, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20201211IPR93654/
Agreement on a Mandatory Transparency Register
- Instrument for a common culture of transparency between Parliament, Council and Commission
- Registration of interest representatives de facto mandatory through conditionality and complementary transparency measures with equivalent effect
- Interest representatives to comply with reinforced code of conduct
On 15 December, Parliament, Council and Commission reached a final political agreement to strengthen transparent and ethical interest representation.
The agreement establishes principles and rules for a coordinated approach to transparent and ethical interest representation at EU level, building a common culture of transparency while taking into account the signatory institutions’ respective specificities.
A wide scope
The reinforced Transparency Register will apply to all three institutions, including the Council for the first time. Other European Union institutions and bodies can voluntarily use it too, thereby increasing the potential for greater transparency at EU level. The member states’ permanent representations will also take part through unilateral voluntary measures.
Activities aimed at influencing the decision-making processes or the formulation or implementation of policy or legislation at EU-level will fall within the Transparency Register’s scope. The negotiators agreed on a non-exhaustive list that includes organising meetings or events, contributing to public consultations, communication campaigns, and preparing position papers or amendments. The same types of activities by third countries will also be covered, when they are carried out by entities without diplomatic status or through intermediaries. Interest representatives will have to declare the interests and objectives they promote, as well as to specify the clients they represent. All registrants will need to provide information on the resources that they devote to interest representation activities, with a new focus on sources of funding.
Some activities will remain possible without registration, such as spontaneous meetings, providing information at the request of the institutions, legal advice, and activities by social partners, political parties, intergovernmental organisations or public authorities of the member states. However, associations and networks of such public authorities engaging in interest representation activities can register, if they choose to do so. In order to avoid unnecessary administrative burden, activities carried out by interest representatives exclusively on behalf of an association or network of which they are a part will be considered to be activities of that network or association.
Conditionality and complementary transparency measures
Each signatory institution will make registration of interest representatives a precondition for certain activities, and may put in place complementary transparency measures to encourage registration. In doing so, the institutions will ensure that those measures are consistent with the agreement and contribute to a high standard of transparent and ethical interest representation. All measures must be made publicly available on a dedicated webpage. You can read more on this in the relevant press release (7.12.2020).
Code of conduct and operational structure
Applicants must observe a code of conduct in order to be eligible for registration. Stronger provisions on monitoring and investigations ensure that effective action can be taken if the code of conduct is not observed, potentially resulting in the removal of registrants. The existing Joint Transparency Register Secretariat in charge of these processes will evolve into a tripartite operational structure, in which the three institutions will be represented on an equal footing. A Management Board will oversee the overall implementation of the Agreement. Find out more in the
Press conference
A press conference (at 15.45 on 15 December, in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press conference room) will be held with the negotiators, Parliament’s Vice-President Katarina Barley and Constitutional Affairs Committee Member Danuta Hübner, German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth for the Presidency of the Council, and Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová. Follow live or on VOD on EbS and Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
Quotes
EP negotiator Katarina Barley (S&D, DE) said: “I am confident that the newly evolved Transparency Register will be effective, balanced, and increase citizens’ trust in the EU institutions. Our objectives have been achieved in this agreement: the EU will have a stronger Transparency Register, we have avoided unnecessary administrative burden for registrants, and the free mandate of European citizens’ elected representatives has been safeguarded. The improved rules provided in the code of conduct for interest representatives will also undoubtedly make a big positive impact.”
EP negotiator Danuta Hübner (EPP, PL) said: “”I am pleased that the new agreement expands the scope of the register to the Council. In addition, we have broadened the scope of the new transparency register. These, among other improvements, now allow us to monitor interest representation throughout the EU’s decision-making procedures in a more coherent manner. This agreement signals a new chapter for transparency in the EU”.”
Next steps
The agreement will have to undergo internal adoption procedures in each institution, after which it can be signed and enter into force. For Parliament, this means it will be referred to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, and then tabled for a vote by the full House. In the Council, it will be submitted for approval by the Committee of Permanent Representatives and afterwards adopted at Council level. The College will need to formally adopt the Agreement and empower Vice-President Jourová to sign it on behalf of the Commission.
Background
The Commission presented its proposal for a new inter-institutional agreement on a mandatory Transparency Register for interest representatives covering the Parliament, Council and the Commission in 2016. Since 2011, the Parliament and the Commission have jointly operated a public register for interest representatives. The Council has been an observer since 2014. More information can be found on the dedicated EP webpage.
Sakharov Prize 2020: press conference
Press conference with EP President Sassoli and laureates
Sakharov Prize laureates Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veranika Tsapkala will join EP President David Sassoli for a press conference on Wednesday at 12.40 CET.
This year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought has been awarded in Octoberto the Belarusian democratic opposition, represented by, among others, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. Read more on all the laureates here.
The press conference on Wednesday will take place immediately after the 2020 Sakharov Prize award ceremony in Brussels and is expected to start at around 12.40 CET.
Don’t use religion as a political tool: PM
Terming people of the country “religious” and not fanatics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon all not to use religion as a political tool.
“The people of Bangladesh are religious, not fanatics. Don’t use religion as a political tool. Everyone has the right to practice their own religion. It (Bangladesh) is a country of communal harmony. It was liberated with the blood of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians,” the premier said while addressing the nation from Gono Bhaban, on the occasion of Victory Day.
“This is the Bangladesh of Lalon, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Jibanananda Das. This is the Bangladesh of Shahjalal, Shah Paran, Shah Makhdum and Khanjahan Ali. This is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Bangladesh; Bangladesh of sixteen and a half crore Bangalees. This country belongs to everyone,” she said.
Reiterating that the government will not allow any kind of division and chaos in the name of religion, Sheikh Hasina said people of the country will move forward on the path of progress and development while upholding religious values.
She said a section of the defeated forces in 1971 has been trying to distract devoted Muslims with false and fictitious statements.
They want to create unrest in the country, she said, adding that the defeated forces are plotting to take the country 50 years back.
Mentioning government’s initiatives undertaken to combat Covid-19 fallout, she said her government’s timely steps have reduced the negative impact of the pandemic in the country.
She also highlighted the government’s ongoing development projects including the Padma Bridge and initiatives taken for the spread of Islamic studies and religious practices.
Calling upon the people to follow the health guidelines during the Victory Day celebration programme, the PM said not a single death is desirable.
Buddhist Times News – China’s development work going on in Tibet, India ready for any eventuality, says CDS Rawat
“China’s attempt to change the status quo on the Line of Actual Control along the northern borders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated high levels of preparation on land, sea and in the air,” the CDS said.
The Indian Army, following the Doklam stand-off in 2017, has taken measures to ensure that the situation does not escalate there any further, he maintained.
Indian forces are carefully watching the activities of the PLA at Doklam, where the armies of the two most populous countries in the world were engaged in a 73-day eyeball-to-eyeball stand-off in 2017.
“We have taken necessary action to counter anything that would be a cause of concern to our national security,” he said when asked about possible Chinese misadventures in the eastern sector, in the midst of the Ladakh impasse.
The CDS further said that the Indian Armed forces have adequate strength and reserves to counter any threat, and is looking to equip themselves with more cutting-edge technology.
“Time has come now to look at the future of warfighting, imbibing technology into our systems,” he said.
Talking about the continuous ceasefire violation by Pakistan, he said India is fully prepared to deal with it and that it is the other side that should be more concerned about carrying out such activities.
Asked whether India should have more submarines or procure another aircraft carrier, Rawat said both have their advantages and disadvantages.
“Submarines have a separate place in naval warfare, in the domination of the seas, and so does an aircraft carrier,” he said, maintaining that the Navy needs an air wing.
The country needs to utilise its large number of island territories for strengthening security along the sea lanes of communication, Rawat said.
He also said that islands can be an option for launching naval strike aircraft.
“Once we have studied all that and understood in detail, we will take a call,” he asserted.
Rawat said that the three forces — Army, Navy and Air Force — will be integrated while retaining the niche capabilities of each service.
“We strongly believe that no single force or no single service can succeed in any conflict situation if we are to face conflict with our adversaries anywhere — whether it is land, air or sea,” he said.
The integration will ensure synergised application of the country’s combat potentials, the CDS said.
“We have successfully overcome some of the misconceptions about force restructuring by allowing space to each force to develop niche capabilities based on their strengths, and thus enhance our overall combat power,” he added.
source – The Print
European Parliament demands answers from Bulgarian authorities
European Parliament demands answers from Bulgarian authorities on judicial reform, rule of law
The Monitoring Group on Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (DRFMG) in the European Parliament is not satisfied with the answers it received to written questions sent by it to the Bulgarian authorities about the course of the judicial reform, the activity of the Prosecutor General and others. Therefore, the EP has invited them to a meeting on December 17. This was announced by the BNR correspondent in Brussels, Angelina Piskova, referring to the MEP from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Elena Yoncheva.
In August this year, the Monitoring Group was scheduled to hear Prime Minister Boyko Borissov on these issues. Instead, he sent Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva and other officials from the Bulgarian institutions. After not receiving satisfactory answers, the Monitoring Group sent additional written questions to the Bulgarian authorities.
European Union releases emergency assistance after Cyclone GATI hits Somalia
The European Union has committed EUR 250 000 in humanitarian funding to help affected families, after Tropical Cyclone Gati made landfall in Somalia on 22 November.
Mogadishu, 15 December: The European Union has committed EUR 250 000 in humanitarian funding to help affected families, after Tropical Cyclone Gati made landfall in Somalia on 22 November. Cyclone GATI has had a devastating impact on Bari and Sanaag regions of northern Somalia, bringing heavy rains and triggering flash flooding. Authorities estimate that 180 000 people were affected by the cyclone and 42 000 displaced from their homes as shelters and infrastructure was washed away.
This EU funding will support 6120 people (1020 households) and will be channeled through the Danish Refugee Council, which will implement a multi-sectoral response with water source rehabilitation, hygiene promotion and sanitation. Cash assistance will also be provided, enabling people to buy food and meet other immediate basic necessities,
“After several seasons of sustained erratic weather patterns, including droughts and flooding, cyclone Gati has hit already vulnerable people,” says Johan Heffinck, Head of the EU’s Humanitarian Aid office to Somalia. “The EU is providing emergency support, so that affected families get the help they need efficiently and timely.”
The assistance will be provided as of this month and will be implemented up until the end of March.
Refugees deliver mental health services to locked down camps
Ayat Al Huseein: refugee community psychosocial worker helps other refugees tackle mental health issues
“In some ways, this job has helped me rebuild my own life. I can now help others heal and develop mental health resilience, too,” says Ayat Al Huseein, a thirty-year-old refugee from Syria, who left with her family by boat for Greece about three years ago and is now working as a psychosocial worker. She is part of a project offering refugees and asylum seekers psychosocial assistance.
“I meet people who are very diverse, as are their psychosocial needs, which means I need to adapt my response accordingly. When I visit a person who has requested assistance or has been referred to us, I use the competencies acquired during my training and rely on my personal skills. Before leaving Syria, I worked as a teacher and my ability to communicate, actively listen and empathize serve me well.
“Refugees’ psychosocial needs vary depending on lived experiences, age, gender and background, but I strive to help them all find hope again for what the future might bring.”
Impactful multidisciplinary collaborations
“Psychosocial support can come in various forms – some refugees require emotional comfort, others need to be motivated to join activities that can help them establish ties with local communities, and yet others need practical support in carrying out day-to-day tasks.
“I help refugees by listening to their stories and identifying organizations or actors that offer the services they need to get better, like language classes or assistance in accessing health care, legal counsel or finding a job. Mental health issues require a comprehensive, multisectoral response.
“When refugees face severe mental health issues, I turn to my team leader and other health care professionals. This collaboration is essential to ensure a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to refugees’ mental health, and we continuously emphasize the importance of coordination among all actors on the ground, to help refugees become autonomous again.”
Ayat and her colleagues refer to various WHO-issued manuals for mental health field workers, such as Psychological first aid: Facilitator’s manual for orienting field workers, Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers, and Problem Management Plus Individual psychological help for adults impaired by distress in communities exposed to adversity.
Sharing similar stories helps make meaningful connections
“One of the best features of this project is that the community psychosocial workers are refugees themselves. As we often share similar stories, culture and language, refugees have an easier time confiding in us because they know we can truly relate to their experiences. This makes it easier to build a relationship and a meaningful connection.
“I once met a woman who was dealing with anxiety and depression. She was listless, had no friends, and would even forget to pick up her children from school. We began to meet regularly and, over time, she made substantial progress. We managed to help her sign up for language classes, find a job, and attend cultural events, where she found friends. She was able to change her life.
“It is these experiences that keep me motivated at work. I want to help people and see them improve. I wish for this project to continue and reach everyone who needs it across all countries.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered but not stopped psychosocial workers’ efforts
The current COVID-19 pandemic may further exacerbate refugee mental health conditions, as public health measures, social isolation, food and medicine insecurity, and quarantine may act as triggers of past traumas. The lives of asylum seekers and refugees in countries of arrival, even before the pandemic, are also often fraught with social, cultural, linguistic and legal barriers which may exacerbate or cause psychological challenges.
Asylum seekers and refugees may experience intense feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness due to past traumatic experiences, which may be a consequence of various stress factors related to hardships experienced in their country of origin, migration journey or living conditions in the European Region.
“Since the pandemic began, we have not been able to visit persons of concern in their homes and must instead meet online or over digital tools. We make use of all possible services, ranging from regular phone calls to video chats and social media channels,” Ayat explains.
“Some have been reluctant to resort to technological tools to communicate, and many required some time to adapt, just like we, psychosocial workers, also had to adjust to the new circumstances. However, I really believe that despite these challenges, we have been successful in continuing to offer the care and support refugees need.”
Ayat has worked at EPAPSY – the Association for Regional Development and Mental Health – since November 2019, providing psychosocial support to adult refugees and asylum seekers who live in the urban areas of Attica in Greece. From January to September 2020, the Community Psychosocial Workforce project has provided its services to 92 beneficiaries, including people experiencing homelessness, self-accommodated individuals and persons of concern identified in the Emergency Support to Integration and Accommodation programme implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in collaboration with local authorities and nongovernmental organizations, and funded by the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
Parliament adopts deal to improve quality of tap water and reduce plastic litter | News | European Parliament
, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20201211IPR93619/
People, planet on ‘collision course’, warns UN Development Programme
The coronavirus pandemic is the latest crisis facing the world, and societies everywhere need to “release their grip on nature”, or risk more of the same, the agency said in this year’s Human Development Report, entitled The Next Frontier, released on Tuesday.
“Humans wield more power over the planet than ever before. In the wake of COVID-19, record-breaking temperatures and spiraling inequality, it is time to use that power to redefine what we mean by progress, where our carbon and consumption footprints are no longer hidden”, said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator.
“As this report shows, no country in the world has yet achieved very high human development without putting immense strain on the planet. But we could be the first generation to right this wrong. That is the next frontier for human development.”
‘Experimental’ index
The 30th anniversary edition of UNDP’s Human Development Report, The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene, includes a new experimental index on human progress that takes into account countries’ carbon dioxide emissions and material footprint. Anthropocene is an unofficial unit of geological time; it describes an era in which humans are a dominant force shaping the future of planet Earth.
By adjusting its annual Human Development Index – the measure of a nation’s health, education, and standards of living – to include two more elements: a country’s carbon dioxide emissions and its material footprint, the new index shows how the global development landscape would change if both the wellbeing of people and also the planet were central to defining humanity’s progress.
With the resulting Planetary-Pressures Adjusted HDI – or PHDI – a new global picture emerges, painting a less rosy but clearer assessment of human progress.
Working with nature
Progress in human development, UNDP says, “will require working with and not against nature, while transforming social norms, values, and government and financial incentives.”
For instance, estimates suggest that by 2100 the poorest countries in the world could experience up to 100 more days of extreme weather due to climate change each year – a number that could be cut in half if the Paris Agreement on climate change is fully implemented.
Similarly, reforestation and taking better care of woodlands could alone account for roughly a quarter of the pre-2030 actions needed to stop global warming from reaching 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, the report notes.
Sun rises over the mountains in the province of Carchi, northern Ecuador.
Dismantling power imbalances
The report also outlines the impact of inequalities between and within countries, lack of involvement of indigenous peoples in decision making, and discrimination, leaving affected communities exposed to high environment risks.
Easing planetary pressures in a way that enables all people to flourish in this new age requires dismantling the gross imbalances of power and opportunity that stand in the way of transformation, it adds.
Lead report author and head of UNDP’s Human Development Report Office, Pedro Conceição, highlighted that the choice is not “between people or trees”.
“It is about recognizing, today, that human progress driven by unequal, carbon-intensive growth has run its course … by tackling inequality, capitalizing on innovation and working with nature, human development could take a transformational step forward to support societies and the planet together,” he said.
