72 Amendments of Michal ŠIMEČKA related to 2019/2201(INI)
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
— having regard to the Republic of Moldovan's National Action Plan on the Implementation of the Moldova-European Union Association Agreement (NAPIAA) for 2017-2019,
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6
Citation 6
— having regard to its previous resolutions relating to the Republic of Moldova, in particular the previous resolution on the Implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement of 14 November 20181 , its resolution of 5 July 2018 on the political crisis in the Republic of Moldova following the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chișinău2 , of 15 November 2017 on the Eastern Partnership in the run-up to the November 2017 Summit3 , of 4 July 2017 on providing macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova4 , and of 21 January 2016 on Association Agreements / Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine5 , _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0458. 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0303. 3 OJ C 356, 4.10.2018, p. 130. 4 OJ C 334, 19.9.2018, p. 199. 5 OJ C 11, 12.1.2018, p. 82.
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
— having regard to the subsequent EU decision of July 2019 to resume budget support disbursements in light of the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to reform the justice system,
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10
Citation 10
— having regard to the European Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) joint staff working document (SWD(2019)0325) on the Association Implementation Report on the Republic of Moldova of 11 September 2019,
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11
Citation 11
— having regard to the outcome of the fifth Association Council meeting between the EU and the Republic of Moldova of 30 September 2019,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15
Citation 15
— having regard to the 2018 Transparency International corruption perception list that awards the Republic of Moldova the 117th place out of 180 countries and territories assessed (first place being the best),
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 17
Citation 17
— having regard to the recommendations and activities of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum and other representatives of civil society in the Republic of Moldova,
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 18
Citation 18
— having regard to the conclusions of the European Parliament election observation mission to the Republic of Moldova parliamentary elections of 24 February 2019 integrated in the international election observation mission led by the OSCE/ODIHR,
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 19
Citation 19
— having regard to the Commission economic aid package adopted on 29 March 2020 to help the Republic of Moldova, among other countries, in its fight against the COVID- 19 pandemic, which included the redirection of existing instruments to mitigate the socioeconomic impact of the crisis;,
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
— having regard to the analyses and recommendations issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in particular of 8 March 2018 on Young Moldova: Problems, Values and Aspirations; and of 20 April 2018 on Youth Well-being Policy Review of Moldova,
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas through the AA/DCFTA the Republic of Moldova committed to incorporating the EU acquis into its own laws and practices in a large number of areas; whereas, in order to support these efforts, the EU committed to provide substantial financial and budgetary assistance to the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas on 13 September 2017 Parliament and the Council adopted a decision to provide macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova worth EUR 100 million in the context of the IMF programme to support the country’s economic and financial reforms;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in November 2019 the Moldovan Parliament of the Republic of Moldova passed a motion of no-confidence in the Government constituted in June 2019, formed a minority government, and subsequently a new coalition government;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the AA/DCFTA remains of primary importance for the development of the Republic of Moldova, especially in current exceptional times, and commends the progress achieved by Moldova to date; recalls, however, that further progress must be achievedsustained engagement in this process of Moldovan society and authorities; recalls, however, that further progress must be achieved in its implementation, to deliver its full potential and benefits; underlines that the AA/DCFTA was the main vector in encouraging and supporting the process of structural reforms, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Welcomes the reforms that led to the introduction of a visa-free regime with the Union; the program has been used extensively by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and represents a very good example of how the implementation of the AA/DCFTA touches upon the lives of citizens by fostering people-to-people contacts with other fellow Europeans;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Welcomes all intentions towards a closer political, human, and economic integration with the Union in line with the principle of differentiation and based on the performance, results, and aspirations of the Republic of Moldova's authorities and society;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the conclusions of the IMF’s March 2020 Article IV consultation and the IMF Board’s sixth and final review of the Republic of Moldova’s economic performance under the Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility arrangements, with particular regard to the rehabilitation of the Moldovan banking system of the Republic of Moldova and the strengthening of financial sector governance;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that the November 2019 Activity Program of the Moldovan Government of the Republic of Moldova is less ambitious than the previous government’s 2030 Global Agenda, and regrets the lack of a new NAPIAA and underlines the importance of agreeing as soon as possible on a new Agenda as a distinct tool to steer the Association Agreement's implementation; insists that the continuation of EU sector budgetpolitical and financial support remains conditional upon the delivery of tangible reforms, in particular of the judiciary;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Welcomes the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on new exceptional EU Macro Financial Assistance program aimed at countering the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and looks forward to the implementation of the undertaken commitments;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the European Commission to develop a conditionality mechanism to monitor the concrete implementation of reforms, including clear benchmarks;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Acknowledges the adoption by the Moldovan ParliamentParliament of the Republic of Moldova adoption of numerous legislative acts in line with the country’s commitments enshrined in the AA; underlines the importance of a full implementation of these acts, including by adopting secondary legislation;
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is concerned that political instability and frequent government changes are affecting the implementation of AA/DCFTA provisions and limiting the pace of reforms;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Reiterates its concern regarding the lack of a constant commitment to improvements in the public sector, which discourages competent people from pursuing a career in public administration;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Stresses the need for the development of a professional public administration and the encouragement of young people to take up a career in the public sector, so as to achieve a more transparent administration in which nepotism and favouritism do not lead to chronic politicisation;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on the authorities to consider the critical structural changes as priorities to allow the emergence of real self- government since crucial reforms are still not implemented and there are cases in which local authorities are subjected to intense political pressure or harassment by the central authorities or people associated with the ruling groups;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Acknowledges the Republic of Moldova's essential steps to increase the performance of public administration and calls for action to start a more comprehensive decentralization reform as soon as possible;
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Underlines the need for more in- depth and broader cooperation between local authorities, for a reduced number of local administrations and more measures to ensure their greater independence and decrease their operating costs;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is concerned by the high level of concentration and politicisation of the media and advertising sectors, leading to a low level of public confidence in the media; urges the Moldovan authorities of the Republic of Moldova to refrain from exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to adopt measures curtailing freedom of speech and limiting the media’s ability to report facts in an independent and unbiased way;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Asks the authorities to sustain the development of actions to ensure full disclosure of media ownership and to support a deeper involvement of civil society in monitoring and assessing of the transparency process;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 c (new)
Paragraph 7 c (new)
7c. Calls for more support from the government in the development of civil society, calls on government and authorities to refrain from any pressure on NGOs and other civic actors; regrets the distrust and hostility with which political officials approach civil society in general;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 d (new)
Paragraph 7 d (new)
7d. Urges more meaningful and active involvement of civil society in the policymaking processes;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the amendments to the electoral legislation adopted in August 2019, and the ruling of the Moldovan Constitutional Court of Republic of Moldova in February 2020 on the territorial requirements for establishing political parties;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Acknowledges that the “brain drain phenomenon” represents a serious threat to Moldovan future, where a significant number of young people and skilled workers emigrate abroad, thus hampering the economic, social and political potential of the country;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Welcomes entrepreneurial initiatives that aim to develop the Moldovan start-up scene; recognises, however, that further public sector reforms and financial assistance is needed in order to create additional employment opportunities that will entice young people and skilled workers to return to their country of origin;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Asks for strict restraint from changing the electoral legislation to satisfy specific political needs or from altering the rules and regulations to manipulate the results, which will always end in political unrest and instability affecting the commitment for structural reforms;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Welcomes the Republic of Moldovan participation in common security and defence policy (CSDP) missions and operations, on cyber -security and cyber- crime investigations, as well as Moldova’s cooperation with NATO; calls on the EU to include the Republic of Moldova in new formats of cooperation countering hybrid threats;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Acknowledges the Republic of Moldova's unique experience and expertise and the contribution that it can provide to the Union collective security and defence policy;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Encourages a deepened cooperation in EU-related defence policies, including participation in PESCO once the issue of involvement of third countries is determined;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Reiterates the EU’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova, and for the efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the Transnistrian issuepeaceful resolution of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova, ensuring the protection of human rights on the territories not controlled by constitutional authorities;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Acknowledges the increased security interdependence between Moldova and the Transnistria region and the stability of both as the main factor for prevention and resolution of security challenges such as hybrid threats, cyberattacks, election cyber-meddling, disinformation and propaganda campaigns, and third-party interference in the political, electoral, and other democratic processes;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Encourages the Moldovan Government to continue promoting an environment favourable to the settlement of conflicts and supporting activities that increase confidence and people-to-people contacts across conflict-divided communities;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)
Paragraph 10 c (new)
10c. Welcomes all activities that enhance the economic collaboration and increase the level of goods and services exchanges between Republic of Moldova and Transnistria;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Reiterates that the UN General Assembly adopted on 22 June 2018a resolution urging the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops and armaments unconditionally from the territory of the Republic of Moldova and reaffirming the support for the immediate implementation of that resolution;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Encourages the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to look for more in- depth collaboration with the Union and its Members States in order to enhance the implementation of good practices and solutions for countering disinformation, propaganda, manipulation and hostile influencing carried out by external forces aimed at dividing, destabilizing, and undermining the integrity of the internal political processes and the relations with the Union;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Urges the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to consider the development and implementation of the package of laws regarding the fields of conflict prevention and crisis management part of NAPIAA in 2017- 2019;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Urges the Moldovan Government of the Republic of Moldova to complete judicial reforms so as to ensure the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary and specialised anti-corruption institutions, taking the necessary measures, including the introduction of guarantees of judicial independence in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Asks for measures to provide more robust and more resilient institutions, the prevalence of the rule of law, the implementation of judicial reforms and the fight against corruption and money laundering, broader participation in the process of all the stakeholders including a permanent presence from the civil society to achieve a meaningful consultation regarding the objectives and the implementation for a significant acceptance of decisions;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Is concerned by the very high level of disapproval of the judiciary, and therefore calls on the Moldovan authorities of the Republic of Moldova to ensure that the Prosecutor General, his staff, and public prosecutors in general, work independently and abide by the highest standards of professionalism and integrity;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Urges an in-depth reform of magistrates' status using international precedents and good practices to allow the Supreme Council of the Magistracy (SCM) full independence in defending judges and prosecutors against any act of interference in or in connection with their professional activity and to promote a merit-based and transparent system for the selection and promotion of judges; calls on the Moldovan authorities to advance in the transparent process of drafting and timely adoption of the amendments to the Constitution on the SCM, in line with Venice Commission recommendations, and of the new Strategy to ensure justice sector independence and integrity with the participation of and in consultation with the Council of Europe and EU experts, civil society, and other interested actors;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Urges the Moldovan authorities of the Republic of Moldova to ensure the complete independence of the Constitutional Court, and that it is not subject to any form of political interference;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages the strengthening of the Constitutional Court to enable it to resist permanent partisan temptation to use it for political purposes;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is concerned by the very high level of perceived corruption in the Republic of Moldova, and therefore urges the Government to step up the fight against it, as well as money laundering, arms smuggling and organised crime; calls on the Moldovan Government of the Republic of Moldova to adopt concrete measures to reinforce the independence and integrity of the National Anticorruption Centre’s Office and the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office;
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its concern at the persistent failure to bring transparent prosecution of all those responsible for the bank fraud exposed in 2014, as well as the slow recovery of stolen assets; calls on Member States to offer the necessary assistance to the Republic of Moldova's authorities in the investigation of the case if there will be any requests for it;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges the Moldovan authorities of the Republic of Moldova to increase transparency on the funding of political parties, and to investigate all irregularities in a fair and unbiased way;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Calls on European Commission to increase funding through the available budget support and technical assistance instruments, aimed at strengthening the justice and law enforcement authorities' capacity and efficiency, taking into account progress in the implementation of the reforms;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the authorities to significantly increase efforts to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular for vulnerable groupsAcknowledges the improvement of legislation on the protection of human rights and calls on the authorities to recognize the respect for human rights as a critical criterion and a vital condition for a democratic society;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Urges further steps in implementing the national legislation for preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and for a substantial increase in the quality of services provided to victims;
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Calls for more protection, assistance, and support of victims of crime, especially children, during investigations and after the judicial process, and for more support during the social reintegration of the victims;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19d. Encourages the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to promote programs that include consistent gender equality dimension, offer more support to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society, implement legislation to fight hate speech and physical violence perpetrated against the more vulnerable groups;
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)
Paragraph 19 e (new)
19e. Welcomes the progress in the adoption by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova of the new law on NGOs and looks forward to the implementation of the law, which will represent an essential step in strengthening transparent policy dialogue and ensure a favourable climate for the functioning of the civil society in the Republic of Moldova;
Amendment 269 #
19f. Calls for an increased presence of civil society actors in all the actions regarding human rights, fundamental freedoms legislation and implementation, allowing NGOs to act more efficiently as a watchdog for reforms and hold the respective State institutions accountable;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the significant increase in Moldovan imports into the EU, as well as the fact that the EU is the largest investor in Moldova; welcomes the Moldovan Parliament’s adoption of the European LEADER approach as the basis for its national rural policy;
Amendment 275 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Encourages full implementation of the DCFTA in order to further increase the EU – Moldova bilateral trade and investment relationship;
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Welcomes the Moldovan Parliament’s adoption of the European LEADER approach as the basis for its national rural policy;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to adopt and implement policies aimed at regulating the participation of the entities from jurisdictions that do not implement international transparency standards (offshore jurisdictions) or the businesses that are directly or indirectly controlled by such companies from trading with public authorities (public procurement, privatization, concession, and public- private partnership);
Amendment 289 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Urges further steps to ensureWelcomes actions to strengthen institutional capacity and the independence of the National Agency for Eenergy Rregulation,or and the rapid adoption ofencourages the snecondessary legislation needed to ensure the fulland urgent actions to be taken for the implementation of the Third Energy Package, in particular in the field of natural gas;
Amendment 293 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Calls on the National Agency for Energy Regulations of the Republic of Moldova to approve the energy market Rules based on fair competition and ensure compliance by all market participants;
Amendment 295 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Commends the arrangements agreed between Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Romania in December 2019 to enable gas transfers to Ukraine and Moldova via the Trans-Balkan pipeline, and the February 2020 Action Plan to ensure the independence of the transmission system operator Moldovatransgaz;
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Encourages the Moldovan authorities to continue the efforts to reinforce the energy security of the country and commends the finalisation of the Ungheni – Chișinau gas pipeline by the end of 2020;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 b (new)
Paragraph 23 b (new)
23b. Urges the Moldovan authorities to ensure the timely implementation of the project for interconnection of Moldova- Romania electricity systems by providing the necessary support and monitoring the activity;
Amendment 321 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Encourages the Moldovan authorities to requestconsider the establishment of a Jean Monnet Dialogue to support inter- party dialogue and parliamentary capacity building;
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Calls for all EU institutions, the Member States and Moldovan authoritiesin close cooperation with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to better communicate the benefits of the AA/DCFTA and ofthe EU assistance to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova;