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TUIDA NEWS http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/ en Copyright (c) 2024 Sliven.NET and contributors lkalapchieva@datamplant.com RSS generator of Sliven.NET, version 0.01 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification MEPs in Kyiv call for more support for Ukraine to drive back Russia http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436380 On 25-26 March, MEPs discussed with high-level politicians and civil society representatives in Kyiv the need to step-up EU support for Ukraine. A delegation of prominent MEPs from a number of committees visited Kyiv for talks with high-level representatives of the Ukrainian government, the Chairman and leadership of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and civil society groups. MEPs were warmly received and heard strong messages of gratitude for all the support already provided to Ukraine by the EU. MEPs expressed their firm belief that the EU and the international community must urgently do more and provide Ukraine with all the necessary political, military and economic support to repulse Russia’s aggression and reinstate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. This objective, the MEPs said, can only be met through the quicker, sustained and coordinated delivery of the weapons and ammunition that Ukraine needs, and for as long as it takes, in order to win against Russia. In addition to providing defence capabilities, the delegation also discussed how investing in Ukraine‘s defence industry and preparing for its integration in the European Defence Technological Base is an important longer-term pillar of the EU’s security guarantees for Ukraine. As part of their visit, the European Parliament delegation held meetings with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, General Oleksandr Syrsky, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairs of various Verkhovna Rada committees as well as representatives of all political factions. MEPs also met with representatives of civil society organisations, including from the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Centre for Civil Liberties and groups working on environment and anti-corruption issues. MEPs want Russian assets seized and profits used to boost Ukraine's military capabilities In Kyiv, MEPs also discussed the implementation of the EU’s recently adopted EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility, which aims to support Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s aggression and help with reforms related to the country’s potential EU accession. They underlined that Russia must be held fully accountable for its crimes and pay for the massive damage caused by its war of aggression, including through the confiscation of Russian public assets for the purpose of financing Ukraine’s reconstruction and compensating victims. Work towards establishing a legal basis for the seizure and use of Russian assets must be advanced in a timely manner, the MEPs said. The delegation and their Ukrainian interlocutors also addressed the outcome of the latest EU summit in Brussels, where EU heads of state and government “reviewed progress on the next concrete steps towards directing extraordinary revenues stemming from Russia’s immobilised assets for the benefit of Ukraine, including the possibility of funding military support”. Ending the visit, the Co-Chair of the delegation, David McAllister (EPP, Germany) said: “With our visit to Kyiv, we wanted to clearly demonstrate the European Union’s resolve and determination to continue backing Ukraine. Given the current critical situation, it is imperative that the EU speeds up the provision of necessary support for Ukraine to win the war. Russia must not prevail”. Co-Chair Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), filled in: “Two years into its unprovoked war against Ukraine, Russia’s aggression shows no sign of abating. It is therefore crucial that the EU and its international partners take further steps to weaken the Kremlin’s war effort. We welcome the 13 EU sanctions packages adopted so far but more work must be done. Full and effective sanctions implementation is essential, as is the closure of all loopholes allowing Russia to bypass restrictive measures with the help of third countries”. Apart from Mr McAllister and Mr Lange, the delegation was composed of MEPs Michael Gahler (EPP, Germany), Pascal Canfin (Renew Europe, France), Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe, France), Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (The Greens/EFA, Germany) and Johan Van Overtveldt (ECR, Belgium). lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:10:12 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436380 Statement on the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436328 Opening accession negotiations recognizes progress made, but also confers on Bosnia and Herzegovina a critical responsibility for its future trajectory, say leading MEPs. Following the decision of the European Council to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina Romeo Franz (Greens/EFA, Germany), Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, and Paulo Rangel (EPP, Portugal), Standing Rapporteur for Bosnia and Herzegovina, issued the following statement: We welcome the decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which recognizes progress made, but also confers on Bosnia and Herzegovina a critical responsibility for its future trajectory. The legitimate European aspirations and expectations of its citizens must be matched by a concrete and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 changed the geostrategic outlook of the European Union and prompted it to reprioritise its enlargement policy and its commitment to the Western Balkan countries and their longstanding ambition to become members of the EU. The decision of the European Council should therefore also be seen in the wider context of the compelling new geopolitical realities. As a significant step on the road from Dayton to Brussels, it will require genuine and sustained political consensus, as well as consistent commitment to EU integration reforms. An enabling environment for civil society must also ensure its meaningful involvement throughout the process. As a staunch supporter of enlargement, the European Parliament has continuously encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina in its accession efforts and called for more progress. It has clearly indicated the path to follow and identified the challenges - and challengers - on the road towards success. Since obtaining candidate country status in December 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina resumed political decision-making and worked on much-needed key reforms, thus reaffirming its commitment to its EU integration path, including in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy. Last week’s decision of the European Council is further proof of the determination of the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina to jointly pursue the objective of EU membership. There is still much work ahead, and we expect Bosnia and Herzegovina to work diligently on all outstanding key priorities and steps, notably in the field of democracy, rule of law and the protection of human rights. Accession to the EU must remain a merit-based process, firmly anchored in the Copenhagen criteria. Key reforms cannot be delayed or subject to blockages and political games. Any divisive, inflammatory or secessionist rhetoric and action will damage and endanger the country’s EU integration process. We call on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to prioritise and accelerate work on the fulfilment of the outstanding key priorities, as well as all relevant steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 12 October 2022. As stipulated in the European Council’s conclusions, the completion of work on the steps is a prerequisite for the adoption of the negotiating framework. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:14:51 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436328 Deal to extend trade support for Ukraine with safeguards for EU farmers http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436001 Duties and quotas temporarily suspended for another year for Ukraine Safeguard measures to protect EU farmers in case of market disruptions Emergency break for the most sensitive products On Wednesday, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on extending trade liberalisation measures for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression. The temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU will be renewed for another year, until 5 June 2025, to support Ukraine amidst Russia’s continuing war of aggression. The Commission can take swift action and impose any measures it deems necessary should there be significant disruption to the EU market or the markets of one or more EU countries due to Ukrainian imports. The regulation also provides for an emergency brake for particularly sensitive agricultural products, namely poultry, eggs, and sugar. MEPs secured the expansion of this list to include oats, maize, groats and honey. They also attained firm commitments from the Commission to take action if there is a surge of Ukrainian imports of wheat. The reference period for triggering the emergency brake will be 2022 and 2023, meaning that if imports of these products surpass the average volumes of these two years, tariffs would be re-imposed. EP negotiators also ensured that the Commission would act faster - within 14 days instead of 21 days - if trigger levels for the automatic safeguards were reached. Quote Rapporteur Sandra Kalniete (EPP, LV) said: “Tonight's agreement reinforces the EU’s continued commitment to stand by Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression until Ukraine’s victory. Russia's targeting of Ukraine and its food production also impacts EU farmers. The Parliament heard their concerns, and bolstered safeguard measures that would alleviate the pressure on EU farmers should they be overwhelmed by a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports." Next steps Parliament and Council will now both have to give their final green light to the provisional agreement. The current suspension expires on 5 June 2024. The new regulations should enter into force immediately following this expiration date. Background The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, has ensured that Ukrainian businesses have preferential access to the EU market since 2016. After Russia launched its war of aggression, the EU put in place autonomous trade measures (ATMs) in June 2022, which allow duty-free access for all Ukrainian products to the EU. These measures were extended by one year in 2023. In January, the EU Commission proposed that import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports should be suspended for another year. For Moldova, similar measures were extended for another year after the current measures expire on 24 July 2024. Russia has deliberately targeted Ukrainian food production and Black Sea exporting facilities to undermine the country’s economy and threaten global food security. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:07:17 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436001 Enlargement is a geopolitical necessity, agree MEPs and foreign ministers http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436000 On Tuesday, MEPs on the Committee on Foreign Affairs discussed the future of EU enlargement with ministers, vice-ministers and secretaries of state of EU member states. The EU should begin the accession negotiation process with Ukraine and Moldova in June at the latest, stated several representatives of the member states at the meeting with the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. It is imperative that the EU sets a date to begin negotiations at the European Council this week, stressed Foreign Affairs Minister for Lithuania Gabrielius Landsbergis. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has given EU enlargement new momentum, and the EU should not miss this historic opportunity to incorporate Ukraine and Moldova, as well as Georgia, which became a candidate country in December 2023. The representatives of the member states commended Bosnia and Herzegovina for its good work in the last twelve months in adopting European reforms . Austrian minister Karoline Edtstadler called on the EU to deliver on its promises from last December (to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina) and to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in maintaining its commitment to the accession process. This should also be an example for all other countries in the Western Balkans, she added. MEPs welcomed that representatives of the member states broadly agree on the future of enlargement, supporting ministers in their opinion that the enlargement process must take place in parallel with internal EU reforms to prepare the EU for further enlargement. The meeting took place ahead of the European Council on 21-22 March, during which EU leaders will debate the future of EU enlargement. The foreign ministers of Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and the deputy ministers or secretaries of state of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece and Hungary were present. Background In the 2023 annual report on Common Foreign and Security Policy, MEPs warn that the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has significantly destabilised countries in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership. According to the report, this jeopardises EU security. To address this, the report recommends that the EU reform its neighbourhood policy and accelerate the enlargement process. In 2024, Parliament adopted a report calling for institutional and financial reforms to ensure the EU’s capacity to absorb new members. It approved the Ukraine Facility, long-term funding for Ukraine to aid its recovery and to modernise efforts to facilitate EU membership. MEPs also supported the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans to bolster EU partners in the region by facilitating extensive socio-economic reforms. These include strengthening the rule of law and fundamental rights. The facility should also help these partners to swiftly align themselves economically with EU standards. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Wed, 20 Mar 2024 08:00:31 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=436000 Employment and Social Affairs MEPs endorse agreement on EU Disability Card http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435965 On Tuesday, MEPs endorsed at committee level the provisional agreement on the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. The new rules, already agreed on by the Parliament and the Council, will establish an EU-wide disability card to make sure that, when travelling for a short period, persons with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. The provisional agreement was adopted by the committee with 39 votes in favour, no votes against and 1 abstention. European Disability Card The European Disability Card will be issued in physical format and, when available, in digital format, and will be issued and renewed free of charge. Depending on the country, costs could be charged for loss and damaging the card. Persons with disabilities that need more assistance or support or that are entitled to support by a personal assistant will be able to add the letter “A” to their card. European Parking Card for persons with disabilities The European Parking Card for persons with disabilities will be issued in physical form. EU countries are encouraged to also issue the card in a digital format, and may choose to charge a fee for the administrative costs of issuing and renewing the card. Access to information The directive demands EU countries and the Commission to raise citizens’ awareness about the cards, including by setting up a central European website. This website will be linked with national websites, containing information on how to obtain, use and renew the cards and information on preferential conditions. Third-country nationals in the EU The Employment Committee, together with the Civil Liberties Committee, also endorsed the provisional agreement between Parliament and Council on the extension of the EU Disability and Parking Cards to third-country nationals legally residing in the EU with 67 votes in favour, no votes against and 1 abstention. This proposal extends both cards to third-country nationals, including asylum-seekers, legally residing in the member states, as well as stateless persons and their personal assistants, regardless of their nationality. It also ensures that relevant information is available in language that third-country nationals can understand. Quote Lucia Ďuriš Nicholsonová (Renew, SK), rapporteur, said: “I am particularly proud of having succeeded in broadening the scope of the cards to extend beyond stays shorter than three months. This crucial improvement means that individuals with disabilities will have access to the card for the entire duration abroad. I urge member states to swiftly implement this directive, ensuring its benefits reach those who need it most without delay.” Next steps Both agreements still need to be endorsed by the full Parliament during the 22-25 April plenary session. They then need to be formally adopted by the Council before publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and entry into force. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 13:46:52 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435965 Action needed to address truck queues at EU borders, say MEPs http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435953 Lengthy queues cause issues to drivers, the environment and the EU single market Full Schengen membership of Romania and Bulgaria needed during 2024 Long queues for heavy goods traffic at EU borders need to be addressed by granting Romania and Bulgaria full Schengen membership and adopting specific legislation, argue MEPs. In a motion for resolution adopted unanimously with 25 votes in favour, Petitions Committee MEPs call for EU action to address the long waiting times for heavy goods vehicles at EU borders, and call on the Council to quickly decide on the full Schengen membership of Romania and Bulgaria. MEPs point out that various factors including insufficient technical capacity, staff shortages, and time-consuming checks on freight, hundreds of goods vehicles are held up every day at the EU’s internal borders, including the borders between Schengen and non-Schengen EU Member States, where vehicles face extremely long wait times and delays. MEPs note also that lengthy queues of goods vehicles on the EU’s external borders with Western Balkans countries are particularly worrisome. Romania and Bulgaria should become full Schengen members during 2024, say MEPs This accumulation of heavy goods vehicles at borders may have a detrimental impact on drivers’ health and working conditions, road safety and the functioning of the EU single market, argue MEPs. They also note the impact on the health of European citizens through air, water and noise pollution. MEPs note that the Council decided on 30 December 2023 to lift the air and maritime border controls between the Schengen area and Romania and Bulgaria. However, the decision falls short of addressing the biggest and most pressing issue, namely land border crossings, where checks remain on the Schengen land border. Therefore, MEPs reiterate their support for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. Specifically, the Council should adopt as quickly as possible, and by no later than mid-2024, a decision on the full application of the Schengen acquis in Romania and Bulgaria, argue MEPs. To address the issues at borders, MEPs would like to see binding EU legislative measures for an EU-wide standard of one minute on average for handling heavy goods vehicles at intra-EU border crossing points; legislation to allow truck drivers to use smaller border crossings when main arteries are closed for road maintenance, in order to avoid drivers depending on arbitrary actions by individual countries; and further efforts from EU countries to reinforce cross-border cooperation on combatting theft from goods vehicles. Next steps The motion for a resolution will be tabled for a future plenary of the European Parliament. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:12:45 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435953 Plant and forest reproductive material regulations adopted by Agriculture MEPs http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435952 Farmers to exchange between each other any type of plant reproductive material Simpler rules and exceptions for conservation varieties of plants Cross-border cooperation to reforest areas affected by extreme weather QR code with instructions on how to take care of, store and plant forest reproductive material Agriculture MEPs propose changes to the rules for plant and forest reproductive material to guarantee high quality, resilient and diverse plants and forests in the EU. On Tuesday, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted reports on new regulations on the production and marketing of plant (25 votes for, 2 votes against and 17 abstentions) and forest (32 votes for, 1 votes against and 9 abstentions) reproductive material. Plant reproductive material Requirements for the production of plant reproductive material should apply not only to marketing but also to imports to the EU, say Agriculture MEPs in their report. MEPs propose to allow farmers to exchange between each other a limited quantity of any type of plant reproductive material, not only seeds as proposed by the Commission. The allowed quantity would be set by the Commission for each species, reads the adopted report. To support the conservation of plant genetic resources, MEPs propose to make the marketing of conservation varieties easier. The access to, sale and transfer of conservation varieties in small quantities should be exempted from the rules, add MEPs. The report also extends the period of registration of conservation varieties to 30 years. Forest reproductive material MEPs propose that member states may request technical support of the Commission during the drawing-up of contingency plans for a sufficient supply of forest reproductive material to reforest areas affected by extreme weather events or disasters. Member states will have to cooperate between each other to ensure a supply of forest reproductive material for cross-border affected areas, reads the adopted text. Forest reproductive material will have to be traceable from the collection to the marketing. Producers of forest reproductive material will have the obligation to notify national authorities of their intention to harvest forest reproductive material prior to harvesting in order to allow for the organisation of controls. MEPs propose to allow professional operators having sufficient competence, infrastructure and resources - and not only national authorities - to issue official labels accompanying individual lots of forest reproductive material under the supervision of the competent authority. The label should include a QR code with instructions on how to take care of, store and plant the forest reproductive material, according to the report. Next steps The reports adopted by the Agriculture Committee will now be put to a plenary vote, possibly during the 22-25 April session. If adopted, they will constitute Parliament’s position at first reading. The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the European elections on 6-9 June. Background The draft law on plant reproductive material replaces ten directives laying down the current rules. One of the main goals of the regulation is to improve declining agrobiodiversity in the EU by increasing the variety of plant reproductive material on the market. The total value of seeds and planting stock used in EU agriculture was €13.3 billion in 2021. Around 2 million hectares of EU land are used for the production of certified seed. The EU seed sector employs around 52,000 people. The proposed regulation on forest reproductive material intends to increase biodiversity and restoration of forest ecosystems as well as to improve climate adaptation and mitigation. In the EU, 60 % of forest stands are composed of even-aged trees, and more than 80 % have three species or less, which makes them susceptible to damage from droughts, fires, pests and diseases. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:11:40 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435952 Development: MEPs endorse the conclusion of the Samoa Agreement http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435946 Development MEPs approved the conclusion of the Samoa Agreement, on the partnership between the EU and members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). With 13 votes in favour, 1 against, and 4 abstentions, on Tuesday MEPs on the Development Committee gave their consent to the EU’s conclusion of the so-called Samoa Agreement. This landmark agreement succeeds the Cotonou Agreement, signed in 2000, and governs relations between the respective signatories. While the negotiations ended in December 2020, it was only finally signed in November 2023 following a blockage in the Council, and entered into force provisionally in January 2024. Alongside the vote giving the Committee’s consent, MEPs also adopted – by 14 votes in favour, 1 against, and 4 abstentions – a draft report on the Agreement. In it, they call for its swift implementation, and its quick signature and ratification by all parties involved – as failure to sign means these countries will not be able to participate in its decision-making and political bodies. Trade, climate resilience, energy, and human rights The draft report highlights a number of areas for mutually beneficial collaboration under the Agreement, including tapping into the region’s unrealised renewable energy potential, on boosting free, fair and open trade between the signatories, and cooperating on building resilience in the face of natural disasters and climate change adaptation. MEPs welcome the commitment within the Agreement to protect and promote human rights. They are, however, disappointed it fails to explicitly mention discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender, and call on all parties to the Agreement to end the discrimination and punishment, including the use of the death penalty, against LGBTI people. They also reiterate the agreement’s importance as part of wider EU efforts to reinforce its status as a reliable ally in a challenging global geopolitical climate featuring competition from countries like China and Russia that is hampering EU visibility and influence. Quote Following today’s votes, Committee Chair and rapporteur Tomas Tobé (EPP, SV) said: "The Samoa Agreement marks the beginning of a new era between the EU and ACP countries. It has great potential to bring mutual benefits on crucial issues such as inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, peace and security and migration. MEPs are clear they want the swift and comprehensive implementation of the Samoa Agreement, given the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation amid growing geopolitical instability and unprecedented global challenges. It is now time to enter this new era of cooperation between the EU and ACP countries." Next Steps Both the draft recommendation and draft report will be voted on at an upcoming plenary session by all MEPs, currently scheduled for the 10-11 April 2024 plenary session in Brussels. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:16:43 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435946 11th Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly: EU support to Ukraine and enlargement http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435923 EU support for Ukraine and the future of the Eastern Partnership are set to feature on the agenda of the 11th Ordinary Session of the Euronest parliamentary assembly. Members of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly will meet in Brussels for the 11th Ordinary Session, from Tuesday 19 to Wednesday 20 March. The Assembly is composed of 60 MEPs and 10 members from each of the participating parliaments of the Eastern European partners (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). European Parliament Vice-President Othmar Karas will open the plenary session on behalf of President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday 20 March. Other prominent guest speakers include Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. The meetings will be co-chaired by MEP Andrius Kubilius and Ivan Krulko, a Ukrainian parliamentarian. The full programme of the event will be uploaded here. All meetings except that of the Bureau and the Working Group on Belarus are open to the public and will be live streamed here. The future of the Eastern Partnership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine The Assembly’s opening session will be preceded by meetings of the different Euronest PA standing committees and working groups and this year’s key debate will focus on continued EU support for Ukraine and the impact of EU enlargement on the future of the Eastern Partnership. Participants will also adopt resolutions on political affairs, economic integration and social matters. Background The Euronest Parliamentary Assembly was established on 3 May 2011 in Brussels, when the Presidents (or their representatives) of the Armenian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Moldovan, Ukrainian and European Parliaments signed the Assembly's Constitutive Act. The mission of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly is to promote the conditions necessary to accelerate political association and further economic integration between the EU and the Eastern European Partners, as well as to strengthen cooperation within the region and between the region and the EU. The multilateral Assembly contributes to strengthening, developing, and increasing the visibility of the Eastern Partnership. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:16:29 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435923 Investments tailored to improving people’s lives: EU budget 2025 priorities http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435698 MEPs advocate for a robust, people-centred EU budget to offer better opportunities to all citizens Emphasis on a European Education Plan and access to modern health technologies for all Support to farmers, businesses and a fair Europe that does not leave anyone behind, green and digital transitions, and ensuring prosperity and security across the EU First annual budget after the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework Parliament’s priorities for the 2025 EU budget include enhanced support for the green and digital transitions, competitiveness, and ensuring prosperity, inclusiveness and security. Highlighting a commitment to address the multifaceted challenges of today’s Europe, the European Parliament has approved a forward-looking stance for the 2025 EU budget. In the resolution adopted on Wednesday by 380 votes in favour, 102 against, with 100 abstentions, MEPs clearly state that "in times of geopolitical and institutional change, financial pressure, climate change and societal challenges, a reliable, robust, flexible, investment oriented EU budget remain instrumental for the implementation of the Union’s policies and central in responding to people’s increasing needs”. The 2025 EU budget will be the first annual budget that will see the full benefit of the reinforcements decided in the MFF revision, but it will also be the first procedure that will have to make difficult choices about how to cover the repayment costs of the debt incurred under the "NextGenerationEU" borrowing scheme. A people-centred EU budget that is equitable, fair and inclusive The draft resolution emphasizes an EU budget that champions affordable living, societal cohesion, and high-quality public services. It advocates for a budget that not only complements national policies but also amplifies the Union's strategic aims by addressing the diverse needs of EU citizens. This approach highlights the social and inclusiveness dimension of EU expenditure, including a social cross-cutting criterion for all funding opportunities and policy areas. In addition, the approved guidelines promote initiatives that span from improving public health to boosting social integration and educational opportunities through programmes like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. A budget that delivers on strategic priorities Highlighting the budget’s strategic role, MEPs also advocate for increased investment in key programs like Horizon Europe and InvestEU, along with the STEP regulation, to fortify the EU’s technological and industrial base. The resolution calls for a budget that supports the European Green Deal, digital infrastructure enhancements, and the EU's climate neutrality goals, focusing on investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies. A future-fit budget for a changing world The resolution articulates the need for a future-oriented budget that adapts to the global landscape, emphasizing comprehensive migration and asylum policies, supporting candidate countries and the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen Area, and enhancing the EU’s security and defence capabilities, notably in support of Ukraine amidst ongoing conflicts. Boosting the implementation of EU programmes The Parliament is committed to improving the effectiveness of translating EU programmes into concrete action, emphasizing the role of cohesion policy in promoting sustainable growth and reducing regional disparities. It advocates for the swift execution of budgetary allocations while ensuring transparency, and robust oversight to maximize the EU budget's impact. In general, the Guidelines minimise negative impact on flagship programmes and maximise concrete benefits for all citizens. Rapporteur Victor Negrescu (S&D, RO) said: “Today’s vote demonstrates that our institution is united and that we need to allocate adequate financial resources to meet the priorities voiced by EU citizens. Our focus ranges from enhancing business development to creating high-quality jobs, investing in infrastructure as well as in rural regions, implementing a new European education plan, and introducing concrete measures to support European farmers. As Rapporteur, I successfully negotiated the inclusion of the social dimension as cross-cutting criterion for all funding opportunities and policy areas, marking a big step for the future of the EU, faithful to our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind." Next steps The Commission is expected to present its proposal for the 2025 budget before the summer 2024. Next year's budget has to be agreed between the Council and the Parliament by the end of this year. Background The budget guidelines are the first document that Parliament produces during the annual budget procedure. It sets out the line that Parliament expects the Commission to take when drawing up its budget proposal. Well over 90% of the EU budget goes to citizens, regions, cities, farmers and businesses. lkalapchieva@datamplant.com (Людмила Калъпчиева) Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:06:49 +0200 European Community http://tuida-news.sliven.net/en/index.php?id=435698