draft resolutions book for alde party congress lisbon 2014

8/10/2019 Draft Resolutions Book for ALDE Party Congress Lisbon 2014

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ALDE Party Bureau

Fundamental Freedoms and Human Rights

006006 A strong focus on The Istanbul Convention of the Council ofEurope Svenska Folkpartiet | Finland; Centerpartiet | Sweden; Folkpartiet Liberalerna | Sweden

006007 Azerbaijan – freedom under pressure Democraten 66 | The Netherlands

Social Policy

007007 Increasing equality - making paternity leave an option for allfathers in the EU Radikale Venstre | Denmark; Liberal Democrats | United Kingdom; ConvergènciaDemocràtica de Catalunya | Spain



Draft resolution 001001Title: Boosting Bioeconomy in Europe Author: Suomen Keskusta | Finland

Boosting Bioeconomy in Europe 1

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party convening in Lisbon,2Portugal on 20-22 November 2014:3

Notes that 4

climate change is one of humankind’s greatest challenges; 5 the European Council has committed Europe to reduce greenhouse gas6

emissions by 80 to 95% by 2050;7 Europe is highly dependent on the energy from third countries and the8

dependence has only increased during the last two decades; the EU’s9annual import bill for fossil fuels is around 400 billion euro;10

bioeconomy and renewable energy sources offer an enormous potential to11tackle climate change, promote growth and jobs in Europe, decrease the12energy dependence from third countries, and make a major contribution to13

energy security at international, national, and local levels;14 renewable energy technologies are available and becoming more and15

more competitive;16 forest-based bioeconomy has remarkable potential especially in the more17

forest rich regions of Europe;18 citizens’ well -being, industrial competitiveness and the overall functioning19

of society are dependent on secure, safe, sustainable and affordable20energy;21

from food to fuel, or medicine to clothing, nearly anything that’s not metal22or glass can be produced in or by plants; Biomass can be processed like23

crude oil into energy, chemicals and raw materials;24 the EU adopted its bioeconomy strategy in 2012 and it is linked to25

Horizon 2020, the EU Framework Programme for research 2014 –2020;26

Calls on 27

the EU to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 in line and28in parallel with the other key players on the basis of an ambitious and29binding international agreement;30

the EU to set ambitious 2030 targets for renewable energy sources;31 Member States to reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels;32 the EU and Member States to make more substantial efforts to move33

faster from fossil-based economy to bioeconomy especially by upgrading34



their bioeconomy competence base and investing more on education,35training and research;36

the EU to drive for new technologies that focus on sustainable, renewable37

and recyclable raw materials in order to create new jobs, growth and38added value;39

the EU and Member States to secure the competitiveness of the existing40bioeconomy industries by providing them with a favourable setting in which41to operate and grow;42

the European Commission to encourage the use of renewable, bio-based,43recyclable, and environment-friendly raw and other materials in various44sectors, such as construction;45

the Member States to replace the use of coal with biomass and other46renewables;47

European companies to generate new bioeconomy business by means of48risk financing, bold experiments and the crossing of sectoral boundaries.49



Draft resolution 001002Title: Combatting tax havens Author: Svenska Folkpartiet | Finland; Folkpartiet Liberalerna |

Sweden

Combatting tax havens 1


Notes that4

the issue of tax evasion and tax havens needs more attention, as evading5taxes hinders development globally;6

the flow of money to tax havens includes but is not limited to7multinational corporation's tax-planning schemes, corruption and money8laundering;9

the issue is both local and global and many different actors need to be10part of the solution;11

multinational corporations have significant economic power. Of the 10012

largest economic actors globally, 40 are corporations according to the13Transnational Institute, and therefore they are key to solving this issue;14

international cooperation is needed, and all parties should be present at15the table when matters of this nature are being discussed. Today many16discussions under the OECD umbrella are being held only with rich17countries present;18

tax havens and taxation is a key factor in maintaining poverty globally as19countries in the global south transfer 800 billion euros to tax havens and20rich countries according to a report by Financial Integrity (December 2012),21while the same countries annually receive approximately 96 billion euros in22

foreign aid. In order to help these countries move away from dependency23 of foreign aid, the challenge of massive tax evasion has to be addressed;24 according to estimates the EU looses approximately 1,000 billion euros25

annually due to tax evasion;26

Believes that27

due to the complex nature of tax evasion there is no simple answer to28combatting the issue;29

it is difficult to follow the finances of multinational corporations as they do30not have to report the nature of the financial transactions between different31

countries they operate in;32



Calls on 33

the European Union to harmonise corporate tax rates by introducing34

minimum levels;35 the development of clear rules and regulations for national reporting of36multinational corporations profits and taxes, and transparent information on37owners and beneficiaries for national administrative bodies;38

the European Union to actively support the Organisation for Economic39Co-operation and Development (OECD) in their work in the global fight40against tax evasion and tax havens, while working to making sure that the41developing world is included in these discussions and decisions.42



Draft resolution 001003Title: Green growth the key to future European success Author: Svenska Folkpartiet | Finland; Centerpartiet | Sweden;

Folkpartiet Liberalerna | Sweden

Green growth the key to future European1

success2


Notes that5

according to the European Economic Forecast for Winter 2014: GDP6growth in the EU, has turned positive in the second quarter of 2013, is7increasingly driven by domestic demand;8

the consequences of the economic crisis are still holding back growth and9 job creation and could do so for some time;10

unemployment is at record levels and, there is a serious risk of growth11remaining stuck in low gear;12

bold structural reforms in both vulnerable and core countries are still13needed to tackle slow growth;14

the projected unemployment rate in the European Union is unacceptably15high at 10.7% in 2014.16

Believes that 17

One of the most important keys to the future success of the European18economy can be found in green technology;19

there will be endless opportunities for European companies to thrive on a20

global scale if innovation and product development in green technologies21 thrives;22

Calls on 23

innovative steps by the European Union to strengthen Europe’s24technology sector focusing on green technology;25

the European Union to be active in the global work to combat climate26change, and take steps to focus on renewable energy sources;27

the EU to use more of the EU structural funds resources on developing28green technology;29

support energy solutions that can be used by everyone in order to30promote sustainable energy solutions;31



the Juncker Commission to include the above-mentioned issues in the32upcoming programs of the European Commission.33



Draft resolution 001004Title: Regulation in the Digital Economy – The case of Uber Author: FDP | Germany

Regulation in the Digital Economy – The case1

of Uber 2


Notes that 5

ALDE asserts its commitment to market principles as the means through6which to encourage prosperity;7

competition and knowledge sharing is what drives companies to research8and innovate in pursuit of competitive advantage, which in turn leads to a9better standard of products and services and lower prices;10

today’s technologies have the potential to enable exponential11improvements in quality, price, and efficiency;12

many regulators have reacted to the new challenges of the digital13economy by simply banning it;14

Considering that 15

the debate about taxi apps is really a debate about the wider sharing16economy. This debate forces us to think about the disruptive effects of17digital technology and the need for entrepreneurs in our society;18

medallions and similar quotas create an artificial scarcity that insulates the19market from competition. That lack of competition, in turn, undermines any20incentive for innovation or investment in new technology;21

safety, predictable prices, and adequate insurance are still important public22interest goals that could justify some level of continued government23oversight;24

Calls on 25

regulators to consider that we cannot address the challenges of digital26technology by ignoring them or by trying to ban these innovations;27

all relevant parties to engage in a real dialogue in order to discuss28disruptions caused by technology and to find reasonable accommodations29of innovation that ensure fair competition among all players on the market.30



Draft resolution 002002Title: COP 21 - a turning-point for the Climate Author: Centerpartiet | Sweden

COP 21 - a turning-point for the Climate 1


Notes that 4

global greenhouse gas emissions over the period from 2000 to 2010 were5the highest in human history and that without significant action to reduce6emissions, global average temperature is likely to be as much as 5°C7higher by the end of the century;8

the EU has decreased its emissions by 19% in 2012 compared to 1990,9while at the same time growing its GDP by more than 45%;10

according to the World Bank, fighting climate change would add up to11 €1.9 trillion a year to global GDP growth in the coming decades. 12

the report by the Global Commission on the Economy and Climate13

released in September 2014 shows that a low-carbon path, although14requiring marginally more investment upfront, would generate $5 trillion in15savings from lower operating costs for renewable energy sources and16increased energy efficiency, making this the far cheaper option in the long17run;18

applying climate-related innovations in the energy and industry sectors19would be an advantage for Europe as an early mover in the growing global20market for energy and energy efficiency related goods and services,21creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and increasing energy22independence;23

the recent signals from the US and Chinese governments regarding24 climate action, and their willingness to play a more significant role in global25efforts to address climate change;26

fighting climate change is also a rights-issue, given that according to the27UN, women in the developing world are disproportionately affected by the28impacts of climate change such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather;29

Believes that 30

in line with the IPCC's findings, global greenhouse gas emissions need to31peak by 2015 at the latest and continue to decline thereafter in order to32

maintain a likely chance of keeping the rise in global average temperature33below 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels;34



the important role of other policy measures, including energy efficiency,35substantial energy savings, renewable energy and the phase-down of36HFCs contribute to closing the gigatonne gap;37

applying climate related innovations in the energy and industry sectors38would be an advantage for Europe as an early mover in the growing global39market for energy and energy efficiency related goods and services;40

the climate change challenge provides business opportunities for industry41and SMEs and in this respect stresses the importance of clear, long-term42climate and energy goals;43

tackling climate change needs to be an inclusive process and that the44decision-making as well as new technologies and innovations should open45to all and take into account, for example, the historical challenges faced by46women in the developing world;47

Calls on 48

all European countries to urgently contribute to cut emissions;49 the EU, as a major global player, to speak with "one voice" at the Paris50

Conference, in seeking progress towards an international agreement;51 the EU and its Member States to honour their commitment to scaling up52

the mobilisation of climate finance, in order to contribute their share to the53Copenhagen Accord commitment to jointly mobilise $100 billion per year54by 2020 and calls on other donor countries to play their part in order to55foster further mobilisation of climate finance;56

the EU to act now to maintain its forefront position in the global green57race to harvest the potential for growth and competitiveness;58

three clear, binding, ambitious climate and energy targets in the EU for59the year 2030: for reduction of greenhouse gases, enhancing energy60efficiency and renewable energy;61

the implementation of the European Council conclusions of May 2013 to62phase out environmentally and economically harmful subsidies including63subsidies for fossil fuels which according to the IEA accounted for $54464billion worldwide in 2012;65

an international commitment to increase research and development (R&D)66investment in sustainable breakthrough technologies in the relevant67sectors. We consider it essential that the EU lead by example by directing68expenditure devoted to research on the demonstration of innovative69climate-friendly and energy-efficient technologies, and that the EU70develops close scientific cooperation in this field with international partners,71such as the BRIC countries and the USA;72

the EU and its partners to find, in the immediate future, the most effective73way of promoting links between the EU Emissions Trading System and74other trading schemes aiming for a global carbon market.75



Draft resolution 004004Title: Resolution on the composition of ALDE Party Author: Democraten 66, VVD | The Netherlands

Resolution on the composition of ALDE Party 1


Referring 4

to the result of the 2014 European elections, the campaign of ALDE Party5and the consequences this has for the ALDE Group in the European6Parliament;7

to the system of spitzenkandidaten for the appointment of the8Commission President;9

Observing 10

the unprecedented opportunities the elections have created for the ALDE11Party, the beginning of a public debate across the entire EU and the power12of citizens to determine the shape and direction of the European Union;13

Noting 14

the need for a clear, distinctive and political profile for liberals and15democrats in Europe;16

the need for consistency in communication to get the liberal and17democratic message out to the voters;18

the need to join forces with like-minded movements, in particular those19represented in the ALDE parliamentary group, and form a joint election20platform;21

the new role that European political parties have had in the 2014 election22campaign and the nomination of spitzenkandidaten;23

that the role of European political parties will be further reinforced ahead24of the 2019 elections;25

Calls on26

the members of the ALDE Party to acknowledge the opportunities the27elections of 2014 have created;28

the two parties represented in the ALDE Group in the European29

Parliament – the ALDE Party and the EDP – to join forces in view of the30



establishment of a strong, united European liberal and democratic31movement;32

this congress to appoint a Sherpa/negotiator, charged with initiating talks33

between the two parties and to see under what conditions this possibly34can lead to a new common political platform or party;35

this process to be concluded before the next ALDE Party congress so as36to ensure sufficient time to prepare for the 2019 elections.37



a comprehensive European approach to promoting peace and security34should be based on conflict prevention, crisis management and postconflict35institution building;36

peace enforcement operations with a UN Security Council mandate are part37of Europe’s External Security and Defence Policy; 38

due to the budgetary constraints and geopolitical threats, enhanced39defence cooperation in Europe has become a necessity rather than a40choice;41

the pooling of military capabilities at the EU level would allow to both42increase the efficiency of European defence and bring about savings to the43national budgets by exploiting the effects of economy of scale;44

more European coordination is needed to make sure that an increase in45defence spending by a Member State has a maximal impact on the46

European defence capacity;47

Calls on 48

the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security49Policy to present in the first year of her mandate a comprehensive and50ambitious agenda on advanced EU defence cooperation, with the aim to51establish a credible European defence capacity within the next five years,52including:53

the establishment of one single military planning capacity and one single54operational headquarters in the EU;55

a much stronger coordination of the defence procurement policy of Member56States;57

enhanced cooperation in military education and training;58 investment in force multipliers to quickly improve Europe’s deployment59

capacity at longer distances;60 pooling and sharing of critical military assets based on the principle of61

burden and risk sharing between the Member States.62



Draft resolution 005006Title: Strengthening the Global Role of the European Union Author: Suomen Keskusta | Finland

Strengthening the Global Role of the European1

Union 2


Notes that 5

the European Union is the leading global actor in the fields of trade,6development and environmental policies and has a key role in ensuring the7stability of the global financial system;8

these policy areas are strongly linked into each other and they have9growing strategic importance for the EU;10

in these policy areas we can play a positive global role by promoting the11common interests and the common values and ideals of mankind - the12fight against poverty; environmental, economic and social sustainability all13over the world; democracy, human rights and equality as the basis of14social sustainability;15

at a global level we can create transatlantic partnerships with the United16States since our basic values and interests in these policy areas are close17to each other. In development policy we already have close cooperation18launched at the Washington Summit in November 2009. Similar19partnerships can be created in the fields of trade and the environment;20

the EU has traditionally close ties with the ACP countries and other21developing countries, these must be further enhanced;22

China and other emerging countries have growing influence on global23development; our dialogue and cooperation with them must be24strengthened;25

Stresses that 26

the European Union can strengthen its global role by coordinating its27action in different policy fields and by setting clear strategic goals;28

the EU can counterbalance the role of other global players by creating29partnerships with like-minded countries;30

the EU can influence the policies of other countries and groups of31

countries through an open dialogue on the common challenges facing32 mankind;33



Calls on 34

the ALDE Party to work for the strengthening of the global role of the35

EU. The EU should have a comprehensive global strategy as a central part36 of our external policies;37 the ALDE Member Party representatives in the European Parliament, in38

the national parliaments and the European Council to work for the39strengthening of the global role of the EU.40



Draft resolution 005007Title: We need a stronger Common Foreign and Security Policy

(CFSP) of the European Union - now more than ever

Author: Svenska Folkpartiet | Finland; Folkpartiet Liberalerna |Sweden

We need a stronger Common Foreign and1

Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union -2

now more than ever 3


Notes that6

the Treaty of Lisbon created the post of High Representative of the Union7for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, whose role is to conduct the foreign8policy of the European Union;9

the High Representative of the Union also has a duty of representation.10

He or she conducts political dialogue with third countries and is responsible11for expressing the EU’s positions globally; 12

EU Member States have committed themselves to a Common Foreign13Security Policy for the European Union and the European Security and14Defence Policy aims to strengthen the EU's external ability to act through15the development of civilian and military capabilities in conflict prevention16and crisis management;17

States that 18

to tackle the challenges a multipolar, complex and quickly changing world19is facing, the EU needs to act as a common force on the world stage;20

issues such as climate change, lack of social and economic opportunities,21breaches of human rights, lack of democracy, rule of law and market22economy all need leadership from the EU23

since the Treaty of Lisbon was adopted, there has not yet been a24common understanding of what position a Common Foreign and Security25Policy would have for the Member States;26

the absence of a strong and united European voice has been highlighted27during the recent crisis caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine;28

Calls on the EU Member States and the institutions of the European Union29to 30



strengthen the role of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign31 Affairs and Security Policy so that it will be clear to everyone that the High32Representative represents the will and understanding of all member states;33

Further calls on EU Member States and the institutions of the European34Union to support the High Representative in order to35

strengthen its common policy towards and dialogue with Russia in order to36speak with a unified voice;37

develop and pursue a clear strategy to act proactively in the Middle East,38taking into consideration the threat caused by ISIS and the situation in39Syria and the rest of the region affected.40



encouraging the geographical diversification of energy supplies and by31further trade liberalisation;32

the European Union and its Member States to strive for a military33

de-escalation in Ukraine via negotiations with Russia;34 the European Union and its Member States to favour broad negotiations35

with Russia on a new security architecture in Europe which must lead to a36solution for the conflict in Ukraine and the so-called "frozen conflicts". This37solution to be based on these principles: it should follow the model of the38Helsinki Final Act comprising both security, economic development and39human rights; it should respect the sovereignty of all countries concerned; it40should settle the geographical limits of possible NATO and EU enlargement41for the next 10 years.42



Draft resolution 005009Title: European Defence Author: LYMEC

European Defence 1


Considering that 4

Europe is facing internal and external threats to its peace and security.5These include regional conflict, terrorism, weak democratic structures,6human rights violations and economic instability;7

security is the foundation of economic stability and democratic structures8within and around the European Union;9

the developments of international relations over the past decades have10caused a shift in focus away from state-against-state aggression and11threats to digital and fundamentalist threats;12

contributing to a peaceful and stable world cannot only be achieved by13

‘soft power’, but requires a strong military for diplomatic leverage;14 the efficiency of defence spending within the European Union is seriously15

limited due to the fragmentation of units and materials between Member16States;17

Noting that 18

many nations in Europe have a certain specialty in their military force;19 Europe has to divide its attention between European interests and the20

obligations of the Member States within the NATO structure, with the21addition of non-EU NATO-members (Iceland, Norway and Turkey), and22non-NATO EU-members (Sweden, Finland, Austria, Ireland), for whom a23special status must be created;24

Military cooperation between Member States is taking place already,25without European coordination;26

Affirms that a European Defence Force must be created, and that it 27

shall include all European Union Member States, either as full or28associated members;29

shall not lead to a situation, in which Member States feel isolated or30threatened;31



shall be overseen by the European Parliament, European Commission and32the European Council;33

shall have commanders issuing orders to multi-national European units,34

without the prior agreement of Member States’ Ministries of Defence; 35 shall have one single military planning capacity and one single operational36

headquarters;37 shall include land, naval, air and special tactical units with rapid response38

capabilities;39 shall focus on strengthening the international rule of law, fighting conflicts,40

maintaining peace and fighting terrorism, both internally and externally;41

Believes that 42

external and security policies can only contribute to a peaceful and stable43world if supported by a credible military;44

both the assets and the burden of the European Defence Force shall be45pooled and shared between Member States;46

European cooperation shall be prioritised over NATO cooperation.47

Urges 48

European liberals to advocate the formation of a European Defence Force49that operates in line with the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the50European Union;51

members and member organisations to advocate expanding military52 cooperation between member organisations;53 the formation of a European Defence Force to coordinate military units54

and materials, with a single operational headquarters and overseen by the55European institutions.56



Draft resolution 005010Title: Securing the Peace in Europe, strengthening Europe’s

Foreign and Security Policy

Author: ALDE Party Bureau

Securing the Peace in Europe, strengthening1

Europe’s Foreign and Security Policy 2


Notes that 5

100 years after the start of the First World War, 75 years after the6outbreak of World War II and 25 years after the end of the Cold War,7Europe faces new security challenges;8

the events in Crimea have raised questions about the assumptions9underlying the relations between the EU and Russia after the end of the10Cold War.11

agreements flowing from the Commission on Security and Cooperation in12Europe (CSCE) process were based on the principle that borders in13Europe should never again be changed by force. Differences between14states should always be settled by dialogue and agreement, based on the15rule of law.16

this order has been cast into doubt by a series of developments over past17decade - by Putin’s growing authoritarianism, by the events in Georgia in 182008, and now by events in Ukraine, and more fundamentally by the19apparent Russian view that they have the right to intervene in the former20Soviet sphere of influence to protect their own interests;21

the Russian annexation of Crimea, as well as the ongoing destabilisation22of Eastern Ukraine with military means has shown that the EU’s capacity to 23coordinate its foreign policy remains crucial for its own integrity.24

that the European Union’s response to the different crises in its Southern25and Eastern Neighborhood has too often been inadequate and has not26allowed the European Union to play the role in international affairs that27corresponds to its political importance;28

the world expects the European Union to take its responsibility as a major29actor in geopolitics;30

Considering that 31



the EU is a project of freedom, peace and security that ought to be32defended within and beyond its borders;33

the Member States must fulfil their contractual duty of loyalty towards the34

Common Foreign and Security Policy in both action and spirit, which is35enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon;36

the Russian military intervention in and the following annexation of Crimea37constitutes a clear breach of international law, the OSCE Charter and the38Charter of Paris.39

that the EU has merely asked Russia to respect the rules it has40committed to and, therefore sanctions were inevitable and necessary;41

Believes that 42

the current situation presents a particular challenge to Europe, the EU and43her Member States to finally take the required steps for developing a44strong role in international affairs;45

the effectiveness of the EU's external action also depends on the full46support of its citizens and on the legitimacy it acquires by being anchored47in the EU's fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law and human48rights;49

the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security50Policy needs the full support of Member States so that she is in the51position to represent the political will of all Member States;52

close, regular and timely consultation of the European Parliament by the53HRVP and the European External Action Service in setting clear priorities54and objectives for EU foreign policy will be conducive to ensuring citizens’55support;56

enhanced defense cooperation in Europe should be a priority, especially57taking into consideration the national budgetary constraints and mounting58international geopolitical threats;59

treaties such as the Lancaster House Treaty between Great Britain and60France can serve as a role model for future enhanced defense cooperation61in order to overcome institutional constraints within NATO and the EU;62

that the fundamental right of the Ukrainian people to freely determine63their country’s economic and political future and reaffirms the right of64Ukraine to self-defence, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter; reiterates65that the international community supports the unity, sovereignty and66territorial integrity of Ukraine; underlines the need for a political solution to67the crisis.68

that lasting stability on the continent cannot be achieved without the69cooperation of Russia;70

Calls on 71

the EU to develop a coherent and consistent external policy and to clearly72define and implement its strategic objectives, making full use of the73opportunities provided by the Lisbon Treaty;74



the EU to reconsider the options for third countries in Eastern and75Southern Europe to strengthen their ties with the EU. The current situation76shows that closer co-operation between the EU and its eastern European77

partners – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova78and Ukraine – is of high importance for the EU's external relations; the79same applies to the Southern Neighborhood in the Mediterranean;80

the EU to enhance co-operation, step up co-ordination and develop81synergies with programmes and projects of EU Member States in third82countries in order to improve the effectiveness of EU external action and83cope with current budgetary restraints;84

the budgetary authorities to strengthen the External Action Service; giving85it more political backing and by strengthening the ties and interaction with86the other EU institutions, EU delegations and Members States' foreign87

ministries;88 the High Representative to draw up a new European Security Strategy.89

The Commission and its President must be the driving force behind this90revision. This should include traditional EU “soft power” but also policies91such as increased defense co-operation, an assessment of EU-NATO92relations, an effective sanctions policy and improved anti-terrorism93co-operation;94

more European coordination and the pooling of military capabilities at95European level, whether inside EU structures or not, including the pooling96and sharing of critical military assets based on the principle of burden and97

risk sharing between the Member States.98 Russia to support the peace plan with true determination, to adopt99measures to control its own border with Ukraine; effectively and stop the100continued incursion of illegal armed men and of arms and equipment,101hostile action and infiltration, to immediately reduce and pull back its troops102from its border with Ukraine;103

the EU and its Member States to keep up sanctions against Russia until a104lasting and acceptable solution to the conflict in Ukraine is found;105

all Governments to keep the memories of Europe's belligerent past alive,106along with a remembrance of the concomitant loss of life, limb, and fortune107

experienced by millions on our continent throughout the 20th century;108 all national and European leaders to combat nationalism, protectionism,109ethnic and racial hatred so as to ensure the Europe's nations live together110in mutual friendship and respect.111



Draft resolution 006006Title: A strong focus on The Istanbul Convention of the Council

of Europe

Author: Svenska Folkpartiet | Finland; Centerpartiet | Sweden;Folkpartiet Liberalerna | Sweden

A strong focus on The Istanbul Convention of1

the Council of Europe 2


Notes that5

the level of violence against women is at totally unacceptable levels6throughout the world, including, but not limited to, domestic violence,7female mutilation, “honour” killings and stalking; 8

the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe on preventing and9combating violence against women and domestic violence entered into10force on 1 August 2014;11

to date, 14 Member States of the Council of Europe have ratified this new12human rights treaty and another 22 states have signed it;13

the convention creates a blueprint for a coordinated, victim-centered14approach to combating all forms of violence against women and domestic15violence;16

governments that agree to be bound by the Convention will have to do17the following: train professionals in close contact with victims; regularly run18awareness-raising campaigns; take steps to include issues such as gender19equality and non-violent conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships in20teaching material; set up treatment programmes for perpetrators of21domestic violence and for sex offenders; work closely with NGOs; involve22the media and the private sector in eradicating gender stereotypes and23promoting mutual respect;24

Calls on 25

the European Union to ratify the Istanbul Convention;26 every nation to prioritise and take all necessary actions on the27

implementation of the Istanbul Convention on a national level, as28combatting violence against women is fundamental for any civilised society.29



Draft resolution 006007Title: Azerbaijan – freedom under pressure Author: Democraten 66 | The Netherlands

Azerbaijan – freedom under pressure 1


Referring to 4

the worrying reports on the deteriorating political and security situation in5 Azerbaijan as documented by the European Stability Initiative(ESI)[1];6

Notes that 7

the Azeri government, led by President Ilham Aliyev, has markedly8stepped up the political repression of its own citizens since taking over the9chairmanship of the Council of Europe (CoE) on 14 May 2014;10

an increasing number of journalists and human rights activists have been11 jailed without fair trial by the Azeri authorities in recent months;12

Believes that 13

the EU should take a firm stance with regard to Azerbaijan’s brutal14crackdown on civil society;15

membership of the CoE comes with duties with regard to respect for16human rights, political and economic freedoms and the rule of law;17

the European Union should review its current cooperation framework with18 Azerbaijan and ensure that joint activities in the societal, political and19democracy and human rights sphere are conducted solely with20organisations and individuals that are completely independent from the21

Azerbaijani government and associated entities;22

Calls on 23

the European Union to come up with a unified and strong response to the24ongoing assault on civil liberties in Azerbaijan, including: strong political and25economic sanctions, directly targeting the Azeri political and business26elites; enhanced cooperation in supporting Azerbaij an’s civil society. 27

[1] ESI-report ‘The Jails of Azerbaijan’– August 2014: http://goo.gl/7XXb3T28



Draft resolution 007007Title: Increasing equality - making paternity leave an option for

all fathers in the EU

Author: Radikale Venstre | Denmark; Liberal Democrats | UnitedKingdom; Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya | Spain

Increasing equality - making paternity leave an1

option for all fathers in the EU2


Considering that 5

several EU member states, such as the Netherlands, Cyprus and Ireland6only have a system allowing the father to take paternal leave for a few7days or no leave at all;8

there is still a gender pay gap, mostly rooted in women’s historically greater 9childcare responsibilities;10

making it possible for parents to share the leave will give the individual11family more freedom and make it easier for mothers to return to the labour12market earlier if they wish to do so;13

Noting that 14

the principle of equality of men and women is a common and central value15of the European Union as stated and promoted in the Charter of16Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the Treaty on the17Functioning of the European Union;18

remedying all inequalities in all aspects is and has always been a top19

priority for European Liberals;20Calls for 21

ALDE Member Parties to ensure that both parents have a legal right to22take leave with their child in their national legal system;23

the ALDE Group in the European Parliament to push for new EU24legislation requiring all Member States to give parents this option.25

draft resolutions book for alde party congress lisbon 2014

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