MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 18 MARCH 2019

(2020/C 334/01)

CONTENTS

Formal opening sitting

2

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

2

Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

2

1.

Adoption of agenda (AP102.732)

2

2.

Approval of the minutes of the last sittings of the 36th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

2

3.

Co-Presidents’ announcements, including decisions taken at the Bureau meeting of 17 March 2019

2

4.

Statement by Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development on stock taking of Commissioner’s five year term, an update on the state of play of post-Cotonou negotiations and the Spotlight initiative

3

5.

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

3

6.

Question Time to the Commission

3

7.

Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 36th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

4

8.

The impact of Brexit on the ACP-EU partnership

4

9.

Women’s Forum

4

MINUTES OF THE SITTING OF MONDAY, 18 MARCH 2019

(The sitting opened at 11.00)

Formal opening sitting

The following addressed the Assembly:

Teodor Meleşcanu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Joseph Owona Kono, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Louis Michel, Co-President of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu, President of the Senate of Romania.

(The sitting adjourned at 12.21 and resumed at 15.02)

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Co-President

Sitting of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The Co-President welcomed all the participants.

Composition of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

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 (AP102.732)

The agenda was adopted as shown in these minutes.

2.   Approval of the minutes of the last sittings of the 36th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The minutes of the last sitting had not yet been approved. Unless Members made comments by 19 March 2019 at 10.00, the minutes would be deemed to have been approved.

3.   Co-Presidents’ announcements, including decisions taken at the Bureau meeting of 17 March 2019

The Co-President reported on the results of the Bureau meeting of 17 March 2019.

The following decisions were taken:

a)

The standing committees would draft the following reports:   Committee on Political Affairs — Democracy and respect for the constitution in EU countries and ACP states   Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade — Diversification of ACP economies: challenges and opportunities   Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment — Reducing the number of unemployed youth in ACP and EU countries

b)	The 38th Session of the Assembly would take place from 30 November to 4 December 2019 in Kigali (Rwanda).

c)	A fact-finding mission to Togo would take place from 31 March to 2 April 2019.

Speaker: Sir Louis H. Straker (Saint Vincent & The Grenadines).

4.   Statement by Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development on stock taking of Commissioner’s five year term, an update on the state of play of post-Cotonou negotiations and the Spotlight initiative

Neven Mimica, Member of the Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development, recalled the significance of the Cotonou partnership and provided an update on the state of play of the current post-Cotonou negotiations. The aim of the future partnership is to create a more strategic and influential ACP-EU alliance on the international stage. Thanks to the proposed regional structure, the new partnership is expected to be more in tune with regional and local realities. Negotiations are progressing with the second round expected to close in April 2019. The Commissioner also provided some information on the EU-UN Spotlight initiative, which aims to prevent and end all forms of violence against women and girls. The Commissioner encouraged Members to help to make this initiative a success.

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

Speakers: Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Sir Louis H. Straker (Saint Vincent & The Grenadines), Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Pally Iriase (Nigeria), Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Sangeet Fowder (Mauritius), Ahamada Soukouna (Mali), Louis Michel, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Oumouri Mmadi Hassani (Comoros), Sebastian C. Kopulande (Zambia), Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda), Babiker Mohamed Tom Bakhit Dafaalla (Sudan), André Misiekaba (Suriname), Federico Abaga Ondo (Equatorial Guinea), Siaosi Ofa Ki V. Sovaleni (Tonga), Agathon Rwasa (Burundi), Papa Babou Ndiaye (Senegal), Margaret Kamar (Kenya) and Rick Tchamako Mahe (Vanuatu).

Many ACP Members asked questions about the post-Cotonou negotiations and expressed concern about the proposed regional structure, which was perceived as an attempt to dismantle the ACP group and identity. Clarification was requested on the common ACP foundation, on the future institutional set-up and on the parliamentary dimension of the future partnership. Questions were raised in relation to the security-development nexus and the situation in the Sahel and the G5 countries, and others focused on trade matters, the impact of Brexit on ACP economies, tax governance, and EU policy in the field of innovation and technological transfer.

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

6.   Question Time to the Commission

11 questions were put to the Commission in total.

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

Oral question 1 by Neena Gill on the outcomes of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership and EU climate finance to ACP partner countries

Oral question 2 by Jo Leinen on involving ACP countries in EU climate diplomacy strategy

Oral question 3 by Enrique Guerrero Salom on establishing a minimum capacity for self-reliance in the health sector in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan

Oral question 5 by Norbert Neuser on the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa

Oral question 7 by Thierry Cornillet (replacing Nathalie Griesbeck) on ACP-EU relations and the fight against corruption

Oral question 8 by Halifa Sallah (Gambia) on Sustainable or Responsible Fisheries Agreement’s with ACP States

Oral question 9 by Catherine Bearder on implementing the ACP-EU Partnership

Oral question 11 by Maria Heubuch (replacing Bodil Valero) on the situation in Burundi

The authors of questions 4, 6 and 10 were not present.

7.   Action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the 36th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Commissioner Mimica indicated that the Commission had transmitted notes on the resolutions adopted in Cotonou (Benin) on: the fight against cybercrime and drug trafficking; the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of economic transformation in ACP countries; combating the destabilising effects of wildlife trafficking in ACP countries and promoting the implementation of the external dimension of the EU Action Plan against wildlife trafficking, and the urgencies on the impact of the rise of populism on globalisation, and on the impact of climate change, in particular on Small Island Developing States. These follow-up notes were discussed in the relevant committee meetings.

8.   The impact of Brexit on the ACP-EU partnership

Debate without resolution with Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Secretariat

Baroness Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, paid tribute to the significance of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and mentioned the existing fruitful collaboration between ACP countries and the Commonwealth. She recalled that 40 ACP members were also members of the Commonwealth family and shared many similarities, such as close historical ties, language and common law. She focused her intervention on the trade implications of Brexit, which in the end will depend on the nature of the UK’s future relations with the EU. Baroness Scotland set out how the Commonwealth could collaborate with the ACP in the future and mentioned the possibility of strengthening existing areas of collaboration and intensifying the partnership.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Michael Gahler, Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), David Martin, Sir Louis Straker (St. Vincent & the Grenadines), Catherine Bearder, Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Joachim Zeller, Jomo Mfanawemakhosi Dlamini (Eswatini Kingdom), Neena Gill, Pedro Silva Pereira, Julie Ward, Mauricia Thomas-Francis (Saint Lucia), Sebastian C. Kopulande (Zambia) and Jo Leinen.

Several ACP Members expressed concern about the impact of Brexit on trade, the export of ACP commodities, and rules of origin. There were also questions on the impact of Brexit on financial resources allocated to development and technical assistance provisions.

9.   Women’s Forum

Forum co-chair Julie Ward presented the conclusions, which focused on combatting the trafficking of women and girls in Europe and ACP countries. Members were briefed on the specific situation in Romania, where more and more women and girls are being trafficked for sexual, labour and organ-trade purposes. Despite the existence of the appropriate legislative framework, the Romanian authorities face difficulties in combating the criminal gangs involved in such trafficking. It was suggested that the topic should be further debated in the framework of the Political or the Social committees.

Speakers: Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Tulia Ackson (Tanzania).

(The sitting closed at 18.43)

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 MARCH 2019

(2020/C 334/02)

CONTENTS

10.

Is our economic model compatible with climate change?

5

11.

Urgent topic No 1: Issues at stake and challenges linked to the rule of law in the European Union and the ACP countries

5

12.

The possibilities of renewable energies in bringing sustainable economic development to ACP countries, and particularly to remote areas

6

13.

Reducing the global number of out-of-school children, adolescents and youth in ACP countries

6

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 MARCH 2019

The sitting opened at 9.00

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Co-President

10.   Is our economic model compatible with climate change?

Debate without resolution with Yvo de Boer, former Executive Director of the UNFCCC

Mr Yvo de Boer, former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), introduced the debate without resolution on the compatibility of our economic model with climate change by pointing out that in spite of a significant decrease in costs for renewable energies, carbon footprint emissions are higher than ever.

He focused his presentation on what politicians can do to effectively implement the Paris Agreement. Up to now 180 countries have signed the Agreement, but only 16 have designated strategies to achieve its objectives. One reason is that the position of governments is to eradicate poverty by promoting growth, and technologies are often expensive upfront. He suggests that policymakers insist on the systematic assessment of the sustainability of investments, and that both public and donors financially support the upfront investments in technology needed to produce renewable energy. The good news is that formerly reluctant countries such as China and India, are making significant strides to become sustainable economies.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Theodor Dumitru Stolojan, Jo Leinen, Lucie Milebou-Aubusson (Gabon), Catherine Bearder, Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Maria Heubuch, Michel Kamano (Guinea), Lídia Senra Rodríguez, Moses Cheboi (Kenya), Raphael Joseph Mhone (Malawi), Louis Joseph Manscour, Amadou Dioffo (Niger), Faumuina Liuga (Samoa), Carlos Zorrinho, Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Andre Misiekaba (Suriname), Michael Gahler, Ahamada Soukouna (Mali), Ana Rita Geremias Sithole (Mozanbique), Price Cyprien (Haiti), Louis Michel, Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

Members agreed that the present economic model based on unrestricted consumption of goods hampered sustainable development and placed the survival of humanity in danger. It was therefore vital to adjust the economic model in a way that is compatible with climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals.

11.   Urgent topic No 1: Issues at stake and challenges linked to the rule of law in the European Union and the ACP countries

There was a clear consensus among both ACP and EU Members that respect for the rule of law lies at the heart of any well-functioning democracy and it is key to the upholding and defending of human rights and freedoms.

Several Members spoke of challenges to the rule of law — in Europe as well as in ACP countries — such as a reduced space for civil society, restrictions of freedom of media and of expression, fake news and populism, undue foreign influence on elections, corruption and abuse of power by governments and other public authorities.

The representative from the Comoros gave an overview of the pre-electoral situation in the country, noting the lack of democratic transparency, and asked that his statement on this point be reflected in the minutes.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Frank Engel, Oumouri Mmadi Hassani Oumouri (Comoros), Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire), Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Lídia Senra Rodríguez, Nicolas Bay, Michael Gahler, Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Julie Ward, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Jacob L. Oulanyah (Uganda), Louis Michel, Marius Yaya Doumba (Cameroon), Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

Members stressed the importance of increased cooperation to tackle these challenges and of maintaining respect for the rule of law in the future EU-ACP agreement.

12.   The possibilities of renewable energies in bringing sustainable economic development to ACP countries, and particularly to remote areas

Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade

Co-Rapporteurs: Clifford Andre (Seychelles) and Željana Zovko

Members welcomed the timely report on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all in line with climate action and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The report proposes a number of recommendations and innovative ways of cooperation between EU and ACP countries with a view to developing the sustainable energy potential of the ACP partners, particularly in remote areas. It also calls for the mainstreaming of cross-cutting concerns and for access to renewable, affordable and efficient energy.

Speakers: Marius Yaya Doumba (Cameroon), Mr Stefan Gehrold, Davy Victorien Yama (Central African Republic), Thierry Cornillet, Jo Leinen, Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Federico Abaga Ondo (Equatorial Guinea), Price Cyprien (Haiti), Lídia Senra Rodríguez, Moses Cheboi (Kenya), Raphael Joseph Mhone (Malawi), Joachim Zeller, Amadou Dioffo (Niger), Mauricia Thomas-Francis (Saint Lucia), Faumuina Liuga (Samoa), Norbert Neuser, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Babiker Mohamed Tom Bakhit Dafaalla (Sudan), Maria Heubuch, Siaosi Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni (Tonga), Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

The Co-Rapporteurs, Clifford Andre, and Frank Engel, replacing Željana Zovko, wound up the debate.

13.   Reducing the global number of out-of-school children, adolescents and youth in ACP countries

Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment

Co-rapporteurs: Joseph Yopy Yopy (Papua New Guinea) and Laura Agea

Joseph Yopy Yopy (Papua New Guinea), Co-Rapporteur, introduced the report.

The decentralisation of aid from local financing authorities was very important in terms of helping to avoid school drop-outs; this aid could therefore reach the schools most in need more efficiently. To encourage young people not to leave school, a number of other solutions were also proposed: besides providing appropriate infrastructure, making schools more attractive by providing free meals, including complementary activities such as sport, as well as ensuring adequate sanitary materials and toilet segregation so that adolescent girls do not stop going to school out of embarrassment. Furthermore, the need for compulsory primary and secondary schooling was stressed as was non-formal education, such as vocational training for everyone inside and outside the formal school system.

Speakers: Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso), Stefan Gehrold, Davy Victorien Yama (Central African Republic), Norbert Neuser, Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire), Jomo M. Dlamini (Kingdom Of Eswatini), Catherine Bearder, Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Louis Michel, Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Maria Heubuch, Price Cyprien (Haiti), Margaret Kamar (Kenya), Heather Mwiza Sibungo (Namibia), Amadou Dioffo (Niger), Lídia Senra Rodríguez, Faumuina Liuga (Samoa), Papa Babou Ndiaye (Senegal), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Julie Ward, Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Michael R. Nyambuya (Zimbabwe), Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia), Domenico Rosa (European Commission).

Joseph Yopy Yopy (Papua New Guinea), Co-Rapporteur, wound up the debate.

To conclude the morning session, Co-President Joseph Owona Kono thanked Co-President Louis Michel for his longstanding commitment to the Assembly. Co-President Louis Michel thanked the Members present, stressing the EU’s responsibility towards ACP countries and his determination to continue his commitment in this respect even after leaving the active political arena, and wishing every success for future ACP-EU relations.

(The sitting closed at 13.03)

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 MARCH 2019

(2020/C 334/03)

CONTENTS

14.

Urgent topic No 2: Environmental crimes

8

15.

The strategic significance and dimension of the ACP-EU partnership

9

16.

The implementation of the global compact on migration

9

17.

Report on the Youth Conference

9

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF TUESDAY, 19 MARCH 2019

The sitting opened at 15.02

IN THE CHAIR: Juan Fernando LOPEZ AGUILAR

Acting Co-President

14.   Urgent topic No 2: Environmental crimes

ACP and EU Members from across the political spectrum stressed the importance of taking much stronger action against environmental crimes. Doing so was necessary for the protection of biodiversity, ecosystems and climate change mitigation, as well as to safeguard livelihoods and human health. It was also important in the fight against other types of organised crime, to which environmental crimes are often linked. Members stressed the need for an agreed definition of such crimes, which currently does not exist.

While the point was made that a clear distinction between illegal and legal activities must be upheld, some Members considered that a more holistic approach to environmentally harmful activities is needed. Activities cited included illegal fisheries and waste dumping.

Among these, maritime environmental crime received particular attention. Representatives from affected ACP countries gave accounts of harm done, current measures taken and further measures needed.

Members stressed the need for support for ACP countries’ capacities to fight environmental crime.

Several Members called for harsher sanctions, and the idea of extending the definition of crimes against humanity to include environmental crimes was mooted.

Speakers: Alpha OUSMANE (Burkina Faso), Stefan GEHROLD, Halifa Baboucar SALLAH (Gambia), Jo LEINEN, Ben Abdallah BANDA (Ghana), Catherine BEARDER, Federico ABAGA DUDO (Guinea Equatorial), Maria HEUBUCH, Price CYPRIEN (Haiti), Moses CHEBOI (Kenya), Joachim ZELLER, Clifford ANDRE (Seychelles), Louis Joseph MANSCOUR, Andre MISIEKABA (Suriname), Jacob L. OULANYAH (Uganda), Lucie MILEBOU-AUBUSSON (Gabon), Babiker MOHAMED TOM BAKHIT DAFAALLA (Sudan).

Commission: Domenico Rosa

Clifford André (Seychelles) and Julie Ward wound up the debate.

At the end of the debate, Sir Louis H. STRAKER made a comment on the situation of countries affected by cyclone Idai. Halifa Baboucar SALLAH echoed his words. Following on from these interventions, the Co-Presidents decided to issue a joint press statement on the tragic effects of the cyclone.

15.   The strategic significance and dimension of the ACP-EU partnership

Committee on Political Affairs

Co-rapporteurs: Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia) and David Martin (replacing Maria Arena)

Many Members concurred that the current partnership has not kept its promises in full and that the report should become a reference to be used by negotiators for a future more strengthened partnership. The latter should contain clear benchmarks, and the ultimate success should be measured against poverty reduction. Covering more than 50 % of UN Member States, the ACP-EU partnership should tackle real global issues such as Agenda 2030, the Paris Climate Agreement, international tax evasion and defending the multilateral rules — based global order. ACP Members expressed their concern about the continued power imbalance between the ACP Group and the EU, and the possible shift towards a ‘regionalisation’ of the future partnership.

Speakers: Alpha OUSMANE (Burkina Faso), Michael GAHLER, Halifa Baboucar SALLAH (Gambia), Carlos ZORRINHO, Michel KAMANO (Guinea), Federico ABAGA DUDO (Guinea Equatorial), Price CYPRIEN (Haiti), Maria HEUBUCH, Margaret KAMAR (Kenya), Ahamada SOUKOUNA (Mali), Clifford ANDRE (Seychelles), Joachim ZELLER, Adjedoue WEIDOU (Chad), Jacob L. OULANYAH (Uganda), Ben Abdallah BANDA (Ghana).

Commission: Domenico Rosa

Co-rapporteurs: Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia) and David Martin wound up the debate.

ACP Secretary General: Patrick I. GOMES, Sir Louis H. STRAKER.

16.   The implementation of the global compact on migration

Keynote debate with Elspeth Guild, Professor of Law at Queen Mary College, University of London

A very large majority of ACP and EP Members lauded the merits of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and regretted that not all EU Member States had voted in favour. Members acknowledged the complexity of the combination of national legislation, international agreements, human rights and ethics in a globalized world with increasing inequalities and an imbalance of demographic growth between continents. However, migration policies should be based on real facts instead of sentiments and fake news (that can be perverted for electoral purposes). Most Members also agreed on the need for shared responsibility to address challenges related to the migration phenomenon in a spirit of cooperation and mutual interest. Good governance, human rights and development go hand in hand, and the industrialization of Africa will be key. More could be done to stop human trafficking but at the same time the EU should increase the possibilities for legal migration.

Members pleaded for the inclusion of the GCM in the future ACP-EU partnership agreement.

Professor Elspeth Guild wound up the debate by referring to Eurostat figures showing that the vast majority of migrants coming to the EU do not originate from ACP countries.

Speakers: Michael GAHLER, Halifa Baboucar SALLAH (Gambia), Juan Fernando LÓPEZ AGUILAR, Michel KAMANO (Guinea), Nathalie GRIESBECK, CYPRIEN (Haiti), Moses CHEBOI (Kenya), Ahamada SOUKOUNA (Mali), Nicolas BAY, Pedro SILVA PEREIRA, Julie WARD, Carlos ZORRINHO, Adjedoue WEIDOU (Chad), Jacob L. OULANYAH (Uganda), Ben Abdallah BANDA (Ghana).

Commission: Domenico Rosa

17.   Report on the Youth Conference

Two young Romanian participants, Madalina Huzum and Tudor Drujescu, were given the floor by the Co-President and by the Conference Co-Chairs, André Clifford (Seychelles) and Julie Ward, to report on the outcome of this event.

Dedicated to the climate change protests by young Europeans and their potential impact on the upcoming European elections, the Conference had attracted a large number of young Romanians, who engaged in an exchange of views with Members in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Participants expressed concerns about the future of the planet, noting that actions by governments against global warming were still largely inadequate. They also pointed out that even in areas already implemented, such as recycling, there are often weaknesses and gaps, and cited the low level of re-use of materials made of plastic as one example. Furthermore, they stressed the fact that youth is often involved in the implementation of small-scale projects but that it is not consulted at all in the shaping of framework programmes and strategic planning against climate change.

(The sitting closed at 18.56)

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2019

(2020/C 334/04)

CONTENTS

18.

Statement by Tjekero Twega, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME development (Namibia), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

11

19.

Statement by Maria Magdalena Grigore, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President-in-Office of the EU Council

11

20.

Question Time to the Council

11

21.

Debate with the Council — catch-the-eye

12

22.

Romania and the ACP Countries — Working Together on the Global Arena

12

23.

Report of the economic and social partners

13

MINUTES OF THE MORNING SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2019

The sitting opened at 9.02

IN THE CHAIR: Joseph OWONA KONO

Co-President

18.   Statement by Tjekero Twega, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME development (Namibia), President-in-Office of the ACP Council

Tjekero Twega, Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME development (Namibia), President-in-Office of the ACP Council, spoke about the uniqueness of the ACP — EU partnership, and underlined the importance of preserving it, by giving it a new meaning and fresh content. He reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to the ACP partnership. He also said Namibia believes in multilateralism and in a multilateral approach in finding solutions to conflicts. He continued by describing the Namibian efforts to enhance intercontinental cooperation in political, economic and trade areas. In this framework, the Minister presented the country’ endeavours to create new and quality jobs on local, regional, national and continental level by creating favourable conditions, which start from the appropriate legislative and regulatory framework, easy access to credit for local entrepreneurs and SMEs, especially start-ups, access to infrastructure and energy grids, expansionary domestic economic policies favouring internal demand, and access to duty-free and quota-free export markets. He stressed the importance of producing goods and services with a high added value locally, and not only extracting raw materials and then sending them elsewhere for processing and usage. The Minister also mentioned the importance of SADC regional partnership and of the potential added value of the EU — SADC Economic Partnership Agreement in promoting development.

19.   Statement by Maria Magdalena Grigore, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President-in-Office of the EU Council

Maria Magdalena Grigore, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President-in-Office of the EU Council, outlined the main priorities that the EU sees for its relations with the ACP group of states. These included implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate action, the post-Cotonou Agreement framework for ACP-EU cooperation, youth, migration and security issues.

20.   Question Time to the Council

9 questions were put to the ACP Council and 5 to the EU Council.

Tjekero Twega, on behalf of the ACP Council replied to the following written questions and supplementary question:

The author of question 1 was not present.

Question 2 by Natalie Griesbeck (replaced Thierry Cornillet) on Cooperation on civil registry matters

Supplementary question on which individual countries are ready to cooperate with the EU on relevant countries.

Question 3 by Natalie Griesbeck (replaced Catherine Bearder) on Implementing the ACP-EU Partnership

The author of question 4 was not present.

The author of question 5 was not present.

Question 6 by Julie Ward on The protection of LGBTIQ+ people in Tanzania

Question 7 by Jo Leinen on Situation in Gabon

Supplementary question on possible AU and EU contributions to facilitate a resolution of the political crisis in Gabon.

The author of question 8 was not present.

Question 9 by Halifa Sallah (Gambia) on Intra/- ACP Cooperation against Dependency Syndrome

Maria Magdalena Grigore, on behalf of the EU Council, replied to the following questions:

The author of question 10 was not present.

The author of question 11 was not present.

Question 12 by Nathalie Griesbeck on Future of ACP-EU relations and international competition

The author of question 13 was not present.

Question 14 by Halifa Sallah (Gambia) on the European Trust Fund for Africa

21.   Debate with the Council — catch-the-eye

Members’ questions and comments mainly concerned the Cotonou Agreement and what should come after, the parliamentary dimension of the ACP-EU relations, the pursuit of an African continental free trade agreement, measures to promote industrialisation in ACP countries, the progress made in poverty reduction in Senegal, the massive destruction in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe caused by the cyclone Idai and whether interventions in Haiti need to be revised in order for them to have a real impact on living conditions.

Speakers: Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Mmadi Hassani (Comoros), Norbert Neuser, Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Price Cyprien (Haiti), Ben Abdallah Banda (Ghana), Stefan Gehrold, Jomo Mfanawemakhosi Dlamin (Kingdom of Eswatini), Raphael Mhone (Malawi), Agnima Alain-Michel Lobognon (Côte d'Ivoire), Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda)

Tjekero Twega, on behalf of the ACP Council, and Maria Magdalena Grigore, on behalf of the EU Council, replied to the questions:

22.   Romania and the ACP Countries — Working Together on the Global Arena

Exchange of views with Teodor Meleşcanu, Minister of Foreign Affair

Minister Meleşcanu drew attention to Romanian contributions to UN peacekeeping missions in Haiti and Mali. He emphasised Romania’s commitment to effective multilateralism and mentioned its current candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the UN’s Security Council.

Members acknowledged Romania’s reception, under the communist regime, of African students in Romanian universities. They encouraged further steps towards reviving such cooperation. Also climate action was seen as an important area to focus on.

Speakers: Michael Gahler, Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Julie Ward, Moses Cheboi (Kenya), Louis Straker (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Clifford Andre (Seychelles), Stefan Gehrold, Agathon Rwasa (Burundi), Michael Reuben Nyambuya (Zimbabwe), Jacob Oulanyah (Uganda), Babiker Mohamed Tom Bakhit Dafaalla (Sudan), Salomào Luheto Xirimbimbi (Angola), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Michel Kamano (Guinea), Mmadi Hassani (Comoros)

IN THE CHAIR: Clifford Andre (Seychelles)

23.   Report of the economic and social partners

Presentation by Jaroslaw Mulewicz, Chair of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee

Jaroslaw Mulewicz, Chair of the ACP Follow-up Committee, European Economic and Social Committee, presented the report. He emphasised the importance of proper involvement of the civil society in ACP-EU cooperation. Commenting on the current emphasis on increasing private investment in ACP countries, he noted the need for real engagement and dialogue with companies that could provide the investments sought.

Speakers: Michel Kamano (Guinea), Adjedoue Weidou (Chad), Halifa Baboucar Sallah (Gambia), Mathew Sahr Nyuma (Sierra Leone), Julie Ward, Alpha Ousmane (Burkina Faso)

Jaroslaw Mulewicz replied to questions raised.

Patrick I. Gomes wound up the debate.

(The sitting adjourned at 13.11 and resumed at 14.49)

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2019

(2020/C 334/05)

CONTENTS

24.

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

14

25.

Vote on the urgent motions for resolution

15

26.

Report on the 17th regional meeting held in Suriname, Paramaribo (Caribbean Region) from 28 February to 2 March 2019 — report by the Co-Presidents

15

27.

Summary reports from the workshops

15

28.

Any other business

15

29.

Date and place of the 38th Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

15

MINUTES OF THE AFTERNOON SITTING OF WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2019

The sitting opened at 14.49

IN THE CHAIR: Louis-Joseph MANSCOUR

Acting Co-President

24.   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)

The strategic significance and dimension of the ACP-EU partnership (AP/102.726) (Committee on Political Affairs) Report by Sebastian Kopulande (Zambia) and Maria Arena 9 amendments were tabled. Amendments adopted: 3, 4, 5, 8 Amendments rejected: 1, 2, 6, 7, 9 The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously with 1 abstention.

ii)

The possibilities of renewable energies in bringing sustainable economic development to ACP countries, and particularly to remote areas (AP/102.723) (Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade) Report by Clifford Andre (Seychelles) and Željana Zovko No amendments were tabled. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

iii)

Reducing the global number of out-of-school children, adolescents and youth in ACP countries (AP/102.722) (Committee on Social Affairs) Report by Joseph Yopy Yopy (Papua New Guinea) and Laura Agea 2 amendments were tabled. A vote by separate houses on both amendments was requested by the S&D group. Amendments rejected: 1, 2 The resolution was adopted unanimously.

25.   Vote on the urgent motions for resolution

i)	Issues at stake and challenges linked to the rule of law in the European Union and the ACP countries (AP 102.754) 6 amendments were tabled. Amendments adopted: 1-6 The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously.

ii)	Environmental crimes (AP 102.755) 3 amendments were tabled. Amendments adopted: 1,2 Amendments rejected: 3 The resolution thus amended was adopted unanimously.

26.   Report on the 17th regional meeting held in Suriname, Paramaribo (Caribbean Region) from 28 February to 2 March 2019 – report by the Co-Presidents

Co-President Joseph Owona Kono and David Martin gave an oral report on the 17th regional meeting (Caribbean region), highlighting the main topics discussed.

Speakers: André Misiekaba (Suriname), Halifa Sallah (Gambia).

The speakers highlighted the main themes of the meeting: regional integration and security, trade and investment, energy and climate change, organised crime, natural resources, sustainable tourism and agriculture as well as future ACP-EU relations and the Brexit implications on Cariforum countries and the regional Economic Partnership Agreement.

27.   Summary reports from the workshops

Michael Kamano (Guinea) gave a summary report of the workshop on ‘Agriculture’. In the framework of the workshop, Members visited the Research Centre for the Quality Study of Food Products, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (USAMV), and the Centre for Advanced Research on Materials, Goods and Innovative Products, University of ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest (UPB). These centres for national and international research and development are also educational centres for undergraduate and post-graduate studies and e-learning. They are financed not only by the Romanian Government but also by the European Regional Development Fund and private companies.

Julie Ward gave a summary report on the workshop on ‘The Romanian Emergency Response Centre’. Since 2004, this institution has been dealing with all types of emergencies (fires, natural disasters, accidents or medical emergencies). A free of charge emergency ‘112’ application for mobile phones allowing for the instant identification of the caller’s location has significantly increased speed and success rate of response.

28.   Any other business

Speakers: Mmadi Hassani Oumouri (Comores), Halifa Sallah (Gambia), Hon. Sir Louis H. Straker (Saint Vincent & the Grenadines), Louis-Joseph Manscour.

The Co-President thanked the authorities and the people of Romania for the excellent organisation of the session and the warm hospitality, and the Members, the co-secretariat and the interpreters for their contributions.

29.   Date and place of the 38th Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly

The 38th Session of the Assembly will take place in Rwanda in the first week of December 2019.

(The sitting closed at 16.04)