Euro-Mediterranean partnership: financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures

In adopting the report by Mr Enrique BARON CRESPO (PSE, E), the European Parliament approved this proposal for a regulation with the following amendments: - to the beneficiaries of support measures, the EP adds education and training structures and trade union organizations; - respect for democratic principles and human rights, as well as the rights of minorities, should be a criterion for the granting of financing. In cases of violation of these principles, the Council may, on a proposal from the Commission or a recommendation from Parliament, suspend assistance; - the EP proposes adding to the list of financable measures the sustainable management of the natural and cultural resources of the countries concerned and regional cooperation (Union regions included). Parliament would also include the development of the financial system, privatization and promotion of Mediterranean products, improvement of the level of self-sufficiency in food, development of basic infrastructure (water, transport and telecommunications), sustainable development, modernization of public administration, strengthening democracy and the respect for the rights of minorities, and efforts to reduce the trade in human beings. It would drop assistance in support of cooperation with the Arab League; - Parliament calls for the quantities allocated to each country to be indicated under the general line of the budget; - it calls for more emphasis to be placed on the need to promote projects at local level in order to encourage cooperation between regional bodies; - it asks to be kept regularly informed about the implementation of the regulation. To this end, it asks to be sent each year an assessment of developments relating to democratic principles, as well as a review of the position regarding contracts concluded under the MEDA programme. From 1997 an interim report should be submitted to it covering the whole range of measures financed for the period concerned. These various reports should serve as the basis for decisions concerning the continuation of the programmes; - the regulation should be revised five years after its entry into force. �