European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 16301/11, relating to a Commission Communication: A framework for the next generation of innovative financial instruments-the EU equity and debt platforms. Resolved that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 16301/11, relating to a Commission Communication: A framework for the next generation of innovative financial instruments-the EU equity and debt platforms; notes that the Commission’s proposals increase resources available to the EU; agrees that the maximum acceptable expenditure increase through the next Financial Perspective is a real-terms freeze in payments; and supports the view that Innovative Financial Instruments in the next Financial Perspective, 2014–2020, should only be used to deliver a smaller EU Budget and not to supplement existing funding.

European Committee B in respect of European Union Document No. 16301/11, relating to a Commission Communication: A framework for the next generation of innovative financial instruments-the EU equity and debt platforms. Resolved that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 16301/11, relating to a Commission Communication: A framework...

Motion, That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. EUCO 91/11, relating to a draft Protocol on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to the Czech Republic and No. EUCO 92/11, relating to a draft Protocol on the concerns of the Irish people on the Treaty of Lisbon; and supports the Government’s intention to approve the draft Protocols. Agreed to on question.

Motion, That the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. EUCO 91/11, relating to a draft Protocol on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union to the Czech Republic and No. EUCO 92/11, relating to a draft Protocol on the concerns of the Irish...

European Union Document No. 17229/11 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to a Commission Communication: Annual Growth Survey 2012. Motion that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 17229/11 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to a Commission Communication: Annual Growth Survey 2012; supports the Government’s view that this document sends important messages about the urgency of pursuing both fiscal consolidation and structural reform; further supports the tough decisions being taken in the UK to bring the deficit under control and stimulate economic growth; welcomes the focus on EU-level reforms such as the liberalisation of services and the development of the digital single market as a complement to Member States’ reform efforts but considers that an even greater effort is required at EU level to stimulate growth; and agrees that the survey should not focus on taxation, as it is important for Member States to retain the flexibility to shape their own tax policies to suit their economic circumstances. Agreed to on division (7 to 5).

European Union Document No. 17229/11 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to a Commission Communication: Annual Growth Survey 2012. Motion that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 17229/11 and Addenda 1 to 4, relating to a Commission Communication: Annual Growth Survey 2012; supports the Government’s view that...

Unnumbered report dated 24 January 2012 submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relating to the European External Action Service. (Vote)

Unnumbered report dated 24 January 2012 submitted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relating to the European External Action Service. (Vote)

Resolved that the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 17697/09, a draft Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data by air carriers to the United States Department of Homeland Security (2007 PNR Agreement), No. 17429/11, a draft Council Decision on the signature of the Agreement between the USA and the EU on the use and transfer of PNRs to the United States Department of Homeland Security, No. 17430/11, a draft Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the USA and the EU on the use and transfer of PNRs to the United States Department of Homeland Security, No. 9821/11, a draft Council Decision on the signature of the Agreement between the EU and Australia on the processing and transfer of PNR data by air carriers to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and No. 9823/11, a draft Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the EU and Australia on the processing and transfer of PNR data by air carriers to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service; supports the Government’s decision to exercise its right, in accordance with the protocol on the position of the United Kingdom, to take part in the adoption and application of the Proposal for Council Decisions on the Signature and Conclusions of the Agreement in relation to the United States of America; and endorses the decision taken on 23 August in relation to Australia. (Vote)

Resolved that the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 17697/09, a draft Council Decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on the processing and transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data by air carriers to the United States...

European Union Document No. 14357/11, a Commission Communication: Schengen governance—strengthening the area without internal border control, No. 14359/11, a Draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 562/2006 in order to provide for common rules on the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders in exceptional circumstances, No. 16664/10, a Draft Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, No. 14358/11, an amended proposal for a Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, and No. 14142/10, a Draft Council Decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republics of Bulgaria and Romania. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. Resolved, that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 14357/11, a Commission Communication: Schengen governance—strengthening the area without internal border control, No. 14359/11, a Draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 562/2006 in order to provide for common rules on the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders in exceptional circumstances, No. 16664/10, a Draft Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, No. 14358/11, an amended proposal for a Regulation on the establishment of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, and No. 14142/10, a Draft Council Decision on the full application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the Republics of Bulgaria and Romania; and supports the Government’s approach for stronger governance of the Schengen area whilst safeguarding the Member States’ primary responsibility in matters of internal security; securing an effective evaluation and monitoring mechanism which includes the UK in respect of Schengen provisions in which the UK takes part; and supporting the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area as they have met the criteria and standards required of them under the terms of their Acts of Accession.

European Union Document No. 14357/11, a Commission Communication: Schengen governance—strengthening the area without internal border control, No. 14359/11, a Draft Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No. 562/2006 in order to provide for common rules on the temporary reintroduction of border control at internal borders in exceptional circumstances, No. 16664/10, a Draft...

European Union Documents No. 11055/11 and Addendum, relating to the Communication from the Commission on the Protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union by Criminal Law and by Administrative Investigations: An Integrated Policy to Safeguard Taxpayers’ Money; and No. 12141/11 and Addendum, relating to a Communication from the Commission on its Anti-Fraud Strategy. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Documents No. 11055/11 and Addendum, relating to the Communication from the Commission on the Protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union by Criminal Law and by Administrative Investigations: An Integrated Policy to Safeguard Taxpayers’ Money; and No. 12141/11 and Addendum, relating to a Communication from the...

European Union Document No. 10784/11, a Commission Communication: A dialogue for migration, mobility and security with the Southern Mediterranean countries. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. 10784/11, a Commission Communication: A dialogue for migration, mobility and security with the Southern Mediterranean countries. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Documents No. 9776/11 relating to a Draft Council implementing Decision on granting Union financial assistance to Portugal, No. 9780/2/11, relating to a Council implementing Decision on granting Union financial assistance to Portugal, and No. 9777/11 relating to a draft Council implementing Decision amending implementing Decision 2011/77/EU of 7 December 2010 on granting Union financial assistance to Ireland. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. (Vote)

European Union Documents No. 9776/11 relating to a Draft Council implementing Decision on granting Union financial assistance to Portugal, No. 9780/2/11, relating to a Council implementing Decision on granting Union financial assistance to Portugal, and No. 9777/11 relating to a draft Council implementing Decision amending implementing Decision 2011/77/EU of 7...

European Union Document No. 10794/11, relating to a new response to a changing neighbourhood, and Addenda 1–16, detailing the results and recommendations of the Commission’s review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and a report on implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy during 2010. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. (Vote)

European Union Document No. 10794/11, relating to a new response to a changing neighbourhood, and Addenda 1–16, detailing the results and recommendations of the Commission’s review of the European Neighbourhood Policy and a report on implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy during 2010. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on...

European Union Documents No. 11779/11 and No. 11775/11, relating to the preparation of the EU Budget, and an unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 27 May 2011 from HM Treasury on the Statement of Estimates of the Commission for 2012 (preparation of the 2012 Draft Budget). Considered by General Committee. Main question, on motion to take note, agreed to as amended.Resolved, that the Committee takes note of European Union Documents No. 11779/11 and 11775/11, relating to the preparation of the EU Budget, and an unnumbered explanatory memorandum dated 27 May 2011 from HM Treasury on the Statement of Estimates of the Commission for 2012 (preparation of the 2012 Draft Budget); recalls the agreement at the October 2010 European Council that it is essential that the European Union budget and the forthcoming Multi-annual Financial Framework reflect the consolidation efforts being made by Member States to bring deficit and debt onto a more sustainable path; notes that in spite of this agreement the Commission’s proposal has come at a time for particular austerity in domestic budgets across the EU; agrees that the 4.9% increase in payment appropriations proposed for 2012 by the Commission is therefore unacceptable; notes that UK contributions to the EU budget have also risen in recent years due to the 2005 decision to give away parts of the UK rebate; supports the Government’s objective to deliver the terms of the language secured by the Prime Minister’s December letter that the growth of the European public spending must be consistent with the considerable efforts made by the Member States to bring their public spending under control and that action to curb budget growth in 2011 should be progressively stepped up in 2012; and so supports the Government in seeking significant savings to the Commission’s proposals across all headings and its strenuous efforts to limit the growth of payments to below inflation.

European Union Documents No. 11779/11 and No. 11775/11, relating to the preparation of the EU Budget, and an unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 27 May 2011 from HM Treasury on the Statement of Estimates of the Commission for 2012 (preparation of the 2012 Draft Budget). Considered by General Committee. Main question,...

European Union Document COM (2011) 149, relating to consular protection for EU citizens in third countries. Considered by General Committee. Resolved, that the Committee takes note of European Union Document COM (2011) 149, relating to consular protection for EU citizens in third countries; recalls that such Communications are not legally binding; underlines that the competence for consular protection remains with Member States; and agrees with the Government’s approach to the EU’s consular work. (Vote)

European Union Document COM (2011) 149, relating to consular protection for EU citizens in third countries. Considered by General Committee. Resolved, that the Committee takes note of European Union Document COM (2011) 149, relating to consular protection for EU citizens in third countries; recalls that such Communications are not legally...

European Union Document No. 11961/10, relating to the Green Paper on policy options for progress towards a European Contract Law for consumers and businesses. Considered by General Committee. Motion that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 11961/10, a Green Paper from the European Commission on policy options for progress towards a European Contract Law for consumers and businesses. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. 11961/10, relating to the Green Paper on policy options for progress towards a European Contract Law for consumers and businesses. Considered by General Committee. Motion that the Committee takes note of European Union Document No. 11961/10, a Green Paper from the European Commission on policy options...

European Union Document No. 14436/10, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to attacks against information systems, repealing Council Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. 14436/10, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to attacks against information systems, repealing Council Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. PE-CONS 64/10, relating to a Draft Regulation laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers, which was agreed by the Council and Parliament at First Reading and formally adopted by the European Council on 14 February 2011. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. PE-CONS 64/10, relating to a Draft Regulation laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers, which was agreed by the Council and Parliament at First Reading and formally adopted by the European Council...

Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15 December 2010 relating to the draft Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, repealing Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA. Considered by General Committee. Motion that the Committee takes note of the proposed draft Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, repealing Framework Directive 2004/68/JHA. Agreed to on question.

Unnumbered Explanatory Memorandum dated 15 December 2010 relating to the draft Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, repealing Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA. Considered by General Committee. Motion that the Committee takes note of the proposed draft Directive on combating the sexual abuse and...

European Union Documents No. 13840/10, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the draft Regulation on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps, and No. 7379/11, relating to the corresponding Opinion of the European Central Bank. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Documents No. 13840/10, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the draft Regulation on short selling and certain aspects of credit default swaps, and No. 7379/11, relating to the corresponding Opinion of the European Central Bank. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question.

European Union Document No. 5037/11, and Addendum, relating to the Commission Communication on removing cross-border tax obstacles for EU citizens. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant document: European Scrutiny Committee, 16th report of session 2010-11 (HC 428-xiv), chapter 3]

European Union Document No. 5037/11, and Addendum, relating to the Commission Communication on removing cross-border tax obstacles for EU citizens. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant document: European Scrutiny Committee, 16th report of session 2010-11 (HC 428-xiv), chapter 3]

European Union Document No. 6007/11, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the draft Directive on the use of Passenger Name Record data for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crimes. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant document: European Scrutiny Committee, 21st report of Session 2010-11 (HC 428-xiv), chapter 1]

European Union Document No. 6007/11, and Addenda 1 and 2, relating to the draft Directive on the use of Passenger Name Record data for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crimes. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant document: European Scrutiny Committee, 21st report...

European Union Document No. 18066/10, and Addenda 1, 2 and 3, relating to the Annual Growth Survey: advancing the EU's comprehensive response to the crisis. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant documents: European Scrutiny Committee, 18th report of Session 2010-11 (HC 428-xvi), chapter 2]

European Union Document No. 18066/10, and Addenda 1, 2 and 3, relating to the Annual Growth Survey: advancing the EU's comprehensive response to the crisis. Considered by General Committee. Agreed to on question. [Relevant documents: European Scrutiny Committee, 18th report of Session 2010-11 (HC 428-xvi), chapter 2]