Doc. 8109

4 May 1998

Co-operation between Asia and Europe in the field of environment protection

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Behrendt and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Asia region stands before major environmental challenges, above all in the form of extensive water and air pollution, insufficient waste treatment, soil erosion, deforestation and the depletion of natural resources.

2. These serious environmental problems have their origin in particular in the absence of environmental policies and an accompanying legal framework, high population densities and growth, as well as rapid urbanization and industrialization.

3. The environmental problems in Asia also have consequences for Europe in that they accentuate the global environmental problems and are essential for the reduction of worldwide CO2 emissions.

4. While the growth of Asian economies hold certain risks for their European trading partners, it at the same time opens up major opportunities for European industry, which thanks to its long experience, particularly in the field of environmental protection, can make an important contribution toward the mastering of environmental problems.

5. The European Commission has, on the basis of the above, formulated a strategy for the cooperation between Europe and Asia in the environmental field (COM 97/490), covering 17 Asian countries harboring about half of the world's population.

6. The Assembly in principle welcomes the proposals contained in the Commission's strategy and will base its own contribution toward an intensified cooperation between Asia and Europe in the environmental field on them.

7. The Council of Europe should support, within the limits of its capabilities, the Asian countries in their efforts to protect their natural resources and to reduce or avoid environmental pollution. The development and economic cooperation with these countries must focus more on environmental protection.

8. The Council of Europe should strengthen its dialogue with Asia on subjects relevant to the environment, as they relate to education, the strengthening of institutions, the avoidance of environmental pollution and the preservation of natural resources.

Signed¹:

Behrendt, Germany, SOC

Stepová, Czech Republic, SOC

Haack, Germany, SOC

Eltz, Croatia, EDG

Etherington, United Kingdom, SOC

Telgmaa, Estonia, EDG

Antretter, Germany, SOC

Blunck, Germany, SOC

Elo, Finland, SOC

Korkeaoja, Finland, LDR

Hoffmann, Germany, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic and Reformers Group

LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group