GSP+ monitoring mechanism and GSP+ scorecards

28.11.2013

Question for oral answer O-000133/2013
to the Commission
Rule 115
Vital Moreira
on behalf of the Committee on International Trade

On 28 August 2013 the Commission adopted a delegated act establishing Annex III to Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences.

The GSP regulation features enhanced monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the 27 core conventions. The basic regulation does not lay down specific mechanisms for this monitoring. The GSP+ scorecards developed by the Commission will be the instrument for enhanced monitoring and dialogue with the beneficiary country.

The scorecards will be updated in light of new information, including from sources such as civil society. They will be the basis for dialogue, for the report drafted by the Commission before 2016, and for possible investigations leading to the withdrawal of a beneficiary country from the list.

The quality of these scorecards and any reliable information gathered by the Commission will be decisive in the effectiveness of the monitoring.

1.  Could the Commission explain the modalities of the dialogue with the beneficiary countries?

2.  How will the Commission ensure that beneficiary countries respect their obligations?

3.  How will the Commission ensure that it receives regular information regarding the scorecards from the beneficiary countries and from the relevant monitoring bodies?

4.  What kind of progress will be required from beneficiary countries in order to keep GSP+ status?

5.  How will the Commission ensure that the monitoring mechanism has binding targets and clearly defined deadlines so that the GSP+ mechanism has measurable results?

6.  How will the Commission involve Parliament in a meaningful way in the monitoring process?

7.  How does the Commission view the role of civil society organisations, other than the relevant monitoring bodies, in contributing towards the monitoring process?

Tabled: 28.11.2013

Forwarded: 2.12.2013

Deadline for reply: 9.12.2013