“A large majority in the European Parliament has adopted the key points of the parliamentary position on the future Common Agricultural Policy this week. I would like to thank all rapporteurs and their teams for their hard work and dedication.”
“As agriculture ministers also reached their agreement after two and a half years on Tuesday night, negotiations between the Council and Parliament can begin shortly. It was about time; European agriculture needs clarity for the next few years.”
“Parliament has recognised an explicit link between the farm sector and the Paris Agreement and combines current direct payments with new eco-schemes and a dedicated green budget.”
“We want a fairer distribution of subsidies, greater support for small and family farms, fair working conditions, and direct payments to be capped at €100 000 minus half of labour costs.”
“We are more ambitious than the Council, but we are all committed to a policy shift that will focus on achieving concrete results. This is the biggest paradigm shift in the CAP since 1992.”
“Too many farmers lose their money, their jobs, sometimes even their lives in agricultural crises. I am glad that Parliament backed my efforts to create an effective mechanism to prevent and better manage such crises.”
“We should not believe anymore that the market can regulate itself. Agricultural markets are structurally unstable, but we can do something about it.”
“The Commission should have more powers and play a more active role in regulating the sector. We must ensure fair and stable income for farmers to support their green transition.”
“The EU farm policy must stimulate farmers in their transition towards a modern economy and reward them for achievements in the areas of environment, climate, and animal welfare.”
“By putting targeted eco-schemes, programmes and also investments at the centre of this reform, we have assured a step towards a more sustainable and competitive agricultural sector.”
“We have also managed to integrate innovative ideas for generational renewal in the new CAP rules, and increased funds aimed at supporting young farmers.”
Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the general elections in Bolivia
The European Union congratulates Luis Arce on his election as President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in the general elections held on 18 October. It also pays tribute to the people of Bolivia who have shown a strong commitment to electoral democracy by turning out in high numbers despite the COVID-related challenges and peacefully exercising their democratic rights.
We commend all of the actors who contributed to a peaceful electoral process, allowing Bolivians to vote freely.
The EU continues to stand by Bolivia and looks forward to working with the newly elected authorities towards the consolidation of prosperity and stability of the country, in a spirit of reconciliation, unity and inclusiveness.
The EU is a long standing partner of Bolivia and will continue to support its democratic institutions, the reinforcement of the rule of Law, human rights and its economic and social development.
Press release – Fostering gender equality in the EU’s foreign and security policy
The text, adopted by 477 votes in favour, 112 against and 94 abstentions on Friday, calls on the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Commission, the EU agencies and member states to systematically integrate gender mainstreaming into the EU’s foreign and security policy. MEPs also insist that the multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) experienced by marginalised individuals and groups be taken into account.
They welcome the Commission’s proposal to present a new Gender Action Plan on gender equality and empowerment in external relations (GAP III 2021-2025) in 2020 and state that 85% of official development assistance (ODA) should go to programmes that include gender equality as a significant or main objective.
Protecting women’s rights and promoting women’s participation
The report stresses that women play a pivotal role in bringing peace to conflict-ridden countries. Women’s equitable participation in EU foreign policy negotiations, and peace and security processes is linked to greater economic prosperity and advancement of global security, democracy and sustainable peace, MEPs say. Therefore, they call on the EEAS and member states to ensure women’s full participation in the various stages of the conflict cycle, in the context of EU conflict prevention and mediation activities.
Parliament also calls on the Commission and the EEAS to systematically support sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as access to family planning, contraception and safe and legal abortion services. To address poverty among women, fight exploitation, and promote a more inclusive labour market, MEPs also urge member states and EU institutions to increase financing, e.g. providing microcredits.
A gender focus in EU institutions and delegations
In order to facilitate gender mainstreaming in foreign and security policy, but also in all other EU policy areas, MEPs ask for a new Council configuration to be set up, bringing together EU Ministers and Secretaries of State responsible for gender equality.
They regret that women only account for 31.3% of middle-management positions and 26% of senior management positions at the EEAS, compared to 40% at the Commission, and call on the current EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to take the necessary steps to remedy this situation.
Quote
Rapporteur Ernest Urtasun (Greens/EFA, ES) said: ‘‘Parliament adopted the first ever report calling for gender equality in the EU’s foreign and security policy. While several countries around the world have already adopted a foreign policy with a strong focus on gender equality, the EU still does not have one. This is why we call on the EU and its leaders to promote a gender transformative vision of foreign policy that protects and promotes women’s human rights. At the same time, we call on the EU to give women a voice and a seat in foreign and security policy by ensuring their representation and involvement in political leadership and decision-making at all levels. The EU should lead by example on gender equality and start by applying these principles within its own institutions. There’s still a long way to go and we hope the recommendations and call to action addressed to the EU and its Member States will be heard and enforced.”
Background
Women remain largely underrepresented and undervalued in politics and decision-making processes in the EU and worldwide, notably in the areas of foreign policy and international security. Within the EU, six women hold the post of Defence Minister and only three out of 27 Foreign Ministers are women.
GAP II set the target of mainstreaming gender actions across 85% of all new initiatives by 2020 but in 2018, only between 55% and 68% of the new programmes incorporated gender.
Ukraine: Upgraded heating supply for Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine with €6.4 million from multi-donor fund E5P and a €31.6 million loan from the EIB
€6.4 million grant for modernising heating systems in public buildings in the city of Kryvyi Rih in southern Ukraine
Individual heating substations along with monitoring and control systems will be installed in 376 public buildings, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 4 208 tonnes per year
Grant supplements a € 31.6 million EIB loan for modernising Kryvyi Rih’s district heating
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will support the upgrade of the municipal district heating system in the Ukrainian City of Kryvyi Rih with a €31.6 million loan, supplemented by a €6.4 million grant from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P). The Kryvyi Rih District Heating Modernisation project is part of the broader Ukraine Municipal Infrastructure Programme (UMIP), promoted by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
The E5P grant financing will allow the city to install individual heating substations and introduce a modern monitoring and control system in 376 public buildings including schools, kindergartens and hospitals. It will help increase the efficiency of heating distribution and production, in turn reducing CO2 emissions by 4 208 tonnes per year and achieving energy savings equivalent to 2 226 m3 of natural gas per year.
The upgrade of the municipal heating system will create effective, efficient and environmentally friendly energy consumption in Kryvyi Rih.
Jean-Erik de Zagon, Head of theEIB resident representation for Ukraine, said: “Municipal infrastructure in Ukraine is going through a process of substantial structural changes, including the restructuring of public utilities and the reform of tariffs in the provision of public services including water, waste management, transport and electricity. As the EU climate bank, the EIB supports these changes which will provide significant environmental benefits for the city of Kryvyi Rih, contributing to better energy management and the economic development of Ukraine.”
Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at theEuropean Union Delegation to Ukrainesaid: “Modernisation of the district heating system is key to enhance the wellbeing of Ukraine’s citizens, its energy efficiency and security. The EU has a long-standing engagement in this sector. We are happy to support the Kryvyi Rih District Heating project, a large project in one of the most important industrial centres of the country. It also demonstrates the efficiency of blending loan and grant assistance and working together with our partners at the EIB – the EU climate bank – and E5P Fund, to which the EU is the largest contributor.”
Iurii Vilkul, Mayor of Kryvyi Rih, said: “The Kryvyi Rih District Heating Modernisation Project is focused on improving efficiency in the distribution and generation of heating. It is based on modern technology with high environmental benefits and contributes a great deal to consumer awareness. We are very proud that an institution like the EIB is providing us with the financial support that will enable us to improve the energy efficiency of municipal buildingsin Kryvyi Rih. We are also grateful for generous grant support from the E5P contributors as without their help, the project could not happen on this scale.”
Erik Malmberg, Desk Officer at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs said:“Sweden is since long supporting Ukraine in its EU-approximation and implementation of the EU-Ukraine association agreement. In this regard, Sweden has made available considerable resources to Ukraine for improvement of energy efficiency, including modernisation of district heating systems, which is in a critical condition in many cities, including Kryvyi Rih. The E5P was initiated by Sweden during its Presidency of the EU and Sweden is also the largest bilateral contributor to the E5P Fund. Sweden will continue to cooperate with Ukraine and its cities in the area of energy efficiency and district heating to help the country to improve services for people in Kryvyi Rih and elsewhere, making the services more sustainable, save energy resources and enhance energy independence, also reducing impact on public health, and pollution to the environment, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions leading to climate change.”
Kateryna Stasiuk, E5P Principal Manager commented: “The E5P multi-donor Fund is supporting Ukraine with grants of €134 million with the European Union and Sweden being the largest contributors. Municipal district heating has been a priority sector for E5P in Ukraine since the start of activities in 2009. For the EIB project in Kryvyi Rih, the E5P investment grant is financing demand side investments, such as individual heating substations and SCADA systems, hence introducing modern technologies with high environmental benefits. The E5P looks forward to supporting further investments to help the city build sustainable and affordable infrastructure.”
Pavlo Pakholko, Head of the Programme Management & Support Unit (PMSU), UMIP Programme said: “I would like to thank the EIB and E5P Contributors for their assistance in the development of the municipal infrastructure of Ukraine. I also want to emphasise the importance of the Ukraine Municipal Infrastructure Programme. Public infrastructure projects in medium and large municipalities make a great difference for their local communities. As one of the main industrial centres of the country, Kryvyi Rih plays an important role in Ukraine’s economy. We are therefore glad to continue this effective cooperation that will positively affect the energy consumption of public buildings in Kryvyi Rih.”
Background information
As the largest multilateral borrower and lender by volume, the EIB provides finance and expertise for sound and sustainable investment projects which contribute to furthering EU policy objectives. More than 90% of EIB activity is focused on Europe, but it also supports the EU’s external and development policies.
The EIB finances projects in Ukraine on the basis of the EU External Lending Mandate. This provides the EIB with a guarantee covered by the EU budget for projects of significant interest to the EU and its Eastern Neighbours in the areas of social and economic infrastructure, local private sector development and climate action.
Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P)
The E5P is a €230 million multi-donor Fund initiated during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union in 2009 and now active in all the Eastern Partnership countries. The purpose of this multi-donor and multi-agency Fund is to co-finance municipal investments to improve energy efficiency thus contributing to energy security and economic competitiveness, while also having a positive impact on environment and combating climate change.
The E5P in Ukraine stands at €134 million and merges financial contributions from the European Union, as the largest contributor, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Switzerland, USA, Poland, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland and the Slovak Republic. Ukraine is also a contributor to the E5P Fund with €20 million. The E5P Fund in Ukraine is supporting 23 projects mainly for district heating, energy efficiency in public and residential buildings, solid waste management, wastewater treatment and public transport. The E5P grants are combined with IFI loans generating an investment volume of over half a billion euro. The Fund also supports policy dialogue and regulatory reforms.
Press release – Parliament launches its first European Gender Equality Week
2020 sees the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This important milestone provides an opportunity to discuss the achievements and future challenges for the advancement of girls’ and women’s rights and gender equality. Therefore, the European Parliament, at the initiative of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, decided to hold for the first time a European Gender Equality Week from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 October.
To mark the occasion, all EP Committees have been invited to either hold a debate, a presentation, an exchange of views, or a hearing on topics related to gender equality, and many of them replied favourably. To name just a few, the Civil Liberties Committee will hold a hearing on human trafficking on Monday evening, the new special Committee on Beating Cancer will hold a public hearing on ‘‘Beating breast cancer: challenges and opportunities’’ on Tuesday afternoon, and the sub-committee on Human Rights will organise an exchange of views with prominent women activists on Wednesday morning.
The Women’s Rights Committee, associated with many of these events, will also hold its own event on Thursday at which the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), Carlien Scheele, will present the findings of the Gender Equality Index 2020, with a special focus on digitalisation in the world of work and its consequences for gender equality.
Some other Committees that were unable to participate this time have committed to look into gender mainstreaming aspects in their fields of competences later this year.
For the full programme of events in all participating Committees, click here.
Ahead of the first Gender Equality Week, Women’s Rights Committee Chair Evelyn Regner (S&D, AT) said: “I am glad that so many bodies of the European Parliament responded to our invitation and join us to celebrate the first European Gender Equality Week. I believe it will bring fresh perspectives to our long battle for women’s empowerment and gender equality. This has become even more important now with the outbreak and foreseeable aftermath of COVID-19. Since the outbreak, we are witnessing a range of devastating effects on women and, more generally, on gender equality. It is high time that we give gender mainstreaming more visibility and recognition in all policy areas in order to ensure that the 21st century indeed becomes that of women.”
