MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 18 JUNE 2018

(2018/C 443/01)

CONTENTS

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 18 JUNE 2018

(The sitting opened at 11:07)

Formal opening sitting

The following addressed the Assembly:

Joseph Owona Kono, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Louis Michel, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Yuri Sterk, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria

(The sitting adjourned at 11.53 and resumed at 15:15)

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President welcomed all the participants.

Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President announced that the list of members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, as forwarded by the authorities of the ACP states and the European Parliament, would be annexed to the minutes.

1.   Adoption of agenda (AP102.409)

The agenda was adopted as shown in these minutes.

2.   Approval of the minutes of the last sittings of the 34th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (1).

The minutes of Tuesday and Wednesday of the last sitting could not be approved. Unless members make comments by 19 June 2018 at 10.00, they will be deemed to have been approved.

3.   Co-Presidents’ announcements, including decisions taken at the Bureau meeting of 17 June 2018

The Co-President reported on the results of the Bureau meeting of 17 June 2018.

The following decisions were taken:

4.   Statement by Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development

Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development, focused his statement on the partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states after 2020. The Commissioner also referred to the external action of the European Union in the forthcoming years. He highlighted the increase in the external expenditure proposed by the Commission for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commissioner gave details of new cooperation and development financial structure and of the proposal for integrating the European Development Fund into the European Union’s budget.

5.   Debate with Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development — ‘catch-the-eye’

Speakers: Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Sangeet Fowdar (Mauritius), Gilbert Shimane Mangole (Botswana), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Thierry Cornillet, Irene Zindi (Zimbabwe), Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Louis Straker (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines).

Members inquired about the Commission’s proposal for the post-2020 partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states after 2020. They asked about the institutional and political modifications that these changes would entail, including the integration of the European Development Fund into the European Union’s budget. The issue of knowledge transfer and industrialisation in Africa was also raised, as was the question of complementarity of European and African economies within the partnership. Another topic of discussion was the relationship between the European Union with the African, Caribbean and Pacific middle income countries.

Commissioner Mimica answered the questions raised by Members following the order of the ‘catch-the-eye’ procedure.

6.   Question Time to the Commission

A total of 11 questions were put to the Commission.

The Commission had previously responded to the questions in writing. Commissioner Mimica gave oral replies to supplementary questions related to the following original questions:

The authors of questions 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 and 10 had no supplementary questions.

The authors of questions 3 and 8 were not present.

7.   Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 34th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Commissioner Mimica indicated that the Commission had transmitted notes on the resolutions adopted in Port-au-Prince on: the Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges for ACP states; Challenges in the field of the security-development nexus in ACP and EU policies; Improving access to basic health-care systems, notably to medicines against infectious diseases and Enhancing resilience to climate change and natural disasters in ACP states. These follow-up notes were discussed in the relevant committee meetings.

8.   Fighting xenophobia, racism and discrimination

Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, pointed out that despite the long-standing commitments of states, xenophobia, racism and discrimination still existed and affeced religious or ethnic groups in particular. These practices are often institutional, which makes them more difficult to address. She outlined the work of the office, which collects data on hate crime and works with national authorities to improve their collection systems and provides training to public and private actors. Mrs Gísladóttir raised the issue of migrants’ integration and proposed ways ahead for states.

Speakers: Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Julie Ward, Daba Tesfaye (Ethiopia), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Thierry Cornillet, Acardus Moses Gray (Liberia), Clifford Andre (Secheylles), Bodil Valero, Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Michael Gahler, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Papa Babou Ndiaye (Senegal), Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Louisa Klingvall (Directorate-General for Justice, Commission), Charlotte Ståhl (Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, Commission)

Members pointed out that xenophobia, racism and discrimination are based on prejudices and ignorance and stressed the importance of education to address these. The importance of bringing together students from different backgrounds to promote tolerance and create solidarity networks was also raised. Members highlighted the need to properly manage migration and to adequately integrate migrants to ensure social cohesion and prevent the rise of extremist political parties.

Ingibjörg Solrún Gísladóttir wound up the debate.

9.   Report on Women’s Forum

Maria Arena (Member of the European Parliament) informed the Assembly that the theme of the forum had been ‘Afrofeminism: Women’s voice against racism and discrimination’. A panel of female professionals had explained how they integrated the universal cause of feminism in their daily work as well as giving examples of ways to prevent discrimination. Mwiza Sibungo (Namibia) expressed the need to raise awareness of racism and pointed out how creative industries can contribute to this task.

Speakers: Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Vicky Katumwa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

(The sitting closed at 17:52)

(1)  Not yet published in the Official Journal

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(2018/C 443/02)

CONTENTS

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(The sitting opened at 9.15)

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Co-President

1.   Urgent topic No 1: Urgency of new measures to fight international terrorism

Speakers: Birgit Loeser (EEAS), Frank Engel, Jo Leinen, Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Ivory Coast), Louis Michel, Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Tesfaye Daba Wakjira (Ethiopia), João Ferreira, Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Price Cyprien (Haiti), Teresa Jiménez-Becerril Barrio, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Pally Iriase (Nigeria), Francesc Gambús, Papa Babou Ndiaye (Senegal), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Andre Misiekaba (Suriname) and Adjedoue Weidou (Chad).

The representative from the EEAS introduced the debate and recalled the solid engagement of the EU in security in Africa. The recent signature of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ between the African Union, the EU and the United Nations demonstrates the commitment of these three international organisations to working even more closely together. Members stressed the importance of the development-security nexus and rejected the link between terrorism and migration. They reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism (poverty, exclusion, human rights abuses, corruption etc.) and of designing more efficient de-radicalization policies. The strengthening of the concept and the role of the State should be made a priority in this context. The discussion also touched upon the financing of terrorism and the importance of inter-cultural and inter-religious dialogue, while underlining the fact that there is no justification whatsoever for terrorism.

Committee on Political Affairs

Co-Rapporteurs: Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Cristian Dan Preda

Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia) replacing Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Cristian Dan Preda presented the report.

Speakers: Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands (Barbados), Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Carlos Zorrinho, Gilbert Shimane Mangole (Botswana), Louis Michel, Tesfaye Daba Wakjira (Ethiopia), Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Price Cyprien (Haiti), Michael Gahler, Maria Arena, McHenry Venaani (Namibia), Frank Engel, Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Julie Ward, Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Joachim Zeller, Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Andre Misiekaba (Surinam), Sabine Lösing, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad) and Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

While the negotiations on a new agreement between the EU and the ACP states are due to start at the latest in August 2018, most Members agreed that the future agreement should be legally binding and that it should build on the acquis of Cotonou, especially with regard to human rights, good governance and political dialogue. The proposed budgetisation of the European Development Fund could contribute to improved absorption, increased predictability and stricter parliamentary control of funds. The up-coming negotiations are a unique opportunity to modernise the partnership and to adapt it to current global challenges. There was a general consensus on the need to preserve the ACP overall framework and to reinforce its parliamentary dimension. The suggestion to do away with the ACP structure to concentrate on stronger regional relations was not supported. Members also noted the important role that technology transfer could play in industrialisation processes in ACP countries.

Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia), wound up the debate.

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment

Co-rapporteurs: Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) and Eleni Theocharous

Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) presented the report.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Frank Engel, Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Ivory Coast), Jo Leinen, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Catherine Bearder, Abderrahmane Marrakchy (Mauritania), Neoklis Sylikiotis, Liuga Faumuina (Samoa), Jean-Luc Schaffhauser, Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Francesc Gambús, Suhair Ahmed Salah Mohamed Ahmed (Sudan), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Raphael Mhone (Malawi), Thierry Cornillet and Paolo Ciccarelli (European Commission).

Rapid urbanisation in ACP countries has created massive challenges with regard to waste management. Members discussed the effects of bad waste management on human health and on the environment. There is a need to improve the regulatory framework and to enforce the existing legislation, also in relation to the export of hazardous waste. Members mentioned the importance of education, and the potential offered by the circular economy.

Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia) wound up the debate.

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade

Co-rapporteurs: Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena

Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena presented the report.

Speakers: Dariusz Rosati, Alhaji Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Thierry Cornillet, Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Maria Heubuch and Leonard Mizzi (European Commission).

The illegal trade in phytosanitary products, seeds and other agriculture inputs has turned into a lucrative business, which is facilitated by the absence of a clear legal framework and sanctions. Members stressed the impact of this illegal trade on health (especially on women and girls) and on the environment. Members noted the need to raise awareness among ACP farmers, to build the capacity of laboratories, and to reinforce customs controls. Some Members stressed the need for a holistic approach, which should combine regional and national measures. Other issues touched upon the role of the private sector, agriculture models and the importance of research and technology.

Lucie Milebou Aubusson ép. Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena wound up the debate.

(The sitting closed at 12.51)

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(2018/C 443/03)

CONTENTS

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 JUNE 2018

(The sitting opened at 15.10)

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

Presentation by Christos Stylianides, Member of the Commission with responsibility for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management

Speakers: Daba Tesfaye (Ethiopia), Bogdan Brunon Wenta, Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Eleni Theocharous.

Members expressed serious concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan. They called on the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and the international community to bring pressure to bear on the parties to the conflict to cease fighting and return to peace talks. They called for unhindered access for humanitarian organisations, and also called for those blocking access as well as any other perpetrators of war crimes to be brought to justice. They highlighted the regional dimension of the conflict, welcoming efforts by neighbouring countries in taking in close to three million refugees.

This was further underlined by Commissioner Christos Stylianides, Member of the European Commission with responsibility for humanitarian aid and crisis management, who reiterated that this was a ‘100 % man-made catastrophe’ and complete disregard for international humanitarian law. He stressed the continued commitment of the EU to the crisis and announced a further 68 million euros in humanitarian assistance to Sudan and South Sudan on top of more than 412 million euros to South Sudan since the end of 2013.

Speakers: Catherine Bearder, João Ferreira, Bodil Valero, Joachim Zeller, Julie Ward, Anna Záborská, Moses Cheboi (Kenya), Suhair A. Salah M. Ahmed (Sudan) and Jean-Luc Schaffhauser.

Keynote debate with Benoit Kalasa, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

Speakers: Alain Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire), Michael Gahler, Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Julie Ward, Daba Tesfaye (Ethiopia), Eleni Theocharous, Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Amadou Dioffo (Niger), Maria Lidia Senra Rodríguez, Suhair Ahmed Salah (Sudan), Adjedoue Weidou (Tchad), Frank Engel, Juliet Suubi Kinyamatama (Uganda), João Ferreira, Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Carlos Zorrinho, Anna Záborska, Tadeusz Zwiefka, Sarah Kioko (Kenya), William Nokrach (Uganda), Arne Gericke and Miguel Exposito Verdejo (Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, Commission).

Dr Benoit Kalasa, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) pointed out that even though the fertility rate had declined throughout the world, population growth in Africa is not slowing down, as there is a much larger number of women of childbearing age. It is estimated that by 2050 Africa’s current population of 1,2 billion will increase to 4,4 billion, and the five most populous countries in the world will be in Africa. This implies challenges for these countries facing a rapid urbanisation by rural societies migrating to the cities or neighbouring countries facing poor infrastructure, insecurity, and low quality jobs. To capitalize on the demographic dividend each country needed to guarantee the rights of all young people to plan their lives, be free of violence and trauma, be assured of essential freedoms and reproductive rights, and with access to quality education and mentoring.

Members highlighted the urgent need to promote gender issues, to provide education, health care, food security, capacity building and employment to youth.

Benoit Kalasa responded to questions from the floor and wound up the debate by noting that there has been no demographic dividend so far and that it will not happen as long as millions of women and girls worldwide continue to be hampered in their development and if people have only restricted opportunities or none, no access to education or health care and limited capabilities. He ended by saying that population growth is a global issue and therefore should be dealt with globally.

Debate without resolution with Eugenio Ambrosi, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for European Economic Area (EEA), the European Union and the NATO

IOM Regional Director Eugenio Ambrosi highlighted the fact that for the first time, a globally shared comprehensive approach will be negotiated, leading to the conclusion in December 2018 of two compacts on migration and refugees respectively.

Speakers: Musa Hussein Naib (Eritrea), Michael Gahler, Daba Tesfaye (Ethiopia), Cécile Kashetu Kyenge, Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Sabine Lösing, Suhair A. Salah M. Ahmed (Sudan), György Hölvényi, Julie Ward, Anna Záborská, Željana Zovko, Francesc Gambús, Louis Michel and Camilla Hagström (Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, Commission).

While Members were unanimous on the question of respect for human rights and dignity regardless of the individual’s legal status, it was clear that details on granting social security benefits remain to be negotiated. Members also understood the urgency of opening legal possibilities for economic migration that match the needs of destination countries while avoiding a brain drain for countries of origin. Members insisted on the importance of respecting the rights of migrants including their right to return and at the same time they maintained the priority of combating the root causes of migration. Parliaments should apply their legislative and scrutiny powers and raise awareness to bring to bear on the last round of negotiations.

(The sitting closed at 18.21)

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 JUNE 2018

(2018/C 443/04)

CONTENTS

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 JUNE 2018 A.M.

(The sitting opened at 9.08)

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Acting Co-President

1.   Summary report from the workshop

Clifford Andre (Seychelles) gave a summary of the workshop on ‘Biotechnological research for sustainable agriculture with a focus on developing countries’. On Sunday 17 June, participants had visited the Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB), Ghent (Belgium), which focuses on basic research into the molecular foundations of life but which is doing specific biotechnological research with a focus on developing countries. Participants heard three presentations and were given a guided visit of the laboratories.

Speakers: Catherine Bearder, Halifa Sallah (Gambia).

2.   Report of the economic and social partners

Presentation by Brenda King, member of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

Brenda King, member of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee (replacing Mr Jaroslaw Mulewicz, President of the EU-ACP Follow-up Committee), gave an overview of the EESC’s recent activities since their participation in the last meeting of the JPA and on the future activities of the Follow-up Committee.

Speakers: Michel Kamano (Guinee), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire).

3.   Report on the Youth Conference

With the agreement of the Co-Presidents, a young representative chosen from the participants in the Youth Conference was given the floor to present the conclusions of the Conference, which centred on the need to encourage and support intercultural dialogue and integration in all its forms. In the subsequent debate, there was much enthusiasm for the role to be played by young people, and several proposals put forward about the involvement of youth in the Assembly's work. Louis Michel, suggested the creation of an ‘Assembly of ACP and EU Youth’ to be organised together with each session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly. In a similar way, other Members suggested the creation of youth fora both to provide and receive input from the JPA, taking inspiration from already existing models.

Speakers: Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Cheryl Sandra V. Husbands (Barbados), Louis Michel, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Sir Louis Straker (St. Vincent & The Grenadines), Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Dexter Nduna (Zimbabwe), Nafie Ali Nafie Ahmed (Sudan), Margaret Kamar (Kenya), Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Heather Mwiza Sibungo (Namibia), Waven William (Seychelles), Liuga Faumuina (Samoa), Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire), Michèle Rivasi.

4.   Statement by Carl B. Greenidge, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana

Carl B. Greenidge, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, (on behalf of the President-in-Office of the ACP Council of Ministers), described the importance of the ACP-EU JPA forum for the dialogue on development, underlining the fact that it was the only structured forum of its kind covering four global geographical spaces in the world. The 79 ACP and 28 Member States have the potential to play a decisive role in shaping global governance and decision-making in international fora.

He pointed to the need to ensure a new framework for cooperation, one which was more effective, strategic, balanced and results-driven in the future partnership beyond 2020. Furthermore, he announced the results of the 107th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, held in Lomé, Togo on 30 May 2018 where the ACP Group adopted its negotiating mandate for a Post-Cotonou Partnership Agreement, a mandate considered to be a strong manifestation of the unity and solidarity of the Governments and Peoples of the ACP States.

He concluded by expressing appreciation for the strong support shown by the Assembly for the preservation of the unity of the ACP Group, emphasising the importance of the ACP and the EU negotiating as single and equal entities.

5.   Statement by Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria), President-in-Office of the EU Council

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs (Bulgaria), President-in-Office of the EU Council, described the key priorities of the Presidency of Bulgaria, pointing to, in particular, the future of ACP-EU relations after the end of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020. She underlined the importance of taking advantage of the momentum for the ACP and the EU to join forces to drive forward a common, more global multilateral agenda. She welcomed the adoption by the ACP Group of its negotiating mandate and announced that the EU would adopt its own the following Monday.

While calling for increased dialogue and understanding between the ACP and the EU, she added that it was essential to further adapt ACP-EU relations to the new realities and to the global situation. In order to be more effective, she emphasised the necessity of deepening the ACP-EU partnership at regional level and to reflect on and integrate regional dynamics in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The future agreement should seek to advance common and inter-sectorial interests in different key areas.

She observed that climate action was an important area for cooperation and called for more ACP-EU coordinated actions and cooperation to fight and build up resilience against the recurrent man-made and natural disasters which undermine development of already fragile countries. Furthermore, she pointed out that it was crucial for the democratic partnership to have a parliamentary dimension in order to contribute to increased dialogue and understanding between peoples.

6.   Question Time to the Council

2 questions were put to the ACP Council and 7 to the EU Council.

7.   Debate with the Council — ‘catch the eye’

Speakers: Michèle Rivasi, Lucie Milebou Aubsson ép Mboussou (Gabon), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Michel Kamano (Guinee), Jomo Mfanawemakhosi Dlamini (Kingdom of Eswatini).

Members focused on topics such as the EU budget and EDF traceability, the agricultural sector and large-scale production, policies in ACP countries regarding the use of pesticides and plastics; the Cotonou Partnership Agreement and regional integration, mining, the digital economy and added value chains, the future MFF, world trade conflicts and their effects on ACP economies.

Ekaterina Zaharieva replied on behalf of the EU-Council to questions 1, 3 and 4.

Carl B. Greenidge replied on behalf of the ACP Council to questions 2 and 3.

Speakers: Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Liuga Faumuina (Samoa), Spès-Caritas Njebarikanuye (Burundi), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Dexter Nduna (Zimbabwe), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Louis Michel.

Members focused on topics such as parliamentarians’ role in the negotiating mandate, small island states and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, global warming, sea-levels, plastic waste and fish stocks in the Pacific, the lifting of EU sanctions on Burundi, technology transfer to ACP countries, and infrastructure development, ACP proposals to boost the economy and minimise migration, and the budgetisation of the EDF.

Carl B. Greenidge replied on behalf of the ACP Council to questions 1, 5 and 6.

Ekaterina Zaharieva replied on behalf of the EU-Council to questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

8.   Report on the 15th regional meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya (East African Region) from 11-13 April 2018 — report by the Co-Presidents

Acting Co-President Michèle Rivasi gave an oral report on the 15th Regional Meeting (East Africa Region), highlighting the main topics discussed and making special mention of the need to promote deeper regional integration that would strengthen partnerships with the private sector and civil society as well as to strengthen control mechanisms on trade to achieve sustainable socio-economic and political development. She pointed out that the only long-term solution to eliminating the causes of conflict was to enhance political dialogue as well as to strengthen cooperation and international assistance.

On the future ACP-EU Post-Cotonou Agreement, she highlighted the need to build on the Cotonou acquis and to integrate new global realities, in particular regional specificities; equally important was the need to keep civil society in the ACP States informed about how the negotiations were progressing.

9.   Approval of the minutes of the afternoon sitting of Monday, 18 June 2018 and the morning and afternoon sittings of Tuesday, 19 June 2018

The minutes were approved.

(The sitting adjourned at 12.35 and resumed at 15.01)

IN THE CHAIR: Louis MICHEL

Co-President

10.   Vote on the motions for resolution included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees

The Co-President reminded the Assembly of the voting procedures.

(i)   ACP-EU relations post-Cotonou: A strong parliamentary dimension (ACP-EU/102.400/18/fin.)

(Committee on Political Affairs)

Report by Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda) and Cristian Dan Preda

Amendments adopted: 1, 6, 7 and 1 oral amendment on recital I

Amendments rejected: 2, 3, 4, 5.

A vote by separate houses on amendment 2 was requested by the EPP group. The amendment was rejected.

A split vote by separate houses on amendment 3 was requested by EPP group. The amendment was rejected. A split vote by separate houses on Recital F was requested by S&D group. The first part was adopted.

A split vote on paragraph 6 and a vote by separate houses on the two parts was requested by the S&D Group. The first part was adopted.

A split vote on paragraph 11 and a vote by separate houses on the second part was requested by the EPP Group. The first part was adopted.

A split vote on paragraph 12 and a vote by separate houses on the second part was requested by the EPP Group. The first part was adopted.

A split vote on paragraph 16 and vote by separate houses on the second part was requested by the EPP Group. The first part was adopted.

A split vote on paragraph 20 and a vote by separate houses on the second part was requested by the EPP Group. The first part was adopted.

The resolution thus amended was adopted by 62 votes in favour, 0 against and 5 abstentions.

(ii)   The impact of the illegal trade in phytosanitary products, seeds and other agricultural inputs on ACP countries’ economies (ACP-EU/102.403/18/fin.)

(Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade)

Report by Lucie Milebou Aubusson épouse Mboussou (Gabon) and Maria Arena

Amendments adopted: 2, 6, 7, 8,

Amendments rejected: 1, 4, 5,

Amendments fallen: 3

A split vote on recital O was requested by the EPP group. The recital was adopted.

A separate vote on paragraph 18 was requested by the EPP Group. The paragraph was adopted.

The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously.

(iii)   The social and environmental consequences of urbanisation, particularly the sound management of industrial and domestic waste in ACP countries (ACP-EU/102.408/18/fin.)

(Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment)

Report by Halifa Sallah (Gambia) and Eleni Theocharous

Amendment adopted: 2

Amendment rejected: 1

A split vote by separate houses on para 6 was requested by the EPP and ECR groups. The first part was adopted.

The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously.

11.   Vote on the urgent motions for resolution

(i)   The urgency of new measures to fight international terrorism (ACP-EU/102.582/18/fin.)

Amendments adopted: 1

The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously.

(ii)   The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan (ACP-EU 102.583/18/fin.)

Amendments adopted: 1

The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously with three abstentions.

12.   Any other business

The Co-President thanked Members, the co-secretariat, the interpreters and the Commission for their contributions.

13.   Date and place of the 36th Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The 36th Session of the Assembly will take place in Benin from 3 to 5 December 2018.

(The sitting closed at 15.32)