XL - Eiropas Parlaments - Europa

16-02-2011 103
We have started work on how we can best support Egypt and we are aiming at the kind of joined-up foreign policy
response that the Lisbon Treaty allows. In doing so, we are listening to all voices, including those of the Members of this
House. You have a crucial contribution to make as democratically elected representatives and also as an arm of the
budgetary authority.
The High Representative and I will also report on this process to the Foreign Affairs Council in a few days’ time. I would
like to add at this point that High Representative Ashton has convened a special session of the Foreign Affairs Council for
this Sunday.
In Egypt, as in Tunisia, the European Union is unequivocally supportive of the transformation process that has started.
There is, however, an important difference. In the case of Tunisia, the political situation has become a little clearer. We
have managed to establish a dialogue with the transitional government on the needs of the country and the possible
European Union response.
The High Representative has been in close contact throughout with international leaders to discuss the challenges facing
the region and to ensure a coordinated and, therefore, strong international response.
We will first seek to adjust our ongoing programmes to support the aspirations of the Egyptian people for reforms as and
when matters clarify. The European Union already has a wide portfolio of programmes in place in Egypt and spends close
to EUR 150 million a year there.
For several years, we have been financing projects on democratic reforms, good governance and respect for human rights.
EUR 40 million were allocated to this objective in 2007-2010 and EUR 50 million are planned for 2011-2013. We also
have more funds mobilised, in particular for civil society, through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human
Rights. The new situation in Egypt should create the right environment to put these funds to maximum use and push
forward the implementation of much more ambitious programmes than was possible in the past.
Beyond the existing programmes and funds, we intend to listen to the Egyptians and hear where they consider the country
needs our support most. Their demands, in terms of democracy, social and economic perspectives and free, fair and
inclusive elections, must be met. The European Union stands ready to support this reform process based on respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Egyptian authorities have already approached us with initial requests, including on dealing with suspicions of the
misappropriation of public funds. We are coordinating with Member States on this and the Foreign Affairs Council is
expected to address this issue. As and when other requests come, we will do our utmost to be responsive and mobilise our
expertise on democratisation, elections, human rights, economic and social reforms, as well as any other issues where
Egyptians may see a need.
However, let me be clear. It is not for us to dictate outcomes or impose solutions. The future lies firmly in the hands of the
people of Egypt.
I mentioned at the beginning that the High Representative and Vice-President is travelling in the region as we speak. She
was willing to visit Egypt as part of her trip and she expressed that will to her Egyptian counterparts. She has now been
invited to Cairo by the Egyptian authorities and will travel there on Monday evening, after the Foreign Affairs Council.
This will be an opportunity for her to listen to the Egyptians and to assess the priority needs of the country on the road to
democracy.
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José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra, en nombre del Grupo PPE. – Señora Presidenta, señor Comisario, Señorías,
Mubarak ha desaparecido de escena y todo el mundo parece respirar aliviado. En primer lugar, el pueblo de Egipto, que ve
satisfechas sus expectativas legítimas de mayor dignidad y mayor democracia, y, en segundo lugar, la comunidad
internacional que, no sin cierto cinismo, ha pasado del aliado de ayer al estorbo de hoy y al, quizás, imputado de pasado
mañana.
Pero, señora Presidenta, no creo que debamos engañarnos. La salida de Mubarak y de Ben Alí son condiciones necesarias,
pero no suficientes, para garantizar el proceso de transición democrática, sobre el que todavía penden muchas
incertidumbres. Y, la más importante: la de consolidar la democracia.
Señora Presidenta, es evidente también que, si bien las libertades democráticas y los derechos humanos se pueden arrancar
con diecisiete días de manifestación y coraje cívico, y ser proclamadas por decreto de la noche a la mañana, el progreso
económico y social desgraciadamente no se puede movilizar de la misma manera. Y lo hemos visto en las pérdidas
económicas que tanto Egipto como Túnez han venido sufriendo en los últimos días.