Considerations on SEC(2007)476 - Preliminary Amending budget N° 3 to the budget 2007 - General statement of revenue - Statement of revenue and expenditure by section - Section III - Commission

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td>Amendment 4Recital 1(1) The Council of the European Union attaches fundamental importance to the establishment of an area of freedom, security and justice, which is a fundamental concern of the people of the States brought together in the Union.
(1) The Council of the European Union attaches fundamental importance to the area of freedom, security and justice, which is fundamental to the people of the European Union.
Amendment 5Recital 10(10) These requirements are satisfied by the Prüm Treaty of 27 May 2005 between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Austria on the stepping up of crossborder cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, crossborder crime and illegal migration. In order that the substantive requirements of the Hague Programme can be fulfilled for all Member States and that its targets in terms of time-scale can be achieved , the essential parts of the Prüm Treaty need to be made applicable to all Member States. This Council Decision should therefore be based on the main provisions of the Prüm Treaty.
(10) These requirements are satisfied by the Prüm Treaty of 27 May 2005 between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Austria on the stepping up of crossborder cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, crossborder crime and illegal migration. In order to fulfil the substantive requirements of the Hague Programme for all Member States, the Prüm Treaty need s to be made applicable to all Member States. This Council Framework Decision therefore includes some of the main provisions of the Prüm Treaty , namely those related to police and judicial cooperation in the European Union .
Amendment 6Recital 11a (new)(11a) These improvements in the exchange of data constitute a step forward in making the information available between law enforcement officers in the Member States. It is appropriate to ensure that there are reasons for automated searches in national DNA and fingerprint databases whenever personal data are concerned.Amendment 7Recital 15(15) Subject to certain conditions, Member States should be able to supply personal and non-personal data in order to improve the exchange of information in connection with major events with a cross-border dimension.
(15) Subject to certain conditions, Member States should be able to supply personal and non-personal data in order to improve the exchange of information in connection with major events with a cross-border dimension and the purpose of which is to prevent terrorist offences. The supplying of the data should be necessary and proportionate and based on particular circumstances that give reason to believe that criminal offences will be committed.
Amendment 8Recital 15a (new)(15a) Within the framework of its mandate, Europol should also be granted access to national databases.Amendment 9Recital 16(16) As international cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border crime, is to be further improved, this Decision, in addition to improving the exchange of information, should allow, amongst other things, closer cooperation between police authorities, for example by means of joint security operations (e.g. joint patrols) and cross-border intervention in the event of immediate danger to life or limb .
(16) As international cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border crime, is to be further improved, this Framework Decision, in addition to improving the exchange of information, should allow, amongst other things, closer cooperation between police authorities, for example by means of joint security operations (e.g. joint patrols).
Amendment 10Recital 18(18) Aware of the importance which this Decision has for protecting the rights of individuals, and aware that the supply of personal data to another Member State requires a sufficient standard of data protection on the part of the receiving Member State , Member States should provide for efficient implementation of all data protection rules contained in the Decision .
(18) The hit/no hit system provides a structure for comparing anonymous profiles, where additional personal data are exchanged only after a hit, and guarantees an adequate system of data protection, it being understood that the supply of personal data to another Member State requires an adequate level of data protection on the part of the receiving Member State.
Amendment 11Recital 18a (new)(18a) Special categories of data concerning racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, party or trade union membership, sexual orientation or health should be processed only if absolutely necessary and proportionate for the purpose of a specific case and in compliance with specific safeguards.Amendment 12Recital 18b (new)(18b) These specific rules on data protection are created in absence of an adequate third pillar legal instrument on data protection. When approved, that general legal instrument should be applied to the entire area of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters provided always that its level of data protection is adequate and not lower than the protection laid down in the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to automatic Processing of Personal Data of 28 January 1981 and its additional Protocol of 8 November 2001 and takes account of Recommendation No R (87) 15 of 17 September 1987 of the Committee of Ministers to Member States regulating the use of personal data in the police sector, also where data are not processed automatically.Amendment 13Recital 18c (new)(18c) The European Parliament should be consulted on any measure implementing this Framework Decision.Amendment 14Recital 18d (new)(18d) It is necessary for the Council to adopt the Framework Decision on Procedural Rights as soon as possible in order to lay down certain minimum rules on the availability of legal assistance to individuals in the Member States.Amendment 15Recital 18e (new)(18e) With regard to the supply of information and assistance in connection with major events and mass gatherings, the overall framework must be reconciled with Joint Action 97/339/JHA of 26 May 1997 with regard to cooperation on law and order and security (2) and the Council Resolution of 29 April 2004 on security at the European Council meetings and other comparable events (3) and the Initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on strengthening cross-border police cooperation with regard to meetings attended by large numbers of people from more than one Member State, at which policing is primarily aimed at maintaining law and order and security and preventing and combating criminal offences (4).Amendment 16Recital 20(20) This Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles set out in particular in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
(20) This Framework Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised, in particular , by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union . In particular, this Framework Decision seeks to ensure full compliance with citizens' fundamental rights to respect for their private life and communications and to the protection of their personal data as enshrined in Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter.
Amendment 17Recital 20a (new)(20a) The full review and evaluation of the functioning of the Prüm Treaty to date and the establishment of a third pillar data protection framework decision are prerequisites for the effectiveness and correct implementation of this Framework Decision.Amendement 18Article 1, paragraph 1, introductory partBy means of this Decision, the Member States intend to step up cross border cooperation in matters covered by Title VI of the EU Treaty, particularly the exchange of information between agencies responsible for the prevention and investigation of criminal offences. To this end, this Decision contains rules in the following areas:By means of this Framework Decision, the Member States intend to step up cross border cooperation in matters covered by Title VI of the EU Treaty, particularly the exchange of information between agencies responsible for the prevention and investigation of criminal offences as listed in Article 2 of Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (5) as well as in Articles 1 to 4 of Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA of 13 June 2002 on combating terrorism (6) while ensuring an adequate level of data protection. To this end, this Framework Decision contains rules in the following areas:Amendment 19Article 1, point 4
(4)Provisions on the conditions and procedure for stepping up border police cooperation through various measures (Chapter 5).
(4)Provisions on the conditions and procedure for stepping up border police cooperation through various defined measures (Chapter 5);
Amendment 20Article 1, point 4a (new)
(4a)Provisions on data protection (Chapter 6, Article 14 i and Article 16 i and (4)).
Amendment 21Article 1a (new)Article 1a

For the purposes of this Framework Decision:

(1)‘criminal offences’ shall mean the offences listed in Article 2 of Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA;

(2)‘terrorist offences’ shall mean the criminal offences listed in Articles 1 to 4 of Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA;

(3)‘personal data’ shall mean any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (‘data subject’); an ‘identifiable person’ means a person who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identification number or to one or more factors specific to his physical or physiological identity;

(4)‘processing of personal data’ shall mean any operation or set of operations which is performed upon personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, storage, adaptation or alteration, sorting, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by supply, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment, combination, blocking, erasure or destruction of data; processing within the meaning of this Framework Decision shall also include notification of whether or not a hit exists;

(5)‘automated search procedure’ shall mean direct access to the automated files of another body where the response to the search procedure does not require human intervention;

(6)‘referencing of data’ shall mean the marking of stored personal data without the aim of limiting their processing in future;

(7)‘blocking of data"’ shall mean the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in future;

(8)‘non-coding part of DNA’ shall mean chromosome zones containing no genetic expression, i.e. not known to provide information about specific hereditary characteristics; notwithstanding any scientific progress, no more information shall be revealed from the non-coding part of DNA either now nor in future.
Amendment 22Article 1b (new)Article 1b

Member States shall provide for a clear distinction to be made between the personal data of

a person who is suspected of having committed or having taken part in a criminal offence,

a person who has been convicted of a criminal offence,

a person with regard to whom there are serious grounds for believing that he or she will commit a criminal offence,

a person who might be called on to testify in investigations in connection with criminal offences or subsequent criminal proceedings,

a person who has been the victim of a criminal offence or with regard to whom certain facts give reasons for believing that he or she could be the victim of a criminal offence,

a person who can provide information about criminal offences,

a contact or associate of one of the persons listed above, and

a person who does not fall within any of the categories referred to above.
Amendment 23Article 2, paragraph 11. Member States shall open and keep national DNA analysis files for the investigation of criminal offences. Processing of data kept in those files, under this Decision, shall be carried out in accordance with this Decision , in compliance with the national law applicable to the processing.
1. Member States shall open and keep national DNA analysis files for the investigation of criminal offences. Processing of personal data in those files, under this Framework Decision, shall be carried out in accordance with the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6, in compliance with the national law applicable to the processing.
Amendment 24Article 2, paragraph 22. For the purpose of implementing this Decision, the Member States shall ensure the availability of reference data from their national DNA analysis files as referred to in the first sentence of paragraph 1. Reference data shall only include DNA profiles established from the non-coding part of DNA and a reference number. Reference data shall not contain any data from which the data subject can be directly identified. Reference data which is not attributed to any individual (‘unidentified DNA-profiles’) shall be recognisable as such.
2. For the purpose of implementing this Framework Decision, the Member States shall ensure access to reference data from their national DNA analysis files opened for the investigation of criminal offences. Reference data shall only include DNA profiles established from the non-coding part of DNA and a reference number. Reference data shall not contain any data from which the data subject can be directly identified. Reference data which is not attributed to any individual (‘unidentified DNA-profiles’) shall be recognisable as such.
Amendment 25Article 3, paragraph 11. For the investigation of criminal offences, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points as referred to in Article 6 , access to the reference data in their DNA analysis files, with the power to conduct automated searches by comparing DNA profiles. Searches may be conducted only in individual cases and in compliance with the requesting Member State's national law.
1. For the investigation of criminal offences, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points, access to the reference data in their DNA analysis files, with the power to conduct automated searches by comparing DNA profiles. Searches may be conducted only in individual cases and in compliance with the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6 and the requesting Member State's national law.
Amendment 26Article 5Should the procedures referred to in Articles 3 and 4 show a match between DNA profiles, the supply of any available further personal data and other information relating to the reference data shall be governed by the national law, including the legal assistance rules, of the requested Member State.Should the procedures referred to in Articles 3 and 4 show a match between DNA profiles, the supply of further personal data and other information relating to the reference data shall be governed by the national law, including the legal assistance rules, of the requested Member State and the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6.Amendment 27Article 6Article 6

National contact point and implementing measures

1. For the purposes of the supply of data as referred to in Articles 3 and 4, each Member State shall designate a national contact point. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law.

2. Details of technical arrangements for the procedures set out in Articles 3 and 4 shall be laid down in the implementing measures as referred to in Article 34.
deletedAmendment 28Article 7, paragraph 1, introductory wordingWhere, in ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings, there is no DNA profile available for a particular individual present within a requested Member State's territory, the requested Member State shall provide legal assistance by collecting and examining cellular material from that individual and by supplying the DNA profile obtained, if:1. Where, in ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings relating to the commission of criminal offences, there is no DNA profile available for a particular individual who is suspected of having committed such a criminal offence and who is present within a requested Member State's territory, the requested Member State shall provide legal assistance by collecting and examining cellular material from that individual and by supplying the DNA profile obtained, if:
Amendment 29Article 7, paragraph 1a (new)1a. The collection of cellular material shall take place only on the basis of national law and only for a specific purpose and shall meet the requirements of necessity and proportionality.Amendment 30Article 8For the purpose of implementing this Decision, Member States shall ensure the availability of reference data from the file for the national automated fingerprint identification systems established for the prevention and investigation of criminal offences. Reference data shall only include dactyloscopic data and a reference number. Reference data shall not contain any data from which the data subject can be directly identified. Reference data which is not attributed to any individual (‘unidentified dactyloscopic data’) must be recognisable as such.For the purpose of implementing this Framework Decision, Member States shall ensure access to reference data from the file for the national automated fingerprint identification systems established for the prevention and investigation of criminal offences. Reference data shall only include dactyloscopic data and a reference number. Reference data shall not contain any data from which the data subject can be directly identified. Reference data which is not attributed to any individual (‘unidentified dactyloscopic data’) must be recognisable as such.Amendment 31Article 9, paragraph 11. For the prevention and investigation of criminal offences, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points, as referred to in Article 11, access to the reference data in the automated fingerprint identification systems which they have established for that purpose, with the power to conduct automated searches by comparing dactyloscopic data. Searches may be conducted only in individual cases and in compliance with the requesting Member State's national law.
1. For the prevention and investigation of criminal offences, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points, as referred to in Article 11, access to the reference data in the automated fingerprint identification systems which they have established for that purpose, with the power to conduct automated searches by comparing dactyloscopic data. Searches may be conducted only in individual cases and in compliance with the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6 and the requesting Member State's national law.
Amendment 32Article 10Should the procedure referred to in Article 9 show a match between dactyloscopic data, the supply of any available further personal data and other information relating to the reference data shall be governed by the national law, including the legal assistance rules, of the requested Member State.Should the procedure referred to in Article 9 show a match between dactyloscopic data, the supply of further personal data and other information relating to the reference data shall be governed by the national law, including the legal assistance rules, of the requested Member State and the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6 .Amendment 33Article 11Article 11

National contact point and implementing measures

1. For the purposes of the supply of data as referred to in Article 9, each Member State shall designate a national contact point. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law.

2. Details of technical arrangements for the procedure set out in Article 9 shall be laid down in the implementing measures as referred to in Article 34.
deletedAmendment 34Article 12, paragraph 11. For the prevention and investigation of criminal offences and in dealing with other offences coming within the jurisdiction of the courts or the public prosecution service in the searching Member State, as well as in maintaining public order and security, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points, as referred to in paragraph 2, access to the following national vehicle registration data, with the power to conduct automated searches in individual cases:
1. For the prevention and investigation of criminal offences and in dealing with other offences coming within the jurisdiction of the courts or the public prosecution service in the searching Member State, Member States shall allow other Member States' national contact points, as referred to in paragraph 2, access to the following national vehicle registration data, with the power to conduct automated searches in individual cases:
(1) data relating to owners or operators, and
(1) data relating to owners or operators, and
(2) data relating to vehicles.
(2) data relating to vehicles.
Searches may be conducted only with a full chassis number or a full registration number. Searches may be conducted only in compliance with the searching Member State's national law.Searches may be conducted only with a full chassis number or a full registration number. Searches may be conducted only in compliance with the rules on data protection laid down in Chapter 6 and the searching Member State's national law.Amendment 35Article 12, paragraph 22. For the purposes of the supply of data as referred to in paragraph 1, each Member State shall designate a national contact point for incoming requests. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law. Details of technical arrangements for the procedure shall be laid down in the implementing measures as referred to in Article 34.
deletedAmendment 36Article 14, paragraph 11. For the prevention of criminal offences and in maintaining public order and security for major events with a cross-border dimension, in particular for sporting events or European Council meetings, Member States shall, both upon request and of their own accord, supply one another with personal data if any final convictions or other circumstances give reason to believe that the data subjects will commit criminal offences at the event or pose a threat to public order and security, in so far as the supply of such data is permitted under the supplying Member State's national law.
1. For the prevention of criminal offences and in maintaining public order and security for major events with a cross-border dimension, in particular for sporting events or European Council meetings, Member States shall, both upon request and of their own accord, supply one another with personal data if any final convictions or other circumstances give reason to believe that the data subjects will commit criminal offences at the event or pose a threat to public order and security, in so far as the supply of such data is permitted under the supplying Member State's national law and when necessary and proportionate in a democratic society, for a specific purpose and on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment 37Article 15Article 15

National contact point

For the purposes of the supply of data as referred to in Articles 13 and 14, each Member State shall designate a national contact point. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law.
deletedAmendment 38Article 16, paragraph 11. For the prevention of terrorist offences, Member States may, in compliance with national law, in individual cases, even without being requested to do so, supply other Member States' national contact points, as referred to in paragraph 3, with the personal data and information specified in paragraph 2, in so far as is necessary because particular circumstances give reason to believe that the data subjects will commit criminal offences as referred to in Articles 1 to 3 of EU Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA of 13 June 2002 on combating terrorism.
1. For the prevention of terrorist offences, Member States may, in compliance with national law, basic principles of law and fundamental rights , in individual cases, even without being requested to do so, supply other Member States' national contact points with the personal data and information specified in paragraph 2, in so far as is necessary because particular circumstances give reason to believe that the data subjects will commit terrorist offences.
Amendment 39Article 16, paragraph 22. The data to be supplied shall comprise surname, first names, date and place of birth and a description of the circumstances giving rise to the belief referred to in paragraph 1.
2. The data to be supplied shall comprise only personal data and a description of the circumstances giving rise to the belief referred to in paragraph 1.
Amendment 40Article 16, paragraph 33. Each Member State shall designate a national contact point for exchange of information with other Member States' national contact points. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law.
deletedAmendment 41Article 16, paragraph 4a (new)4a. Regardless of those conditions, personal data may be processed only for the purposes specified in paragraph 1. The data supplied shall be deleted without delay once the purposes specified in paragraph 1 have been achieved or can no longer be achieved, and in any event after no more than two years from the date of supply.Amendment 42Article 17, paragraph 22. Each Member State may, as a host Member State, in compliance with its own national law, and with the seconding Member State's consent, confer executive powers on the seconding Member States' officers involved in joint operations or, in so far as the host Member State's law permits, allow the seconding Member States' officers to exercise their executive powers in accordance with the seconding Member State's law . Such executive powers may be exercised only under the guidance and, as a rule, in the presence of officers from the host Member State. The seconding Member States' officers shall be subject to the host Member State's national law. The host Member State shall assume responsibility for their actions .
2. The seconding Member States' officers shall be subject to the host Member State's national law. Each Member State may, as a host Member State, in compliance with its own national law, and with the seconding Member State's consent, confer executive powers on the seconding Member States' officers involved in joint operations. Such executive powers may be exercised only under instructions from and, as a general rule, in the presence of officers from the host Member State.
Amendment 43Article 17a (new)Article 17a

Measures in the event of imminent danger

1. In urgent situations, officers from one Member State may, without the prior consent of another Member State (‘the host Member State’, cross the border between the two States so that, within an area of the host Member State'sterritory close to the border and in compliance with the host Member State's national law, they may take any provisional measures necessary to avert an imminent danger to the physical integrity of individuals.
2. An urgent situation as referred to in paragraph 1 shall be deemed to arise if there is a risk that the danger will materialise in the event of there being any delay before the host Member State's officers take responsibility as stipulated in Article 17 i.

3. The officers crossing the border shall immediately notify the host Member State of their presence. The host Member State shall confirm receipt of such notification and take the necessary measures without delay to avert the danger and take charge of the operations. The officers crossing the border may operate in the host Member State only until the host Member State has taken the necessary protective measures. The officers crossing the border shall be required to follow the host Member State's instructions.

4. The Member States shall specify in a separate agreement the authorities to be notified without delay, as stipulated in paragraph 3. The officers crossing the border shall be required to comply with the provisions of this Article and with the law of the host Member State.

5. The host Member State shall assume responsibility for the measures taken by the officers crossing the border.
Amendment 44Article 18a (new)Article 18a

Cooperation upon request

1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall provide one another with assistance, upon request, within the scope of their powers and in compliance with their own national law.

2. Those competent authorities shall provide one another with assistance, in accordance with the first sentence of Article 39 i of the Convention of 19 June 1990 implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 on the gradual abolition of checks at common borders, in particular by:

(1)identifying owners and operators of vehicles and providing information on drivers, masters and captains of vehicles, vessels and aircraft, in so far as not already provided for in Article 12;

(2)supplying information on driving licences, navigation licences and similar permits;

(3)ascertaining the whereabouts and place of residence of individuals;

(4)checking residence permits;

(5)ascertaining the identity of telephone subscribers and subscribers to other telecommunications services, where publicly accessible;

(6)establishing the identity of individuals;

(7)investigating the origin of items such as arms, motor vehicles and vessels (enquiries via trade channels);

(8)supplying data from police databases and police records and supplying information from official records accessible to the public;

(9)issuing urgent alerts concerning arms and explosives and alerts concerning currency counterfeiting and securities fraud;

(10)supplying information on practical implementation of cross-border surveillance, cross-border hot pursuit and controlled deliveries, and

(11)ascertaining an individual's willingness to make a statement.

3. If the authority to which the request is made does not have the power to deal with the request, it shall pass it on to an authority with the power to do so. The requested authority shall notify the requesting authority of the passing on of the request and of the authority empowered to deal with it. The latter authority shall deal with the request and send the requesting authority the result.
Amendment 45Article 19, paragraph 11. Officers from a seconding Member State who are involved in a joint operation within another Member State's territory may wear their own national uniforms there. They may carry such arms , ammunition and equipment as they are allowed to under the seconding Member State's national law. The host Member State may prohibit the carrying of particular arms , ammunition or equipment by a seconding Member State's officers.
1. Officers from a seconding Member State may carry such service weapons , ammunition and equipment as they are allowed to under the seconding Member State's national law. The host Member State may prohibit the carrying of certain service weapons, ammunition or equipment by a seconding Member State's officers provided its own legislation applies the same prohibition to its own officers .
Amendment 46Article 19, paragraph 2a (new)2a. Officers from a seconding Member State who are involved in a joint operation in another Member State's territory shall wear their own national uniforms. A common distinctive sign must be carried by all members of the joint operation. The host Member State must deliver an accreditation document to the seconding Member States' officers, including the name, rank and a digitised photograph of the officer.Amendment 47Article 24, paragraph 11. For the purposes of this Chapter:

(1)‘processing of personal data’ shall mean any operation or set of operations which is performed upon personal data, whether or not by automatic means, such as collection, recording, organisation, storage, adaptation or alteration, sorting, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by supply, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment, combination, blocking, erasure or destruction of data. Processing within the meaning of this Decision shall also include notification of whether or not a hit exists;

(2)‘automated search procedure’ shall mean direct access to the automated files of another body where the response to the search procedure is fully automated;

(3)‘referencing’ shall mean the marking of stored personal data without the aim of limiting their processing in future;

(4)‘blocking’ shall mean the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting their processing in future.
deletedAmendment 48Article 24, paragraph 22. The following provisions shall apply to data which are or have been supplied pursuant to this Decision, save as otherwise provided in the preceding Chapters.
2. The following provisions shall apply to the collection and processing of DNA material and fingerprints in a Member State and to the supply of further personal data within the scope of this Framework Decision.
The following provisions shall also apply to data which are or have been supplied pursuant to this Framework Decision.Amendment 49Article 25, paragraph 1a (new)1a. Member States shall take into account the various categories of personal data and the various purposes for which they are collected with a view to laying down time limits for their storage and appropriate conditions for their collection, further processing and transfer. Personal data relating to persons who are not suspected of having committed or taken part in a criminal offence may be processed only for the purpose for which they were collected and for a limited period. Member States shall lay down appropriate limitations on access to and transmission of such data.Amendment 50Article 25, paragraph 33. Paragraph 2 shall not apply to those Member States where the supply of personal data as provided for in this Decision has already started pursuant to the Treaty of 27 May 2005 between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of Austria on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, in particular in combating terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal migration (‘Prüm Treaty’).
deletedAmendment 51Article 25, paragraph 3a (new)3a. Data processed under this Framework Decision shall not be transferred or made available to a third country or to any international organisation.Amendment 52Article 26, paragraph 11. Processing of personal data by the receiving Member State shall be permitted solely for the purposes for which the data have been supplied in accordance with this Decision. Processing for other purposes shall be permitted solely with the prior authorisation of the Member State administering the file and subject only to the national law of the receiving Member State. Such authorisation may be granted provided that processing for such other purposes is permitted under the national law of the Member State administering the file.
1. Processing of personal data by the receiving Member State shall be permitted solely for the purposes for which the data have been supplied in accordance with this Framework Decision. Processing for other purposes shall be permitted solely with the prior authorisation of the Member State administering the file and subject only to the national law of the receiving Member State. Such authorisation may be granted provided that processing for such other purposes is permitted under the national law of the Member State administering the file and on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment 53Article 27Personal data supplied may be processed only by the authorities, bodies and courts with responsibility for a task in furtherance of the aims mentioned in Article 26. In particular, data may be supplied to other entities only with the prior authorisation of the supplying Member State and in compliance with the law of the receiving Member State.Personal data supplied may be processed only by the authorities, bodies and courts with responsibility for a task in furtherance of the aims mentioned in Article 26. In particular, data may be supplied to other entities only with the prior authorisation of the supplying Member State on a case-by-case basis and in compliance with the law of the receiving Member State.Amendment 54Article 28, paragraph 2a (new)2a. Special categories of data concerning racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, party or trade union membership, sexual orientation or health shall be processed only if absolutely necessary and proportionate for the purpose of a specific case and in compliance with specific safeguards.Amendment 55Article 28, paragraph 3, point (2)
(2)following the expiry of the maximum period for keeping data laid down in the national law of the supplying Member State where the supplying body informed the receiving body of those maximum periods at the time of supplying the data.
(2)following the expiry of the maximum period of two years, except in the cases laid down in Articles 14 and 16 .
Amendment 56Article 29, paragraph 2, point (1)
(1)state-of-the-art technical measures are taken to ensure data protection and data security, in particular data confidentiality and integrity;
(1)the best available technical measures are taken to ensure data protection and data security, in particular data confidentiality and integrity;
Amendment 57Article 30, paragraph 2, introductory wording2. The following shall apply to automated searches for data based on Articles 3, 9,12 and automated comparison pursuant to Article 4:
deletedAmendment 58Article 30, paragraph 44. The recorded data shall be protected with suitable measures against inappropriate use and other forms of improper use and shall be kept for two years. After the conservation period the recorded data shall be deleted immediately.
4. The recorded data shall be protected with suitable measures against inappropriate use and other forms of improper use and shall be kept for three years. After the conservation period the recorded data shall be deleted immediately.
Amendment 59Article 31, paragraph 11. At the request of the data subject under national law, information shall be supplied in compliance with national law to the data subject upon production of proof of his identity, without unreasonable expense, in general comprehensible terms and without unacceptable delays , on the data processed in respect of his person, the origin of the data, the recipient or groups of recipients, the intended purpose of the processing and the legal basis for the processing . Moreover, the data subject shall be entitled to have inaccurate data corrected and unlawfully processed data deleted. The Member States shall also ensure that, in the event of violation of his rights in relation to data protection, the data subject shall be able to lodge an effective complaint to an independent court or a tribunal within the meaning of Article 6 i of the European Convention on Human Rights or an independent supervisory authority within the meaning of Article 28 of Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and that he is given the possibility to claim for damages or to seek another form of legal compensation. The detailed rules for the procedure to assert these rights and the reasons for limiting the right of access shall be governed by the relevant national legal provisions of the Member State where the data subject asserts his rights.
1. Information about data collected, data supplied to other Member States and authorisations concerning those data shall be dealt with in compliance with national law without unreasonable expense, in general comprehensible terms and without unacceptable delays. Moreover, the data subject shall be entitled to have inaccurate data corrected and unlawfully processed data deleted , of which the data subject shall also be informed . Member States shall also ensure that, in the event of violation of his rights in relation to data protection, the data subject shall be able to lodge an effective complaint to an independent court or a tribunal within the meaning of Article 6 i of the European Convention on Human Rights or an independent supervisory authority within the meaning of Article 28 of Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and that he is given the possibility to claim for damages or to seek another form of legal compensation. The detailed rules for the procedure to assert these rights and the reasons for limiting the right of access shall be governed by the relevant national legal provisions of the Member State where the data subject asserts his rights.
Amendment 60Article 32a (new)Article 32a

Member States shall adopt suitable measures to ensure the full implementation of the provisions of this Chapter and shall lay down effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions to be imposed in the event of infringement thereof, notably those provisions aimed at ensuring the confidentiality and security of personal data processing.
Amendment 61Article 32b (new)Article 32b

1. For the purpose of the supply of data as referred to in Articles 3, 4, 9, 12, 14 and 16, each Member State shall designate one or several national contact points.

2. The powers of the national contact points shall be governed by the applicable national law. National contact points shall be available at all times.

3. The list of all national contact points shall be sent by each Member State to the other Member States and shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Amendment 62Article 33, paragraph 22. Declarations submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may be amended at any time by means of a declaration submitted to the General Secretariat of the Council. The General Secretariat of the Council shall forward any declarations received to the Member States and the Commission.
2. Declarations submitted in accordance with paragraph 1 may be amended at any time by means of a declaration submitted to the General Secretariat of the Council. The General Secretariat of the Council shall forward any declarations received to the Member States , the European Parliament and the Commission.
Amendment 63Article 33, paragraph 2a (new)2a. Declarations, except for those referred to in Article 19 i, shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.Amendment 64Article 34The Council shall adopt measures necessary to implement this Decision at the level of the Union in accordance with the procedure laid down in the second sentence of Article 34(2)(c) of the EU Treaty.1. The Council shall adopt implementing measures only after consulting the European Parliament.
2. The implementing measures shall also be communicated to the European Data Protection Supervisor, who may give his or her opinion thereon.
Amendment 65Article 35Each Member State shall bear the operational costs incurred by its own authorities in connection with the implementation of this Decision. In special cases, the Member States concerned may agree on different arrangements.Each Member State shall bear the operational costs incurred by its own authorities in connection with the implementation of this Framework Decision. However, the general budget of the European Union shall bear the costs relating to the functioning of TESTA II (Trans European Services for Telematics between Administrations) or any other network used to exchange the data referred to in Chapter 2 of this Framework Decision.Amendment 66Article 36, paragraph 22. Member States may conclude or bring into force bilateral or multilateral agreements or arrangements which concern the scope of this Decision after it has entered into force in so far as such agreements or arrangements provide for the objectives of this Decision to be extended or enlarged.
2. Member States may conclude or bring into force bilateral or multilateral agreements or arrangements which concern the scope of this Framework Decision after it has entered into force in so far as such agreements or arrangements provide for the objectives of this Framework Decision to be extended or enlarged , including the data protection objectives of this Framework Decision.
Amendment 67Article 36, paragraph 44. Member States shall inform the Council and the Commission within [... years] of entry into force of this Decision of existing agreements or arrangements within the meaning of the first paragraph which they wish to continue to apply.
4. Member States shall inform the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission within [... years] of entry into force of this Framework Decision of existing agreements or arrangements within the meaning of the first paragraph which they wish to continue to apply.
Amendment 68Article 36, paragraph 55. Member States shall also inform the Council and the Commission of all new agreements or arrangements within the meaning of paragraph 2 within 3 months of their signing or, in the case of instruments which were signed before adoption of this Decision, within three months of their entry into force.
5. Member States shall also inform the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of all new agreements or arrangements within the meaning of paragraph 2 within 3 months of their signing or, in the case of instruments which were signed before adoption of this Framework Decision, within three months of their entry into force.
Amendment 69Article 37, paragraph 22. Member States shall transmit to the General Secretariat of the Council and the Commission the text of the provisions transposing into their national law the obligations imposed on them under this Decision. When doing so, each Member State may indicate that it will apply immediately this Decision in its relations with those Member States which have given the same notification.
2. Member States shall transmit to the General Secretariat of the Council the text of the provisions transposing into their national law the obligations imposed on them under this Framework Decision. When doing so, each Member State may indicate that it will apply immediately this Framework Decision in its relations with those Member States which have given the same notification. The General Secretariat of the Council shall forward the notifications received to the Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission.
Amendment 70Article 37a (new)Article 37a

1. The Council shall carry out an evaluation of the administrative, technical and financial application and implementation of this Framework Decision every two years.

2. The modalities of the automated searching and comparison of DNA and dactyloscopic data shall be evaluated six months after the date on which this Framework Decision takes effect. For vehicle registration data, this first evaluation shall take place three months after that date.

3. Evaluation reports shall be transmitted to the European Parliament and the Commission.



(1) Not yet published in OJ.

(2) OJ L 147, 5.6.1997, p. 1.

(3) OJ C 116, 30.4.2004, p. 18.

(4) OJ C 101, 27.4.2005, p. 36.

(5) OJ L 190, 18.7.2002, p. 1.

(6) OJ L 164, 22.6.2002, p. 3.

P6_TA(2007)0229

Consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 June 2007 on the proposal for a Council decision concerning access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by the authorities of Member States responsible for internal security and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences (COM(2005)0600 — C6-0053/2006 — 2005/0232(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal (COM(2005)0600) (1),

having regard to Articles 30(1)(b) and 34(2)(c) of the EU Treaty,

having regard to Article 39 i of the EU Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0053/2006),

having regard to the Protocol integrating the Schengen acquis into the framework of the European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament,

having regard to Rules 93 and 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A6-0195/2007),

1.Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.Draws attention to the annexed Council declarations;

3.Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250 i of the EC Treaty;

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

5.Calls on the Council to consult Parliament again if it intends to amend the Commission proposal substantially;

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



(1) Not yet published in OJ.

AMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT (1)

to the Commission proposal for a




(1) Bold and italics marks new or replacement text while deleted text is marked with the symbol ▐ .

COUNCIL DECISION

concerning access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by designated authorities of Member States ▐ and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 30(1)(b) and Article 34(2)(c) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),

Whereas:

(1)Council Decision 2004/512/EC of 8 June 2004 establishing the Visa Information System (VIS) (2) established the VIS as a system for the exchange of visa data between Member States. The establishment of the VIS represents one of the key initiatives within the policies of the European Union aimed at establishing an area of Justice, Freedom and Security. The VIS should have the purpose of improving the implementation of the common visa policy and should also contribute towards internal security and to combating terrorism under clearly defined and monitored circumstances .

(2)During its meeting of 7 March 2005 the Council adopted conclusions stating that ‘in order to achieve fully the aim of improving internal security and the fight against terrorism’, Member State authorities responsible for internal security should be guaranteed access to the VIS, ‘in the course of their duties in relation to the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal offences, including terrorist acts and threats’, ‘subject to strict compliance with the rules governing the protection of personal data’. (3)

(3)It is essential in the fight against terrorism and other serious crimes for the relevant services to have the fullest and most up-to-date information in their respective fields. The Member States' competent national services need information if they are to perform their tasks. The information contained in the VIS may be necessary for the purposes of preventing and combating terrorism and serious crimes and should therefore be available , subject to the conditions set out in this Decision, for consultation by the designated authorities ▐ .

(4)Moreover, the European Council has stated that Europol has a key role with respect to cooperation between Member States' authorities in the field of cross-border crime investigation in supporting Union-wide crime prevention, analyses and investigation. Consequently, Europol should also have access to VIS data within the framework of its tasks and in accordance with the Convention of 26 July 1995 on the Establishment of a European Police Office (4).

(5)This Decision complements the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the Visa Information System (VIS) and the exchange of data between Member States on short-stay visas 2005/XX/EC (5) (hereinafter referred to as the ‘VIS Regulation’) insofar as it provides for a legal base under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union authorizing the access to the VIS for designated authorities ▐ and by Europol.

(6)It is necessary to designate the competent Member States' authorities as well as the central access points through which access is done and to keep a list of the operating units within the designated authorities that are authorised to access the VIS ▐ for the specific purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences as referred to in the Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European Arrest Warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States (6). It is essential to ensure that the duly empowered staff with a right to access the VIS is limited to those who ’have a need to know’ and possess appropriate knowledge about data security and data protection rules.

Requests for access to the VIS should be made by the operating units within the designated authorities to the central access points. These central access points should then process the requests to the VIS following a verification whether all conditions for access are fulfilled. In an exceptional case of urgency the central access points shall process the request immediately and only do the verification afterwards.

(7)For the purposes of protection of personal data, and in particular to exclude routine access, the processing of VIS data should only be on a case-by-case basis. Such a specific case exists in particular when the access for consultation is connected to a specific event or to a danger associated with serious crime, or to (a) specific person(s) in respect of whom there are serious grounds for believing that the person(s) will commit or has (have) committed terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences or that the person(s) has (have) a relevant connection with such (a) person(s). The designated authorities and Europol should thus only search data contained in the VIS when they have reasonable grounds to believe that such a search will provide information that will substantially assist them in preventing, detecting or investigating serious crime.

Once the proposed Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (7) has entered into force it should apply to the personal data which are processed pursuant to this Decision. However, until the rules set out in the Framework Decision are applicable and in order to supplement them, adequate provisions have to be provided for to ensure the necessary data protection. Each Member should ensure an adequate data protection level in its national law which at least corresponds to that resulting from the Council of Europe Convention of 28 January 1981 for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data and the corresponding case law pursuant to Article 8 of the ECHR and, for those Member States which have ratified it, the Additional Protocol of 8 November 2001 to that Convention, and shall take into account Recommendation No R (87) 15 of 17 September 1987 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Regulating the Use of Personal Data in the Police Sector .

(8)The effective monitoring of the application of this Decision should be evaluated at regular intervals.

(9)Since the objectives of the action to be taken, namely the creation of obligations and conditions for access for consultation of VIS data by Member States' designated authorities ▐ and by Europol cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States and can, therefore, by reason of the scale and effects of the action, be better achieved at the level of the European Union, the Council may adopt measures in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, referred to in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union and defined in Article 5 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. In accordance with the principle of proportionality, this Decision does not go beyond what is necessary in order to achieve those objectives.

(10)In accordance with Article 47 of the Treaty on the European Union, this ▐ Decision does not affect the competences of the European Community, in particular as exercised in the VIS Regulation and in Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (8).

(11)This Decision constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis in which the United Kingdom doe s not take part ▐ in accordance with ▐ Council Decision 2000/365/EC of 29 May 2000, concerning the request of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (9); the United Kingdom is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(12)This Decision constitutes a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis in which Ireland does not take part in accordance with Council Decision 2002/192/EC of 28 February 2002 concerning Ireland's request to take part in some of the provisions of the Schengen acquis (10); Ireland is therefore not taking part in its adoption and is not bound by it or subject to its application.

(13)However, in accordance with Framework Decision 2006/960/JHA (11), information contained in the VIS can be provided to the United Kingdom and Ireland by the competent authorities of the Member States whose designated authorities have access to the VIS pursuant to this Decision and information held in the national visa registers of the United Kingdom and Ireland can be provided to the competent law enforcement authorities of the other Member States. Any form of direct access for central authorities of the United Kingdom and Ireland to the VIS would, under the present state of their participation in the Schengen acquis, require an Agreement between the Community and those Member States, possibly to be supplemented by other rules specifying the conditions and procedures for such access.

(14)As regards Iceland and Norway, this Decision constitutes , with the exception of Article 7, a development of provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement concluded by the Council of the European Union and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway concerning the association of those two States with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis  (12), which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point B of Council Decision 1999/437/EC of 17 May 1999 (13) on certain arrangements for the application of that Agreement ▐ .

(15)As regards Switzerland, this Decision constitutes , with the exception of Article 7, a development of the provisions of the Schengen acquis within the meaning of the Agreement signed by the European Union, the European Community and the Swiss Confederation concerning the association of the Swiss Confederation with the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis which fall within the area referred to in Article 1, point B of Decision 1999/437/EC read in conjunction with Article 4  i of the Council Decision 2004/849/EC of 25 October 2004 (14) on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and on the provisional application of certain provisions of that Agreement.

(15a)This Decision, save its Article 6, constitutes an act building on the Schengen acquis or otherwise related to it within the meaning of Article 3 i of the 2003 Act of Accession and Article 4 i of the 2005 Act of Accession.

(16)This Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles reflected in particular in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Subject matter and scope

This Decision lays down the conditions under which Member States' designated authorities ▐ and the European Police Office (Europol) may obtain access for consultation of the Visa Information System for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences.

Article 2

Definitions

1. For the purposes of this Decision, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)‘Visa Information System (VIS)’ means the Visa Information System as established by Council Decision 2004/512/EC;

(2)‘Europol’ means the European Police Office as established by the Convention of 26 July 1995 on the Establishment of a European Police Office (‘the Europol Convention’);

(3)‘terrorist offences’ means the offences under national law which correspond or are equivalent to the offences in Articles 1 to 4 of Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA of 13 June 2002 on combating terrorism (15);

(4)‘serious criminal offences’ means the forms of crime which correspond or are equivalent to those referred to in Article 2 i of the Framework Decision of 13 June 2002 on the European Arrest Warrant;

(5)‘designated authorities’ means authorities ▐ which are responsible for the prevention, detection or investigation of terrorist offences or of other serious criminal offences and designated by the Member States pursuant to Article 3 of this Decision.

2. The definitions in the VIS Regulation shall also apply.

Article 3

Designated authorities and central access points

1. Member States shall designate the authorities referred to in Article 2(1) i which are authorised ▐ to access VIS data pursuant to this Decision ▐ .

1a.     Every Member State shall keep a list of the designated authorities. Within three months after this Decision enters into force every Member State shall notify in a declaration to the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council their designated authorities and may at any time amend or replace its declaration by another declaration.

1b.     Every Member State shall designate the central access point(s) through which the access is done. Member States may designate more than one central access point to reflect their organisational and administrative structure in fulfilment of their constitutional or legal requirements. Within three months after this Decision enters into force every Member State shall notify in a declaration to the Commission and the General Secretariat of the Council their central access point(s) and may at any time amend or replace its declaration by another declaration.

2. The Commission shall publish the declarations referred to in paragraphs 1a. and 1b. in the Official Journal of the European Union.

3. At national level, each Member State shall keep a list of the operating units within the designated authorities that are authorised to access the VIS through the central access point(s).

4. Only duly empowered staff of the operational units as well as the central access point(s) shall be authorised to access the VIS in accordance with Article 4a.

Article 4a

Process for access to the VIS

1. Where the conditions of Article 5 are fulfilled the operating units referred to in Article 3 i shall submit a reasoned written or electronic request to the central access points referred to in Article 3(1b) to access the VIS. Upon receipt of a request for access the central access point(s) shall verify whether the conditions for access referred to in Article 5 are fulfilled. If all conditions for access are fulfilled, the duly authorised staff of the central access point(s) shall process the requests. The VIS data accessed shall be transmitted to the operating units referred to in Article 3 i in such a way as not to compromise the security of the data.

2. In an exceptional case of urgency, the central access point(s) may receive written, electronic or oral requests. In such a case, the central access point(s) shall process the request immediately and only verify ex-post whether all the conditions of Article 5 are fulfilled, including that an exceptional case of urgency existed. The ex-post verification shall take place without undue delay after the processing of the request.

Article 5

Conditions for access to VIS data by designated authorities ▐ of Member States ▐

1. Access to the VIS for consultation by designated authorities ▐ shall take place within the scope of their powers and if the following conditions are met :



(a)access for consultation must be necessary for the purpose of the prevention, detection or investigation of terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences;

(b)access for consultation must be necessary in a specific case ▐ ;

(c)if there are reasonable grounds ▐ to consider that consultation of VIS data will substantially contribute to the prevention, detection or investigation of any of the criminal offences in question.

2. Consultation of the VIS ▐ shall be limited to searching with any of the following VIS data in the application file:

(a)surname, surname at birth (earlier surname(s)); first names; sex; date, place and country of birth;

(b)current nationality of the applicant; nationality at birth;

(c)type and number of the travel document, the authority which issued it and the date of issue and of expiry;

(d)main destination and duration of the intended stay;

(e)purpose of travel;

(f)date of arrival and departure;

(g)border of first entry or transit route;

(h)residence;

(i)

(j)fingerprints;

(k)type of visa and the number of the visa sticker;

(l)details of the person issuing an invitation and/or liable to pay costs of living during the stay and shall, in case of a hit, give access to all of the above data as well as to:

(a)any other data taken from the application form;

(b)the data entered in respect of any visa issued, refused, annulled, revoked or extended.

Article 6

Conditions for access to VIS data by designated authorities ▐ of a Member State in respect of which the VIS Regulation has not yet been put into effect

1. Access to the VIS for consultation by designated authorities ▐ of a Member State in respect of which the VIS Regulation has not yet been put into effect shall take place within the scope of their powers and

(a)subject to the same conditions as referred to in Article 5  i (a) to (c); and

(b)by a duly motivated written or electronic request to a designated authority ▐ of a Member State to which the VIS Regulation applies; that authority shall then request the national central access point(s) to consult the VIS.

2. A Member State in respect of which the VIS Regulation has not yet been put into effect shall make its visa information available to Member States to which the VIS Regulation applies, on the basis of a duly reasoned written or electronic request, subject to compliance with the conditions laid down in Article 5 i (a) to (c).

2a.     Article 8 i, (2a),  i,  i and  i, Article 8a i, Article 8b i and  i, Article 8d, Article 8e i and  i of this Decision apply accordingly.

Article 7

Conditions for access to VIS data by Europol

1. Access to the VIS for consultation by Europol shall take place within the limits of its mandate and

(a)when necessary for the performance of its tasks pursuant to Article 3 i, point 2 of the Europol Convention and for the purposes of a specific analysis as referred to in Article 10 of the Europol Convention; or

(b)when necessary for the performance of its tasks pursuant to Article 3 i, point 2 of the Europol Convention and for an analysis of a general nature and of a strategic type, as referred to in Article 10 of the Europol Convention, provided that VIS data is rendered anonymous by Europol prior to such processing and retained in a form in which identification of the data subjects is no longer possible.

2. Article 5 i ▐ of this Decision applies accordingly.

3. Europol shall designate a specialised unit for the purpose of this Decision with duly empowered Europol officials to act as the central access point to access the VIS for consultation.

4. Processing of information obtained by Europol from access to the VIS shall be subject to the consent of the Member State which has entered that data in the VIS. Such consent shall be obtained via the Europol national unit of that Member State.

Article 8

Protection of personal data

1. The processing of personal data consulted under this Decision shall be subject to the following rules and to the national law of the consulting Member State. With regard to the processing of personal data consulted under this Decision, each Member State shall ensure an adequate data protection level in its national law which at least corresponds to that resulting from the Council of Europe Convention of 28 January 1981 for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data and, for those Member States which have ratified it, the Additional Protocol of 8 November 2001 to that Convention, and shall take into account Recommendation No R (87) 15 of 17 September 1987 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Regulating the Use of Personal Data in the Police Sector .

2. The processing of personal data by Europol pursuant to this Decision shall be in accordance with the Europol Convention and the rules adopted in implementation thereof and supervised by the independent joint supervisory body established by Article 24 of the Convention.

2a.     Personal data obtained pursuant to this Decision from the VIS shall only be processed for the purposes of the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences or other serious criminal offences.

3.   ▐

4.   ▐

5. Personal data obtained pursuant to this Decision from the VIS shall not be transferred or made available to a third country or to an international organisation. However, in an exceptional case of urgency such data may be transferred or made available to a third country or an international organisation, exclusively for the purposes of the prevention and detection of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences and under the conditions set out in Article 5 i of this Decision, subject to the consent of the Member State having entered the data into the VIS and in accordance with the national law of the Member State transferring the data or making them available. In accordance with national law, Member States shall ensure that records are kept of such transfers and make them available to national data protection authorities on request. The transfer of data by the Member State that entered the data in the VIS according to the Regulation is subject to national law of that Member State.

6. The competent body or bodies, which in accordance with national law are charged with the supervision of the processing of personal data by the authorities designated under this Decision shall monitor the lawfulness of the processing of personal data pursuant to this Decision. The Member States shall ensure that these bodies have sufficient resources to fulfil the tasks entrusted to them under this Decision.

6a.     The bodies referred to in paragraph 6 shall ensure that at least every four years an audit of the processing of personal data pursuant to this Decision is carried out, where applicable according to international auditing standards.

7. Member States ▐ and Europol shall allow the competent body or bodies referred to in paragraphs 2 and 6 to obtain the necessary information to enable them to carry out their tasks in accordance with this article.

8. Before being authorised to process data stored in the VIS, the staff of the authorities having a right to access the VIS shall receive appropriate training about data security and data protection rules and shall be informed of any relevant criminal offences and penalties.

Article 8a

Data security

1. The Member State responsible shall ensure the security of the data during the transmission to, and when received by, the designated authorities.

2. Each Member State shall adopt the necessary security measures with respect to data to be retrieved from the VIS pursuant to this Decision and to be subsequently stored, in particular in order to:

(a)physically protect data, including by making contingency plans for the protection of critical infrastructure;

(b)deny unauthorised persons access to national installations in which the Member State store data (checks at entrance to the installation);

(c)prevent the unauthorised reading, copying, modification or removal of data media (data media control);

(d)prevent the unauthorised inspection, modification or deletion of stored personal data (storage control);

(e)prevent the unauthorised processing of data from the VIS (control of data processing);

(f)ensure that persons authorised to access the VIS have access only to the data covered by their access authorisation, by means of individual and unique user identities and confidential access modes only (data access control);

(g)ensure that all authorities with a right of access to VIS create profiles describing the functions and responsibilities of persons who are authorised to access and search the data and make these profiles available to the national supervisory authorities referred to in Article 8 i without delay upon their request (personnel profiles);

(h)ensure that it is possible to verify and establish to which bodies personal data may be transmitted using data communication equipment (communication control);

(i)ensure that it is possible to verify and establish what data has been retrieved from the VIS, when, by whom and for what purpose (control of data recording);

(j)(prevent the unauthorised reading and copying of personal data during their transmission from the VIS, in particular by means of appropriate encryption techniques (transport control);

(k)monitor the effectiveness of the security measures referred to in this paragraph and take the necessary organisational measures related to internal monitoring to ensure compliance with this Decision (self-auditing).

Article 8b

Liability

1. Any person who, or Member State which, has suffered damage as a result of an unlawful processing operation or any act incompatible with this Decision shall be entitled to receive compensation from the Member State which is responsible for the damage suffered. That State shall be exempted from its liability, in whole or in part, if it proves that it is not responsible for the event giving rise to the damage.

2. If any failure of a Member State to comply with its obligations under this Decision causes damage to the VIS, that Member State shall be held liable for such damage, unless and insofar as another Member State participating in VIS failed to take reasonable measures to prevent the damage from occurring or to minimise its impact.

3. Claims for compensation against a Member State for the damage referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be governed by the provisions of national law of the defendant Member State.

Article 8c

Self-monitoring

Member States shall ensure that each authority entitled to access VIS data takes the measures necessary to comply with this Decision and cooperates, where necessary, with the national body or bodies referred to in Article 8 i.

Article 8d

Penalties

Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that any use of VIS data contrary to the provisions of this Decision is punishable by penalties, including administrative and/or criminal penalties, that are effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Article 8e

Keeping of VIS data in national files

1. Data retrieved from the VIS may be kept in national files only when necessary in an individual case in accordance with the purposes set out in this Decision and in accordance with the relevant legal provisions including those concerning data protection and for no longer than it is necessary in the individual case.

2. Paragraph 1 shall not prejudice the provisions of national law of a Member State concerning the entry by its designated authorities in their national files of data which that Member State entered in the VIS according to the Regulation.

3. Any use of data which does not comply with paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be considered a misuse under the national law of each Member State.

Article 8f

Right of access, correction and deletion

1. The right of persons to have access to data relating to them obtained from the VIS pursuant to this Decision shall be exercised in accordance with the law of the Member State before they invoke that right.

2. If national law so provides, the national supervisory authority shall decide whether information is to be communicated and by what procedures.

3. A Member State other than that which has entered the data into the VIS according to the Regulation may communicate information concerning such data only if it first gives the Member State entering the data an opportunity to state its position.

4. Information shall not be communicated to the data subject if this is indispensable for the performance of a lawful task in connection with the data or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of third parties.

5. Any person has the right to have factually inaccurate data relating to him corrected or unlawfully stored data relating to him deleted. If the designated authorities receive such a request or if they have any other evidence to suggest that data processed in the VIS is inaccurate they shall immediately inform the visa authority of the Member State which has entered the data in the VIS, who shall check the data concerned and, if necessary, correct or delete it immediately, pursuant to Article 21 of the VIS Regulation.

6. The individual concerned shall be informed as soon as possible and in any event not later than 60 days from the date on which he applies for access or sooner if national law so provides.

7. The individual shall be informed about the follow-up given to the exercise of his rights of correction and deletion as soon as possible and in any event not later than three months from the date on which he applies for correction or deletion or sooner if national law so provides.

8. In each Member State any person shall have the right to bring an action or a complaint before the competent authorities or courts of that Member State which refused the right of access to or the right of correction or deletion of data relating to him, provided for in this Article.

Article 9

Costs

Each Member State and Europol shall set up and maintain at their expense, the technical infrastructure necessary to implement this Decision, and be responsible for bearing the costs resulting from access to the VIS for the purposes of this Decision.

Article 10

Keeping of records

1. Each Member State and Europol ▐ shall ensure that all data processing operations resulting from access to the VIS for consultation pursuant to this Decision are recorded for the purposes of checking whether the search is admissible or not, for the purpose of monitoring the lawfulness of data processing, for self-monitoring, ensuring the proper functioning data integrity and security.

Those records shall show ▐ :

(a)the exact purpose of the access for consultation referred to in Article 5(1)(a), including the concerned form of crime as defined in Article 2(1)(3.) and (4.), and for Europol, the exact purpose of the access for consultation referred to in Article 7(1)(a) or (b);

(b)the respective national file reference;

(c)the date and exact time of access;

(d)where applicable that use has been made of procedure referred to in Article 4a i;

(e)the data used for consultation;

(f)the type of data consulted;

(g)according to national rules or the rules of the Europol Convention the identifying mark of the official who carried out the search and of the official who ordered the search or supply.

2. Such records containing personal data shall be used only for the data protection monitoring of the legality of data processing as well as to ensure data security. Only such records containing data of a nonpersonal nature may be used for the monitoring and evaluation referred to in Article 12 of this Decision .

3. These records shall be protected by appropriate measures against unauthorised access and abuse and deleted after a period of one year after the five year retention period referred to in Article 20 i of the VIS Regulation has expired, unless they are required for monitoring procedures referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article which have already begun.

Article 11



Article 12

Monitoring and evaluation

1. The Management Authority referred to in the VIS Regulation shall ensure that systems are in place to monitor the functioning of the VIS pursuant to this Decision against objectives, in terms of outputs, costeffectiveness , security and quality of service.

1a.     For the purpose of technical maintenance, the Management Authority shall have access to the necessary information relating to the processing operations performed in the VIS.

2. Two years after the VIS is brought into operations and every two years thereafter, the Management Authority shall submit a report to the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the technical functioning of the VIS pursuant to this Decision. That report shall include information on the performance of the VIS against quantitative indicators predefined by the Commission , and in particular on the need and use made of Article 4a i .

3. Three years after the VIS is brought into operation and every four years thereafter, the Commission shall produce an overall evaluation of the VIS pursuant to this Decision. This evaluation shall include an examination of the results achieved against objectives and an assessment of the continuing validity of the underlying rationale behind this Decision , the application of this Decision in respect of the VIS, the security of the VIS and any implications for future operations. The Commission shall transmit the evaluation reports to the European Parliament and the Council.

4. The Member States and Europol shall provide to the Management Authority and the Commission the information necessary to draft the reports referred to in paragraph 2 and 3. This information may never jeopardise working methods nor include information that reveals sources, staff members or investigations of the designated authorities.

4a.     The Management Authority shall provide the Commission with the information necessary to produce the overall evaluations referred to in paragraph 3.

4b.     During a transitional period before the Management Authority takes up its responsibilities, the Commission shall be responsible for producing and submitting the reports referred to in paragraph 2.

Article 13

Entry into force and date of application

1. This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

2. This Decision shall apply from the date to be determined by the Council once the Commission has informed the Council that the VIS Regulation has entered into force and is applicable ▐ .

The General Secretariat of the Council shall publish that date in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, on ...

For the European Parliament

The President

For the Council

The President



(1) OJ C ...

(2) OJ L 213, 15.6.2004, p. 5.

(3) Conclusions of the meeting Council Competitiveness 7.3.2005, Doc. 6811/05.

(4) OJ C 316, 27.11.1995, p. 2, as last amended by the Protocol, drawn up on the basis of Article 43 i of the Convention on the establishment of a European Police Office (Europol), amending that Convention —OJ C 2, 6.1.2004, p. 3.

(5) OJ C ...

(6) OJ L 190, 18.7.2002, p. 1.

(7) COM(2005)0475.

(8) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.

(9) OJ L 131, 1.6.2000, p. 43.

(10) OJ L 64, 7.3.2002, p. 20.

(11) OJ L 386, 18.12.2006, p. 89.

(12) OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 36.

(13) OJ L 176, 10.7.1999, p. 31.

(14) OJ L 368, 15.12.2004, p. 26.

(15) OJ L 164, 22.6.2002, p. 3.

ANNEX

Council Declaration concerning the Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters

The Council recognises the importance of the existence of a comprehensive and coherent set of rules at the level of the European Union concerning the high level of protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, as a part of the Union's ever increasing regulatory set of instruments on such cooperation. These rules will constitute an important development of the minimum data protection principles set by the Convention of 28 January 1981 for the protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing of personal data, and in Recommendation (87)15 regulating the use of personal data in the police sector, both adopted in the framework of the Council of Europe.

Therefore, the Council continues to give priority to the examination of the proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and intends to reach a political agreement on the proposal as soon as possible and at the latest by the end of 2007.

Council Declaration concerning the right of access to the VIS by the United Kingdom and Ireland in the Council Decision

The Council recognises that the shared security of Member States will be strengthened by the reciprocal access of the United Kingdom and Ireland to the Visa Information System and emphasizes the importance of the United Kingdom and Ireland access for law enforcement purposes to the Visa Information System. The Council will therefore keep the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland under review, including in relation to relevant jurisprudence and will in the light of the outcome of the Court Decisions adopt such provisions as may be necessary or appropriate to enable the United Kingdom and Ireland to have access to the Visa Information System on the same footing as the other Member States.

P6_TA(2007)0230

Protection of personal data *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 June 2007 on the proposal for a Council Framework Decision on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (renewed consultation) (7315/2007 — C6-0115/2007 — 2005/0202(CNS))

(Consultation procedure — renewed consultation)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Council proposal (7315/2007),

having regard to the Council's amendments (7315/1/2007),

having regard to the Commission proposal (COM(2005)0475),

having regard to its position of 27 September 2006 (1),

having regard to Articles 30, 31 and 34(2)(b) of the Treaty on European Union,

having regard to Article 39 i of the Treaty on European Union, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament again (C6-0115/2007),

having regard to Rules 93, 51 and 55 i of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A6-0205/2007),

1.Approves the Council proposal as amended;

2.Calls on the Council to amend the text accordingly;

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 its proposal substantially;

5.Strongly regrets the lack of consensus in the Council on an extended scope for the Framework Decision, and calls on the Commission and the Council to propose the extension of its scope to data processed at national level after the assessment and revision of the Framework Decision and at the latest three years after its entry into force in order to ensure the coherence of data protection rules in the European Union;

6.Calls on the Council and Commission formally to endorse the fifteen principles relating to the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters;

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

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COUNCILAMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT
Amendment 1
Recital 7a (new)
(7a) This Framework Decision should not be interpreted as a measure requiring Member States to reduce the level of protection resulting from national provisions intended to extend the principles laid down in Directive 95/46/EC to the field of judicial and police cooperation.
Amendment 2
Recital 10a (new)
(10a) With reference to Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks (2), which provides for data stored by private persons to be made available for the investigation, detection and prosecution of serious offences, there should be a minimum degree of harmonisation of the obligations of private individuals persons processing data when carrying out a public service remit; the rules permitting access to such data by the competent authorities of a Member State should also be harmonised.
Amendment 3
Recital 12
(12) Where personal data are transferred from a Member State of the European Union to third countries or international bodies, these data should, in principle, benefit from an adequate level of protection.
(12) Where personal data are transferred from a Member State of the European Union to third countries or international bodies, these data must benefit from an adequate level of protection.
Amendment 4
Recital 13
(13) It may be necessary to inform data subjects regarding the processing of their data, in particular where there has been particularly serious encroachment on their rights as a result of secret data collection measures, in order to ensure that data subjects can have effective legal protection.
(13) Data subjects should, without fail, be informed of the processing of their data, in particular where there has been particularly serious encroachment on their rights as a result of secret data collection measures, in order to ensure that data subjects can have effective legal protection.
Amendment 5
Recital 14
(14) In order to ensure the protection of personal data without jeopardising the purpose of criminal investigations , it is necessary to define the rights of the data subject.
(14) It is necessary to define the rights of the data subject, in order to ensure the protection of personal data without jeopardising the purpose of criminal investigations.
Amendment 6
Recital 15
(15) It is appropriate to establish common rules on the confidentiality and security of the processing, on liability and sanctions for unlawful use by competent authorities as well as judicial remedies available for the data subject. It is, however, for each Member State to determine the nature of its tort rules and of the sanctions applicable to violations of domestic data protection provisions.
(15) It is appropriate to establish common rules on the confidentiality and security of the processing, on liability and sanctions for unlawful use by competent authorities as well as judicial remedies available for the data subject. It is, however, for each Member State to determine the nature of its tort rules and of the sanctions , including criminal penalties , applicable to violations of domestic data protection provisions
Amendment 7
Recital 16
(16) The establishment in Member States of supervisory authorities, exercising their functions with complete independence, is an essential component of the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation between the Member States.
(16) The appointment in Member States of national supervisory authorities, exercising their functions with complete independence, is an essential component of the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation between the Member States. The functions of those national supervisory authorities should be assigned to the national data protection authorities established in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 95/46/EC.
Amendment 8
Recital 17
(17) Such authorities should have the necessary means to perform their duties, including powers of investigation and intervention, particularly in cases of complaints from individuals, and powers to engage in legal proceedings. These authorities should help to ensure transparency of processing in the Member States within whose jurisdiction they fall. However, their powers should not interfere with specific rules set out for criminal proceedings or the independence of the judiciary.
(17) Such authorities should have the necessary means to perform their duties, including powers of investigation and intervention, particularly in cases of complaints from individuals, and powers to initiate and otherwise engage in legal proceedings. These authorities should help to ensure transparency of processing in the Member States within whose jurisdiction they fall. However, their powers should not interfere with specific rules set out for criminal proceedings or the independence of the judiciary.
Amendment 9
Recital 18
(18) The Framework Decision also aims to combine the existing data protection supervisory bodies, which have hitherto been established separately for the Schengen Information System, Europol, Eurojust, and the third-pillar Customs Information System, into a single data protection supervisory authority. A single supervisory authority should be created, which could, where appropriate , also act in an advisory capacity. A single supervisory authority allows the improvement in third-pillar data protection to be taken a decisive step further
(18) This Framework Decision also aims to combine the data protection supervisory bodies in existence at European level , which have hitherto been established separately for the Schengen Information System, Europol, Eurojust, and the third-pillar Customs Information System, into a single data protection supervisory authority. A single supervisory authority should be created, which should , where appropriate, also act in an advisory capacity. A single supervisory authority allows the improvement in third-pillar data protection to be taken a decisive step further.
Amendment 10
Recital 18a (new)
(18a) That joint supervisory authority should gather the national supervisory authorities and the European Data Protection Supervisor.
Amendment 11
Recital 22
(22) It is appropriate that this Framework Decision also applies to the personal data which are processed in the framework of the second generation of the Schengen Information System and the related exchange of supplementary information pursuant to Decision JHA/2006/...on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System.
(22) It is appropriate that this Framework Decision also applies to the personal data which are processed in the framework of the second generation of the Schengen Information System and the related exchange of supplementary information pursuant to Council Decision 2007/.../JHA of ... on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II) and in the framework of the Visa Information System pursuant to Council Decision 2007/.../ JHA of... on access for consultation of the Visa Information System (VIS) by the competent authorities of Member States responsible for internal security and by Europol for the purposes of the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences .
Amendment 12
Recital 25a (new)
(25a) With a view to ensuring that the international obligations of the Member States are fulfilled, this Framework Decision may not be interpreted as guaranteeing a level of protection lower than that resulting from Convention 108 of the Council of Europe and the Additional Protocol thereto or from Article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms or the case-law relating thereto. Similarly, in keeping with Article 6 i of the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, with particular reference to Articles 1, 7, 8 and 47 thereof, the interpretation of the level of protection laid down by this Framework Decision must be the same as that laid down by those two Conventions.
Amendment 13
Recital 26a (new)
(26a) This Framework Decision is merely the first step towards a more comprehensive and consistent framework for the protection of personal data used for security purposes. Such a framework may be based on the principles annexed to this Framework Decision.
Amendment 14
Recital 32
(32) This Framework Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This Framework Decision seeks to ensure full respect for the rights to privacy and the protection of personal data in Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
(32) This Framework Decision respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. This Framework Decision seeks to ensure full respect for the rights to privacy and the protection of personal data in Articles 7 and 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which are specific expressions of the right to human dignity enshrined in Article 1 of the Charter, Article 47 of which also guarantees the right to an effective remedy and to a fair trial .
Amendment 15
Article 1, paragraph 1
1. The purpose of this Framework Decision is to ensure a high level of protection of the basic rights and freedoms, and in particular the privacy, of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, provided for by Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, while guaranteeing a high level of public safety.
1. The purpose of this Framework Decision is to ensure a high level of protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms, and in particular the privacy, of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, provided for by Title VI of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment 17
Article 1, paragraph 2
2. The Member States and institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union shall, by compliance with this Framework Decision, guarantee that the basic rights and freedoms, and in particular the privacy, of data subjects are fully protected when personal data are transmitted between Member States or institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, or further processed for the same purpose by the recipient Member State or institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union.
2. The Member States and institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union shall, by compliance with this Framework Decision, guarantee that the fundamental rights and freedoms, and in particular the privacy, of data subjects are fully protected when personal data are transmitted between Member States or institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, or further processed for the same purpose by the recipient Member State or institutions and bodies established on the basis of Council acts pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union.
Amendment 16
Article 1, paragraph 4
4. Authorities or other offices dealing specifically with matters of national security do not fall within the scope of this Framework Decision.
deleted
Amendment 18
Article 1, paragraph 5a (new)
5a. No later than three years after the date of entry into force of this Framework Decision, the Commission may submit proposals with a view to extending its scope to cover the processing of personal data within the framework of police and judicial cooperation at national level.
Amendment 19
Article 2, point (g)
(g)‘the data subject's consent’ shall mean any freely given specific and informed indication of his wishes by which the data subject signifies his agreement to personal data relating to him being processed;
deleted
Amendment 20
Article 2, point (k)
(k)‘to make anonymous’ shall mean to modify personal data in such a way that details of personal or material circumstances can no longer or only with disproportionate investment of time, cost and labour be attributed to an identified or identifiable individual.
(k)‘to make anonymous’ shall mean to modify personal data in such a way that details of personal or material circumstances can no longer be attributed to an identified or identifiable individual.
Amendment 21
Article 3, paragraph 1
1. Personal data may be collected by the competent authorities only for the lawful purposes established explicitly pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union and may be processed only for the same purpose for which the data were collected. Processing of the data must be essential and appropriate to this purpose, and must not be excessive.
1. Personal data may be collected by the competent authorities only for the lawful purposes established explicitly pursuant to Title VI of the Treaty on European Union and may be processed fairly and lawfully only for the same purpose for which the data were collected. Processing of the data must be necessary, appropriate and proportionate to this purpose.
Amendment 22
Article 3, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Personal data shall be evaluated taking into account their degree of accuracy or reliability, their source, the categories of data subjects, the purposes for which they are processed and the phase in which they are used. Data which are inaccurate or incomplete shall be erased or rectified.
Amendment 23
Article 3, paragraph 1b (new)
1b. Data mining and any form of large-scale processing of massive quantities of personal data, in particular where related to non-suspects, including the transfer of such data to a different controller, shall be permitted only if carried out in compliance with the results of an examination performed by a supervisory authority either prior to the start thereof or in the context of the preparation of a legislative measure.
Amendment 24
Article 3, paragraph 1c (new)
1c. Personal data shall be processed by separating facts and objective evaluations from opinions or personal assessments, and the data relating to the prevention and prosecution of offences from data lawfully held for administrative purposes.
Amendment 25
Article 3, paragraph 2, point (c)
(c)processing is essential and appropriate to that purpose.
(c)processing is necessary , appropriate and proportional to that purpose.
Amendment 26
Article 4, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Member States shall ensure that the quality of personal data made available to the competent authorities of other Member States is verified regularly in order to ensure that the data accessed are accurate and up to date. Member States shall ensure that personal data that are no longer accurate or up to date are neither transmitted nor made available.
Amendment 27
Article 7
The processing of personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or tradeunion membership and the processing of data concerning health or sex life shall be permitted only when this is strictly necessary and when suitable additional safeguards are provided.The processing of personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or tradeunion membership and the processing of data concerning health or sex life shall be prohibited.
By way of exception, the processing of such data may be carried out:

if the processing is provided for by law, following prior authorisation by a competent judicial authority, on a case-by-case basis and is absolutely necessary for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences,

if Member States provide for suitable specific safeguards, for example access to the data concerned only for personnel who are responsible for the fulfilment of the legitimate task that justifies the processing.

These specific categories of data may not be processed automatically unless domestic law provides appropriate safeguards. The same condition shall apply to personal data relating to criminal convictions.
Amendment 28
Article 7, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Appropriate safeguards shall be provided for by specific provisions, or on the basis of prior checking, in respect of processing operations that are likely to present specific risks to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, such as in particular the processing of DNA profiles, biometric data, data of nonsuspects and the use of particular surveillance techniques or new technologies.
Amendment 29
Article 10, paragraph 1
1. The transmitting body shall, upon transmission of the data, indicate the time-limits for the retention of data provided for under its national law, following the expiry of which the recipient must also erase the data or review whether or not they are still needed. Irrespective of these time-limits, transmitted data must be erased once they are no longer required for the purpose for which they were transmitted or for which they were allowed to be further processed in accordance with Article 11.
1. The transmitting body shall, upon transmission of the data, indicate the time-limits for the retention of data provided for under its national law, following the expiry of which the recipient must also erase the data or review whether or not they are still needed for the specific case for the purpose of which they were transmitted and must inform the supervisory authority and the transmitting body . Irrespective of these timelimits, transmitted data must be erased once they are no longer required for the purpose for which they were transmitted or for which they were allowed to be further processed in accordance with Article 12.
Amendment 30
Article 11, paragraph 1
1. All transmissions of personal data are to be logged or documented for the purposes of verification of the lawfulness of the data processing, self-monitoring and ensuring proper data integrity and security.
1. All transmissions of personal data are to be logged or documented for the purposes of verification of the lawfulness of the data processing, self-monitoring and ensuring proper data integrity and security , as is all access to such data .
Amendment 31
Article 12, paragraph 1, introduction
1. Personal data received from or made available by the competent authority of another Member State may be further processed only for the following purposes other than those for which they were transmitted:
1. Personal data received from or made available by the competent authority of another Member State may be further processed only subject to the provisions of national law and only for the following purposes other than those for which they were transmitted:
Amendment 32
Article 12, paragraph 1, point (a)
(a)the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties other than those for which they were transmitted or made available;
(a)the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences in the same field or the execution of criminal penalties other than those for which they were transmitted or made available;
Amendment 33
Article 12, paragraph 1, point (d)
(d)any other purpose only with the prior consent of the competent authority that has transmitted or made available the personal data, unless the competent authority concerned has obtained the consent of the data subject,
(d)any other specified purpose , provided that it is legitimate and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which they were registered in accordance with Article 5 of Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (hereinafter referred to as ‘Convention 108’), but only with the prior consent of the competent authority that has transmitted or made available the personal data,
Amendment 34
Article 12, paragraph 1, last subparagraph
and where the requirements of Article 3 i are met.The competent authorities may also use the transmitted personal data for historical, statistical or scientific purposes, provided that Member States provide appropriate safeguards, such as, for example, making the data anonymous.and where the requirements of Article 3 i are met.The competent authorities may also use the transmitted personal data for historical, statistical or scientific purposes, provided that Member States make the data anonymous.
Amendment 35
Article 12, paragraph 2
2. In cases where appropriate conditions are laid down for the processing of personal data on the basis of Council acts in accordance with Title VI of the Treaty on European Union, these conditions shall take precedence over paragraph 1.
2. Exceptions subsequent to the date of entry into force of this Framework Decision other than those indicated in paragraph 1 shall be permitted only in extraordinary cases, on the basis of a specific, duly substantiated decision of the Council after consultation of the European Parliament.
Amendment 36
Article 13
The transmitting authority shall inform the recipient of processing restrictions applicable under its national law to data exchanges between competent authorities within that Member State. The recipient must also comply with these processing restrictions.The transmitting authority shall inform the recipient of processing restrictions applicable under its national law to data exchanges between competent authorities within that Member State. The recipient must also comply with these processing restrictions or apply its own national law if the latter affords greater protection .
Amendment 37
Article 14
Personal data received from or made available by the competent authority of another Member State may be transferred to third States or international bodies only if the competent authority of the Member States which transmitted the data has given its consent to transfer in compliance with its national law.Member States shall provide that personal data may be transferred to third countries or international bodies or organisations established by international agreements or declared as an international body only if

(a)such transfer is necessary for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of terrorist offences and of other serious criminal offences,

(b)the receiving authority in the third country or receiving international body or organisation is responsible for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences,

(c)the Member State from which the data were obtained has given its consent to the transfer in compliance with its national law, and

(d)the third country or international body concerned ensures an adequate level of protection for the intended data processing pursuant to Article 2 of the Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention of 28 January 1981 for the Protection of individuals with regards to Automatic Processing of Personal Data regarding supervisory authorities and transborder data flows, and the corresponding case-law pursuant to Article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Member States shall ensure that records are kept of such transfers and make them available to national data protection authorities on request.
Amendment 38
Article 14, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. The Council, acting on the basis of an opinion delivered by the joint supervisory authority provided for in Article 26, and after consulting the Commission and the European Parliament, may establish that a third country or an international body ensures an adequate level of protection of privacy and of the fundamental freedoms and rights of the individual by virtue of its domestic legislation or international agreements.
Amendment 39
Article 14, paragraph 1b (new)
1b. By way of exception, but in accordance with the principles of jus cogens, personal data may be transferred to the competent authorities of third countries or to international bodies which do not ensure an adequate level of protection or where this level of protection is not ensured, in case of absolute necessity in order to safeguard the essential interests of a Member State or for the purpose of averting imminent serious threats to public safety or to the safety of one or more persons in particular. In this case, the personal data may be processed by the receiving party only if that is absolutely necessary for the specific purpose for which the data have been supplied. Such data transfers shall be notified to the competent supervisory authority.
Amendment 40
Article 14a (new)
Article 14a

Transmission to authorities other than competent authorities

Member States shall provide that personal data are transmitted to authorities of a Member State other than competent authorities only in particular individual and well-founded cases and if all the following requirements are met:

(a)the transmission is provided for by law clearly obliging or authorising it, and

(b)the transmission is

necessary for the specific purpose for which the data concerned were collected, transmitted or made available, or for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or for the purpose of the prevention of threats to public security or to a person, except where such considerations are overridden by the need to protect the interests or fundamental rights of the data subject or necessary because the data concerned are indispensable to the authority to which the data are to be further transmitted to enable it to fulfil its own lawful task and provided that the aim of the collection or processing to be carried out by that authority is not incompatible with the original processing, and the legal obligations of the competent authority which intends to transmit the data are not contrary to this.
Amendment 41
Article 14b (new)
Article 14b

Transmission to private parties

Without prejudice to national rules of criminal procedure, Member States shall provide that personal data may be transmitted to private parties in a Member State only in specific cases and if all the following requirements are met:

(a)the transmission is provided for by a law clearly obliging or authorising it, and

(b)the transmission is necessary for the specific purpose for which the data concerned were collected, transmitted or made available or for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the prevention of threats to public security or to a person, except where such considerations are overridden by the need to protect the interests or fundamental rights of the data subject.

Member States shall provide that competent authorities may have access to and process personal data controlled by private persons only on a case-by-case basis, in specific circumstances, for specified purposes and subject to judicial scrutiny in the Member States.
Amendment 42
Article 14c (new)
Article 14c

Processing of data by private persons when carrying out a public service remit

The national legislation of the Member States shall provide that, where private persons collect and process data as part of a public service remit, they are subject to requirements which are, at least, equivalent to or otherwise exceed those imposed on the competent authorities.
Amendment 43
Article 16
The competent authority shall inform the subject of the collection of personal data of the fact that data relating to him are being processed, the categories of data involved and the purposes of the processing , unless the provision of such information proves, in the particular case, to be incompatible with the permissible purposes of the processing, or involves a disproportionate effort compared to the legitimate interests of the data subject.The data subject shall be informed of the fact that personal data concerning him or her are being processed, the categories of data concerned, the identity of the controller and/or his or her representative, if any, the legal basis and the purposes of the processing , the existence of the right to access and rectify the data concerning him or her, unless the provision of such information proves impossible or incompatible with the purposes of the processing, or involves a disproportionate effort in relation to the data subject's interests, or where the data subject already has that information.
Amendment 44
Article 17, paragraph 1, point (ba) (new)
(ba)the purposes for which the data are processed and communicated ;
Amendment 45
Article 17, paragraph 2, point (a)
(a)It would jeopardise the proper performance of the tasks of the competent authority;
(a) It would jeopardise an ongoing operation;
Amendment 46
Article 17, paragraph 2, point (b)
(b)it would jeopardise public order or security or otherwise be detrimental to national interests;
deleted
Amendment 47
Article 17, paragraph 2, point (c)
(c)the data or the fact of their storage must be kept secret pursuant to a legal provision or by reason of their nature , in particular for the sake of the overriding interests of a third party;
(c)the data or the fact of their storage must be kept secret pursuant to a legal provision or by reason of their nature;
Amendment 48
Article 18, paragraph 1
1. The data subject is entitled to expect the competent authority to fulfil its duties concerning the rectification, erasure or blocking of personal data which arise from this Framework Decision
1. The data subject shall be entitled to expect the competent authority to fulfil its duties concerning the rectification, erasure or blocking of personal data which arise from this Framework Decision. The data subject shall also be entitled to access and rectify his own data.
Amendment 49
Article 20
Without prejudice to any administrative remedy for which provision may be made prior to referral to the judicial authority, the data subject must have the opportunity of seeking judicial remedy for any breach of the rights guaranteed to him by the applicable national law.Without prejudice to any administrative remedy for which provision may be made prior to referral to the judicial authority, the data subject must have the opportunity of seeking judicial remedy for any breach of the rights guaranteed to him by the applicable national law, which shall be the law of the Member State of the competent authority .
Amendment 50
Article 21
Persons who have access to personal data which fall within the scope of this Framework Directive may process such data only as members or on the instructions of the competent authority, unless there are legal obligations to do so. Persons called upon to work for a competent authority of a Member State shall be bound by all the data protection rules which apply to the competent authority in question.Duly authorised staff who have access to personal data which fall within the scope of this Framework Directive may process such data only as members or on the instructions of the competent authority, unless there are legal obligations to do so. Duly authorised staff called upon to work for a competent authority of a Member State shall be bound by all the data protection rules which apply to the competent authority in question.
Amendment 51
Article 22, paragraph 2, point (g)
(g)ensure that it is subsequently possible to verify and establish which personal data have been input into automated data processing systems and when and by whom the data were input (input control);
(g)ensure that it is subsequently possible to verify and establish which personal data have been input or processed into automated data processing systems and when and by whom the data were input or processed (input and processing control);
Amendment 52
Article 23, introductory part
Member States shall provide that the processing of personal data shall be subject to prior checking by the competent supervisory authority where:Member States shall provide that the processing of personal data shall be subject to prior checking and authorisation by the competent judicial authority as prescribed by national law and by the competent supervisory authority where:
Amendment 53
Article 24
Member States shall adopt suitable measures to ensure the full implementation of the provisions of this Framework Decision and shall in particular lay down effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions to be imposed in case of infringement of the provisions adopted pursuant to this Framework Decision.Member States shall adopt suitable measures to ensure the full implementation of the provisions of this Framework Decision and shall in particular lay down effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions, including administrative and/or criminal penalties in accordance with national law to be imposed in case of infringement of the provisions adopted pursuant to this Framework Decision.
Amendment 54
Article 25, paragraph 2, point (c)
(c)the power to engage in legal proceedings where the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Framework Decision have been infringed or to bring such infringements to the attention of the judicial authorities. Decisions by the supervisory authority which give rise to complaints may be appealed against through the courts
(c)the power to initiate or otherwise engage in legal proceedings where the national provisions adopted pursuant to this Framework Decision have been infringed or to bring such infringements to the attention of the judicial authorities. Decisions by the supervisory authority which give rise to complaints may be appealed against through the courts
Amendment 55
Article 26, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. The joint supervisory authority shall gather the national supervisory authorities provided for in Article 25 and the European Data Protection Supervisor.
Amendment 56
Article 26, paragraph 2
2. The composition, tasks and powers of the joint supervisory authority shall be laid down by Member States through a Council Decision under Article 34(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union. The joint supervisory authority shall in particular monitor the proper use of data processing programs by which personal data are to be processed and advise the Commission and Member States on any proposed amendment of this Framework Decision, on any additional or specific measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences and on any other proposed measures affecting such rights and freedoms.
2. The tasks and powers of the joint supervisory authority shall be laid down by the Council under Article 34(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union not later than 12 months after the date of entry into force of this Framework Decision . The joint supervisory authority shall in particular monitor the proper use of data processing programs by which personal data are to be processed and advise the Commission and Member States on any proposed amendment of this Framework Decision, on any additional or specific measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data for the purpose of the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences and on any other proposed measures affecting such rights and freedoms.
Amendment 57
Article 27
This Framework Decision is without prejudice to any obligations and commitments incumbent upon Member States or upon the European Union by virtue of bilateral and/or multilateral agreements with third States.1. This Framework Decision is without prejudice to any preexisting obligations and commitments incumbent upon Member States or upon the European Union by virtue of bilateral and/or multilateral agreements with third States.
Amendment 58
Article 27, paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Any bilateral and/or multilateral agreement which enters into force after the date of entry into force of this Framework Decision shall comply with this Framework Decision;
Amendment 59
Article 27a (new)
Article 27a

Assessment and revision

1. Not more than three years after the date of entry into force of this Framework Decision, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an assessment of the application of this Framework Decision, accompanied by proposals for any amendments which are necessary in order to extend its scope pursuant to Article 1(5a).

2. To this end, the Commission shall take account of the observations forwarded by the parliaments and governments of the Member States, the Article 29 working party established by Directive 95/46/EC, the European Data Protection Supervisor and the joint supervisory authority provided for in Article 26 of this Framework Decision .
Amendment 60
Annex (new)
Annex

15 Principles on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters

Principle 1

(Protection of rights and freedoms)

1. Personal data must be processed by ensuring a high level of protection of data subjects' rights, fundamental freedoms and dignity, including the right to personal data protection.

Principle 2

(Minimisation)

1. The use of personal data shall be configured by minimising their processing if the purposes sought can be achieved by using anonymous or non identifying information.

Principle 3

(Transparency)

1. The processing of personal data must be transparent under the terms set out in the law.

2. The type of data and processing operations, the relevant retention period, and the identity of the controller and processor(s) must be specified and made available.

3. The results achieved by means of the various categories of processing performed should be publicised regularly in order to assess whether the processing is further helpful in concrete.

Principle 4

(Legitimacy of processing)

1. Personal data may only be processed if this is provided for by a law setting out that processing by the competent authorities is necessary in order for the said authorities to fulfil their legitimate obligations.
Principle 5

(Data quality)

1. Personal data must be:

processed fairly and lawfully;

collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a way incompatible with those purposes;

adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purposes for which they are collected and/or further processed;

accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date;

kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the data were collected and/or further processed, in particular where the data are available on line.

2. Personal data must be evaluated taking into account their degree of accuracy or reliability, their source, the categories of data subjects, the purposes for which they are processed and the phase in which they are used. Every reasonable step should be taken to ensure that data which are inaccurate or incomplete are erased or rectified.

3. Data mining and any form of large-scale processing of massive quantities of personal data, in particular where related to non-suspects, including the transfer of such data to a different controller, shall only be permitted if carried out in compliance with the results of an examination performed by a supervisory authority either prior to the start thereof or in the context of preparation of a legislative measure.

4. Personal data must be processed by separating facts and objective evaluations from opinions or personal assessments, and the data related to prevention and prosecution of offences from data lawfully held for administrative purposes.

5. Appropriate checks prior and after an exchange of data must be established.

6. The controller shall take suitable measures in order to facilitate respect for the principles laid down herein, including by means of ad hoc software, as also related to the possible notification of rectification, erasure or blocking to third party recipients.
Principle 6

(Special categories of data)

1. The processing of personal data solely on the basis that they reveal racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs or trade-union membership, and the processing of personal data concerning health or sex life shall be prohibited. The processing of these data may only be carried out if absolutely necessary for the purpose of a particular inquiry.

2. Appropriate safeguards shall be provided for by specific provisions, or on the basis of prior checking, in respect of processing operations that are likely to present specific risks to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, such as in particular the processing of DNA profiles, biometric data, data of nonsuspects and the use of particular surveillance techniques or new technologies.

Principle 7

(Information to be given to the data subject)

1. The data subject shall be informed of the fact that personal data concerning him are being processed, the categories of data concerned, the identity of the controller and/or his representative, if any, the legal basis and the purposes of the processing, the existence of the right to access and rectify the data concerning him, unless the provision of such information proves impossible or incompatible with the purposes of the processing, or involves a disproportionate effort compared to data subject's interests, or where the data subject already has this information.

2. The provision of information to the data subject may be delayed to the extent this is necessary in order not to jeopardize the purposes for which the data were collected and/or further processed.

Principle 8

(Right of access to data and rectification)

1. The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller, without constraint at reasonable intervals and without excessive delay:

a.confirmation as to whether or not data relating to him are being processed and information at least as to the purposes of the processing, the categories of data concerned and the recipients or categories of recipients to whom data are disclosed,

b.communication to him in an intelligible form of the data undergoing processing and of any available information as to their source,

c.knowledge of the logic involved in any automatic processing of data concerning him at least in the case of the automated decisions referred to in principle 9;
2. The data subject shall have the right:

a.to rectification or, if appropriate, erasure of data that are processed in breach of these principles, in particular because of the incomplete or inaccurate nature of the data,

b.to have third parties to whom the data have been disclosed notified of any rectification or erasure carried out in compliance with (a), unless this proves impossible or involves a disproportionate effort.

3. The communication referred to in paragraph 1 may be refused or delayed if such a refusal or delay is necessary to:

a.protect security and public order or to prevent crime; or

b.the investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences; or

c.protect the rights and freedoms of third parties.

Principle 9

(Automated individual decisions)

1. Everyone has the right not to be subject to a decision which produces legal effects concerning him or significantly affects him and which is based solely on automated processing of data intended to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to him.

2. Subject to other principles, a person may be subjected to a decision of the kind referred to herein if that decision is authorised by a law which also lays down appropriate measures to safeguard the data subject's legitimate interests.

Principle 10

(Confidentiality and security of processing)

1. The controller and any person acting under the authority of the latter should not disclose or anyhow make available any personal data to which access is necessitated by virtue of their function, unless authorised or required to do so by law.

2. The controller must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data against accidental or unlawful destruction, accidental loss or unauthorised disclosure, alteration and access or all other unlawful forms of processing. These measures should be of a level appropriate to the risks arising from the processing and the nature of the data to be protected, by also considering the reliability and confidentiality of the data, and must be reviewed periodically.
Principle 11

(Communication of personal data)

1. The communication of data should only be permissible if there exists a legitimate interest for such communication within the framework of the legal powers of the competent authorities.

2. Data communicated in accordance with the principles set forth herein should only be used for the purposes for which they have been disclosed or, if provided for by the law or agreed upon by the competent authorities, where a concrete link exists with an ongoing investigation.

3. Communication to other public bodies or private parties should only be permissible if, in a particular case:

a.there exists a clear legal obligation or authorisation, or with the authorisation of the supervisory authority, or if

b.these data are indispensable to the recipient to enable him to fulfil his own lawful task and provided that the aim of the collection or processing to be carried out by the recipient is not incompatible with the original processing, and the legal obligations of the communicating body are not contrary to this.

4. Furthermore, communication to other public bodies is exceptionally permissible if in a particular case:

a.the communication is undoubtedly in the interest of the data subject and either the data subject has consented or circumstances are such as to allow a clear presumption of such consent, or if

b.the communication is necessary so as to prevent a serious and imminent danger.

5. Communication of data to third countries or international bodies should be subject to the existence of an appropriate legal framework resulting from an examination performed prior to the start thereof by a supervisory authority or in the context of a legislative measure, providing in particular, that the request for such communication contains clear indications as to the body or person requesting them, the purpose, the proportionality and the security measures of the processing, and the adequate guarantees to ensure a mandatory framework about the use of data. Such guarantees should be assessed in general on the basis of a standard procedure by taking into account all the principles set out in this Annex.
Principle 12

(Notification and prior checking)

1. Member States shall identify the categories of permanent or ad hoc files likely to present specific risks to the rights and freedoms of data subjects, to be notified to a supervisory authority or subject to a prior checking under the conditions and procedures to be specified by domestic law.

Principle 13

(Responsibility)

1. The controller is responsible for ensuring that the provisions set out in these principles are respected, in particular as for any activities performed by and/or committed to processors acting under his instructions.

Principle 14

(Judicial remedies and liability)

1. Every person has the right to a judicial legal remedy for any breach of the rights guaranteed to him by these principles.

2. The data subject has the right to compensation for any damage suffered by him because of the unlawful processing of personal data concerning him.

3. The controller may be exempted from his liability, in whole or in part, if he proves that he is not responsible for the event giving rise to the damage

Principle 15

(Supervision)

1. Observance of the principles of personal data protection should be monitored and enforced by one or more public supervisory authorities. The supervisory authorities should in particular be endowed with powers of investigation and intervention allowing them in particular to instigate, as appropriate, the rectification or erasure of personal data whose processing does not comply with the principles established in this Annex. These authorities shall act in complete independence in exercising the functions entrusted to them.

2. The supervisory authorities shall be consulted when drawing up legislative and administrative measures or regulations relating to the protection of individuals' rights and freedoms with regard to the processing of personal data or otherwise having an impact on them.

3. The supervisory authorities shall be endowed with:

a.investigative powers, such as powers of access to data forming the subject-matter of processing operations and powers to collect all the information necessary for the performance of their supervisory duties,

b.effective powers of intervention, such as, for example that of delivering opinions before processing operations are carried out, in accordance with principle 12, and of ordering erasure or destruction of data, of imposing a definitive ban on processing, of warning or admonishing the controller, or that of referring the matter to the Parliament or other political institutions,

c.the power to engage in legal proceedings where the principles have been violated or to bring these violations to the attention of judicial authorities.

Decisions by the supervisory authorities which give rise to complaints may be appealed against through the courts.

4. Supervisory authorities shall hear and decide on claims lodged by any person, or by an association representing that person, concerning the protection of his rights and freedoms in respect of the processing of personal data. The person concerned shall be informed of the outcome of the claim.

The supervisory authority shall, in particular, hear claims for checks on the lawfulness of data processing lodged by any person when the principle 8.3 is applied. The person shall at any rate be informed that a check has taken place.

5. Supervisory authorities shall draw up a report on their activities at regular intervals. The report shall be made public.



(1) Texts Adopted on that date, P6_TA(2006)0370.

(2) OJ L 105, 13.4.2006, p. 54.

P6_TA(2007)0231

Baltic Sea cod *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 June 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing a multi-annual plan for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks (COM(2006)0411 — C6-0281/2006 — 2006/0134(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2006)0411) (1),

having regard to Article 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0281/2006),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries and the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (A6-0163/2007),

1.Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250 i 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 Commission.

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSIONAMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT
Amendment 1
Recital 1
(1) Recent scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicates that the cod stock in ICES Subdivisions 25 to 32 of the Baltic Sea has declined to levels where it is suffering from reduced reproductive capacity and that the stock is being harvested unsustainably.
(1) Recent scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicates that the cod stock in ICES Subdivisions 25 to 32 of the Baltic Sea has declined to levels outside safe biological limits, where it is suffering from reduced reproductive capacity, and that the stock is being harvested unsustainably.
Amendment 2
Recital 2a (new)
(2a) A sufficiently strong and sustainable multi-annual management plan for the cod fishery, based on the precautionary principle, would enable the establishment of a permanent, sustainable fishery much larger than at present.
Amendment 3
Recital 3
(3) Measures need to be taken to establish a multi-annual plan for fisheries management of the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea.
(3) A multi-annual management plan for the cod stocks in the Baltic Sea was adopted through the auspices of the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission in 2003.
Amendment 4
Recital 3a (new)
(3a) The Baltic Sea's division into a Western (ICES Subdivisions 22, 23 and 24) and an Eastern (ICES Subdivisions 25 to 32) part is determined by the fact that they are separate ecosystems with totally different properties.
Amendment 5
Recital 3b (new)
(3b) According to the latest information from ICES, approximately 35-45% of the cod landed in the eastern Baltic Sea is caught illegally.
Amendment 6
Recital 3c (new)
(3c) According to the Food and Agriculture Organization International Plan of Action on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing: ‘States should take measures to ensure that their importers, transshippers, buyers, consumers, equipment suppliers, bankers, insurers, other services suppliers and the public are aware of the detrimental effects of doing business with vessels identified as engaged in IUU fishing’.
Amendment 7
Recital 4a (new)
(4a) Article 5 i of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 requires the Council to adopt, as a priority, recovery plans for fisheries exploiting stocks which are outside safe biological limits.
Amendment 8
Article 7
By way of derogation from Article 6, the Council may, where it considers this appropriate, adopt a TAC that is below the TAC that follows from applying Article 6.By way of derogation from Article 6, the Council may, where it considers this appropriate, adopt a TAC other than the TAC that follows from applying Article 6.
Amendment 9
Article 8, heading
Procedure for setting periods when fishing with gear of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm or with bottom set lines is allowedProcedure for setting periods when fishing for cod with gear of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm is allowed
Amendment 10
Article 8, paragraph 1, introductory part
1. It shall be prohibited to fish with trawls, Danish seines or similar gear of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm, with gillnets, entangling nets or trammel nets of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm , or with bottom set lines :
1. It shall be prohibited to fish with trawls, Danish seines or similar gear of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm, with gillnets, entangling nets or trammel nets of a mesh size equal to or larger than 90 mm:
Amendment 11
Article 8, paragraph 3
3. Where the fishing mortality rate for one of the cod stocks concerned has been estimated by the STECF to be at least 10 % higher than the minimum fishing mortality rate defined in Article 4, the total number of days when fishing with the gear referred to in paragraph 1 is allowed shall be reduced by 10 % compared to the total number of days allowed in the current year.
3. Where the fishing mortality rate for one of the cod stocks concerned has been estimated by the STECF to be at least 10 % higher than the minimum fishing mortality rate defined in Article 4, the total number of days when fishing with the gear referred to in paragraph 1 is allowed shall be reduced by 8 % compared to the total number of days allowed in the current year.
Amendment 12
Article 8, paragraph 6a (new)
6a. By way of derogation from the rules on minimum landing size for cod laid down in Regulation (EC) No 2187/2005, the minimum landing size for cod in Subdivisions 22 to 32 shall be 40 cm.
Amendment 13
Article 12, paragraph 1
1. By way of derogation from Article 6 i of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy, the masters of all Community vessels of an overall length equal to or greater than eight metres shall keep a logbook of their operations in accordance with Article 6 of that Regulation.
1. By way of derogation from Article 6 i of Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries policy, the masters of all Community vessels of an overall length equal to or greater than eight metres fishing under a special permit for fishing for cod in the Baltic Sea, issued in accordance with Article 11 of this Regulation, shall keep a logbook of their operations in accordance with Article 6 of that Regulation.
Amendment 14
Article 16
By way of derogation from Article 5 i of Regulation (EEC) No 2807/83, the permitted margin of tolerance in estimating quantities, in kilograms, of fish subject to a TAC that are retained on board vessels shall be 8 % of the logbook figure.By way of derogation from Article 5 i of Regulation (EEC) No 2807/83, the permitted margin of tolerance in estimating quantities, in kilograms, of fish subject to a TAC that are retained on board vessels shall be 10 % of the logbook figure.
For catches which are landed unsorted the permitted margin of tolerance in estimating quantities shall be 8 % of the total quantity that are retained on board.For catches which are landed unsorted the permitted margin of tolerance in estimating quantities shall be 10 % of the total quantity that are retained on board.
Amendment 15
Article 17, paragraph 2
2. When a fishing vessel exits from either Area A, B or Subdivision 28-32 (Area C) with more than 100 kg of cod on board, it shall:
2. When a fishing vessel exits from either Area A, B or Subdivision 28-32 (Area C) with more than 100 kg of cod on board, the vessel's master shall immediately notify the appropriate fisheries inspectorate of the size of the catch in the Area the vessel has left.
(a)go directly to port within the Area it has been fishing and land the fish, or

(b)go directly to port outside the Area where it has been fishing and land the fish.

(c)When leaving the Area where the vessel has been fishing, the nets shall be stowed in accordance with the following conditions so that they may not readily be used:

(i)nets, weights and similar gear shall be disconnected from their trawl boards and towing and hauling wires and ropes,

(ii)nets which are on or above deck shall be securely lashed to some part of the superstructure.
Amendment 16
Article 20, paragraph 1
1. Fishing vessels with more than 100 kg of cod on board shall not commence discharging until authorised by the competent authorities of the place of discharge.
1. Fishing vessels with more than 300 kg of cod on board shall not commence discharging until authorised by the competent authorities of the place of discharge.
Amendment 17
Article 27, paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, on the basis of advice from STECF and the Baltic Regional Advisory Council (RAC), evaluate the impact of the management measures on the stocks concerned and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks in the third year of application of this Regulation and in each of the following years.
1. The Commission shall, on the basis of advice from STECF and the Baltic Regional Advisory Council (RAC), evaluate the impact of the management measures on the stocks concerned and on the fisheries exploiting those stocks in the second year of application of this Regulation and in each of the following years.
Amendment 18
Article 27, paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall seek scientific advice from STECF on the rate of progress towards the targets specified in Article 4 in the third year of application of this Regulation and each third successive year of its application. Where the advice indicates that the targets are unlikely to be met, the Council shall decide by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission on additional and/or alternative measures required to ensure that the objectives are met.
2. The Commission shall seek scientific advice from STECF on the rate of progress towards the targets specified in Article 4 in the second year of application of this Regulation and each second successive year of its application. Where the advice indicates that the targets are unlikely to be met, the Council shall decide by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission on additional and/or alternative measures required to ensure that the objectives are met.
Amendment 19
Article 27a (new)
Article 27a

Monitoring the socio-economic impact of application of the Regulation

The Commission shall draft a report on the socio-economic impact of the application of this Regulation on the fisheries sector, particularly on employment and the economic situation of fishermen, shipowners and firms engaged in cod fishing and processing. The Commission shall produce this report in the second year of application of this Regulation and in each subsequent year of its application, for submission to the European Parliament by 30 April of the relevant year.



(1) Not yet published in OJ.

P6_TA(2007)0232

Specific rules as regards the fruit and vegetable sector *

European Parliament legislative resolution of 7 June 2007 on the proposal for a Council regulation laying down specific rules as regards the fruit and vegetable sector and amending certain Regulations (COM(2007)0017 — C6-0075/2007 — 2007/0012(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council (COM(2007)0017) (1),

having regard to Articles 36 and 37 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Council consulted Parliament (C6-0075/2007),

having regard to Rule 51 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on International Trade (A6-0183/2007),

1.Approves the Commission proposal as amended;

2.Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 250 i 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 Commission.

TEXT PROPOSED BY THE COMMISSIONAMENDMENTS BY PARLIAMENT
Amendment 1
RECITAL 2
(2) In the light of experience it is necessary to change the regime for fruit and vegetables in order to achieve the following objectives: improving the competitiveness and market orientation of the sector so as to contribute to achieving sustainable production that is competitive both on internal and external markets, reducing fluctuations in producers' income resulting from crises on the market, increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the Community and continuing the efforts made by the sector to maintain and protect the environment.
(2) In the light of experience it is necessary to change the regime for fruit and vegetables in order to achieve the following objectives: improving the competitiveness and market orientation of the sector so as to contribute to achieving sustainable production that is competitive both on internal and external markets, taking into account the situation of the new Member States in order to reduce, if possible, the imbalances between different Member States and regions with the aim of maintaining farmers' incomes, reducing fluctuations in producers' income resulting from crises on the market, increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the Community and continuing the efforts made by the sector to maintain and protect the environment, protect public health and the interests of consumers and make controls on imports of fruit and vegetables from third countries more effective .
Amendment 2
RECITAL 5
(5) The scope of this Regulation should be products covered by the common market organisations of the markets in fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables. However, the provisions on producer organisations and interbranch organisations and agreements only apply to products covered by the common market organisation for fruit and vegetables and this distinction should be maintained. The scope of the common market organisation in fruit and vegetables should also be extended to certain culinary herbs to allow them to benefit from the regime.
(5) The scope of this Regulation should be products covered by the common market organisations of the markets in fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables. The scope of the common market organisation in fruit and vegetables should also be extended to certain culinary herbs to allow them to benefit from the regime.
Amendment 3
RECITAL 7
(7) The production and marketing of fruit and vegetables should take full account of environmental concerns, including cultivation practices, the management of waste materials and the disposal of products withdrawn from the market, in particular as regards the protection of water quality, the maintenance of biodiversity and the upkeep of the countryside.
(7) The production and marketing of fruit and vegetables should take full account of environmental concerns, including cultivation practices, the management of waste materials and the disposal of products withdrawn from the market, in particular as regards the protection of water quality, the maintenance of biodiversity and the upkeep of the countryside. In order better to assist farmers and operators in translating the high quality of their products into higher revenue, the Commission should further investigate the possible introduction of a European quality label.
Amendment 4
RECITAL 8
(8) Producer organisations are the basic elements in the fruit and vegetables regime, the decentralised operation of which they ensure at their level. In the face of ever greater concentration of demand, the grouping of supply through these organisations continues to be an economic necessity in order to strengthen the position of producers in the market. Such grouping must be effected on a voluntary basis and must prove its utility by the scope and efficiency of the services offered by producer organisations to their members.
(8) Producer organisations and interbranch organisations are the basic elements in the fruit and vegetables regime, the decentralised operation of which they ensure at their level. In the face of ever greater concentration of demand, the grouping of supply through these organisations continues to be an economic necessity in order to strengthen the position of producers in the market. However, securing a genuine improvement in the position of producers vis-à-vis retail networks and large processing concerns will require other, political, action to be taken at Community level. Such grouping must be effected on a voluntary basis and must prove its utility by the scope and efficiency of the services offered by producer organisations to their members.
Amendment 5
RECITAL 9
(9) Experience shows that producer organisations are the correct tool for grouping supply. However, the spread of producer organisations in different Member States has been uneven. In order to further improve the attractiveness of producer organisations, provision should be made for more flexibility in their operation wherever possible. Such flexibility should concern in particular the product range of a producer organisation, the extent of direct sales permitted and the extension of rules to non-members as well as permitting the delegation of powers or functions of producer organisations to associations of producer organisations, subject to necessary conditions, and the delegation of functions to subsidiaries.
(9) Experience shows that producer organisations are the correct tool for concentration of supply. However, the spread of producer organisations in different Member States has been uneven. In order to further improve the attractiveness of producer organisations, provision should be made for more flexibility in their operation wherever possible , as well as to prevent their being excessively concentrated in areas where the production and marketing conditions are more homogeneous, which would indirectly lead to overall supply being dispersed . Such flexibility should concern in particular the product range of a producer organisation, the extent of direct sales permitted and the extension of rules to non-members as well as permitting the delegation of powers or functions of producer organisations to associations of producer organisations, subject to conditions available to ensure their efficient operation , and the delegation of functions to subsidiaries.
Amendment 6
RECITAL 11
(11) Producer groups in Member States which have acceded to the Community in 2004 or thereafter and wishing to acquire the status of producer organisations in accordance with this Regulation should be allowed the benefit of a transitional period during which national and Community financial support can be given against certain commitments by the group.
(11) Producer groups in Member States which have acceded to the Community in 2004 or thereafter and wishing to acquire the status of producer organisations in accordance with this Regulation should be allowed , insofar as the degree of concentration of supply is still inadequate, the benefit of a transitional period during which national and Community financial support can be given against certain commitments by the group.
Amendment 7
RECITAL 13
(13) In regions where the organisation of production is weak, the grant of additional, national, financial contributions should be allowed. In the case of Member States which are at a particular disadvantage with regard to structures, those contributions should be reimbursable by the Community.
(13) In regions where the organisation of production is weak, the grant of additional, national, financial contributions should be allowed. In the case of Member States which are at a particular disadvantage with regard to structures, those contributions may be reimbursed by the Community at the request of the competent authorities .
Amendment 8
RECITAL 14
(14) In order to simplify and reduce the cost of the scheme it could be helpful to align, where possible, the procedures and rules for the eligibility of expenditure under operational funds with those of rural development programmes by permitting Member States to establish a national strategy for operational programmes.
(14) In order to simplify and reduce the cost of the scheme it could be helpful to align, where possible, the procedures and rules for the eligibility of expenditure under operational funds with those of rural development programmes by permitting Member States to establish a national strategy for operational programmes. In this national strategy, as well as in the national strategic plan and in the rural development programmes, the measures adopted by the Member States to prevent the dual financing of the measures should be specified. In addition, in the interests of greater legal certainty and of making the operational fund measures more effective, Member States should be allowed to draw up negative lists of eligibility.
Amendment 9
RECITAL 16
(16) A number of heterogeneous aid schemes for certain fruit and vegetables have been set out in Regulations (EC) No 2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 2202/96. The number and variety of those schemes have made them complex to administer. Whilst they have been targeted at some specific fruits and vegetables, they have not been able to fully take into account regional conditions of production, and have not covered all fruit and vegetables. It is therefore appropriate to seek a different tool for supporting fruit and vegetable producers.
(16) A number of heterogeneous aid schemes for certain fruit and vegetables have been set out in Regulations (EC) No 2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 2202/96. The number and variety of those schemes have made them complex to administer and may create legal uncertainty . Whilst they have been targeted at some specific fruits and vegetables, they have not been able to fully take into account the species brought in by the new Member States or the regional conditions of production, and have not covered all fruit and vegetables.It is therefore appropriate to seek a different tool for supporting fruit and vegetable producers.
Amendment 10
RECITAL 18
(18) In the interests of a more targeted but flexible system of support for the fruit and vegetables sector and in the interests of simplification, it is therefore appropriate to abolish the existing aid schemes and include fruit and vegetables fully into the scheme established by Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003. To this end it is necessary to provide that farmers who produced fruit and vegetables in the reference period should be eligible for the single payment scheme. Provision should also be made for the establishment by Member States of reference amounts and eligible hectares under the single payment scheme on the basis of a representative period appropriate to the market of each fruit and vegetable product and of appropriate objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Areas planted with fruit and vegetables, including permanent fruits and vegetables should be eligible to the single payment scheme. National ceilings should be amended appropriately. Provision should also be made for the Commission to adopt detailed rules and any necessary transitional measures.
(18) In the interests of a more targeted but flexible system of support for the fruit and vegetables sector and in the interests of simplification, it is therefore appropriate to abolish the existing aid schemes and include fruit and vegetables at least partially into the scheme established by Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003. To this end it is necessary to provide that farmers who produced fruit and vegetables in the reference period should be eligible for the single payment scheme and to set national envelopes on the basis of a representative period appropriate to the market of each fruit and vegetable product and of appropriate objective and non-discriminatory criteria. Areas planted with fruit and vegetables, including permanent fruits and vegetables should be eligible to the single payment scheme. National ceilings should be amended appropriately , with reference to the new fruit and vegetable market situation resulting from the accession of the new Member States . Provision should also be made for the Commission to adopt detailed rules and any necessary transitional measures.
Amendment 11
RECITAL 18A (new)
(18a) Areas planted with fruit and vegetables should be excluded from the single payment scheme, in order to ensure that they cannot be destined for any other agricultural activity, until their potential effects on structures and on fruit and vegetable markets are known, thereby respecting the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Communities (2) which demands the submission of detailed impact studies to justify substantial legislative changes. The report that the Commission is to submit to the Council on the regional application of the single payment scheme, referred to in Article 60 i of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, should, on the one hand, analyse the impact of the scheme on areas planted with fruit and vegetables that already enjoy freedom of production and, on the other, incorporate a specific analysis of the potential effects of the liberalisation on the whole sector of fruit and vegetables and potatoes in the Community.
Amendment 12
RECITAL 18B (new)
(18b) Because of the enlargement of 2004, cherries and berries (strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants) have become products of great social and economic importance for the Union, but they are nevertheless undergoing a great structural crisis and require specific support measures. Area-based Community aid is therefore provided for these crops under conditions that ensure the viability of holdings and promote structural improvement, in particular concentration of supply.
Amendment 13
RECITAL 19
(19) The production of fruit and vegetables is unpredictable and the products are perishable. Surplus on the market, even if it is not too great, can strongly disturb the market. Some schemes for market withdrawals have been operated but have proved somewhat complex to administer. Some further measures for crisis management should be introduced, in a manner as easy to apply as possible. Integration of all such measures into the operational programmes of producer organisations appears the best approach in these circumstances, and should also provide for increased attractiveness of producer organisations for producers.
(19) The production of fruit and vegetables is unpredictable and the products are perishable. Surplus on the market, even if it is not too great, can strongly disturb the market. Some schemes for market withdrawals have been operated but have proved somewhat complex to administer and inefficient. The fruit and vegetable sector is characterised by market instability, and in the event of price collapses the current system of market withdrawals is of limited effectiveness as a safety net for farmers' incomes, owing to insufficient payments, excessive bureaucracy, shortcomings in organisation in the production regions, failure to recognise the production potential in order to ensure correct market management, the effect of imports from third countries and the lack of genuine outlets for the products withdrawn. More effective, horizontal measures for crisis management , applicable to all farmers from all market sectors, should be introduced, in a manner as easy to apply as possible. Integration of all such measures into a security fund financed separately from the operational programmes of producer organisations appears the best approach in these circumstances, and should also provide for increased attractiveness of producer organisations for producers. The Member States are allowed to devise management measures to tackle serious national and/or regional crises. Those measures should be defined in the context of the national strategy and, if the Member States deem it appropriate, should be financed by part of the national reserve of payment entitlements referred to in Article 42 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003.
Amendment 14
RECITAL 19A (new)
(19a) In common organisations of the market which are very open to markets, such as that for fruit and vegetables, interbranch organisations play an extremely important part in initial marketing and in the quality of products. They make it possible not only to improve the competitiveness of the sector but also to combat market fluctuations. Their functioning therefore considerably limits major market disruptions and protects producers against crises.
Amendment 15
RECITAL 20A (new)
(20a) In the event of a substantial change to the existing system, the areas earmarked for production of cultivated mushrooms may be eligible for the single payment system provided for by Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003.
Amendment 16
RECITAL 20B (new)
(20b) Average consumption of fruit and vegetables is still below the levels recommended by the World Health Organization and nutrition experts for their importance in achieving a balanced diet and their substantial role in the prevention of chronic illnesses. In some Member States, moreover, consumption is gradually falling. In order to counter this trend the role and resources of producer organisations as regards promotion should be stepped up and funding should be increased for the information campaigns and measures to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000 for all sections of the population, especially the under-18s. In addition, it would be appropriate to improve the conditions for free distribution of fruit and vegetables within the EU and, as far as possible, also in third countries near the Community.
Amendment 17
RECITAL 23
(23) The creation of a single Community market involves the introduction of a trading system at the external borders of the Community. That trading system should include import duties and should, in principle, stabilise the Community market. The trading system should be based on the undertakings accepted under the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations.
(23) The creation of a single Community market involves the introduction of a trading system at the external borders of the Community. That trading system should include import duties and should, in principle, stabilise the Community market. The trading system should be based on the undertakings accepted under the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, which should entail the elimination of the export refunds granted to the sector in the past and the reconversion of the amounts allocated to this into internal measures compatible with the multilateral framework. In addition, it is necessary to step up information and promotion measures on fruit and vegetable products in third countries in the context of Council Regulation (EC) No 2702/1999 of 14 December 1999 on measures to provide information on, and to promote, agricultural products in third countries (3). The Commission shall submit the relevant proposals for the revision of the Regulation.
Amendment 18
RECITAL 25
(25) Monitoring the volume in trade in agricultural products with third countries may, in respect of certain products, require the introduction of licensing systems for imports and exports including the lodging of a security to ensure that the transactions for which such licences are issued are actually carried out. The Commission should, therefore, be empowered to introduce licensing systems in respect of such products.
(25) Monitoring the volume in trade in agricultural products with third countries may, in respect of certain products, require the introduction of licensing systems for imports and exports including the lodging of a security to ensure that the transactions for which such licences are issued are actually carried out. The Commission should, therefore, be empowered to introduce licensing systems in respect of such products. In order to protect consumer health and prevent the pollution of crops by alien harmful organisms, it is necessary to complement the certification systems with new provisions, different from those of the present Regulation, with a view to strengthening the plant health control and quality systems at the borders. In this connection, it would be desirable to create a European quality control agency for fruit and vegetable products from third countries, under the supervision of the European Food Safety Agency.
Amendment 19
RECITAL 28A (new)
(28a) The process of coordinating, at Community level, the negotiation of plant health protocols with third countries for the export of fruit and vegetables should be supported.
Amendment 21
RECITAL 30
(30) Since the common markets in agricultural products are continuously evolving , the Member States and the Commission should keep each other informed of relevant developments.
(30) The dynamism of the fruit and vegetable sector, subject to structural changes in production or commerce that alter the operation of markets, requires that the Member States and the Commission should keep each other informed of the most relevant developments ascertained. It would also be appropriate to establish a price observatory capable of providing detailed and objective information on markets and thus facilitate the triggering of action by the Commission in the event of serious crises. In addition, progress should be made in creating a European authority to ensure the transparency of commercial transactions and strict compliance with the rules on competition, in particular by large-scale retailers.
Amendment 22
RECITAL 31
(31) The fruit and vegetables regime provides for certain obligations to be respected. To guarantee compliance with these obligations, there is a need for controls and the application of penalties in case of non-compliance with such obligations. The power should, therefore, be conferred on the Commission to set up the corresponding rules including those concerning the recovery of undue payments and on the reporting obligations of the Member States. The special corps of inspectors in the fruit and vegetable sector will no longer be necessary under the new regime and may be abolished.
(31) The fruit and vegetables regime provides for certain obligations to be respected. To guarantee compliance with these obligations, there is a need for controls and the application of penalties in case of non-compliance with such obligations. The power should, therefore, be conferred on the Commission to set up the corresponding rules including those concerning the recovery of undue payments and on the reporting obligations of the Member States.
Amendment 23
ARTICLE 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
This Regulation lays down specific rules applying to the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 and in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.This Regulation lays down specific rules applying to the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 and in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 , as well as to the important products introduced by the new Member States .
Amendment 24
ARTICLE 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2
However Titles III and IV of this Regulation shall only apply in respect of the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.deleted
Amendment 25
ARTICLE 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 3
Article 39 shall apply to potatoes, fresh or chilled of CN code 0701.deleted
Amendment 26
ARTICLE 2, PARAGRAPH 1
1. Provision may be made by the Commission for marketing standards for one or more of the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 and in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.
1. Provision may be made by the Commission for marketing standards for one or more of the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 and in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96. To this end, account shall be taken of the UNECE standards recommended by the Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards set up under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. Until the adoption of new standards, the standards adopted pursuant to Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 shall remain applicable.
Amendment 27
ARTICLE 2, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT B
(b)may in particular relate to quality, grading, weight, sizing, packaging, wrapping, storage, transport, presentation, marketing and labelling.
(b)concern in particular quality, grading, weight, sizing, packaging, wrapping, storage, transport, presentation, marketing , origin and labelling , including mandatory labelling of origin for fresh fruit and vegetable products used in processed fruit and vegetable products, as well as the specific forms of production .
Amendment 28
ARTICLE 2, PARAGRAPH 3, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
3. Save as otherwise provided for by the Commission in accordance with the criteria referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2, the products for which marketing standards have been laid down may be marketed in the Community only in accordance with such standards.
3. Save as otherwise provided for by the Commission in accordance with the criteria referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2, the products for which marketing standards have been laid down may be marketed in the Community only in accordance with such standards. The owner of products for which standards are adopted may display them for sale, put them on sale, sell them, dispatch them or otherwise market them within the EU only if they comply with those standards. He shall be responsible for their conformity with the standards.
Amendment 30
ARTICLE 2, PARAGRAPH 3A (new)
3a. In the retail phase, in order to ensure proper consumer information, products shall bear the indications required by the standards. These indications shall include, as a minimum:

(a)variety or variety type;

(b)origin of the product;

(c)category.
Amendment 31
ARTICLE 2, PARAGRAPH 3B (new)
3b. Pending the adoption of new provisions for the implementation of the controls, the control provisions in respect of conformity with the standards laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1148/2001 of 12 June 2001 on checks on conformity to the marketing standards applicable to fresh fruit and vegetables (4) shall remain in force.
Amendment 32
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 1, POINT A
(a)it is formed on the initiative of farmers within the meaning of Article 2(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, who are growers of one or more products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 ;
(a)it is formed on the initiative of farmers within the meaning of Article 2(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, who are growers of one or more products referred to in Article 1 i of this Regulation ;
Amendment 33
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 1, POINT B (III)
(iii) reducing production costs and stabilising producer prices;
(iii)optimising production costs and stabilising producer prices;
Amendment 34
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 1, POINT B (IVA) (new)
(iva) promoting products of certified quality.
Amendment 35
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT A
(a)apply the rules adopted by the producer organisation relating to production reporting, production, marketing and protection of the environment;
(a)apply the rules adopted by the producer organisation relating to production information and reporting, production, marketing and protection of the environment;
Amendment 36
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT E
(e)pay the financial contributions provided for in its rules of association for the establishment and replenishment of the operational fund provided for in Article 7.
deleted
Amendment 37
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT C
(c)where the producer organisation so authorises, market through another producer organisation designated by their own organisation products which, because of their characteristics, are not normally covered by the commercial activities of the producer organisation concerned.
(c)where the producer organisation so authorises, market themselves or through another producer organisation designated by their own organisation products which, because of their characteristics, are not normally covered by the commercial activities of the producer organisation concerned.
Amendment 38
ARTICLE 3, PARAGRAPH 2A (new)
2a. For the purposes of this Regulation, ‘association of producer organisations’ shall mean any legal person formed by two or more recognised producer organisations, having, in particular, the following objectives:

(a)replacing their members in the management of the operational fund referred to in Article 7 and in the preparation, presentation and implementation of the operational programmes referred to in Article 8;

(b)managing market crises;

(c)undertaking other activities delegated by the members pursuant to Article 5.
Amendment 39
ARTICLE 4, PARAGRAPH 1
1. Member States shall recognise as producer organisations for the purposes of this Regulation all producer groups applying for such recognition, on condition that:
1. Member States shall recognise as producer organisations for the purposes of this Regulation all producer groups applying for such recognition, on condition that:
(a)they meet the requirements laid down in Article 3 and provide the relevant evidence, including proof that they have a minimum number of members and cover a minimum volume of marketable production to be laid down by Member States;
(a)they meet the requirements laid down in Article 3 and provide the relevant evidence, including proof that they have a minimum number of members and cover a minimum volume of marketable production to be laid down by Member States;
(b)there is sufficient evidence that they can carry out their activities properly, both over time and in terms of effectiveness and concentration of supply;
(b)there is sufficient evidence that they can carry out their activities properly, both over time and in terms of effectiveness and concentration of supply;
(c)they effectively enable their members to obtain technical assistance in using environmentally-sound cultivation practices;
(c)they provide their members with technical assistance in using environmentally-sound cultivation practices;
(d)they effectively provide their members, if necessary, with the technical means for storing, packaging and marketing their produce and ensure proper commercial and budgetary management of their activities.
(d)they have the technical and human resources necessary for storing, packaging and marketing their produce and ensure proper commercial and budgetary management of their activities.
Amendment 40
ARTICLE 4, PARAGRAPH 2
2. Member States may also recognise as producer organisations for the purposes of this Regulation producer organisations which do not comply with the requirement laid down in Article 3(1)(a) provided that:
2. Producer organisations recognised pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 prior to 31 December 2007 shall benefit from a two-year transition period starting on 1 January 2008, provided they continue to satisfy the requirements of the relevant articles of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96. Associations that have been pre-recognised pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 shall maintain their pre-recognised status until the end of the implementation period of the recognition plan.
(a) they existed before 21 November 1996;
(b)they were recognised under Council Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 before 1 January 1997.
The other requirements laid down in Article 3, except, if appropriate, paragraph 1(c) thereof, and in paragraph 1 of this Article shall apply to producer organisations recognised pursuant to the first subparagraph of this paragraph.
Amendment 41
ARTICLE 4, PARAGRAPH 3A (new)
3a. Member States shall establish the conditions for recognition of associations of recognised producer organisations.
Amendment 42
ARTICLE 5, PARAGRAPH 1
1. A Member State may permit producer organisations to delegate any of their powers to an association of producer organisations of which they are members provided that the Member State considers that the association is capable of exercising those powers effectively.
1. A Member State may permit producer organisations to delegate all or part of their powers to an association of recognised producer organisations of which they are members , or to subsidiary organisations in accordance with conditions to be established, provided that the Member State considers that the association is capable of exercising those powers effectively.
Amendment 43
ARTICLE 6, TITLE
New Member StatesNew Member States and remote and island regions
Amendment 131
ARTICLE 6, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
1. Producer organisations in Member States which acceded to the Community in 2004 or thereafter may be allowed a transitional period of no more than five years in which to meet the conditions for recognition laid down in Article 4.
1. Producer organisations in Member States which acceded to the Community in 2004 or thereafter and in remote and island regions may be allowed a transitional period of no more than five years in which to meet the conditions for recognition laid down in Article 4.
Amendment 45
ARTICLE 6A (new)
Article 6a

Financing of the recognition plans

1. The aid referred to under Article 6(2a) shall be granted on a flat-rate basis.

2. The amount of that aid shall be determined, for each producer organisation, on the basis of the value of its annual marketed production, and shall be equal to:

(a)in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years, 10 %, 10 %, 8%, 6% and 4% respectively of the value of the marketed production up to a maximum of EUR 2 000 000, and:

(b)in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years, 5%, 5 %, 4%, 3% and 3% respectively of the value of the marketed production in excess of EUR 2 000 000.

3. The Commission shall determine, in its implementing rules, the maximum limits on aid per producer organisation, as well as the payment methods.
Amendment 46
ARTICLE 7, PARAGRAPH 1, POINT A
(a)financial contributions of members or the producer organisation itself;
(a)financial contributions of members or the producer organisation itself ; in the latter case, the funds contributed by the producer organisation may have their origins decided by the Member States ;
Amendment 48
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT BA (new)
(ba) promotion of consumer protection measures,
Amendment 49
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT EA (new)
(ea)promotion of designations of origin and geographical indications,
Amendment 50
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT EB (new)
(eb)better adjustment of supply to demand, with the introduction of restructuring programmes if necessary,
Amendment 51
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT F
(f) crisis management.deleted
Amendment 52
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT FA (new)
(fa)the adoption of measures geared to processing products for use as biofuel.
Amendment 53
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT FB (new)
(fb) training,
Amendment 54
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1, POINT FC (new)
(fc) harvest insurance.
Amendment 55
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2
Crisis management shall be related to avoiding and dealing with crises on the fruit and vegetable markets and shall cover in this context:

(a)market withdrawals,

(b)green harvesting or non-harvesting of fruit and vegetables,

(c)promotion and communication,

(d)training measures,

(e)harvest insurance,

(f)support for the administrative costs of setting up mutual funds.
deleted
Amendment 126
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
2. Operational programmes shall include action to develop the use of environmentally sound techniques by the producer members with regard to both cultivation practices and the management of waste materials.
2. Operational programmes shall include action to develop the use of environmentally sound techniques , using Community legislation as a point of reference, by the producer members with regard to both cultivation practices and the management of waste materials.
Amendment 56
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 3
3. Investments which increase environmental pressure shall only be permitted in situations where effective safeguards to protect the environment from these pressures are in place.
deleted
Amendment 57
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 4
4. Operational programmes shall include action to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables targeted at young consumers at local, regional or national level.
4. Operational programmes may include , on a voluntary basis, action to promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables targeted , in particular, at young consumers at local, regional or national level , including via specific actions aimed at promoting the daily consumption of those products in schools .
Amendment 58
ARTICLE 8, PARAGRAPH 4A (new)
4a. Member States may establish, in the framework of the national strategies referred to in Article 11, a negative list of measures eligible under the operational funds for the producer organisations in a given region or area of production, taking account of the specific structural conditions coexisting there.
Amendment 59
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
1. The Community financial assistance shall be equal to the amount of the financial contributions of member producers as actually paid but limited to 50 % of the actual expenditure incurred.
1. The Community financial assistance shall be equal to the amount of the financial contributions of member producers as actually paid but limited to 50 % of the actual expenditure incurred for operational programmes in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 12a i for the Security Fund .
Amendment 60
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2
The Community financial assistance shall be capped at 4,1 % of the value of the marketed production of each producer organisation.The Community financial assistance shall be capped at 6 % of the value of the marketed production of each producer organisation.
Amendment 61
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2A (new)
The Community financial aid may be supplemented by part of the national reserve referred to in Article 42 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, up to a maximum of 0,5% of the reference amounts allocated to each Member State, including the Security Fund mentioned in Article 12a of this Regulation. Member States shall inform the Commission of their interest in this optional funding possibility, and shall take it into account when determining their national strategies as referred to in Article 11.
Amendment 62
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2B (new)
However, the limitation of financial assistance shall not apply where the percentage of the expenditure incurred is increased to 60 %, as provided for in paragraph 2 below.
Amendment 63
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT A
(a)it is submitted by several Community producer organisations operating in different Member States on transnational schemes;
(a)it is submitted by several Community producer organisations operating on joint schemes or, in different Member States, on transnational schemes;
Amendment 64
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT C
(c)it covers solely specific support for the production of organic products covered by Council Regulation (EC) No 2092/91;
(c)it includes schemes relating to specific support for the production of organic products covered by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 and the action provided for in the first subparagraph of Article 8 i, or else action to support integrated fruit and vegetable production, in line with the rules in force in those Member States which have regulated this type of production in the absence of specific Community rules;
Amendment 65
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT F
(f)it is submitted by producer organisations in Member States where producer organisations market less than 20 % of fruit and vegetables production;
(f)it is submitted by producer organisations in Member States where producer organisations market less than 20 % of fruit and vegetables production , or by producer organisations operating in regions in which less than 20% of fruit and vegetable production is marketed by producer organisations, or by producer organisations recognised before the entry into force of this Regulation, over 50% of whose marketed production value comes from aid for processed products under Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 and Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 ;
Amendment 66
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT GA (new)
(ga)it is submitted by a recognised producer organisation for a product for which there is a weak associative movement;
Amendment 67
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT GB (new)
(gb)it is submitted by a recognised producer organisation for a product of major economic or ecological importance, local or regional, which encounters permanent difficulties on the Community market, owing in particular to international competition;
Amendment 68
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT GC (new)
(gc)it is submitted by an association of recognised producer organisations.
Amendment 69
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 1A (new)
The limit referred to in the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 shall not apply to the share of Community financial aid above the limit referred to in the first subparagraph of that paragraph.
Amendment 70
ARTICLE 9, PARAGRAPH 3
3. The percentage provided for in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 shall be 100% in the case of market withdrawals of fruit and vegetables which shall not exceed 5% of the quantity of the marketed production of each producer organisation and which are disposed of by way of:

(a)free distribution to charitable organisations and foundations, approved to that effect by the Member States, for use in their activities to assist persons whose right to public assistance is recognised in national law, in particular because they lack the necessary means of subsistence;

(b)free distribution to penal institutions, schools and public education institutions and to children's holiday camps as well as to hospitals and old people's homes designated by the Member States, which shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the quantities thus distributed are additional to the quantities normally bought in by such establishments.
deleted
Amendment 71
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 1
1. Member States shall establish a national framework for drawing up the general conditions relating to the measures referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 8 i. This framework shall provide in particular that at least 20% of the total expenditure under an operational programme shall relate to those measures.
1. Member States shall establish a national framework for drawing up the general conditions relating to the measures referred to in the first subparagraph of Article 8 i.
Member States shall submit their proposed framework to the Commission, which may request modifications within three months if it finds that the proposal does not enable the objectives set out in Article 174 of the Treaty and in the Community programme of policy and action in relation to the environment and sustainable development to be attained. Individual investments supported by operational programmes shall also respect those objectives.
Amendment 72
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, INTRODUCTORY PART
2. Member States shall establish a national strategy for sustainable operational programmes in the fruit and vegetable market. Such a strategy should provide for the following elements:
2. Member States shall , on the basis of the guidelines drawn up by the Commission and with a view to devising and assessing the programmes, establish a national strategy for sustainable operational programmes in the fruit and vegetable market. Such a strategy should provide for the following elements:
Amendment 73
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT C
(c) assessment of operational programmes;(c) monitoring and assessment of operational programmes;
Amendment 74
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT DA (new)
(da)actions undertaken to ensure that there is no duplication of funding as between the rural development or national framework programmes and the operational programmes;
Amendment 75
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, POINT DB (new)
(db)optionally, negative lists of measures eligible under the operational funds for given regions or areas of production, in the case of recourse to Article 8(4a).
Amendment 76
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 2
The strategy should also integrate the national framework referred to in paragraph 1.deleted
Amendment 77
ARTICLE 11, PARAGRAPH 2, SUBPARAGRAPH 2A (new)
2a. The Member States shall forward their draft national strategies to the Commission, which shall publish them in the manner that it deems appropriate.
Amendment 78
ARTICLE 12, PARAGRAPH 3A (new)
3a. There shall be compatibility with the aids from the two Community agricultural funds, the EARDF and the EAGGF, and, where relevant, the ERDF. Member States shall make the necessary controls to verify that there is no duplication in the funding of actions.
Amendment 79
ARTICLE 12, PARAGRAPH 3B (new)
3b. Operational programmes drawn up by 2007 and already approved in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 shall remain valid until their expiry unless the producer organisation decides otherwise.
Amendment 80
CHAPTER IIA (new), ARTICLES 12A AND 12B (new)
Chapter IIa

Security Fund

Article 12a

Definition of ‘serious crisis’

The concept of ‘serious crisis’ shall be defined by each Member State for each product, on the basis of the difference between the product's value on the market and the average value registered for an earlier representative period. Account shall be taken of any differential price level which could seriously prejudice the interests of producers as a whole.

Article 12b

Criteria for action for the Security Fund

1. Member States shall include in their respective national strategies the creation of a security fund with the aim of dealing with serious crises in the sector, in accordance with the following criteria:

(a)the existence of a serious crisis shall be declared by the Member States and/or regions and shall be defined for each product intended to be integrated within the Fund in the framework of the national strategies concerned. In this context the producer organisations could, jointly with the Member State and/or the regions, choose all or some of the following actions:

market withdrawals,

green harvesting or non-harvesting of fruit and vegetables,

promotion and communication,

training measures,

market or income insurance,

support for the administrative costs of setting up mutual funds, and for the contributions of the producer organisations' members to those funds,

processing aid for dual-use products;

(b)the actions to be taken in case of serious crisis shall affect all producers in one or more economic areas recognised by the Commission in Chapter III of this Title, which shall contribute to financing the expenditure corresponding to their participation in the Fund, as well as administrative expenditure;

(c)the Community contribution to this Fund will amount to two thirds; the remaining one third shall be provided by the producer organisations of the areas affected by the crisis;

(d)where a serious crisis is declared, the non-associated producers in the areas affected shall contribute to the financing, thus complementing the part supplied by the associated producers, including administrative expenditure;

(e)if no serious crises are declared in the period concerned, the corresponding sums included in the Fund may be committed afresh for promotion campaigns of a general nature or remain in the Fund for future campaigns.
2. Member States shall notify the Commission of the creation of the Security Fund and the specific conditions required for each individual product. The Commission shall officially approve the creation and operation of the Fund.

3. Complementarily to the provisions of paragraph 1(c), the Community contribution to the Security Fund may draw on part of the national reserve provided for in Article 42 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, up to an overall maximum of 0,5% of the reference amounts allocated to each Member State under Article 9 of this Regulation. Member States shall inform the Commission of their interest in this optional funding possibility, and shall take it into account when determining their national strategies as referred to in Article 11.
Amendment 81
ARTICLE 13, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 1
1. In cases where a producer organisation which operates in a specific economic area is considered, in respect of a specific product, to be representative of production and producers in that area, the Member State concerned may, at the request of the producer organisation, make the following rules binding on producers established in the area who do not belong to the producer organisation:
1. In cases where a producer organisation or an association of producer organisations which operates in a specific economic area is considered, in respect of a specific product, to be representative of production and producers in that area, the Member State concerned may, at the request of the producer organisation, make the following rules binding on producers established in the area who do not belong to the producer organisation:
(a)the rules referred to in point (a) of the first subparagraph of Article 3 i;
(a)the rules referred to in point (a) of the first subparagraph of Article 3 i;
(b)the rules adopted by the producer organisation relating to market withdrawals .
(b)the rules adopted by the producer organisation relating to crisis prevention and management .
Amendment 82
ARTICLE 13, PARAGRAPH 1, SUBPARAGRAPH 2
The first subparagraph shall apply on condition that those rules:The first subparagraph shall apply on condition that those rules:
(a) have been in force for at least one marketing year,
(b) are included in the exhaustive list in Annex I,(a) are included in the exhaustive list in Annex I,
(c) are made binding for no more than three marketing years.(b) are made binding for no more than three marketing years.
Amendment 83
ARTICLE 13, PARAGRAPH 3
3. A producer organisation shall be deemed representative within the meaning of paragraph 1 where its members account for at least 50 % of the producers in the economic area in which it operates and it covers at least 60 % of the production of that area.
3. A producer organisation or an association of producer organisations shall be deemed representative within the meaning of paragraph 1 where its members account for at least 50 % of the producers , or producers belonging to producer organisations, in the case of associations of producer organisations, in the economic area in which it operates and it covers at least 60 % of the production of that area.
Amendment 84
ARTICLE 13, PARAGRAPH 5
5. Rules may not be made binding on producers of organic products covered by Regulation (EC) No 2092/91 unless such a measure has been agreed to by at least 50 % of such producers in the economic area in which the producer organisation operates and that organisation covers at least 60 % of such production of that area.
5. Rules may not be made binding on producers of organic products covered by Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 unless such a measure has been agreed to by at least 50 % of such producers in the economic area in which the producer organisation or association of producer organisations operates and that organisation covers at least 60 % of such production of that area.
Amendment 86
ARTICLE 16, POINT A
(a)are made up of representatives of economic activities linked to the production of or trade in or processing of the products listed in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 ;
(a)are made up of representatives of economic activities linked to the production of and/or trade in and/or processing of the products listed in Article 1 i of this Regulation ;
Amendment 88
ARTICLE 19, PARAGRAPH 3, POINT A (VII)
(vii)measures to protect organic farming as well as designations of origin, quality labels and geographical indications;
(vii)measures to protect organic and integrated farming as well as designations of origin, quality labels and geographical indications;
Amendment 89
ARTICLE 19, PARAGRAPH 3, POINT B
(b)must have been in force for at least one marketing year;
(b)must have been in force for at least one marketing year except in cases of crisis prevention and management ;
Amendment 90
ARTICLE 30, PARAGRAPH 2
2. Where the declared entry price of the consignment in question is higher than the flat-rate import value, increased by a margin set in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 which may not exceed the flat-rate value by more than 10 %, the lodging of a security equal to the import duty determined on the basis of the flat-rate import value shall be required .
2. Where the flat-rate import value is lower than the entry price under the common customs tariff, imports shall be subject to the additional import duty laid down in the common customs tariff for products included in the entry price regime .
Amendment 91
ARTICLE 30, PARAGRAPH 3
3. If the entry price of the consignment in question is not declared at the time of customs clearance, the common customs tariff duty rate to be applied shall depend on the flatrate import value or be arrived at by application of the relevant customs legislation provisions under conditions to be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.
deleted
Amendment 92
ARTICLE 31, PARAGRAPH 2
2. Additional import duties shall not be imposed where the imports are unlikely to disturb the Community market, or where the effects would be disproportionate to the intended objective.
deleted
Amendment 93
ARTICLE 35
Suspension of Inward Processing ArrangementsAbolition of Inward Processing Arrangements
To the extent necessary for the proper functioning of the common organisation of the markets, the use of inward processing arrangements for the products falling within the scope of this Regulation may be fully or partially prohibited in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 .To the extent necessary for the proper functioning of the common organisation of the markets, the use of inward processing arrangements for the products falling within the scope of this Regulation shall, at the request of the Member State concerned, be prohibited.
Amendment 95
ARTICLE 37
Suspension of Outward Processing ArrangementsAbolition of Outward Processing Arrangements
To the extent necessary for the proper functioning of the common organisation of the markets, the use of outward processing arrangements for the products falling within the scope of this Regulation may be fully or partially prohibited in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 .To the extent necessary for the proper functioning of the common organisation of the markets, the use of outward processing arrangements for the products falling within the scope of this Regulation shall be prohibited.
Amendment 97
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT A, POINT I
(i)the provision for marketing standards referred to in Article 2;
(i)the provision for marketing standards referred to in Article 2 and the list of products covered by those standards ;
Amendment 98
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT A, POINT III
(iii) rules on derogations from the standards;(iii) rules on derogations and exemptions from the standards;
Amendment 99
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT A, POINT IV
(iv)rules on presentation of particulars required by the standards,
(iv)rules on presentation , marketing and labelling required by the standards;
Amendment 100
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT B, POINT II
(ii)the degree of, and detailed rules for, financing of the measures referred to in Article 6 and Article 10 i;
(ii)the degree of, and detailed rules for, financing of the measures referred to in Articles 6 and 6a and Article 10 i . The amount of the aid referred to in Article 6(2)(a) shall be not less than 10 %, 10 %, 8%, 6% and 4% of the setting-up and running costs of the producer group in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years respectively ;
Amendment 101
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT B, POINTS IIA, IIB AND IIC (new)
(iia)the general Community framework for the encouragement of integrated production;
(iib)the general framework for the creation and operation of the Security Fund referred to in Article 12a;
(iic)the general funding framework chargeable to the national reserve referred to in Article 42 of Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003;
Amendment 102
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINT B, POINTS IID, IIE AND IIF (new)
(iid)rules for the calculation of the value of the production marketed for the purpose of constituting the operational fund referred to in Article 7, also with reference to the repeal of the aid schemes envisaged in Regulations (EC) No 2201/96 and No 2202/96;
(iie)rules designed to ensure transition as regards the recognition of producer organisations and their associations;
(iif)rules designed to ensure transition in the case of multiannual contracts drawn up in the context of the system of aid for citrus fruit production laid down in Regulation (EC) No 2202/96;
Amendment 103
ARTICLE 38, SUBPARAGRAPH 2, POINTS IA, IB AND IC (new)
(ia)operational rules of a price monitoring unit at Community level, which would provide timely and objective information on market trends and would make it possible for the Commission and the producer organisations to deal with any price crises at the appropriate moment;
(ib)presentation of a report, no later than 1 January 2009, on the possible creation of a European authority to monitor the transparency of commercial transactions in the Community fruit and vegetables sector and ensure full compliance with competition law by operators occupying a dominant position;
(ic)measures to reinforce information and promotion campaigns in favour of fruit and vegetable products in third countries in the framework of Regulation (EC) No 2702/1999;
Amendment 104
ARTICLE 39
Article 39

State aids

Articles 87, 88 and 89 of the Treaty shall apply to the production of and trade in potatoes, fresh or chilled of CN code 0701.
deleted
Amendment 105
ARTICLE 40, POINT 1a (new)

Article 1, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 2200/96)
(1a)In Article 1 i, the following products are added to the table:

CN 0701 Fresh or chilled potatoes

CN 089 10 20 Saffron

CN 0810 00 and 0811 10 Strawberries

CN 0810 20 10 and 0811 20 31 Raspberries

CN 0810 90 50 Currants

CN 0811 20 39 Gooseberries

CN 0809 20 Sour cherries

CN 0812 10 00 Sweet cherries

CN 0813 20 00 Prunes

NC Pimientos for paprika
Amendment 106
ARTICLE 42, POINT -1 (new)

Article 5, paragraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000)
(-1)Article 5 i is replaced by the following:

2. When laying down the guidelines referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission may consult the Standing Group on Promotion of Agricultural Products of the Advisory Committee on Agricultural Product Health and Safety, and shall also establish close cooperation internally between its relevant services, with the active involvement of those responsible for public health, with a view to drawing up the above strategy.
Amendment 107
ARTICLE 42, POINT 1

Article 5, paragraph 3 (Regulation (EC) No 2826/2000)
As regards the promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables , the main target group shall be children under 18 years.As regards the promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables , the target groups shall be segmented, and the main groups addressed shall be the low-income social strata, who currently consume the least, and, in particular, children under 18 years , with the aim of promoting new food habits .
Amendment 108
ARTICLE 43, POINT 3A (new)

Article 42, paragraph 5a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
3a.The following paragraph is inserted in Article 42:

5a.     Member States may use part of the national reserve to finance the operational programmes and, if necessary, the Security Fund referred to respectively in Articles 9 and 12a of Council Regulation (EC) No XXX/2007 of XX laying down specific rules as regards the fruit and vegetable sector and amending certain regulations. This part of the reserve, which shall in no case exceed the global maximum of 0,5% of the percentage referred to in paragraph 1, shall be distributed on the basis of objective criteria and in such a way as to ensure equal treatment among farmers and to prevent any distortion of the market or of competition. The Commission shall lay down the specific conditions of use.
Amendment 109
ARTICLE 43, POINT 5, DA (new)

Article 44, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(da) areas given over to the production of mushrooms.
Amendment 110
ARTICLE 43, POINT 5, DB (new)

Article 44, paragraph 2, subparagraph 2 (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(db) areas planted with nursery crops.
Amendment 111
ARTICLE 43, POINT 6

Article 51 (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
Farmers may use the parcels declared in accordance with Article 44 i for any agricultural activity except for permanent crops. However farmers may use the parcels for the following permanent crops:Farmers may use the parcels declared in accordance with Article 44 i for any agricultural activity except for permanent crops and for the products referred to in Article 1 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96, as amended by Regulation (EC) No XXX/2007 laying down specific provisions for the fruit and vegetable sector and amending certain regulations, or for potatoes other than those used for producing starch. However farmers may use the parcels for the following permanent crops:
(a) hops,(a) hops,
(b) olive trees,(b) olive trees,
(c) bananas,(c) bananas.
(d) permanent fruit and vegetable crops.
In accordance with Article 60 i, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the possible structural and market consequences of the single payment regime, implemented at regional level and already permitting the use of land for fruit and vegetables on an optional basis. This report shall specifically evaluate the potential impact of permitting the generalised conversion of plots used for fruit and vegetables into eligible areas under the single payment regime, especially in regions and areas that specialise in such production.
Amendment 112
ARTICLE 43, POINT 6A (new)

Article 59, paragraph 4a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(6a)In Article 59 the following paragraph is added:

4a.     Regarding the fruit and vegetable sector in the transitional period up to 2010-2011, Member States shall have the possibility, in consultation with the professional organisations, of establishing, in addition to implementation of cross-compliance, a compulsory production volume for processing in respect of one or more fruit and vegetable products included in full decoupling arrangements.
Amendment 113
ARTICLE 43, POINT 8A (new)

Article 71, paragraph 1 (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(8a)In Article 71, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:

1. Where specific agricultural conditions so warrant, a Member State may decide, by 1 August 2004 at the latest, to apply the single payment scheme after a transitional period which shall expire either on 31 December 2005 or on 31 December 2006. In the case of Regulation (EC) No XXX/2007, this transitional period shall end on 31 December 2013 and a Member State may decide, by 1 August 2008 at the latest, to apply the new payments.
Amendment 114
ARTICLE 43, POINT 10A (new)

Title IV, Chapter [X1] (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(10a)In Title IV, the following chapter is added:

CHAPTER [X1]

AID FOR PROCESSED TOMATOES

Article [x1]

Scope

1. In respect of the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 marketing years, up to 50% of the ‘national ceilings’ component under Article 41, corresponding to payments in respect of tomatoes for processing, may be retained in order to grant area aid to recognised producers' organisations whose members grow ex NC 0702 industrial tomatoes for processing.

2. In such circumstances the Member State shall decide by 1 September 2007 at the latest whether to apply the provisions of this chapter and shall determine the amount to be retained.

Article [x2]

Amounts

The Member State shall establish a unit amount per hectare of area.

Article [x3]

Conditions of admissibility

1. Aid shall be granted to recognised producers' organisations under Article x1, which shall transfer it to farmers belonging to each organisation, on the basis of the hectares of admissible area growing tomatoes for processing.

2. In order to benefit from the aid, the area must be cultivated entirely in accordance with normal agricultural practice in the region, and crops must be kept in place until the fruit's ripening stage.
However, if tomatoes have not reached the ripening stage owing to exceptional weather conditions recognised as such by the Member States, the areas given over to tomatoes shall remain admissible for aid provided the areas concerned are not used for other purposes until the ripening stage.
Amendment 132
ARTICLE 43, POINT 10B (new)

Title IV, Chapter 4a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(10b)In Title IV (OTHER AID SCHEMES), the following Chapter 4a is inserted:

CHAPTER 4a

AREA PAYMENTS FOR SOFT FRUIT AND SOUR CHERRIES FOR PROCESSING

Article 87a

Community aid

1. A Community aid shall be granted to farmers producing soft fruit and sour cherries under the conditions laid down in this Chapter.

Soft fruit shall include:

strawberries falling within CN codes 0810 00 and 0811 10,

raspberries falling within CN codes 0810 20 10 and 0811 20 31,

blackcurrants and gooseberries falling within CN codes CN 0810 90 50 and 0811 20 39,

sour cherries falling within CN code 0809 20.

2. Member States may differentiate the aid in function of the products or by increasing or decreasing the NGAs established in accordance with Article 87b i. However, in each Member State, the total amount of aid granted in a given year shall not be higher than the ceiling referred to in Article 87b i.

Article 87b

Areas

1. A Member State shall grant the Community aid within the limit of a ceiling calculated by multiplying the number of hectares of its NGA as fixed in paragraph 3 by the average amount of EUR 230 per hectare.
2. A maximum guaranteed area of 130 000 ha is hereby established.

3. The Commission shall divide the maximum guaranteed area into NGAs in accordance with the traditional production declared in the past.

4. Payments shall be granted on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria laid down by the Member States.

5. Member States may subdivide their NGAs into subareas in accordance with objective criteria, in particular at regional level or in relation to the production.

Article 87c

Overrun of the sub-base areas

When a Member State subdivides its NGA in sub-base areas and one or more sub-base areas are exceeded, the area per farmer for which Community aid is claimed shall be reduced proportionately in that year for the farmers in the sub-base areas where their limits have been exceeded. This reduction shall be made when, in the Member State concerned, the areas in sub-base areas, which have not reached their limits, have been redistributed to sub-base areas in which those limits have been exceeded.

Article 87d

Conditions for eligibility

1. Payment of the Community aid shall be conditional on, in particular, minimum plot size.

2. Member States may make the granting of Community aid conditional on farmers being members of a producer organisation or a producer group granted preliminary recognition under Articles 4 or 6 of Regulation (EC) No XXX/07.

3. If the provision of paragraph 2 is applied, Member States may decide that the payment of the aid referred to in paragraph 1 is made to a producer organisation or a producer group granted preliminary recognition on behalf of its members. The amount of aid received by the producer organisation or the producer group granted preliminary recognition shall be paid to its members. However, Member States may authorise a producer organisation or a producer group granted preliminary recognition, as compensation for the services provided to its members, to operate a deduction on the amount of Community aid up to a maximum of 2 %.
Article 87e

National aid

1. Member States may grant national aid, in addition to the Community aid, up to a maximum of EUR 200 per hectare per year.

2. The national aid may be paid only for areas receiving Community aid.

Article 87f

Articles 143a and 143c shall not apply to the aid for soft fruit and sour cherry crops in the Community as at 1 January 2007.
Amendment 118
ARTICLE 43, POINT 10C (new)

Title IV, Chapter 10h (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(10c)In Title IV, the following Chapter is added:

Chapter 10h

Area payment for garlic

Article 110p

1. An area payment shall be granted to traditional producers of garlic, subject to the provisions laid down in this chapter.

2. Member States shall inform the Commission of the number of cultivated hectares in the traditional areas, with a view to establishing a maximum guaranteed area, to be divided up between the Member States.

3. The Commission shall determine that area, as well as the implementing rules, on the basis of the procedure described in Article 46 i of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.
Amendment 117
ARTICLE 43, POINT 10D (new)

Article 143a, subparagraph 1a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(10d)In Article 143a, the following subparagraph is added:

The area payments for tomatoes intended for processing provided for in Chapter 10g and the area payments for cherries and soft fruit provided for in Chapter 10h shall be paid in their entirety as from the entry into force of Regulation (EC) No XXX/2007 under the conditions laid down in those Chapters.
Amendment 115
ARTICLE 43, POINT 10E (new)

Article 143 bb (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
(10e)The following article is inserted:

Article 143bb

Separate area payment for tomatoes intended for processing

1. By way of derogation from Article 143b, the new Member States applying the single area payment scheme may decide to grant farmers eligible under that scheme a separate payment for tomatoes intended for processing. It shall be granted on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria such as:

quantity of tomatoes intended for processing covered by delivery contracts,

number of hectares planted with tomatoes intended for processing and in respect of a period representative of one or more marketing years as from 2004/2005, to be determined by the Member State.

2. The separate payment for tomatoes intended for processing shall be allocated from the financial envelope earmarked for such aid.

3. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, each new Member State concerned may decide by 31 October 2007 at the latest on the basis of objective criteria to apply a lower ceiling than that listed in point Ma of Annex VII in respect of the separate payment for tomatoes intended for processing.

4. The funds made available for granting the separate payment for tomatoes intended for processing in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall not be included in the annual financial envelope referred to in Article 143b i. If paragraph 3 is applied, the differential between the ceiling listed in point Ma of Annex VII and that actually applied shall be included in the annual financial envelope referred to in Article 143b i.

5. Articles 143a and 143c shall not apply to the separate payment for tomatoes intended for processing.
Amendment 119
ARTICLE 45
The aid schemes set out in Regulations (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 2202/96 and abolished by this Regulation shall remain applicable in respect of each of the products concerned for the marketing year for that product which ends during 2008.The aid scheme set out in Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 and abolished by this Regulation shall remain applicable in respect of each of the products concerned for the marketing year for that product which ends during 2008. The aid scheme set out in Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 shall remain in force for the marketing years 2008/2009 and 2009/2010.
Amendment 120
ANNEX I, PARAGRAPH 4A (new)
4a. Rules on crisis prevention and management.
Amendment 121
ANNEX II, POINT 3A (new)

Annex VI (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
3a.In Annex VI, the following heading is added:

(Sector): Fruit and vegetables for processing

(Legal basis) Relevant articles of Regulations (EC) Nos 2201/96 and 2202/96

(Remarks) Aid per hectare
Amendment 122
ANNEX II, POINT 4A (NEW)

Annex VII, point M a (new) (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
4a.In Annex VII, the following point is added:

Ma. Separate area payment for tomatoes intended for processing

1. Member States which joined the Community in 2004 or later shall determine the amount to be included in the reference amount of each farmer on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria such as:

the amount of market support received, directly or indirectly, by the farmer in respect of tomatoes intended for processing,

the area used to produce tomatoes intended for processing,

the amount of tomatoes intended for processing produced,

in respect of a representative period of one or more marketing years starting from the marketing year ending in 2004 up to the marketing year ending in 2007.
Member States shall calculate the applicable hectares referred to in Article 43 i of this regulation on the basis of objective and non-discriminatory criteria such as the areas referred to in the second indent of the first paragraph.

2. If the amounts established in accordance with the first paragraph exceed the ceilings set out below, expressed in thousand euro, for a given Member State, the amount for each farmer shall be reduced proportionately.

(1000 EUR)
Bulgaria5 394
Czech Republic414
Cyprus274
Malta932
Hungary4 512
Romania1 738
Poland6 715
Slovakia1 018
Amendment 123
ANNEX II, POINT 5

Annex VIII, row corresponding to ‘Spain’ (Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003)
20084 830 954
20094 838 536
2010 and subsequent years4 840 413
20084 868 312
20094 875 894
2010 and subsequent years4 877 771



(1) Not yet published in OJ.

(2) Judgment of 7 September 2006 in Case C-310/04 Spain v Council [2006] ECR I-7285.

(3) OJ L 327, 21.12.1999, p. 7. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2060/2004 (OJ L 357, 2.12.2004, p. 3).

(4) OJ L 156, 13.6.2001, p. 9. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 408/2003 (OJ L 62, 6.3.2003, p. 8).

P6_TA(2007)0233

Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America

European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2007 on the draft Commission decision establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America

The European Parliament,

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation (1),

having regard to the draft Commission decisions establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America (CMT-2007-0566, CMT-2007-0859),

having regard to the opinions delivered on 15 May 2007 by the committee referred to in Article 35 i of the above Regulation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the DCI management committee’),

having regard to Article 8 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission (2),

having regard to Rule 81 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas on 15 May 2007 the DCI management committee voted in favour of the draft Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America (CMT-2007-0566, CMT-2007-0859),

B.whereas, pursuant to Article 7 i of Decision 1999/468/EC and Article 1 of the Agreement (3) between the European Parliament and the Commission on procedures for implementing Council Decision 1999/468/EC, Parliament received the draft implementing measures submitted to the DCI management committee and the results of the voting,

C.whereas Article 2 i of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 provides that ‘the primary and overarching objective of cooperation under this Regulation shall be the eradication of poverty in partner countries and regions in the context of sustainable development’,

D.whereas Article 2 i of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 provides that ‘measures referred to in Article 1(1) (4) shall be designed so as to fulfil the criteria for Official Development Assistance (ODA) established by [the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development,] OECD/DAC’,

E.whereas, in its ‘Reporting Directives for the Creditor Reporting System’ (DCD/DAC (2002)21), the OECD/DAC defines ODA as financial flows to countries on the DAC List of ODA Recipients for which, inter alia, ‘each transaction is administered with the promotion of the economic development and welfare of developing countries as its main objective’ (5),

F.whereas Article 19 i and  i of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 respectively provide that ‘strategy papers shall, in principle, be based on a dialogue with the partner country or region which involves civil society and regional and local authorities’ and that ‘the Commission and the Member States shall consult each other, as well as other donors and development actors including representatives of civil society and regional and local authorities, at an early stage of the programming process in order to promote complementarity among their cooperation activities’,

Latin America

1.Takes the view that in its draft Regional Strategy Paper and draft Regional Indicative Programme (2007-2010) for Latin America the Commission exceeds its implementing powers laid down in the basic act by selecting as a subsector to its Focal Sector 3 ‘support for projects by organisations working to promote mutual understanding between the EU and Latin America’, and by including the specific objective of ‘support ... targeted on projects and measures targeting development issues by organisations specialising in the promotion and analysis of relations between the EU and Latin America’; considers that this element does not comply with Article 2 i and  i of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006, as the primary objective of this subsector of the Regional Strategy Paper is not the eradication of poverty and as this element does not fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC;

Mercosur

2.Takes the view that in its draft Regional Strategy Paper and draft Regional Indicative Programme (2007-2013) for Mercosur the Commission exceeds its implementing powers laid down in the basic act by including in priority 3 ‘efforts to strengthen and enhance civil society participation, knowledge of the regional integration process, mutual understanding and mutual visibility’ (for which it earmarks about 20 % of the Regional Indicative Programme funding) as the following elements of priority 3do not comply with Article 2 i and  i of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006, as their primary objective is not the eradication of poverty and as they do not fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC:

in the area ‘strengthening of Mercosur's cinematographic and audiovisual sector to promote regional integration’, the Commission proposes to support a successful industry with the general objective ‘to enhance knowledge and consciousness of regional identity and the integration process through support for the cinematographic and audiovisual sector’;

in the area ‘creation of 10 EU-Mercosur study centres and support for the implementation of the Plan operativo del sector educativo del Mercosur 2006-2010’, the general objective is described as ‘to enhance knowledge and consciousness of the regional integration process’; one of the specific objectives is ‘to support the creation of ten EU-Mercosur study centres in major Mercosur universities’; in particular, the initiative to create European/Mercosur documentation centres, to establish EU and Mercosur Study Chairs, and to create Masters' degrees in EU and Mercosur Studies is aimed at the target population of the well-educated elite of the Mercosur countries, and since this is the region with the world's highest social inequality index the planned actions would widen the gap between rich and poor rather than support the poorer strata of the population;

*

* *

3.Calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft decisions establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Latin America and Mercosur, and submit to the DCI management committee new draft decisions fully respecting the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006;

4.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.



(1) OJ L 378, 27.12.2006, p. 41.

(2) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. Decision as amended by Decision 2006/512/EC (OJ L 200, 22.7.2006, p. 11).

(3) OJ L 256, 10.10.2000, p. 19.

(4) Article 1 i: ‘The Community shall finance measures aimed at supporting cooperation with developing countries, territories and regions ...’.

(5) OECD/DAC Fact Sheet of October 2006: ‘Is it ODA?’, p. 1.

P6_TA(2007)0234

Roadmap for the European Union's constitutional process

European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2007 on the roadmap for the Union's Constitutional Process (2007/2087(INI))

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe signed in Rome on 29 October 2004 (the Constitutional Treaty),

having regard to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing the European Community as amended by the Single European Act and the Maastricht, Amsterdam and Nice Treaties,

having regard to the Laeken Declaration on the Future of the European Union of 15 December 2001 (1),

having regard to the Treaty concerning the accession to the European Union of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, theRepublic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic (2) and to the Treaty concerning the accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union (3),

having regard to its resolution of 12 January 2005 on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe (4),

having regard to its resolution of 19 January 2006 on the period of reflection: the structure, subjects and context for an assessment of the debate on the European Union (5),

having regard to its resolution of 14 June 2006 on the next steps for the period of reflection and analysis on the Future of Europe (6),

having regard to its resolution of 13 December 2006 on the institutional aspects of the European Union's capacity to integrate new Member States (7),

having regard to the conclusions of the European Council of 16-17 June 2005, 15-16 June 2006, 14-15 December 2006,

having regard to the statement of the President of the European Council to Parliament on 17 January 2007,

having regard to the resolution of 14 March 2007 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee,

having regard to the declaration for Europe adopted by the Committee of the Regions in its session of the 23 March 2007,

having regard to the Berlin Declaration on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the signature of the Treaties of Rome of 25 March 2007,

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A6-0197/2007),

A.whereas the European Union, as the first successful experience of supranational democracy by States and citizens, faces new and unprecedented challenges which, together with the transformations it has been through in its successive enlargements, the development of the internal market and globalisation, call for the revision of its foundations,

B.whereas the Constitutional Treaty was signed by the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States of the European Union, who thereby committed themselves to bringing about appropriate solutions in order to meet the challenges that the European Union faces, both internally and externally, as well as the challenges of enlargement, through enhancing the political dimension of the European Union,

C.whereas the Constitutional Treaty, especially Parts I, II, and IV, was drawn up in accordance with the Convention method, bringing together representatives of Member States and acceding countries, of the Commission and of the European and national Parliaments whose members constituted a majority, thus strengthening its legitimacy,

D.whereas part III of the Constitutional Treaty is mainly a codification of the current Treaties, to which the Convention introduced some adaptations and improvements, in particular the extension of the legal bases for codecision in the legislative procedure from the current 37 to 86, which must be preserved in order to improve democracy, transparency and efficiency,

E.whereas 18 Member States, representing two thirds of the total number of Member States and the majority of the population of the European Union, have to date ratified the Constitutional Treaty in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements, including by way of referendum in Spain and Luxembourg while another four Member States have declared their readiness to proceed with ratification,

F.whereas France and the Netherlands have not been able to bring that process to a successful conclusion following the negative result of the referendums organised in those two countries,

G.whereas the public debate launched by the ratification procedure of the Constitutional Treaty showed that the difficulties lie, not so much in its institutional innovations as in some specific aspects of concrete policies, and that criticism has been directed mainly at Part III, which concerns policies and the functioning of the European Union, although Part III mainly contains provisions that are already in force,

H.whereas many of the misgivings expressed related to the context, rather than the content; and whereas issues of major public concern, such as the Directive on services in the internal market (8), and the financial framework, have since been resolved,

I.whereas the European Council of 16-17 June 2005 decided to open a period of reflection following the referendums in France and the Netherlands, during which period six more Member States completed their ratifications, and the European Council of 15-16 June 2006 asked the Presidency to explore possible future ways of overcoming the constitutional crisis in anticipation of its meeting of 21-22 June 2007,

J.whereas the public debate launched during the reflection period has sufficiently established that the problems and challenges facing the European Union, first outlined in the Declaration of Laeken, and which the Constitutional Treaty sought to address, have not disappeared; on the contrary, they have become more evident and their resolution ever more pressing,

K.whereas the Parliamentary Meetings jointly organised by the European Parliament and the national parliaments have shown a general recognition that the Constitutional Treaty would provide the European Union with an appropriate framework to meet the challenges that it faces, as well as the realisation that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for a new IGC to agree proposals that were either radically different or superior to those agreed in 2004,

L.whereas there is an increasingly urgent need to equip the enlarged European Union with instruments and means enabling it to function efficiently, to assert its role in the world and to meet the concerns of its citizens in the face of the challenges presented by, inter alia, globalisation, climate change, security of energy supply and an ageing population,

M.whereas the abovementioned Berlin Declaration of 25 March 2007 signed by the Presidents of the European Council, Parliament and the Commission, laid down the objective of ‘placing the European Union on a renewed common basis before the European Parliament elections in 2009’,

1.Reaffirms its endorsement of the content of the Constitutional Treaty, the aim of which is, as a decisive step, to formally give the European Union its inherent political dimension, and strengthens the efficiency of its action, enhances democratic control over its decision-making procedures, improves transparency and strengthens the rights of European Union citizens while representing a compromise, and which meets the needs of the European Union in its current stage;

2.Emphasises that two thirds of the Member States have already ratified the Constitutional Treaty and that four others have clearly expressed their commitment to the provisions it contains, as demonstrated by the recent meeting held in Madrid at the initiative of the governments of Spain and Luxembourg;

3.Notes the concerns expressed by the people of France and of the Netherlands and the debate which has taken place in both of those countries;

4.Notes that concerns have been raised in some other Member States too, but that the governments concerned have expressed their support for finding a satisfactory solution that preserves the key reforms contained in the Constitutional Treaty;

5.Recalls the political responsibility of those Member States who have signed but not ratified the Constitutional Treaty;

6.Reaffirms its commitment to achieving a settlement of the ongoing constitutional process of the European Union that is based on the content of the Constitutional Treaty, possibly under a different presentation, but takes into account the difficulties that have arisen in some Member States;

7.Supports, in light of this, the efforts of the German Presidency to obtain from the European Council of June 2007 a commitment to calling an Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), and the definition of a roadmap containing a procedure, a clear mandate and the objective of reaching an agreement before the end of this year;

8.Recalls the need to guarantee the decision-making capacity of the European Union, the effectiveness of its policies, and their full democratic legitimacy, towards which the Constitutional Treaty makes undeniable progress in terms of scrutiny, legislative and budgetary procedures, as well as the need to strengthen the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the role of the European Union in the world in order to allow it to influence the definition and the implementation of the responses to the pressing challenges which humanity is facing;

9.Insists on the preservation of all basic principles as contained in Part I of the Constitutional Treaty, including the dual nature of the European Union as a union of States and of citizens, the primacy of the European law, the new typology of acts and procedures, the hierarchy of norms, and the legal personality of the European Union;stresses that the Constitutional Treaty also brings about other important improvements in matters such as consolidation of the existing Treaties and the merging of pillars, the express recognition of the values on which the European Union is based and of the legally binding force of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as enhancing the participation of citizens in the political life of the European Union, clarification of the respective competencies of the European Union and of the Member States, respect for the principle of subsidiarity and the specific role of national parliaments in this matter, without jeopardising the institutional balance of the European Union, as enshrined in the protocol on subsidiarity, and respect for the role of regional and local authorities;

10.Stresses that any proposal for modification of the Constitutional Treaty needs to secure the same level of support as was obtained at an earlier date by the provision it seeks to replace;

11.States that it will reject any outcome of the negotiations which, if compared with the Constitutional Treaty, would lead to a diminution of the protection of the rights of citizens (insists, in particular, on maintaining the Charter of Fundamental Rights, especially its legally binding force) as well as to less democracy, transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the Union;

12.Recognises, in this context, the need to take into account major issues that have been raised during the reflection period and the insight that the abovementioned issues can be properly addressed only by a stronger rather than a weaker Europe, and to clarify other issues that have already been addressed in the Constitutional Treaty, such as:

sustainable development, in particular the struggle against climate change,

European solidarity in the field of energy,

a coherent migration policy,

the European Social Model in the context of demographic change and globalisation,

terrorism,

the dialogue between civilisations,

effective common mechanisms for the coordination of economic policies in the euro-zone, while safeguarding the role of the European Central Bank in monetary policy in accordance with the Treaties,

the Union's criteria and procedures for enlargement;

13.Believes that, in view of the success of the Convention method in preparing the draft Treaty, it is necessary to retain, in any solution to the constitutional process, the basic principles of parliamentary participation, association of civil society and full transparency;

14.Recalls that Parliament, as the only institution of the European Union directly elected by the citizens, must be fully involved in the IGC at all levels, and to a greater extent than during the 2003-2004 IGC;

15.Calls, furthermore, for the setting up, in parallel with the active participation of the representatives of the European Parliament in the IGC, of an interinstitutional conference, in order to keep the European Parliament informed and to bring an important contribution to building a cross-party and transnational consensus in the IGC;

16.Reiterates its commitment to the Convention mechanism should the Heads of State or Government decide to embark on a substantial revision of the existing texts;

17.Calls on the Commission to fully play its role in the upcoming negotiations and to prepare proposals for adapting the Constitutional Treaty with respect to the topics set out in paragraph 12;

18.Emphasises the importance of dialogue between national parliaments and their respective governments through the IGC and expresses its willingness to maintain close contact with the national parliaments during the forthcoming negotiation phase, as well as with the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, with the European Social Partners, with religious communities and with civil society;

19.Calls for the conclusion of the ratification process of the new Treaty by the end of 2008, in order to allow the next Parliament, which will be elected in 2009, to start its mandate under the provisions of the new Treaty;

20.Demands that all Member States coordinate their ratification procedures, in order to allow for the ratification process to be completed simultaneously;

21.Intends to deliver an opinion on the convening of the IGC in accordance with Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union, in light of the criteria set out in this resolution;

22.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the members of the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the national parliaments of the Member States, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.



(1) Laeken European Council, Annex 1, p. 19.

(2) OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 17.

(3) OJ L 157, 21.6.2005, p. 11.

(4) OJ C 247 E, 6.10.2005, p. 88.

(5) OJ C 287 E, 24.11.2006, p. 306.

(6) OJ C 300 E, 9.12.2006, p. 267.

(7) Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2006)0569.

(8) OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36.

P6_TA(2007)0235

United Nations Human Rights Council

European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2007 on the fifth session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on the United Nations Commission on Human Rights since 1996, in particular its resolution on the outcome of the negotiations on the Human Rights Council and on the 62nd session of the UNCHR of 16 March 2006 (1), as well as those of 29 January 2004 on the relations between the European Union and the United Nations (2), of 9 June 2005 on the reform of the United Nations (3), of 29 September 2005 on the outcome of the United Nations World Summit of 14-16 September 2005 (4)and of 26 April 2007 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2006 and the EU's policy on the matter (5),

having regard to its urgent resolutions on human rights and democracy,

having regard to United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/251 establishing the Human Rights Council (UNHRC),

having regard to the previous sessions of the UNHRC,

having regard to the forthcoming fifth session of the UNHRC,

having regard to the outcome of the work of the UNHRC's working groups on the complaints procedure, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the future system of expert advice, the agenda, the annual programme of work, working methods, the rules of procedure and the review of Special Procedures,

having regard to the results of the elections to the UNHRC held on 17 May 2007,

having regard to Rule 103 i of its Rules of Procedure,

A.whereas respect for, and the promotion and safeguarding of, the universality of human rights is part of the European Union's ethical and legal acquis and one of the cornerstones of European unity and integrity,

B.whereas the United Nations potentially constitutes, now as in the past, one of the most appropriate organisations to deal comprehensively with the human rights issues and challenges facing mankind today,

C.whereas the UNHRC could provide an effective platform for strengthening human rights protection and promotion within the UN framework,

D.whereas the fifth session of the UNHRC will be a crucial one in this respect, as it will complete the review of mechanisms and mandates and develop the modalities of the UPR,

E.whereas the credibility of the UNHRC rests on the adoption of these reforms and mechanisms in a way which will strengthen its ability to address human rights violations around the world,

F.whereas an ad hoc European Parliament delegation has been established for the fifth session of the UNHRC, as in the previous year and, before that, for the UNHRC's predecessor, the UN Commission on Human Rights,

1.Takes note of the results of the first year of the UNHRC's work; welcomes the ambitious programme the UNHRC set itself, which included the review of its procedures and working methods, in particular the development and implementation of the UPR and the review of Special Procedures;

2.Welcomes the organisation of special sessions to respond to urgent crises; is concerned, however, at the failure of the UNHRC to take action to address many of the world's most urgent human rights situations;

3.Regrets in particular the weakness of the UNHRC resolution on Darfur, as well as the decision taken under the confidential procedure to discontinue consideration of complaints of human rights abuses by Iran and Uzbekistan under the ‘1503’ procedure; notes that the confidentiality of the ‘1503’ procedure has not triggered delivery of the expected results in terms of better cooperation from the authorities concerned; asks for the introduction of more transparent procedures;

4.Welcomes the signing of the Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance, just one year after its adoption by the UN General Assembly; calls on all UN States to ratify the convention and reaffirms its strong support for the signature and ratification campaign;

5.Notes the results of the UN General Assembly election on 17 May 2007 of 14 new members of the UNHRC;

6.Welcomes, in view of the condemnation of Belarus four months earlier by the UN General Assembly for human rights abuses and its lack of cooperation with Special Procedures, the fact that Belarus has not been elected to the UNHRC;

7.Calls for competitive elections to be held in all regions in order to provide real choice among UN Member States; regrets that some countries with problematic human rights records have been elected, owing to slates having been wiped clean;

8.Reaffirms the need for UNHRC members to comply with their obligation to cooperate fully with Special Procedures so as to highlight their role in preserving the universality of human rights;

9.Encourages the EU to continue to press for the establishment of membership criteria for election to the UNHRC, as well as for monitoring of the actual implementation of the UN Member States' election pledges;

10.Stresses that the credibility and effectiveness of the UNHRC in the protection of human rights rests on cooperation with Special Procedures and their full implementation, as well as on the adoption of reforms and mechanisms in such a way as to strengthen its ability to address human rights violations around the world;

The review of procedures and mechanisms

11.Regards the UPR mechanism as a potential means of improving the universality of the monitoring of human rights commitments and practices throughout the world by subjecting all UN Member States to equal treatment and scrutiny;

12.Stresses that this objective can be achieved only if the review involves independent expertise at all stages of the review process and an effective, result-oriented follow-up mechanism; expresses its deep concern at the current trend with regard to this issue;

13.Calls, therefore, on all UN Member States to ensure that the review is based on objective and reliable information, as well as on common standards for review such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other obligations and commitments, including election pledges;

14.Calls for the inclusion in the review process of provisions for follow-up, requiring reviewed States to report back to the UNHRC on the implementation of the recommendations;

15.Underlines the importance of the transparency of the process to all participants and stakeholders, as well as of effective participation by NGOs throughout this process;

16.Stresses that Special Procedures are at the core of the UN human rights machinery, playing a critical role in the protection and promotion of human rights;

17.Consequently, urges all UN Member States to preserve the independence of these Special Procedures from political influence by governments and to ensure that the recommendations resulting from their interventions, and from the findings made in the course of such interventions, are maintained as an essential element in the quality of the expertise;

18.Is greatly concerned in this connection by the draft Code of Conduct on Special Procedures presented on behalf of the African Group, which considerably weakens the mechanisms and their protective capacity;

19.Underlines that, should a Code of Conduct be adopted, it should be limited to professional ethics and principles of mandate holders and should specify the obligations of States to cooperate with the Special Procedures, namely by respecting their independence and facilitating their work;

20.Calls for continuous support for Special Procedures in terms of finance and staff;

21.Stresses that the review of mandates of Special Procedures should be carried out in consultation with various mandate holders in order to avoid weakening the protective capacity of the system of procedures; stresses in particular that the UPR, together with special sessions, should be an additional mechanism for addressing human rights abuses and should not replace Special Procedures with country mandates;

22.Notes that the agenda of the UNHRC should combine predictability and flexibility in order to address emerging human rights crises;

EU involvement

23.Recognises the active involvement of the EU and its Member States in the first year of work of the UNHRC and looks forward to a successful Presidency of the UNHRC by Romania;

24.Calls on the EU to reaffirm and consolidate its firm position regarding the concerns raised above, especially regarding the UPR and the review of Special Procedures, which are crucial for the effective future functioning of the UNHRC; calls on the EU to reject any compromise that would put at risk the capacity of the UNHRC fully to play its role of protecting and promoting human rights throughout the world;

25.Once again calls on the EU to make more effective use of its aid and political support for third countries, so as to give them an incentive to cooperate with the UNHRC;

26.Considers that the EU Member States should act coherently and in a coordinated way in order to contribute to the success of the UNHRC;

27.Looks forward to receiving the studies commissioned by the Subcommittee on Human Rights concerning the human rights records of the members of the UNHRC and the effectiveness of the role played by the EU Member States in the UNHRC;

28.Calls on the countries which have entered into agreements with the EU that include human rights clauses to cooperate with the EU in increasing the UNHRC's potential to enhance human rights around the world; calls on the European Parliament's interparliamentary delegations and assemblies to examine this aspect at their meetings;

29.Mandates the European Parliament delegation to the fifth session of the UNHRC to voice the concerns expressed in this resolution, calls on the delegation to report to the Subcommittee on Human Rights on its visit, and considers it appropriate to continue sending a European Parliament delegation to relevant sessions of the UNHRC;

*

* *

30.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, the President of the 61st UN General Assembly, the President of the UN Human Rights Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the EU-UN working group established by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.



(1) OJ C 291 E, 30.11.2006, p. 409.

(2) OJ C 96 E, 21.4.2004, p. 79.

(3) OJ C 124 E, 25.5.2006, p. 549.

(4) OJ C 227 E, 21.9.2006, p. 582.

(5) Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0165.

P6_TA(2007)0236

The social status of artists

European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2007 on the social status of artists (2006/2249(INI))

The European Parliament,

having regard to the Unesco Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions,

having regard to the Communication from the Commission entitled ‘Non-discrimination and equal opportunities for all — a framework strategy’ (COM(2005)0224),

having regard to the Commission Green Paper entitled ‘Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century’ (COM(2006)0708),

having regard to its resolution of 22 October 2002 on the importance and dynamics of the theatre and the performing arts in an enlarged Europe (1),

having regard to its resolution of 4 September 2003 on Cultural Industries (2),

having regard to its resolution of 13 October 2005 on new challenges for the circus as part of European culture (3),

having regard to Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71 of the Council of 14 June 1971 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons and their families moving within the Community (4),

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (5),

having regard to Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society (6),

having regard to its resolution of 9 March 1999 on the situation and role of artists in the European Union (7),

having regard to Directive 2006/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on rental right and lending right and on certain rights related to copyright in the field of intellectual property (8),

having regard to Directive 2006/116/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights (9),

having regard to the judgment of the Court of Justice of 30 March 2000 in Case C-178/97, Barry Banks and Others v Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie  (10),

having regard to the judgment of the Court of Justice of 15 June 2006 in Case C-255/04, Commission of the European Communities v French Republic  (11),

having regard to Rule 45 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture and Education (A6-0199/2007),

A.whereas art may also be considered as an occupation and a profession,

B.whereas the abovementioned judgments and Directive 96/71/EC specifically apply to the activities of performing artists,

C.whereas, in order to engage in an artistic activity at the highest level, it is necessary from a very early age to develop an interest in the performing arts and culture and hold the keys that give access to the major works which form part of our cultural heritage,

D.whereas, in a number of Member States, certain arts sector professionals do not enjoy any legal status,

E.whereas flexibility and mobility are indissociable in the context of professional artistic activity,

F.whereas no artists are ever at any moment in their career totally immune from job insecurity,

G.whereas it is essential for the unpredictable and sometimes precarious nature of the artistic profession to be offset by a guarantee of genuine social protection,

H.whereas nowadays it is still practically impossible for an artist in Europe to contemplate a change in career direction,

I.whereas it is necessary to provide artists with easier access to information concerning their working conditions, mobility, unemployment, health and pensions,

J.whereas artistic leanings, natural gifts and talent are rarely sufficient to open the way for a career as a professional artist,

K.whereas contracts for the provision of training and/or qualifications adapted to each field of artistic activity have not yet been introduced sufficiently widely,

L.whereas retraining opportunities for artists should be encouraged,

M.whereas the free movement of workers in general, including artists, from the new Member States is still subject to certain restrictions due to possible transitional arrangements as provided for in the accession treaties,

N.whereas artistic productions frequently involve not only European but also third-country performers whose mobility is often restricted by difficulties in obtaining medium-term visas,

O.whereas artists are generally present in a Member State for short periods only (less than three months),

P.whereas all the problems relating to cross-border mobility, which is the principal feature of an artistic career, highlight the need for specific measures in this area,

Q.whereas it is essential to make a distinction between amateur and professional artistic activity,

R.whereas the teaching of artistic activities should be effectively incorporated in Member State syllabuses,

S.whereas the abovementioned Unesco Convention provides an excellent basis for recognition of the importance of the activities of professional creative artists,

T.whereas Directive 2001/29/EC requires Member States, which have not already done so, to provide for fair compensation for authors in respect of exceptions or limitations regarding reproduction rights (reprography, private copying, etc.),

U.whereas Directive 2006/115/EC sets out the exclusive rights of performing artists in particular and their rights to equitable remuneration, which cannot be waived,

V.whereas copyrights and moral rights of authors and performing artists in this respect constitute recognition of their creative work and their contribution to culture in general,

W.whereas artistic creation contributes to the development of cultural heritage and draws on past works, conserved by the State, for inspiration in this respect,

Improving the situation of artists in Europe

Contracts

1.Calls on the Member States to develop or implement a legal and institutional framework for creative artistic activity through the adoption or application of a number of coherent and comprehensive measures in respect of contracts, social security, sickness insurance, direct and indirect taxation and compliance with European rules;

2.Stresses the need to take account of the atypical nature of an artist's working methods;

3.Stresses, in addition, the need to take into consideration the atypical and precarious nature of all professions relating to the performing arts;

4.Encourages the Member States to introduce contracts for the provision of training or qualifications in artistic professions;

5.Recommends, accordingly, that Member States encourage the recognition of professional experience acquired by artists;

Protection for artists

6.Calls on the Commission and the Member States, after consultation with the arts sector, to introduce a Europass-type ‘European professional register’ of artists, containing details regarding their status and the nature and successive duration of their contracts and details concerning their employers or the service providers recruiting them;

7.Encourages Member States to coordinate more effectively and improve the exchange of good practice and information;

8.Urges the Commission, in cooperation with the sector, to draw up a comprehensible standard practical handbook for European artists and the authorities dealing with them, containing information on all current sickness insurance, unemployment and pension provisions at national and European levels;

9.Calls on the Commission and Member States, on the basis of the applicable bilateral agreements, to consider possible measures to ensure the transfer of pension and welfare entitlements acquired by artists from third countries when they return to their countries of origin and to ensure that work experience gained in a Member State is taken into account;

10.Urges the Commission to launch a pilot project introducing, on an experimental basis, a European electronic social security card specifically intended for European artists;

11.Takes the view that such a card, containing all relevant information concerning the artist, would resolve a number of problems inherent to his profession;

12.Stresses the need to distinguish between mobility specifically relating to artists and that relating to workers in general in the EU;

13.In this respect, calls on the Commission to assess what progress has been made regarding mobility in this specific area;

14.Calls on the Commission formally to identify the areas of cultural activity facing the greatest risk of creativity drain and talent loss, and urges the Member States to provide incentives for their artists to remain within or return to a Member State;

15.Moreover, calls on the Member States to give particular attention to the recognition at Community level of diplomas and other qualifications issued by all European conservatoires, arts academies and other official schools for the performing arts enabling their holders to work and study in all Member States, in accordance with the Bologna Process; in this connection urges the Member States to promote formal arts studies providing high-quality personal and vocational training enabling students to develop their artistic talents and at the same time a good general education opening up prospects in other professional fields; stresses also the importance of proposing measures at European level to facilitate the recognition in the European Union of diplomas and other qualifications issued by national conservatoires and arts academies in third countries so as to facilitate the mobility of artists seeking to enter a Member State;

16.Calls on the Commission to adopt a European charter concerning artistic creation and the conditions for engaging therein, on the basis of an initiative such as that adopted by Unesco, so as to reaffirm the importance of professional artistic activity and facilitate European integration;

17.Calls on the Member States to eliminate all types of restriction regarding access to the employment market for artists from the new Member States;

18.Calls on the Member States, which have not already done so, to organise effectively, in accordance with Directive 2006/115/EC and Directive 2001/29/EC, the payment of all equitable compensation in respect of reproduction rights and equitable remuneration owing to holders of copyrights and associated rights;

19.Urges the Commission to carry out a survey analysing measures by the Member States to effectively ensure that holders of copyrights and associated rights receive equitable compensation owing for the legal exceptions applied by the Member States in accordance with Directive 2001/29/EC and for the legal exploitation of their rights under Directive 2006/115/EC;

20.Urges the Commission to carry out a survey analysing measures by the Member States to earmark some of the revenue generated by the payment of equitable compensation owing to the holders of copyrights and associated rights as aid towards creative activity and the social and financial protection of artists and to analyse the legal instruments and tools which could be used to provide funding for the protection of living European artists;

21.Believes that it would be appropriate for Member States to consider possibly providing artists with assistance over and above what they currently receive, providing for a levy on the commercial exploitation of original works and their performance free of copyright;

Visas: mobility and employment of third-country nationals

22.Stresses the need to take account of the difficulties currently being encountered by a number of European and third-country artists as a result of visa requirements with a view to obtaining work permits and the attendant uncertainties;

23.Points out that artists with short-term employment contracts currently find it difficult to fulfil the conditions for obtaining visas and work permits;

24.Calls on the Commission to reflect on current visa and work permit arrangements applicable to artists and to begin drawing up Community rules in this area which could lead to the introduction of a specific temporary visa for European and third-country artists, such as that which already exists in some Member States;

Lifelong training and retraining

25.Calls on the Member States to create specialised training structures for those working in the cultural sector with a view to developing a genuine employment policy in this area;

26.Calls on the Commission to gather all existing research and publications, and to make a survey evaluating the current situation regarding provision in the EU for work-related illnesses which are specific to artistic activities, such as arthritis;

27.Recalls that all artists are permanently involved in their activity which is not limited to the time taken by their artistic renditions or performances;

28.Observes, in this respect, that time spent by artists on rehearsals is to all intents and purposes effective working time and that it is essential to take into consideration all such periods of activity in establishing their career histories both during periods of unemployment and for pension purposes;

29.Urges the Commission to assess the real level of European cooperation and exchange as regards vocational training in the performing arts and promote such measures within the framework of the programmes for Lifelong Learning and Culture 2007 and European Year for Education and Culture in 2009;

Towards a restructuring of amateur activities

30.Stresses the need to support all artistic and cultural activities targeted at those who are socially deprived with a view to integrating them more closely;

31.Stresses the importance of amateur artistic activities as a crucial element in bringing together local communities and in building a citizen's society;

32.Stresses that artists, without special formal training, who aspire to a professional artistic career should be well informed about certain aspects of the profession;

33.Accordingly, urges the Member States to encourage and promote amateur activities with constant reference to professional artists;

Guaranteeing artistic and cultural training from the earliest possible age

34.Calls on the Commission to draw up a survey of education in the field of art in the E U (content, nature of the training provided — formal or otherwise — results obtained and career opportunities) and to forward to Parliament the findings thereof within two years;

35.Urges the Commission to encourage and promote mobility for European arts students by stepping up programmes for the exchange of students from national conservatoires and arts academies both inside and outside Europe;

36.Calls on the Commission to provide funding for measures and pilot projects making it possible to identify appropriate models for art education at school through the introduction of a European system for the exchange of information and experiences for the benefit of arts teachers;

37.Calls on the Member States to step up training for arts teachers;

38.Requests the Commission and Member States to investigate the possibility of creating an Erasmustype European mobility fund for the exchange of teachers and young artists; recalls, in this connection, its concern to increase the European budget for culture;

39.Calls on the Commission and Member States to launch an information campaign as a guarantee for the quality of art education;

*

* *

40.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the parliaments and governments of the Member States.



(1) OJ C 300 E, 11.12.2003, p. 156.

(2) OJ C 76 E, 25.3.2004, p. 459.

(3) OJ C 233 E, 28.9.2006, p. 124.

(4) OJ L 149, 5.7.1971, p. 2.

(5) OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1.

(6) OJ L 167, 22.6.2001, p. 10.

(7) OJ C 175, 21.6.1999, p. 42.

(8) OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 28.

(9) OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 12.

(10) [2000] ECR I-2005.

(11) [2006] ECR I-5251.

P6_TA(2007)0237

Estimates of the European Parliament for 2008

European Parliament resolution of 7 June 2007 on Parliament's estimates of revenue and expenditure for the financial year 2008 (2007/2018(BUD))

The European Parliament,

having regard to Article 272 i of the EC Treaty,

having regard to Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1), and in particular Article 31 thereof,

having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 May 2006 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (2),

having regard to its resolution of 29 March 2007 on the guidelines for the 2008 budget procedure — Sections II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX — and on the European Parliament's preliminary draft estimates (Section I) for the 2008 budget procedure (3),

having regard to the Secretary-General's report to the Bureau on drawing up Parliament's preliminary draft estimates for the financial year 2008,

having regard to the preliminary draft estimates drawn up by the Bureau on 28 March 2007 pursuant to Rules 22 i and 73 of Parliament's Rules of Procedure,

having regard to Rule 73 of its Rules of Procedure,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A6-0202/2007),

A.whereas the rate of increase of heading 5 (administrative costs) of the multiannual framework for 2008 is 4,8 %, a figure higher than the inflation rate of 2 %,

B.whereas the 2008 budget should be aimed at the budgetary level of 2007, increased by the inflation rate of 2%, unless there are specific grounds to the contrary,

C.whereas 2008 is the last full year before the next elections to the European Parliament,

D.whereas the political priorities for 2008 are the provision of efficient services to Members to enable better law-making, enhancement of the effectiveness of the communication tools of the European Parliament and its political groups and improvement of the budget allocation,

E.whereas the estimated costs of a number of new projects adopted by the Bureau on 28 March 2007 will remain unknown until the presentation of the amending letter in September;

Financial aspects

1.Recalls that the 2008 budget should be a ‘budget for the EU tax-payer’, aimed at responsible budgetary behaviour on the part of all actors involved in the process, with decisions on financial resources based on solid reasoning;

2.Recalls that the recommendation for 2008 as adopted in its abovementioned resolution of 29 March 2007 is, on the one hand, to set the budget at the level which allows the most effective work to be provided by the institution within a rational level of financial resources, on the basis of justified and real budgetary needs, and, on the other hand, to limit the increase in the European Parliament's budget to the adjustment of current prices;

3.In this connection, highlights that the process of purchasing the European Parliament's premises in its three places of work should, in the long term, lead to substantial savings for the EU tax-payer; is ready to consider using the necessary part of the margin between the inflation rate and the rate of increase provided for in the multiannual framework, depending on the financial needs arising from the specific situation of ownership of Parliament's premises;

4.Recalls that in its abovementioned guidelines resolution, it was agreed that all budgetary requests should be based on justified needs; notes that the budgetary authority has not been provided with sufficiently detailed and precise information on all budgetary allocations; points out that the preliminary draft estimates give an amount of EUR 55 000 000 in Chapter 10 6 (‘Reserve for priority projects under development’) and EUR 10 300 000 for the pre-election campaign without providing any detailed justification for those amounts; recalls that the guidelines emphasised that unless there is justification based on real needs, Parliament's budget for 2008 should be set at the level of 2007 taking into consideration adjustments to current prices, ensuring in the process that the effective operation of the institution is not impaired; reiterates that the 20 % level of Heading 5 should constitute the upper limit of the budget; is disappointed that the Bureau set the level of the budget at EUR 1 491 400 000 which represents the full 20 % of Heading 5;

5.Emphasises the fact that the 2008 draft estimates include an increase of 6,7% over the 2007 budget despite savings made from ceasing to translate the verbatim reports of proceedings (EUR 9 000 000) and the transfer of the management of costs related to termination-of-service allowances to the Commission;

6.Will examine in detail the proposals for the projects provided for under Chapter 10 6 (‘Reserve for priority projects under development’); insists that the information explaining them be communicated in due time to its relevant committee; prefers, at this stage, to leave a token entry (‘pm’) in Chapter 10 4 (‘Reserve for information and communication policy’) and Chapter 10 6 (‘Reserve for priority projects under development’), which will set the budget at EUR 1 436 400 000, representing an increase of 2,8% over the 2007 budget; is willing to decide on the amount to be allocated to these projects once the concrete information is presented;

7.Is concerned by the high level of mopping-up transfers in the last few years which shot up to EUR 124 144 556 in 2005 and EUR 105 871 425 in 2006; recalls the fact that the numerous transfer requests made throughout the year change the allocation decided by the budgetary authority; invites the administration to estimate appropriations more accurately;

8.Notes that in 2008 the Belgian State will reimburse to the European Parliament an advance payment of EUR 22 700 000 made when the decision on the construction of the current premises in Brussels was taken; notes, moreover, that this appropriation will be placed in assigned revenue and will be used only to finance expenditure on buildings;

Information policy

9.Takes note of the proposals to allocate an overall budget of EUR 41 800 000 to information policy, which will include EUR 10 300 000 for an awareness campaign in view of the 2009 European elections, EUR 9 000 000 for implementation of the Parliamentary Television Channel (WebTV), EUR 15 700 000 for the Audiovisual Centre and EUR 6 800 000 to complete the construction of the Visitors' Centre;

10.Welcomes the initiative taken by the Bureau to propose an information campaign relating to the next European elections; deplores, however, the fact that the actions proposed in the context of this campaign will not be defined before the end of 2007; requests the administration to present a proposal before the first reading of the budget and insists on the inclusion of relevant proposals supporting direct communication with citizens; has decided, pending the submission of more detailed information on the utilisation of these funds, to place the amount of EUR 10 300 000 entered for election purposes in Chapter 10 0 (‘Provisional Appropriation’) and to reduce the corresponding budget lines accordingly;

11.Considers that the development of a specific programme, similar to that for Visitors' groups, which focuses on small and local media would be of interest to Members as one of the most efficient means of raising Union citizens' awareness of the European Parliament's activities; invites the Quaestors to examine the feasibility of providing each Member with proper means for inviting local journalists to come to the European Parliament;

12.Notes that the WebTV project is being substantially delayed to the autumn 2007; emphasises that the appropriations allocated and entered in Chapter 10 4 (‘Reserve for information’) in the 2007 budget will not be used as initially anticipated; considers that this amount may be carried forward to 2008, subject to final approval of the prototype, and consequently could cover the needs of the year; therefore considers that the EUR 9 000 000 requested for 2008 should be placed in Chapter 10 1 (‘Contingency reserve’) pending a more precise estimation of the cost of the project if approved, and further information as to the capacity of absorption of such an amount;

13.Acknowledges that the budget allocations requested for completing the construction of the Visitors' Centre and the Audiovisual Centre are in line with initial estimates; emphasises the fact that their implementation is highly dependent on the delivery dates of the D4 and D5 buildings, which may be slightly delayed, according to the information given by the Secretary General to the Bureau on 12 March 2007; asks the administration, therefore, to keep its relevant committee informed in order to allow it to make the necessary adjustments in the 2008 budget;

Multilingualism

14.Is willing to consider a proposal for restructuring the interpretation service, while insisting that the administration enforce more actively the code of conduct on multilingualism, in order to ensure suitable and efficient linguistic support for Members above all at official meetings of Parliament bodies and prevent any shortcomings, irresponsible use or misuse of this service; is willing to consider within this framework the possible extension of this service to more personal linguistic assistance; recalls that all Members should be treated fairly, irrespective of their native language;

15.Points out that any recommendation for the interpretation service should take account of the report of the Court of Auditors and be based on a comprehensive quality control system including qualitative indicators;

16.Is highly concerned by the fact that translations of documents are frequently not available in all languages for debates in committees, a situation which has a negative impact on the committees' proceedings and leads to an inefficient use of available resources (in particular given the multiplication of extraordinary meetings); insists that it is vital to take the necessary measures to have an efficient translation system in order to ensure the equal treatment of all Members and the orderly development of parliamentary business; urges the administration to make all the necessary efforts to provide the appropriate means and ensure an adequate organisation of the translation service in order to prevent any shortcomings and the consequent increase of costs, in particular when deadlines for decisions are fixed in the Treaty;

Buildings

17.Is surprised by the substantial increase in Item 2000 (‘Rent’) of EUR 5 131 200, which absorbs half of the savings resulting from the purchase of the Strasbourg buildings; understands that the increase of 19,85 % is based on developments in the real estate market and the need to rent an additional building in Luxembourg during the work on the extension of the KAD building; recommends that the administration bear these factors in mind before proposing further purchases of external offices that cannot be considered a priority with regard to the three places of work;

18.Takes note of the delay in the construction of the extension of the KAD building, mainly due to the decision of the Luxembourg State to abandon the creation of a shopping area; acknowledges that this decision will ease the management of the building in particular in terms of security; regrets, however, that construction work cannot start on time, which will postpone the occupancy of the extension to the end of 2012 and necessitate a longer rental of the temporary buildings; asks, therefore, to be kept informed of further developments with this project;

19.Points out that Item 2007 (‘Fitting out premises’) has increased by 72,24 % compared to the 2007 budget to an amount of EUR 30 008 000; decides to put the amount of EUR 3 000 000 foreseen for the Sports Centre under sub-item 2007/03 (‘Fitting-out, Brussels’) in reserve until Parliament's competent bodies have taken a final decision on the project and its financing; awaits the report on building needs and maintenance costs scheduled for 30 April 2007;

20.Is strongly of the view that a global approach must be taken when deciding on renting, purchasing or fitting-out buildings; considers that every decision concerning buildings policy must take into account the longer-term financial consequences; will assess the information provided on the overall costs of its buildings policy before allocating the appropriations requested; asks the administration to provide detailed information on the fitting-out works, especially those foreseen in Brussels and the newly acquired buildings in Strasbourg;

Informatics

21.Notes that the increase in IT expenditure over the last four years has reached 28 %; considers that the current strategy was useful in modernising the European Parliament's IT systems, enhancing the services provided to users and developing a new internet website; stresses, nevertheless, that it has multiplied the number of projects to 477 and has left some key functions in the hands of external staff; emphasises that, given that the administration must justify its financial requests, the Directorate on Information Technologies (DIT) should make proposals to rationalise its costs in the context of the amending letter;

22.Notes that the estimate for telecommunications charges is approximately the same as the estimate for 2005, whereas the actual costs have been falling annually since 2004 owing to the use of new technologies and general price reductions in the sector, and in 2006 were EUR 2 100 000 below the estimates; calls on the Secretary-General to report to the Committee on Budgets on the use of current VOIP technologies to reduce telephone costs;

Staff

23.Acknowledges the fact that the Bureau's request for new posts extends, at this stage, to 16 posts (7 AST3 and 9 AD5); regrets that only 10 posts are proposed from the redeployment exercise; calls on the administration to provide detailed information on the impact in terms of post reductions and redeployment due to the implementation of the new streamline software and on other short and medium-term strategies regarding redeployment possibilities as mentioned in the guidelines; considers an annual target of 1% as a minimum; confirms its willingness to receive a global overview and justification of the requests before taking its final decision; proposes, consequently, to place the appropriations relating to the requested posts in reserve for the time being;

24.Recalls the request to meet the full level of recruitment of staff from the EU-10 as well as Romania and Bulgaria; considers this an important element for the provision of effective support to Members, especially for linguistic services; while recognising this as the primary goal, requests the administration to present the appropriate measures for the long-term sustainability of these services;

25.Emphasises that a number of uncertainties still remain regarding staffing needs following recent Bureau decisions, for example the impact of the new Codex on the activity of the medical centre; reminds the administration that it should provide by March and September of each year an updated report on the recruitment situation related to enlargement and expects to receive detailed information to justify any new requests by the first reading;

26.Takes note of the proposals concerning the upgrading of permanent and temporary posts, the conversion of posts and possible ad personam promotions in the European Parliament's Secretariat; decides to defer them until the first reading and place the related appropriations in reserve;

27.Notes that the proposals concerning the upgrading of staff from the political groups will be communicated at a later date; is willing to consider them in the first reading;

28.Considers that efforts can be made to limit the number of staff missions to Strasbourg and, where possible, to make better use of new technologies such as video conferencing; decides to limit the appropriation allocated to Article 300 (‘Staff mission allowances’) to the level of the 2007 budget and to enter the increase of EUR 1 490 000, requested for 2008, in Chapter 10 0 (‘Provisional appropriation’);

Miscellaneous

29.Reiterates that the rapid implementation of the new badge system will greatly improve security in the buildings; is surprised by the increase in Item 214 (‘Technical equipment and installations’) and in particular by the increase in its sub-item on security of 36,8 % compared to last year's budget due to a substantial increase in the maintenance costs of the security infrastructure and to certain investments, such as the new radio system; insists on the fact that the security of the European Parliament's premises, its Members and staff, is an important issue that nevertheless calls for a prudent approach as regards its possible financial impact; invites the administration to re-examine its request bearing in mind the points expressed above and to present a new proposal by the time of the amending letter; decides, consequently, to enter EUR 2 000 000, allocated to new projects, in Chapter 10 0 (‘Provisional appropriation’);

30.Reminds the Secretary-General that, in its resolutions of 1 June 2006 on Parliament's estimates and of 26 October 2006 on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2007 — Sections I, II, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII (4), it was requested that by 15 December 2006 the administration should embark on an information strategy to address the issue that Members are often not fully aware of the available support services and that until now no proposal has been presented to its relevant committee;

31.Requests the administration to update its estimates on the appropriations needed in relation to EMAS;

32.Notes the proposed modifications of the nomenclature; recalls that a report on the financing of expenditure relating to delegations and Assemblies is awaited; decides at this stage not to agree to the changes in the nomenclature in Article 214 (‘Technical equipment and installations’) and in Items 3244 (‘Organisation and reception of groups of visitors, Euroscola programme and invitations to opinion multipliers from third countries’), 3245 (‘Organisation of seminars, symposia and cultural activities’), 3246 (‘Parliamentary television channel’), 3249 (‘Information exchanges with national parliaments’) and the proposed new Item 3047 (‘Miscellaneous expenditure on the organisation of Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly meetings’);

33.Is convinced of the need to reinforce the relationship between Members of the European Parliament and Members of EU national parliaments and democratically elected national parliaments of third countries; is willing to support the programme for information exchanges with national parliaments (Item 3249) once it has received further detailed information;

*

* *

34.Adopts the estimates for the financial year 2008;

35.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the Kingdom of Belgium.



(1) OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1995/2006 (OJ L 390, 13.12.2006, p. 1).

(2) OJ C 139, 14.6.2006, p. 1.

(3) Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2007)0099.

(4) OJ C 298 E, 8.12.2006, p. 253, and Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2006)0452.