On Wednesday 4 July, the European Parliament gave its approval to the conclusion of a partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Iraq (with 565 votes in favour, 75 against and 34 abstentions).
In a resolution from Tokia Saïfi (EPP, France) that was adopted in parallel (576 votes in favour, 69 against and 35 abstentions), MEPs state that this agreement is an essential instrument for the implementation of the EU's strategy for Iraq, as well as for the strengthening of cooperation on the reconstruction, stabilisation and reconciliation of the country at the national and local levels, in a long-term strategy.
The Parliament asks the EU to strengthen its political dialogue with the Iraqi authorities in order to promote the respect of human rights, the strengthening of democratic institutions through greater respect for the principles of the rule of law, good governance and an effective judicial system. In the Parliament's view, the EU and its member states must maintain their humanitarian aid, making it a means to contribute to the strengthening of governance, democracy and the rule of law, and the EU must provide emergency financial aid for the reconstruction of priority infrastructure and the recovery of essential public services.
The Parliament also considers that the EU must do its utmost to encourage the continuation of a supported and constructive dialogue between the central power and the authorities of the region of Iraqi Kurdistan.
Dialogues on the fight against widespread corruption and the fight against terrorism should be set up, the MEPs add, asking the EU to encourage the Iraqi authorities to adopt a national strategy to deal with the crimes committed by so-called Islamic State and to adhere to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The MEPs say that in the framework provided for by the agreement, the EU must also set up a dialogue on migration in all its aspects, as well as establish an approach founded on human rights to deal with the issue of migration.
In addition, the European Parliament commits to setting up, with the Iraqi Parliament, a parliamentary cooperation committee, as provided for in the agreement. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)