Resolution on the draft Commission decision establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the draft Commission decision establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Mercosur and Latin America.

Latin America: Parliament took the view that, in its draft Regional Strategy Paper and draft Regional Indicative Programme (2007-2010) for Latin America the Commission exceeded its implementing powers laid down in the basic act by selecting as a subsector to its Focal Sector 3 'support for projects by organisations working to promote mutual understanding between the EU and Latin America', and by including the specific objective of 'support ... targeted on projects and measures targeting development issues by organisations specialising in the promotion and analysis of relations between the EU and Latin America'. It felt that this element did not comply with Article 2(1) and (4) of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006, as the primary objective of this subsector of the Regional Strategy Paper was not the eradication of poverty and as this element did not fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC.

Mercosur: Parliament took the view that, in its draft Regional Strategy Paper and draft Regional Indicative Programme (2007-2013) for Mercosur, the Commission exceeded its implementing powers laid down in the basic act by including in priority 3 'efforts to strengthen and enhance civil society participation, knowledge of the regional integration process, mutual understanding and mutual visibility' (for which it earmarks about 20% of the Regional Indicative Programme funding). Parliament felt that certain elements of priority 3 did not comply with Article 2(1) and (4) of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006, as their primary objective was not the eradication of poverty and as they do not fulfil the criteria for ODA established by the OECD/DAC. These elements relate to strengthening of Mercosur's cinematographic and audiovisual sector to promote regional integration, and supporting the creation of ten EU-Mercosur study centres in major Mercosur universities.

Parliament called on the Commission to withdraw its draft decisions establishing Regional Strategy Papers and Regional Indicative Programmes for Latin America and Mercosur, and submit to the DCI management committee new draft decisions fully respecting the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006.