Brussels, 11/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 11 December, the European Parliament adopted the reports which validate the agreement on the new EU funds for foreign policy, which will represent more than €51 billion in 2014-2020. EU expenditure on foreign policy will be more efficient and democratic control will be reinforced from 2014. The EP will have greater involvement in drafting and programming of projects and will have the right of full scrutiny over the funds, under the mid-term revision clause of the 2014-2020 budget. The strategic dialogue between the EP and the Commission will allow MEPs to play a greater role in allocating funds, defining priorities and assessing the results for each country.
The regulation which lays down common rules for all of the external financial instruments of the EU was adopted by 614 votes to 34, with 24 abstentions. It provides for European funds spent outside the EU to be more visible and to be used more efficiently on the ground, to be topped up mutually and to avoid duplication of effort. Emphasis is also laid on greater involvement for civil society.
The report on the pre-accession aid instrument, which will have an envelope of €11.7 billion for 2014-2020, was adopted by 616 votes to 50, with 12 abstentions. The Parliament and the Council are now on an equal footing as regards the adoption of legislation related to enlargement funding, with the creation of an incentive system to reward the best-performing countries.
The European neighbourhood instrument, which was adopted by 618 votes to 53, with 8 abstentions, will also do more to reward countries which make genuine progress in terms of reforms to build and reinforce democracy. The neighbourhood instrument has an envelope of €15.4 billion.
The partnership instrument aims to promote political and economic dialogue with the partner countries of the EU and the funds (€954.8 million) will be allocated on the basis of clearly defined thematic priorities. The report was adopted by 621 to 34, with 23 abstentions.
The report on the instrument contributing to stability and peace was adopted by 621 votes to 46, with 8 abstentions. This fund, totalling €2.3 billion and which is a reworking of the existing stability instrument, will be used to promote conflict prevention, mediation and peace.
Lastly, the European instrument for democracy and human rights (€1.3 billion) will allow funding to be granted without the approval of the third countries in which it is used. It will be more adapted to the needs of human rights workers facing difficult or dangerous situations. The report was adopted by 588 votes to 34, with 67 abstentions.
Commissioners for Enlargement, Stefan Füle, and r Development, Andris Piebalgs, welcomed the adoption of this legislative package. “We particularly welcome the fact that there will no longer be a democratic debate on the external aid of the EU in the future, due to a greater involvement for the European Parliament”, they stressed. (CG/transl.fl)