Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-12-13-Speech-2-270"
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"en.20051213.56.2-270"2
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".
Madam President, let me try to round up this important debate, to which I personally attach great importance. Of course, there are still many challenges, otherwise we need not have this debate. However, the Commission uses specific instruments and I would like to give you a few concrete examples, because it sometimes seems that we are only using words. This is not true, we have many possibilities and we try to use them, but still much has to be done and we have not reached the end.
For instance, we have an instrument through which EUR 180 million is used for promotion of justice and the rule of law, fostering a culture of human rights, promoting the democratic process, advancing equality, tolerance and peace. Secondly, we have country-specific cooperation programmes, to which a total of EUR 35 million has been allocated. Thirdly, grants of EUR 14 million have been awarded to international organisations, and we use these for campaigns.
We also have a very important instrument for the EU election observation missions. Many Members know of it and its importance because they have been chief observers in different countries, although the chief observer does have a certain amount of independence. This instrument is allocated EUR 13 million. The Commission has been involved in presidential and parliamentary election missions. It has completed EU election observation missions to Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Burundi, the West Bank and Gaza, also to Lebanon, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Liberia. Other missions are currently under way, such as those in Venezuela, Haiti, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and again for the parliamentary elections in the West Bank and Gaza.
The Neighbourhood Policy is my specific responsibility. There is now an instrument that provides a positive incentive. I can give 10% to 15% more if a country in the region, for instance Morocco or Jordan, is introducing more reforms in the human rights sector. I think this is important.
With regard to the CIA, in general we are clearly of the conviction that terrorism can be fought only with full respect for human rights and the rule of law. Human rights are valid in every situation. We know that this is a difficult challenge. It is a challenge to maintain the right balance between improving the right to privacy and combating terrorism. We have to protect our people but we also have to protect the principles on which our society is based.
Finally, with regard to the democracy and human rights instrument, I have often stated that for us the EIDHR is a flagship policy. Although it will no longer have a separate legal base, we have proposed a thematic programme for democracy and human rights, with global coverage and with visibility and unified programming, including a separate budget line. The proposed thematic programme would be identified within each of the proposed external action instruments. There will be a specific communication on this thematic programme, setting out the scope, objectives and political priorities, which will be presented at the end of January. I hope there is a chance of agreeing a complete overall package, which will enable the Council, Commission and Parliament to look forward."@en1
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