Following the debate during the sitting of 9 March 2010 concerning oral question O-0022/2010 on the Regulation applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences (GSP), the European Parliament adopted by 349 votes to 255, with 61 abstentions, a resolution on the regulation applying the GSP (see CNS/2007/0289).
The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, ECR and GUE/NGL political groups.
It notes that the current GSP regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008) will expire on 31 December 2011, and therefore, taking into account the time necessary for the adoption of a new regulation under the ordinary legislative procedure (OLP), Parliament calls on the Commission to propose a revised GSP regulation to the European Parliament and the Council by 1 June 2010.
Parliament states that it recognises the importance of the GSP, which allows developed countries to offer non-reciprocal preferential treatment in respect of products originating in developing countries. The creation of the GSP by the European Community in 1971 was explained as being an instrument for resolving trade imbalances between developed and developing countries and was expected to contribute to their sustainable development. Members consider that it has been an EC and EU trade instrument to assist developing countries by generating revenue through international trade, thus contributing to their sustainable development and good governance.
They feel that the preferences granted under the GSP should be targeted on the developing countries that need them most, so that the new list of beneficiary countries should reflect the actual economic situation of developing countries. All countries benefiting from the GSP+ scheme should not only ratify but also effectively implement all 27 ILO and UN conventions listed in Annex III to the GSP Regulation. They stress the need for more transparency and democratic accountability on how the investigation processes are initiated and conducted, and ask to be involved at all the various stages of GSP and GSP+ procedures, including with regard to the Council proposal on the lists of beneficiary countries.
Parliament calls on the Commission to do the following:
Lastly, Parliament wants the Commission to closely monitor the situation in Sri Lanka and the human rights situation in Colombia and to report to Parliament.