Resolution on European Union external action priorities

The European Parliament endorsed the joint resolution on EU external action priorities. However, it stresses that it will not accept the setting of new priorities which require the allocation of financial provisions from the EU Budget without a clear indication of the estimated cost of the action envisaged, the source of financing and, wherever necessary, an adequate revisions of the financial perspective. The Parliament also expresses its commitment to using its political and budgetary instruments to the full to achieve these goals. The Council is urged to address matters relating to parliamentary scrutiny of the European security and defence policy (ESDP) and clearly structure the timing, the modalities and the discussion of any developments or decisions in this field. Parliament recognises that the representative roles of the Commissioner in charge of external relations and the High Representative for foreign affairs are complementary. However, it underlines the need for a clarification of the respective roles of the two individuals and stresses the need for a sensible and sensitive partnership between the EU institutions and the Member States. It also states that it is necessary for the Parliament to be fully associated in the development of the common defence policy. �