REPORT on the proposal for a Council decision implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as regards the adoption of a Multiannual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012

20.12.2007 - (COM(2007)0515 – C6‑0322/2007 – 2007/0189(CNS)) - *

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Rapporteur: Michael Cashman

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a Council decision on implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as regards the adoption of a Multiannual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012

(COM(2007)0515 – C6‑0322/2007 – 2007/0189(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0515),

–   having regard to Article 5, paragraph 1, of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament,

–   having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

–   having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs and the opinions of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (A6‑0514/2007),

1.  Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.  Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty;

3.  Calls on the Council to notify Parliament if it intends to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

4.  Asks the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

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

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 1 Recital 1
(1) In order for the Agency to carry out its tasks properly the precise thematic areas of its activity are to be determined by a Multiannual Framework covering five years as stipulated in Article 5 (2) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.	(1) In order for the Agency to carry out its tasks properly, and bearing in mind the objectives of the foundation of the Agency, the precise thematic areas of its activity are to be determined by a Multiannual Framework covering five years as stipulated in Article 5 (2) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.
Amendment 2 Recital 2
(2) The Framework should include the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance amongst the thematic areas of the Agency's activity.	(2) The Framework should include the fight against racism, xenophobia and related intolerance amongst the thematic areas of the Agency's activity and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to ethnic or national minorities.
Justification
The Recital (10) of the Council Regulation (EC) No. 168/2007 indicates that not only racism and xenophobia and related intolerances are to be included into the permanent programme of the Agency but the protection of rights of persons belonging to minorities as well.
Amendment 3 Recital 5
(5) The Framework should include provisions with a view of ensuring complementarity with the remit of other Community and Union bodies, offices and agencies, as well as with the Council of Europe and other international organisations active in the field of fundamental rights. The most relevant Community agencies and bodies in relation to this Multiannual Framework are the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Data Protection Supervisor established by Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data , the objectives of which should consequently be taken into account.	(5) The Framework should include provisions with a view of ensuring complementarity with the remit of other Community and Union bodies, offices and agencies, as well as with the Council of Europe and other international organisations active in the field of fundamental rights. The most relevant Community agencies and bodies in relation to this Multiannual Framework are the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality, the European Data Protection Supervisor established by Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data and the European Ombudsman, the objectives and remits of which should consequently be taken into account.
Justification
The European Ombudsman receives complaints coming directly from citizens, which in many cases deal with breaches of fundamental rights and freedoms. The European Ombudsman should therefore be included in the list of other Community and Union bodies with which the FRA's remit is complementary.
Amendment 4 Recital 6 a (new)
	(6a) Taking into account the fact that the Agency may work outside the thematic areas determined in the Multi-annual Framework at the request of the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission in accordance with Article 5 (3) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, provided its financial and human resources so permit.
Amendment 5 Recital 7 a (new)
	(7a) The Framework defines the thematic areas on which the Agency should work, whereas the Agency's tasks are determined by Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, which mentions in particular the task of raising public awareness of fundamental rights and of actively disseminating information about the work of the Agency.
Amendment 6 Recital 7 b (new)
	(7b) All human beings are born equal and therefore human rights are indivisible and inviolable.
Justification
It is essential that this most basic of universal and European values is borne in mind when we consider the defence and promotion of fundamental rights.
Amendment 7 Recital 7 c (new)
	(7c) It is necessary to monitor compliance by the EU institutions and all the Member States with all international human rights conventions to which the Member States are party.
Justification
It is important to reiterate the existing commitments made by Member States and EU institutions in the field of human rights.
Amendment 8 Recital 7 d (new)
	(7d) The Agency should report regularly to the European Parliament.
Amendment 9 Article 1, paragraph 1 a (new)
	1a. The Commission may, at its own initiative or at the initiative of the Council, the European Parliament or the Management Board of the Agency, not earlier than one year after adoption of the Multi-annual Framework, make a proposal to review the Framework in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.
Justification
The idea of the 5-year framework provides stability for the work of the Agency, but there should be a possibility to update or review this framework during this 5 year period as new challenges to the protection of human rights may arise.
Amendment 10 Article 1, paragraph 2 a (new)
	2a. The Commission, the Council and the European Parliament may request the Agency to investigate specific actions or concerns.
Amendment 11 Article 1 a (new)
	Article 1a Tasks The Agency may formulate and publish conclusions and opinions on thematic areas not covered by Article 2 where there are exceptional and compelling circumstances. Under such circumstances, notification of tasks undertaken shall be sent to the Commission, the Council and the European Parliament.
Justification
In order to be consistent with the content of Amendment 7 by the rapporteur, according to which the Agency may undertake tasks in thematic areas not covered by paragraph 2, it is necessary to mention it again under the subheading "Tasks".
Amendment 12 Article 2, introductory part
The thematic areas shall be the following:	In its work in the following thematic areas, without prejudice to Article 1 (2a) and Article 1a, the Agency shall seek to identify the economic, social and cultural factors that contribute to respect for human rights in those areas or which may constitute root causes of violations of human rights:
Justification
This amendment is a consequence of the previous amendments.
Effective protection of human rights, including the promotion of equality and the fight against discrimination requires an understanding of the economic, social and cultural factors that enable rights to be enjoyed and action to address those factors when they constitute root causes of violations.
Amendment 13 Article 2, point (b)
b) discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation or of persons belonging to minorities;	b) discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation or of persons belonging to traditional national and linguistic minorities and any combination of these grounds (multiple discrimination);
Justification
All other types of minorities are covered by the enumeration of the first part of the sentence, except for the traditional national and linguistic minorities. It is very important to correct this omission.
Amendment 14 Article 2, point (j)
(j) access to efficient and independent justice.	(j) access to efficient and independent justice, as regarding the rights of defendants and suspects.
Amendment 15 Article 2, point (j a) (new)
	ja) extreme poverty and social exclusion.
Justification
La pobreza extrema constituye une violación de los derechos humanos y una afrenta intolerable a la dignidad humana (Résolution du 04.10.2001, PE doc. B5-0616, 0627,0635,0644 et 0654/2001). No es posible ignorar la realidad de millones de europeos que no tienen un acceso real a los derechos fundamentales a causa de la pobreza extrema en la que son condenados a vivir. Esto se apoya en los siguientes textos legales: art 21 y 34 Carta de Derechos Fundamentales de la Unión Europea; art 30 de la Carta Social Europea Revisada; "Informe sobre los derechos humanos y la pobreza extrema", del Sr. Leandro Despouy 1996 para Comisión de Derechos Humanos de la ONU; Definición de pobreza extrema dada por Joseph Wresinski en el Informe del Consejo Económico y Social (Francia, febrero 1987); Resolución de la Sub Comisión por la Promoción y la protección des los Derechos Humanos de la ONU, agosto 2006 "Los Principios Directores: pobreza extrema y derechos humanos".
Amendment 16 Article 3, paragraph 1
1. The Agency shall ensure appropriate coordination with relevant Community bodies, offices and agencies, Member States, international organisation and civil society, in the terms established in Articles 7, 8 and 10 of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, for the implementation of this Framework.	1. The Agency shall ensure appropriate co-operation and coordination with relevant Community bodies, offices and agencies, Member States, international organisation and civil society, in the terms established in Articles 7, 8 and 10 of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, for the implementation of this Framework.
Justification
Co-operation provides for additional value in common activities between the human rights bodies than only coordination with each other.
Amendment 17 Article 3, paragraph 2 a (new)
	2a. The Agency shall actively cooperate with candidate countries in the field of fundamental rights in order to facilitate their compliance with Community law.
Amendment 18 Article 3, paragraph 3
3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex only as part of, and to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b), taking into account that the overall objectives of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 shall be to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all Community policies and the resulting national policies, and the fight against discrimination based on sex and to raise EU citizens' awareness of gender equality by providing technical assistance to Community institutions, in particular to the Commission and the authorities of the Member States.	3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex, in particular instances of multiple discrimination, only as part of, and to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b), while respecting the objectives and remit of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006. The arrangements for cooperation between the Agency and the Institute shall be laid down in a memorandum of understanding in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

The rapporteur, as well as the European Parliament as whole, welcomes the establishment of the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) earlier this year. The transformation of the European Monitoring Centre for Racism and Xenophobia into a fully fledged FRA will provide the EU institutions with essential tools to assist the legislators and the European Commission in the defence and further promotion of fundamental rights throughout the EU.

Whilst the rapporteur welcomes and acknowledges the excellent interinstitutional collaboration which led to the adoption of Regulation 168/2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, he is nevertheless disappointed that such collaboration seems less than forthcoming from the other institutions when it comes to the drawing up of the Multiannual Framework (MAF) for the Agency. It seems somewhat ironic that the Commission and the Council Presidency are urging the European Parliament to give its position by the end of 2007 (an extremely short timetable given the delays in submitting and presenting the proposal) when neither the Commission nor the Council appear to see the conclusion of an agreement on this dossier and the nomination of a Director as a priority of paramount importance.

Due to the lengthy negotiations on Regulation 168/2007, the Agency was only officially established on 1st March 2007 (it had been hoped that it would be up and running by 1st January 2007). Despite its official establishment the FRA remains in a void given that it is still lacking the basic elements which would enable it to become fully operational (that is to say a Director and a MAF).

The rapporteur acknowledges the importance of the swift adoption of a MAF for the FRA as well as the nomination of a Director in order to allow the Agency to finally become fully operation and start to serve the EU's institutions and its citizens. To this end, his report expressly seeks to amend the MAF in a minimum number of areas. It is hoped that this signal of good faith on behalf of the rapporteur will facilitate a rapid agreement on the MAF by the EU institutions. This said, the rapporteur would like to urge the Commission and Council to do all they can to speed up the process of selecting candidates for the post of Director as well as accelerating their work on the MAF. This is, in his opinion, essential if we are to ensure the FRA can be active as soon as possible (something which the rapporteur and the EP alike wish to see).

The rapporteur would, of course, welcome and urge the other institutions to involve the European Parliament in this process as much as is possible. This will add legitimacy to both the negotiations on the MAF and the FRA as a body once its programme is agreed.

The Commission and the Council Presidency are the institutions which must show their commitment to fundamental rights, taking the initiative and leadership on this dossier. Whilst the European Parliament is merely being consulted on this dossier, the rapporteur would like to reiterate the indivisibility and inviolability of all fundamental rights as the most important and basic of values within the EU - of defence of which the European Parliament takes very seriously. The European Parliament will continue to scrutinise the other institutions' role in the development of the FRA, its MAF and the work undertaken in the field of the defence and promotion of fundamental rights. Our citizens will not tolerate a weakening or softening of our core values at the expense of short term political, economic or social considerations.

Rapporteur's amendments

As mentioned above the rapporteur has expressly decided to limit his amendments in number in order to facilitate a swift agreement on the dossier with the other institutions. This said, the amendments which he has introduced in his report are of key importance to the European Parliament.

The rapporteur has replicated some of what he sees as key parts of Regulation 168/2007 as amendments in this report. He feels that it is worth clearly restating in the report on the MAF some of the basic elements of the FRA's mandate and the work that it will pursue.

Hence, a new recital 6a which replicates recital 13 of Regulation 168/2007. Also, recital 7a which is a replica of recital 15 of Regulation 168/2007. By clearly stating these points again in this report, the rapporteur seeks to remind the institutions and the FRA itself of the flexibility and options open to the FRA over and above the thematic areas which are prescribed in article 2. This flexibility is essential if the FRA is going to be able to be pro-active as well as reactive towards sudden negative developments or degradation of human rights situations in certain sectors or geographical areas.

The rapporteur's few amendments to the articles are submitted in the same spirit as the amendments to the recitals, namely to recall key aspects of the Regulation establishing the FRA. In this way article 1 a (new) is a direct replication of article 4 of Regulation 168/2007. The rapporteur believes it's essential in a report which looks at the FRA's MAF programme to recall the basic tasks of the Agency.

Similarly, article 1b (new) is taken from article 5 paragraph 3 of Regulation 168/2007. Once again, this is a reminder to all that the FRA is able to undertake tasks over and above those highlighted in the thematic programme (article 2) at the request of the EU institutions.

The other proposed amendments to article 1 further develop this theme. The rapporteur seeks to counter balance the rigid nature of the thematic programme by allowing a more flexible approach under certain circumstances. Flexibility is key to allow the FRA to wholly fulfil its mandate.

Concerning article 2 (thematic areas) the rapporteur has been conscious of not making unrealistic demands on the FRA or the institutions. It is for this reason (and despite many calls to extend the scope of article 2 by adding new areas of competence) that the rapporteur has chosen to make only one minor but important addition to this list. Under point b) the rapporteur has added the notion of "multiple discrimination". With discrimination, sadly, once again on the increase in the EU, it is important that the FRA analyses and looks in detail at the notion of multiple discrimination. People cannot easily be categorised into different groups of society (and arguably shouldn't be given the indivisible nature of fundamental rights for all citizens). Often, however, people find themselves discriminated against and are unsure as to the precise reason why. It could be for one of several reasons or a combination of these reasons (e.g. discrimination against a Jewish woman because of her sex - female - or because of her religion - Jewish or both; or discrimination against a gay Kurdish man because of his ethnic origin - Kurdish - or his sexuality - homosexual or both). The MAF should also cover this type of multiple discrimination in order to assess the extent of the problem and seek to find ways of tackling this complex form of discrimination.

It is also worth mentioning that the rapporteur and the LIBE committee held a hearing with NGOs working in the field of fundamental rights on 18th October 2007. The rapporteur wanted to listen to the views and opinions of civil society prior to producing his draft report. The rapporteur notes that the meeting provided a diverse and exhaustive range of views. Many critical voices were expressed concerning the scope of the thematic areas (article 2) and well as the general lack of ambition and coherence (no global vision or overarching framework) at EU level when it comes to having a co-ordinated, fit for purpose fundamental rights policy.

The rapporteur and NGOs present mentioned the incoherence and illogic nature of having stringent rules of fundamental rights adherence for candidate countries (as part of the Copenhagen criteria) yet no real effective follow up/review mechanism post adhesion to the EU to ensure that Member States continue to implement and enforce human rights legislation and norms as should apply upon accession.

All those who attended the meeting agreed, however, that the best way to serve the citizens when it comes to the defence of fundamental rights is to do all we can to facilitate agreement on the MAF and establish a fully operational FRA as soon as possible.

Conclusion:

The rapporteur welcomes the establishment of the FRA and urges all institutions and stakeholders to take the necessary steps to ensure a coherent and comprehensive MAF programme is established as soon as possible. In conjunction with the swift nomination of a Director for the Agency, the European Parliament hopes that, finally, the FRA will be able to undertake its important and necessary work in the field of fundamental rights in the EU in the very near future.

The European Parliament is keen to play its part in both the drawing up of the MAF and the nomination of the Director. The LIBE committee is planning to hold a hearing of the short listed candidates before the end of the year in order for the EP to have its say in the nomination of the candidate for this important job. Equally, the LIBE committee has undertaken a comprehensive review of all EP resolutions in the field of fundamental rights adopted by the Parliament. The main aim of this is to ensure that the Parliament can effectively monitor and follow up with the FRA on areas of concern which have been raised by the EP in the past. It is hoped that the FRA will work constructively with the EP in this areas should the EP request that the FRA look into potential violations or breaches of fundamental rights based on its recently adopted resolutions.

OPINION of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (29.11.2007)

for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

on the proposal for a Council decision implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as regards the adoption of a Multiannual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012
(COM(2007)0515 – C6‑0322/2007 – 2007/0189(CNS))

Draftsman: Libor Rouček

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The European Parliament has been one of the most important EU institutional actors in the promotion and protection of fundamental and human rights within and outside the European Union. Long overdue, the Agency was finally created in February 2007. However, the Agency cannot function effectively due to the facts that the Multiannual programme has not yet been accepted and the post for a director has still not been filled. Steps should be taken immediately to provide a director and the European Parliament should be involved in that process. The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Commission to take all appropriate measures in order to correct this situation.

As stated in the Council Regulation adopted on 15 February 2007, (EC No 16872007) the primary role of the Agency is to assist the EU institutions and its Member States, when acting within the scope of Community law, to comply with their duty under EU and Community law to respect fundamental rights in their policies. These fundamental rights are reflected in particular in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, bearing in mind its status and the accompanying explanations. According to Article 5 of the Regulation, the thematic areas of activity of the Agency will be determined by the Council through a Multinational Programme.

The main objectives of the draftsperson are:

Refers to its resolution on promotion and protection of fundamental rights and human rights: the role of national and European institutions, including the Fundamental Rights Agency and in particular to its proposals on spreading the principles of the protection of human rights outside the Union;

Supports the measures undertaken in order to avoid duplication of work and in order to ensure appropriate coordination of activities with international organisations active in the field (e.g. the OSCE, UN, and in particular, the Council of Europe);

Takes the view that dialogue on human rights is of significant importance for the Union's relations with third countries; Welcomes the fact that the Agency is open to the participation of candidate countries; Reiterates that the area of stability, security and prosperity cannot be created without dialogue with neighbourhood countries on issues of human rights and democracy and that in that field different institutions should cooperate more effectively;

Considers that the Agency should give assistance to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, once the Reform Treaty comes into force and that this position will be created, in particular where cooperation with third countries in the fields of human rights dialogue, immigration, organised crime or human trafficking is in question;

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Foreign Affairs calls on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Text proposed by the Council	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 20 Recital 7 a (new)
	(7a) The Agency should report regularly to the European Parliament.
Amendment 21 Article 2, point (f)
(f) asylum;	(f) asylum, including the issue of forced return;
Amendment 22 Article 2, point (j a) (new)
	(ja) implications of counter-terrorist measures for fundamental rights within the European Union;
Amendment 23 Article 2, point (j b) (new)
	(jb) the issue of human rights in the trade and development policies of the EU and its relations with third countries.
Amendment 24 Article 3, paragraph 2 a (new)
	2a. The Agency shall actively cooperate with candidate countries in the field of fundamental rights in order to facilitate their alignment to Community law.
Amendment 25 Article 3, paragraph 3
3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex only as part of, and to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b), taking into account that the overall objectives of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 shall be to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all Community policies and the resulting national policies, and the fight against discrimination based on sex and to raise EU citizens' awareness of gender equality by providing technical assistance to Community institutions, in particular to the Commission and the authorities of the Member States.	3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b) and with respect to the need for integration of the issue of gender equality into the EU´s overall approach to fundamental rights, taking into account that the overall objectives of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 shall be to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all Community policies and the resulting national policies, and the fight against discrimination based on sex and to raise EU citizens' awareness of gender equality by providing technical assistance to Community institutions, in particular to the Commission and the authorities of the Member States.

PROCEDURE

Title	Multiannual framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012
References	COM(2007)0515 - C6-0322/2007 - 2007/0189(CNS)
Committee responsible	LIBE
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	AFET 27.9.2007
Drafts(wo)man        Date appointed	Libor Rouček 3.10.2007
Discussed in committee	5.11.2007		27.11.2007
Date adopted	27.11.2007
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	34 1 0
Members present for the final vote	Christopher Beazley, Elmar Brok, Véronique De Keyser, Hanna Foltyn-Kubicka, Ana Maria Gomes, Anna Ibrisagic, Metin Kazak, Helmut Kuhne, Vytautas Landsbergis, Francisco José Millán Mon, Raimon Obiols i Germà, Vural Öger, Cem Özdemir, Ioan Mircea Paşcu, Alojz Peterle, Samuli Pohjamo, Bernd Posselt, Michel Rocard, Libor Rouček, Katrin Saks, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, György Schöpflin, Hannes Swoboda, István Szent-Iványi, Inese Vaidere, Geoffrey Van Orden, Kristian Vigenin, Jan Marinus Wiersma, Josef Zieleniec
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Alexandra Dobolyi, Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Kinga Gál, Jaromír Kohlíček, Aloyzas Sakalas, Luis Yañez-Barnuevo García

OPINION of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (17.12.2007)

for the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

on the proposal for a Council decision implementing Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 as regards the adoption of a Multiannual Framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012
(COM(2007)0515 – C6‑0322/2007 – 2007/0189(CNS))

Draftswoman: Claire Gibault

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality calls on the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, as the committee responsible, to incorporate the following amendments in its report:

Text proposed by the Commission	Amendments by Parliament
Amendment 26 Recital 5
(5) The Framework should include provisions with a view of ensuring complementarity with the remit of other Community and Union bodies, offices and agencies, as well as with the Council of Europe and other international organisations active in the field of fundamental rights. The most relevant Community agencies and bodies in relation to this Multiannual Framework are the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Data Protection Supervisor established by Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data, the objectives of which should consequently be taken into account.	(5) The Framework should include provisions with a view of ensuring complementarity with the remit of other Community and Union bodies, offices and agencies, as well as with the Council of Europe and other international organisations active in the field of fundamental rights. The most relevant Community agencies and bodies in relation to this Multiannual Framework are the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 establishing a European Institute for Gender Equality and the European Data Protection Supervisor established by Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2000 on the protection of individuals with regard to processing of personal data by the Community institutions and bodies and on the free movement of such data, the objectives and remits of which should consequently be taken into account.
Justification
In order to ensure effective management of resources, it is necessary to stipulate that the remit of the European Institute for Gender Equality must also be taken into consideration. This amendment is complementary to the amendment to Article 3(3).
Amendment 27 Article 3, paragraph 3
3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex only as part of, and to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b), taking into account that the overall objectives of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006 shall be to contribute to and strengthen the promotion of gender equality, including gender mainstreaming in all Community policies and the resulting national policies, and the fight against discrimination based on sex and to raise EU citizens' awareness of gender equality by providing technical assistance to Community institutions, in particular to the Commission and the authorities of the Member States.	3. The Agency shall deal with issues relating to discrimination based on sex, in particular instances of multiple discrimination, only as part of, and to the extent relevant to its work to be undertaken on general issues on discrimination referred to in Article 2 point (b), while respecting the objectives and remit of the European Institute for Gender Equality established by Regulation (EC) No 1922/2006. The arrangements for cooperation between the Agency and the Institute shall be laid down in a memorandum of understanding in accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.

PROCEDURE

Title	Multiannual framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012
References	COM(2007)0515 - C6-0322/2007 - 2007/0189(CNS)
Committee responsible	LIBE
Opinion by        Date announced in plenary	FEMM 27.9.2007
Drafts(wo)man        Date appointed	Claire Gibault 16.10.2007
Discussed in committee	21.11.2007		17.12.2007
Date adopted	17.12.2007
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	28 0 0
Members present for the final vote	Edit Bauer, Emine Bozkurt, Věra Flasarová, Claire Gibault, Zita Gurmai, Esther Herranz García, Piia-Noora Kauppi, Pia Elda Locatelli, Doris Pack, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou, Zita Pleštinská, Christa Prets, Karin Resetarits, Eva-Britt Svensson, Anne Van Lancker, Anna Záborská
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Gabriela Creţu, Iratxe García Pérez, Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg, Donata Gottardi, Anna Hedh, Kartika Tamara Liotard, Marusya Ivanova Lyubcheva, Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Maria Petre
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote	Árpád Duka-Zólyomi, Manolis Mavrommatis, Paul Rübig

PROCEDURE

Title	Multiannual framework for the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for 2007-2012
References	COM(2007)0515 - C6-0322/2007 - 2007/0189(CNS)
Date of consulting Parliament	25.9.2007
Committee responsible        Date announced in plenary	LIBE 27.9.2007
Committee(s) asked for opinion(s)        Date announced in plenary	AFET 27.9.2007		FEMM 27.9.2007
Rapporteur(s)        Date appointed	Michael Cashman 11.9.2007
Discussed in committee	3.10.2007		29.11.2007		18.12.2007
Date adopted	18.12.2007
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	45 0 8
Members present for the final vote	Alexander Alvaro, Roberta Angelilli, Mihael Brejc, Kathalijne Maria Buitenweg, Michael Cashman, Giuseppe Castiglione, Giusto Catania, Jean-Marie Cavada, Carlos Coelho, Esther De Lange, Panayiotis Demetriou, Gérard Deprez, Agustín Díaz de Mera García Consuegra, Bárbara Dührkop Dührkop, Claudio Fava, Armando França, Urszula Gacek, Kinga Gál, Patrick Gaubert, Roland Gewalt, Lívia Járóka, Ewa Klamt, Stavros Lambrinidis, Henrik Lax, Roselyne Lefrançois, Sarah Ludford, Jaime Mayor Oreja, Claude Moraes, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Rareş-Lucian Niculescu, Martine Roure, Luciana Sbarbati, Inger Segelström, Csaba Sógor, Søren Bo Søndergaard, Vladimir Urutchev, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Renate Weber, Manfred Weber, Tatjana Ždanoka
Substitute(s) present for the final vote	Inés Ayala Sender, Edit Bauer, Simon Busuttil, Iratxe García Pérez, Genowefa Grabowska, Ignasi Guardans Cambó, Sophia in ‘t Veld, Sylvia-Yvonne Kaufmann, Jean Lambert, Antonio Masip Hidalgo, Bill Newton Dunn, Rainer Wieland
Substitute(s) under Rule 178(2) present for the final vote	Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis, Manuel Medina Ortega