Developing countries: integrate the environment in the development process, sustainable development

The European Parliament has adopted the report drafted by Mr. Anders WIJKMAN (EPP/ED, Sw) for a resolution on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Regulation on measures to promote the full integration of the environmental dimension in the development process of developing countries. The report was adopted subject to amendments which relate to: - the inclusion in development cooperation projects of environmental considerations enabling the sustainable dimension of these projects to be distinguished, identified and addressed; - the encouragement of the use of renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, energy saving and the replacement of especially damaging energy sources by others which are less so; - the need to protect ecosystems and habitats and the conservation of special diversity; - the environmental problems related to industrial activities; - the promotion of trade in products that have been produced in a sustainable manner; - the need to use databases and databanks for example on the Internet (open to public) when formulating guidelines and manuals and instruments aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental integration; - the need for information campaigns on hazardous substances and toxic waste and pesticides in particular; - the increased need to coordinate activities by means of exchanges between local partners, NGOs and grassroots communities and associations, as well as representatives of the Commission and of the Member States; - the financial framework has been changed from EUR 50,4 million to EUR 93 million, and the Commission shall submit a proposal for a new framework to the European Parliament and the Council before the end of 2005.�