External actions: financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide

2009/0060B(COD)

Pursuant to Article 294(7) (c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the European Commission delivers an opinion on the amendments proposed by the European Parliament at second reading in relation to the Council's position regarding the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1889/2006 establishing a financial instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide.

In its opinion, the Commission indicates that it is unable to accept the amendments relating to delegating actions and comitology issues. On the other hand, the Commission accepts an amendment introduced by the European Parliament the purpose of which is for a mid-term revision, already accepted by the Council in first reading.

The discussions with the co-legislators shall continue after the second reading, in order to work on a consensual solution preferably giving EP substantive scrutiny rights for the remainder of the current Multiannual Programming Period and leaving options open for the next one, including the possibility of having recourse to delegated acts while fully respecting the criteria established in Article 290 TFEU.