cooperation partnership strategies, by promoting policy dialogues and by developing principles of good governance and collective approaches and responses to challenges of global concern such as the promotion of social cohesion, secure and sustainable energy and energy efficiency, climate change and, job creation, food security, poverty eradication and environmental protection, as well as sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystems; this objective shall be measured by “Europe 2020” policies and partner country priorities;

Amendment  10

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point (b)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies by means of economic partnerships and business and regulatory cooperation. This objective shall be measured by the Union’s share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investments flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation;

(b) improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies by means of economic partnerships and by business and legal and taxation regulatory cooperation, in order to create fertile ground for the enhancement of competitiveness and development, and according to international standards on Corporate Social Responsibility. This objective shall be measured by the Union’s share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investments flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation; blending facilities shall be subject to mechanisms, monitoring and impact studies that include the social cohesion and fight against inequalities dimension;

Amendment  11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities to promote Union's values and interests. This objective may be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities to promote the Union's values and interests. Projects carried out in this regard should meet results-based criteria and also be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

Amendment  12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) All third countries, regions and territories may be eligible for cooperation under this Regulation.

(1) All third countries, regions and territories, including the ones associated with the Union (OTC), may be eligible for cooperation under this Regulation. Relevant best practices and lessons learned from the previous Instruments should be taken into account when deciding on the eligibility of countries and sectors.

Amendment  13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) However, this Regulation shall primarily support cooperation measures with developed and developing countries which play an increasingly prominent role in the international economy and trade, in multilateral fora, in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern and where the Union has significant interests.

(2) However, this Regulation shall primarily support cooperation measures with developed and developing countries which play an increasingly prominent role in the international economy and trade, in multilateral fora, in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern and where the Union has significant interests. Added value of EU action needs also to be the driver of our cooperation with strategic partners.

Amendment  14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on which it is founded by means of dialogue and cooperation with third countries.

(1) The Union seeks to promote, develop and consolidate the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, rule of law and good governance, alongside inclusive and sustainable growth on which it is founded, by means of dialogue and cooperation with third countries.

Amendment  15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) To enhance the impact of the Union’s assistance, a differentiated and flexible approach shall be pursued, where appropriate, in designing cooperation with partner countries to take account of their economic, social and political contexts as and also of the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

(2) To enhance the impact of the Union’s assistance, a differentiated, flexible and targeted approach shall be pursued, where appropriate, in designing cooperation with partner countries to take account of their economic, social and political contexts, the requirement for good administrative and tax governance, as and also of the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies; bilateral cooperation with MICs should pay special attention to the fight against inequalities by targeting aid by sector, activities, beneficiaries or specific geographic areas in a country.

Amendment  16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) Within their respective spheres of competence, the Union and the Member States shall promote a multilateral approach to global challenges and shall foster cooperation with international or regional organisations and bodies, including international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, OECD, and the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20) and other bilateral donors.

(3) Within their respective spheres of competence, the Union and the Member States shall promote a coherent multilateral approach to global challenges and shall foster cooperation with international or regional organisations and bodies, including international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, OECD, and the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G20) and other bilateral donors.

Amendment  17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure coherence and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union’s policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures.

(4) In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure policy coherence for development, complementarity, more effectiveness and impact, and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures.

Amendment  18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(5) Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and the third countries and regions concerned, and shall also relate to areas linked to the Union's specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

(5) Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and the third countries and regions concerned, and shall also relate to areas linked to mutual policy priorities and strategies of interest to the Union and the partner country concerned.

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries.

References

COM(2011)0843 – C7-0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

AFET

 

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

DEVE

17.1.2012

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Enrique Guerrero Salom

25.4.2012

Discussed in committee

14.5.2012

 

 

 

Date adopted

4.6.2012

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

22

0

3

Members present for the final vote

Thijs Berman, Ricardo Cortés Lastra, Corina Creţu, Véronique De Keyser, Nirj Deva, Leonidas Donskis, Charles Goerens, Eva Joly, Filip Kaczmarek, Gay Mitchell, Norbert Neuser, Birgit Schnieber-Jastram, Michèle Striffler, Alf Svensson, Keith Taylor, Ivo Vajgl, Iva Zanicchi

Substitute(s) present for the final vote

Emer Costello, Enrique Guerrero Salom, Fiona Hall, Edvard Kožušník, Judith Sargentini, Horst Schnellhardt, Patrizia Toia

Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote

Marisa Matias

OPINION of the Committee on Budgets (11.6.2012)

for the Committee on Foreign Affairs

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries
(COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD))

Rapporteur: Jan Kozłowski

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The proposed Partnership Instrument (PI) is going to replace the existing financing Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialised and other high income countries and territories (ICI), which has been the EU's main mechanism for cooperation with the developed countries since 2007.

The Commission proposal aims at overcoming some of the drawbacks shown by the ICI by providing the EU with a genuine instrument for co-operation with new emerging economies and will pursue the following objectives:

· implement the external dimension of the "Europe 2020" strategy, by giving it a global reach; particular emphasis would be placed on the low carbon future and sustainable development objectives;

· improvement of the market access and development of trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies (and SMEs in particular) by means of economic partnership and business and regulatory cooperation, especially in relation to strategic economic partners;

· enhancement of EU's public visibility and role in the world scene;

· dialogue and co-operation with key global energy producers and consumers in order to address the challenges of safeguarding EU's energy security.

The Commission proposed a budgetary allocation of EUR 1 billion for the PI for 2014 - 2020 in constant 2011 prices. The amount available to ICI and ICI + for the current MFF equalled EUR 304 million in constant 2011 prices.

Although the proposal provides a stepping stone in the direction of simplification of the regulatory system and enhanced access to EU assistance for partner countries and beneficiaries, your Rapporteur would like to point out some of the persisting problems:

· The need for more coherence and coordination of various forms of funding to avoid overlaps

· Full integration of the Budgetary authority in decision-making and implementation, where EU budget spending is involved

· More coordination with the provisions of the Financial Regulation

· Rightful allocation of EU money, through precision as to whether or not performance reserves should be set under this instrument, and the rules for their application.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1

Draft legislative resolution

Paragraph 1a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

1a. Points out that the financial envelope specified in the legislative proposal constitutes only an indication to the legislative authority and can not be fixed until agreement is reached on the proposal for a regulation laying down the Multiannual Financial Framework for the years 2014-2020;

Amendment  2

Draft legislative resolution

Paragraph 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

1b. Recalls its resolution of 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe1; reiterates that sufficient additional resources are needed in the next Multiannual Financial Framework in order to enable the Union to fulfil its existing policy priorities and the new tasks provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, as well as to respond to unforeseen events; points out that even with an increase in the level of resources for the next MFF of at least 5% compared to the 2013 level only a limited contribution can be made to the achievement of the Union's agreed objectives and commitments and the principle of Union solidarity; challenges the Council, if it does not share this approach, to clearly identify which of its political priorities or projects could be dropped altogether, despite their proven European added value;

 

________________

 

1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.

Amendment  3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1) Whereas this Regulation should lay down, for the entire duration of the instrument, a financial envelope constituting the prime reference, within the meaning of point [] of the Interinstitutional Agreement of XX/201Z between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure;

Amendment  4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1a) Whereas improving implementation and quality of spending should constitute guiding principles for achieving the objectives of the instrument while ensuring optimal use of the financial resources;

Amendment  5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital -1b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(-1b) Whereas it is important to ensure sound financial management of the instrument and its implementation in the most effective and user-friendly manner possible, while also ensuring legal certainty and the accessibility of the instrument to all participants.

Amendment  6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) The EU needs a financial instrument of global scope allowing the financing of measures that might not qualify as ODA but which are crucially important for deepening and consolidating its relations with the partner countries concerned, in particular through policy dialogues and development of partnerships.

(8) The EU needs a financial instrument of global scope allowing the financing of measures that might not qualify as ODA but which are crucially important for deepening and consolidating its relations with the partner countries concerned, in particular through policy dialogues and development of strategic partnerships.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) The Union is committed to helping to meet the global 2020 biodiversity targets and to deliver on the associated Strategy for resource mobilisation.

(13) The Union is committed to helping to meet the global 2020 biodiversity targets and to ensuring the success of the associated Strategy for resource mobilisation.

Amendment  8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15) Promotion of diversified cooperation and partnership initiatives within a single instrument should, furthermore, allow economies of scale, synergy effects, greater effectiveness, more streamlined decision-making and management and a high degree of visibility for the Union’s external action.

(15) Promotion of diversified cooperation and partnership initiatives within a single instrument should, furthermore, allow economies of scale, reduce the risk of overlaps with other external and internal instruments, synergy effects, greater effectiveness, more streamlined decision-making and management and a high degree of visibility for the Union’s external action.

Amendment  9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(16a) In its resolution of 8 June 2011 on Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe1, the European Parliament noted "that the highest percentage of the world's poorest people lives in emerging economies" and insisted "however, in order to incite these governments to better engage in poverty reduction within their own borders, that alternative schemes for development cooperation with these countries, such as co-financing, should be gradually introduced".

 

__________________

 

1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0266.

Justification

A reference to paragraph 118 from the resolution 8 June 2011 on "Investing in the future: a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for a competitive, sustainable and inclusive Europe" should be made.

Amendment  10

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities to promote Union's values and interests. This objective may be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

(c) enhancing widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene by means of public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation, outreach activities to promote Union's values and interests and support for civil society organisations and social partners . This objective may be measured, inter alia, by opinion surveys or evaluations.

Amendment  11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – Paragraph 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

4a. In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure that the support towards third countries also finances global public goods, exchanges of best practices in the political, governance, economic and social field, public diplomacy and people to people contacts and is not to the disadvantage of the Union's objectives for growth-oriented EU agenda to modernise the economy, boost competitiveness, improve conditions for SMEs and tackle youth unemployment;

Amendment  12

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – Paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and the third countries and regions concerned, and shall also relate to areas linked to the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

5. Measures financed under this Regulation shall be based, where appropriate, on cooperation policies set out in instruments such as agreements, declarations and action plans between the Union and international organisations, the third countries and regions concerned, and shall also relate to areas linked to the Union’s specific interests, policy priorities and strategies.

Amendment  13

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – Paragraph 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. Union support under this Regulation shall be implemented in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation.

6. Union support under this Regulation shall be implemented in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation and the Financial Regulation.

Amendment  14

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – Paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The multiannual indicative programmes shall also set out the priority areas selected for financing by the Union and shall outline the indicative financial allocation of funds, both overall, per priority area and per partner country or group of partner countries for the period concerned including the participation in global initiatives; these amounts may, where appropriate, be expressed in the form of a range.

3. The multiannual indicative programmes shall also set out the priority areas selected for financing by the Union and shall outline the indicative financial allocation of funds, both overall, per priority area and per partner country or group of partner countries for the period concerned including the participation in global initiatives, without prejudice to the powers of the budgetary authority; these amounts may, where appropriate, be expressed in the form of a range.

Amendment  15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – Paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. A Reserve for unallocated funds may be established in the multi-annual indicative programmes. The allocation of these funds shall be decided in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation.

5. A Reserve for unallocated funds may be established in the multi-annual indicative programmes. The allocation of these funds shall be decided in accordance with the Common Implementing Regulation, without prejudice to prerogatives of the budgetary authority .

Justification

Although this Article concerns "indicative" financial allocations, which are to be decided in the budgetary process, your Rapporteur finds it necessary for the Parliament to have a more explicit position on content of the funds that remain unallocated.

Amendment  16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – Paragraph 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

5a. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 7 in order to define detailed areas of cooperation for the unallocated funds within the objectives and scope set out in Articles 1 and 2.

Justification

Although this Article concerns "indicative" financial allocations, which are to be decided in the budgetary process, your Rapporteur finds it necessary for the Parliament to have a more explicit position on content of the funds that remain unallocated.

Amendment  17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – Paragraph 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. The examination procedure referred in paragraph (1) shall not apply to nonsubstantial modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, making technical adjustments, reassigning funds within the indicative allocations per priority area or increasing or decreasing the size of the initial overall allocation by less than 20%, provided that these modifications do not affect the priority areas and objectives set out in the multi-annual indicative programmes. Such adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council.

6. The examination procedure referred in paragraph (1) shall not apply to nonsubstantial modifications to multiannual indicative programmes, making technical adjustments, reassigning funds within the indicative allocations per priority area or increasing or decreasing the size of the initial overall allocation within the relevant percentage limit set out in Article 2(2) of the Common Implementing Regulation, provided that these modifications do not affect the priority areas and objectives set out in the multi-annual indicative programmes. Such adjustments shall be communicated within one month to the European Parliament and to the Council.

Amendment  18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

Article 5a

 

Coherence and complementarity of Union assistance

 

1. In implementing this Regulation, coherence shall be ensured with other areas and instruments of the Union external action, as well as other relevant Union policies.

 

2. The Union and the Member States shall coordinate their respective support programmes with the aim of increasing the effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of support and policy dialogue in line with the established principles for strengthening operational coordination in the field of external support, and for harmonizing policies and procedures. Coordination shall involve regular consultations and frequent exchanges of relevant information during the different phases of the support cycle.

 

3. The Union shall, in liason with the Member States, take the necessary steps to ensure proper coordination and cooperation with multilateral and regional organisations and entities, including, but not limited to European financial institutions, international financial institutions, United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, private and political foundations and non-EU donors.

Amendment  19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – Paragraph -1 (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

-1. The power to adopt delegated acts is conferred to the Commission subject to the conditions laid down in this Article.

Amendment  20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – Paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The delegation of powers referred to in Article 4 shall be conferred for the period of validity of this Regulation.

1. The delegation of powers referred to in Article 4 and Article 5 shall be conferred for the period of validity of this Regulation.

Amendment  21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – Paragraph 2 – Subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the "Erasmus for All" Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Preaccession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the "Erasmus for All" Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

2. As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the "Erasmus for All" Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount corresponding to 2% of the financial allocations available for the participating instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Preaccession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the "Erasmus for All" Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

Amendment  22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(2a) The EU’s financial interests will be protected by means of proportionate measures throughout the expenditure cycle, including the prevention, detection and investigation of irregularities, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, penalties. These measures will be carried out in accordance with the applicable agreements concluded with international organisations and third countries.

Note: the article in the German version of the Commission proposal is structured differently from the other language versions (three paragraphs as opposed to two, with paragraph 2 having two subparagraphs).

 

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries.

References

COM(2011)0843 – C7-0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

AFET

 

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

BUDG

17.1.2012

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Jan Kozłowski

29.2.2012

Discussed in committee

29.3.2012

 

 

 

Date adopted

31.5.2012

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

31

3

3

Members present for the final vote

Marta Andreasen, Richard Ashworth, Francesca Balzani, Zuzana Brzobohatá, Jean-Luc Dehaene, James Elles, Göran Färm, José Manuel Fernandes, Eider Gardiazábal Rubial, Salvador Garriga Polledo, Jens Geier, Ivars Godmanis, Lucas Hartong, Jutta Haug, Sidonia Elżbieta Jędrzejewska, Anne E. Jensen, Ivailo Kalfin, Sergej Kozlík, Jan Kozłowski, Alain Lamassoure, Claudio Morganti, Juan Andrés Naranjo Escobar, Nadezhda Neynsky, Dominique Riquet, Alda Sousa, László Surján, Jacek Włosowicz

Substitute(s) present for the final vote

François Alfonsi, Alexander Alvaro, Charles Goerens, Edit Herczog, Jürgen Klute, María Muñiz De Urquiza, Jan Olbrycht, Paul Rübig, Peter Šťastný, Gianluca Susta

OPINION of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (21.6.2012)

for the Committee on International Trade

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries
(COM(2011)0843 – C7‑0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD))

Rapporteur: Niki Tzavela

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The Partnership Instrument (PI) aims to implement the international dimension of Europe 2020 strategy by supporting EU bilateral, regional and inter-regional partnerships, improve market access and develop trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies and increase EU visibility worldwide. It shall replace the financing Instrument for Cooperation with Industrialised and other high income countries and territories (ICI), extend its scope and geographic coverage to all third countries. By its set objectives and scope the PI is considered as an element of support for the external projection of EU internal policies. As such the future instrument should complement actions conducted under other EU programmes including Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the Competitiveness and SME Programme which come into field of competences of the ITRE Committee.

While the geographic coverage and its general policy objectives are likely to make the Partnership Instrument very flexible, particular attention should be paid to avoid generating confusion among the potential applicants. The draftswoman has acknowledged the intention of the Commission to use delegated acts in order to adjust the areas of cooperation laid out in an annex of the PI. Although she agrees that this is a means to respond swiftly to future economic challenges, she reckons that the proposed wording of the annex is very comprehensive and drafted in general terms therefore making it possible to have it integrated in the text of the Regulation without impeding on its flexibility.

Having in mind the considerations above, the amendments proposed to the draft Regulation on the Partnership Instrument are meant to bring further clarifications as far as its ability to complement actions under other EU programmes is concerned. The Draftswoman considers that duplication of efforts should be avoided in order to maximise the effect of the financial support under the PI. Likewise, she suggests amendments to the annex of the PI which outlines the areas of cooperation as she believes that certain fields of activities within ITRE sphere of competence, namely, research and innovation, energy security, industry and enterprise or information and communication technologies need further emphasis.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Amendment  1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) Furthermore, since 2007 the Union has strengthened and deepened its cooperation and partnership with developing and transition countries in Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America and with Iraq, Iran, Yemen and South Africa on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (DCI).

(3) Furthermore, since 2007 the Union has strengthened and deepened its cooperation and partnership with developing and transition countries in Latin America, Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and South Africa, on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (DCI).

Justification

Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation does not mention any other country except for South Africa. In line with the content of the current Regulation, it is important to avoid specificities, allowing a wide range of countries access to the financing instrument, while also ensuring legislative coherence.

Amendment  2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) Furthermore, the Union has been strengthening its bilateral relations with other increasingly prominent middle-income developing countries in Asia and Latin America by expanding cooperation partnership and policy dialogues to areas and subjects beyond development cooperation. In the case of Russia, relations have also evolved, including through the Union-Russia Partnership for Modernisation, underlining the importance of Russia as a strategic partner for the Union both in bilateral relations and in global affairs.

(6) Furthermore, the Union has been strengthening its bilateral relations with other increasingly prominent middle-income developing countries in Asia and Latin America by expanding cooperation partnership and policy dialogues to areas and subjects beyond development cooperation. In the case of Russia, relations have also evolved, including through initiatives such as the Union-Russia Partnership for Modernisation and the EU-Russia energy dialogue, underlining the importance of Russia as a strategic partner for the Union both in bilateral relations and in global affairs.

Amendment  3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) It is in the Union's interest to deepen its relations with partners who are playing an increasingly important role in the international economy and trade, in south-south trade and cooperation, in multilateral fora including Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G 20), in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern. The Union needs to build comprehensive partnerships with new players on the international scene, in order to promote a stable and inclusive international order, pursue common global public goods, defend core interests of the Union and increase knowledge of the Union in these countries.

(7) It is in the Union's interest to deepen its relations with partners who are playing an increasingly important role in the international economy and trade, in south-south trade and cooperation, in the management of resources and energy markets, in multilateral fora including Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G 20), in global governance and in addressing challenges of global concern. The Union needs to build comprehensive partnerships with new players on the international scene, in order to promote a stable and inclusive international order, pursue common global public goods, defend core interests of the Union and increase knowledge of the Union in these countries.

Amendment  4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) The EU needs a financial instrument of global scope allowing the financing of measures that might not qualify as ODA but which are crucially important for deepening and consolidating its relations with the partner countries concerned, in particular through policy dialogues and development of partnerships.

(8) The EU needs a financial instrument of global scope allowing the financing of measures that might not qualify as ODA but which are crucially important for deepening and consolidating its relations with the partner countries concerned, in particular through policy dialogues and partnerships, as well as the development of key projects of mutual interest.

Amendment  5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(10a) Actions under this Regulation can complement the external dimension of internal policies implemented under other Union programmes (such as the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and the Competitiveness and SME Programme), while ensuring that any duplication is avoided.

Justification

It is important to create synergies between the EU and third countries, particularly taking into account EU programmes such as Horizon 2020 and other programmes for SMEs.

Amendment  6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) In particular, fighting climate change is recognised as one of the great challenges which the Union faces and the area where urgent international action is necessary. In accordance with the intent stated in the Commission Communication ‘A budget for Europe 2020’ of increasing the climate related proportion of the Union budget to at least 20%, this Regulation should contribute to that goal.

(12) Fighting climate change is recognised as one of the global challenges and an area where urgent international action is necessary. Therefore, the Union should act with a view to securing a global deal on tackling climate change.

Amendment  7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14) Under this Regulation, the Union should support the implementation of the “Europe 2020” strategy, in particular objectives relating to climate change, the transition to a greener economy and resource efficiency, trade and investment, business and regulatory cooperation with third countries, and should promote public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities.

(14) Under this Regulation, the Union should support the implementation of the “Europe 2020” strategy, in particular objectives relating to climate change, security of energy supply, the transition to a greener economy and resource efficiency, science, research and innovation, trade and investment, business and regulatory cooperation with third countries and better market access for European companies, and should promote public diplomacy, education/academic cooperation and outreach activities.

Amendment  8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17) The Union should be able to respond in a flexible and timely manner to evolving and /or unforeseen needs in order to make its commitment to promote its interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

(17) The Union should be able to respond in a tailor-made and timely manner to evolving needs and /or unforeseen events in order to make its commitment to promote its interests in its relations with third countries more effective, by adopting special measures not covered by multi-annual indicative programmes.

Amendment  9

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies by means of economic partnerships and business and regulatory cooperation. This objective shall be measured by the Union's share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investments flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation;

(b) improving market access and developing trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, by means of economic partnerships and business and regulatory cooperation. This objective shall be measured by the Union's share in foreign trade with key partner countries and by trade and investments flows to partner countries specifically targeted by actions, programmes and measures under this Regulation. Special attention shall be paid to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises within the Union and their internationalisation, bearing in mind their role in the Union's economy;

Amendment  10

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) In implementing this Regulation, the Union shall aim to ensure coherence and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union’s policies when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures.

(4) In implementing this Regulation and when formulating policy, strategic planning and programming and implementing measures, the Union shall aim to ensure coherence and consistency with other areas of its external action, in particular the Development Cooperation Instrument for developing countries, and with other relevant Union’s policies and programmes.

Amendment  11

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

2. As referred to in Article 13, paragraph 2 of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation, in order to promote the international dimension of higher education, an indicative amount of EUR 1 812 100 000 from the different external instruments (Development Cooperation Instrument, European Neighbourhood Instrument, Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, Partnership Instrument and the European Development Fund), will be allocated to actions of learning mobility to or from non EU countries, also encompassing the business sector, and to cooperation and policy dialogue with authorities/institutions/organisations from these countries. The provisions of the ‘Erasmus for All’ Regulation will apply to the use of those funds.

Amendment  12

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ea) support for actions aimed at addressing the challenges of the Union's energy security, advancing the Energy Roadmap 2050 agenda and promoting transparency and predictability on global energy markets and the transfer of technology;

Amendment  13

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(eb) the promotion of partnerships, initiatives and actions designed to enhance the competitiveness of the Union's industrial sector and of initiatives capable of strengthening the Union's research and innovation performance as well as the advancement of its digital agenda;

Amendment  14

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point e c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

 

(ec) the promotion of, and support for, initiatives and actions designed to create real functioning markets, and the removal of red tape and trade barriers, with the aim of boosting the Union's competitive advantage;

Amendment  15

Proposal for a regulation

Annex – point f

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f) the promotion of initiatives and actions of Union or mutual interest in areas such as climate change, environmental matters including biodiversity, resource efficiency, raw materials, energy, transport, science, research and innovation, employment and social policy, sustainable development, including promotion of decent work, and corporate social responsibility, south-south trade and cooperation, education, culture, tourism, information and communication technologies, health, justice, customs, taxation, financial, statistics and any other matter pertaining to the Union’s specific interests or of mutual interest between the Union and third countries;

(f) the promotion of initiatives, actions and projects of Union or mutual interest in areas such as climate change, environmental matters including biodiversity, resource efficiency, raw materials, transport, employment and social policy, sustainable development, including promotion of decent work, and corporate social responsibility, south-south trade and cooperation, education, culture, tourism, health, justice, customs, taxation, financial, statistics and any other matter pertaining to the Union’s specific interests or of mutual interest between the Union and third countries;

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries.

References

COM(2011)0843 – C7-0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

AFET

 

 

 

 

Opinion by

       Date announced in plenary

ITRE

17.1.2012

Rapporteur

       Date appointed

Niki Tzavela

7.3.2012

Discussed in committee

24.4.2012

 

 

 

Date adopted

19.6.2012

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

50

1

1

Members present for the final vote

Amelia Andersdotter, Josefa Andrés Barea, Zigmantas Balčytis, Ivo Belet, Bendt Bendtsen, Reinhard Bütikofer, Maria Da Graça Carvalho, Giles Chichester, Jürgen Creutzmann, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Christian Ehler, Vicky Ford, Gaston Franco, Adam Gierek, Norbert Glante, Fiona Hall, Roger Helmer, Kent Johansson, Romana Jordan, Krišjānis Kariņš, Lena Kolarska-Bobińska, Philippe Lamberts, Bogdan Kazimierz Marcinkiewicz, Marisa Matias, Jaroslav Paška, Aldo Patriciello, Vittorio Prodi, Miloslav Ransdorf, Teresa Riera Madurell, Michèle Rivasi, Paul Rübig, Salvador Sedó i Alabart, Francisco Sosa Wagner, Konrad Szymański, Patrizia Toia, Ioannis A. Tsoukalas, Claude Turmes, Niki Tzavela, Marita Ulvskog, Vladimir Urutchev, Adina-Ioana Vălean, Kathleen Van Brempt, Alejo Vidal-Quadras, Henri Weber

Substitute(s) present for the final vote

António Fernando Correia de Campos, Jolanta Emilia Hibner, Seán Kelly, Werner Langen, Mario Pirillo, Peter Skinner, Lambert van Nistelrooij

Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a Partnership Instrument for cooperation with third countries.

References

COM(2011)0843 – C7-0495/2011 – 2011/0411(COD)

Date submitted to Parliament

7.12.2011

 

 

 

Committee responsible

       Date announced in plenary

AFET

 

 

 

 

Committee(s) asked for opinion(s)

       Date announced in plenary

DEVE

17.1.2012

INTA

 

BUDG

17.1.2012

ITRE

17.1.2012

Associated committee(s)

       Date announced in plenary

INTA

24.5.2012

 

 

 

Rapporteur(s)

       Date appointed

Antonio López-Istúriz White

14.12.2011

 

 

 

Previous rapporteur(s)

Mario Mauro

 

 

 

Discussed in committee

9.7.2012

 

 

 

Date adopted

5.12.2013

 

 

 

Result of final vote

+:

–:

0:

47

0

2

Members present for the final vote

Elmar Brok, Jerzy Buzek, Mark Demesmaeker, Michael Gahler, Marietta Giannakou, Ana Gomes, Andrzej Grzyb, Anna Ibrisagic, Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Jelko Kacin, Tunne Kelam, Nicole Kiil-Nielsen, Andrey Kovatchev, Eduard Kukan, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, Vytautas Landsbergis, Ulrike Lunacek, Marusya Lyubcheva, Willy Meyer, María Muñiz De Urquiza, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, Norica Nicolai, Raimon Obiols, Kristiina Ojuland, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Alojz Peterle, Bernd Posselt, Hans-Gert Pöttering, Cristian Dan Preda, Libor Rouček, Tokia Saïfi, José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, György Schöpflin, Werner Schulz, Marek Siwiec, Charles Tannock, Inese Vaidere, Geoffrey Van Orden, Nikola Vuljanić, Sir Graham Watson, Boris Zala

Substitute(s) present for the final vote

Marije Cornelissen, Kinga Gál, Barbara Lochbihler, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Doris Pack, Ivo Vajgl, Paweł Zalewski

Substitute(s) under Rule 187(2) present for the final vote

Hiltrud Breyer

Date tabled

6.12.2013
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