EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2009-2014
Delegation for relations with Mercosur:
MISSION REPORT
following the visit to Paraguay and Uruguay of 16-20 February 2015
Delegation for relations with Mercosur:
Members of the mission: Francisco Assis (S&D) (leader of the mission) Carlos Zorrinho (S&D) David Borrelli (EFDD) I. INTRODUCTION A group of Members comprising three members of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER) visited Asunción (Paraguay) and Montevideo (Uruguay) on 16-20 February 2015.
The group was led by the Chair of the DMER, Francisco Assis MEP (S&D, Portugal), and also included Carlos Zorrinho MEP (S&D, Portugal) and David Borrelli MEP (EFDD, Italy).
II. SUMMARY ACCOUNT OF MEETINGS I) Asunción (17 and 18 February 2015)
1. Meetings with representatives of the Paraguayan executive 1.1. Audience with Horacio Cartes, President of the Republic The three members of the delegation met with the President of the Republic, Horacio Cartes, on Tuesday 17 February, at 9:00, in the López Palace. The meeting was also attended by the Ministers of the Presidential Department and Foreign Affairs, Juan Carlos López Moreira and Eladio Loizaga, respectively, as well as the Head of the EU Delegation, Alessandro Palmero. In his opening address, after highlighting the important role that smaller countries like Paraguay (which will hold the rotating Mercosur presidency in the second half of 2015) can play in deepening regional integration processes, Francisco Assis MEP, Chair of the DMER, set out the objectives of the visit: promoting parliamentary diplomacy to strengthen existing EU-Paraguay ties and contribute to progress with the negotiations relating to the future EU-Mercosur Association Agreement (AA). He also expressed the view that AAs boost the economy and employment, especially during a period of crisis like that still being experienced in Europe. He said that the path to Europe’s economic recovery was through increased exports and that the South American market was a natural destination for these. Therefore, the EU-Mercosur AA should be concluded quickly, before the potential signing of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United States, the repercussions of which will be felt in future EU agreements with third countries. For his part, the President of Paraguay, Horacio Cartes, welcomed the Members and recalled his visit to Brussels in 2013, where he was received at the highest level in the EU institutions: Parliament, Council and Commission. He stressed that the interests of Paraguay are fully in line with those of the EU and expressed his support for the conclusion of a full and balanced AA, towards which the future Paraguayan presidency will spare no efforts. In relation to the country’s domestic situation, President Cartes described Paraguay as a land of opportunity, with low labour and energy costs, macroeconomic stability, a stable and strong currency, and low taxes that particularly favour foreign investment. He expressed the view that two different approaches co-exist within Mercosur: that of the larger countries – Brazil and Argentina – which are more protectionist, and that of the smaller countries – Uruguay and Paraguay – which are more in favour of trade liberalisation. Finally, President Cartes stated that the Pacific Alliance is the most dynamic body in the South American region and that he hopes Mercosur will head in the same direction. David Borrelli MEP asked a question about the security of foreign investments in the country. The president answered that foreign investors are welcome and that they will find legislation very favourable to their activities.
PE528.288v01-00 2/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT 1.2. Meeting with the Minister of the Interior, Francisco de Vargas After welcoming the Members, Mr Vargas detailed the main challenges faced by his department: drug trafficking, corruption, terrorist activity, etc. In relation to drug trafficking, Paraguay is both a producer country (cannabis) and a country of transit (cocaine originating in the Andean countries and destined for Brazil, Europe, Africa and the Middle East). The area of drug cultivation also corresponds to the area of influence of the small group known as the ‘Paraguayan People’s Army’ (EPP). This group, which has little more than a hundred adherents – 58 of whom are in prison – identifies with the principles of Marxism-Leninism and armed struggle. It is also said that the EPP has contacts with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and, naturally, with drug trafficking. The creation of the Joint Task Force (FAC), which brings together police and military forces, represents a serious threat to continued terrorist activity in the country. Corruption is an endemic evil, encouraged by the existing impunity. One of the main objectives of the Cartes government is – and rightly so – combating the corruption that has infiltrated state institutions to a large degree. Finally, Mr Vargas expressed his delight at the EU’s support for Paraguay in this regard.
Speeches by Francisco de Assis MEP and David Borrelli MEP.
1.3. Meeting with the Minister of the Technical Secretariat for Development Planning, José Molinas During the meeting with the Members, Mr Molinas made particular mention of the National Development Programme (PDN) that will be in force until 2030. The PDN has three essential objectives: reducing economic and social inequality, economic growth, and Paraguay’s full entry into the international economic system. Mr Molinas also stated that Paraguayan society is currently experiencing a favourable period of growth, which is translating to considerable economic growth, and to reductions of 50 % in poverty and of 40 % in extreme poverty. He also mentioned the importance of education and the need to invest in the education sector. Speeches by Francisco de Assis MEP and David Borrelli MEP.
1.4. Meeting with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eladio Loizaga The Members present and Mr Loizaga believe that the historical and cultural links shared by Europe and Latin America fully justify a privileged relationship between both sides of the Atlantic. Mr Loizaga then mentioned Paraguay’s full reintegration into South American institutional structures (Mercosur, USAN), the country’s desire for regional integration within Mercosur to progress, the dynamism of the Pacific Alliance, and the extremely important role that parliamentary diplomacy can play. As regards Paraguay’s upcoming tenure of the rotating presidency, he said that he would spare no efforts to make progress towards concluding an AA in the EU-Mercosur negotiations, and that starting Mercosur-Pacific Alliance convergence should be another priority of the aforementioned presidency. Speeches by Francisco de Assis MEP and Carlos Zorrinho MEP.
2. Meetings with representatives of the Paraguayan legislature 2.1. Meeting with the President of the Senate, Blas Llano With the Members, Senator Llano tackled issues relating to Paraguay’s domestic situation and its relations with the EU. As regards the first issue, he talked first about the elections scheduled in the country for 2015 (primaries for the parties in July, then municipal elections in November), then about the country’s reasonable economic growth (in contrast with a third of its population living in poverty), then about the need for foreign investment in the country and for it to enjoy legal guarantees, next about combating corruption, and finally about the need to reform the legal system. With regard to EU-Paraguay relations, Senator Llano expressed the legislature’s full support for signing the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement and also promised to examine, alongside other parliamentarians, the possibility of establishing an EU-Paraguay Friendship Group in the Paraguayan Congress.
3. Other meetings 3.1. Working lunch with the President of the Electoral High Court (STE), Jaime Bestard At the working lunch, Mr Bestard told the Members about the workings of democracy in the country and the prospects for future elections. He particularly emphasised the implementation of electoral reform based on the proposals formulated by the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), whose presence during the 2013 elections was greatly appreciated. Some of the proposals made by the EU-EOM will be implemented as early as the 2015 municipal elections, but the bulk of them will only be transposed into Paraguayan electoral law for the 2018 general election. The most significant of these reforms are: increasing the independence of the Electoral High Court (STE), improving the electoral register, establishing penalties and implementing more effective rules for political parties and their funding.
3.2. Meeting with representatives of Paraguayan civil society At this meeting, the Members discussed the following issues with representatives of the civil society organisations present: human rights situation, workings of democracy, education system, fiscal policy (emphasising the tax inequality existing in the country), judicial and electoral reforms, threats to the environment and the situation of indigenous communities. The civil society representatives thanked the EU for its support for their activities.
3.3. Meeting with ambassadors of the Member States represented in Paraguay The Members were able to exchange impressions with diplomats from the Member States represented in Paraguay and with Alessandro Palmero, Head of the EU Delegation in Asunción. It was essentially matters of Paraguayan domestic politics and the country’s relations with the EU that were discussed at this meeting. In relation to the former, the ambassadors talked about the Cartes government’s efforts to reduce poverty, increase transparency, combat corruption, diversify the economy and bring Paraguay fully into the international community. It is a favourable period, but the country will have to overcome numerous imbalances resulting from the weakness of its institutions, the lack of legal certainty, the difficulties of the legal system (court rulings are not complied with), the need for electoral reform, the low tax burden (limited to 13 %), etc. In this regard, the country has some advantages, such as a young population, a growing economy and a more active civil society. Finally, the ambassadors mentioned the current good relations between Paraguay and the EU (the support of which during the transition period between the Franco and Cartes governments was very important) and the favourable stance of the Paraguayan Government towards the future EU-Mercosur AA.
4. Meetings with and visits to EU-subsidised projects in Paraguay In relation to projects carried out with EU financial support, the Members had the chance to assess two projects in Paraguay. The first, entitled ‘Inserción Laboral de Mujeres’ (Bringing Women into the Workforce), consists of granting microcredits to committees of women, thereby contributing to food security and enabling some independence in the administration of families’ financial resources. Since it was impossible to visit all six Paraguayan departments where this programme – which will enjoy an EU contribution of EUR 230 000 in 2014-2020 – is being
PE528.288v01-00 4/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT implemented, the delegation members present heard the moving accounts of three women, who expressed their gratitude, to both the Ministry for Women and the EU, for the aid received, which has enabled them to emerge gradually from a situation of chronic poverty. In 2014, 2 711 women had benefitted from this project, with 18 055 people benefitting indirectly.
The delegation then visited a project located in the municipality of Julián Augusto Saldívar, on the outskirts of Asunción. This project has benefitted around 300 low-income families. It concerns coordinated actions that intervene comprehensively, with a view to building homes, to access to drinking water, electricity and the Internet, to training for activities that could bring in an income, etc. The beneficiaries of the action expressed their delight at the project’s success. The project is part of the National Programme for the Reduction of Extreme Poverty, which is promoted by the EU. This programme was started in the period 2007-2013 with an endowment of EUR 36 million and should continue in the period 2014-2020, with an endowment of EUR 48 million.
II) Montevideo (18-20 February 2015)
1. Meetings with representatives of the Uruguayan executive 1.1 Meeting with the future Vice-President of the Republic and President of the Parliament, Raúl Sendic Mr Sendic started by mentioning the socioeconomic progress made by Uruguay in the last 10 years, stressing that the Broad Front (FA) has successfully withstood the repercussions of the Argentinian crisis, and of the economic and financial crisis that has shaken the United States and Europe since 2008. The future FA government will have to consolidate the results it has achieved and prioritise three areas: promoting investment, research, and innovation. To that end, it will have to increase competitiveness, ensure better working conditions for workers, improve the education system, reinforce citizens’ rights, etc. As regards foreign policy, the future vice- president emphasised Uruguay’s attachment to the principles of regional integration, despite the divergences and asymmetries existing within Mercosur, and expressed his full support for a future EU-Mercosur Association Agreement (AA).
1.2. Meeting with the acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luís Porto The acting Minister for Foreign Affairs, Luís Porto, started by mentioning regional integration within Latin America, stressing the growing importance of the Pacific Alliance. Uruguay and Chile have been encouraging the latter to become closer to Mercosur. As regards political integration, he emphasised the role played by the Union of South American Nations (USAN), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Organisation of American States (OAS). He also stated that Luis Almagro (candidate for the post of Secretary General of the OAS) has promised to bring Cuba back into the OAS if elected. Mr Porto complained that the EU has not responded to proposals formulated by CELAC on migration- related issues. Finally, in the context of the exchange of offers, which was scheduled between the two negotiators – the EU and Mercosur – as early as the end of 2013, he stated that Mercosur has its offer ready, unlike the EU. Speeches by Francisco de Assis MEP, David Borrelli MEP and Carlos Zorrinho MEP.
1.3. Meeting with the Vice-President of the Republic and future Minister of Economy, Danilo Astori Mr Astori started by stressing the shared values that unite Latin America, Uruguay in particular, and Europe and the fact that parliamentary diplomacy plays a crucial role in stepping up relations between the two sides of the Atlantic. He also expressed his hope that the negotiations regarding the EU-Mercosur AA will reach a rapid and favourable conclusion. Despite being the country arguing most strongly for concluding the AA, Uruguay does not have sufficient power to achieve it alone. Uruguay has been experiencing steady economic growth and wants to increase its exports, which makes the EU-Mercosur AA of crucial importance.
2. Meetings with representatives of the Uruguayan legislature Meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alejandro Sánchez The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Alejandro Sánchez (FA), mentioned the composition of the new congress, stressing that 48 % of the recently elected members are new and therefore represent a considerable rejuvenation of the legislature. He expressed regret that there is still a shortfall in female representation, despite efforts for at least a third of those elected to be women. However, there had been progress, since women account for 20 % of the members of the new congress, as opposed to 13 % in the previous legislature. Mr Sánchez also expressed his support for concluding the EU-Mercosur AA, which should benefit both parties. The Chair of the DMER, Francisco Assis MEP, first mentioned the important role played by parliamentary diplomacy, then thanked the Uruguayan authorities for their efforts as regards the EU-Mercosur AA negotiations, and finally expressed his desire to welcome Uruguayan parliamentarians to Brussels in the near future.
2.2. Meetings with leaders of the opposition parties 2.2.1. Meeting with the Chair of the Independent Party (PI), Pablo Mieres During the meeting he held with the Members present, Senator Mieres emphasised the following issues: the situation of the Independent Party (PI), regional integration (Mercosur) and the EU- Mercosur AA. The PI is a centrist party positioned between Uruguay’s traditional parties – National Party (PN) and Colorado Party (PC) – and the FA (a coalition of leftist parties that are about to form a government for the third time). The PI has three members in the chamber of deputies and one senator, making it the country’s fourth-largest political party.
Senator Mieres stressed the importance of regional integration (Mercosur). Following a promising decade (the 1990s), Mercosur has stopped making progress owing to a lack of political will that could make it into a genuine system for integration, and to the domestic problems of countries like Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. As regards the EU-Mercosur AA, the Chair of the Independent Party (PI) stated that, in the event that an agreement between the blocs could not be reached, we should move towards an EU-Uruguay agreement, or one involving Brazil and Paraguay, if possible.
2.2.2. Meeting with the Chair of the National Party (PN), Luis Heber Senator Heber defined the National Party (PN) as a party of the centre right, and stated that the new government will continue with the same policies as its predecessor. As regards the current situation with Mercosur, he expressed the view that it is quite serious, with domestic problems in Argentina, Brazil and, above all, Venezuela. Senator Heber expressed his full support for concluding an EU-Mercosur AA, and his regret at Mercosur Decision 32/2000, which bars Mercosur countries from concluding individual agreements with third countries: ‘Mercosur has
PE528.288v01-00 6/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT become a prison, rather than a launch pad for Uruguay’s full membership of the international community’, he said.
2.2.3. Meeting with the General Secretary of the Colorado Party (PC), Germán Cardoso Mr Cardoso, like his predecessors as leader of the opposition, expressed his view that the future government will encounter difficulties, essentially resulting from excessive public spending. the significant influence of the unions, the decline of the education system, the growing violence and insecurity in urban areas – particularly Montevideo – and the repercussions of the difficult situation within Mercosur. According to the General Secretary of the Colorado Party (PC), Mercosur’s customs union does not work: the aforementioned Decision 32/2000 constitutes an insurmountable obstacle, and the consequences of Uruguay’s accession to Mercosur are now more negative than positive.
3. Other meetings 3.1. Meetings with representatives of the business sector At this meeting, the Members had the chance to discuss the country’s economic situation, the prospects for the EU-Mercosul AA and the repercussions of the potential Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and US with the President and Vice- President of Uruguay’s Chamber of Industry, Washington Corallo and Washington Durán, respectively, as well as with Teresa Aishemberg (Exporters’ Union) and Paulo Riezler, President of the Eurochamber. The business owners stated that the Uruguayan economy, despite its considerable level of development, could end up suffering the consequences of high labour costs resulting from the disproportionate strength of the unions and the absence of free trade agreements with other countries. As such, these business owners are investing a lot of hope in the conclusion of an EU- Mercosur AA, while acknowledging that the way towards it is littered with obstacles. The negotiations between the two blocs are very complex. Mercosur remains an intergovernmental alliance, in which there is no supranationality, unlike in the EU, and the members of which are divided as regards the AA negotiations: Venezuela is not involved; Brazil and, in particular, Argentina are protectionist; and only the region’s two smallest economies – Paraguay and Uruguay – are clearly in favour. In view of the current international situation and the fact that 30 % of Uruguay’s trade is with the EU, the AA is very necessary. Finally, the business owners present did not rule out the possibility that a potential breakdown in negotiations between blocs could lead to individual bilateral agreements with interested Mercosur countries.
3.2. Meeting with ambassadors of the Member States represented in Uruguay The delegation members were able to exchange impressions over a working lunch with diplomats from the Member States represented in Uruguay and with Juan Fernández Trigo, Head of the EU Delegation in Uruguay. This discussion was essentially about matters of Uruguayan domestic and foreign policy. As regards the former, those present spoke about the taking office of the new Uruguayan executive, the questions of education and public security, the issue of the people who disappeared under the dictatorship (1973-1985), the drug-decriminalisation policy, etc. In relation to the latter, issues such as Mercosur, the Pacific Alliance and the growing importance of China (currently Uruguay’s largest trading partner) were discussed, as well as, naturally, Uruguay’s considerable interest in concluding negotiations on the EU-Mercosur AA. 3.3. Visit to the EU-subsidised project entitled ‘Programa de apoyo a las políticas científicas, tecnológicas y de inovación’ (Programme to support science, technology and innovation policy) In Uruguay, the delegation members met the leaders of the INNOVA II project, the purpose of which is to assist with Uruguay’s efforts to increase its capacity for scientific and technological development, stressing the following aspects: enhancing the capacity for innovation and scientific/technological transfer of national centres for excellence; consolidating processes for academia and business to work together; increasing scientific and technical human resources in strategic areas; enhancing Uruguay’s capacities for making the most of the opportunities offered by the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Development. The Pasteur Institute Montevideo (IPM), visited on 19 February, represents a success story for the goals set out above. The strategic importance of the IPM is rooted in its capacity for generating knowledge and applying it to the creation of new products and services aimed at human and animal health. The IPM marks the birth of scientific research in Uruguay, accounting for 10 % of the country’s scientific activity. Under the INNOVA programme (2012-2015), of which the IPM was also a beneficiary, the EU awarded grants totalling EUR 4.2 million.
III) CONCLUSIONS
The Delegation for relations with Mercosur conducted a working visit to Paraguay and Uruguay on 17-20 February 2015. In view of the provisions regarding the work of parliamentary delegations, adopted on 10 April 2014 by Parliament’s Conference of Presidents, and taking into account the specific characteristics of the countries visited, the delegation members who took part in the visit analysed the following:
- Negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement;
- Visits to EU-subsidised projects;
- Implementation of the recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission to Paraguay
1. In relation to the negotiations regarding the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement, the members present noted the existence of considerable political will to conclude the agreement, on the part of both the Paraguayan and the Uruguayan authorities. The wavering of some Mercosur states is an obstacle to the success of negotiations that started in the latter years of the 20th century. Both countries – Uruguay in particular – could tire of waiting, heading down the route of separate negotiations with the EU, similar to what happened with the agreements concluded with Peru and Colombia.
2. In relation to projects carried out with EU financial aid, the delegation was able to assess three projects (two in Paraguay and one in Uruguay). The first of these, entitled ‘Inserción Laboral de Mujeres’ (Bringing Women into the Workforce), consists of granting microcredits to
PE528.288v01-00 8/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT committees of women, thereby contributing to food security and enabling some independence in the administration of families’ financial resources. The delegation then visited a project located in the municipality of Julián Augusto Saldívar, on the outskirts of Asunción. This project has benefitted around 300 low-income families. It concerns coordinated actions that intervene comprehensively, with a view to building homes, to access to drinking water, electricity and the Internet, to training for activities that could bring in an income, etc. The beneficiaries of the action expressed their delight at the project’s success. In Uruguay, the delegation members met the leaders of the INNOVA II project, the purpose of which is to assist with Uruguay’s efforts to increase its capacity for scientific and technological development, stressing the following aspects: enhancing the capacity for innovation and scientific/technological transfer of national centres for excellence; consolidating processes for academia and business to work together; increasing scientific and technical human resources in strategic areas; enhancing Uruguay’s capacities for making the most of the opportunities offered by the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Development. It was noticed, therefore, that EU funds were being put to excellent use in all three projects visited.
3. Implementation of the recommendations made by the EU Election Observation Mission to Paraguay The delegation held a meeting with the Electoral High Court (STE), Dr Jaime Bestard, with whom it discussed the issues of the workings of democracy in the country, the upcoming municipal elections, and the work of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), which visited in 2013 and was greatly appreciated. The President of the STE mentioned that some of the EU-EOM’s recommendations are being implemented as early as the 2015 municipal elections, but it was only possible to implement the bulk of them for the 2018 general election. Finally, Dr Bestard informed the visitors of improvements made with regard to recruiting staff for the STE (greater emphasis on the candidates’ professional qualifications) and to the internal workings of Paraguay’s political parties. The two countries visited are enjoying favourable political and economic situations. Since the disturbances of 2012, Paraguay’s political situation has been stable. In Uruguay – a country with a great democratic tradition – the new government has just come into office. The economy is improving in both countries, particularly Paraguay. Nevertheless, the struggle against poverty in the latter country will still be a long one. Both countries declared themselves strongly in favour of a potential EU-Mercosur Association Agreement, but they remain aware of the difficulties that still exist. Uruguay fears the negative repercussions of an EU-US agreement and is not ruling out the possibility of a separate association agreement with the EU if EU-Mercosur negotiations break down. During the meetings, the role that parliamentary diplomacy plays in enhancing relations between both sides of the Atlantic came up many times.
The delegation members would like to thank the heads of the EU delegations in Asunción and Montevideo, Alessandro Palmero and Juan Fernández Trigo, respectively, and their colleagues for all the help received, which made a decisive contribution to the success of the visit. Anexo I
PARLAMENTO EUROPEO 2014 - 2019
Delegación para las relaciones con Mercosur ______Visita a Paraguay y Uruguay 16 - 20 de Febrero de 2015
Programa (20.2.2015)
Lunes, 16 de Febrero de 2015 Asunción
Llegada individual de los Miembros de la Delegación del Parlamento Europeo al aeropuerto internacional Silvio Pettirossi en Asunción
Recibe Alessandro Palmero, Jefe de la Delegación de la UE
Traslado al Hotel La Misión Eulogio Estigarribia Esq San Roque Gonz 4990 Asunción
Martes, 17 de Febrero de 2015 Asunción
09h00 Reunión con SE Horacio Cartes, Presidente de la República Lugar: Palacio del Gobierno
10h00 Reunión con los Embajadores de los Estados Miembros acreditados en Asunción Lugar: Embajada de Francia
11h00 Reunión con el Ministro de Interior, Francisco de Vargas Lugar: Ministerio, despacho del Ministro
PE528.288v01-00 10/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT 12h45 Almuerzo de trabajo con el Presidente del Tribunal de Justicia Electoral, Sr. Jaime Bestard Lugar: Restaurante Talleyrand Mcal Estigarribia 932 c/EEUU
15h00 Reunión con el Presidente del Senado, Sr. Blas Llano Lugar: Congreso Nacional, Presidencia del Senado
16h00 Reunión con el Ministro de la Secretaria Técnica de Planificación del Desarrollo, Sr. José Molinas Lugar: STP, despacho del Ministro
17h00 Reunión con el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Sr.Eladio Loizaga Lugar: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, despacho del Ministro
18h30 Encuentro con representantes de la Sociedad Civil Lugar: Residencia UE - Calle Mayor Evacio Perenciolo Merlo, 2385, Asunción
20h00 Encuentro con el Ministro de Industria y Comercio, Sr. Gustavo Leite y empresarios paraguayos Lugar: Residencia UE - Calle Mayor Evacio Perenciolo Merlo, 2385, Asunción
Miércoles, 18 de Febrero de 2015 Asunción
7h30 Salida del hotel hacia la Residencia
8h00 Presentación de acciones UE apoyando al Ministerio de la Mujer con beneficiarias de tres departamentos, y presencia de la Ministra Ana María Baiardi Lugar: Residencia UE - Calle Mayor Evacio Perenciolo Merlo, 2385, Asunción
8h45 Rueda de prensa
9h15 Salida para visita de proyecto dentro del "Programa de Ayuda de la UE a las Políticas Públicas de Protección Social" en el departamento de Augusto Saldívar
10h15 Visita del proyecto y diálogo con las autoridades y beneficiarios:
Ministro de Acción Social, Sr. Héctor Cárdenas
11.30 Salida hacia el aeropuerto
13.40 Salida del vuelo BQB 828 hacia Montevideo Miércoles, 18 de Febrero de 2015 Montevideo
17.10 Llegada al Aeropuerto Internacional de Carrasco, Montevideo, Uruguay Vuelo BQB 828 proveniente de Asunción.
Recibe Emb. Juan Fernández Trigo, Jefe de la Delegación de la UE
Traslado al Hotel Sheraton Víctor Soliño 349, Punta Carretas, Montevideo Teléfono: (598) (2) 710 2121
19.30 Salida del hotel hacia la Residencia
20.00 Briefing con el Jefe de la Delegación de la UE en Montevideo, Embajador Juan Fernández Trigo Lugar: Residencia UE Copacabana 7270 esquina Lido, Carrasco
Jueves, 19 de Febrero de 2015 Montevideo
8.30 Salida del hotel hacia el Instituto Pasteur
9.00-10.00 Visita a un proyecto financiado por la UE vinculado a la Innovación "Programa de Apoyo a las Políticas de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación" Lugar: Instituto Pasteur de Montevideo Mataojo 2020, Montevideo
10.00 Salida del Instituto Pasteur hacia el hotel Four Points
10.30 Audiencia con el futuro Vicepresidente de la República y Presidente de la Asamblea General, Sr. Raúl Sendic Lugar: Hotel Four Points Ejido 1275
11.30 Transfer del Hotel Four Points a la delegación de la UE
12.00 Almuerzo de trabajo con los Embajadores de los Estados Miembros de la UE y con el Jefe de la Delegación de la UE en Montevideo, Embajador Juan Fernández Trigo Lugar: Delegación de la UE Bulevar Artigas 1340
14.00 Salida hacia el Ministerio
PE528.288v01-00 12/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT 14.30 Audiencia con el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores en funciones, Ec. Luis Porto Lugar: Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Colonia 1208
15:30 Traslado del Ministerio al Palacio Legislativo
16.00 Audiencia con el Vicepresidente de la República y Presidente de la Asamblea General, Sr. Danilo Astori (futuro Ministro de Economía) Lugar: Palacio Legislativo, Avenida de las Leyes s/n
17.00 Audiencia con el Presidente de la Cámara de Diputados, Diputado Alejandro Sánchez Lugar: Palacio Legislativo, Edificio Central – Despacho del Presidente Avenida de las Leyes s/n Ingreso por la puerta principal del Palacio
18.00 Entrevista con prensa (Búsqueda) para el Sr. Eurodiputado Francisco Assis, Presidente de la Delegación del PE para las Relaciones con el Mercosur Lugar: Palacio Legislativo
Viernes, 20 de Febrero de 2015 Montevideo
08.30 Check-out del hotel
08.45 Salida del hotel hacia la Delegación UE
09.00 – 10.30 Reunión de trabajo con el sector privado Presidentes de la Eurocámara, de la Unión de Exportadores y de la Cámara de Industrias) Lugar: Delegación de la UE, Bulevar Artigas 1340
Invitados: Camara de Industrias de Uruguay: Sr.Washington Corallo, Presidente y Sr. Washington Durán, Vicepresidente de la Comisión de Comercio Exterior de la CIU Unión de Exportadores: Sra. Teresa Aishemberg, Secretaria Ejecutiva Eurocamara: Sr. Paul Riezler, Presidente
11.00 Audiencia con el Presidente del Partido Independiente, Senador Pablo Mieres
11.45 Audiencia con el Senador Luis Heber, Presidente del Partido Nacional
12.45 Audiencia con el Secretario General del Partido Colorado, Diputado Germán Cardoso Anexo II
PARLAMENTO EUROPEO 2014 - 2019
Delegación para las Relaciones con Mercosur ______
Visita a Paraguay y Uruguay del 16 al 20 de Febrero de 2015
Lista de Participantes
Miembros
Francisco ASSIS Carlos ZORRINHO David BORRELLI S&D, Portugal S&D - Portugal EFDD - Italia Presidente
Secretaría de la Delegación : DG Políticas Exteriores - Unidad América Latina
Sr Pedro NEVES Administrador
______Abreviaturas utilizadas para los grupos políticos del PE
PE528.288v01-00 14/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT . S&D : Grupo de la Alianza Progresista de Socialistas y Demócratas en el Parlamento Europeo . EFDD : Grupo Europa de la Libertad y de la Democracia Directa Anexo III
Reporting sheet
Follow-up to recommendations of an electoral observation mission
Parliamentary body: Delegation for Relations with Mercosur Date:18.02..2015
Description: Implementation of EU-EOM's Recommendations Election observed and report reference:
Report on EU-EOM Paraguayan General Elections 2013
Recommendations made:
Changes to electoral legislation, namely on a greater independence of the Supreme Electoral Court, an improved electoral register, the need of sanctions in case the rules are violated, more efficient rules on parties and campaign funding.
Time frame:
Those Recommendations should be implemented for the next elections. It will be impossible for the 2015 municipal elections, but it is expected that most of the recommendations will be implemented for the 2018 General Elections.
Current situation:
The Supreme Electoral Court (SEC) has made some improvements taking into account the EU-EOM Recommendations like the introducing of the proposed fines for violation of electoral rules, but there are still many measures to take.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the State authorities 7 The President of the SEC, Mr Bestard is aware of the need to implement the EU-EOM Recommendations. He hopes that before the 2018 General Elections all the proposed Recommendations will come into force.
PE528.288v01-00 16/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT by the local parliamentary authorities 7
They agree with SEC' proposals. by the EU delegation to the country 7 According to EU Delegation, the Paraguayan Authorities are making efforts to implement the above mentioned Recommendations.
by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU MS, etc. - specify)
No information. by the EP body 7 There are some improvements on the Electoral Legislation, but there is still much to do.
Overall summary: Total:28
There are some improvements, but the Paraguayan authorities should make efforts in order to implement the above mentioned recommendations.
Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature: date and signature 29.04.2015. 30.04.2015 Pedro Neves
Copied to: date DEG/DG EXPO Reporting sheet Assessment of projects in third countries financed or co-financed by the EU budget
Parliamentary body: Delegation for Relations with Mercosur Date 18.02.2015
Description of the project : Inclusion of Women in working activities Location:
This project covers 6 districts of Paraguay. It is part of the Reduction Poverty Programme for Paraguay which an EU allocation of € 48 million for the period 2014-2020.
Purpose:
This project is based on micro-credit channelled via women's committees.
Time frame 2007-2013 and 2014-2020
Financing: During the period 2007-2013, the project has received € 320.000. The project will continue during 2014-2020. An EU contribution of € 230.000 is foreseen.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the State authorities 8 Good. According to Minister Ana Maria Baiardi's information, 2711 women were directly beneficiaries of the project and other 18.055 persons indirectly.
by the local authorities 7
Satisfactory. It seems there is a competition between the State authorities and the local one.
by the EU delegation to the country 7
Satisfactory. The above mentioned competition between State and local authorities has a less positive impact on the project.
by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU - MS, etc. - specify)
PE528.288v01-00 18/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT No information by the visiting EP Delegation 7 Despite the above mentioned rivalry, three women leaders explained the programme's positive impact on their daily lives.
Overall summary: Total 29 Positive action, but the local and state authorities can do more.
Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature date and signature 29.04.2015. 30.04.2015 Pedro Neves
Copied to: DEVE/DG EXPO date Reporting sheet Assessment of projects in third countries financed or co-financed by the EU budget
Parliamentary body: Delegation for Relations with Mercosur Date 18.02.2015
Description of the project : Actions for Social Development Location:
J. Augusto Saldivar District
Purpose: to reduce poverty in the above mentioned district by giving: housing construction, access to social territories, access to potable water, access to electricity, training to improve skills income and assistance in fruit-horticultural activities. 300 families will benefit from this project.
Time frame 2017-2013 and 2014-2020
Financing This project is part of the programme on poverty reduction in Paraguay which has received € 31 million during the period 2007-2013. This Programme will continue during the period 2014-2020. It will receive an allocation of € 48 million.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the State authorities 9 The Social Actions Minister, Mr Hector Cárdenas, was very satisfied with the success of the project.
by the local authorities 9
Very good. They Informed the MEPs on the good results achieved.
by the EU delegation to the country 9
Very good. There is a good coordination between all the participants.
by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU MS, etc. - specify)
PE528.288v01-00 20/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT No information by the visiting EP Delegation 9
Very good initiative. The State and local authorities and the Augusto Saldivar' people were all very satisfied with the success of the project.
Overall summary: Total 36 Very positive action. The people who benefits from this project, in Augusto Saldivar District, were very satisfied with the results.
Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature date and signature 29.04.2015. 30.04.2015 Pedro Neves
Copied to:DEVE /DG EXPO date Reporting sheet Assessment of projects in third countries financed or co-financed by the EU budget
Parliamentary body: Delegation for relations with Mercosur Date19.02.2015
Description of the project : Support Programme on Science, Technology and Innovation Policies (INNOVA II) Location: Institute Pasteur de Montevideo (IPM). This Institute, run by the Uruguayan Government, the National University and Institut Pasteur Paris, is the first of its kind in Latin America.
Purpose: The aim of INNOVA II is to increase Uruguay's capacity of scientific and technological development.
In the framework of INNOVA II objectives, the above mentioned Institute with the help of EU funds, has developed into a first class regional/international biomedical research and teaching facilities.
Time frame:
42 months (2012-2015).
Financing:ft6ycr
INNOVA II has received an EU allocation of € 4.2 million.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the State authorities 9 Very positive. According to the Government representative, the IPM initiatives mean 10% 0f the country scientific research.
by the local authorities 9
Very positive. The IPM's action has also helped to reverse brain drain from the region.
by the EU delegation to the country 9
PE528.288v01-00 22/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT Very successful project. With the help of EU funds, the IPM has developed into a first class regional/international biomedical research and teaching facility. by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU MS, etc. - specify)
No information. by the visiting EP Delegation 9
The visit to Institute Pasteur Montevideo (IPM) allowed the Delegation to understand the important role of the IPM in 3 areas: its leading-edge research in Biomedicine (selected areas of structural, molecular and cellular biology), the training of human resources and revert brain drain from the region, and the development and transfer of technology to the pharmaceutical industry. The EU contribution was crucial for the success of the IPM initiatives.
Overall summary Total; 36
Very successful project. The IPM has shown its capacity to use the EU funds in the best way.
Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature: date and signature 29.05.2015. 30.04.2015 Pedro Neves
Copied to: DEVE/DG EXPO date Reporting sheet
Assessment of international agreements
Parliamentary body: Delegation for the Relations with Date18.02.2015 Mercosur
Description of the agreement: EU-Mercosur Agreement (still in phase of negotiations) Type (bilateral, multilateral, etc...) Bi-regional Agreement (EU-Mercosur)
Scope (framework agreement, trade, etc...) Association Agreement (Political Dialogue, Trade and Cooperation)
Time frame (date of entering into force, revision or rendez-vous clauses, etc...) Negotiation process in operation since 1998!
Prospects Waiting for exchange of offers in trade area.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the State authorities 10 The Paraguayan authorities are very favourable to the above mentioned agreement. Industry and Trade Minister, Mr. Gustavo Leite, during the meeting with MEPS, mentioned the upcoming pro-tempore presidency of Mercosur as of 1 July and Paraguay's commitment to contribute to the conclusion of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement (AA).
by the local parliamentary authorities 10
Very favourable.
by the EU delegation to the country 10
According to the EU delegation there is a consensus on the Agreement. Paraguay and Uruguay are much less protectionist countries than their neighbours (Brazil and Argentina).
by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU 10 MS, etc. - specify)
PE528.288v01-00 24/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT Business organizations are also very favourable to the AA. by the EP body 10
The visiting MEPS insisted on the need to conclude the AA negotiations.
Overall summary Total: 50
It seems clear that Paraguay will continue to push the EU- Mercosur negotiations on the AA, particularly during its pro tempore Presidency of Mercosur (second semester 2015) Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature date and signature 29.04.2015. 30.04.2015 Pedro Neves
Copied to: AFET/INTA date Reporting sheet
Assessment of international agreements
Parliamentary body: Delegation for Relations with Mercosur Date20.02.2015
Description of the agreement: EU-Mercosur Agreement (still in phase of negotiations). Type (bilateral, multilateral, etc...) Bi-regional Agreement (EU-Mercosur)
Scope (framework agreement, trade, etc...) Association Agreement (Political Dialogue, Trade and Cooperation)
Time frame (date of entering into force, revision or rendez-vous clauses, etc...) Negotiation process in operation since 1998!
Prospects Waiting for exchange offers in trade area.
Assessment Mark out of 10 by the Uruguayan State authorities 10
Very favourable. Mr. Danilo Astori, who is the new Economy Minister said Uruguay had been pushing hard for the agreement but was not sufficiently powerful to make it happen.
by the local parliamentary authorities 10
Favourable
by the EU delegation to the country 10
According to the EU Delegation there is a consensus on the EU-Mercosur AA in Uruguay. The Government and the Opposition agree on the need of the AA.
by another source (NGO, foreign service of EU 10 MS, etc. - specify)
During the meeting between MEPS and the representatives of the private sector it was clear the full support to the EU- Mercosur AA.
PE528.288v01-00 26/27 CR\1058735PT.doc PT by the EP body 10
The visiting MEPs insisted on the need to conclude the AA negotiations.
Overall summary Total: 50
It seems clear that Uruguay will continue to push the need to either advance the EU-Mercosur negotiations on the AA or alternatively obtain the needed flexibility within Mercosur in order to negotiate with the EU outside the block. l
Officer responsible for the activity Visa of the HoU date and signature date and signature 20.02.2015. Pedro Neves 30.04.2015
Copied to: AFET/INTA date