on a European Democracy Initiative

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the motion for a resolution by Mr Robles Piquer and Mr Capucho (B3-0671/91),

-having regard to the Provisions on a Common Foreign and Security Policy in the Treaty on European Union (Article J.1.2), 'to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms',

-having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A3-0045/92),

A.noting the development of democratic movements across Europe, Asia and in other continents,

B.noting the establishment in 1983 by the US Congress of the National Endowment for Democracy "to strengthen democratic institutions around the world through non-governmental efforts" with a bi-partisan board of directors and a budget of some 25 million US dollars annually,

C.noting the assistance rendered by national political parties from EC Member States to their counterparts in other countries,

D.noting the substantial Community aid programme for economic and social restructuring in East and Central Europe and the former USSR, and aid to other continents,

E.recalling the positive results of its resolution of 12 September 1985 on moves towards democracy in ChileOJ No. C 262, 14.10.1985, p. 87 in providing ECU 17m over five years (Line 992) towards the strengthening of democratic groups in Chile,

F.noting the Resolution of the Council and of the Member States meeting in the Council on Human Rights, Democracy and Development of 28 November 1991,

G.recalling the concept of pluralist democracy which is fundamental to the European Community,

1.Proposes the establishment of a "European Democracy Initiative" to provide financial aid through the Community budget on a non-party basis, principally through parliamentary institutions and to non-governmental organizations and non-profit groups, for general civic education and to stabilise and reinforce democratic principles in non-EC countries; also, to assist the development of human rights in such countries; in addition, to develop the concept of civil society in countries where human rights, multi-party systems, the rule of law and economic freedom have been lacking; such funds shall not be disbursed to any group, organization or other, contrary to the European Parliament's declarations on racism, xenophobia, women's rights or religious freedom;

2.Proposes that the disbursement of such funds shall respect the electoral law of the countries concerned;

3.Requests that the Commission undertake the implementation of the objectives of paragraph 1 above;

4.Proposes to supervise the financed activities under its budgetary and monitoring powers;

5.Resolves that the budgetary aspects arising from this resolution shall be established in consultation with its relevant committees in the context of the budgetary procedure taking account of the special characteristics of every region for which the aid is intended;

6.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the ACP/EEC Joint Assembly and the other bodies associated with Community aid and development policies.