13. Observes that the difficult economic situation across the EU has led the Commission to make a first endeavour to identify negative priorities and savings in some policy areas as compared with what was initially foreseen in the financial programming, particularly in those characterised by poor performance and low implementation rates in the recent past as requested by the EP in its Resolution of 24 March 2011; asks however the Commission to provide additional information supporting its assessment to enable EP to clearly determine political and budgetary positive and negative priorities as well as the possibility of further savings an ...[+++]d reallocations, whereas it is essential that the implementation of EU programmes and actions, including the financing of actions aiming at tackling the effects of the crisis and promoting growth, continue at EU level;

Observes that the difficult economic situation across the EU has led the Commission to make a first endeavour to identify negative priorities and savings in some policy areas as compared with what was initially foreseen in the financial programming, particularly in those characterised by poor performance and low implementation rates in the recent past as requested by the EP in its Resolution of 24 March 2011; asks however the Commission to provide additional information supporting its assessment to enable EP to clearly determine political and budgetary positive and negative priorities as well as the possibility of further savings and re ...[+++]allocations, whereas it is essential that the implementation of EU programmes and actions, including the financing of actions aiming at tackling the effects of the crisis and promoting growth, continue at EU level;

The first special case refers to the situation where it is impossible for a Member State to meet its environmental targets because of action or inaction for which the Member State concerned is not responsible, or because of natural causes or force majeure, or because of actions which that Member State has itself taken for reasons of overriding public interest which outweigh the negative impact on the environment, or because natural conditions do not allow timely improvement in the status of marine waters.

Ozone-destroying substances have a deleterious effect over a very long period.

7. Considers that the tragic events of 11 September have exacerbated the negative effects of the slowdown in economic activity and the fall in demand; considers that nevertheless, thanks to prompt international mobilisation and decisiveness, and to an awareness of the need for international cooperation, it will prove possible to tackle and/or restrict their long-term negative consequences provided, of course, that there are no new terrorist acts as feared, in particular, by the USA; believes, additionally, that in view of the negative consequences on specific sectors, it is essential also to boost ...[+++]actions in the cultural sector to promote the creation of jobs, as well as to reinvigorate the demand for these activities, some of which are of vital economic importance in certain European Union regions;

However, "essential element" clauses do not necessarily suggest a negative or punitive approach - they can be used to promote dialogue and co-operation between partners through encouraging joint actions for democratisation and Human Rights, including the effective implementation of international Human Rights instruments and the prevention of crises through the establishment of a consistent and long-term co-operative relationship.