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DRAFT OPINION (COM(2021)0579 – C90364/2021 – 2021/0297(COD))

On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on applying a generalised scheme of tariff preferences and repealing Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council

DEVE-PA-700592

Committee on Development · Rapporteur: AnnaMichelle Asimakopoulou

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This draft opinion proposes amendments to the proposed regulation on the EU's Generalised Scheme of Tariff Preferences (GSP), focusing on Plans of Action for GSP+ beneficiaries and the Rapid Response Mechanism. It requires that Plans of Action include clear roadmaps for implementing conventions and be made publicly available after being agreed. It also shortens timeframes for the Rapid Response Mechanism.

Committee position. The Committee on Development proposes amendments to the proposed regulation, requiring publication of Plans of Action and shortening timeframes in the Rapid Response Mechanism.

Key points

  1. The GSP is a key EU trade instrument for supporting developing countries in sustainable development, poverty reduction, and human rights.
  2. Extending Positive Conditionality beyond GSP+ would be counterproductive to GSP's development purpose.
  3. Plans of Action for GSP+ beneficiaries should include clear roadmaps for effective implementation of conventions, including necessary legislative changes.
  4. Finalised Plans of Action must be made publicly available after being jointly agreed between the Union and the beneficiary.
  5. Publication of Plans of Action aids enforcement and improves transparency in monitoring and evaluation.
  6. The Rapid Response Mechanism is for exceptionally grave violations requiring urgent reaction; previous withdrawals took up to two years.
  7. The current seven-month timeframe for the Rapid Response Mechanism is insufficiently rapid and should be reduced.
  8. In the Rapid Response Mechanism, the period for the beneficiary to respond is reduced from 2 months to 1 month, and the deadline for the Commission's decision is reduced from 5 months to 3 months.

Who is affected

  • GSP+ beneficiary countries: must submit Plans of Action with clear roadmaps and have them published.
  • The European Commission: faces shorter deadlines in the Rapid Response Mechanism.

Figures and deadlines

  • 2 months reduced to 1 month for the period in Article 19(4)(b).
  • 5 months reduced to 3 months for the deadline in Article 19(8).