8ú Téarma Parlaiminteach Cristian-Silviu BUŞOI

. ‒ Border regions in Europe tend to perform less well economically, have higher unemployment rates and have relatively underdeveloped infrastructure compared to regions that are more centrally located in the Member States. It is estimated that if 20% of existing border obstacles were to be removed, border regions would gain 2% in GDP. In light of these issues, the Commission has put forward a ‘proposal on a mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in a cross-border context’ (ECBM) which would promote effective cross-border cooperation and consequently, improve the wealth and wellbeing of the inhabitants and their quality of life in the EU’s border regions.
However, the proposal should aim to add a voluntary tool to the toolbox that Member States have at their disposal to boost cross-border cooperation. Further it is necessary that Member States are able to choose on a case-by-case basis whether to use the ECBM or an existing mechanism for each individual joint project, to allow for greater administrative flexibility. I support the proposal set out, it is crucial that no region of the Union be left behind and that everyone can benefit from economic growth and development

The Eurojust-Georgia Cooperation agreement follows the model of similar agreements concluded by Eurojust in the past. The purpose of such agreements is to foster cooperation as regards combating serious crime, especially organised crime and terrorism. Organised crime groups originating in Georgia are operating in EU Member States. Moreover, Georgia is a post-conflict nation with a large stock of weapons remaining in the country with the potential for being trafficked. Georgia has been increasingly used to launder illicit proceeds generated by various organised criminal groups (OCGs). Thus, such an agreement can foster greater cooperation in the fight against such OCGs and is very much in the interest of the Union and Georgia, since such OCGs are a transnational issue.
Such cooperation will also aid Georgian authorities to ensure continuous fulfilment of their obligations and their serious commitment to preventing and fighting organised crime. Ultimately, I support the agreement on cooperation between Eurojust and Georgia; fighting organised crime is very much in the interest of both the Union and Georgia. Further, the agreement will foster greater trust and security between the Union and Georgia and will help prevent future organised crime from flourishing or taking place.

The Commission’s proposal is timely and represents a high degree of added value for the EU. It constitutes a further step towards closer EU integration, especially necessary in an area as critical as health. The fundamental aim of the proposal is to introduce a joint clinical assessment of health technologies at EU level. The right to health is a fundamental right. It is important to the integrity of the individual, but also a key factor in social cohesion and economic productivity. However, the Union requires better clinical evidence as the basis for determining the relative efficacy and therapeutic benefits of medicines, i.e. quality. Further, there are serious concerns about the growing difficulties faced by European citizens in terms of accessing suitable treatment in the EU. The proposals suggest a directive is necessary which makes global regulation possible, clears the way for the right balance to be struck between all parties and interests, with the focus on the patient, and guarantees access to medicines. It is crucial that all citizens of the Union have access to high-quality healthcare and medicines and that difficulties within the internal market are brought to an end. Thus, in my capacity as IMCO rapporteur, I strongly support this proposal.