argomento: News Economia - Diritto Internazionale e Comunitario

Articoli Correlati: climate change

The European funding for external action should support development, climate and environmental objectives and promote democracy, the rule of law and human rights, say deputies. On Monday, the committees for foreign affairs and development adopted their common position on the proposed instrument of neighborhood, development and international cooperation (NDICI). The NDICI brings together most of the current EU external funding instruments, including the European Development Fund, in an only one instrument. Once entered into force, it will be the EU’s main instrument to promote cooperation with non-EU countries. Regarding human rights, deputies believe that the promotion of democracy of the rule of law and respect for human rights are central objectives of the EU’s external action. Countries that are diverting in those areas should therefore face the suspension of their EU funding. Recognizing the need for more flexibility in the management of EU external action tools, deputies wish to strengthen the governance and accountability provisions for the programming and administration of funds. The text was approved with 46 votes in favor, 6 against and 10 abstentions. The plenary will vote on the text during the plenary session of 25 and 28 March in Strasbourg. To enter into force, the proposed NDICI should therefore be agreed between Parliament and Council.