1181 Amendments of Inês Cristina ZUBER
Amendment 5 #
2015/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Points out that Erasmus and other mobility programmes have fostered European integration and strengthened the idea of citizenship; notes that these programmes have had an indiwithin the European Union have contributed to the potential increase in the cultural universality of their beneficiaries, and have been an important mechanism for promoting tolerance, solidarity and dialogue between citizens of differecnt impact on employmentnationalities and experiences; points out that mobility in the context of vocational education and training (VET) is fundamental to the fight against unemployment,an important factor in increasing and diversifying technical and academic capacities, which enhances employability and reduces the skills gap;
Amendment 31 #
2015/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that, despite improvements tothe propaganda around the benefits of the Bologna Treaty and other processes for the standardisation of education and training systems, serious inconsistencies persist in the arrangements for the recognition of diplomas, credits, skills certificates, competency accreditations and acquired expertise in the context of VET, a legal basis applicable throughout the EU is needewhich fail to meet the expectations of students and workers who seek to make use of these arrangements of their own accord;
Amendment 87 #
2015/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomesPoints out that the tools developed by the Commission, such as Ploteus and Eures, which offer information about VET and mobility, but deplores the fact that they are little known and little used; notes, however, that mobility cannot be understood as a solution to the problems of unemployment and should not be promoted as a policy in substitution of the responsibility of the Member States to invest in education, training and the creation of employment, ensuring that mobility is a personal choice and not a ‘survival solution’ for citizens;
Amendment 125 #
2015/2257(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls for a revision of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) based on criteria included ing the prior assessment of the social effectiveness of measures to combat unemployment, with funding for the less effective provisions being cut, an approach which iensuring that the allocations made to these programmes particularly important at times of crisis such as the strengthened, encouraging the independence of beneficiaries and truly universal acceses, which are marked by unacceptable imbalanceslst at the same time avoiding the elitisation of mobility by means of under-financialisation.
Amendment 5 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EUvarious EU Member States faces diverse challenges at both global and domestic level, such as sluggish growth, high levels of unemployment, a widening gap between rich and poor, the exacerbation of social and income inequality, and intense international competition;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the European Semester aims to increase coordination of economic and fiscal policies across the EU 28 in order to enhance stability, promote growth and employment and strengthen competitivenessmake action by the organs of national sovereignty conditional on and subordinate to decisions taken at EU level, particularly the national parliaments, which are being positioned as mere implementers thereof;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas it is imperative to mobilise all potential avenuesbreak with the neoliberal principles that have been governing the policies imposed by the EU on the peoples and workers of the Member States; whereas only sustainable economic growth based on decent wages, on work with rights, on state control of strategic sectors of the economy, on universal and free access to all levels of education, on promotion and socialisation of innovation will make it possible to boost the EU economy and competitiveness of EU Member States;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
Amendment 16 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas a robust, efficient and inclusive Single Market, with enhanced governance, is a crucial instrument to boost investment andthe deepening of the Single Market has accentuated the dismantling of the sovereign instruments for regulation of economies; whereas it has not represented convergence, comopetitiveness and thus preserve theration or solidarity, but rather economic domination, divergence and uneven development; whereas tax avoidance and profit transfer at Member State level intensified confsidence of the business sector and consumersrably with the creation of the Single Market, showing it to be ineffective and exclusive;
Amendment 22 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas ongoing technological, societal and behavioural changes significantly impact business and consumer behaviour, creating many economic opportunities and challenges which the Single Market framework must addressMember States must address appropriately;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Believes that effectivthe principal purpose of the coordination of microeconomic and fiscal policies must also encompass macro- and microeconomic coordination, and calls for the inclusion of coordination of current EU microeconomic policies in the European Semester procespolicies in force in the EU, particularly as regards wage and taxation changes, is to prevent wage increases and the promotion of any more redistributive and progressive taxation systems that may result from the wishes and struggles of the workers;
Amendment 38 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises the importance of advancing the SM to achieve structural economic growth in order to attract investmentstructural economic growth that attracts investment, nevertheless is alert to the fact that such attraction should not be based on privatisation processes, but rather on capacity for innovation and technological growth in the form of infrastructure and equipment, under decent working conditions, and in training and qualifications for workers;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is concerned that the level of implementation ofTakes the view that the specific recommendations for each Member State resulting from the European Semester arecommendations for 2011-2014 was weak and even declining profoundly undemocratic;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stridently condemns the European Semester;
Amendment 54 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 59 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 67 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that any review process of the European Semester must allow for proper involvement of the European Parliament, national and regional parliaments and all relevant stakeholders that may result from a review of the European Semester will not alter the undemocratic nature of this instrument, since neoliberal economic policies continue to be imposed on the Member States, regardless of the express will of the peoples and workers;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Is ofRejects the view that the network of National Competitiveness Boards could play a more central role in developing commonalities as regards monitoring, performance measurement, benchmarks and exchange of best practicemake recommendations to the Member State governments in relation to measures to increase wages, taxation and competitiveness;
Amendment 77 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Is of the view that the actual purpose of the network of National Competitiveness Boards is to deepen the imposition of neoliberal policies in the Member States and, therefore, to prevent any wage increases that may result from the wishes and struggles of the workers, and the pursuit of redistributive and progressive taxation policies;
Amendment 148 #
2015/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. WelcomNotes the Digital Single Market Strategy as the right, but takes the view that the mandatory guiding principle of the approach to makeing the EUMember States fit for the digital age; calls for a speedy delivery and implementation of this strategy to ensure the EU regains lost gr should be defence of the public interest, which shounld in relation to the previously slow adoption and use of digital technologitake precedence over the mere profit motive under all circumstances;
Amendment 7 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the free movement of workers, evoked as a basic principle of the European Union, has essentially served to exploit emigrant workers, since it is a policy tailored to the interests of capital rather than the interests of workers;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas human trafficking, in particular the trafficking of women, not only from third countries to the EU but also between EU countries, is often associated with false employment contracts;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that in certain sectors women are the most affected by social dumping, including housekeeping and the care sector (especially home care), but also in traditional ‘posting’ sectors such as the meat processing or transport sectors; calls on the Commission to evaluate those sectors in which women experience social and wage dumping or undeclared work as the worst form of social dumping, as well as the existing related EU legislation; points out that, bearing in mind its ‘isolated’ and individual nature, domestic work is one of the most unprotected sectors, and domestic workers are frequently employed in precarious conditions, without a contract, their wages are paid late, they are required to work extra hours without due payment, their rights to leave and rest periods and paid public holidays are ignored and their social security contributions go unpaid;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States to ensure that all workers are guaranteed equal rights, regardless of their country of origin, and that the necessary socio- economic mechanisms are in place to prevent any kind of social dumping;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on the Member States to combat every aspect of job insecurity, proceeding from the principle that permanent jobs should involve proper employment contracts;
Amendment 27 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Points out that it is vital to ensure that all posted workers and workers who already have the prospect of employment when they emigrate have a comprehensible legal contract with the employer, written in their own language, before they enter the host country;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recommends the establishment of a network of information offices and a website, capable of providing information in migrant workers’ own language, and a website with the same capability providing assistance and information on the rights of women workers posted or temporarily transferred to another Member State and employers’ obligations;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that all subcontractors, e.g. temporary agencies that mostly send women to other Member States for the purposes of domestic work and home care, must be made liable for unpaid wages,, in the event of failure to pay wages, be required to pay those wages as well as social security contributions, accident insurance and illness and injury provisions, in addition to any costs of repatriation and other necessary expenses;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to ensurefor thate Member States to reinforce effective control measures and sanctions for employers in sectors in which women are victims of social dumping and introduce a blacklist, paying particular attention to monitoring contracts issued in their countries, particularly by private employment agencies recruiting people from other countries; calls likewise for the activities of public bodies responsible for monitoring compliance with labour standards to be coordinated with those of judicial bodies, and for a blacklist to be introduced for employers that do not comply with EU and Member State legislation.
Amendment 48 #
2015/2255(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls for an upgraded role for the social partners, in particular the trade unions, given their importance in providing information on, preventing, reporting and combating working practices which, in addition to being a serious affront to human dignity at the workplace, are harmful practices contrary to corporate social responsibility and to the concept of decent work.
Amendment 2 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
Amendment 3 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
Amendment 45 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. Whereas one of the consequences of rising energy prices is that many families live in houses without heating and that not having adequate heating has a negative impact on a person’s health, in particular for children and older persons;
Amendment 69 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Da (new)
Recital Da (new)
D a. Whereas privatisation and deregulation of energy services have contributed to the rise in prices, which prevents growing numbers of the population from having access to these services;
Amendment 110 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Invites the Commission, in the context of the announced social pillar, to present an EU framework directive on adequate minimum income in 2016;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
Paragraph 5 – introductory part
5. FPoindts it regrettableout that the EU2020 target to reduce poverty in Europe by, lifting 20 million people out of poverty, appears even further out of reach than when it was set; reiterates that one of the target groups is people that face severe material deprivation; calls on the Commission and the Member States to renew their commitment to the poverty reduction targetsupport measures to reduce poverty by adopting the following measures:
Amendment 185 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. WelcomeHighlights the Commission’s intention to present a new social pillar; recalls that to deliver on Article 9 TFEU, such a pillar should be aimed at setting a European framework for a minimum income above the poverty level, continuing with a rights- based approach to social policy and improving implementation of existing social, labour and anti-discrimination legislation;
Amendment 194 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. WelcomeHighlights the Commission’s intention to aim for a social triple A score for the Union; finds regrettable that this is currently out of reach owing to increasing inequality, high poverty and social exclusion and less and less availability of quality and affordable social, health and care services; recalls that a social triple A must be based on Article 9 TFEU aimed at a ‘high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection, the fight against social exclusion and a high level of education, training and protection of human health’; recalls that achieving a social triple A as a benchmark requires assessing both policies that hinder and work towards achieving the benchmark; finds regrettable that so far the latter has not been addressed at Union level;
Amendment 205 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop, adopt and implement an EU framework to reduce poverty and social exclusion, in line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, consisting of concrete measures and actions, including energy poverty;
Amendment 207 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 A. Calls on the Commission to bear in mind the proposals contained in the Opinion published by the European Economic and Social Committee, ‘For coordinated European measures to prevent and combat energy poverty’, and to encourage the urgent adoption of a European energy security and solidarity commitment and, within this framework, the setting-up of a European Poverty Observatory and a European fund with the specific aim of eradicating energy poverty
Amendment 288 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that there is a lock-in effect as regards energy poverty, as poor households cannot afford the initial upfront investment needed to combat energy poverty;
Amendment 347 #
2015/2223(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Calls on Member States to develop energy policies which are at the service of economic development and populations, which reduce consumption and energy deficits, and which can be seen as a factor for inclusion and not as a constraint on the development of small and medium- sized enterprises and the well-being of peoples;
Amendment 1 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the single market remains fragmented and the great potential for growdeepening of the single market, often called internal market, emphasized the dismantling of th,e innovation and jobs largely untapped; calls on the Commission and the Member States to honour their commitments and to safeguard the revival of the single market as one of the Union’s main prioritistruments of sovereign regulation of economies, which had significant negative consequences in terms of economic growth, job creation and therefore in the reduction of socioeconomic disparities among the different Member States;
Amendment 8 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 16 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Stresses that the Single Market has not been representing either convergence, cooperation or solidarity, but rather economic domain, development divergence and asymmetries;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 20 #
2015/2210(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Commission’s new approach to streamlining the European Semester process; lauds, in this context, the Commission’s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market, but calls for more determined efforts to guide and coordinate economic policiRejects any streamline, by the Commission, regarding the European Semester process, which is an instrument that has been imposing the denominated austerity policies in a wide range of Member States and which has led to devastating social-economic consequences; in order to ensure consistent and fair implementation of the economic governance framework across the Member Statesthis context, also rejects the Commission’s work on defining CSRs relating to the single market;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2210(INI)
5. Urges the Commission to take additional measures to improve access to finance for SMEs and to ensure an improved business environment, simplify proced, being against, however, to new sources and reduce administrative burdens in the single market; stresses the importance of sound business regulation for the success of the European Fund for Strategic Investmentof funding similar to the ones that led to the 2007/2008´s financial crisis;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2210(INI)
7. Emphasises that the European Semester is a great opportunity to urge Member States to step up their efforts towards the digital single market (DSM); welcomes, in this context, the Commission’s communication on the roadmap for completing the DSM; considers it essential to remedy the current fragmentation of national rules on digital services and to build a more innovative and transparent DSM based on sound competition andDigital Single Market is an instrument to defend the liberalization of the digital market as well as the mercantilization of new digital technologies in order to promote the deregulation of trade regarding goods and commodities and the free movement of capital, which, once again, affects the weaker countries in economic terms; in this context, and as in proeviding a high level of accessibility and consumer protectionous phases of the deepening of the single market process, this will contribute to emphasize the economic domain of the multinational companies and the major European powers;
Amendment 2 #
2015/2132(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that Horizon 2020 framework programme funding needs to be shared out more fairly among Member States; draws attention to the fact that several cohesion countries are net contributors to the framework programme; points out that the ‘Innovation Union’ initiative has to involve all countries and regions and that there must be no ‘innovation divide’ between more innovative countries and regions and the rest;
Amendment 5 #
2015/2132(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. RecallWarns that the Single Market (SM) is a key driver of growth and jobs; notes, however, that this potential remains untapped in many respectwill tend to exacerbate the huge inequalities in terms of growth and jobs in Member States; asks, therefore, for bettefair spending of the budget by providing adequate financial means for the SM in order to cover a clear set of priorities related to the real economy and to raising people’s living standards;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2132(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes with concern that the budgetary constraints being imposed on Member States are leading to greater restrictions on STI investment, with highly damaging effects.
Amendment 45 #
2015/2132(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Points to the crucial role of structural and investment funds in promoting STI investment; believes that the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund have a central role to play in, respectively, training and skills development for workers in the area of innovation and the funding of regional innovation strategies that could bring benefits in terms of territorial policy, improving living conditions, promoting social justice and well-being, and preserving the environment; points to the importance of strengthening cohesion policy and the related objectives by making use of innovation and other means and, to that end, revising the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework.
Amendment 12 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers it essential, if the proposed goals are to be attained, to bring nature and society into a harmonious, sustainable relationship;
Amendment 28 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that should other major competitors of the EU’s major energy- intensive industries fail to make similar commitments onhave to be committed to GHG reductions, and that carbon leakage provisions will be maintained in the long term and strengthened where necessary; considers it vital that sustainable European agribusiness is protected against carbon leakagemust be tightened up and complied with;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Warns against the effects of deregulation and liberalisation in international trade, which is causing energy consumption and global goods flows to increase, thus adding to atmospheric GHG concentrations; believes that safeguarding and promoting local consumption, by means of shorter supply chains, is a way to encourage complementary relationships in international trade, as opposed to competition among products, producers, and countries, and hence to increase employment and the numbers of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Takes the view that global trade liberalisation has been leading to higher energy consumption and GHG emissions, and that the EU must therefore call for the resulting impacts to be systematically studied and assessed;
Amendment 50 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Points to the importance of an objective, integrated, cross-cutting, and systematic approach to climate change, widening the range of means employed to reach reduction targets and avoiding reliance on market-based instruments alone;
Amendment 59 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points to the importance of assessing the potential for making economies less carbon intensive by reducing dependence on fossil fuels; considers that such assessment must be based on technical and scientific studies and cover the same time-frame as the reduction targets laid down; maintains that the EU has to set an example both by taking its own initiatives and by promoting cooperation with its international partners;
Amendment 62 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Maintains that assessment is needed in order to determine how effectively market-based instruments can serve to achieve the goal of global GHG reduction and what implications they might entail in social and environmental terms;
Amendment 72 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Underlines the serious negative consequences of non-action; stresses that a concerted global political and financial push for clean energy innovation is crucial to meeting our climate goals and to facilitate growth in EU green-economy sectors; highlights the need to preserve existing copyright and intellectual property rights in technology and knowledge transfer to third countries;
Amendment 113 #
2015/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CommendUrges the US and China onto fulfil their commitment tos and thereby playing a more significant global climate role; points to the environmental, social, and economic benefits that strong global commitments bring for the competitiveness of EU industry;and regrets that some developed countries continue to increase their emissions per capita.
Amendment 2 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the right to work ing conditions are deteriorating and inequalities between Member States in terms of working conditions are increas a proper health and safety environment is a fundamental employment right that is constantly under challenge as a result of the working conditions currently on offer for workers, who, faced with the prospect of unemployment and impoverishment, are forced to accept anything; whereas the economic crisis has been contributing to the aggravation of working conditions;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas preventing occupational risks and promoting health and safety at the workplace are fundamental ways of creating and maintaining healthier and safer working environments, improving working conditions and effectively combating workplace accidents and occupational diseases;
Amendment 10 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas men have more workplace accidents than women, but women, because of their exposure to particular risks, suffer from occupational diseases to a greater extent;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas there is a stereotype of women as having lower-risk jobs, whereas the overall view in Europe is that the division of labour between men and women is never neutral, and whereas, in general, that division obscures women's health problems, as a result of which less preventive action is taken in connection with women's jobs;
Amendment 12 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas women in particular can face specific risks, such as musculoskeletal disorders or specific types of cancer, as a result of the nature of some jobs where they are over-represented;
Amendment 13 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas work-related stress is the second most frequent health problem in Europe - after musculoskeletal disorders - and almost half of all workers consider it to be common at their workplace; whereas it accounts for almost half the number of working days lost each year and represents an annual cost to society put at EUR 240 billion;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas, because of the austerity policies advocated by the EU, the most common causes of work-related stress, in particular among women, are precarious employment, longer working times, shorter rest periods, more intensive work patterns and competition among workers, bullying or harassment at work, and labour market discrimination against women, contributing to the dehumanisation of work;
Amendment 15 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas identifying at-risk workers and detecting symptoms early are vital strategies for preventing musculoskeletal disorders, as is the introduction of a follow-up and monitoring system based on clinical assessments, in order to produce a more up-to-date reference model;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Ah. whereas the cost of stress at work and of accidents at work is borne by the whole of society, in general, while liability ought to lie with employers who are responsible for stress and accidents;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
Ai. whereas, at a time when the EU and Member States are pursuing policies of austerity, it is more essential than ever to discuss the 'social' cost of workplace accidents resulting from failings or negligence on the part of employers, who still regard health and safety at work as a cost to be avoided;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A j (new)
Recital A j (new)
Aj. whereas combating accidents at work as a whole can succeed only by promoting a people-centred approach, in every respect, to the production process;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas employment segregation, pay gap, working time, workplaces, precarious working conditions, domestic division of labour, sexism and sex discrimination, as well as the physical differences between women and men, including in regard to reproduction, are factors affecting the hazards women face at work;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas good health, both mental and physical, is a fundamental right that hasis of positive value in itself;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the right to work in a proper health and safety environment is a fundamental employment right that is constantly under challenge as a result of the working conditions currently on offer for workers, who, faced with the prospect of unemployment and impoverishment, are forced to accept anything; whereas the economic crisis has been contributing to the aggravation of working conditions;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas preventing occupational risks and promoting health and safety at the workplace are fundamental ways of creating and maintaining healthier and safer working environments, improving working conditions and effectively combating workplace accidents and occupational diseases;
Amendment 37 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas identifying at-risk workers and detecting symptoms early are vital strategies for preventing musculoskeletal disorders, as is the introduction of a follow-up and monitoring system based on clinical assessments, in order to produce a more up-to-date reference model;
Amendment 39 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to pass on to employers the costs relating to treatment of occupational diseases and to accidents at work - the cost of drugs, sick-leave- related social security costs, the cost of rehabilitating and reintegrating workers, especially where occupational diseases that are work-related are involved, the cost of occupational-disease-based invalidity pensions, and the cost of exemptions in connection with transport and other public services for pension holders and persons with a disability - where those costs are attributable to poor working conditions;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas in the present situation, with the widespread implementation of ‘austerity policies’ by the EU and its Member States, it is essential to discuss the 'social' cost of workplace accidents resulting from non-compliance, carelessness or negligence on the part of employers, who still regard health and safety at work as a cost;
Amendment 41 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls on Member States to step up public investment in appropriate and essential human, technical and financial resources in order to verify compliance with labour standards and penalise any violations thereof, in promoting specialised professional training in health and safety at work, and in campaigns to raise awareness and provide information and advice with regard to industrial relations;
Amendment 42 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Calls on undertakings to ensure home health care services for all their employees, including for women with differing needs, such as women with a disability, pregnant women, migrant women and women of all ages;
Amendment 43 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas the whole of society is overburdened by the cost of both workplace accidents and occupational diseases, and it should therefore be the employers of the workers affected who are liable for compensation;
Amendment 47 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas work-related stress is the second most frequent health problem in Europe - after musculoskeletal disorders - and almost half of all workers consider it to be common at their workplace; whereas it accounts for almost half the number of working days lost each year and represents an annual cost to society put at EUR 240 billion;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas the most common causes of work-related stress – precarious employment, longer working times, shorter rest periods, more intensive work patterns and competition among workers, as well as bullying by supervisors and managers – have increased with the austerity policies imposed on the peoples and workers of the Member States, largely as a result of the European Union Treaties;
Amendment 53 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas worker representation at company level and commitment from management is importantnecessary to successful risk prevention at the workplace15 ; __________________ 15 Worker representation and consultation on health and safety, EU-OSHA (2012) https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/repo rts/esener_workers-involvement
Amendment 56 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas worker representation at company level and commitment from management is important to successful risk prevention at the workplace3, but the fight against workplace accidents, occupational diseases and psychosocial risks will be fully effective only if anthropocentric models are promoted in both business and public administration; __________________ 3 Worker representation and consultation on health and safety, EU-OSHA (2012) https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/repo rts/esener_workers-involvement
Amendment 59 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to address the increasing number of musculoskeletal diseases among women resulting from working conditions, as well as from household chores;
Amendment 63 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Commission to conduct a study, broken down by gender and age, into workplace well-being and exposure to stress at work;
Amendment 65 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Calls on Member States to conduct studies, broken down by gender, age and area of economic activity, into the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among the working population at national level, with a view to determining how best to monitor those disorders;
Amendment 74 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for an upgraded role for the social partners, in particular the trade unions, given their importance in providing information on, preventing, reporting and combating working practices which, in addition to being a serious affront to human dignity, are harmful practices contrary to corporate social responsibility and to the concept of decent work;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2107(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls on Member States to link the work of labour standard monitoring authorities with the work of judicial authorities so as to hold firms to account which immorally violate the most basic human rights at the workplace;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that all employees have a right to the highest level of protection regarding health and safety in the workplace, which must be guaranteed regardless of the size of the employer, the underlying contract or the Member State of employment;
Amendment 119 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Commission to address the increasing number of musculoskeletal diseases resulting from working conditions;
Amendment 134 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. is concerned by the fact that some employers use the financial crisis as an excuse to reduce health and safety standards, and calls for better and more effective controls by the Member States in cooperation with the social partners;
Amendment 136 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Stresses that it is vital and necessary to ensurguarantee a safe and healthy working environment throughout people’s working life in order to achieve the goal of active and healthy ageing for all workers;
Amendment 165 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. stresses furthermore that the participation of workers' organizations in planning national and risk assessment strategies both in public and in private sector are essential
Amendment 167 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Calls for enhancing the role of trade unions, assuming its importance in informing, preventing, whistling and fighting against labour practices which are an offense to human dignity and reveal contrary to corporate social responsibility and decent work
Amendment 184 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls on Member States to ensure that the action taken by the authorities responsible for working conditions is coordinated with the judicial authorities, so as to hold to account employers who unlawfully and immorally violate the most basic human rights at the workplace;
Amendment 185 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 b (new)
Paragraph 7 b (new)
7b. Calls on Member States to pass on to employers the costs relating to treatment of occupational diseases and accidents at work - the cost of drugs, sick-leave-related social security costs, the cost of rehabilitating and reintegrating workers, especially where occupational diseases that are work-related are involved, the cost of occupational-disease-based invalidity pensions, and the cost of exemptions in connection with transport and other public services for pensioners and persons with a disability, where those costs are attributable to poor working conditions;
Amendment 224 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. recalls that undeclared work is the most unprotected form of work and calls all Member states to develop practical tools both for control and compliance of employers using undeclared workers
Amendment 228 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Calls on the Member States to strength public investment (both in terms of human and technical resources, but also in regarding financial means) headed for the supervision regarding the compliance of labour standards and for the sanctioning of their violation, and also headed for the promotion of specialized training in health and safety fields and for campaigns to aware, inform and to advice on issues concerned to labour relations;
Amendment 360 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Urges the Commission to conduct a study, broken down by gender and age, into well-being and exposure to stress at work;
Amendment 364 #
2015/2107(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21b. Calls on Member States to conduct studies, broken down by gender, age and area of economic activity, into the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders among the working population at national level, with a view to preventing and combating the emergence of these disorders;
Amendment 6 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas in various EU countries with low birth rates, women and couples would like to have children but are prevented from doing so not at their own choosing, but by the growing deterioration in their living and working conditions as a direct result of so-called austerity policies, which have created unemployment and precarious employment and led to the absence of and violation of maternity and paternity rights at the workplace, increasing the cost of essential goods and services, destroying public services and making it more difficult to access facilities for children;
Amendment 9 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 12
Citation 12
Amendment 14 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas there is little chance of the 75 % employment rate target set in the Europe 2020 strategy being achieved for women (it currently stands at 63.5 %) by 2020achieving the target of high-quality, stable and decent work for women, on equal conditions to men without proactive policies designed to help women enter the job market, especially policies that promote a better work-life balance;
Amendment 14 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas it is vital to ensure that women have the right to jobs with rights and the right to motherhood without being penalised for it, since women continue to be worst affected and suffer most discrimination; whereas examples of this discrimination include pressure from employers when women attend job interviews, when they are asked whether they have children and how old they are, with the aim of influencing women's decisions and opting for childless workers who are 'more available', along with growing economic and work-related pressures for female employees not to take maternity leave;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas many workers who are in precarious employment or unemployed do not have the right to parental leave;
Amendment 21 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Is of the opinion that the social partners should activate the review clause; calls for the revision of the directive, including adoption of measures introducing adequate and incentive-based financial compensation for lost income for parents taking up parental leaveguaranteeing the allocation of parental leave allowances always on the basis of 100% of reference pay, in order to secure families’ social and economic well-being and to promote take- up of parental leave by fathers;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that family-related policy instruments such as parental leave should be designed as individual, non-transferable entitlements in order to improve their efficiency and take-up rates, especially among men, ultimately leading to a more equitable position of men and women in the labour market and minimising the discriminatory effects that prolonged periods of labour market inactivity have on women who take up maternity and parental leave; emphasises the need for a balanced distribution of non-transferable parts of the parental leave between bothtakes the view that the Member States should define ways in which leave can be shared or used simultaneously, in line with the outcome of consultations with women's organisations and trade unions, whereby this arrangement should not jeopardise the social rights already in place at paresents; calls in that respect for the minimum 4- month entitlement to be extended to 6 months; points out that consideration needs to be given to a minimum compulsory period of leave for mothers after confinement, in line with Parliament's proposal of 20 October 2010 with a view to amending Directive 92/85/EEC;
Amendment 32 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that everyone should be guaranteed the right to parental leave without discrimination, regardless of the type of contract working fathers and mothers are employed under;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the EU as a whole is facing a serious demographic challenge as birth rates are constantly decreasing in most Member States, and family policies that are fair to men and women should both improve women’s prospects on the job market and have a positive impact on demographic processes; not because of a choice made by women and couples over whether to have children but because of the growing deterioration in their living and working conditions as a direct result of so-called austerity policies, which have created unemployment and precarious employment and led to the absence of and violation of maternity and paternity rights at the workplace, increasing the cost of essential goods and services, destroying public services and making it more difficult to access facilities for children;
Amendment 34 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. whereas other types of parental leave should also be guaranteed, and for example there is a need to create a specific form of maternity leave in the case of premature birth for as long as the newborn baby has to remain in hospital, guaranteeing payment of 100% of the corresponding allowance based on the reference salary, as well as leave where babies are born with conditions that require hospitalisation;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2097(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Amendment 40 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas it is vital to ensure that women have the right to jobs with rights and the right to motherhood without being penalised for it, since women continue to be worst affected and suffer most discrimination; whereas examples of this discrimination include pressure from employers when women attend job interviews, when they are asked whether they have children and how old they are, with the aim of influencing women's decisions and opting for childless workers who are 'more available', along with growing economic and work-related pressures for female employees not to take maternity leave;
Amendment 44 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas many workers who are in precarious employment or unemployed do not have the right to parental leave;
Amendment 55 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers it regrettable that not all Member States have provided the Commission with correspondence tables between the provisions of the directive and the transposition measures; considers it crucial for Member States to ensure that the necessary inspection resources are in place to verify that legislation protecting parents' rights is being complied with;
Amendment 57 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Considers it regrettable that there are disparities between the transposition measures of the directive in the field of application, thus creating systems that benefit workers to varying degrees depending on their employment sector (public or private) and the length of their contract; stresses that everyone should be guaranteed the right to parental leave without discrimination, regardless of the type of contract working fathers and mothers are employed under;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Emphasises that family rights assigned by public policies, including parental leave, should be individual rather than transferable, with a view to encouraging both parents to achieve a better work-life balance; designed to encourage both parents to achieve a better work-life balance, minimising the discriminatory effects that prolonged periods of labour market inactivity have on women who take up maternity and parental leave; takes the view that the Member States should define ways in which leave can be shared or used simultaneously, in line with the outcome of consultations with women's organisations and trade unions, whereby this arrangement should not jeopardise the social rights already in place at present;
Amendment 98 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes the flexibility the directive grants to the Member States to define forms of parental leave – part-time or full-time – and the working and notice periods established as conditions for granting parental leave, whereby these different arrangements should depend on requests being made by mothers and fathers; welcomes the initiatives introduced by the Member States to give workers as much flexibility as possible in this area, ensuring that parental leave ties in with their professional and personal circumstances, but; believes that any choices made to cede some of the decision-making power to employers should notwill undermine the target of increasing the taking of parental leave; points out that consideration needs to be given to a minimum period of leave of six weeks, which would be compulsory for mothers after confinement, in line with Parliament's proposal of 20 October 2010 with a view to amending Directive 92/85/EEC;
Amendment 135 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Emphasises the need to activate the revision clause in EU legislation on parental leave for that purpose, including, in particular: the adoption of measures guaranteeing the allocation of parental leave allowances always on the basis of 100% of reference pay, a specific form of maternity leave in the case of premature birth for as long as the newborn baby has to remain in hospital, and subsidised leave where babies are born with conditions that require hospitalisation;
Amendment 157 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the social partners to offer to extend this minimum duration from four to six months, paid at 100%, to improve work-life balance;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that, alongside legislative measures to promote work-life balance, the Member States, with the financial backing of the various EU instruments, should focus on introducing high-quality, accessible public childcare facilities with a view to meeting the Barcelona objectives;
Amendment 194 #
2015/2097(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Call on the Commission, in that regard, to incorporate workplace gender equality objectives into the European Semester for economic policy coordination to enable the targets of the Europe 2020 strategy to be met and to gauge the positive influence of legislative measures on improving work- life balance with a view to redistributing family and domestic responsibilities;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines the importance of sufficient fundingthe need to increase budget allocations across the board and of good budgetary management of the social assistance programmes within the 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework that aim in particular to address unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, such as the European Social Fund (ESF), the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), the different axes of the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and, the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF);
Amendment 27 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that EU funding must not be used to finance employment programmes to meet permanent operational needs or pay for bogus self- employment;
Amendment 40 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that the 2016 budget should promote a high level of worker protection, including labour and trade union rights, and a culture of prevention across the EU and help to address the new challenges to health and safety at work that continue to arise;
Amendment 51 #
2015/2074(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses that the EU budget should support efforts to promote the completion of the single market, competitiveness and social convergence, the development of a policy on socially responsible enterprises, and the monitoring of the application of statutory social standards by enterprises in order to ensure the creation of decent jobs with rights;
Amendment 11 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the food trade has an increasingly significant cross-border dimension and is of particular importance for the functioning of the internal market, with intra-Community trade playing a highly prominent role in this sector;
Amendment 25 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas UTPs occur where there is a lack of economic balanceare inequalities in trading relations between partners in the food supply chain, resulting from bargaining power disparities in business relations and constituting a serious disturbance to market balance, which are the result of the growing concentration of market power among a small number of multinational groups, and whereas these disparities tend to harm small and medium-sized producers;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the market in various countries is increasingly being dominated by large distribution chains which, with their respective own brands, in themselves pose a problem in terms of the imposition of low prices and the lack of outlets for products in a number of countries;
Amendment 33 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas unfair practices may have harmful consequences for the food supply chain, which in turn may have a detrimental impact onwill adversely affect the entire EU economy; whereas UTPs may discourage cross-border trade in the EU and hinder the proper functioning of the internalra-Community market; whereas unfair practices can result in particular in enterprises cutting back on investment and innovation owing to a reduction in income and a lack of certainty, and may lead them to abandon production, processing or trading activities;
Amendment 49 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas SMEs and microenterprises are particularly vulnerable to UTPs and are mworest affected than large enterby the impact of UTPs; whereas, by failing to guarantee fair prisces by their impact of UTPs, whichfor production, these practices make it harder for themSMEs to survive on the market, undertake new investments and, innovate, and make it more difficult for SMEs to expand their activities, including across borders within the single marketexpand their activities, at both national and international level;
Amendment 76 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the steps taken to date by the Commission to combat UTPs with a view to securing a more balancedCalls for a framework to be created to regulate the market in relation to both production and marketing at EU level, which should provide a response to the problems faced by small and medium- sized producers, putting forward measures to protect producers in each country, in particular by guaranteeing fair prices for production and offering protection for national markets in the face of foreign products entering the market;
Amendment 77 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Is in favour of establishing the principle of ‘national preference’ which each Member State will be able to use in relation to imports from EU countries and third countries, by creating a system of mandatory marketing quotas for domestic production;
Amendment 79 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for the reversal of policies designed to deregulate and liberalise world trade and is in favour of trade policies being drawn up in accordance with each country’s interests, specific characteristics and needs, geared to complementarity rather than competition (between products, producers and countries);
Amendment 80 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Advocates the introduction of a system of ‘maximum operating margins’ to enable added value to be distributed fairly and properly along the food supply chain – whenever serious imbalances are found to exist, and with a view to improving producer prices, Member States may bring forms of intervention to bear on the chain, for instance by setting maximum operating margins for each agent in the chain;
Amendment 106 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the development of alternative and informal mechanisms for dispute settlement and redress, in particular through mediation and amicable arrangements; points out, however, that use of these mechanisms is often motivated by high court fees, which are in many cases unaffordable and consequently prevent SMEs from accessing the usual judicial channels;
Amendment 176 #
2015/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that action to combat UTPs willshould help to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and to develop cross-border trading in the EUfight the abuse of market power, which is being used by large economic groups to control the agri-food sector, in particular by setting market prices; recommends, in this context, that all the Member States implement practices designed to promote improvements in farmers’ income, notably through action to combat dumping;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Highlights the fact that reprogramming or suspension as regulated in Article 23 of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) could underminenot only casts doubt on social and economic convergence between regions and, but also serves to aggravate inequalities from one region to another, jeopardiseing goals pursued by ESI funds, especially in countries with deep macroeconomic and social imbalances; asks the Commission to use the mechanism only when Member States have persistently failed to take effective action to address its requests to reprogramme funding and giving due consideration to the unemployment rate or the impact on the economies of the Member States concerned;
Amendment 23 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to be extremely cautious in applying the first strand ofcease applying Article 23 of the CPR to all programmes coming under any of the thematic objectives of the ESI Funds, in particular thematic objectives (8), (9) or (10), or the employment and social targets of the Europe 2020 Strategy, to ensure that social cohesion is not undermined; asks the Commission to be strictly committed to applying the ESF minimum share provided for in Article 92(4) of the CPR;
Amendment 29 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission to avoid any suspension ofnot to suspend commitments or payments provided for in the second strand of Article 23 of the CPR where Member States are involved in any of the situations described in sub-paragraphs (a) to (e) of paragraph 1 of Annex III to the CPR;
Amendment 35 #
2015/2052(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Asks the Commission to avoid arbitrariness incease applying Article 23 of the CPR, to devise a transparent and democratic decision-making process, in line with Article 23(15) of the CPR, and to allow Parliament, on the basis of a formalised process, to be informed at all stages of the adoption of reprogramming requests or of any proposals and decisions on suspension of commitments or payments.
Amendment 29 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 1
(1) Member States and the Union should work towards developing a coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce and labour markets responsive to economic change and with a view to achieving the full employment and, decency of wages, collective bargaining and other social progress objectives set out in Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union. Member States, having regard to national practices related to the responsibilities of management and labour, are to regard promoting employment as a matter of common concern and coordinate their action in this respect within the Council.
Amendment 49 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 3
Amendment 69 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 6
(6) The financial and economic crisis revealed and emphasised important weaknesses in the economy of the Union and its Member States. It has also underscored the close interdependence of the Member States' economies and labour markets. Moving the Union to a state of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth and job creation is the key challenge faced today. This requires coordinated and ambitious policy action both on Union and national level, in line with the provisions of the Treaty and the Union economic governance. Combining supply and demand side measures, these actions should encompass a boost to investment, a renewed commitment to structural reforms and exercising fiscal responsibil. Combining economic and social policies which promote social cohesion, combat poverty and unemployment, and protect collective bargaining, should safeguard growth and social security.
Amendment 96 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Recital 10
Amendment 103 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 1 – paragraph 1
Member States should facilitate job creation, reduce barriers for business to hire people, promote entrepreneurship which promote sustainable, decent and quality jobs, respecting workers’ rights and collective agreements, and in particular support the creation and growth of small enterprises in order to increase the employment rate of women and men. Member States should also actively promote the social economywelfare state and foster social innovation.
Amendment 114 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 1 – paragraph 2
The tax burden should be shifted away from labour to other sources of taxation that are less detrimental to employment and growth while protecting revenue for adequate social protection and growth enhancing expenditures. Reductions in labour taxation should be aimed at the relevant components of the tax burden and at removing barriers and disincentives to labour market participation, in particular for those furthest away from the labour marketfair and more evenly distributed across labour, profits and consumption, while shifted on to top managerial income, profits and wealth.
Amendment 218 #
2015/0051(NLE)
Annex 1 – section 4 – paragraph 1
Member States should modernisimprove their social protection systems to provide effective, efficient, and adequate protection throughout all stages of an individual’s life, ensuring life in dignity, access to social protection, full respect of social rights, fairness and addressing inequalities. There is a need for simplified and better targeted social policies complemented by affordable quality childcare and education, training and job assistance, housing support and accessible health care, access to basic services such as bank account and Internet and for action to prevent early school leaving and fight social exclusion.
Amendment 35 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Comprehensive action is required to reverse the vicious circle created by a lack of investment. Structural reforms and fiscal responsibility are necessary preconditions for stimulating investment. Along with a renewed impetus towards investment financing, these preconditions can contribute to establishing a virtuous circle, where investment projects help support employment and demandfor a renewed impetus towards investment financing, where investment projects help support employment, demand and social and geographic cohesion of territories and lead to a sustained increase in growth potential.
Amendment 48 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) Throughout the economic and financial crisis, the Union has made efforts to promote growth, in particular through initiatives set applied austerity policies which have brought about ian the Europe 2020 strategy that put in place an approach for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The European Investment Bank ('EIB') has also strengthened its role in instigating and promoting investment within the Union, partly by way ofextremely serious social and societal crisis and which have held back the strategic investments needed for smart, sustainable and increase in capital in January 2013. Flusive growth. Urgent further action is required to ensure that the investment needs of the Union are addressed and that the liquidity available on the market is used efficiently and channelled towards the funding of viable investment projects in terms of creating high-quality jobs with rights and from an environmental and sustainability point of view.
Amendment 60 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The EFSI is part of a comprehensive approach to address uncertainty surrounding public and private investments. The strategy has three pillars: mobilising finance for investment, making investment reach the real economy and improving the investment environment in the Union, with the creation of high-quality work with rights and in compliance with ILO standards, and improving the investment environment in the Union, particularly in those areas most affected by the crisis and then by budget cuts based on austerity plans, in order to reduce the economic disparities which may cause new economic and social crises.
Amendment 62 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
Amendment 76 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The purpose of the EFSI should be to help resolve the difficulties in financing viable projects to create high-quality jobs with rights and supporting enterprises in the areas most affected by the crisis, and implementing productive investments in the Union and to ensure increased access to financing. It is intended that increased access to financing should be of particular benefit to small and medium enterprises. It is also appropriate to extend the benefit of such increased access to financing to mid- cap companies, which are companies having up to 3000 employees. Overcoming Europe's current investment difficulties should contribute to strengthening the Union's economic, social and territorial cohesion.
Amendment 96 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) Many small and medium enterprises, as well as mid-cap companies, across the Union require assistance to attract market financing, especially as regards investments that carry a greater degree of risk. The EFSI should help these businesses to overcome capital shortages by allowing the EIB and the European Investment Fund ('EIF') to provide direct and indirect equity injections, as well as to provide guarantees for high-quality securitisation of loans, and other products that are granted in pursuit of the aims of the EFSI.
Amendment 209 #
2015/0009(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
The purpose of the EFSI shall be to support investments in the Union, encourage the social and territorial cohesion of the Union and to ensure increased access to financing for small and medium-sized companies having up to 3000 employees, with a particular focus on small and medium enterprises, through the supply of risk bearing capacity to the EIB ('EFSI Agreement').
Amendment 23 #
2015/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Takes the view that the European Semester is simply a piece in the EU’s institutional architecture that is attacking countries’ political and economic sovereignty, imposing budget restrictions on the organs of national sovereignty;
Amendment 25 #
2015/0000(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Reiterates that it is not possible, in the framework of the European Semester and the Europe 2020 Strategy, to achieve goals such as cutting unemployment, reducing poverty and reducing the inequalities between men and women along with investment in public services, in particular the public network of day care centres, nurseries and public services which offer extracurricular activities for children, the development of the public support network for the elderly and a public network of community hospitals;
Amendment 2 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the appointment of two Commissioners who will work on further developing the EU digital agenda and copyright issues in the course of the new Commission mandate; welcomnotes the Commission Work Programme for 2015 insofar as it promises to deliver a Digital Single Market Package, which includes the objective of modernisupdating copyright rules;
Amendment 15 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that copyright and related rights play an important role, as they protect and stimulate both the development and marketing of new products and services and the creation and exploitation of their creative content, thereby contributing to improved competitiveness, employment and innovation across several industry sectors in the EUStresses that protecting copyright represents a fundamental recognition of the performance of creative work which promotes the creation of jobs in all the Member States and provides a guarantee of fair remuneration for creative work;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Draws the Commission’s attention to the fact that the term of protection of copyright has been harmonised at European level by a directive that was revised in 2011 (Directive 2011/77/EU of 27 September 2011 amending Directive 2006/116/EC), under which protection lasts for 70 years after the author’s death, in line with average life expectancy in the European Union; highlights the economic importance of the cultural and creative industries, which account for more than 7 million jobs in the European Union and generate a total of 4.2% of EU GDP;
Amendment 28 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Recognises the need to ensure appropriate remuneration and to protect the rights of all categories of right holders in a better way; recalls that while the cultural and creative industries (CCI) employ more than seven million people and contribute 4.5% of EU GDP annually, and that even though the services, technologies and options permitting the general public to access creative works grow every day, the earnings of right holders in the CCI sector keep decreasing, in contrast to the growing profits made by intermediaries;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. HighlightTakes the factview that Member States’ provisions on copyright and related rights vary considerably, and that the exclusivity which copyright grants its owner is, in principle, limited to the territcreating ‘European authors’ rights’ through a single European system of copyright would impose a forimal boundaries of the Member Stity thate where the right has been granted, which leads to market fragmentation across the EUould stand in the way of fair remuneration for creative work;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 59 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that there is a need to further improve cross-border access and the portability of services which are essential for consumerbeneficiaries to be able to get the services they want, where and when they want themaccess knowledge, without discrimination;
Amendment 70 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Urges the Member States and the Commission to promote a flexible and balanced framework for exceptions and limitations that does not cause any harm to copyright holders and that conforms with consumer expectationsto the right of access to knowledge; emphasises the important role that exceptions and limitations agreed on for public-interest reasons, for the purpose of education and teaching, play in providing access to knowledge as well as in encouraging cultural and societal participation; urges the Commission and the Member States to consider e-books as part of public lending schemes, provided that all necessary agreements with the relevant right holders have been reached beforehand;
Amendment 72 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recommends studying the rules governing file-sharing for non- commercial purposes, which should provide mechanisms to ensure that intermediaries pay fair compensation for creative work;
Amendment 77 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the structured stakeholder dialogue ‘Licenses for Europe’, launched by the Commission in 2013; believes that relevant stakeholder engagement and sharing of best practices is essential if a more homogenousfair implementation of copyright laws across the EU is to be reached;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2256(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Highlights the importance of promoting greater interoperability for software, as lack of interoperability hampers innovation and reduces competition in the EU; believes that lack of interoperability may lead to market dominance of one particular product, which in turn stifles competition and limits consumer choice in the EUthe use of free software, as the use of private software poses obstacles in terms of interoperability, which in turn hampers access to knowledge and information.
Amendment 217 #
2014/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 294 #
2014/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes that exceptions and limitations in the digital environment should be enjoyed without any unequal treatment as compared with those granted in the analogue worldshould be used for the purposes for which they were designed and not to create new business models;
Amendment 425 #
2014/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the EU legislator to ensure that the use of photographs, video footage or other images of works which are permanently located in public places is permitted for non-commercial purposes;
Amendment 470 #
2014/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls for a broad exception for research and education purposes, which should cover not only educational establishments but any kind of educational or research activityinstitute, including non-formal education;
Amendment 551 #
2014/2256(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recommends making legal protection against the circumvention of any effective technological measures conditional upon the publication of the source code or the interface specification, in order to secure the integrity of devices on which technological protections are employed and to ease interoperthat the rules governing file-sharing for non-commercial purposes be studied with a view to estability; considers, in particular, that where the circumvention of technological measures is allowed, technological means to achieve such authorised circumvention must be availableshing arrangements requiring intermediaries to pay fair compensation for creative work;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the increase in average life expectancy should be seen as a gain for civilisation and a factor of social progress;
Amendment 22 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas work productivity has increased significantly in the past decades, and raising the pension age is therefore not an inevitable option;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas active ageing and solidarity between generations are key to achieving the Europe 2020 goals and targbuilding an inclusive societsy and bringing about a competitive, prosperous and inclusive Europeto any country’s development;
Amendment 28 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas, according to the WHO, the word ‘active’ refers to continuing participation in social, economic, cultural, spiritual and civic affairs, not just the ability to be physically active or to participate in the labour force, and whereas, consequently, older people who retire from work, and people who retire because of invalidity or illness, can remain active contributors to their families, peers, communities and nations;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas visible discrepancies exist between Member States and regions as regards active ageing policies and policies on social protection in old age, support infrastructure and budgetary resources;
Amendment 36 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas active and healthy ageing creates new social needs, requiring investment in diversified public services, both existing services and new services that are yet to be created, and of course in the field of health and care for the elderly, and whereas it unlocks new potential in relation to the enjoyment and extension of leisure and rest time;
Amendment 64 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that active ageing is the process of optimising opportunities for health and formeans continuing to participatione in society in order to enhance quality of life as people age; takes the view that active ageing policies should increase people’s potential for physical, social and mental well-being through the course of their lives so as to allow better social inclusion and greater participation in society, at both the political, civic and cultural level and at family level, but it also means enjoying the final years of life as a quality time, in particular by taking part in programmes such as universities of the third age and in leisure, sporting and tourist activities; highlights the fact that promoting active ageing does not simply mean better conditions to enable older people to work longer, but alsoentails providing better access to public health and social services and to lifelong learning, boosting existing social infrastructure, such as homes and day centres, the elimination of age discrimination and stereotypes, action to combat poverty and social exclusion, and greater awareness of the value of active and healthy ageing;
Amendment 70 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Recommends to all the Member States that, through their social security systems, they promote and strengthen high-quality public infrastructure for the elderly (homes, day centres and home support), where elderly people are seen as active participants rather than passive recipients of the initiatives in which they take part;
Amendment 74 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Recommends to all the Member States that they promote dignified ageing, in particular by paying pensions at a level that cannot fall below the poverty line;
Amendment 77 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly rejects the consideration of active ageing policies solely as an instrument to maintain the employability of older workers, and calls on the Member States to make all the necessary assessments beforedriving an increase in the pension age and recommends that the Member States should not raisinge the mandatory pension age;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to improve the targeting of funds for active ageing, together with the effectiveness of funds absorption; further calls on the Commission to explore the feasibility and added value of a new European financial instrument to address the problem of reintegrating dismissed middle-aged workers;
Amendment 123 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recommends to the Member States that they draw up and implement public policies and programmes that will not only improve physical health but also promote mental health and social ties;
Amendment 126 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Considers it essential to provide public services to support older people in living independently for as long as possible, and to develop and maintain people-oriented and demand-driven public support and care services for the elderly;
Amendment 138 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 159 #
2014/2255(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 20 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and children are a clear violation of human rights, human dignity and the fundamental principles of law and democracy; whereas today women are more vulnerable to these threats due to increased economic uncertainty and the higher risk of unemployment and poverty;
Amendment 52 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States to set up networks of centres providing support and shelter for women who are victims of trafficking and prostitution, ensuring that they receive psychological, medical, social and legal support and encouragement in finding stable employment and accompanying entitlements;
Amendment 80 #
2014/2254(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Commission to step up funding for projects and partnerships between the Member States and NGOs with recognised experience in assisting women who are victims of trafficking and prostitution;
Amendment 68 #
2014/2251(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines that the need to successfully reconcile professional and family obligations often represents a major barrier to women advancing their scientific and academic careers, and represents one of the major reasons for them dropping out of those careers; for these reasons, it calls on the Commission not to withdraw the new proposal of the so-called Maternity Leave Directive;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas only states are able to provide free compulsory universal education, a sine qua non for guaranteeing equal opportunities for both sexes;
Amendment 10 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas budget cuts in the education sector, stemming to a large extent from the austerity policies advocated by the EU, are jeopardising free high-quality public education and thus serving to exacerbate inequalities;
Amendment 72 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States to encourage the promotion of public networks of nurseries and crèches, the preschool education system, and public leisure services for children;
Amendment 73 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States to promote the democratisation of education and the other conditions necessary in order to ensure that education, provided through schools and by other means of instruction, helps to bring about gender equality and equal opportunities, overcome economic, social, and cultural inequalities, foster personal development and a spirit of tolerance, solidarity, and responsibility, and facilitate social progress and democratic participation in the life of the community;
Amendment 86 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to increase the essential investment in education in order that everyone may benefit from free public education of high quality;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Member States to provide the active support necessary to ensure that migrant women and their families can be taught the language of their host country in locally based free public education services;
Amendment 129 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Insists on giving special attention to the gender dimension in all its forms, in curricula, which should explicitly spell out the principle of equality, content, school programmes and lesson plans, as well as the need to assess the place of women in school curricula in various disciplines, highlighting their role in the content taught;
Amendment 167 #
2014/2250(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Underlines the needCalls on the Member States to prepare and disseminate guidelines for schools, teachers and those responsible for setting the curriculum in order to embrace a gender perspective and gender equality, and asks teachers to analyse andthe eliminateion of stereotypes and sexist distortions that the teaching materials may include in their content, language and illustrations, encouraging them also to combat this sexism in literature, film, music, games and other areas that contribute decisively to changing the attitudes, behaviour and identity of boys and girls;
Amendment 24 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Considers that austerity measures in several Member States are having a negative impact on jobs and growth, resulting in decreasing investments, increasing unemployment, and in the destruction of the job creation potential; considers that all the new projects and investments promoted by EU funds should have an employment clause that includes the obligation to create new and non- precarious jobs;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2245(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for an inclusive jobs and growth strategy that will tackle unemployment and secure more growth, more jobs with enhanced workers' rights, and access to public health and education as one of the means of achieving the economic, social and territorial cohesion that is needed in the EU; considers that the ultimate goal should be sustainable development and a high quality of life, together with prosperity and decent work for everyone;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that blue growth should never be considered in isolation from the maintenance and sustainability of the natural resources of the seas, the restoration of those which have been lost and measures which are certainly sustainable and have been proven to be so;
Amendment 41 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Highlights the need to focus on environmental aspects and on improving the quality of the marine environment in order to ensure we have a sustainable blue economy without restricthile realising its employment potential;
Amendment 54 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that coastal and maritime tourism can contribute to economic growth and to reducing casual or temporary work, providedhe creation of quality jobs; stresses, however, that theall activities armust be carried out in an environmentally-friendlysustainable way;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2240(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Considers that in order to maximise sustainable economic growth and employment andincrease the creation of quality jobs based on blue technologies, exchanges of ideas between the world of research and that of business should be encouraged, to promote and increase their ability to cooperate and network.
Amendment 12 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital -A a (new)
Recital -A a (new)
-Aa. Whereas, under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children should be guaranteed the right to an education, health-care services, housing, protection, participation in decisions that affect them, leisure and free time, a balanced diet, and the receipt of care in a family environment;
Amendment 22 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. Whereas the factors with the greatest influence on child poverty are wealth- redistribution policies and labour policy9 a, particularly parental income levels and social rights; __________________ 9aSave the Children, ‘Child Poverty and Social Exclusion in Europe’, Brussels, 2014, p.5
Amendment 24 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
A B. Whereas, although the children of parents with very low work intensity are 56.7 % more likely to be at risk of poverty or social exclusion, families with high work intensity remain at risk of child poverty today (Romania, Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Latvia, Slovakia, Poland or Luxembourg);
Amendment 30 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. Whereas the destrucdistribution of incomes has a major impact on reducing cycles of social inequality and the Member States with lowest rates of child poverty – such as Sweden and Denmark – are also those with the lowest levels of general poverty and inequality;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. Whereas between 2008 and 2012, the number of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Europe (EU27+Norway, Iceland and Switzerland) rose by almost one million, increasing by half a million between 2011 and 2012 alone9, and, according to data from Eurostat in 2013, 26.5 million children in the EU28 are at risk of falling into poverty or social exclusion; in the EU27, the risk of poverty or social exclusion increased between 2008 and 2012 from 26.5% to 28%; in 2013, in the Member States of the EU28, 28% of the total population under 18 was at risk of poverty or social exclusion and, in the vast majority of countries, the risk of poverty and social exclusion is greater for children than for adults; __________________ 9 Save the Children, ‘Child Poverty and Social Exclusion in Europe’, Brussels, 2014, p.5
Amendment 65 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
F a. Whereas the latest reports by the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless highlight an increase in women, young people and families with children (with migrant children over- represented) taken into homeless shelters;
Amendment 74 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
G a. Whereas the first few years, even before compulsory education, are crucial to children’s development, given that it is during this period that they develop essential capacities and that access to a high-quality education has a significant impact on self-esteem, ability to participate in social life, better health, social inclusion and, in the future, access to better job opportunities; whereas the educational gap between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds has increased;
Amendment 84 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
H a. Whereas, in 2012, the average school-dropout rate was 13 % for the EU and over 20 % in some countries (Portugal, Spain and Malta)9 a __________________ 9aEU-SILC (2013) EU statistics on Income and Living Conditions
Amendment 85 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
H b. Whereas working parents who do not have access to a nursery school are often forced to leave children in the care of another child, or to recourse to paid and uncertified informal care networks, which jeopardises their children’s safety and well-being;
Amendment 91 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. Whereas children born into poverty are at greater risk of suffering chronic illnesses and having more health problems, which leads to the perpetuation of inequality;
Amendment 92 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. Whereas, even in countries where the right to health is enshrined in law, many children do not have access to appointments with a general practitioner or dentist, particularly because of a lack of available public services; whereas some children have very limited access to health-care services, which does not go beyond accident and emergency;
Amendment 93 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. Whereas the financial problems of families have been contributing to increased mental health problems in parents and to instances of family breakdown, which has undeniable repercussions on the psychological and social well-being of children;
Amendment 94 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I d (new)
Recital I d (new)
I d. Whereas the environment in which a child lives, including the pre-birth period, has a decisive influence on the development of the cognitive system, on communication and language, and on social and emotional skills, which will have a consequence for health, well- being, participation in communities and learning capacities9 b; __________________ 9b Drivers, 2014, ‘Universal, quality early childhood programmes that are responsive to need promote better and more equal outcomes in childhood and later life’.
Amendment 104 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J a (new)
Recital J a (new)
J a. Whereas child poverty has a high economic cost for societies, particularly as regards increased spending on social support;
Amendment 106 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. Whereas families living at risk of poverty are more likely to live in unsanitary and unsafe areas, and that 17% of children in the EU28 still live in these conditions, with 15 countries above average11; the price of energy means that many children live in homes without heating, which increases the number of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases; the increasing number of evictions due to the inability to pay housing costs has pushed children into shelters; __________________ 11 EU-SILC (2013) Statistics on Income and Living Conditions
Amendment 114 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
K a. Whereas migrant children are over- represented in the group at risk of poverty and there is more discrimination against them because of language barriers, with this situation worse for illegal immigrant children; whereas, today, with the intensification of migratory flows, there are a growing number of cases in which the children of emigrants remain in the country of their birth under the care of other family members or third parties, negatively influencing the children’s development, particularly at the emotional level;
Amendment 116 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
K b. Whereas there should be financial reinforcement of food-aid programmes aimed at disadvantaged families, since a growing number of children only have access to food at school; whereas these programmes are important, but cannot be seen as a long-term solution;
Amendment 136 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recommends that Member States increase the quantity, amounts, scope and effectiveness of the social support specifically directed to children, but also to parents (such as unemployment benefits) and to promote labour laws that guarantee social rights and security to families and fight precarious employment while promoting work with rights;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls on the Member States actually to realise the right to housing, by guaranteeing citizens and families an appropriate home that meets their needs and ensures their well-being, privacy and quality of life, thereby contributing to the achievement of social justice and cohesion and the combating of social exclusion and poverty;
Amendment 204 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recommends that Member States’ national budgets contain visible and transparent provisions for appropriations and costs to combat child poverty and to fulfil their duty to protect children;
Amendment 206 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Recommends that the Commission and Member States set targets for reducing child poverty and social exclusion;
Amendment 214 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls on Member States to introduce legislation to protect or increase maternity and paternity rights; regrets the announced withdrawal of the revised draft of the Maternity Leave Directive by the Commission, which guarantees working women more rights during the pre- and post-birth periods;
Amendment 226 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recommends that Member States develop proactive social policies that prevent poverty and the departureremoval of children from their family environment, ensuring that it is not through poverty that children are institutionalised; calls on the Member States to use the EU Structural Funds and the European Fund for Strategic Investments to support the transfer of institutionalised children to host families and community-based services;
Amendment 244 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recommends that Member States guarantee all children access to free, quality public education at all ages, including early childhood, and establish appropriate teacher-student ratios, in order to safeguard the safety and well-being of children;
Amendment 247 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9 A. Calls on the Member States to promote inclusive schooling, which should involve not just increasing the number of special education teachers, but also integrating children with special educational needs into normal classes;
Amendment 266 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Urges Member States to guarantee universal, public, free and quality health care with regard to prevention and primary care, access to diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, guaranteeing women the right to sexual and reproductive health by ensuring health care for babies, maternity care in the pre- and post-natal care period, particularly in the case of premature birth, access to family doctors, dentists and mental health specialists for all children and their families, and integrate these aspects into national and the EU public health strategies;
Amendment 285 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on Member States, particularly those where social inequalities are greater, to strengthen social rights that the state must guarantee, increasing the number of employees and technicianprofessionals in the social security services working with and for children and their families, and increasing the medical, psychological and social care of children;
Amendment 291 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to participate actively in combating the trafficking of children for any form of exploitation, including work, forced marriage, illegal adoption, illegal activities and sexual exploitation;
Amendment 294 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13 b. Calls on the Member States to support, through their municipalities, local centres for supporting children and their families, particularly in the communities and/or areas most affected by the issue of child poverty, which provide not just for legal aid and/or advice, parental advice and school support, but also for education and guidance on a healthy lifestyle and on safe Internet use, amongst other things;
Amendment 296 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Recommends that the Member States guarantee refugee citizens, particularly children and young people, the same rights of access to education, health care, work and housing as other citizens of the Member State in question;
Amendment 305 #
2014/2237(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Recommends that the Commission and Member States develop statistical methods that integrate multidimensional indicators in measuring poverty to take into account the limitations of relative poverty measurements and the work of the UNDP, UNICEF and the OECD, going beyond the AROPE(parents’ income, access to high-quality public services, participation in social and cultural activities, access to adequate formal and informal education services, exposure to physical risk, safety, stable family environment, and level of life satisfaction) and to take into account the limitations of relative poverty measurements and the work of the UNDP, UNICEF and the OECD, which take these multidimensional indicators into account in their statistics; recommends that these indicators be cross-referenced with indicators of socioeconomic classification (parents’ income and literacy level, country of origin, gender, disability, geographical location, etc.), going beyond the AROPE (at risk of poverty and/or exclusion) indicators;
Amendment 12 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, as a consequence of the economic and financial crisis, the policies imposed on Member States under reconstruction programmes, and the deepening of the economic governance framework, levels of poverty and social exclusion have increased, as has long-term unemployment;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas social innovation refers to new ideas, whether they be products, services or social organisation models, designed to meet new social and environmental demands and challenges, such as the ageing population, balancing work and family life, managing diversity, youth unemployment and climate change, but under no circumstances can it replace the role of the welfare state;
Amendment 35 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
Amendment 62 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Amendment 75 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. BelievNotes that social innovation makes a significanty, along with public investments and the safeguarding of the welfare state, contributione towards laying the foundations for a type of growth which serves a more sustainable, inclusive society generating social cohesion;
Amendment 146 #
2014/2236(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 1 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
Amendment 3 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
Amendment 19 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas labour market rigiditieausterity and labour reforms are having a negative impact on job creation, while a competitive EU labour market can contribute to achieving the Europe and its quality, moving the economy away from its 2020 employment and poverty targets;
Amendment 42 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that in the wake of the European economic crisis a number of Member States are struggling with high unemployment levels (EU28: 9.9 %) as well as public debt; is further concerned that youth unemployment rates (EU28: 21.4 %) are generally much higher;
Amendment 53 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Considers that a reduction in working hours for full-time workers without a decrease in wages is key to distributing employment and increasing the welfare of workers;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Situation on the EU labour market, including labour market shortages
Amendment 85 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that the intra-EU labour mobility remains low (EU27: 0.29 %), with high unemployment rates in some Member States and unfilled job vacancies in othershigh unemployment rates in some Member States and regions has a devastating effect on social and regional cohesion;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Notes with concern the persistence of involuntary temporary and involuntary part-time work; condemns the wide- spread use of opt-out clauses by Member States in the setting of maximum working hours and the rising worker intensities suffered by many workers;
Amendment 102 #
Amendment 117 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Stresses the importance of human development, career flexibility and self- responsibility; recalls in this respect that investment is needed to actively support employabilityvocational training and prevent skills depletion among the unemployed; emphasiszes that such measures should be combined with reforms in pension and social welfare systems that encourage more people to worke importance of an adequate supervision of training schemes by public authorities and trade unions;
Amendment 168 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls the need to strive for a more flexible approach to individual career development and lifelong education and training across one's personal career pathimportance of the availability of lifelong support, education and training for workers;
Amendment 175 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Believes that training and re- qualification programs for the unemployed should be designed and implemented in close cooperation with employers' associations, with a view to better aligning workers' new skills with the needs of employerbetween social partners and public authorities;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Recalls that it is of utmost importance to giveprovide job guidance and counselling to jobseekers in how to look for a jobworkers and to ensure that their skills are recognised through ‘competences passports' reflecting the skills acquired through both formal and informal learning;
Amendment 195 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 6
Subheading 6
Amendment 204 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
Amendment 231 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Recalls that there are curreDraws attention to the 7 million EU citizens living or working, as of 2013, in a member country other than their countlry 2 million unfilled vacancies in the EU; emphasises the need for labour mobility in the Union in order to fill this gap,of citizenship, the 1.1 cross-border workers and the 1.2 posted workers across the EU; emphasises the need for their citizenship and labour rights to be fully respected and reiterates the importance of ERASMUS+ andimproving EURES in this respect;
Amendment 235 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22 a. Recalls that fair mobility is closely linked to the right of free residence for EU workers; emphasizes that it cannot act as a substitute for policies aiming at improving regional and social cohesion in those areas with high unemployment rates;
Amendment 240 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Recalls the importance of the mobility of highly skilled workers from third countries in the light of the demographic challengesat migration of workers from third countries must be respectful of their resident and labour rights; is concerned by the negative effects on third countries of European migration policies, including on social cohesion and availability of relevant worker skills e.g. "brain drain";
Amendment 258 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 9
Subheading 9
Amendment 260 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 272 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Underlines the importance of support measures for SMEs and micro-enterprises, in order to reduce the administrative and financial barriers to their establishment and operation as well as facilitating the hiring of qualified labour and training of employeesimprove their access to financing and workers training;
Amendment 298 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Highlights the job creation potential offered by completing the digital single market, building the energy union, creating jobs through investing in research and development and innovation, and fostering transport networksplanning for a transition towards a socially and environmentally sustainable economy;
Amendment 306 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Notes with concern the failure and delays of Youth Guarantee schemes in most Member States and calls on the Commission to provide a detailed impact assessment of this initiative and its various implementations and assess the possibilities for increased funding within the current MFF;
Amendment 343 #
2014/2235(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the Member States to include leadership, management and financial education and business start-up advice in their education programmes, and to prioritise the further development of vocational training and education (VET) programmes, under adequate supervision of trade unions;
Amendment 1 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
Amendment 9 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points to the manifest failure of public-private partnerships to help improve and extend the provision of high- quality universal public services;
Amendment 13 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 19 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that public-private partnerships have effectively amounted, albeit indirectly, to nothing more than privatisation, with private 'partners' inevitably benefiting at the expense of the public sector and its users, undermining the quantity and quality of services provided; points out also that public- private partnerships have been a determining factor in destabilising employment and reducing the number of jobs;
Amendment 21 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
Amendment 23 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the European Commission to assess without delay all circumstances surrounding public-private partnerships and endeavour to provide Member States accordingly with the means to renegotiate or terminate contracts that are manifestly detrimental to the public interest;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 31 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 35 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 38 #
2014/2233(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 3 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1a (new)
Paragraph 1a (new)
1a. Considers it extremely important to secure a net increase in the appropriations against EU budget lines relating to economic and social cohesion to at least double the current amounts, together with a radical change in the way in which the appropriations are allocated; believes an immediate revision of the MFF also to be extremely important, in order to secure a net increase in the amounts currently provided for, which should be at least doubled; considers it extremely important for the funds for this increase to be made available by raising the contributions of the Member States with the highest GNI and per capita income, which will require changes to be made to the current breakdown among Member States;
Amendment 7 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Considers it extremely important to set up support to Member States, in particular those already in recession, in connection with investment in infrastructure, public amenities, research, innovation and development;
Amendment 8 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 14 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Urges the Commission, in view of the deepening of the crisis and the significant increase in poverty to which this is giving rise, to make combating poverty a genuine priority by putting forward specific measures to reduce poverty and arrangements under which the EU budget can be used to supplement action taken by Member States;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Is opposed to the EU budget being used to fund a militarist, neo-liberal Union; points to the need for a different approach which supports sustainable development, stronger, environment- friendly domestic demand based on higher wages, full employment based on jobs with rights, social well-being, the eradication of poverty and social exclusion, and economic and social cohesion;
Amendment 30 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
Amendment 34 #
2014/2224(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Considers it extremely important for the funds for this increase to be made available by raising the contributions of the Member States with the highest GNI and per capita income, which will require changes to be made to the current breakdown among Member States;
Amendment 110 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Stresses the need for reforms in the labour market to put a strong focus on promoting quality work, improved social security and fight social exclusion, enhancing existing and introducing new workers’ rights, promoting health and safety at work, better social risk management and the reconciliation of work and non-work life;
Amendment 130 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Regrets the fact that the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) will be based on recycled EU resources and will not raise public ‘fresh’ money, apart from an extra EUR 5 billion from the EIB; stresses the risks of an insufficient fund based on overly optimistic assumptions about the likelihood of attracting the bulk of the financing needed from private investors; calls on the Commission to consider using the EIB’s annual profits and undisbursed dividends to increase resources without endangering the bank’s AAA rating; calls on the Commission to explore ways of using the EU budget and other, new resources to ensure that it will not fail to deliver; calls on the Commission to mobilize these funds to achieve public projects and not for the creation of public-private partnerships;
Amendment 137 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses the fact that the EFSI must be focused on creating new investments in areas where investor appetite is subdued rather than on substituting investments that would have been produced elsewhere (crowding out), or on focusing on highly profitable investments that would have occurred in any case (deadweight); calls on the Commission to include and promote social investments that not only generate financial returns but promote positive social spillovers, such as investments in human capital or investments with high impact in quality job creation and rights or poverty reduction; reiterates its call for the implementation of the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP);
Amendment 214 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Notes that decisive investment plans for growth and job creation can only be fully realised if they are coupled with national reforms that enhance quality labour and rights participation, boost productivity and develop human capital; believes that structural labour market reforms should introduce internal flexibility measures aimed at maintaining employment in times of economic disruption, ensure job quality and security in employment transitions, and provide unemployment benefit schemes that are based on activation requirements and linked to reintegration policiesshould be guaranteed access to employment with rights and worthy social support;
Amendment 286 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is concerned that labour market reforms in many Member States have mainly promoted precarious jobs; observes that 50 % of jobs created in 2014 were temporary jobs; notes that, according to the Commission, in-work poverty persists, and that for 50 % of all job seekers, securing employment is not enough to lift them out of poverty, nor does it raise productivity; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make job quality and social rights a priority and to address labour market segmentation;
Amendment 340 #
2014/2222(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Given the number of workers, particularly young people, who are now leaving their countries of origin for other Member States in search of employment opportunities, there is an urgent need to develop appropriate measures to guarantee that no worker is left uncovered by social and labour rights protection; calls, in this regard, on the Commission and the Member States to further improve EU labour mobility while upholding the principle of equal treatment and safeguarding wages and social standards; calls on each Member State to establish social and employment policies for equal rights and equal pay at the same place of work and that matches permanent jobs to permanent contracts;;
Amendment 6 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 30 a (new)
Citation 30 a (new)
- having regard to the UN Convention on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in particular Article 6, Women with disabilities,
Amendment 7 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 32 a (new)
Citation 32 a (new)
- having regard to its resolution of 25 February 2014 on sexual exploitation and prostitution and its impact on gender equality (2013/2103(INI)),
Amendment 18 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the labour market situation and social conditions remain critical, and whereas inclusive growth will require greater strategic public investment;
Amendment 27 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the net destruction of jobs has coincided with an increase in precarious employment in the form of low-paid part-time jobs and short-term contracts;
Amendment 29 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas poverty has a structural and deeper impact on women the effects of which are worsening due to austerity measures which are set up in an attempt to solve the current economic, financial and social crisis;
Amendment 32 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the increasing risk of poverty is closely and directly linked to the destruction of significant social functions performed by the state, as seen, for example, in the recent destruction of public social security systems in a number of Member States, along with cuts in key social benefits (family allowances, unemployment and sickness benefits, and income support), which affect many women, particularly those who have dependent families and have to cope with all their household problems;
Amendment 33 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas it is crucial to take into account the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination experienced by many women and girls in Europe (disability, migrant background, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, housing status, etc.);
Amendment 37 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. whereas austerity measures in some countries have made women more vulnerable, both collectively and individually, leading to greater exploitation and to poverty and marginalisation, a situation which is also fuelling the trafficking of women and prostitution;
Amendment 45 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas family units in EU countries take a variety of forms based on civil partnership or marriage, between persons of the same sex or different sexes, and including families in which the parents are married or unmarried, be they of the same sex or of different sexes, single parents, foster parents, and families with children from previous relationships, all of which deserve equal protection under EU laws;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas rates of unemployment among young women are overtaking those of the population as a whole, and young women continue to be discriminated against by employers following maternity leave, a factor which affects their work and life prospects;
Amendment 68 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas flexible working patterns are becoming more common, as can be seen from weekend work and more irregular, unpredictable, and longer working hours; whereas flexible working patterns apply mainly to part-time workers and hence mostly to women, who are thus more likely than men to work different hours from one week to the next, making it difficult to balance work and family life; whereas this adds to the importance of promoting measures making for work-life balance;
Amendment 101 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas the falling birth rate in the EU has been exacerbated by the crisis, given that unemployment, precarious circumstances, and uncertainty about the future and the economy are making couples, and younger women in particular, put off having children, thereby further reinforcing the EU-wide trend towards population ageing;
Amendment 115 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 – point 1 (new)
Amendment 117 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Proposes that austerity measures be withdrawn immediately as these do not just affect the public services women are more likely to use on account of their current economic vulnerability, but also cuts in the budgets for policies to prevent violence against women;
Amendment 124 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Calls on the Member States to strengthen social protection for the unemployed in order to tackle rising poverty, especially among women;
Amendment 129 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Member States to increase their child support budgets, specifically by expanding the public network of day-care centres, nurseries, and public services offering extracurricular activities for children;
Amendment 138 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on Member States to implement a multi-layered approach that focuses on equality in paid and unpaid work to enable both women and men to become equal earners and equal carers throughout their lives and policies that address women's economic independence on an equal footing with men.
Amendment 146 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that collective bargaining is a right which has to be protected, such protection being central to social harmonisation building upon improvements inasmuch as it helps to combat discrimination and to safeguard and enhance rights;
Amendment 152 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Considers that helping women to return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning, action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights, and working patterns tailored to women’s individual requests, thus ensuring that women will not have to give up their careers or take career breaks;
Amendment 156 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Calls on the Member States to devise specific measures for the long-term unemployed centring on vocational training and their swift reintegration into the job market;
Amendment 159 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on the Member States to combat every aspect of job insecurity, proceeding from the principle that permanent jobs should involve proper employment contracts;
Amendment 160 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Calls for genuine work-life balance to be achieved, implying a need, at company level, to promote parenting-friendly working-time arrangements enabling working mothers and fathers to perform their irreplaceable role of helping their children into adulthood, and allowing for the particular needs of given age groups;
Amendment 167 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Maintains that states and employers have to assume greater responsibility for generational replacement and maternity and paternity rights, implying that women must have the right to be both mothers and workers without forfeiting labour rights;
Amendment 200 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Points out that the EU ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22 January 2012 and that, under that Convention, States Parties must undertake to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability and to refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is inconsistent with the Convention;
Amendment 207 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes that the economic crisis is contributing to harassment and violence of all kinds, as well as to prostitution, with women as the victims, and that this is a violation of human rights; points to the need to increase public, financial, and human resources in order to support groups at risk of poverty and tackle situations posing a risk to children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and the homeless;
Amendment 208 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Observes that increasing poverty and marginalisation, owing to so-called austerity policies, have led to an increase in female trafficking, sexual exploitation and prostitution and that there are signs that male domestic violence is on the rise, as social tensions within families also increase, and that women now find themselves more economically dependent on their aggressors;
Amendment 209 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Urges the Commission and the Member States to sign as soon as possible the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention), this being the best way of combating and eradicating all forms of violence against women;
Amendment 211 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Recommends that, in their national action plans to eliminate domestic violence, Member States lay down the obligation of supporting undocumented migrant women in exactly the same way as women staying legally, without any requirement for institutions to report such cases to the authorities;
Amendment 212 #
2014/2217(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Recommends that the Member States strengthen their free public health services in order to support all women subjected to violence, including refugees, among other measures by increasing their capacity, with specialised assistance to women of different nationalities and to women with disabilities;
Amendment 19 #
2014/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that towns and cities contain the tightest concentrations both of great wealth and of exclusion in its most brutal forms; notes that in the Union as a whole there are many urban areas blighted as a result of deindustrialisation, the economic crisis and an exodus of middle-class residents; is extremely concerned to see some of these areas turning in ghettoes; calls, therefore, for ambitious and comprehensive policies to reconnect these areas spatially and economically with the urban fabric, giving them and their inhabitants, many of whom are young and vulnerable, genuine development prospects;
Amendment 25 #
2014/2213(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Considers that, in the operation of the European Fund for Strategic Investment, special attention should be devoted to urban regions in order to promote socially and ecologically sustainable and employment-intensive investment, for example in inter-neighbourhood connections, social housing, renovation of buildings, transport, education or health and care; calls for urban residents and stakeholders to be involved in drawing up the requisite policies so that their needs can be most effectively met.
Amendment 16 #
2014/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the circular economy has the potential to generate millions of jobs across Europe, which should be sustainable, decent and quality jobs, respecting workers’ rights and collective agreements;
Amendment 23 #
2014/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Emphasises that a circular economy will lead to sustainable and inclusive growth and have lasting beneficial effects on the labour market if among others the new jobs created are decent and sustainable;
Amendment 40 #
2014/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. education and skills development should be part of a longterm and longlasting reindustrialization framework of public investments in the regions hit the most by the economic crisis
Amendment 53 #
2014/2208(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Calls on the Member States to put in place a regulatory environment and fiscal incentives that encourages the development of a circular economy, such as reducing or lifting taxation on renewable resources, including labour, and differentiating VAT rates in accordance with the waste hierarchypromotes sustainable, decent and quality jobs, ensures progressive taxation, and a more even distribution of tax burden accross labour, profits and consumption.
Amendment 8 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas greater equality between men and women benefits the economy and society in general, and whereas narrowing the gender pay gap helps to reduce poverty levels and increase women’s lifetime earnings, thus lowering the risk that women might fall into poverty while in work and also reducing the danger of poverty in retirement;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, as a result of labour market policies seeking to do away with the principle and practice of collective bargaining, many of which stem from EU guidelines, salaries are more frequently negotiated individually, resulting in a lack of information and transparency on the individualised pay system and hence in greater wage inequalities among employees who do the same work or work of equal value and in a wider gender pay gap;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas relative progress has been made as regards women’s employment rates, but despite the existing framework at EU and national level, the level of occupational and sectoral segregation of women and men into different types of jobs remains relatively high, a situation which also has an impact on the gender pay gap over the course of a lifetime; whereas vertical segregation, whereby women feature predominantly in lower-paid occupations or are in lower-level positions in the hierarchy, also contributes to the pay gap; and whereas, furthermore, unemployment and job insecurity affect women to a greater extent than men;
Amendment 55 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls, therefore, on the Commission to identify the weak points of the ‘recast Directive’ and prepare the legislative proposal that would replace it, providing in that proposal for more effective means of supervising the implementation and enforcement of the directive in Member States;
Amendment 59 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 61 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that in recent years the pay gap has narrowed only marginally and that the slight downward trend over the last few years has been due largely to the so-called austerity policies, which have caused men’s pay to decline without any increase in women’s pay;
Amendment 66 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Maintains that job evaluation and classification systems should preferably be based on collective bargaining;
Amendment 85 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Points out that access to justice in this field is limited due to several causes, such as the length or costs of the procedures, the absence of free legal aid or, the fear of victim stigmatisation in the workplace, or the fact that women workers might be afraid of suffering reprisals if they were to speak out about their work situation; underlines the fact that the application of the burden of proof rule also poses problems in several Member States; calls on the Member States to support equality bodies, trade unions and NGOs in taking an active role in providing assistance to victims of discrimination;
Amendment 105 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to encourage social partners to promote the monitoring of equality practices in the workplace, the further scrutiny of collective agreements, applicable pay scales and job classification schemes in order to avoid any direct or indirect discrimination of women; calls on the Member States to strengthen the obligations for large and medium-sized enterprises to ensure the systematic promotion of equal treatinsist that the private sector do its duty as regards the implementation of equal pay for men and woment and toin provideing the appropriate publicly accessible information on a regular basis to theirits employees, including on issues of equal pay;
Amendment 110 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Takes the view that data protection must not be put forward as an excuse for not publishing annual wage reports at workplace level;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to strengthen the institutional mechanisms to implement equality between women and men, for instance by ensuring that, as far as the principle of equal pay is concerned, inspection and enforcement agencies have the necessary technical, human, and financial resources, and to encourage the social partners to measure the equality dimension of collective agreements;
Amendment 114 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Draws attention to the need to strengthen public labour inspection arrangements and to adopt methods for measuring the value of work and, for example, pinpointing occupations in which pay is low and the employees are mainly female and which thus constitute a form of indirect wage discrimination; draws attention to the need to enforce tough, effective penalties to deter employers from breaking the law;
Amendment 119 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Points out that one of the novelties introduced by the ‘recast Directive’ is the reference to the reconciliation of work, private and family life; draws attention to the increasingly frequent practice of flexible working hours, in particular to encourage adaptability and hour banks, weekend work, and other arrangements, resulting in permanently irregular and unpredictable, as well as excessively long, working hours, thus hindering or even preventing work-life balance; calls on the Commission, after consultation with Member States and social partners, to develop specific measures to secure stronger rights in this fielenabling work- life balance to be genuinely secured;
Amendment 125 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Reiterates its call on the Member States to implement and enforce recast Directive 2006/54/EC consistently, to encourage the social partners to play a more active role in fostering equal treatment, including by means of action plans to address any unjustified gender pay inequalities, with concrete actions and outcome monitoring, at company, sectoral, national and EU level;
Amendment 134 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21a. Points to the need to find a job evaluation method free from gender bias, enabling jobs to be compared on the basis of their scale and complexity so as to determine the position of one job in relation to another within a given sector or organisation, whether the jobs in question are held by women or men;
Amendment 146 #
2014/2160(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls on the Member States to take the steps required to reverse the burden of proof, ensuring that it will always be the employer who has to prove that such differences in treatment as might have been found to exist have not resulted in any discrimination;
Amendment 14 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on Member States to strengthen and enforce the full exercise of collective bargaining in the private and the public sectors, an indispensable tool in regulating labour relations, fighting wage discrimination and promoting equality;
Amendment 16 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Urges Member States to respect the principle of ‘equal pay for equal work and work of equal value’, to strengthen the state mechanisms of workplace inspection, to adopt methodologies to measure the value of work in the production chain and to identify within companies, for example, the creation of semi-skilled or unskilled pay bands occupied mainly by women;
Amendment 17 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
A a. whereas the right to work is a prerequisite for the fulfilment of equal rights, economic independence and the professional achievement of women;
Amendment 26 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the net destruction of jobs has coincided with an increase in precarious employment; it should be noted, furthermore, that the vast majority of low wages and almost all very low wages occur in part-time employment and that about 80% of poor employees are women;
Amendment 34 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Amendment 35 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that economic growth and competitiveness in the EU are dependent one need to closinge the gap between women’s educational attainment and their participation and position in the labour market;
Amendment 56 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses that flexible working hours should be an employee’s choice and not imposed by the employer; rejects flexibility and contractual uncertainty which does not allow employees an organised and stable family life;
Amendment 60 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Deplores the withdrawal of the draft maternity leave directive by the Council, which provided, inter alia, 20 weeks of guaranteed maternity leave and two weeks of fully paid paternity leave, and protected working mothers on returning to work. This undermines the consensus on strengthening the rights of families and working mothers;
Amendment 72 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that the feminisation of poverty is the result of factors including women’s career breaks, the gender pay gap, the pension gap and poverty in households headed by single mothers, and that the reduction of poverty levels by 20 million by 2020 can be achieved by anti-poverty policies that are grounded in gender mainstreaming. In particular, older women suffer high rates of poverty because many of them have not worked outside the home long enough to have a decent pension; it is therefore necessary to increase the amount of non-contributory pensions;
Amendment 73 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Stresses that the feminisation of poverty is the result of factors including women’s career breaks, the gender pay gap, the pension gap and poverty in households headed by single mothers, and that the reduction of poverty levels by 20 million by 2020 can be achievrequires changes in women's access to labour markets, supported by anti-poverty policies that are grounded in gender mainstreaming;
Amendment 88 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses the need for transparency and greater gender balance in recruitment for decision-making positions, not just in the business world, but also in political institutions and in senior positions in the university system;
Amendment 97 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights the high levels of undeclared work which negatively impact on women’s social security and the EU’s GDP levels; calls for the creation of incentives for employers and workers to move from the informal to the effective use of sanctions to employers operating in the informal economy.
Amendment 108 #
2014/2152(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the victims of undeclared work are mainly women, something which is not always their decision; calls for a comprehensive policy against employers who employ women in undeclared work.
Amendment 136 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Commission to make clear the EU role that it wishes to play in the world and in working with the Member States with regard to the promotion of gender equality and to pursue these goals both through the concept of gender mainstreaming in all areas and through individual targeted and specific actions, namely specific programmes in the area of equality;
Amendment 213 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in preventing and combating violence in its many forms and root causes and to adopt specific measures for each of its aspects, while safeguarding the balance of rights and duties for men and women in all spheres of life: the right to physical and moral integrity, the right to legal protection and access to the courts to defend their rights;
Amendment 217 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Amendment 218 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13 c. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in making society more aware of the problem of violence against women and the social role of women;
Amendment 219 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13 d. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in promoting annual awareness campaigns on the problem of violence against women and promoting women's rights: on domestic violence; on violence among young couples; on trafficking human beings; on exploitation of women and children in prostitution; on female genital mutilation; on wage discrimination based on sex; on employment rights and maternity protection in the workplace;
Amendment 220 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 e (new)
Paragraph 13 e (new)
13e. Calls on the Commission to help the Member States improve their free public health services for women who are victims of violence and increase the number of shelters and places available, providing special assistance in different languages to women of different nationalities;
Amendment 228 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Calls on the Commission to support the Member States in adopting measures that will monitor and sanction breaches of maternity protection;
Amendment 230 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Stresses the importance of effectively balancing professional, personal and family life through the regulation of working time, the reduction in working hours, the ban on intensive working and respect for collective bargaining, which will have a positive result in strengthening the participation of women from all social strata in social and political life;
Amendment 232 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Commission to monitor the attainment of the Barcelona objectives and to continue to support Member States in creating high quality and affordablefree public child care with reasonable hours of attendance; emphasises in this connection the importance of nursing and care services for the elderly and persons requiring special care;
Amendment 240 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses the importance of flexible forms of work in allowing women, but more especially men, to reconcile work andat flexible working hours should be the choice of those who work and not be imposed by the employer; rejects flexibility and situations of contractual uncertainty that do not allow the organisation and stability of family life and instructs the Commission to coordinate and promote exchanges of best practice; stresses in this connection the need for awareness campaigns for the equal division of domestic work and care and nursing, for the inclusion of men and the introduction of paternity leave of at least 10 days and parental leave to be divided between both parents;
Amendment 258 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 279 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Commission to include specific measures to promote the equal representation of women and men in leadership positions in the strategy and to support the Council in the negotiations for the adoption of the Directive for a balanced representation of men and women on supervisory boards and to expand the scope of this Directive to include executive boards; points out that increasing the number of women on the boards of companies listed or not on the stock exchange, a legitimate aspiration for women of this social class, does not alter the irresolvable contradictions between capital and labour which use discrimination against workers as an instrument of increased exploitation;
Amendment 326 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses that direct and indirect discrimination on pay is inseparable from the attack on collective bargaining and salaries, policies that are on a clear collision course with employment rights due to all workers and women in particular. The identification of wage discrimination and the promotion of equal pay is inseparable from a new policy based on raising wages and the achievement of ‘equal pay for equal work or work of equal value’;
Amendment 361 #
2014/2152(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Calls on the Commission to create incentives for competent training in the critical use of the media in the Member States to encourage the questioning of stereotypes and structures and to share best practice examples so as to review the ways in which roles have been stereotyped in the educational material used so far; calls on the Commission, in this connection, to support programmes to raise awareness of stereotypes and traditional gender roles in the education and media sector; notes the development of a culture of trivialisation of violence in general, of ‘every man for himself’ individualism, of the proliferation of images of women as sexual objects and the attempted transformation of prostitution into ‘sex work’ and its victims into ‘sex workers’; emphasises in this connection the importance of gender-equitable teaching methods for teachers, so that they can clearly explain the benefits of gender equality and a diverse society;
Amendment 18 #
2014/2145(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is pleased withRejects the European economic governance framework, which, by coordinating policies more closely in order to prevent major imbalances, fosters smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in line with the targets set by the Europe 2020 strategy because it violates the democratic and sovereign rights of peoples and Member States; proposes that the Stability and Growth Pact and the Fiscal Compact be revoked and replaced by a pact for sustainable development and social progress;
Amendment 58 #
2014/2145(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls forMaintains that the European Semester should noto be strengthened and deepened as an effective way of preventing a crisis: with this in mind, welcomes the Commission’s proposal to focus its action not only on budget responsibility but also on investment and structural reform in order to link the market economy with social progressnd considers that if it remains in existence, the crisis will be exacerbated;
Amendment 63 #
2014/2145(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls for greater economic and social cohesion to be provided by strengthening the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund in order to preserve and create jobs with rights by supporting measures to combat unemployment and poverty;
Amendment 106 #
2014/2145(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. With a view to improving the effectiveness and focus of budget policies, cCalls on the Member States to press ahead wgive priorithy their efforts to modernise their labour markets and social security systemso social matters by promoting jobs with rights and decent pay and widening social security to provide universal coverage; with this in mind, encourages them to share best practices;
Amendment 43 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Notes that the neoliberal measures, so-called of austerity, which have been reinforced, notably as part of the so-called National Reform Plans, Economic Governance and the European Semester are contributing to the deepening of the social and economic crisis in a number of countries with more fragile economies, making life more and more difficult for families of the working class and in particular for young people, women and children, who are the main victims of the increase of poverty, unemployment and precarious and poorly paid work;
Amendment 76 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the abovementioned mild decline inIs concerned with the persistently high unemployment rates in the EU; recalls, howemoreover, that the Europe 2020 strategy accurately states that the figure to watch is the employment rate, which indicates the availability of human and financial resources to ensure the sustainability of our economic and social model; asks that the slowdown in the unemployment rate not be confused with the recovery of lost jobs, as no account is taken of increased emigration or forced early retirement; asks that the deterioration in job quality, including rising involuntary part-time and temporary employment, and involuntary self-employment, are given adequate consideration;
Amendment 78 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8 a. Stresses the need for reforms in the labour market to put a strong focus on promoting quality of work, improved social security and social exclusion, enhancing existing and introducing new workers' rights, promoting health and safety at work, better social risk management and the reconciliation of work and non-work life;
Amendment 96 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10 a. Insists that the Commission refrains from interfering in wage-setting mechanisms in Member States; wage- setting must remain the prerogative of the autonomous social partners, or by similar means, specific to the individual Member States;
Amendment 100 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomeAsks the Commission’s call, in its umbrella communication on the CSR in the EU as a whole, to invest more in R&D, innovation, education, skills and active labour market policies, together with energy, transport and the digital economy; considers, however, that in the context of the current process of fiscal consolidation these goals can be achieved only through greater flexibility within the SGP;
Amendment 112 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, as a matter of urgency, to exclude productive investments, for instance in green growth, infrastructure, education or research and development, from the deficit targets established under EU and national rules;
Amendment 115 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Stresses that welfare services are essential for the social cohesion in Member States and that they play a crucial role in maintaining a well- functioning workforce; calls, therefore, on the Commission and the Member States to immediately exclude welfare spending from the deficit targets established under EU and national rules;
Amendment 120 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Calls on the Commission to strengthen EU industry through the application of a more flexible competition policy in favour of competitiveness andin favour of employment, together with an ecological and digital transition plan; reiterates its call on the Commission to draw up a proposal for a legal act on the provision of information to, and consultation of, workers and the anticipation and management of restructuring in order to ensure economic and socially responsible adaptation to change by EU industry;
Amendment 184 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the Commission to propose a binding European framework for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees so as to prevent the funds being misused in such a way as to aggravate national internal wage devaluation processes; takes the view that this legal framework should introduce binding minimum standards for the implementation of the Youth Guarantees, including the quality of apprenticeships, the creation of jobs with rights, decent wages for young people, permanent contracts and access to employment services, and should cover young people aged between 25 and 30; calls on the Commission and the Member States to make the Youth Guarantees a priority and to increase the available budget, at the latest in the promised mid- term review of the multiannual financial framework, up to at least the sum of EUR 21 billion estimated by the International Labour Organisation to be necessary to resolve the problem in the eurozone;
Amendment 244 #
2014/2059(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Notes the Commission recommendation to reform healthcare systems so that they deliver on their objectives of providing public and universal access to high-quality care in a cost-effective manner, and to secure their financial sustainability; calls for the goals of meeting social needs, providing a social safety net and achieving financial sustainability to be put on an equal footing, and for sufficient resources to be allocated for social protection and health systems;
Amendment 81 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 2
Recital 2
Amendment 120 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 a (new)
Recital 6 a (new)
(6a) the exact time of working hours, the full salary or remuneration corresponding to the working hours as well as the true nature of work are often not declared; these cases of falsely or partly declared work should equally come under the scope of the Platform.
Amendment 122 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 6 b (new)
Recital 6 b (new)
(6b) Domestic and cross-border undeclared work are two distinctive forms of undeclared work, and cross-border undeclared work can contribute to the phenomena of social dumping, salary reductions in the member states where the services are offered, deregulation of labour relations and individualism in the labour market.
Amendment 136 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The implemented fiscal consolidation dictated by the EU through both the European Semester and the Troika aggravates the problem of undeclared work. Undeclared work is not a worker’s choice but very often his/her only alternative to receive income
Amendment 137 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) The financial crisis leading to poor labour market and social conditions: increase of unemployment, reduced salaries, risk of poverty, cuts in social spending, is driving the practice of undeclared work.
Amendment 153 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Despite the different policy approaches introduced to tackle undeclared work the problem is only fragmentarily treated.
Amendment 171 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The strengthening of active cooperation along with effective controls based on mutual assistance, transparency and confidentiality among Member States at EU level isare necessary to help Member States to prevent, control and deter undeclared work more efficiently and effectively.
Amendment 207 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) Three different national enforcement authorities are mainly involved with undeclared work: labour inspectorates, social security inspectorates and tax authorities. In some cases, migration authorities and employment services as well as customs authorities, the police, the public prosecutor’s office and the social partners are also involved.
Amendment 295 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
The Platform should be able to follow the latest trends in the evolvement of undeclared work in all its forms in order to effectively control it. The overriding objective of the Platform shall be to provide value-added input at Union level to Member States’ and Union institutions’ efforts, together with the social partners, effectively control and to successfully tackle the complex problem of undeclared work and the regularisation of jobs, and their manifold implications and consequences. The Platform, as set out in Article 1 (1), shall to that end contribute to better enforcement of EU and national law, to the reduction of undeclared work and the emergence of formal jobs, hence avoiding the deterioration of quality of work, and to promote integration in the labour market and social inclusion by:
Amendment 318 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. The Platform shall also encourage the Member States to: (a) combat non-permanent employment conditions for the performance of tasks corresponding to permanent needs, promoting stable and lasting contractual conditions; (b) combat forms of undeclared and illegal work and labour trafficking; (c) combat practices involving the use of labour without any employment relationship; (d) combat the use of part-time contracts when this is not the choice of the worker concerned; (e) promote the exercise of workers’ individual and collective rights.
Amendment 342 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
(ab) Examine the relation between the financial situation of the member-states and its effects to undeclared work.
Amendment 404 #
2014/0124(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 5 – paragraph 2
Article 5 – paragraph 2
(2) In appointing their representatives, Member States should involve all public authorities having a role in the prevention and/or deterrence of undeclared work, such as labour inspectorates, social security authorities, tax authorities, and employment services and migration authorities, hereinafter referred to as "enforcement authorities". They may also, in accordance with national law and/or practice, involve the social partners.
Amendment 51 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) While the freedom of movement for workers is an important right, labour mobility is not the solution to high unemployment, and labour mobility cannot replace the need to create more jobs in areas with high unemployment.
Amendment 61 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In the ‘Compact for Growth and Jobs’, the European Council requested to explore the possibility of extending to apprenticeships and traineeships the EURES network, apprenticeships and traineeships can be covered under the present Regulation, provided that the persons concerned are considered workers with reference to the rights conferred on citizens under Article 45 of the Treaty. An appropriate exchange of general information on mobility for apprenticeships and traineeships within the Union needs to be introduced and adequate assistance to the candidates for those positions should be developed, based on a mechanism for clearance of offers, once such a clearance is deemed feasible in accordance with the appropriate standards and with due respect to the competences of the Member States. EURES will cooperate with national institutions to ensure that apprenticeship and traineeship offers do not hide irregular labour relationships.
Amendment 79 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The social partners' participation in the EURES network contributes in particular to the analysis of obstacles to mobility as well as the promotion of fair and voluntary labour mobility within the Union, including in the cross-border regions. Social partners representatives at Union level should therefore be involved in the overall governance structure of the EURES network, while national employers' organisations and trade unions may apply to become a EURES Partner.
Amendment 83 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
Amendment 92 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 13
Recital 13
(13) In line with their competences on the organisation of labour markets, Member States themselves should be responsible for authorising the participation of organisations as EURES partners for the EURES network, each on their own territory. Authorisations should be subject to minimum common criteria and a limited set of basic rules on the process of authorisation, to ensure transparency and equal opportunities when joining the EURES network, without prejudice to the flexibility necessary to take into account the different national models and forms of co-operation between public employment services and other labour market actors in the Member States.
Amendment 99 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 17
Recital 17
Amendment 134 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28
Recital 28
(28) Transparency of labour markets and adequate matching capabilities are pre- conditions for labour mobility within the Union. A better balance between labour supply and demand can be achieved through aAn efficient system at Union level for exchanging of information on national and sectoral labour surpluses and shortages that should be set up between Member States and the European Commission and used as a basis for Member States to develop their mobility policies and underpin the practical cooperation within the EURES network.
Amendment 137 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 29
Recital 29
Amendment 141 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 30
Recital 30
(30) A programming cycle should be established to support the coordination of action on mobility within the Union. To be effective, the programming of Member States' activity plans should take into account data on mobility flows and patterns, the data analysis of existing and forecast labour shortages and surpluses, and recruitment experiences and practices under the EURES network and it should consist of a review of the existing resources and tools at the disposal of the organisations in the Member State to facilitate intra-EU labour mobility.
Amendment 146 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) The sharing of draft activity plans under the programming cycle among Member States should enable the National Coordination Offices, acting on behalf of the Member States, together with the European Coordination Office and with the appropriate involvement of the social partners, to direct the resources of the EURES network toward appropriate actions and projects, and thereby steer the development of the EURES network as a more result-oriented tool responsive to the needs of workers according to the dynamics of labour markets.
Amendment 169 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Amendment 178 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) the functioning of a European network of employment services between Member States and the Commission, with the appropriate involvement of the social partners;
Amendment 230 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. In cross-border regions, EURES cross-border partnerships comprising regional or local public authorities and employment services, trade unions and employers' organisations from at least two Member States, provide cross-border support services.
Amendment 237 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) increasedto support voluntary geographical and occupational mobility in the Union on a fair basis, in full respect and promotion of safe, decent and regulated working conditions and rights;
Amendment 249 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)
(ea) the development of a net of support services on worker and labour rights, access to social security, public and social services and, where appropriate, integration support in matters such as linguistic competence and others related to the full exercise of resident and citizenship rights supporting worker mobility.
Amendment 303 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) the rights benefiting, and rules applicable to, workers;
Amendment 334 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 5
Article 7 – paragraph 5
5. The National Coordination Office promotes the collaboration with the national social partners and other stakeholders such as career guidance services, universities, chambers of commerce and organisations involved in apprenticeships and traineeships schemes.
Amendment 438 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1
1. The Coordination Group ishall be composed of representatives of the European Coordination Office and the National Coordination Offices and the social partner organisations.
Amendment 578 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point f
Article 20 – paragraph 2 – point f
(f) where appropriate, to refer to another EURES Partnerthe public employment services.
Amendment 587 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 4
Article 20 – paragraph 4
4. Upon recruitment of a worker in another Member State as a result of the services provided in accordance with this Article, the EURES Partners concerned provide the person concerned with the contact details of organisations in the Member State of destination which can offer post- recruitment assistance, including on the subject of worker and labour rights, access to social security, public and social services and, where appropriate, integration support in matters such as linguistic competence and others related to the full exercise of resident and citizenship rights. The EURES network shall be responsible for the development of an affordable network of those services.
Amendment 603 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) where appropriate, to refer to another EURES Partnerthe public employment services.
Amendment 660 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Article 26 – paragraph 3
Amendment 671 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 28 – paragraph 3
Article 28 – paragraph 3
3. The National Coordination Offices, after consulting the national social partners, and the European Coordination Office review together the draft work programmes before finalising them.
Amendment 683 #
2014/0002(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Article 30 – paragraph 1
Taking into account the information gathered as referred to in this Chapter, the European Commission shall submit every two years a report to the European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee on labour mobility within the Union, its effects on the structure and functioning of national labour markets, including worker protection and wages and the services provided to workers to facilitate the exercise of the freedom of movement in accordance with Article 46 TFEU.
Amendment 3 #
2013/2678(RSP)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas, as a result of labour market policies seeking to do away with the principle and practice of collective bargaining, salaries are more frequently individually negotiated, resulting in a lack of information and transparency on the individualised pay system which leads to increased pay disparities among employees at similar levels, and can result in widening the gender pay gap;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2678(RSP)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas women earn on average 16,2% less than men in the European Union – despite the significant body of legislation in force for almost 40 years and the actions taken and resources spent on trying to reduce the gap – progress is extremely slow (the disparity at EU level was 17.7% in 2006, 17,6% in 2007, 17,4% in 2008, 16,9% in 2009 and 16,4% in 2010) and in some Member States the gap has even widened;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2678(RSP)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Requests the Commission to support Member States to reduce the gender pay gap at least 5 percentage points annually with the aim of eliminating the gender pay gap by 2020;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2678(RSP)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Recognises that a multi-level, multifaceted approach requires that the Commission supports Member States to promote good practices and implement policies to address the gender pay gap;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the so-called economic and financial assistance programmes are intended to achieve the three avowed main aims of reducing budgetary imbalances, improving competitiveness, and supporting the banks, but whereas the measures implemented have in practice resulted in a direct transfer of workers’ income to financial and economic monopolies; whereas, in Portugal, the fiscal consolidation policy has led to recession and a heavier tax burden for workers, and whereas, supposedly in the interests of competitiveness, employment has been deregulated, swingeing cuts have been made in workers’ pay, and the people and the country have to a large extent been made poorer;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the austerity policies are leading to rising unemployment and falling wages, an increase in the numbers of highly skilled and qualified workers and young people who are emigrating, and less investment in education, and are thus serving to decrease workers’ productive capacity;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the troika interventions in the programme countries displayed a serious democratic deficit, people were effectively subjected to economic blackmail and diktats by unelected, unaccountable and non-transparent bodies;
Amendment 27 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the accession to the EU of countries such as Portugal, which had fragile economies and were forced to compete with economies enjoying a clear competitive advantage, led to deindustrialisation processes (with the country's industry being undermined relative to its needs); whereas the process of deindustrialisation has gone hand in hand with an increased tendency towards the destruction of productive capacity in farming and fisheries (CAP and CFP);
Amendment 28 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas public spending in Portugal rose from 42% of GDP in 2000 to 51% in 2010 owing to the crisis, as a result of moves to stimulate the economy whose main approach was defined by the EU; whereas in 2011 spending on social protection stood at 26.5% of GDP by comparison with an EU-28 average of 29.1%; whereas in 2007, before the international crisis, the public deficit stood at 3.1% and public debt at 68.3%, values close to those imposed by the rules of the Maastricht Treaty (and close to those recorded in countries such as Germany);
Amendment 29 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas Portuguese public debt has virtually doubled since 2007; whereas Portuguese public debt shot up with the Memorandum of Understanding, rising by EUR 25.3 billion per year in 2011 and 2012, i.e. at a pace 6.4 times higher than that recorded between 2001 and 2004 and 2.7 times higher than that recorded between 2005 and 2010; whereas in August 2013, according to the Bank of Portugal, general government debt reached EUR 254 638 million (155.2% of GDP) and public debt according to the Maastricht criteria, which do not include the whole debt, reached EUR 214 880 million (131.4% of GDP), an unprecedented level;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the "success story" around Ireland exiting the programme has very little to do with actual accomplishments that have an impact on people's lives; whereas this story is mainly empty spin designed to support the Irish government's policies, and use Ireland as an example to force working people in southern Europe to accept more austerity; whereas in reality Ireland has the highest net emigration rate of all member states, investment as a percentage of Irish GDP is at 10.6%, the lowest rate in the EU, with the average at 20%, Ireland is still left with an unsustainable debt to GDP ratio of 125% and personal consumption is down 12% compared to 2008;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas studies show that reducing Portuguese public debt to levels close to 60% of GDP, as provided for in the so- called fiscal compact, will be possible only if two conditions are met at the same time over the next 20 years: significant economic growth of around 4% of nominal GDP and a positive primary balance of around 3.5%;
Amendment 30 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas, despite of claims by the Troika and the Irish government, Ireland has not regained "economic sovereignty" since exiting the programme; whereas Ireland, in addition to being subject to EU 'economic governance' like all other EU countries, is also still subjected to "post- programme monitoring" by the IMF and "post-programme surveillance" by the Commission which include formal inspections and the power to impose further austerity; whereas the same will apply to other countries when they exit their programmes;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the European Central Bank is not genuinely autonomous and monetary policy gives priority to price stability to the detriment of each country's development towards higher wages and income; whereas the European Central Bank does not lend to States but only to banks, at interest rates of less than 1%; whereas banks are at the same time allowed to charge extortionate interest rates on their loans, particularly for States; whereas the continued overvaluation of the euro protects the interests of the countries with the strongest economies but makes it impossible for countries with fragile economies to recover;
Amendment 31 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes that the EU institutions (the ECB, the Commission and the Eurogroup) are fully co-responsible, together with national governments, for the conditions imposed under the economic adjustment programmes, and therefore for their social consequences;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas the European Union was actively complicit in the escalating interest rates on Portuguese public debt, since it failed to intervene when the current political and institutional context would have allowed it to put an end to the situation, as demonstrated by the ECB's actions in other cases;
Amendment 33 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas the weaknesses of the Portuguese economy, exacerbated by successive policies supported by the EU, in particular the so-called SGPs (from 2010 onwards), have had a recessionary effect and led to spiralling interest rates, and blackmail and extortion by banks and investors in sovereign debt;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Ah. whereas the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding dramatically worsened Portugal's economic indicators, causing a sharp drop in GDP and public investment, which fell below 1980s levels, as well as in public and private consumption; whereas household consumption has fallen considerably and agricultural, industrial and energy production has declined, as has trade; whereas overall employment has fallen by 8.1% in the past two years and 400 000 jobs have been destroyed;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A i (new)
Recital A i (new)
Ai. whereas the Portuguese people are being made to suffer increased poverty, unemployment, extreme deprivation, the collapse of various public services and emigration, and more than 220 000 Portuguese people have been forced to leave the country in the past two years;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A j (new)
Recital A j (new)
Aj. whereas the Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal helped bring about a dramatic cut in unit labour costs (with wages falling by close to 15% in real terms during this period) and a lengthy programme of privatisations, both of which have led to the unequal distribution of national income to the benefit of capital and to the detriment of labour, and an even greater concentration and centralisation of capital;
Amendment 37 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A k (new)
Recital A k (new)
Ak. whereas the Community financial framework for the period 2007-2013 (like the current framework: 2014-2020) fell far below what would have been required to meet the needs in terms of offsetting the increasingly asymmetric impact of the EU single market and other common policies, which have accentuated the inequalities between countries and between different sections of society;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A l (new)
Recital A l (new)
Al. whereas the Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal is geared to attacking workers' rights and their wages and pensions, destroying public services and cutting jobs in this sector; whereas unemployment has reached extremely high levels, particularly among young people, and thousands of SMEs have gone bankrupt; whereas worsening social conditions and increased worker exploitation contrasts with the rise in the number of millionaires and the size of their fortunes in Portugal since the Memorandum of Understanding came into force;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Deplores the fact that Parliament has been completely marginalised during all phases of the project: the preparatory phase, the development of mandates and the monitoring of the results achieved by the programmes and related measures; Notes that the European Parliament supported the same kind of neoliberal austerity policies, e.g. through its acceptance of inter alia the 2-pack, 6-pack or European Semester .
Amendment 39 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A m (new)
Recital A m (new)
Am. whereas the reforms to the common agricultural policy and common fisheries policy have accentuated the moves towards the liberalisation of farming and downgrading of the fishing industry, leaving small and medium-sized farmers, family farms and fishing communities facing even greater difficulties;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas the political decisions regarding the Troika and the adjustment programs are taken by the Eurogroup clearly aiming at the completion of the Single Market and the promotion of economic integration at all costs, especially at the expense of social and labour rights of the people; thus these policies lead to austerity instead of growth and job creation;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that the adjustment policies and structural reforms in the four countries haveneoliberal austerity programmes in the four countries have further worsened the effects of the structural capitalist crisis and led to dramatic unemployment rates, historically high rates of job losses and worsening working conditions; points out that the consequences for activity rates, in particular as regards the sustainability of social protection and pension systems, are even more serious because the gap between the Europe 2020 targets and reality is rapidly growing ever wider;
Amendment 70 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes with concern that the troikas have imposed cuts across the board in public sector pay (even doing away with holiday and Christmas bonuses) and in retirement pensions and unemployment, sickness, and other welfare benefits, as well as imposing longer working hours, adding to the exploitation of workers; points out that wages in Portugal have fallen on average by about 9% in real terms; points out that many thousands of public sector jobs have been shed in the countries being bailed out and that labour law has been amended so as to make redundancy schemes easier to implement and cheaper;
Amendment 80 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with great concernDeplores that it is young people who are suffering the highest levels of unemployment, with the situation in countries such as Greece, where the rate is over 50%, or Portugal and Ireland, where it is in excess of 30%, being quite devastating; regrets the fact that even those who do find a job often find themselves working under precarious conditions or on part-time contracts, 43% of young workers are working with a part-time contract compared to 13% of adult workers, which make it hard to live independently;
Amendment 83 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with great concern that it is young people who are suffering the highest levels of unemployment, with the situation in countries such as Greece, where the rate is over 50%, or Portugal and Ireland, where it is in excess of 30%, being quite devastating; regrets the fact that even those who do find a job often find themselves working under precarious conditions or on part-time contracts which make it hard to live independently; points out that the much-vaunted fall in Portugal’s youth unemployment rate (36% in the third quarter of 2013) was influenced by the increase in young emigrants and by active employment policy measures based on insecure contracts;
Amendment 87 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that the sharp rise in living costs due to budget cuts, privatisations and lack of investment in public services, has also made it more difficult for young people to find the financial means necessary to live independently from their families; stresses the need for massive investment in public services to make living independently a reality for young people;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers, as regards the decision taken in some of the four countries, that it is unacceptable to increase the social security contributions payable by workers while lowering the contribution rates payable by companies, bearing in mind that this constitutes a setback for fairer redistribution of income and will jeopardise the sustainability of public social security systems;
Amendment 92 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes that the most vulnerable groups – the long-term unemployed, women, migrant workers and the disabled – have been strongly hit and are suffering from higher unemployment rates than the national average; points out that high unemployment rates put pressure on working conditions, as workers do not know whether their jobs will be preserved or whether there will be alternatives to fall back on, they are more likely to suffer, and are more vulnerable to, violence, mobbing, and sexual harassment, they are made to multitask – in the sense of executing numerous tasks for which they have no aptitude – and, as a result of mass redundancies, are obliged to take on additional tasks previously performed by other workers;
Amendment 98 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Warns that, if not remedied, these huge divergences, especially in the case of the younger generation, will result in structural damage to the labour market of the four countries, limit their capacity for recovery, provoke massive forced migration with tremendous brain-drain effects, which will have far-reaching implications for their development and demographic balance, and increase the persistent divergences between Member States supplying employment and those supplying a low- cost workforce;
Amendment 107 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that the Europe 2020 strategy accurately states that the figure to watch is the employment rate, which indicates the availability of human and financial resources to ensure the sustainability of our economic and social model; regrets that the slowdown in the unemployment rate is confused with the recovery of jobs lost; recalls that in the last four years job losses have reached 2 million in the four countries, which is 15% of existing jobs; stresses that new jobs need to be quality jobs, meaning jobs with good wages and conditions and full trade union rights, so that employment is a guarantee for workers, and particularly young workers, for a life in dignity;
Amendment 112 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that to reach full employment a radical break with neoliberal policies is necessary; radically different measures should be implemented, including a general reduction of the working time without loss of pay, the lowering of the pension age and a massive plan for public investment in socially useful, quality jobs; stresses that these measures should be implemented in a democratically planned way and funded through a system of progressive taxation aimed at making the super-rich and big business pay for the crisis they have caused;
Amendment 119 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is concernoutraged that, among the conditions for financial assistance, the programmes include recommendations for specific cuts in fundamental areas of the fight against poverty, such as pensions, basic services, health care and pharmaceutical products for the basic protection of the most vulnerable; highlights the fact that the main impact of these measures is on the fight against child poverty;
Amendment 127 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Recalls the tragic and sharp rise in suicide rates, most notably in Greece where suicide figures are estimated to have risen by 43% between 2008 and 2011; stresses that experts point to the crisis and the devastating effects of austerity measures as one of the key contributing factor for this rise;
Amendment 142 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that people receiving retirement and other pensions are among the social groups most affected by poverty; notes that in Portugal 75.9% of people living on pensions receive pensions under EUR 419.22, and their living conditions have fallen even further as public services have been closed, hospital fees have risen, and they face increases in the cost of transport, electricity and rent, among other things; whereas it is these same people who are increasingly having to support their children, who are battling the problems of unemployment, precarious employment and low wages;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Stresses that the rise in poverty, exclusion and uncertainty amongst the vast majority of the people living in the programme countries is mirrored by a sharp rise in wealth for a small minority; e.g. in Ireland since 2007 profits have increased by 21% and according to the Revenue Commissioners, the number of people earning more than €500,000 a year has grown to 3,443 in 2012 with a combined income of €1.8bn, while over 1 million taxpayers out of 2.16 million had incomes lower than €30,000; Similarly in Portugal 75% of pensioners receive pensions less than €419.22 while the 870 Portuguese millionaires increased their fortunes by €7,5 billion since 2012;
Amendment 146 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Notes with concern that cases of hunger and malnutrition have increased, many families have had their water, electricity and gas supply cut off, people have lost their homes (because of bank repossessions or evictions), increasing numbers of families no longer have enough money to pay for crèches, kindergartens and old people's homes, for thousands of children the only meal of the day is the meal provided for them at school, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of requests for help from social institutions, which are unable to cope with the growing number of applications, and the public funds available to support groups at risk of poverty are increasingly scarce;
Amendment 149 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets the fact that, for Greece, Ireland and Portugal at least, the programmes included a number of detailed prescriptions on health system reform and expenditure cuts, despite the fact that Article 168(7) TFEU prohibits such intervention; notes the example of Ireland where an additional €618 million will be cut from the Health Service Executive in 2014; stresses that this is a danger to health and safety of patients as hospitals had already lost 20% of their budget since 2009;
Amendment 162 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Notes with concern that cuts in public funding for primary and secondary education have worsened significantly – including through the dismissal of tens of thousands of teachers in each country – and this has practical implications for the quality of education and the material and human resources available in schools; notes that these measures are leading to growing class sizes, the reorganisation of curricula, school mergers and increased concentration, with schools being closed in the most remote and rural areas, with the result that many young people are being deprived of access to public education; stresses that, as a result of this situation, public education is to a greater and increasing extent being replaced by private education, which only some people can afford, and this is adding to social inequalities among pupils;
Amendment 164 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Welcomes the fact that tertiary education attainment levels have been rising in all fsome of the bailed-ourt countries; notes, however, that this is partially explained by the need of young people to improve their future labour market chances; points out that in Portugal the number of students starting further education has fallen for the fifth year in a row, and this decline is inextricably linked to the increase in fees and other costs and the fact that access to social measures in the field of education is severely limited;
Amendment 167 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that for education to be truly accessible for all it should be public, democratically run and free at the point of use;
Amendment 177 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stresses that revitalised collective bargaining provides a fundamental guarantee for balanced labour relations and underpins the working of democracy itself;
Amendment 184 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Points out that, in the sphere of health, the austerity measures imposed by the troikas and implemented by governments have resulted in the closure of hospital services and facilities, the elimination of or cuts in local healthcare provision and the consequent reduction in preventive care and access to diagnosis, the withdrawal of support for the transport of patients – with the result that they are missing out on vital consultations and treatment – and a sharp rise in charges for public health services, and these measures have had the effect of restricting access to health services;
Amendment 187 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Points out that unemployment, cuts in social benefits, poverty and a lack of prospects for the future are among the factors that may cause or worsen cases of depression which may lead to suicide attempts; notes that deteriorating working conditions and the increasingly precarious nature of employment are leading to a rise in psycho-social factors and a rise in depression among workers;
Amendment 193 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Urges Member States, in particular those under the Memorandum of Understanding, to boost wages and social benefits, restoring stolen wages, incomes and social rights to their former level so as to resolve serious social problems, enhance domestic demand, revitalise economic activity and create more and better jobs; urges Member States to apply a policy of protecting and restoring public services, particularly as regards the social functions of the State, boosting their human and material resources in keeping with their key role in enabling citizens to realise their rights;
Amendment 195 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Stresses that it is important for the Member States to consider ways of renegotiating public debts – deadlines, interest rates and the sums to be paid – that might offer states relief from the burden of servicing debts and channel resources to promoting productive investment and creating jobs;
Amendment 196 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19c. Highlights the importance of political convergence between countries with similar problems with the aim of halting the spiral of speculation;
Amendment 197 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19d. Stresses the importance of applying budgetary policies designed to combat extravagant spending, based on a fiscal component involving increased taxes on dividends and profits and a reduced burden for workers and small and medium-sized enterprises, guaranteeing the appropriations necessary for States to function effectively;
Amendment 204 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Points out that the November 2013 ILO report 'Tackling the jobs crisis in Portugal' advocates a strategy based on job creation and productive investment, preserving jobs and supporting unemployed people and vulnerable groups, better-quality jobs, social protection, higher wages, and the revitalisation and expansion of collective bargaining and the social dialogue;
Amendment 208 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Calls on the EU to provide support, after the assessment, including through financial resources where appropriate, for the recovery and restoration of social protection standards and of the fight against poverty reduction and the renewal of social dialogue through a social recovery plan; calls on the Commission, the ECB and the Eurogroup to phase out the exceptional measures that have been put in place that places the emphasis on protecting increased domestic production in these countries, including through financial support; calls on the Commission, the ECB and the Eurogroup to abolish the troikas and political measures whose content was based on the 'budget consolidation' approach (European Semester, Two-Pack, economic governance, Fiscal Compact);
Amendment 218 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Calls on the EU not to apply such institutional and financial solutions inausterity measures in the future, and to put in place mechanisms enabling the EU institutions to achieve the social goals and policies set out in the Treaties, in particular those relating to the individual and collective rights of those at greatest risk of social exclusion;
Amendment 227 #
2013/2277(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for an immediate end to austerity policies;
Amendment 259 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the initial request for financial assistance was made by Cyprus on 25 June 2012, but that differences of positions as regards the conditionality, as well as the rejection of an initial draft programme by the Cypriot Parliament, delayed the final agreement on the EU- IMF assistance programme until 24 April (EU) and 15 May 2013 (IMF), respectively, and on 30 April 2013 the Cypriot House of Representatives finally endorsed the ‘new’ agreement;still the final decision on a European level, the bail-in method, was by no means a solution
Amendment 262 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Believes that the decision for a "bail- in" was devastating for Cyprus economy; regrets that the decision was approved overnight without prior consultation of the national parliament; stresses that these decisions undermine the democratic accountability of the EU;
Amendment 303 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Recognizes that the Memoranda do not promote sustainable and long-term growth for the people; Urges for alternative solutions to overcome the crisis, which will promote solidarity and social justice.
Amendment 411 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Urges Member States, especially those covered by a Memorandum of Understanding, to boost wages and welfare benefits, restoring wages, incomes, and social entitlements to levels compensating for what has been stolen, so as to resolve serious social problems, enhance domestic demand, revitalise economic activity, and create more and better jobs; urges Member States to apply a policy of protecting and restoring public services, particularly as regards the social functions of the State, boosting their human and material resources in keeping with their key role in enabling citizens to realise their rights;
Amendment 412 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stress that the rise in poverty, social exclusion and uncertainty amongst the majority of people living in the programme countries is mirrored by a sharp rise in wealth for a small minority; e.g. in Ireland since 2007 profits have increased by 21% and according to the Revenue Commissioners, the number of people earning more than €500,000 a year has grown to 3,443 in 2012 with a combined income of €1.8bn, while over 1 million taxpayers out of 2.16 million had incomes lower than €30,000;
Amendment 439 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Believes that the "success story" around Ireland exiting the programme has very little to do with actual accomplishments that have an impact on people's lives; whereas this story is mainly empty spin designed to support the Irish government's policies, and use Ireland as an example to force working people in southern Europe to accept more austerity; whereas in reality Ireland has the highest net emigration rate of all member states, investment as a percentage of Irish GDP is at 10.6%, the lowest rate in the EU, with the average at 20%, Ireland is still left with an unsustainable debt to GDP ratio of 125% and personal consumption is down 12% compared to 2008;
Amendment 440 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19b. Is of the opinion that whereas, despite claims by the Troika and the Irish government, Ireland has not regained "economic sovereignty" since exiting the programme; whereas Ireland, in addition to being subject to EU 'economic governance' like all other EU countries, is also still subjected to "post-programme monitoring" by the IMF and "post- programme surveillance" by the Commission which include formal inspections and the power to impose further austerity; Stresses that this will also be the case if other countries exit their programme;
Amendment 441 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Points to the importance of applying budgetary policies designed to combat extravagant spending, based on a fiscal component involving increased taxes on dividends and profits and a reduced burden for workers and small and medium-sized enterprises, providing states with the money enabling them to function effectively;
Amendment 459 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Considers that the Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal has offered the banking industry and big business a millionaire support and guarantee package and delivered up public resources to usury and financial market speculation;
Amendment 542 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Calls for a breakaway from these policies so that the problems of economic sustainable growth, unemployment, poverty, social exclusion, and (income) inequalities can be truly addressed and combated;
Amendment 582 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. NoteConsiders that the Troika’s mandatMemorandum of Understanding with Portugal has constituted an act of interference thas been perceived as being unclear and lacking transparencyt is unlawful and anti-democratic on account of the political and institutional decision- taking, which has violated principles and rights enshrined in the Portuguese Constitution, and above all on account of its substance, amounting to nothing short of an aggression pact against the country and its people;
Amendment 719 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses that the main problem remains the insistence on the continued implementation and institutionalisation of the European Commission-Central Bank- IMF Troika's neo-liberal policies, hence leading to further attacks on democracy, on social and workers' rights and to the closure of small and medium size enterprises.
Amendment 763 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 a (new)
Paragraph 38 a (new)
38a. Calls for the Memorandum of Understanding with Portugal to be cancelled forthwith and for the Troika to be disbanded; recognises that the Portuguese public debt is unsustainable and calls for a process to begin without delay with a view to renegotiating the debt as regards the amounts, due dates, interest rates, and terms of payment, which should be brought into line with the economic and social needs and the economic and social development requirements of the country and the Portuguese people;
Amendment 764 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 b (new)
Paragraph 38 b (new)
38b. Criticises the fact that the immediate cancellation of the Memorandum of Understanding would still not guarantee the Portuguese people’s inalienable right to development; calls for the Stability Pact, the six-pack, the two-pack, and the ‘Fiscal Compact‘ to be revoked without delay and for the European Semester and economic governance process to be halted;
Amendment 765 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 c (new)
Paragraph 38 c (new)
38c. Considers that the course set by Economic and Monetary Union, in particular under the Stability and Growth Pact (now bolstered by the six-pack, the two-pack, and what is termed the Fiscal Compact), is creating growing inequalities among countries and is manifestly at odds with reality and with the specific needs of countries with fragile economies; considers that the obsession with making good the budget deficit, restrictive public investment policies, privatising and downgrading public services, and cutting wages, pensions, and other welfare benefits will serve to exacerbate the crisis;
Amendment 766 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 d (new)
Paragraph 38 d (new)
38d. Rejects any diktats, conditions, and restrictions that infringe Portugal‘s sovereign right to determine its economic policies, including the management of its natural resources and its trading relations;
Amendment 767 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 e (new)
Paragraph 38 e (new)
38e. Maintains that the agreements and treaties governing EU integration should be reversible and that every country’s status should be adjusted according to the will of its people and its actual situation, on the understanding that the necessary exception clauses must be permitted;
Amendment 768 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 f (new)
Paragraph 38 f (new)
38f. Calls for the EU budget to be at least doubled and for an EU programme to be drawn up for the countries with a Memorandum of Understanding, laying down the priorities of resolving social problems and safeguarding, utilising, and promoting the national resources of each country concerned and its production capacity, especially in the agricultural and fisheries sectors and in industry, as is essential in order to protect workers and enhance their status and to restore the rights of which they have been stripped in terms of wages, pensions, and other social entitlements;
Amendment 769 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38 g (new)
Paragraph 38 g (new)
38g. Calls for radical change to the Statute, policies, and sham independence of the European Central Bank, allowing all Member States to be represented on an equal footing in its governing body, so as to enable them to exercise genuine political control and ensure that every Member State can control its national central bank and monetary policy – not least by using the currency tool – with a view to promoting economic growth and employment;
Amendment 772 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
Amendment 808 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Calls for radical change to the Statute, policies, and sham independence of the European Central Bank, allowing all Member States to be represented on an equal footing in its governing body, so as to enable them to exercise genuine political control and ensure that every Member State can control its national central bank and monetary policy – not least by using the currency tool – with a view to promoting economic growth and employment;
Amendment 815 #
2013/2277(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Believes that alternative proposals should be examined in order to combat stagnation and unemployment in countries under Memorandum; considers that these proposals should aim at strengthening and not undermining the welfare state , boosting growth and active job creation policies.
Amendment 7 #
2013/2264(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Welcomes the fact that the redundancies and the preparation of the coordinated package of specialised services are addressed by a dedicated working group comprising the social partners (including Nokia representatives) and regional authorities;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas labour market rigidities havethe creation of a skilled labour market, with motivated workers whose social and labour rights are guaranteed, has been identified as having a negapositive impact on job creationcompanies’ success;
Amendment 91 #
2013/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Believes Member States should be encouraged to promote the retention of older workers on the labour market by encouraging the extension of working lives, developing flexible labour markets and valuing experiencecreate statutory schemes under which those with the largest profits and incomes make a significant contribution to public social security systems, thereby complying with the principle of solidarity and wealth distribution, guaranteeing that all workers have a right to a decent and quality retirement;
Amendment 131 #
2013/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Takes the view that public investment and state support for the setting-up and continued operation of undertakings is crucial; takes the view that states should demand safeguards and guarantees from companies setting up in each Member State and receiving public support;
Amendment 170 #
2013/2176(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Notes that the main barriers facing start-ups and affecting the development of high-growth SMEs are access to and cost of finance, burdensome regulation, indirect labour costhigh taxes, access to export markets, average payment times and, skills shortages, high energy and telecommunications costs and the high price of tolls;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2158(INI)
F. whereas the effects of the crisis and of the excessive fiscal consolidation policies, namely with the Troika Programmes, pursued in recent years have resulted in an unprecedented and growing divergence in output and employment between core and periphery countries; whereas the core- periphery gap in unemployment rates reached 10 percentage points in 2012, compared with only 3.5 percentage points in 2000; whereas that divergence is forecast to peak this year;
Amendment 26 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas systematic errors in the Commission’s economic forecasts for growth and unemploymentthe political options of the Commission in recent years demonstrate the need for a change of diagnosis and strategy with a view to ending the crisis; whereas the pace of fiscal consolidation has slowed, yet the deflationary impact of certain structural reforms, mostly focusing on external demand, are having the same severe effects on internal demand, with stagnant investment and growth and weak job creatie on;
Amendment 43 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas SMEs constitute the backbone of the EU economy but remain worryingly over-indebted and continue to face the highest credit costs and the contraction of credit availability; whereas smaller businesses in the periphery countries are paying between 4 and 6 percentage points more for bank lending than their counterparts in central Europe, putting them at a significant disadvantage and thus hampering the region’s prospects for balanced economic growth and job creation; whereas thousands of SMEs everyday due to the constrains of the internal market and due to the reduction of the families income;
Amendment 48 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas a coherent policy mix combining macroeconomic policies, structural policies, sound labour market institutions, unsegmented labour markets, coordination of collective bargaining and well-resourced welfare systems (which serve as automatic stabilisers) is essential in absorbing cyclical shocks;
Amendment 52 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital O
Recital O
O. whereas since 2010 there has been a growing divergence in the capacity of national fiscaln attack against social, economic and labour rights stabilisers to counteract the economic crisis and its employment and social consequences, with this capacity having practically disappeared in those countries hit hardest by the crisis; whereas household incomes, and thus domestic demand, have consequently been less well protected than before, further aggravating the recession; whereas Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs held a public hearing on 9 July 2013 on ‘The social dimension of the EMU – European unemployment benefit scheme’, which identified the need for automatic stabilisers at the Eurozone level;
Amendment 58 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital Q
Recital Q
Q. whereas, despite the urgency of the situation, the EU is failing to achieve almost all of the Europe 2020 targets, and whereas progress in the Member States in delivering on the Europe 2020 objectives has been disappointing; whereas the commitments made in the 2013 national reform programmes awere insufficient to meet most of the EU-level targets the wrong political direction to achieve social progress and growth;
Amendment 59 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital R
Recital R
R. whereas it is essential to foster democratic accountability, ownership and legitimacy of all actors involved in the European Semester; whereas the appropriate involvement of Parliament is a crucial part of this process; whereas national parliaments are the representatives and guarantors of the rights acquired and delegated by citizens; whereas the introduction of the European Semester should fully respectchanges of existing macroeconomic policies are necessary, (i.e. discontinue the fiscal pact, European Semester, economic governance, stop the privatisation and liberalisation processes, etc) to give priority to the pcrerogatives of national parliamentation of quality work with rights, with better wages, less poverty and more social inclusion and progress;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Warns that until now the new Macroeconomic Imbalance Procedure has been invoked mainly to urge countries to improve their competitiveness (via decreasing the wages and incomes), thereby contributing to deflationary pressures in southern Europe, without requiring the same emphasis on creating inflationary pressures, via wage increases, in those countries with the necessary room for manoeuvre to do so; warns that using the same tools to seek growth via the external sector for all eurozone countries reduces the expected net results by growing external dem; emphasizes that a policy of economic growth is always associated with the increase in salary and pensions and at the expense of internal demandcreation of jobs;
Amendment 115 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Is concerned thatRejects the Commission’s strategy of restoring EU competitiveness through an excessive reduction adjustment of unit labour costs via salary reductions has sharply eroded the purchasing power of many EU workers, lowered household incomes and depressed internal demand, further fuelling unemployment and social exclusion, particularly in those countries hit hardest by the crisis; points out that a transversal policy for restoring competitiveness must also contemplate strategies focusing on other production costs, price developments and, profit margins, qualification and professional training;
Amendment 124 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Notes that decent wages and jobs with rights are important not only for social cohesion and fairness in society, but also for maintaining and encourage a strong economy; calls on the Commission to propose measures that tackle inequality and guarantee decent pay; calls on the Member States to combat in- work poverty by pursuing labour market policies aimed at ensuring a living wage for those in work, and don’t reduce the wages and pensions and social protection subsidies;
Amendment 148 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Believes that structural labour market reforms should introduce internal flexibility in order to maintain employment in times of economic disruptioncreate jobs with social rights and quality, and should ensure job quality, security in employment transitions, the provision of unemployment benefit schemes that are based on activation requirements and linked to reintegration policies which maintain work incentives while ensuring a decent income, and the establishment of contractual arrangements which combat labour market segmentation, anticipate economic restructuring and ensure access to lifelong learning; and social security (health, maternity, etc.);
Amendment 162 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Welcomes the adoption of the Youth Guarantee by the Council and the earmarking of EUR 6 billion for the Youth Employment Initiative under the next MFF; calls on the Member States to implement youth guarantee schemes as a matter of urgency, and to use the available resources efficiently, concentrating on those in the most difficult situations; Maintains that the EU Youth Employment Initiative must serve to ensure that jobs are preserved in beneficiary companies, that the initiative itself is not turned into a new form of precarious working arrangement, and that work placements, once completed, will be converted into open-ended contracts;
Amendment 175 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Welcomes the Commission’s intention to build on the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) by intensifying and broadening its activities and, in particular, by promoting youth mobility; calls for a specific strategy to be drafted to this end, in conjunction with the Member States; also observes, however, that mobility must remain voluntary and must not limit efforts to create jobs and training places on the spot; stresses that the priority should develop policies that don’t oblige the workers to emigrate if they don’t want to;
Amendment 196 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Welcomes the recognition in the AGS 2014 of the need to tackle the social consequences of the crisis and ensure the financial sustainability of social protection; calls on Member States to reinforce safety nets, ensure the effectiveness of welfare systems and invest in preventive measures; urges the Commission to take account of the impact of the economic adjustment programmes on progress towards the Europe 2020 headline targets in those Member States experiencing financial difficulties and to agree on modifications aimed at bringing the adjustment programmes into line with the Europe 2020 objectivput an end in the economic adjustment programmes;
Amendment 205 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 54
Paragraph 54
54. Stresses the need to carry outundertake the necessary reforms in order to guarantee the sustainability of pension systems; believes that it is possible to raise the actual retirement age without raising the mandatory retirement age, by reducing the number of people leaving the labour market early; believes that in order to raise effective retirement ages successfully, pension reforms need to be accompanied by policies that limit access to early retirement schemes and other early exit pathways, develop employment opportunities for older workers, guarantee access to life-long learning, introduce tax benefit policies offering incentives to stay in work longer, and support active healthy ageing ensuring public social security systems aiming fair reforms allowing to live with dignity;
Amendment 230 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Stresses that the Troika has confirmed that high-quality participation by the social partners and strong social dialogue, including at national level, are essential for the success of any reforms, and that in reforms of the EMU in particular, the role of the social partners in the new economic governance process, especially the European Semester, should be reinforced; welcomes the Commission’s proposal to involve the social partners more fully in the European Semester process, inter alia in the framework of the Social Dialogue Committee prior to the annual adoption of the AGSprograms Troika withdraw the political sovereignty and attack the national democratic institutions and sovereign bodies;
Amendment 240 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recommendation 3 – Paragraph 1
Recommendation 3 – Paragraph 1
Amendment 242 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recommendation 3 – Paragraph 4
Recommendation 3 – Paragraph 4
Amendment 251 #
2013/2158(INI)
Amendment 264 #
2013/2158(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recommendation 8 – Paragraph – 1 a (new)
Recommendation 8 – Paragraph – 1 a (new)
It is important to adopt policies regarding the tax plan that puts an end with the outrageous favouritism of banks, financial speculation, of major domestic and foreign economic groups;
Amendment 20 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that any discrimination based on any ground such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation shall be prohibited;
Amendment 24 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the European Union is currently facing the biggest economic and financial crisis since the depression of the 1930s, a crisis aggravated by the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the EU institutions in the context of economic governance policies (SGP, European Semester, Pact for the Euro plus, fiscal compact) and ‘financial assistance’ programmes, and whereas unemployment rates in all Member States, and especially the southern Member States, have risen significantly as a result of this crisis;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas the state of the labour market and that of social conditions remain critical, and whereas inclusive growth will require more strategic public investment;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas youth unemployment rates have reached unprecedented levels, averaging 23.1 % throughout the EU, and long-term unemployment has risen in most Member States, reaching its highest level ever in the EU as a whole;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the net destruction of jobs has coincided with an increase in precarious employment, in the form of low-paid part-time jobs and short-term contracts;
Amendment 73 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas unemployment rates in the south and on the periphery of the euro zone reached an average of 17.3 % in 2012, compared with 7.1 % in the north the centre of the euro zone1; __________________ 1 EU Employment and Social Situation; Quarterly Review, IP/13/879, 02.10.2013.
Amendment 76 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETs) reached an average of 22.4 % in the south and periphery, compared with 11.4 % in the north and centre1; __________________ 1 EU Employment and Social Situation; Quarterly Review, IP/13/879 de 02/10/2013
Amendment 77 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G c (new)
Recital G c (new)
Gc. whereas there are 25.4 million children at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU, who are exposed material deprivation going beyond poor nutrition; 5.7 million children are unable to buy new clothing and 4.7 million do not have two pairs of wearable shoes (including a pair of all-weather shoes) and children suffering from material deprivation are less likely to do well at school, enjoy good health and succeed in their adult life than those living in decent conditions;
Amendment 78 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G d (new)
Recital G d (new)
Gd. whereas women entering working life are playing a leading role in the return to growth; whereas they make it possible for family income to increase, which leads to an increase in consumption, social security contributions and the volume of taxes collected, as well as revitalising the economy; whereas gender equality therefore has a positive impact on economic growth and in improving the standard of living;
Amendment 79 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G e (new)
Recital G e (new)
Ge. whereas the increasing risk of poverty is closely and directly linked to the destruction of significant social functions performed by the state, as seen, for example, with the recent destruction of public social security systems in a number of Member States, along with cuts in key social benefits (family allowances, unemployment and sickness benefits and income support) which affect many women, particularly those with dependent families and responsible for managing all their household problems;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas precariousness is a persistent feature of the EU’s labour market, which favours the accumulation of profit by management and primarily affects women, who suffer from wage discrimination and are more likely to be in part-time work, with lower wages, less social protection and fewer possibilities for economic independence; whereas women represent a large proportion of those engaged in undeclared work;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas the falling birth rate in the EU has been exacerbated by the crisis, given that unemployment, precarious situations and uncertainty regarding the future and the economy have led couples, and younger women in particular, to delay having children, thereby further reinforcing the trend to demographic ageing in the EU;
Amendment 90 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas in 2012 the Council and the European Parliament discussed the Commission’s proposal for the 2014-2020 multiannual framework, and Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality adopted an opinion which referred, among other issues, to ‘the need for increased funding for gender equality actions, in terms of employment and growth in order to tackle horizontal and vertical gender segregation and to combat the gender pay gap and pension pay gap and the increasing poverty rate among women, as well as in terms of rights and democracy calls on the Commission and Council to establish gender equality as a specific objective in the Rights and Citizenship programme, as well as safeguarding the Daphne programme as an independent subheading in this same programme’1; __________________ Opinion of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality for the Committee on Budgets on the interim report in the interests of achieving a positive outcome of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 approval procedure, 19.9.2012;
Amendment 92 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas, in 2012, three out of four members of national parliaments were men and those countries with over 30 % women in their national parliaments were Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and Germany, with women having less than 10 % representation in Malta and Hungary;
Amendment 94 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H e (new)
Recital H e (new)
He. whereas in 2012, local and regional assemblies in the EU included an average of 32 % women and national governments were made up of 27 % women, a 3 % increase since 2003, which shows minimal change, with major variations between countries (for example, figures for women in national governments show 49 % in France and 6 % in Greece)1; 1 EC, Report on Progress on equality between women and men in 2012, p.54
Amendment 96 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H f (new)
Recital H f (new)
Hf. whereas the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women states that women shall be guaranteed, on equal terms with men, the right to vote and be elected to publicly elected bodies, to participate in the formulation of government policy and perform all public functions at all levels of government and to participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country;
Amendment 98 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H g (new)
Recital H g (new)
Hg. whereas the Strategy for equality between women and men 2010 2015 notes that although women make up almost half the EU’s workforce and over half of university graduates, they are still under- represented in decision-making processes and positions and that according to the most recent available data (2010), although 46 % of all PhD graduates in the EU 27 are women, only 15.5 % of higher education establishments are headed by women and only 10 % of universities have a female rector1. 1 EC, She Figures 2012 - Gender in Research and Innovation (2013)
Amendment 100 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H h (new)
Recital H h (new)
Hh. whereas the 2012 report on the implementation of the EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Development 2010-2015 was published in November 2012;
Amendment 102 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H i (new)
Recital H i (new)
Hi. whereas 31 gender mainstreaming initiatives were implemented in 2013 in various countries (including Bulgaria, Estonia, Denmark and Spain), notably including studies examining the impact of the crisis on women’s lives;
Amendment 106 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April 2012 between UN Women and the EU, reaffirming the partnership between the two organisations and their commitment to promote and support capacity development for the inclusion of gender mainstreaming in all policies and programmes and to ensure that national plans and budgets are sufficient to implement gender equality commitments1. __________________ 1 Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/who/partne rs/international- organisations/documents/un- woman_en.pdf.
Amendment 107 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. whereas poverty is increasing, with 26 % of women being considered at risk of poverty in the EU 27, against 23.9 % of men1; __________________ 1 Source: EUROSTAT
Amendment 123 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a(new)
Paragraph -1 a(new)
-1a. Notes that part-time work has increased during the crisis and continues to be the most common form of employment for women (32.1 % in 2012, up from 30.8 % in 2007 and that involuntary part-time work has also increased and in 2012, accounting for 24 % of overall female part-time employment (against 20 % in 2007); __________________ 1 Source: SWD82013)171 final.
Amendment 124 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Notes that the current crisis has had a particular impact on young people, with the unemployment rate for under-25s standing at 22 % (10.7 % women, 10.6 5 men) in September 20121; __________________ 1 Source: Eurostat 155/2012, 31 October 2012.
Amendment 125 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the standard of living of most Europeans continues to decline, particularly in the case of women, for whom the unemployment rate in the EU27 stood at 10.8 % in the last quarter of 20121. __________________ 1 Source: SWD82013)171 final.
Amendment 131 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that the experience of previous crises shows that the male employment rate generally recovers more quickly than that for women;
Amendment 137 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses the fact that, despite unemployment rates for men and women being comparable, the crisis affects women differently; points out that working conditions for women have become considerably more insecure, especially with the increasing prevalence of atypical forms of contract, and that women’s incomes have fallen significantly thanks to a number of factors, including the persistent wage gap which stood at 16.2 % in the EU in 2011 and over 20 % in Estonia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Greece, with the resultant inequality in their respective levels of unemployment benefit and pensions and the feminisation of poverty. __________________ 1 Source: Progress on equality between women and men 2012 – A Europe 2020 initiative.
Amendment 144 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Draws attention to the need to strengthen public mechanisms for labour inspection and to adopt methodologies able to measure the value of work and, for example, identify the existence of low- paid forms of work where the workforce is mainly female and which create situations of indirect wage discrimination;
Amendment 148 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Member States to combat all forms of precarious employment, in line with the principle that permanent jobs should involve proper employment contracts;
Amendment 150 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Calls on the Member States to adopt active employment policies which promote the grade and quality of jobs and net job creation;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Calls on the Member States to develop specific measures targeted at the long- term unemployed, essentially focussing on professional training and swift reintegration into the job market;
Amendment 173 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the need to enhance the responsibility of states and employers in relation to generational renewal and maternity and paternity rights, which means that women must have the right to be both mothers and workers without forfeiting labour rights;
Amendment 180 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Takes the view that helping women to return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning and action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights and differentiated work organisation practices, at the woman’s request, so that they do not have to give up their careers or take career breaks;
Amendment 184 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes that social security is particularly targeted by two of the main thrusts of austerity policy: reduction of budgetary deficits through reducing social spending and improving competitiveness and cost-efficiency by cutting contribution payments by enterprises;
Amendment 186 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Calls on the Member States to strengthen social protection for the unemployed as a means of addressing the rise in poverty, particularly among women;
Amendment 188 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 e (new)
Paragraph 4 e (new)
4e. Calls on the Member States to apply specific measures targeted at young workers, specifically by prohibiting the abusive hiring of young people for posts that are essentially permanent and ensuring the existence of written contracts, traineeships and training grants which respect applicable collective bargaining agreements, and provision of social security;
Amendment 190 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 f (new)
Paragraph 4 f (new)
4f. Stresses that making the Youth Guarantee a reality requires public investments that will promote net job creation, create permanent jobs with proper employment contracts, and respect collective bargaining for wages and the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value; urges the Member States to ensure that the Guarantee, when implemented, does not reproduce the same gender inequalities existing in the labour market;
Amendment 192 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 g (new)
Paragraph 4 g (new)
4g. Insists that prevention is better than cure; therefore urges the Member States to more closely follow the situation of children, by monitoring youth unemployment, the percentage of young people not in education, employment or training, family disposable income, the at- risk-of-poverty rate and wage inequality, which will enable more rapid and accurate identification of major social and employment problems;
Amendment 193 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 h (new)
Paragraph 4 h (new)
4h. Calls on the Member States to increase their child support budgets, specifically by expanding the public network of day care, nurseries and public services providing extracurricular activities for children;
Amendment 194 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 i (new)
Paragraph 4 i (new)
4i. Strongly recommends to the Member States that they boost investment in public education, strengthening its democratic outlook and pedagogical organisation, upgrading school curricula, improving working conditions in schools, guaranteeing universal free access to high-quality and inclusive educational and social provision and thereby combating school failure and dropout;
Amendment 200 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Strongly recommends to the Member States that they boost investment in public services, particularly primary care health services, relating to sexual and reproductive health-focusing on health promotion and disease prevention; recommends to the Member States that they safeguard women’s right to free, high-quality public gynaecological and obstetric healthcare services and to sexual and reproductive health in general, including the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy;
Amendment 202 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls that the UE ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22 January 2012, according to which signatory members undertake to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability and to refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is inconsistent with the Convention;
Amendment 223 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
Ib. whereas a diversity of family structures exists in the various EU countries, based on civil partnership or marriage, between persons of the same or different sexes, families where the parents are married or unmarried, of the same or different sexes, single parents, foster parents and families with children from previous relationships, all of which deserve equal protection under EU laws;
Amendment 224 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that the destruction of jobs and the rise in unemployment are two of the most salient features of the current crisis, as shown by the increase in unemployment rates in the EU 27 from September 2011 to September 2012, from 9.8 % to 10.6 % respectively, representing a further 2.145 million people unemployed1; 1 EUROSTAT news release of 31 October 2012, 155/2012.
Amendment 232 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Stresses that the need to combat the reproduction of social stereotypes relating to women and draws attention to important measures included in Parliament’s report on the elimination of gender stereotypes, which was adopted in 2013, such as monitoring of media advertisements promoting stereotypical views of women’s and men’s roles in domestic and working life.
Amendment 233 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Draws attention to the increasing prevalence of flexible working hours: weekend work, more irregular, unpredictable and extended working hours; also notes that flexible working times mainly apply to part-time workers, who are mainly women, so that the latter are more affected than men by week-to- week variations in their schedules which make it difficult to balance family and working life; emphasises the importance of promoting measures designed to reconcile professional, personal and family life;
Amendment 234 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 d (new)
Paragraph 6 d (new)
6d. Stresses that flexible working hours should be the worker’s decision, and should not be imposed or enforced by the employer; rejects situations of flexibility and contractual uncertainty that do not provide for family formation and stability;
Amendment 265 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a . Observes that the economic crisis contributes to harassment and violence of all kinds, as well as prostitution, with women as the victims, and that this is a violation of human rights; insists on the need to increase public, financial and human resources with which to intervene in support of groups at risk of poverty and to tackle situations of risk faced by children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities and the homeless;
Amendment 274 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Points out that austerity measures in various countries have increased women’s vulnerability, both collectively and individually, adding to their exploitation and driving them towards poverty and marginalisation, which also feeds the trafficking of women and prostitution;
Amendment 281 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 b (new)
Paragraph 8 b (new)
8b. Underlines the need to improve the collection of high-quality primary data on support services for women who have survived domestic violence, and that such data need to be comparable, reliable and not limited to criminal statistics provided by the police, which should be complemented with comprehensive, high quality studies based on field research;
Amendment 285 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 c (new)
Paragraph 8 c (new)
8c. Points out that the EU’s migration policies to ‘combat illegal immigration’ are based on a philosophy of criminalising the status of ‘illegals’ and clamping down on immigrants, as reflected in the 2010 Return Directive, and should be refocused towards social inclusion in host countries; stresses that these policies are adding to the vulnerability of, and failing to protect, undocumented migrant women victims of violence, who, for the most part, do not seek help;
Amendment 288 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Points out that undocumented migrant women are in a more vulnerable position and that, in many countries, those who suffer domestic violence have no source of support other than the public health services;
Amendment 291 #
2013/2156(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Recommends to the Member States, in their national action plans to eliminate domestic violence, that they lay down the obligation of supporting undocumented migrant women in exactly the same way as women staying legally, without any requirement for institutions to report such cases to the authorities;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. WelcomNotes the fact that some Member States have submitted reports on progress on the EU2020 targets, in some cases outlining the specific projects attributed to these goals; calls on all Member States to include these reports as part of their 2014 European Semester contributions;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission to assess the impact of fiscal consolidation measures on gender equality; calls on the Member States to pay specific attention to gender equality in Stability and Convergence Programmes and National Reform Programmes (NRPs), inter alia by ensuring that transparent descriptions of the gender effects of the planned revenues and expenditures are included in these programmesNotes that the policies of the European Semester and economic governance are neoliberal ones which essentially seek to weaken the role of the state and destroy its social functions and the acquired rights of workers; believes that these policies are partly to blame for the worsening social crisis in a number of more economically fragile countries which is making life increasingly difficult for families, particularly women and children, as they are the main victims of the rise in poverty, unemployment and precarious and ill- paid work;
Amendment 5 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses the importance of public investment at EU and national level to promote social and economic cohesion, particularly with regard to investment in less developed regions; therefore considers it essential to eliminate all so- called budgetary consolidation policies because of their negative impact on the proper implementation of the structural funds and investment in general; stresses that spending on education, social services, R&D and infrastructure, including renewable energies, transport and communications, constitute an investment in the future of any country;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the neoliberal so-called austerity measures that have been reinforced, inter alia as part of the national reform plans, economic governance and the European Semester, are contributing to a deepening of the economic and social crisis in a number of countries with more fragile economies, making life more and more difficult for working-class families and, in particular, for women and children, who are the main victims of the increase in poverty, unemployment, and precarious and poorly paid work;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the Country Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to improve childcare facilities, remove disincentives for second earners, harmoniseEmphasises the need to give full priority to finding solutions to the problems of unemployment, poverty and social exclusion, which means breaking with existing political and economic policies, in particular the sStatutory retirement age for men and women, accommodate needs to combine work and private life, and eliminate gender and pension gaps; expressebility and Growth Pact, economic governance, the Budgetary Treaty and the Troika programmes, in order to prioritise the maintenance and creation of sustainable, proper jobs wits concern about the fact that many of these recommendations were already laid down in 2012, indicating a lack of implementation in Member Statesh rights, public investment and quality public services guaranteeing social inclusion, particularly in the fields of education, public health, childcare, care of dependent persons, public transport and social services, as sectors which are crucial to ensuring gender equality;
Amendment 13 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Points out that only if Europe makes structural changes to its macroeconomic policies will it be possible to promote sustainable development and social cohesion and strengthen jobs with rights and public services, and that without these guarantees, gender equality can never be transformed from good intentions into a practical reality; considers that monetary and tax policies in the EU have had a negative impact on the growth of the economy and employment, and recalls that monetary policy should contribute to strengthening economic recovery and fighting unemployment;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. WelcomUrges the fact that several Member States haveto adopted major labour market reforms aimed at improving the resilience of the labour market, introducing more internal and external flexibility, reducing segmentation and fathat focus strongly on promoting quality in work with rights, improving rights to social security and social inclusion, enhancing the existing social and labour rights of workers and introducing new rights, and promoting health and safety at work, better social risk management and the reconcilitating transition between jobson of work and family life;
Amendment 28 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes that all Member States have received recommendations with regard to levels of labour market participation; calls on those Member States with high levels of unemployment to step up, in consultation with the social partners, active labour market measures, such as training and employment services, and to introduce further reforms to facilitate access to employment, prevent early withdrawals from the labour market, reduce the cost of labour and combat labour market segmentation;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes the fundamental importance of increasing and enhancing pensions and wages, especially in those countries with more fragile economies, in order to revitalise their internal markets and improve living conditions for workers and their families;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomNotes the adoption of the Youth Guarantee by the Council and the earmarking of EUR 6 billion for Youth Employment Initiative as part of the next MFF; calls on Member States to implement Youth Guarantee Schemes; refers in this context to the ILO study ‘Euro Zone job crisis: trends and policy responses’, which notes that an injection of EUR 21 billion is needed in order to make a real impact on youth unemployment, demonstrating that the amount budgeted is clearly inadequate for the task;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Underlines that Member States should rigorously introduce measures to enhance workers’ security by phasing out precarious employment and atypical contractual arrangements, in order to restrict and reduce insecure forms of employment, the abusive use of which should be punished; points out that Member States therefore have a responsibility to introduce a combination of secure and reliable employment contracts, active and integrative labour- market policies, lifelong learning and effective, high-quality social security systems, accompanied by clear entitlements for the unemployed, providing them with adequate benefits and tailor-made measures to enable them to find quality employment or training and upgrade their skills and competences where necessary;
Amendment 63 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls that the large economic and job potential of the services sector remains untapped; calls for full and appropriate implementation of the EU Services Directive; calls on Member States to remove barriers in the retail e important role of public services in safeguarding social rights; calls on Member States to strengthen such services, rather than pursuing policies requiring the dismissal of public employees; stresses that recoursec tor and excessive restrictions in professional services and regulated profession private services should not be made at the expense of dismembering public service networks;
Amendment 69 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Recalls the skills mismatches and bottlenecks in many regions and sectors and the inadequacy of certain education and training systems to cope with market demands; welcomTakes the reforms of vocationalview that educational and/or training systems undertaken by several Member States in order to adapt skills and competences to labour market needs,establishments must provide curricular internships, to add to their students’ curricula and allow them to gain experience in their chosen fields of study, thereby enhancing their learning esxpecially those of young peoplerience and their understanding of working practices; recalls that almost all Member States need to undertake further action and investment in the field of education and training;
Amendment 81 #
2013/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Emphasises that, to emerge stronger from the economic and social crisis, enjoy higher levels of growth and ensure their systems of welfare in the long term, the Member States should promote quality public services, making full use of their workforces’ potential, guaranteeing workers’ rights and promoting collective bargaining and public, universally- available social security;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas financial participation by employees in their undertaking entails a number of potential risks for workers, as there have already been cases of businesses which have failed, causing employees to lose not only their jobs but also their investments and savings;
Amendment 17 #
2013/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C b (new)
Recital C b (new)
Cb. Whereas financial participation by employees in their undertaking shall not be used as a means of reducing their acquired social and labour rights or of applying pressure to increase the flexibility of the labour market; whereas financial participation by employees in their undertaking must not replace their customary basic wage or other wage components such as pension schemes;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2127(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Recognises that financial participation by employees in undertakings must not obstruct job creation, nor may it be used to avoid compliance with labour laws, endangering workers’ rights, particularly in terms of wages, organisation of work and working hours and maternity and paternity rights;
Amendment 1 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3 a (new)
Citation 3 a (new)
- having regard to the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child,
Amendment 6 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings,
Amendment 19 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas prostitution is a form of slavery incompatible with human dignity and fundamental human rights,
Amendment 21 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas work is one of the main sources of human self-realisation, through which individuals make a supportive contribution to collective wellbeing,
Amendment 26 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas sexual and reproductive health is promoted through healthy approaches to sexuality conducted with mutual respect,
Amendment 32 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas prostitution reduces all intimate acts to their monetary value and diminishes the human being to the level of merchandise or an object to be used by the client,
Amendment 35 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas organised crime, human trafficking, extremely violent crime and corruption flourish in the shadow of prostitution, and any framework of legalisation primarily benefits the pimps, who are able to transform themselves into ‘businessmen',
Amendment 46 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas prostitution and trafficking in women and girls are linked because the demand for women in prostitution, whether trafficked or not, is the same; whereas trafficking acts as a means to bring a supply of women and girls to the prostitution markets;
Amendment 115 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Points out that the profound economic and social crisis has led to dramatic levels of unemployment, the main victims of which have been low-skilled women but also, for the first time, women further up the social scale, and that this has caused a breakdown in the economic structure of families, forcing women to engage in prostitution, essentially to feed their families;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Believes that looking upon prostitution as legal ‘sex work’ and decriminalising the sex industry in general and making procuring legal, is not a solution to keeping vulnerable women and girls safe from violence and exploitation, but has the opposite effect and puts them in danger of a higher level of violence indoors;; as well as make the prostitution markets grow, and thus the number of women and girls abused even bigger.
Amendment 164 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recommends to the Member States that they take urgent measures to prohibit advertisements in the social media which directly or indirectly encourage prostitution or seek to attract clients for prostitution;
Amendment 176 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Member States to provide public social services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation, offering psychological and social support and staffed by specialised professionals, and to implement social policies aimed at helping vulnerable women and girls to leave prostitution, specifically by guaranteeing them jobs which will effectively result in their social inclusion;
Amendment 177 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Member States to provide social services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation and to implement policies aimed at helping vulnerable women and girls to leave prostitution, and to fund organisations working on the ground with support and exit strategies;
Amendment 178 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the Member States to provide social services for victims of trafficking or sexual exploitation, including for migrant and undocumented women, and to implement policies aimed at helping vulnerable women and girls to leave prostitution;
Amendment 179 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Urges the Member States to support and cooperate with social organisations working in support of prostituted women;
Amendment 186 #
2013/2103(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the EU and its Member States to develop gender specific prevention policies in the countries of origin of trafficked prostituted persons;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas women with disabilities are discriminated against twice over and thus very often placed at a disadvantage even compared to men with disabilities, not least as regards access to employment and education;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas equal access of women with disabilities to quality public healthcare services must be ensured, i.a. by improving the vocational training and lifelong learning of medical staff with regard to their specific needs, including those related to sexual and reproductive health;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas women with disabilities must enjoy the right to education, health, work, mobility, family life, sexual relations, marriage, and motherhood and the safeguards guaranteeing those rights;
Amendment 41 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence; whereas figures show that, as a result of increased poverty, sexual exploitation of women with disabilities has become more common; whereas specific measures must be taken to tackle this inexcusable phenomenon;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas it is the responsibility of public authorities to set up specialised public services of a high standard, available free of charge, in order to provide women with disabilities with an environment that is adapted in such ways that they can fully assume their rights and responsibilities, and make decisions for themselves, ogradually becoming more self-reliant on an equal footing with people that do not suffer from any impairment;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M a (new)
Recital M a (new)
Ma. whereas the more resources Member States invest in their integration, the more successful women with disabilities are in terms of living independent lives allowing them to develop their skills;
Amendment 60 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital M b (new)
Recital M b (new)
Mb. whereas women with disabilities who come from more disadvantaged sections of society have had fewer opportunities to develop their skills and fulfil their potential by exercising self-reliance;
Amendment 63 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N
Recital N
N. whereas women with disabilities were at great risk of poverty already before the crisis and that risk has been exacerbated by the imposition of the so-called austerity policies, and whereas their inclusion in society, and especially in the labour market, should be given priority among public policies;
Amendment 64 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
Na. whereas the cuts in public services made under the so-called austerity measures have translated into lower numbers of special education and support personnel for people with disabilities, less social support for carers, lower welfare benefits for people with disabilities, reduced funding for institutions and organisations which help them, and restrictions on their access to public sector employment, all of which has had a severe impact on the lives of women with disabilities and on their prospects for independence;
Amendment 67 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N b (new)
Recital N b (new)
Nb. whereas from the point of view of social inclusion and cost, it would be more desirable if the support provided by Member States were such that women with disabilities could continue to live with their families instead of being institutionalised;
Amendment 73 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls for targets to be set for the inclusion of all EU citizens, regardless of any physical or mental impairments;
Amendment 102 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Points out that accessibility to the internet must also be ensured (e.g. readability of all public websites for people with visual impairment), and expresses its concern that the accessibility of citizens to government agencies is not yet fully ensured; maintains that all people with disabilities must be given access to digital literacy; welcomes, therefore, the Commission proposal for a directive on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites;
Amendment 105 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Stresses that democratic participation is part of the fundamental and civil rights of women with disabilities and must be facilitated and guaranteed; calls, therefore, on the Member States and on all relevant public authorities to provide adequately adapted facilities;
Amendment 107 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Considers that women with disabilities have the right to decide, as far as possible, over their own lives and should be actively encouraged to be independent, and highlights the fact that this right should also be promotguaranteed in specialised public institutions; stresses that personal assistance can be a means of autonomous living and should therefore be encouragedguaranteed; maintains that personal assistance of this kind should be guaranteed to women with disabilities when they receive support in educational or vocational training institutions, at the workplace, within their families, and in the event of pregnancy and maternity;
Amendment 124 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that women with disabilities must be allowed to enjoy their sexuality as freely as people without impairments, and considers that women with disabilities must be able to live and fulfil their wish to have children, as women without disabilities do; points to the need to provide specialised support, including childcare assistance, to women with disabilities, together with their families, in order that they may enjoy motherhood to the full; maintains that Member States should, in this case, take particularly into account the needs of women with an intellectual impairment;
Amendment 126 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Considers it vital for women with disabilities to have complete access to medical care that meets their particular needs, including gynaecological consultation, also regardingmedical examinations, family planning, and adapted support during pregnancy; urges the Member States to ensure that their national public health care provision includes proper access to these services free of charge;
Amendment 145 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that any sterilisation agreement entered into by a woman with disabilities must be examined by an impartial third party charged with verifying that the decision was reached fairly and, in the absence of severe medical indications, without enforcement; urges the Member States to prevent and condemn cases of forced sterilisation of women with disabilities;
Amendment 148 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Member States to facilitate access to education and the labour market for women with disabilities, and highlights that particular talents, views and experiences can enrich working environments considerably; urges the Member States to provide training and information to teachers, trainers, senior civil servants, and employers so as to encourage them, in their work, to implement social integration processes aimed at utilising the potential and added value of women with disabilities;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Urges the Member States to make education and training accessible to all people with disabilities and to ensure that schools and training centres have sufficient numbers of teachers and technicians trained to understand special educational needs, for example the use of sign language interpreters in class; urges the Member States, instead of cutting spending, to provide the necessary funding in this area;
Amendment 156 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 b (new)
Paragraph 17 b (new)
17b. Urges the Member States to ensure that women with disabilities can have access to the labour market, in particular by making provision for vocational training, offering incentives to employers (including recruitment premiums and job adaptation allowances), and laying down quotas encompassing sufficient numbers of public service vacancies;
Amendment 157 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 c (new)
Paragraph 17 c (new)
17c. Urges the Member States to provide the necessary funding and support for associations and organisations representing people with disabilities, which play a key role in promoting their rights and emphasising the value of their active citizenship and participation in society;
Amendment 158 #
2013/2065(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 d (new)
Paragraph 17 d (new)
17d. Urges the Member States to provide the necessary specialised support to the families of women with disabilities, in the form of training and assistance for carers at every possible level, and to set up respite care institutions enabling people with disabilities to be looked after temporarily whenever families might need such a service;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas Europe’s automotive industry is currently in the throes of a crisis of unprecedented proportions requiring swift, coordinated action within the EU; taking into account the need to maintain existing production in those Member States with fragile economies in order to halt the disastrous collapse of the sector, the bankruptcy of thousands of small and medium-size entrepreneurs, the destruction of thousands of small businesses and the loss of thousands of jobs;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Highlights the need for adequate financial resources to be provided under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014–2020 for the restructuring of the sector and to upgrade and modernise its micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to increase productivity and promote nationally-produced goods from the sector;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to carry out properly coordinated structural reforms geared to enhancing competiveness (lowering payroll taxes anwards higher productivity (investment in research, technology, skilled labour, costs, enhancing labour flexibility, cutting red tape and shortening payment perreation of jobs with rights and decent working conditiodns);
Amendment 41 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Calls for measures for the automotive industry as a whole, Europe wide, to secure employment and training provision;
Amendment 45 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Asks the Commission to make an in- depth country-comparative study of taxation applied to the automobile sector in the EU, in order to simplify and rationalise the current tax burden on production and on trade in motor vehicle- related services and reduce red tape.
Amendment 123 #
2013/2062(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
Amendment 2 #
2013/2048(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes with regret that the Austrian authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 20 December 2011, supplemented by additional information up to 9 October and that its assessment was made available by the European Commission on 7 March 20123; notes that its assessment was made available by the Commisregrets the lengthy evaluation period of 15 months; calls on the Commission to conclude the evaluation phase and finally present proposals for decisions on 7 Marchthe remaining cases submitted in 20131;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A
Paragraph A
A. whereas education and training policies play a crucial role in combating the high level of youth unemployment; whereas keeping up with a rapidly evolving labour market requires more investment in vocational education and training (VET), higher education and researchmost studies demonstrate the importance of providing good-quality education from the earliest school years as a means of preventing early school-leaving and ensuring that children from the most disadvantaged social backgrounds are fully integrated into school life; whereas keeping up with a rapidly evolving labour market requires more investment in vocational education and training (VET), higher education and research; whereas taking account of the requirements of the labour market should not preclude children from acquiring the broadest possible foundation of knowledge, as that is the best way of ensuring they will be able to adapt to the vagaries of the employment market and of life in general;
Amendment 4 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A a (new)
Paragraph A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU is currently facing the worst economic and financial crisis since the great depression of the 1930s, a crisis aggravated by the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the EU institutions in the context of economic governance policies and 'financial assistance' programmes, and whereas this crisis is resulting in an exponential increase in unemployment, particularly among women under 25, for whom the unemployment rate stood at 10.9% in February 2013 (ranging between 5.1% in Germany and 26.6% in Spain),
Amendment 7 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A b (new)
Paragraph A b (new)
Ab. whereas young people are one of the social groups most affected by the current deterioration in the labour market, being more exposed to unemployment, precarious employment and low wages, even though they have higher levels of education than previous generations,
Amendment 8 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A a (new)
Paragraph A a (new)
Aa. whereas Member States have to provide a social safety net and guarantee decent living conditions for workers who become unemployed and for young people unable to find work;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A c (new)
Paragraph A c (new)
Ac. whereas the economic and financial crisis and the so-called austerity policies that have been imposed on Member States are leading to disinvestment in public services, particularly in the areas of health and education, resulting in job losses for thousands of teachers, nurses and other public servants, most of them women,
Amendment 13 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A b (new)
Paragraph A b (new)
Ab. whereas as the economic and financial crisis has worsened and austerity has been imposed, especially in economically more fragile Member States, education budget cuts have been making access more difficult and undermining teaching standards; whereas the crisis and austerity policies are having a direct adverse impact on young people’s prospects for gaining access to, and remaining in, education and employment;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph B
Paragraph B
B. whereas early school leaving seriously hampers the economic and social development of the Union; whereas early school leavers are more often unemployed and at risk of social exclussocial inequalities within education systems, which are often linked to the lack of sufficient – and appropriate – human and financial resources, early school leaving and failure to achieve educational qualifications, have a considerable impact on young people’s employability, since early school leavers are more often unemployed and at risk of social exclusion and, consequently, seriously hamper the economic and social development of the Union;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas in January 2013 23 % of active young people were jobless, with the rates ranging from 15 % or less in Austria, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands to over 55 % in Greece and Spain, indicating marked geographical differences; Notes that in many member states different categories of young people, e.g. underemployed part-time workers or people sanctioned for not complying with 'workfare' schemes, are not included in these figures and that the real figures on youth unemployment are higher;
Amendment 33 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. Whereas youth unemployment is an important contributing factor to the sharp rise in migration that is taking place in a number of member states, seen most profoundly in the so-called 'PIIGS'; Whereas this massive emigration has deprived these countries of an important layer of their most dynamic people and has a devastation effect on local communities;
Amendment 33 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is strongly concerned at the budget cuts by Member States in the field of education, training and youth, and recalls; notes, in particular, the adverse effects of structural reforms and associated austerity programmes in terms of youth unemployment in some Member States, particularly in Southern Europe, which is leading to a significant brain-drain to other countries, including non-EU countries; recalls, therefore, that budget allocations to education and training should be perceived as a necessary and invaluable investment for the future;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Is strongly concerned at the budget cuts by Member States in the field of education, training and youth, and recalls that budget allocations to education and training should be perceived as a necessary and invaluable investment for the future; condemns any increases in tuition fees for state higher education, a measure which several Member States are considering or have already implemented; urges the Member States to ensure that no student is denied access to, or prevented from remaining in, the various levels of education for economic reasons;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that making the Youth Guarantee a reality requires public investments that will promote net job creation, create permanent jobs with proper employment contracts, and respect collective bargaining for wages and the principle of equal pay for equal work or work of equal value;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas young people are particularly disadvantaged during economic crises, more so than most groups; raises in this regard the detrimental effect of the move towards more flexible contracts which is particularly strong among young workers leading to them having a disproportionate rate of precarious contracts and therefore be the first to suffer from unemployment; whereas for many young people current unemployment can be expected to turn into long-term unemployment, which brings risks of social exclusion; whereas this has alarming consequences for young individuals, lowering their self-esteem, leaving their ambitions unrealised, and delaying their assumption of an independent adult life including starting a family, and consequently also for society, negatively impacting on the social, economic and demographic situation in Europe;
Amendment 39 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Urges the Member States to consider whether they might abolish enrolment and tuition fees, whose effects, aggravated by the current economic and social crisis, constitute yet another barrier to access to, and continued study in, state higher education; urges the Member States to increase their education budgets, especially where student grants and social support are concerned, so as to ensure that students will not be forced to take a job or get into debt while they are still studying;
Amendment 42 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses that the European Youth Guarantee must not promote or support precarious employment practices, that posts associated with this scheme must correspond to jobs with proper conditions and wages, and that traineeships must take account of young people's qualifications, whereby wages should always be paid and collective labour agreements and national legislation on the minimum wage complied with;
Amendment 43 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Stresses that young people under 30 must be able to benefit from the European Youth Guarantee;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that, because of the economic and financial crisis, many families can no longer afford to pay for higher education, a fact which has led to an increase in drop-out rates at this level; considers that Member States should ensure that all persons, whatever their economic circumstances, can enjoy the right to free and universal education of a high quality;
Amendment 45 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Strongly recommends to the Member States that they boost investment in public services, particularly primary care health services, re-focusing on health promotion and disease prevention;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas Member States have to provide a social safety net and guarantee decent living conditions for workers who become unemployed and for young people unable to find work;
Amendment 46 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Urges the Member States to enhance the status of healthcare professionals through decent wages and working conditions;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Strongly recommends to the Member States that they boost investment in public education, strengthening its democratic outlook and pedagogical organisation, upgrading school curricula, improving working conditions in schools, guaranteeing universal free access to high-quality and inclusive educational and social provision and thereby combating school failure and dropout;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls fHighlights the impor tan increased use of dual education systems which combine theoretical and practical teaching; highlights the importance of VETce of VET, including lifelong training, in striking the right balance between education and labour market demand; considers that the promotion of VET should not be done at the expense of higher education; emphasises the importance of improving quality standards in higher education;
Amendment 50 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas as the economic and financial crisis has worsened and austerity has been imposed, emigration from the Member States in the most severe difficulty has been increasing at an accelerating rate; whereas a new category of emigrants has emerged, namely young people, more often than not highly qualified;
Amendment 52 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas in the context of the Lisbon Strategy 2000-2010 the EU has undertaken to raise education levels, reduce school drop-out rates to less than 10% by 2020, and increase the rate of completion of tertiary or equivalent education to at least 40%; whereas several Member States have increased or are thinking of increasing tuition fees in higher education;
Amendment 53 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas more and more teachers have been losing their jobs in some countries being ‘bailed out’ by the Troika, and, as a result, teaching standards are declining, schools are being closed, curricula are being pared down, and academic failure and school drop-out rates are rising; whereas the higher student-teacher ratios resulting from the cuts are translating into lower teaching standards in the education system, the goal of which should be to enable teachers to follow the school careers of their pupils more closely;
Amendment 54 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. Whereas the liberalisation of the education system, for instance through the Bologna process, and the austerity policies imposed in various member states have undone many of the steps towards a more accessible education system; stresses therefore the need for an education system that is publicly owned, democratically run, accessible to all and free at the point of use;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that more and more teachers have been losing their jobs in some countries being ‘bailed out’ by the Troika and, as a result, teaching standards are declining, schools are being closed, curricula are being pared down, and academic failure and school drop-out rates are rising; notes that the higher student-teacher ratios resulting from the cuts are translating into lower teaching standards in the education system, the goal of which should be to enable teachers to follow the school careers of their pupils more closely;
Amendment 56 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Highlights the importance of promoting measures designed to reconcile professional, personal and family life, a positive consequence of which will be to boost the participation of women from all sections of society in social and political life, measures that will involve strengthening the public network of day nurseries, crèches and public recreational activities for children, and developing the public support network for the elderly and a public network of community hospitals;
Amendment 64 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Takes the view that helping women to return to the labour market requires multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning and action to combat precarious work and promote work with rights and differentiated work organisation practices, at the woman's request, so that they do not have to give up their careers or take career breaks;
Amendment 65 #
2013/2045(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Calls on the Member States to provide in their education policies for extracurricular placements to help students acquire experience in their chosen field, thereby enabling them to consolidate their knowledge and forge links with the workplace; maintains that Member States should regulate work placements in the proper manner, encompassing them under the heading of student training, and that unpaid placements should be prohibited; stresses that placements of this kind must on no account serve as substitutes for jobs;
Amendment 72 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. Whereas austerity policies implemented across Europe have not led to an economic recovery or job growth; whereas more and more economists clearly indicate that austerity policies have had the opposite effect: depressing economic growth and destroying jobs;
Amendment 100 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that the policy measures implemented by Member States need to be diversified and should tackle all potential obstacles in young people's pathway to sustainable employmentmeaningful, sustainable, well paid, decent employment with full trade union rights, paying particular attention to vulnerable groups that are more likely to suffer from multiple disadvantages;
Amendment 121 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Stresses that the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including trade unions, training and education providers, individual employers, public and privatestudent organisations, youth organisations, public employment services, social partners, third-sector organisations, and health and other authorities, is essential for the successful implementation of a variety of measures fostering youth employment and employability in an integrated fashion; emphasises that measures must be flexible so as to meet the continuously evolving needs on the labour markeneeds of young people best;
Amendment 146 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the particularly difficult situation in certain regions where the level of unemployment among young people is above 25 %; welcomes the fact that EU support for youth employment will be further boosted through the proposed EU Youth Employment Initiative, with a budget of EUR 6 billion over the seven- year period 2014-2020; regrets however the moderate ambitions of the YEI and the fact that the funding allocated is far below what would be necessary to have a real impact on youth unemployment; Refers in this context to the ILO study 'Euro Zone job crisis: trends and policy responses' that raises the need for 21 billion euro to be injected to have an impact on the level of youth unemployment2; __________________ 2 http://www.ilo.org/global/research/publica tions/WCMS_184965/lang--en/index.htm
Amendment 150 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Maintains that the EU Youth Employment Initiative must serve to ensure that jobs are preserved in beneficiary companies, that the initiative itself is not turned into a new form of precarious working arrangement, and that work placements, once completed, will be converted into open-ended contracts;
Amendment 160 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes the decision of the EPSCO Council on 28 February 2013 to agree on a Council recommendation on implementing a Youth Guarantee; recommends extending eligibility to graduatesyoung people aged underp to 30; stresses that the success of this measure will be highly dependent on other factors, e.g. the infrastructure and capacity of public and strengthened private employment services, the availability of student placesplaces for young people, the provision of training and, apprenticeships, and the transferability and implementation of successful experiences from other Member States; stresses that the Youth Guarantee must be integrated within the broader framework of active labour market policies while ensuring high quality standards;
Amendment 181 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Maintains that that such support for enterprises, cooperatives, and third-sector organisations should be of an exceptional and temporary nature and subject to explicit undertakings given in return, in particular to preserve jobs, observe the standards laid down in national law and collective labour agreements, and fulfil tax and social security obligations; believes that support of this kind should be publicised and made known to workers and their representative organisations, and that employers should be required to post information on company premises, in places readily accessible to workers, specifying the support received, its purpose, and the way in which it is to be implemented;
Amendment 186 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Believes that work placements should be supervised and followed up to more useful effect and permanent contracts concluded when permanent posts are to be filled in entities receiving support;
Amendment 204 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Maintains that all unemployed persons receiving support should be monitored so as to enable each worker’s specific training, skills, and, where applicable, vocational retraining needs to be determined at the time when job offers are being assessed and after a worker has accepted a job, the object being to ascertain whether the conditions laid down are being complied with and how far the worker has adapted to the circumstances;
Amendment 250 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Considers that education and/or training establishments must arrange extracurricular placements so as to provide students with experience in their chosen field as a means of consolidating their knowledge and forging links with the workplace;
Amendment 251 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Maintains that Member States should regulate work placements in the proper manner, encompassing them under the heading of student training, and that unpaid placements should be prohibited;
Amendment 253 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to ensure high-quality frameworks for traineeships making sure that traineeships are tailored to the needs of young people and include decent wages, labour rights and working conditions that do not undermine the wages and conditions of the existing workforce, backed up by financial support and mandatory monitoring, as well as a common quality standard for traineeships and work placements; stresses that active promotion and awareness-raising in respect of such programmes is needed among entrepreneurs;
Amendment 273 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that the Alliance for Apprenticeship should also support European and national campaigns for changing perceptions of vocational education, thereby ensuring that students undergoing training of this kind will be placed on an equal footing with other students as regards access to higher education, and should organise a regular forum for discussions on the monitoring of the European apprenticeship strategy with all relevant European and national stakeholders; stresses that incentives should also be provided to facilitate funding for cross-border training activities enabling companies and social partner organisations to become involved in establishing dual education systems;
Amendment 278 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses that in no way traineeships should be used to replace people who were hired on regular contracts or undermine their wages and working conditions; stresses therefore that all trainees, interns or people in vocational training should receive decent wages and conditions and that they should have full trade union rights;
Amendment 285 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Encourages the Member States to fostersupport the mobility of young workers by means of further progress towards the mutual recognition of qualifications and skills and enhanced coordination of national social security systems, especially as regards pension systems, as well as by continuing to invest substantially in language learning;
Amendment 309 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls on the Member States to develop personalised career counselling and guidance, starting already during secondary school, with the aim of enabling young people to make well-informed choices about their higher education, while introducing mechanisms that can monitor the opportunities offered and assess; stresses that all counselling should be based solely on the interests, needs and aspirations of young people and not the requirements of the private sector; calls on member states to introduce mechanisms that can monitor the success rate of those young people's subsequent transition to work;
Amendment 319 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Notes that, because of the economic and financial crisis, many families can no longer afford to pay for higher education, with the result that drop-out rates at this level have increased; considers that Member States should ensure that all persons, regardless of their economic circumstances, can enjoy the right to free universal education of a high quality;
Amendment 327 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Stresses the need to immediately halt all austerity policies;
Amendment 328 #
2013/2045(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Reiterates that, given the historically low level of investment in the economy by the private sector, the public sector needs to become the driving force of economic growth and job creation through massive programmes of public investment together with the taking into democratic public ownership of the economy, so to provide the basis for the re-development of the economy and thus creating meaningful and high quality jobs and the eradication of youth unemployment;
Amendment 3 #
2013/2044(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas all people are entitled to a standard of living enabling them and their families to enjoy health and well-being;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2044(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU is current economic crisis has beenly facing the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, a crisis aggravated by the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the EU institutions under the economic governance policies and ‘financial assistance’ programmes and have led to cuts in national health budgets; whereas this has resulted in setbacks for the right to women’s health protection and had a serious impact on the most disadvantaged groups – children, the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants and ethnic minorities – as their access to health in general is now more difficult, given the increase in healthcare costs and the professional and social devaluation of health professionals;
Amendment 34 #
2013/2044(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Strongly recommends that Member States reinforce their health services regarding primary care, focusing on improving women’s health and access to care, as well as on measures for the most disadvantaged groups – children and young people, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the unemployed and the homeless – that guarantee the right to regular medical monitoring for all; points to the long-term damage that spending cuts are doing to public preventive care services, given the prevailing crisis; considers that primary health care must be maintained and developed, especially as regards facilities and services provided on a decentralised local basis.
Amendment 37 #
2013/2044(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Urges the Member States to raise the status of health professionals by means of decent wages and working conditions and, in particular, by concluding proper employment contracts.
Amendment 9 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Believes that lay-offs of teachers , which have increased in some bailed-out countries, are leading to a decline in teaching standards, school closures, a reduced curriculum and increased rates of academic failure and dropout, and that increased student/teacher ratios as a result of cuts in the sector lead to lower teaching standards in the educational system, the goal of which should be to enable teachers to more closely accompany the educational progress of their pupils;
Amendment 10 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. The process of placing and recruiting teachers is fundamental to maintaining educational systems; calls on Member States to comply with the principle laid down in Council Directive 1999/70/EC on fixed-term work;
Amendment 17 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas with the worsening economic and financial crisis and the application of austerity measures, especially in those Member States with more fragile economies, budget cuts in education have made access more difficult and undermined teaching standards; whereas the crisis and austerity policies are having a direct adverse impact on young peoples’ prospects for gaining access to and remaining in education and employment;
Amendment 23 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Owing to the economic and financial crisis, many families are no longer able to meet the cost of higher education, which has led to an increase in school dropout rates at this level; considers that Member States should guarantee the right of all persons to free, universal and high quality education, regardless of their economic situation;
Amendment 38 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on the Member States to create structures to support and include pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in all educational systems; emphasises that the referral of SEN pupils should be carried out with the participation of parents, special education teachers, their grade teacher or a member of the grade council, and the health or social services;
Amendment 44 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 1 (new)
1. Rejects any tendency towards the commodification of knowledge, education and research and expresses its concern at the emphasis placed on this in EU policies; refuses to continue making education policies dependent on the private capital of companies which link investment in research to their own profit- making interests; refuses to subject education to the whims of the free market, thereby seeking to justify handing over control of knowledge, education and research to the private sector (in the form of the Bologna process);
Amendment 47 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that, because of the economic and financial crisis, many families can no longer afford to pay for higher education, a fact which has led to an increase in drop-out rates at this level; considers that Member States should uphold the right of all persons, whatever their economic circumstances, to free and universal education of high quality;
Amendment 49 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Points out that more and more teachers have been losing their jobs in some countries being ‘bailed out’ by the Troika and, as a result, teaching standards are declining, schools are being closed, curricula are being pared down, and academic failure and school drop-out rates are rising; notes that the higher student-teacher ratios resulting from the cuts are translating into lower teaching standards in the education system, the goal of which should be to enable teachers to follow the school careers of their pupils more closely;
Amendment 59 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on Member States to facilitate transition between the different educational and training pathways, assist transition between education, professional training and employment, provide quality traineeships with rights, work-based learning, apprenticeships and dual learning models and recognize competences based on non-formal and informal learning;
Amendment 69 #
2013/2041(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Considers that professional traineeships should be of high quality and with rights attached and cannot be created as a substitute for permanent jobs;
Amendment 101 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Highlights the importance of supporting young people, especially those not in education, employment or training (NEETs), by promoting traineeships and apprenticeships, dual learning and work- based learning; consiCalls on the Member States to provide in their education policies for extracurricular placements to help students acquire experience in their chosen field, thereby enabling them to consolidate their knowledge and forge links with the workplace; maintains that Member States should regulate work placements in the proper manner, encompassing them unders these as valuable steps in the transition from education to professional life heading of student training, and that unpaid placements should be prohibited; stresses that placements of this kind must on no account serve as substitutes for jobs;
Amendment 149 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Considers the payment of tuition fees to be counter-productive and opposes any increases in such fees, particularly in public higher education, as proposed or already introduced by several Member States; urges the Member States to ensure that no student is excluded from entering or remaining in any level of education for economic reasons linked to their social or family circumstances;
Amendment 152 #
2013/2041(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Urges the Member States to consider whether they might abolish enrolment and tuition fees, whose effects, aggravated by the current economic and social crisis, constitute yet another barrier to access to, and continued study in, state higher education; urges the Member States to increase their education budgets, especially where student grants and social support are concerned, so as to ensure that students will not be forced to take a job or get into debt while they are still studying;
Amendment 78 #
2013/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that SRHR are an essential element of human dignity to be addressed in the broader context of structural discrimination and gender inequalities; and calls on Member States to safeguard SRHR through the Fundam, not least by providing for reproductive health programmes and services, including the types of care and the medicines essential Rights Agencyfor voluntary family planning and maternal and newborn health;
Amendment 109 #
2013/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Stresses that the EU is current austerity measuresly facing the worst economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s, a crisis that is being exacerbated by the so- called austerity measures, which have continually been imposed on Member States by the EU institutions under the economic governance policies and ‘financial assistance’ programmes and which have a detrimental impact, particularly for women, on public health services related to sexual and reproductive health, both in terms of quality and accessibility, on family planning organisations, on NGO service providers, and on women’s economic independence, all of which amounts, from the point of view of civilisation, to a retrograde step for women’s rights;
Amendment 139 #
2013/2040(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Underlines that even when legal, abortion is often prevented or delayed by obstacles to the access of appropriate services, such as the widespread use of conscientious objection, medically unnecessary waiting periods or biased counselling; stresses that Member States should regulate and monitor the use of conscientious objection so as to ensure that reproductive health care is guaranteed as an individual’s right, while access to lawful services is ensured and appropriate and affordablepublic referrals systems of good quality are in place;
Amendment 6 #
2013/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the various actions supposedly taken to combat terrorism have in fact been used as a pretext for military attacks, occupations, violations of national sovereignty and the destruction of various countries' basic infrastructure, including, in particular, hospitals, schools and homes, resulting in hundreds of thousands of victims and refugees, above all women and children, who are the most vulnerable members of the population;
Amendment 22 #
2013/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the Member States to take action to combat the economic and social causes that foster violence against women, such as unemployment, low wages and pensions, housing shortages, poverty, and non-existent or inadequate public services, particularly public health, education and social security services;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls for the establishment of a gender focal point in the European Asylum Support Office
Amendment 30 #
2013/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6b. Underlines that growing prostitution markets, legalised and institutionalised in some Member States, have proven to fuel trafficking, and therefore calls for measures that decreases prostitution markets, such as placing sanctions on the exploiters, including pimps and sex buyers.
Amendment 31 #
2013/2024(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6c. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increasingly fund exit programmes for trafficked persons, in particular for women in prostitution.
Amendment 11 #
2013/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Expresses concern at the discrimination suffered by women and girls in much of this region, particularly in terms of access to education, jobs with rights and health, and in relation to issues such as forced marriage, sexual exploitation and genital mutilation;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Highlights the case of Sahrawi women and their important role in Sahrawi society, particularly in the refugee camps, where illiteracy has decreased sharply from 95 % immediately after the Spanish colonial period to the present-day 5 %; emphasises the crucial role of women in organising Sahrawi institutions and their high level of participation in decision- making at all levels, from local committees to the parliament and government.
Amendment 19 #
2013/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Condemns the human rights abuses, principally involving harassment and sexual violence, inflicted on Sahrawi women in the Moroccan-occupied territories, and used by the occupying forces as a mechanism for intimidating the Sahrawi people in their struggle for their legitimate right to self determination;
Amendment 22 #
2013/2020(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Condemns the interference in the internal affairs of third countries by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and reaffirms the right of all peoples to sovereignty and self determination without outside interference; considers that the defence of women’s rights and the promotion of policies to encourage the active participation of women in all aspects of social life is essential to democracy in all countries;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Maintains that budget appropriations for social action should be increased across the board; considers that the European Social Fund in particular needs to double in volume in order to cope with the social consequences of the crisis, especially unemployment and poverty;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Calls for the EU co-financing rate to be raised, especially for projects in social fields (ESF, the Cohesion Fund, and the Progress programme), so as to ensure that Member States with financial problems will be able to make full use of EU funding; considers that their national contribution should be no higher than 10%;
Amendment 9 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Points to the need for gender mainstreaming in the rules governing, and the implementation of, EU funds as a whole and draws particular attention to the ESF, which should have sufficient capacity to promote policies in support of equality, permanent jobs of high quality, and fair redistribution of income;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Proposes that a budget heading be established, and the appropriate funding entered under it, to help bring about a change in the status of workers who are fictitiously self-employed, enabling them to have proper employment contracts with social rights, this being a key issue where workers’ rights are concerned;
Amendment 14 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Deplores the fact that the funding earmarked for the Youth Employment Initiative is far below what is necessary to have a real impact on youth unemployment; draws attention in this connection to the ILO study on the ‘Eurozone job crisis: trends and policy responses’, which notes that EUR 21 billion needs to be allocated if the initiative is to make itself felt in terms of the youth unemployment rate;
Amendment 19 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls for solid and accelerated commitment and payment appropriations for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived in order to fight extreme poverty, as regards the budget commitments for the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived, for the volume of resources earmarked for the 2014-2020 period to total EUR 5 000 000 000;
Amendment 29 #
2013/2017(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Points out that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises employ many workers in the EU and that one of the main problems in setting up such enterprises and keeping them going is obtaining financing; proposes, therefore, that greater emphasis be laid on the microfinance element of the PSCI;
Amendment 11 #
2013/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Highlights the need to provide better universal social security and to promote social insurance for self-employed; calls on the Commission and Member States to link social security and social protection rights to the individual rather than the wat everyone has the right to social security, to be protected in sickness, old age, invalidity, widowhood, unemployment and in all situations where they lack the means of subsistence or capacity to work and that the Member States have a responsibility to organise, coorkding contract, thereby enabling decent social protection for all including self- employed and workers regardless of their contract type or employment statuate and fund a unified and decentralised social security system, with the participation of trade union associations, other workers’ organisations and beneficiaries’ associations;
Amendment 32 #
2013/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on Member States to ensure the availability of affordablefree, high-quality public childcare facilities and to ensure equal access for self-employed to relevant tax or social advantages in relation to child care;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission to propose an ambitious revision of Directive 2010/41/EU1 on the application of the principle of equal treatment between men and women engaged in an activity in a self- employed capacity in order to guarantee higher, minimum maternity and paternity leave rights; __________________ 1, with the Member States being responsible for ensuring that self- employed workers are entitled to maternity and paternity leave under their social security systems; __________________ 1 OJ L 180, 15.7.2010, p.1. JO L 180 de 15.7.2010, p.1.
Amendment 44 #
2013/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Calls on Member States to reduce working hours and facilitate the combination of work and care responsibilities by providing workers, on request, with flexibility with regard to working hours and working place in order to avoid that they have no other possibility for flexibility than to resort to dependent self- employment;
Amendment 47 #
2013/2011(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Calls on Member States to pass legislation to combat the use of ‘false’ self-employed workers, who carry out duties while occupying permanent posts, a form of precarious employment which particularly affects women;
Amendment 7 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on Member States to protect the rights of women, promote equality and equal opportunities and to combat all forms of exploitation and discrimination in the labour market, in particular by promoting lifelong learning, combating precarious employment, and promoting work with rights, working hours that are compatible with balancing work and family life, a public healthcare network, a public social security system, and differentiated practices as regards the organisation of working time, at the woman's request;
Amendment 8 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Takes the view that professional mobility must not have a negative impact on women in relation to guaranteed social rights and to this end, whilst recognising the differing nature of pension schemes across the EU, the maintenance and transfer between countries of pension rights under the public social security system should be guaranteed;
Amendment 12 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Draws particular attention to women with disabilities and stresses the need for measures and actions to combat double discrimination and promote completely equal rights and opportunities;
Amendment 16 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas gender segregation on the labour market, lack of adequate working conditions, persistent stereotypes and the risk of gender-based discrimination are major obstacles to women’s occupational mobility; whereas factors related to family, social networks, childcare facilities, – particularly the absence or inadequacy of public networks of day nurseries, crèches and public provision of free-time activities for children – housing and local conditions are also barriers to women exercising the right of free movement;
Amendment 21 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas multidimensional policy solutions incorporating lifelong learning, working time and work-life balance, health and safety ancombating precarious work and promoting jobs with rights, working time and work-life balance, a public healthcare network, a public social security network and differentiated work organisation practices at women’s request are needed in order to improve the integration of women into the labour market;
Amendment 35 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
(2a) Considers that professional mobility must not be unfavourable to women where social rights are concerned and that it is therefore necessary to guarantee the continuation and transfer of pension rights under the public social security system between countries, while recognising the diversity of pension regimes throughout the EU;
Amendment 36 #
2013/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Reaffirms the need for the Member States to guarantee the right to family reunification;
Amendment 57 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Commission and on the Member States to monitoreffectively punish violations of women’s rights in the labour market, to provide women living abroad for work purposes with all the necessary information, including with regard to access to jobs and training in this field and to social rights and healthcare, and to provide counselling in relation to employment opportunities at no extra cost;
Amendment 68 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the Member States to make pay trends more transparent, particularly by promoting collective bargaining, so as to avert continuing or widening pay gaps;
Amendment 75 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to provide public services for workers who move with a spouse or partner and/or children, regardless of their level of pay or qualifications, such as childcare facilities, pre-schools, schools and medical services, along with free access to public employment services in order to help spouses or partners moving to another Member State to find a job; reasserts the need to guarantee the right to family reunification;
Amendment 86 #
2013/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Calls on the Commission strongly to support the Erasmus programme and to reject any model under which students are required to finance themselves, whether through bank loans or by other means; notes that since its inception in 1987 the Erasmus programme has enabled more than 2.2 million students to be mobile within the EU, and has made a significant contribution to mobility in European higher education;
Amendment 18 #
2013/2004(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas gender-based violence is understood to be a form of discrimination and a violation of the fundamental freedoms of the victim and includes violence in close relationships, domestic violence, sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault and harassment), trafficking in human beings, trafficking in women and children for sexual ends, exploitation through prostitution, slavery, and different forms of harmful practices, such as forced marriages, female genital mutilation and, so- called ‘honour crimes’, gender-based wage discrimination, mobbing and sexual harassment at the workplace, violation of the maternity rights of working mothers, and degrading portrayals of women in advertising;
Amendment 66 #
2013/2004(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital N a (new)
Recital N a (new)
Na. whereas undocumented migrant women are in a more vulnerable position and whereas, in many countries, women in this category who suffer domestic violence have no source of support other than the public health care services;
Amendment 31 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3
Recital 3
Amendment 32 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 3 a (new)
Recital 3 a (new)
(3a) In the current economic climate, labour mobility has created situations where workers from economically peripheral areas are obliged to emigrate.
Amendment 35 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) These recommendations would benefit from being further supported by an enhanced evidence-base, feedback on success of policy implementation and co- operation between the PES of Member States. To this end, the PES Network to be established under this Decision should carry out concrete initiatives such as common evidence-based benchmarking systems, corresponding mutual learning activities, mutual assistance between the network members and the implementation of strategic actions for the modernisation of PES.. The specific knowledge of the network and its individual members should also be used to provide, upon request of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) and the Employment Committee (EMCO), evidence for the development of employment policies.
Amendment 42 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The PES Network should reinforce co- operation between its members, develop joint initiatives aimed at exchanges of information and best practices in all areas covered by PES, comparative analysis and advice as well as promotion of innovative approaches in the delivery of employment services. By establishing this network an inclusive, evidence-based and performance-oriented comparison of all PES leading to the identification of best practices will be possible. With these results members of the network should be able to shape the design and delivery of employment services within their specific responsibilities. The initiatives carried out by the Network should improve PES effectiveness and allow for more efficient public spendinghelp ensure a better response to the specific characteristics of Public Employment Services in each Member State, and adequate funding needs to be provided to this end.
Amendment 45 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) the social partners;
Amendment 53 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) the better funcpromotioning of thework with social and labour markerights in the EUeach Member State;
Amendment 56 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) increased geographical and occupational mobility;
Amendment 73 #
2013/0202(COD)
Proposal for a decision
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The Network shall cooperate with labour market stakeholders including trade unions and workers' representatives and other providers of employment services by involving them in relevant activities and meetings of the Network and by exchanging information and data.
Amendment 486 #
2013/0137(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 3
3. During processing, packaging, storage, transport or at delivery, lots of plant reproductive material may be split into two or more lots. In that case the professional operator shall keep records concerning the origin of the new lots, except when there is no more than one intermediary between the producer and the user and all professional operators concerned supply the same local or regional markets.
Amendment 34 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The free movement of workers is also a key element to the development of a genuine Union labour market, allowing workers to move from high unemployment areas to areas where there are labour shortages, helping more people find posts better suited to their skills and overcoming bottlenecks in the labour marketrising unemployment levels caused by the current crisis have led to a huge increase in involuntary movement of workers out of many Member States, brought about by necessity. The only way to combat this trend is to provide and increase proper employment of high quality in all the Member States affected, thereby ensuring that free movement will invariably be based on choice and not on necessity.
Amendment 36 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) ‘Economic governance’ and its employment policies have encouraged more flexible labour markets aimed at destroying social protection and the Welfare State, workers’ rights, collective bargaining etc., with the result that workers are being pressured into submitting to working conditions that infringe their employment and social rights. The employment policies based on the ‘European Semester’ and ‘economic governance’ are therefore harmful from the point of view of protecting workers’ rights where freedom of movement is concerned.
Amendment 41 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) Equal pay and working conditions for work of equal value at the same workplace, and in every occupational field – whether the workers are men or women – is a principle that has to be strictly observed, and it is therefore essential to be acquainted with, and abide by, collective labour agreements.
Amendment 45 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Member States should give proper effect to the ILO and UN ‘Decent Work Agenda’ by changing the direction of EU and national employment policies with a view to promoting the ‘decent work’ concept in all its aspects, this being a prerequisite for safeguarding the social rights of workers and their families where freedom of movement is concerned.
Amendment 49 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 21 a (new)
Recital 21 a (new)
(21a) Member States and all stakeholders should make workers more aware of their rights and of the means (labour law, collective agreements, social security provisions, housing, education, childcare, etc.) serving to regulate their employment relationships and working and living conditions.
Amendment 50 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 a (new)
Recital 22 a (new)
(22a) The effective safeguards provided by labour inspections are an essential means of guaranteeing equal treatment and combating undeclared work, social dumping, and discrimination based not only on nationality, but also on sex, given that migrant women are often discriminated against twice over. The authorities which conduct labour inspections should therefore be equipped with sufficient resources.
Amendment 51 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 b (new)
Recital 22 b (new)
(22b) It is, in addition, important to improve cooperation and coordination among labour inspectorates in cross- border regions.
Amendment 52 #
2013/0124(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 22 c (new)
Recital 22 c (new)
(22c) Member States should tackle bogus self-employment among migrant workers by giving them access to social and employment rights and social protection.
Amendment 3 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Notes that the cooperative movement is a project in which inequalities are reduced and which supports the insertion into society of the organisations created, thereby offering the public a democratic alternative for creating employment, stabilising populations against social and economic desertification, promoting fair and sustainable trade, and educating and training communities, encouraging their involvement in cooperative activities . emphasises that, in today’s capitalist society, the cooperative movement alone will not resolve all social and economic problems;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Expresses the view that this greater resilience is in large part due to the cooperative model of governance, which is based on joint ownership and, democratic control, organisation and management by their member-stakeholders, and that it is also due to their characteristic method of capital accumulationo the economic participation of their associates, their autonomy and independence, the education, training and information provided to cooperative members, cooperation amongst cooperatives and their commitment to the community, stresses that their resilience is also due to their characteristic method of capital accumulation, with balanced social and economic objectives and goals of improving their operation and activity; considers that this model helps to ensure that cooperatives take a long-term approach and anchors them in the local economy, giving them a stake in local sustainable development and ensuring that they do not delocalise, even when they internationalise;
Amendment 36 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Takes the view that this in-built capacity for resilience should be strengthened by paying proper attention to cooperatives in all EU policies designed to contribute to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as , particularly through Community assistance to the cooperative movement and by paying proper attention to cooperatives in all EU policies; considers it necessary to support the aims and working methods of cooperatives by encouraging the crelevant flagship initiatives of the EU 2020 strategy; believes that the necessary steps should be taken to ensure a level playing field between cooperatives and other forms of enterprises, whilst presation and continuation of consumers’ cooperatives, as in many regions this is the only means of distributing staple goods without speculative mark-ups and advertising campaigns promoting excessive, health- endangerving cooperatives’ aims and working methods, uneconomic and environmentally unfriendly consumption;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Recalls that consumer cooperatives, in addition to guaranteeing access to products at lower prices, organise communities around cultural, sporting and educational activities, promoting healthy and rational spending;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Considers that the recovery of consumer cooperatives will, apart from responding to consumers’ real interests, make a major contribution to national production, particularly in small-scale agriculture, family farming and small- scale fishing , providing real impulse to the development of national economies;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Emphasises that housing cooperatives continue to play a highly important role in society, despite the great difficulties they have encountered; deplores the fact that public spending cuts and curbs, particularly in countries with the most vulnerable economies, are having a deeply negative impact on the functioning of these institutions and exacerbating an already critical situation, given the current economic and social crisis, as well as jeopardising major projects in social housing construction and urban redevelopment;
Amendment 90 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Is concerned that the current system whereby market power is concentrated in the hands of a few major enterprises has led to the disappearance of a large number of cooperatives, with the concomitant loss of thousands of jobs;
Amendment 101 #
2012/2321(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Warns that cooperatives face proven difficulties in obtaining funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and that this poses difficulties for their sustainability and even their continued existence; given the importance of the cooperative sector, which led to 2012 being declared International Year of Cooperatives, alerts the Commission to the need to enable easier and more flexible access by cooperatives to EIB loans, as well as to other non-repayable grants from EU programmes;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union is addressing the greatest economic and financial crisis since the 1930s depression, a crisis aggravated by the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the European Union institutions in the context of economic governance policies (SGP, European Semester, Pact for the Euro plus, fiscal compact) and 'financial assistance' programmes, and whereas unemployment rates in the Member States have risen significantly as a result of this crisis; whereas the effects of this crisis are particularly serious for women who are affected directly – through loss of their jobs or job security -–- and indirectly viaand through budget cuts in public services and welfare assistance; whereas, that being the case, it is essential that the dimension of gender equality in the handling of this crisis and the development of solutions be examined;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the right to work is an essential precondition if women are to enjoy effective equal rights, economic independence and professional fulfilment;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the increasing risk of poverty is closely and directly linked to the destruction of significant social functions performed by the state, as seen, for example, with the recent destruction of public social security systems in a number of Member States, along with cuts to key social benefits (family allowance, unemployment benefit, sickness benefit, social integration minimum income);
Amendment 17 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the austerity measures imposed by the Troika (ECB, EC, IMF), as well as the economic policy and public finance supervision measures decided upon by the Commission and the Council are undermining the welfare state, deepening the gaps in society, and generating even greater social and economic injustices, including gender inequalities;
Amendment 47 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas cutbacks in services and benefits have compromised women's economic independence, as benefits often constitute an important source of their income and as they use public services more than men. Lone mothers and female single pensioners face the biggest cumulative losses;
Amendment 50 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
Ia. Whereas the current crisis and austerity policies are being used to undermine workers' rights in many Member States, which to a large extent affects women workers and have serious negative impacts on women's possibilities for economic autonomy,
Amendment 73 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Believes that the right to work is an essential precondition if women are to enjoy effective equal rights, economic independence and professional fulfilment, and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through the mandatory application of the principle that for every actual job there should be a permanent post, and by recognising and enhancing the right to work with rights;
Amendment 74 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to reformulate the current responses to the economic crisis in order to ensure that measures undertaken are long term in scope and don't undermine the welfare policies and public sector structures that are a precondition for greater gender equality, such as social services and care facilities, health care, education, and workers rights;
Amendment 91 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Recalls that cuts in public budgets will have the effect ofresulting from the European Union's macro-structural economic policies, in particular the implementation of the measures contained in 'economic governance' and financial adjustment programmes, are causing and will continue to cause increasing gender inequalities and female unemployment, women being in the majority in the public sector and the principal beneficiaries of social policies and, consequently, increasing the feminisation of poverty, and a change in policy is therefore required;
Amendment 113 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Underlines that the expenditure cuts in the care sector de facto redistribute work onto the shoulders of women and undermine gender equality, and calls on all Member States to develop plans for the provision of care services as a central component of the welfare state, generating social justice and gender equality;
Amendment 140 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Urges the introduction of a public transport policy, and in particular the development and improvement of the public transport service, which takes gender equality into account, enabling women to be more active in the labour market and in searching for work by making them truly mobile and helping them to achieve a better work-life balance;
Amendment 141 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses the importance of effective action making it possible to combine work, private and family life, which will have the positive effect of increasing the participation of women from all sections of society in social and political life;
Amendment 145 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Insists on mandatory respect for collective bargaining in the private sector, state-owned enterprises and public administration, this being the form of worker protection that best guarantees equal rights for men and women in the workplace; rejects, therefore, measures aimed at making labour relations more flexible and weakening the role played by trade unions in guaranteeing labour rights;
Amendment 149 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Stresses the need to enhance the responsibility of states and employers in relation to generational renewal and maternity and paternity rights, which means that women must have the right to be both mothers and workers without forfeiting labour rights;
Amendment 152 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses the fact that decisions taken by some Member States, largely as a result of the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the European Union, to cut their budgets for childcare, education and extracurricula activities, and carers have direct implications for women who take on the majority of the additional tasks entailed, which means that the public network of day nurseries, crèches and public recreational activity services for children needs to be expanded, along with the public support network for the elderly and a public network of community hospitals;
Amendment 162 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. States that female poverty has not just been caused by the recent economic crisis, but by a variety of factors: stereotypes, pay gaps between men and women, insufficient redistribution mechanisms in the welfare state systems, lack of a work- life balance, women's longer life expectancy and, in general, all kinds of gender-based discrimination which affect mainly women;
Amendment 167 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Observes that the economic crisis contributes to harassment, violence of all kinds, and prostitution, with women as the victims, in breach of human rights; stresses the need to increase the public financial and human resources available for intervention among groups at risk of poverty, and in situations where children and young people, elderly or disabled people and homeless people are at risk;
Amendment 170 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Calls, in the absence of reliable data, for for ongoing and systematic monitoring of the consequences of the economic crisis on women's working conditions to be appraised: discrimination during recruitment, increased workload, pressure and stress at work, bullying and psychological harassment; calls also on the European Commission to carry out a gender impact assessment of its economic policy measures and responses to the current crisis,
Amendment 173 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Stresses that women organisations, women's shelters, and equality bodies are also hit by cuts in funding. Cuts in funding for women's organisations undermine women's civic and political participation and make women's voices even less heard in society. Calls on the Member States to exempt these actors and bodies from cuts in expenditure.
Amendment 176 #
2012/2301(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
Amendment 1 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A
Paragraph A
A. whereas affordable, adequate and secure housing is a precondition forthe right to housing should be safeguarded in practice by guaranteeing that citizens and families have adequate housing which meets their needs and secures their well-being, privacy and quality of life, thereby helping to achievinge social justice and cohesion and tacklinge social exclusion and poverty;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph D
Paragraph D
D. whereas the financial and economic crisis hasand so-called austerity policies have increased the unemployment rate among women and prevented greater progress in providing disadvantaged women with housing options;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the social and family profiles of people using social housing has changed, and there is now increased demand for such housing; whereas these new social factors should be identified so that the Member States can define a range of housing strategies that more closely match actual circumstances;
Amendment 26 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the Member States determine and organise the provision of social housing in parallel and in addition to the unplanned, market-based housing supply; whereas the Member States cannot simply act as regulators but must also act as developers and builders of social housing, taking on responsibility for effective, non- speculative credit policies and the regulation of a non-speculative rental market;
Amendment 41 #
2012/2293(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls on the Member States to invest in social housing neighbourhoods and thus to provide a stable and secure environment, in particular for vulnerable groups such as young families, young people at the start of their careers, migrant wotake on responsibility for guaranteeing the right to housing for everyone, in particular by launching housing programmes for less well-off citizens, providing incentives for promoting controlled-cost housing, constructing social rented housing, promoting and financing self-building programmens, people with disabilities, women from minority groups and the elderlysupporting the cooperative sector, launching effective and non- speculative credit policies and regulating a non-speculative rental market;
Amendment 69 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the private housing sector cannot be seen as a solution for meeting housing needs; on the contrary, the worsening economic and financial crisis and implementation of austerity measures, with falling wages and rising unemployment, in conjunction with high rents and rising mortgage repayments, are leading to an increase in the number of evictions and properties seized by banks;
Amendment 73 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Takes the view that the Member States, taking account of their economic, social and cultural circumstances, should select those models that are best suited in order to implement a housing strategy aimed at: - providing incentives for the development of controlled-cost housing, - setting up a rent support scheme with specific programmes for young people, - supporting the cooperative sector, - supporting self-build programmes, - acquiring empty buildings for refurbishing and rehousing, - combating clandestine housing;
Amendment 75 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Takes the view that the Member States should ensure that multidisciplinary technical teams are available at regional and local level with sufficient human and financial resources to implement a policy of proximity to citizens;
Amendment 76 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Takes the view that Member States should take on responsibility for looking after and maintaining housing in order to prevent it from deteriorating;
Amendment 109 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Takes the view that residents' and tenants' organisations should be involved in defining the housing strategies to be implemented by the Member States;
Amendment 124 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Proposes the establishment of the European Housing Observatory to develop knowledge about the housing situation in the various countries, especially social housing, on the basis of reliable statistical indicators; takes the view that residents' and tenants' organisations should be formally involved in the work undertaken by this Observatory;
Amendment 144 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Takes the view that the amounts to be allocated to the Cohesion Funds under the MFF 2014-2020 should not be less than the amounts under the current MFF, so that adequate funding is guaranteed for the ERDF, in particular the investment priority 'promoting social inclusion and combating poverty - support for physical and economic regeneration of deprived urban and rural communities';
Amendment 154 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Advocates making priority investment in heat efficiency and in the use of renewables in social housing, as well as integrated projects for sustainable urban development, access to housing for marginalised communities and the promotion of social enterprises and cooperatives, eligible for Structural Fund support in the 2014-2020 budgetary period;
Amendment 205 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Points out that implementing the right to housing affects the implementation of other fundamental rights, including political and social rights; takes the view that the right to housing should be implemented through a guarantee that citizens and families will have adequate housing which meets their needs and safeguards their well-being, privacy and quality of life, thereby helping to achieve social justice and cohesion and tackle social exclusion and poverty;
Amendment 206 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Points out that the housing strategies to be implemented by the Member States should combat the situations that lead to social exclusion and the spatial segregation of certain sections of the population, and that social housing should be seen as a means of providing an exit from situations of social exclusion rather than a permanent condition;
Amendment 212 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Points out that Member States should invest in the construction of public social facilities such as sports and cultural centres as part of the housing strategy;
Amendment 283 #
2012/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Recommends that the Member States, taking into account their social, economic and cultural circumstances, set transparent and impartial criteria for allocating social housing, such as: - taking account of net income, - taking account of spending on health and education (up to a limit), - considering young people under 25 as dependents, - considering people with disabilities who are unable to carry on a professional activity as dependents (even where they have a pension);
Amendment 2 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU is currently facing the worst economic and financial crisis since the great depression of the 1930s, a crisis aggravated by the so-called austerity measures that have been imposed on Member States by the EU institutions in the context of economic governance policies and 'financial assistance' programmes;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas women's right to equality is a condition for a democratic and human society and the free development of women's creative and productive capacities;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Stresses that trade union federations have the task of exercising the right to collective bargaining and Member States have the task of guaranteeing that this right and collective labour agreements are not violated;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Stresses the right of all citizens, particularly women, to take part in political life and policy-making in their countries, specifically by holding public office and being elected to trade union and worker representation bodies, without either privileges or discrimination;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights that collective bargaining represents a valuable complement to legislation in promoting gender equality and is a key mechanism for gender mainstreaming in employment, in particular as a mechanism for combating wage discrimination;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Highlights women's right to take part in shaping and implementing major policy issues in the sectors concerned;
Amendment 33 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Urges the Member States to guarantee that women can exercise their rights in all areas of society, prohibiting and penalising all forms of discrimination;
Amendment 35 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 b (new)
Paragraph 13 b (new)
13b. Urges the Member States to guarantee the right to equal employment opportunities as regards access, vocational training and promotion and the principle of 'equal pay for equal work';
Amendment 37 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 c (new)
Paragraph 13 c (new)
13c. Urges the Member States effectively to recognise maternity and paternity as an outstanding social function, guaranteeing the rights to leave that are enshrined in the legislation;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2292(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13 d (new)
Paragraph 13 d (new)
13d. Urges the Member States to take into account that the right to work is an essential precondition if women are to enjoy effective equal rights, economic independence and professional fulfilment, and therefore insists that precarious employment should be eradicated through the mandatory application of the principle that for every actual job there should be a permanent post, and by recognising and enhancing the right to work with rights;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses the need to create the appropriate conditions for people to work longer and to be more productive, both by improving labour-market flexibility through the introduction of time accounts and part-time possibilities and by making provision for modern forms of employment contract, including temporary oneat elderly people have a right to economic security through decent retirement, having earned this right with contributions made throughout their working lifetime, and to enjoy family and community life in conditions which respect their individual autonomy and which prevent and overcome social isolation or marginalisation; they have the right to access a quality network of facilities providing support for the elderly, accessible to all citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status, particularly day centres, residential homes and home help; they have a right to quality public health services allowing universal access to a healthy ageing process;
Amendment 33 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Is convinced that comprehensive reforms are necessary in order to prevent and avoid serious shortages on our labour maovide equal rights to all worketrs, which would result eliminating a further economic slowdown and a threat to the level of prosperity in Europell forms of precarious employment and investing in the creation of permanent jobs and lifelong learning and professional training;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out the essential role of investing more in the education and training of young people in order to accomplish the objective of combating youth unemployment, with priority for lifelong learning, in order to prepare an active and productive ageing workforcethe creation of jobs with rights; points out that everyone should have access to lifelong education and culture and that this calls for investment in quality public cultural services available to all;
Amendment 53 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Maintains that further reforms of pension systems are necessary in order to make them sustainable; more coherence must be established between the effective retirement age, the official retirement age and life expectanc, upholding universal and supportive public social security systems able to guarantee decent retirement conditions for all, reflecting true inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2258(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Believes that priority should be given to fighting social inequality, especially economic inequality in terms of income and wealth distribution and labour market inequalities, and social insecurity, unequal access to the social functions of the state such as welfare, health, education, the legal system, etc;
Amendment 31 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas fiscal consolidation must continue in view of the high debt levels and long-term challenges to public finances; whereas fiscal consolidation can can have negative growth and employment effects in the short term, especially in countries in recession or with marginal growth rates, compromising future growth and job- creation potential; whereas fiscal consolidation must therefore continue in a growth-friendly manner;
Amendment 56 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Considers that the Europe 2020 Strategy, and in this context the Commission must recognize that changes of existing macroeconomic policies are necessary, (i.e. discontinue the fiscal pact, stop the privatisation and liberalisation processes, etc) to give priority to the creation of quality work with rights, with better wages, less poverty and more social inclusion and progress;
Amendment 57 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 59 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers it regrettable that last year most Member States did not respect their commitment to submit a National Job Plan (NJP) as part of their 2012 NRPs; calls on the Member States to respect this commitment in 2013; stresses that NJPs should include comprehensive measures for job creation and green employment, a link between employment policies and financial instruments, labour market reforms, a cleNotes that the neoliberal measures, so- called austerity, which have been reinforced, notably as part of the so-called National Reform Plans, Economic Governance and the European Semester, are contributing to the deepening of the social and economic crisis in a number of countries with more fragile economies, making life more and more difficult for families of the working class and in par timetable for rolling out the multiannual reform agenda over the next 12 months and an indcular for women and children, who are the main vicationms of both the fields and regions experiencing specialisation shortages and surplusesthe increase of poverty, unemployment and precarious and poorly paid work;
Amendment 61 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 69 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Calls on the Member States to adopt measures favourable to job creation such as labour tax reforms that provide employment incentives, promote and support self-employment and business start-ups, improve the framework for doing business, facilitate access to financing for SMEs, transform informal and undeclared work into regular employment, reform labour markets to make them more adaptive, dynamic and inclusive, with rights, recovery of wages and modernise wage- setting systems to align wages with productivity developments, exploit the high employment potential of sectors such as the green economy, health and social care, and the ICT sector to create jobs;
Amendment 91 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Warns that so called austerity measures should notare compromiseing the quality of employment, northe social protection and health and safety standards.
Amendment 95 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Calls on the Member States, while pursuing fiscal consolidation, to secure efficient investment in education and training.
Amendment 102 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Welcomes the fact thatTakes note the 2013 AGS addresses poverty and social exclusion, as well as tackling the social consequences of the crisis; calls on the Commission to stress these measures in the country-specific recommendations and, in particular, to address in-work poverty, poverty among people with limited or no links to the labour market and poverty among elderly people; calls on the European Council to endorse this guidance as a priority;
Amendment 103 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Stresses that fiscal policies must have as its main objectives the use of resources of Member States in productive investment and job creators, particularly in agriculture and industry, in targeted support for exporting companies that innovate, a fairer distribution of income and sacrifices and end with the fiscal privileges to the big economic groups;
Amendment 104 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Acknowledges the need to continue fiscal consolidation programmes in order to guarantee the sustainability of public finances, but warns about thhave negative short-term growth and employment effects thereof, especially in countries in recession or with marginal growth rates;
Amendment 130 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Emphasises that Europe needs a macroeconomic framework to support sustainable development, and an increase in employment and social cohesion; considers that monetary and tax policies in the EU have had a negative impact on the growth of the economy and employment, and recalls that monetary policy should contribute to strengthening economic recovery and fighting unemployment, locking in the immediate destruction of thousands of jobs in the EU and creating quality jobs with rights;
Amendment 132 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Stresses the need for reforms in the labour market to increase labour productivity and efficiencput a strong focus on promoting quality in worder tok, improve the EU economy's competitiveness and guarantee sud social security and social inclusion, enhancing existainable growth and job creation; believes that reforms in labour markets should be implemented in such a way as to promote job qualityg and introducing new workers rights, promoting health and safety at work, better social risk management and the reconciliation of work and non-work life;
Amendment 136 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
Amendment 137 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Underlines that measures to enhance security by phasing out precarious employment and those atypical contractual arrangements related to such insecure forms of employment should be strongly launched by Member States,, with a view to restrict and reduce atypical forms of employment, whose misuse should be punished. Member States must therefore introduce a combination of secure and reliable employment contracts, active and integrative labour market policies, effective lifelong learning, high quality social security systems to secure professional transitions accompanied by clear rights for the unemployed to be entitled to adequate benefits and tailor- made measures to find quality employment or training and upgrading of their skills and competencies if needed;
Amendment 140 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Stresses the need to undertake the necessary reforms in order to guarantee the sustainability of pension systems; believes that retirement age should be linked to the evolution of life expectancy, but recalls that there is still scope to raise the actual retirement age without raising the mandatory retirement age by reducing early exit from the labour market; believes that, if actual retirement ages are to be raised successfully, reforms in pension systems need to be accompanied by policies that develop employment opportunities for older workers' access to life-long learning, and introduce tax benefit policies giving incentives to stay longer at work, and support active healthy ageing ensuring public social security systems aiming fair reforms allowing to live with dignity;
Amendment 148 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Regrets that absolutely no mention is made of steps to implement gender mainstreaming in the priorities of the Annual Growth Survey 2013; considers that significantly increasing women's participation in the labour market is key to achieving the Europe 2020 headline target for the employment rate; calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt the necessary measures to promote higher employment rates among women, such as affordable care and child care, adequate maternity, paternity and parental leave schemes and flexibility in working hours and places of work;
Amendment 149 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Calls on the Member States to improve the environment for businesses, especially for SMEs, and calls on the Commission and the European Council to step up efforts to improve the Single Market, to enhance the digital economy and to focus on smart regulation in order to reduce unnecessary red tape; welcomes the Single Market Act II and calls for swift and full implementation thereof;
Amendment 156 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42 a. Stresses the need to combat with effective measures, discrimination in access to employment and wages suffered by young girls, even when they have higher academic qualifications than young boys;
Amendment 169 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47
Paragraph 47
47. Calls on the EU and Member States to foster cooperation and synergies between theonsiders that the institutions of education and/or training sector and enterprises to anticipate skills' needs and adapt education and training systems to the needs of the labour market, with the aim of providmust ensure internships to complement the curriculum to their students as a way to gain experience ing the workforce with the necessary skills andfield they have chosen to facilitatinge the transition from education and training to workir learning and connection labour practice;
Amendment 174 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Believes that structural labour market reforms should be introduce internal flexibility to maintain employment d to create an inclusive labour market, promoting times of economic disruption, and ensure job quality, security in employment transitions, unemployment benefit schemes based on strict activation requirements that maintain work incentives while ensuring sufficient inche quality of work, improving levels of education and expanding training programs and recycling, improving gender equality and the integration of women, contractual arrangements to combat labour market segmentation, anticipate economic restructuring, and ensure access to lifelong learningmigrants, young workers and older workers and other disadvantaged groups in the labour market;
Amendment 175 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53 a. Notes that the increase of atypical employment as a result of greater flexibility excludes a growing number of workers social benefits, since eligibility for benefits depends on the worker's employment status, whereas this way, the flexibility also endangers the financial sustainability of social security systems;
Amendment 177 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Calls on the Member States to simplify employment legislation and support and develop conditions for more flexible working arrangements, especially for older and younger workers, and to promote workers' voluntary mobility through mobility support schemes;
Amendment 182 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Calls on the Member States to increase the coverage and effectiveness of active labour market policies, in close cooperation with social partners, mutually supported by activation incentives, such as welfare-to-work programmes, and adequate benefit systems in order to maintain employability, support people back into work and safeguard decent living conditions;
Amendment 187 #
2012/2257(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 a (new)
Paragraph 61 a (new)
61 a. Emphasizes that, to emerge stronger from the economic crisis, be more competitive and convergent, have higher levels of growth and ensure our systems of welfare in the long term, Europe should promote quality public services, making full use of its workforce potential work to ensure workers' rights, promote collective bargaining and public social security and universal;
Amendment 1 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph A
Paragraph A
A. whereas the ageing of the population threatens to place a strain on public spendproblem of pension system sustainability resides not so much in the demographic issue as in the issue of income redistribution, bearing oin social protection, since pensions account for the largest proportion of such expendituremind that the amounts allocated to pensions in the EU represent a minor part of Member State GDP;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A – indent 6
Recital A – indent 6
Amendment 17 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A – indent 8
Recital A – indent 8
Amendment 25 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that there is an urgent need to reform pension systems to take account of economic and demographic trends and improve Europe’s growth prospectspublic social security systems will be sustainable only if new forms and sources of financing statutory pension schemes are adopted, making social security contributions payable on all financial income, and applying fiscal reforms under which people who have higher incomes and profits will be required to make a more decisive contribution to public social security systems; stresses the risk of part-time work, most of which is done by women, leading to only partial pension entitlements; considers it necessary to provide equal rights to all workers, eliminating all forms of precarious employment and investing in the creation of permanent jobs and lifelong learning and professional training;
Amendment 34 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Reiterates the need for Member States to take measures to eliminate the pay differential between women and men; and put an end to all forms of precarious employment, investing in the creation of permanent jobs and lifelong learning and professional training:
Amendment 46 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recognises the need to adjust retirement age to take account of increased life expectancy while improving access to lifelong learning, making it easier for people to reconcile the demands ofimprove the objective conditions for reconciling professional life and family and private life during women's working lives; stresses the importance of expanding the public health network and public support services for the elderly in order to ensure that ageing is a dignified profcessional, family and private life and promoting active ageing that is free from humiliation, discrimination or any form of violence against older women;
Amendment 51 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 59 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomesNotes with concern the Commission’s intention of encouraging the development of complementary private retirement savings, with a view to increasing the income of retired people; hich will imply a downgrading of public social security systems and their underlying principle of inter-generational solidarity, whilst at the same time promoting the lucrative business of insurance companies and ending the universal nature of the public social security systems that guarantee access to ageing with dignity for all;
Amendment 60 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses that first-pillar pensions remain the most important source of income for pensioners; urges Member States to guarantee first-pillar pensions so as to provide a fair income that will enable women to live with dignity without falling below the poverty threshold;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2234(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Urges Member States to comply with and enforce legislation on maternity rights so that women do not suffer disadvantages in terms of pensions because they have been mothers during their working lives;
Amendment 68 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 82 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that first-pillar pensions remain the most important source of income for pensioners; calls onurges Member States to implement reforms to their first-pillar systems aligning contributory years to the changing ratio between pensioners and people in working age, also to prevent public pension costs crowding out other important government spending; calls on the Member States to ensure first-pillar pensions - if necessary complemented by minimum income provisions - toguarantee first-pillar pensions so as to provide a fair income that will enable people to live with dignity without falling below the provide a decent minimum incomeerty threshold;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Stresses that the sustainability and improvement of pension systems are obviously conditioned by the first pillar, as the financial crisis has shown; urges that pension systems need to be reformed, upholding universal and supportive public social security systems able to guarantee decent retirement conditions for all, reflecting true inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 154 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that to arrive at a comprehensive solution to the pension challenge, taking into account the need to work longer, to adapt working conditions and lifelong learning so as to enable people to work longer, consensus between governments and social partners is paramount;
Amendment 165 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the main thrust ofNotes with concern that the White Paper that suggests focusing on: balancing time spent in work and retirement; developing complementary occupational and private pension savings, and enhancing the EU’s pension monitoring toolswhich implies a downgrading of public social security systems and their underlying principles of inter-generational solidarity;
Amendment 174 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Amendment 179 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses that implementing structural reforms aimed at having people work more and longer is the only feasible way to generate the tax revenues and social and pension premiums needed to consolidate Member State budgets and to fund adequate, safe and sustainable pension schTakes the view that the problem of pension system sustainability resides not so much in the demographic issue as in the issue of income redistribution, bearing in mind that the amounts allocated to retirement pensions in the EU represent a minor part of Member State GDP; stresses that public social security systems will be sustainable only if new forms and sources of financing statutory pension schemes are adopted, making social security contributions payable on all financial income, and applying fiscal reforms under which people who have higher incomes and profits will be required to make a more decisive contribution to public social security systemes; points tohighlights the risk of part- time work leading to only partial pension entitlements; callis con the Member States to put funds aside to combat the rising public costs of the retiring populationvinced of the need to provide equal rights to all workers, eliminating all forms of precarious employment and investing in the creation of permanent jobs and lifelong learning and professional training;
Amendment 193 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Emphasises the acceleration of the pressure posed by demographic developments on national budgets and pension systems now that the first cohorts of the ‘baby boom generation’ retire; notes the uneven progress and levels of ambition across Member States in formulating and implementing structural reforms aimed at raising employment, phasing out early retirement schemes and putting both the statutory and effective retirement age on a sustainable footing with increases in life expectancy; stresses that Member States that fail to implement gradual reforms now may at a later stage find themselves in a scenario where they have to implement reforms shock-wise and with significant social consequenceTakes the view that the problem of pension system sustainability resides not so much in the demographic issue as in the issue of income redistribution, bearing in mind that the amounts allocated to retirement pensions in the EU represent a minor part of Member State GDP; stresses the importance, at this juncture, of introducing gradual reforms through the adoption of new forms and sources of financing statutory pension schemes, making social security contributions payable on all financial income, and applying fiscal reforms under which people who have higher incomes and profits will be required to make a more decisive contribution to public social security systems;
Amendment 215 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses that the assumption behind early retirement schemes, whereby older workers are allowed to retire early so as to make jobs available for the young, has been proven empirically wrong as the Member States displaying the highest youth employment rates, on average, are also the ones displaying the highest employment rates for older workers;
Amendment 245 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. WelcomNotes the call in the White Paper for developing funded, complementary occupational pensions and private savings; stresses, however, that the Commission should rather recommend collective mandatory occupational pension savings, as collective (second pillar) pension systems - usually governed by (sectoral) social partners - allow for solidarity within and between generations, whereas individual schemes do not; stresses the need to start building up complementary occupational pension systems now, despite the crisis;
Amendment 282 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Supports the Commission’s intention to continue to target EU funding – notably through the European Social Fund (ESF) – to support projects aimed at active and healthy ageing in the workplace, and, through the Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (Progress) and the Programme for Social Change and Innovation (PSCI), to provide financial and practical support to Member States and social partners considering to gradually implement cost-effective supplementary pension schemes;
Amendment 285 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Recognises the significant heterogeneity of pension schemes across the EU yet emphasises the importance for workers, whilst workers may need to changinge jobs within or outside their Member State not to hav, and stresses the need to guarantee theirat mobility hampered by conce workerns aboutre able to acquiringe and preserving occupationale pension entitlements; endorses the approach advocated by the Commission to focus on safeguarding the acquisition and preservation of pensions entitlements, aiming at ensuring that dormant pension rights of mobile workers are treated in line with those of active scheme members or those of retirees; is of the opinion that mobility on the labour market isthe rights of mobile workers are hampered by long vesting periods and calls on Member States to lower those;
Amendment 301 #
2012/2234(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. QuesPoints out that, in several Member States, researchers live in a precarious social and employment situation, as the need foy have no access to the general social security system; wonders whether an EU pension fund is needed for researchers;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2144(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission Communication on the implementation of the Services Directive entitled ‘A partnership for new growth in servNotes that public services are essential building-blocks of democracies and that they have been placed under continual threat by the so-called austerity policies 2012-2015’, which aresponds to the reporting obligation as set out in Article 41 of the Services Directive; reiterates the need to take account of the medium- and long-term effects of the Services Directive on employment in the EU demolishing the public sector and stripping away the social functions of the State, the object being not just to cut spending in an utterly blind and inhuman way, at the people’s expense, but primarily to favour the private sector and large economic groups, thus turning social entitlements into business arrangements and privileges that only the richest can afford;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2144(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that all main stakeholders have to commit themselves to properly enforcing the full implementation of Single Market legislation, whilst also taking into account its social dimensionMaintains that the Single Market in services has benefited large economic and financial groups, which have found new opportunities to exploit workers and dominate the economy, and that it has overturned state sovereignty as regards defining, safeguarding, and financing public services and made it impossible to lay down rules to fund and protect services in general, thus increasing the power which supranational entities wield over Member States and establishing competition as the paramount influence, thereby severely undermining workers’ rights and the delivery of services to the public;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2144(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that over two decades the Single Market has proved to be a great success; believes, at the same time, that more efthe internal market in services has led to the demise of several fortms need to be concentrated on promoting growth and job creation, as a means of enabling the EU to overcome the current crisisof universal public service and therefore calls for the Services Directive to be repealed;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2144(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Maintains that public services need to be protected, developed, and expanded in order to ensure that every person can enjoy the right to health, education, social security, water, and housing, and, in that way, to help create jobs; maintains that states have to function as the key frames of reference within the economy, putting strategic sectors to work, for example banking, energy, communications, and transport, to promote each country’s development.
Amendment 27 #
2012/2144(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 1 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses that SMEs provide about 90 million jobs in the EU, with 30% deriving from micro-enterprises, and that 85% of all new jobs between 2002 and 2012 were created by SMEs, in particular by new firms; considers that micro-enterprises should also be a focus of special attention and accordingly recommends that the abbreviation SME be changed to MSME;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Welcomes support for SMEs and micro- enterprises through initiatives such as PSCI, COSME and Horizon 2020, which creates opportunities for employees within the SME and micro-enterprise sector to develop their skills and knowledge base; considers that the COSME Loan Guarantee Facility could be of benefit primarily to small and micro-scale enterprises; maintains that the amount to be guaranteed should be raised for medium-sized enterprises;
Amendment 24 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Notes that the liberalisation and privatisation policies being applied to a whole range of economic sectors, including energy, transport, and communications, have been leading to the formation of monopolies, resulting in higher production factor costs and hence serious consequences for the business of MSMEs;
Amendment 30 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes the benefits of new forms of financing through innovative schemes and non-bank routes, such as peer-to-peer lending schemes, micro-lending, SME bonds and invoice products; stresses that cooperatives and social enterprises need to have their own rules on access to finance;
Amendment 33 #
2012/2134(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Points to the need to reduce the cost of energy, transport, communications, and other production factors;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas migrant women are at major risk of labour exploitation, discrimination, lacking access to social services and legal protection and being subject to physical, psychological, economic and sexual abuse;
Amendment 19 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop gender-sensitive policies that will protect the human rights of migrant women, provide equal opportunities in the field of employment and access to the labour market, whilst guaranteeing equal labour rights, and combat and prevent the trafficking and sexual exploitation of women;
Amendment 38 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to establish and promote gender-sensitive legal practices for regulating the recruitment ofguaranteeing access to recruitment on equal terms for migrant workers, and to facilitate access for migrant women to information on legal formalities and labour laws;
Amendment 48 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Takes the view that Member States' integration policies and measures must not discriminate on the basis of qualifications and origin in relation to migrants' access to and integration in the host countries, and that they should thereby combat the distinction between EU citizens and third-country nationals and between migrants with or without a job offer; takes the view that they should also combat all forms of exploitation of illegal employment;
Amendment 50 #
2012/2131(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Stresses that full integration must take account of the right to family reunification, the right to payments for dependent family members (family allowance) and access to public family support services, in particular access to creches, kindergartens and schools;
Amendment 2 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in point b) of Article 2 of the Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 are met and that, therefore, Spain is entitled to a financial contribution under that regulation;
Amendment 3 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that the Spanish authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 28 December 2011 and that its assessment was made available by the European Commission on 18 June 2012; welcomes the relatively speedy evaluation process;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Notes that the employment situation in the region is difficult as the unemployment rates doubled in the period 2008-2011 and that the region is suffering from depopulation; welcomes the fact that EGF is seen as an efficient tool to support local labour markets and that the region already applied for the EGF support (EGF/2008/004 ES Castilla y León & Aragón automotive and EGF/2010/016 ES Aragón retail);
Amendment 6 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Notes that the Spanish authorities inform that in their assessment based on the experience with previous EGF applications, only 320 of the workers targeted for the EGF support will choose to participate in the measures; calls on the Spanish authorities to use the EGF support to its full potential;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Welcomes the fact that in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Spanish authorities decided to start the implementation of the measures on 28 December 2011 well ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Welcomes the fact that the regional authorities engage in dialogue with the social partners in order to improve the match between the demand and supply in the labour market and that the coordinated package of personalised services has been discussed and developed with the social partners;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes in particular the training course which was designed to match the identified needs of local enterprises, which will in turn undertake to employ some of the workers participating in this action;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Regrets that the measures supporting entrepreneurship are foreseen only for 20 workers; hopes that the Spanish authorities will promote entrepreneurship and be able to adapt the coordinated package of services in case of increased interest in this kind of measures;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2121(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the case at hand reflects the social and economic landscape of the specific region which could in the future be addressed by extending the scope of the EGF to self-employed workers (as proposed by the Commission in the proposal for the EGF 2014-2020);
Amendment 3 #
2012/2092(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Proposes that the EUR 22 billion to be redeployed from the European Social Fund benefit all Member States that create jobs wisth to improve youth employmentrights and combat job insecurity and are not just reserved for the eight Member States designated by the European Council in 2012;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Agrees with the Commission that the conditions set out in Article 2 b) of the EGF Regulation are met and that, therefore, Spain is entitled to a financial contribution under that Regulation;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that the Spanish authorities submitted the application for EGF financial contribution on 28 December 2011 and that its assessment was made available by the Commission on 4 May 2012; welcomes the fact that the evaluation process and submission of additional information by the Member State were speedy and accurate;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Notes that the footwear sector represented 26% of the total employment in the region of Valenciana and therefore was an important contributor to local economy, which is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises in traditional sectors like textile, shoes and ceramics;
Amendment 7 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Notes that the region of Valenciana has been hit in the past by four mass dismissals and welcomes the fact that the region decided to use the EGF support to address those redundancies: EGF/2009/014 ES/Valencia - Ceramic industry, EGF/2010/005 ES/Valencia - Stone marble, EGF/2010/009 ES/Valencia - Textile sector, EGF/2011/006 ES/Valenciana - Construction sector; welcomes the fact that the region builds on the experience with the EGF and quickly assists workers in several sectors;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Notes the information given by the Spanish authorities that in their assessment based on the experience with previous applications, only 350 of the workers targeted for the EGF support will choose to participate in the measures; calls on the Spanish authorities to use the EGF support to its full potential;
Amendment 9 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Welcomes the fact that, in order to provide workers with speedy assistance, the Spanish authorities decided to start the implementation of the measures ahead of the final decision on granting the EGF support for the proposed coordinated package;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Notes that the educational background of the dismissed workers is rather poor and recalls the importance of improving the employability of such workers by means of adapted training and recognition of skills and competences gained through out the professional career; expects the training on offer in the coordinated package to be adapted to the level and needs of the dismissed workers;
Amendment 11 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Notes that the training measures target high-added value jobs in the footwear sector, which according to the Spanish authorities are unlikely to relocate, as well as jobs in sectors, which offer prospects for growth in the short or medium-term;
Amendment 12 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Welcomes the fact that the social partners were consulted on the contents of the coordinated package, allocation of roles and distribution and scheduling of tasks;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2089(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Highlights the fact that lessons should be learned from the preparation and implementation of this and other applications addressing mass dismissals in a high number of SMEs in one sector, in particular, in terms of the eligibility of self-employed and owners of the SMEs for EGF support in the future regulation and the arrangements used by the regions and the Member States to come up quickly with sectoral applications covering a large number of enterprises;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Points out that women all over the world are working and fighting for the dignity of their status and for equal rights; urges the Commission and Parliament to recognise that women perform social roles central to their own development and social well-being, and that equality between women and men determines a people’s level of economic and political development; and calls on them, proceeding from that recognition, to give priority to gender issues by making these a core aim of all EU activities and programmes; notes that women are unquestionably entitled to full citizenship, which has to go hand in hand with the right to work, are undeniably investing great efforts in the areas of schooling and the acquisition of skills, and have also shown themselves to be fit to hold public and political office; warns, however, those facts notwithstanding, that inequalities between men and women have in reality been increasing, for instance in terms of entitlement to jobs with rights, and that the principle of equal pay for equal work, along with other principles, is continuing to be challenged;
Amendment 39 #
2012/2063(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Points out that women are frequently discriminated against in terms of recognition of their struggles for peace and that extreme suffering is inflicted on women as such in countries at war; maintains that actions of this kind, including the rape of girls by soldiers, forced prostitution, forced impregnation of women, sexual slavery, rape and sexual harassment, and consensual abduction (by means of seduction), are crimes which must not be ignored and that the EU must treat them as fundamental problems to be taken into account;
Amendment 5 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Agrees with the measures proposed by the Commission to be financed as technical assistance in accordance with Article 8(1) and (4) as well as with Article 9 (2) of the EGF Regulation;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Notes that the Commission will start to prepare the final evaluation of the EGF; regrets, however, that the results will arrive too late to feed into the discussion on the new regulation for the EGF in 2014-2020, especially regarding the effectiveness of the use of the crisis derogation criterion, since the concerned EGF cases were not analysed in the EGF mid-term evaluation report;
Amendment 14 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Interrogates the Commission on the impact and efficiency of the information tools funded by technical assistance in previous years; asks for reliable data on the use of those tools;
Amendment 15 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Notes that the Commission will continue to work on the standardised procedures for simplified applications, faster processing of the applications and better reporting; asks the Commission to present the progress made following the use of technical assistance in 2011; recalls the need to shorten the application procedures;
Amendment 16 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Recalls the importance of networking and exchange of information on the EGF; supports, therefore, the funding of the Expert Group of Contact Persons of the EGF; underlines further the importance to liaise all those involved in EGF applications, including the social partners, to create as much synergies as possible;
Amendment 17 #
2012/2058(BUD)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Encourages the Member States to profit from the exchange of best practices and to learn particularly from those Member States that have already put in place national information networks on the EGF involving the social partners and stakeholders at local level with a view to having a good structure for assistance in place once mass redundancies might occur;
Amendment 4 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. Whereas women tend to be disproportionately represented in flexible employment, probably because care of the family is still considered to be their prime responsibility and they are therefore deemed to be more suited than men to working on a temporary, casual or part- time basisare more affected by precariousness, are discriminated against in terms of pay and are more affected by part-time work, and are therefore paid less than men, benefit from less social protection, are more restricted in terms of career progression and have less chance of economic independence, which encourages their return to the private sector and the subsequent setback orn to working from homehe sharing of responsibilities and mentalities;
Amendment 6 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take concrete steps towards a further deepening of the market for services in order to develop its significant jobs potential and to allow workers to benefit from the flexible working conditions specific to many jobs in this sector (with a view, for example, to reconciling work and care duties),combatting precarious employment ties in the service sector, a situation particularly affecting women; rejects flexibility and contractual uncertainty preventing an organised and stable family life; stresses that employment contracts must be stable with fixed working hours, with these hours being negotiable, at the woman's request, for better reconciliation of family and working life; while ensuring decent working conditions with rights with respect to, inter alia, pay, health and safety at work, career prospects, social security and lifelong learning;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to adopt measures to protect female workers, including mandatory exemption from night work or shift work for women with children under 12 years of age, where both parents work such shifts; calls on the Member States to effectively protect motherhood and fatherhood, combatting the unlawful dismissal of pregnant women, those who have recently given birth and those who are breastfeeding;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2046(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to guarantee the protection of social and employment rights for the high number of mobile workers in the service sector and to fight any kind of exploitation; stresses that labour mobility cannot be mandatory;
Amendment 46 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that flexible working hours are becoming more commonplace: weekend work, irregular and unpredictable working hours and adding to them, and given that the demand for flexibility is greatest amongst part-time workers, who are mostly women, this meansthere is a need for concrete measures to combat precarious employment in services, a situation which particularly affects women; rejects situations of flexibility and contractual uncertainty that do not provide for family formation and stability; stresses that work contracts should be stable and working hours scheduled but that mwore women than men suffer changes in their working hours from week to week, making it even harder for women to find a balance between work and family lifeking hours may be negotiated upon the female employee’s request in order to better reconcile professional, family and private lives; guarantees, at the same time, labour conditions with rights as regards, inter alia, pay, workers’ health and safety, career perspectives, social security and vocational training;
Amendment 56 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Recalls, once more, that women also earn on average 17.1 % less than men in the service sector; states that women do not receive the same salary, largely be in cases where they hold the same jobs as men or jobs of equal value. In other causes, they do not hold the same jobs, due to the continuing vertical and horizontal occupational segregation and the higher incidence of part-time jobs;
Amendment 60 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Claims that a fairly widespread yet harmfuldiscriminatory practice is to assign different professional categories to men and women for the same work or work of an equal value, for example, for cleaning services, men are appointed as maintenance technicians whereas women are appointed as cleaning auxiliaries, which also meansis being used as a means of justifying lower pay for women’s work;
Amendment 62 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses the importance of safeguarding collective bargaining in employment law, which is essential in protecting female workers, in combating wage discrimination, in promoting equal rights for men and women, in reconciling professional, family and private lives, in regulating working time and awarding bonuses (while ensuring that those exercising their right to maternity or paternity leave are still fully eligible thereof) and in developing mechanisms for preventing the violation of individual rights and the privacy of female workers;
Amendment 81 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that the economic crisis hasand the so-called austerity measures have led to a reduction in gender equality measures, which together with the fact that male employment rates tend to recover more quickly than they do for women, is having a negative impact on women’s employment in the service sector;
Amendment 84 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses the need for appropriate policies to reconcile work and family life and in particular calls for an adequate provision of affordableincrease in free and quality social public services and facilities for providing child care services and care for other dependents compatible with the flexible working hours that are being imposed in the service sectorreconciling professional, family and private lives, in both rural and urban areas;
Amendment 95 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Urges the Council to break the deadlock on the adoption of the amendment of the Directive on maternity, accepting the flexibility proposed by the European Parliament for Europe to make progress in protecting the rights and improving the working conditions of pregnant workers or those who have recently given birth and stresses the importance of combating the unlawful dismissal of women who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding;
Amendment 99 #
2012/2046(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that women working in service areas, especially in the areas of trade, accommodation, catering, health and social work, are particularly exposed to accidents in the workplace and occupational diseases (namely musculoskeletal diseases), which therefore requires official recognition of occupational diseases, guaranteed adequate social protection and mandatory implementation of quality and effective safety-at-work conditions;
Amendment 8 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Highlights the need for appropriateincreased funding for the actions outlined in the Commission’s Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015;
Amendment 10 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Points out that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises employ a great many workers in the EU and that, from the point of view of setting them up and keeping them going, one of the main problems lies in obtaining finance; proposes, therefore, that the microfinance element be expanded;
Amendment 13 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points to the need for gender mainstreaming in the regulations on and implementation of all the Community funds and draws attention to the ESF in particular, which has to have sufficient capacity to promote policies geared towards equality, high-quality permanent jobs, and fair redistribution of income, which are essential conditions for achieving the objective of equality between men and women;
Amendment 18 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Urges the Commission to draw up and implement the relevant budget headings in its legislative proposals to increase the number of women on boardsrelation to promoting equal opportunities and women's success in all areas of life, and in particular in the social, political and economic fields and in the worlds of work and family;
Amendment 20 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Maintains that budget appropriations for social action need to be increased across the board; considers that the European Social Fund in particular needs to double in volume in order to cope with the social consequences of the crisis, especially unemployment and poverty;
Amendment 22 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Calls for the EU co-financing rate to be raised, especially for projects in social fields (ESF, the Cohesion Fund, and the Progress programme), so as to ensure that Member States with financial problems will be able to make full use of EU funding; considers that their national contribution should be no higher than 10%;
Amendment 23 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Points to the need for gender mainstreaming in EU fund regulations and implementation as a whole and draws particular attention to the ESF, which should have sufficient resources to promote policies for equality, high-quality permanent jobs, and fair redistribution of income;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Proposes that a budget line, backed by the necessary funding, be established with a view to encouraging a change from bogus self-employed status to genuine employment contracts, this being a key issue where workers’ rights are concerned;
Amendment 25 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reaffirms the importance of appropriateneed for increased funding for the European Institute for Gender Equality;
Amendment 37 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8 – indent 4 A (new)
Paragraph 8 – indent 4 A (new)
- measures to combat trafficking in women and prostitution, and in particular effective measures to protect those victims who speak out, guaranteeing them jobs with rights and fostering their social inclusion, as well as to fight the traffickers and promote development aid in victims’ home countries;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Stresses the importance of the DAPHNE programme and the continuation of sufficiently better-funded actions aimed at eliminating violence against women;
Amendment 49 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for appropriateincreased funding for measures to promote gender equality in third countries;
Amendment 50 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls for the EU co-financing rate to be raised, especially for projects in social fields (ESF, the Cohesion Fund, and the Progress programme), so as to ensure that Member States with financial problems will be able to make full use of EU funding; considers that their national contribution should be no higher than 10%.
Amendment 52 #
2012/2016(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises that this budget is being prepared in a time of austerity; stressesPoints to the fact that it is more necessary and urgent than ever, in a time of crisis and economic fragility, to mount an uncompromising defence of the rights of those most directly affected by the consequences of this crisis, particularly women; stresses, therefore, the importance of increased and effective EU funding;
Amendment 42 #
2012/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)
Paragraph -1 (new)
-1. Stresses that the ecological impact of the deepening structural crisis affecting capitalism is demonstrating the unsustainability of an economic organisation of production based on the irrational, intensive, constant and growing capture and exploitation of abundant flows of energy and raw materials, from the soil, from under the ground and from the hydrosphere, motivated by the search for maximum profit and the associated incessant accumulation of capital;
Amendment 43 #
2012/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
-1a. Stresses the importance of ensuring a strong energy sector at European level, grounded in the national public sectors which are essential from the viewpoint of guaranteeing the eradication of energy poverty and the right of universal access to energy for the entire population; recalls the strategic importance of the energy sector for countries' economic development, as a source of national revenue that will help deal with the financial problems facing the Member States, particularly during a crisis;
Amendment 44 #
2012/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 b (new)
Paragraph -1 b (new)
-1b. Recognises that energy is one of the most important and critical strategic sectors for the Member States, most of which are now characterised by extremely high energy dependency as a result of the energy policies pursued over the past three decades; points out that the policy of privatisation and parallel contracts, aimed at guaranteeing fairy-tale profits for energy companies, along with the sweeping restructuring that has affected and continues to affect the energy sector, have drastically curtailed the possibility for these Member States to pursue a coherent energy policy based on proper national energy planning;
Amendment 86 #
2012/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Points out that, in many cases, the privatisation of the energy sector led to its monopolisation, and consequently to an increase in energy prices with extremely negative repercussions on end consumers, particularly micro, small and medium- sized undertakings;
Amendment 98 #
2012/2005(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Stresses the need to ensure universal access to electricity and to other energy sources, with a view to eradicating the energy poverty now estimated to affect more than 50 million people in the EU Member States;
Amendment 83 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Recital 39 a (new)
Recital 39 a (new)
(39a) Emphasis is placed on the importance and responsibility of the Member States in protecting public health and taking preventive action, providing public guarantees, monitoring and advice for young people, and carrying out preventive public anti-smoking campaigns, particularly in schools; universal free access to smoking cessation consultations and the corresponding treatments is considered vital.
Amendment 256 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point g
Amendment 474 #
2012/0366(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 24 a (new)
Article 24 a (new)
Article 24a Cooperation and support for the Member States This Directive shall be supplemented by EU support for the national health systems of the Member States, guaranteeing the public, universal and free nature of those systems, and they shall guarantee access to smoking cessation consultations and the corresponding treatments as part of their programmes.
Amendment 36 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The number of persons suffering from material or even severe material deprivation in the UnIn 2011, approximately 24.2% of Europe’s population (somewhere close to 119.6 million people in EU-27, of whom 25 million were children,) were considered to be at risk of poverty and/or social exclusion as defined in the Europe 2020 strategy. In countries where so- called austerity policies are being applied, the number of persons suffering from material deprivation is increasing sharply and those persons are often too excluded to benefit from the activation measures of Regulation (EU) No […CPR], and, in particular of Regulation (EU) No […ESF]. Consequently, given the present context, the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived is assuming an important role.
Amendment 37 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) According to figures from 2011, the female poverty rate in EU-27 was approximately 17%, the result of factors including female unemployment, unequal pay, and the feminisation of part-time work.
Amendment 75 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. The global resources available for budgetary commitment from the Fund for the period 2014-2020 shall be EUR 24 500 000 000 at 2011 prices, in accordance with the annual breakdown set out in Annex II.
Amendment 80 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 3 – point b a (new)
(ba) the population at risk of poverty.
Amendment 91 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. At the request of a Member State, interim payments and payments of the final balance may be increased by 10 or 15 percentage points above the co-financing rate applicable to the operational programme. The increased rate, which can not exceed 100%, shall apply to requests for payment relating to the accounting period in which the Member State has submitted its request and subsequent accounting periods during which the Member State meets one of the following conditions:
Amendment 92 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 19 – paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Where Member States meet one of the conditions set out in points (a) and (b), the co-financing rate at the level of the operational programme may not be higher than 95%; where Member States meet both conditions, the financing rate at the level of the operational programme may be 100% of the public eligible expenditure.
Amendment 93 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) where the Member State concerned has adopted the euro, it receives macro- financial assistance from the Union in accordance with Council Regulation (EU) No 407/20n unemployment rate above 107%;
Amendment 94 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) where the Member State concerned has not adopted the euro, it receives medium- term financial assistance in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 332/20028a poverty and/or social exclusion risk rate above 20%;
Amendment 95 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 19 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 97 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 21 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
The food and the goods for homeless persons or for childrenthe end recipients may be purchased by the partner organisations themselves.
Amendment 103 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) the costs of purchasing food and basic consumer goods for personal use of homeless persons or of childrenend recipients;
Amendment 106 #
2012/0295(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 24 – paragraph 1 – point b
Amendment 1 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 11 a (new)
Citation 11 a (new)
- having regard to the Declaration of the European Parliament of 10 March 2011 on establishing European statutes for mutual societies, associations and foundations1, __________________ 1 Texts adopted, P7_TA(2011)0101.
Amendment 8 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. in view ofwhereas the success of the European Year of Voluntary Activities Promoting Active Citizenship (2011) in terms of impact on the taking of policy decisions at national, regional, local and European levels, and has positive effects in terms of increased public visibility and awareness-raising and should lead to the drafting of public policy;
Amendment 9 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas volunteering is an informal learning experience suitable for persons of all ages; whereas it offers benefits in terms of personal development, community management, strengthening of civic values and European identity, intercultural learning and professional opportunities,participation in democratic life, intercultural learning and the acquisition of professional skills as well as contributing to the aims of the European Union’s (EU) policies on social inclusion, and combating discrimination, and on employment, education, culture, development of skills and citizenship;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas volunteering is an important factor in creating social capital andthe emancipation of individuals and groups, solidarity, development and in promoting socio- economic cohesion, and in view of the potential of voluntary labour as a valuable resource within the Europe 2020 growth strategy;
Amendment 18 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. in view of the growing number of young and older EU citizenEU citizens of all ages participating in volunteering, spread out over the areas of education, culture, youth policies, sport, the environment, sustainable development, health, immigration, the defence of rights, corporate social responsibility and the EU’s relations with third countries;
Amendment 20 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
E b. in view of the important role of voluntary commitment in terms of citizenship and participating in the democratic debate, especially in debates on public policy;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Asks the national, regional and local authorities and the EU to pay particular attention to disadvantaged young people and in particular young people with fewer opportunities, so that they may participate in volunteering activities and, to that end, benefit from adequate educational and financial support;
Amendment 62 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Therefore proposes that a centralised EU portal be created, to include a section on cross-border volunteering, with information about the programmes available, their costs and the conditions for participation, in cooperation with organisations and associations working in this sector and in particular their European networks;
Amendment 64 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Encourages the Member States to adopt the volunteering measurement method developed by the John Hopkins University and approvcomparable statistical tools to promote volunteering based byon the International Labour Organisation with a view to making available comparable statistics and providing a clear picture of the significant contribution made by voluntary workwork of the UN, the ILO, and national statistics institutes such as France's INSEE;
Amendment 69 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8b. calls on the Commission to include volunteering in the Community Framework on Gender Equality;
Amendment 89 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14b. Calls on the Member States to implement the provisions of Directive 2004/114/EC on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service and to simplify the procedures for the granting of visas, or to abolish them, for those wishing to undertake voluntary activities as part of the EU neighbourhood policy;
Amendment 92 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Asks the national, regional and local authorities and the EU to give financial and other support toprovide adequate funding and to simplify administrative procedures for the organisations involved in volunteering work, including all the associations and networks, particularly for small associations with limited resources, with a view to enhancing their roles, activities and achievements for the benefit of society; therefore calls for the concept of grants to associations to be clarified so that association funding is not confused with state aid which could hinder competition in the financial sector;
Amendment 100 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission, in particular, to ensure that volunteering projects are included in all new funding programmes; as part of the creation of new multiannual programmes, to ensure that volunteering projects and the structures organised by voluntary activities are guaranteed funding;
Amendment 105 #
2011/2293(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16b. Reiterates the importance of adopting a European Statute for associations, mutual societies and foundations in order for their role in European social and economic cohesion to be recognised and for them to have the legal instruments required for their operation, activities, development and their contribution to businesses in the Member States and the EU;
Amendment 5 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas women earn on average 17.1% less than men in the European Union and the gender pay gap varies between 3.2% and 30.9% in Member States, and whereas – despite the significant body of legislation in force for almost 40 years and the actions taken and resources spent on trying to reduce the gap – progress is extremely slow (the disparity at EU level was 17.7% in 2006, 18% in 2008 and 17.1% in 2009) and in some Member States the gap has even widened;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas trends show that, as a result of labour market policies seeking to do away with the principle and practice of collective bargaining, salaries are more frequently individually negotiated, resulting in a lack of information and transparency on the individualised pay system which leads to increased pay disparities among employees at similar levels, and can result in widening the gender pay gap; whereas a more decentralised and individualised system of wage setting should therefore be assessed as a rather worrying development, while data protection cannot be taken as a legitimate excuse for not publishing statistical information on salaries;
Amendment 16 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H
Recital H
H. whereas, according to expert analysis, the gender pay gap starts to be visible after a woman’s return to the labour market from her first maternity leave; whereas women’s slower, shorter and/or interrupted careers also create a gender differential in contributions to personal pension accountsocial security systems, thus increasing women’s risk of poverty in old age; whereas women in the EU are, in general, more affected by unemployment than men (Eurostat, 31 January 2012);
Amendment 18 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I
Recital I
I. whereas women are more often employed in part-time work, and whereas the gender pay gap is almost twice as wide among part-time workers as among full- time workers; whereas women, and younger women in particular, make up the highest number of workers in insecure jobs, especially in the private sector, a fact which affects their access to maternity, sickness, and old age benefits; whereas, because they are entitled to maternity leave, women are often illegally discriminated against by their employers when it comes to the award of ‘loyalty’ or ‘productivity’ bonuses;
Amendment 21 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital J
Recital J
J. whereas women work in lower-paid industries or in low-paid sectors with lessemployers in feminised industries and occupations pay lower wages and whereas these industries and occupations have less in the way of collective representation and bargaining power;
Amendment 27 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L
Recital L
L. whereas only a few claims concerning discrimination in the form of a gender pay gap make their way to the competent courts; whereas there are many explanations for this scarcity, including a lack of information on pay, the problematic scope of comparison and, the claimants’ lack of personal resources, and the failure to supervise, and impose penalties on, bodies which neglect to publish information on salaries;
Amendment 28 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital L a (new)
Recital L a (new)
La. whereas the so-called ‘austerity measures’ that have been carried out, depriving workers of rights, ostensibly on account of the economic crisis, have been worsening women’s social and employment situation still further, not least as a result of higher unemployment, wage cuts, cuts in welfare benefits, and the enforcement of policies which strike at the principle of collective bargaining;
Amendment 33 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recognises that a multi-level, multifaceted approach requires strong leadership from the European Union in coordinating policies,the Member States to promotinge good practices and involving various actors as European social partners, with the aim of creating a Europe-wide strategymplement policies to address the gender pay gap;
Amendment 37 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States to implement and enforce the recast Directive 2006/54/EC consistently and to encourageinsist that the private sector tdo play a more active role in closing the gender pay gapits duty in terms of giving effect to wage equality between men and women;
Amendment 45 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Points to the importance of obtaining figures to measure the impact of the crisis in terms of pay disparities and women’s working conditions, taking into account not least wage levels, the percentage of redundancies and business closures, the number of workers whose pay is in arrears, and the number of firms implementing lay-off schemes;
Amendment 49 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 50 #
2011/2285(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Encourages the social partners to shoulder their responsibility for creating a more gender-equal wage structure, taking the higher wages as the reference point;
Amendment 56 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Points out to the Commission and the Member States that positive measures need to be taken for women and men, not least to enable them to return to work after devoting time to their families (bringing up children and/or caring for a sick or disabled relative), and policies promoted to help them (re)integrate into the labour market and hence regain financial independence;
Amendment 58 #
2011/2285(INI)
Annex to the draft motion for a resolution
Recommendation 1, Paragraph 1, indent 3 a (new)
- work treated as ‘equal’ (in individual categories of occupations),
Amendment 62 #
2011/2285(INI)
Annex to the draft motion for a resolution
Recommendation 2, Paragraph 1
Amendment 66 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Maintains that measures need to be taken as a matter of urgency to combat wage discrimination, be it by revising the existing directive, drawing up phased industry-wide plans with clear-cut goals – such as narrowing the pay gap to 0.5% by 2020 – aimed at doing away with direct and indirect forms of discrimination, or encouraging collective bargaining and the training of equality advisers, remedying the inequality between women and men in terms of unpaid work, and laying down equality plans for factories and other workplaces; believes that transparency in wage determination should become the rule, so as to strengthen the bargaining position of women workers;
Amendment 87 #
2011/2285(INI)
Annex to the draft motion for a resolution
Recommendation 8, Paragraph 2 a (new)
8.2a. In spite of the existing legislation, inspections and punitive action are often woefully inadequate where the principle of equal pay is concerned. These matters need to be treated as a priority, and the agencies and bodies responsible for them must be provided with the necessary technical and financial resources.
Amendment 88 #
2011/2285(INI)
Annex to the draft motion for a resolution
Recommendation 8, Paragraph 3, indent 3
Amendment 89 #
2011/2285(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Points to the importance of negotiation and collective bargaining in combating discrimination against women, especially as regards access to employment, pay, working conditions, career advancement, and vocational training;
Amendment 91 #
2011/2285(INI)
Annex to the draft motion for a resolution
Recommendation 9, Paragraph 1
Amendment 1 #
2011/2195(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Welcomes the Commission’s renewed strategy for the Union’s outermost regions (ORs), which will address OR performance within the goals of EU 2020, namely smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; underlines the advantages of developing a neighbourhood policy focuRecommends that cohesion policy be tailored to the outermost regions, as mentioned in Article 349 of the Treaty, through the adoption of specific measures; supports the EU strategy for the outermost regions, but strongly criticises the cuts in specific funding for the outermost regions proposed onby the emergence of proper integrated regional markets; notes that the implementation of the EU 2020 strategy should be adapted to the specific reality of the ORsCommission, representing a decrease of more than 40 %; calls on the Commission to propose measures of a permanent nature and with adequate funding, capable of adapting to the needs of each outermost region, so helping them to tackle these permanent constraints that they face;
Amendment 7 #
2011/2195(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Expresses its concern that in some regions, notably the outermost regions, Union financial resources have not been sufficient to counteract the negative effects of the single market, EMU and the liberalisation of international trade;
Amendment 11 #
2011/2195(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Stresses the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through the allocation of Union funds, aimed at developing the productive fabric of the outermost regions and as a means of promoting workers’ rights, so enhancing region-specific products and the local economy;
Amendment 14 #
2011/2195(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Recalls that particular attention should be paid to the integration of the ORs into the digital single market; considers that wireless technologies, including satellite, could provide the citizens of the ORs with immediate ubiquitousConsiders it necessary to help Member States to ensure that the inhabitants of these regions have full access to the information and communication media provided by new technologies, examples of which are the technologies of broadband, wireless technologies, including satellite, and, in particular, access to broadband iInternet.
Amendment 19 #
2011/2195(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 A (new)
Paragraph 6 A (new)
6a. Stresses the importance of enhancing public services for the economic and social cohesion of the outermost regions, specifically air and marine transport, energy, communication and research;
Amendment 281 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 56 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 56 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Public procurement, particularly in the weaker economies, shall be geared towards national preference, stimulating national production, the activity of SMEs, and shorter supply chains that are more socially and environmentally sustainable.
Amendment 335 #
2011/0438(COD)
Proposal for a directive
Article 69 – paragraph 6 a (new)
Article 69 – paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Account needs to be taken of Member States whose economy is in deficit, so that these countries are not prevented from promoting public investment.
Amendment 37 #
2011/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 b (new)
Recital 10 b (new)
(10b) Whereas the importance of combating discrimination between men and women in access to employment and work, promoting equality in careers and professional categories, in vocational training and in salaries, and cooperation with key UN institutions is essential, to strengthen work with rights and to protect collective bargaining and union rights.
Amendment 54 #
2011/0406(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 3
Article 3 – paragraph 3
3. The following cross-cutting issues shall be mainstreamed in all programmes: the promotion of human rights, gender equality, women empowerment, non- ; promotion of the right to stable employment with rights and the right to equality between women and men in balancing their work, family and personal life; combating all forms of gender violence in the workplace, in family and society; the right to live with dignity, without poverty and without social exclusion; non-discrimination, democracy, good governance, the rights of the child and indigenous peoples'’ rights, social inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities, environmental sustainability including addressing climate change and combating HIV/AIDS.
Amendment 78 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Title 1
Title 1
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises andeconomic balance in the business environment: the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (2014 – 2020) (Text with EEA relevance)
Amendment 79 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Recital 1
(1) The CommissionEurope 2020 strategy adopted by the Communication “Europeission in March 20210 - through the communication 'A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth” in March 2010 (hereinafter "the Europe 2020 Strategy"). The Communication was endorsed by the European Council of June 2010. The Europe 2020 Strategy responds to the economic crisis and is intended to prepare Europe for the next decade. It sets five ambitious objectives on climate and energy, employment, innovation, education and social inclusion to be reached by 2020 and identifies key drivers for growth, which aim at making Europe more dynamic and competitive. It also emphasises the importance of reinforcing the growth of the European economy while delivering high levels of employment, a low carbon, resource and energy-efficient economy and social cohesion', with clear support from the main European business confederations, has been the European Union's main tool for promoting the liberalisation and privatisation of public services, more flexible and adaptable labour markets, wage restraint and the opening-up of the majority of social security systems, including pensions and national health systems, to private interests.
Amendment 80 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The policies of liberalisation and privatisation that have been applied to the most diverse sectors of the economy, such as the energy, transport and communications sectors, among others, have led to the formation of monopolies and a rise in the cost of production factors, with serious consequences for the activity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Amendment 81 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to contribute to the reinforcement of competitiveness and sustainability of Union enterprises, in particular SMEs,establish an economic and social balance between enterprises of different sizes in the Union, promoting, in particular, the creation, robust growth and long-lasting development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the advancement of the knowledge society, and development based on balanced economic growth, a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEeconomic balance in the business environment: the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter "the Programme") should be established.
Amendment 86 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The competitiveness policy of the Union is intended to put into place the institutional and policy arrangements that create conditions under which enterprises can grow in a sustainable way. This objective has not been achieved, and on the contrary growth, autonomy and sustainable development have been hindered, in particular for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Improved productivity is the dominant source of sustainable income growth, which in turn contributes to improvements in living standards. Competitiveness also depends on companies’ ability to take full advantage of opportunities such ascreated by an economically balanced framework for the European Single Marketdustrial fabric. This is especially important for MSMEs, which account for more than 99% of the enterprises in the Union, provide two out of three existing jobs in the private sector, and more than 80 % of newly- created jobs, and contribute with more than half of the total value-added created by enterprises in the Union. MSMEs are a key driver for economic growth, employment and social integration.
Amendment 90 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Competitiveness has been put under the spotlight of Union policy-making in recent years because of the market, policyfailures of the market and institutional failurpolicies that are undermining the competitiveness of Union enterprises, particularly SMEmicro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which are confronted by the market domination of large enterprises and economic groups on a daily basis.
Amendment 96 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) The Programme should particularly address SMEs, as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC of 6 May 2003 concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (for which reason it is recommended that the acronym SME should be replaced by MSME). Particular attention should be paid to micro enterprises, enterprises engaged in craft activities and social enterprises. . Attention should also be paid to the specific characteristics and requirements of young entrepreneurs, new and potential entrepreneurs and female entrepreneurs, as well as specific target groups, such as migrants and entrepreneurs belonging to socially disadvantaged or vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. The Programme should also encourage senior citizens to become and remain entrepreneurs and promote second chances for entrepreneurs.
Amendment 163 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1
Article 1
A programme for Union actions to improve the competitiveness of enterprises, with special emphasis onestablish an economic and social balance between enterprises of different sizes, promoting, in particular, the creation, solid growth and sustainable development of micro, small and medium- sized enterprises (MSMEs) (hereinafter "the Programme"), is established for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020.
Amendment 175 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new)
(-a) establishing an economic and social balance between enterprises of different sizes;
Amendment 177 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the Union’s enterprisesencouraging the creation of MSMEs and safeguarding the financing conditions, autonomy, competitiveness and sustainability that are necessary for their robust growth and long-lasting development, including in the tourism sector;
Amendment 184 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) encouraging an entrepreneurial culture and promoting the creation and growth of SMEsguaranteeing full access and financing for MSMEs to set up and upgrade.
Amendment 194 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) percentage of growth of each Member State's and the Union's industrial sector in relation to total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth,
Amendment 196 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) reduction in the cost of production factors such as energy, transport and communications, among others;
Amendment 197 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) growth in national output in each Member State and Union manufacturing output growth in eco-industries,
Amendment 208 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 2 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) MSME growth in terms of added-value and, number of employees and permanent employment contracts,
Amendment 216 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 3
Article 2 – paragraph 3
3. The Programme shall support the implementation of the Europe 2020balanced development of industrial sectors in the Member Strategys and shall contribute to achieving the objective of “smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”. In particular, the Programme shall contribute to the headline target concerningthe economic and social balance between enterprises of different sizes, encouraging the creation of MSMEs and safeguarding the financing conditions, competitiveness and sustainability that are necessary for their smart and robust growth and long-lasting development, guaranteeing full access and financing for MSMEs to set up and upgrade, generating a significant contribution in terms of employment.
Amendment 218 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new)
(-a) To reduce the current economic imbalance between the various sizes of enterprises;
Amendment 227 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
(aa) To enhance the fundamental role of MSMEs in terms of their social dimension, encouraging them in particular to create jobs with rights;
Amendment 232 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) To promote entrepreneurship, including among specific target groups, in line with the needs identified by each Member State;
Amendment 271 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall support actions to improve and strengthen the financing conditions, autonomy, competitiveness and sustainability of Union enterprises, particularly that are necessary for the robust growth and long-lasting development of Union MSMEs, so as to enhance the effectiveness, coherence and consistency of national policies in promoting competitiveness, sustainability and the growth of enterprises in Europand developing economic balance in the business environment of each Member State.
Amendment 277 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. The Commission may support actions intended to develop new competitiveness strategies, as part of measures to boost the financing conditions that are necessary for the robust growth and long-lasting development of MSMEs. Such actions may include the following:
Amendment 279 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) measures to improveredress the design, implementation and evaluation of policies affecting the growth and sustainable development of MSMEs, as well as their difficult access to markets, competitiveness, and sustainability of enterpriseunfair competition owing to the weight in the market held by large economic groups, jeopardising the sustainability and survival of MSMEs, including disaster resilience, and to secure the development of appropriate infrastructures, world class clusters and business networks, framework conditions and development of sustainable products, services and processes;
Amendment 285 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point a a (new)
(aa) measures to safeguard sectors in crisis or severely threatened by liquidation, predominantly MSMEs, in each of the Member States, with specific intervention programmes and measures, in particular in the field of local trade, civil construction, the textile sector and the metal sector, among others;
Amendment 294 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 2 – point c
(c) support for MSME policy development and cooperation between policy makers, with a view to ensuring that Community funds are demonstrably transferred to and absorbed by MSMEs, and particularly with a view to improving the ease-of- access to programmes and measures for MSMEs.
Amendment 310 #
2011/0394(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission may support initiatives accelerating the emergence of competitive industries based on cross-sectoral activities in areas characterised by a high proportion of MSMEs and with a high contribution to the Member States' and the Union's GDP. Such initiatives shall stimulate development of new markets and the supply of goods and services based on the most competitive business models or on modified value-chains. They shall include initiatives to enhance productivity, resource efficiency, sustainability and corporate social responsibilityational production and enhance productivity, resource efficiency, sustainability and corporate social responsibility, allowing the economic growth that is of crucial importance in order to deal with the social problems arising from the systemic crisis, particularly for countries with weaker economies.
Amendment 16 #
2011/0386(COD)
Proposal for a regulation - amending act
-
-
The European Parliament rejects the Commission proposal.
Amendment 26 #
Amendment 77 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The fishing industry is of immense strategic importance to the socio- economic situation, as well as for the supply of fish to the public and for a stable food balance in Member States and within the European Union (EU) itself, and also makes a substantial contribution in terms of the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities, local development, employment, preserving and creating economic activities and jobs upstream and downstream, supplying fresh fish, and keeping alive local cultural traditions.
Amendment 78 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The scope of the EMFF should cover the support of the CFP, which extends to conservation, management and exploitation of marine biological resources, fresh water biological resources and- aquaculture, as well as to the processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products and to economic activities in the coastal communities most dependent on fishing, where such activities take place on the territory of Member States, or in Union waters, including by fishing vessels flying the flag of, and registered in, third countries, or by Union fishing vessels, or by nationals of Member States, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the flag State, bearing in mind the provisions of Article 117 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Amendment 79 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2 a (new)
Recital 2 a (new)
(2a) The future EMFF should allow fully for the problems and specific needs of small-scale fisheries, bearing in mind that the small-scale fleet is the one which, in the EU, employs a greater quantity of labour for every fish caught.
Amendment 81 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The scope of the EMFF should cover the support to the IMP, which extends to the development and implementation of coordinated operations and decision- making in relation to the oceans, seas, coastal regions and maritime sectors complementing the different EU policies that touch upon them, notably the Common Fisheries Policiesy, transport, industry, territorial cohesion, environment, energy and tourism, tourism, and the creation of stable employment with rights. Coherence and integration should be ensured in the management of different sectoral policies within the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Celtic Seas, Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast, Mediterranean and Black Sea sea basins.
Amendment 84 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) To ensure that the EMFF contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, the IMP and the Europe 2020 Strategy, it is necessary to focus on a limited number of core priorities relating to fostering innovation and knowledge -based fisheries and aquaculture, promoting sustainable and resource-efficient fishing and aquaculture, and increasing stable employment with rights and territorial cohesion by unlocking the growth and job potential of coastal and inland fisheries communities and promoting diversification of fisheries activities into other sectors of the marine economy.
Amendment 86 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) The overall objective of the Common Fisheries Policy is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities contribute to long-term sustainable environmental conditions which are necessary for economic and social development. ItThe CFP should contribute moreover to increased productivity, a fair standard of living for the fisheries sector, stable markets, ensure the availability of resources and that supplies reach consumers at reasonable pricespromote the modernisation and sustainable development of the fisheries sector by making it socially and economically viable and establishing fishery resources on a sustainable footing with a view to supplying fish to the public, guaranteeing food sovereignty and security, preserving jobs and improving living conditions for fishermen, and bringing about sustainable development in the coastal areas most dependent on fishing.
Amendment 87 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12
Recital 12
(12) The Union budget should finance the Common Fisheries Policy and the Integrated Maritime Policy expenditure through a single fund, the EFMF, either directly or in the context of shared management with the Member States. Shared management with the Member States should apply not only to measures to support fisheries, aquaculture and community-led local developmentdevelopment of the coastal communities most dependent on fishing, but also to Common Markets Organisations and the compensation for the outermost regions, control and data collection activities. Direct management should apply to scientific advice, voluntary contributions to Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, advisory councils and operations for the implementation of an Integrated Maritime Policy. The types of measures that can be financed using the EMFF should be specified.
Amendment 91 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 22
Recital 22
(22) Action by the Union should be complementary to action carried out by Member States or seek to contribute to that action. In order to ensure significant added value the partnership between the Commission and Member States should be strengthened through arrangements for the participation of various types of partners with full regard to the institutional competences of the Member States. Particular attention should be paid to ensuring adequate representation for women and minority groups. This partnership concerns regional, local and other public authorities, as well as other appropriate bodies, including the fishing industry, those responsible for the environment and for the promotion of equality between men and women, the economic and social partners and other competent bodies. The partners concerned should be involved in the preparation of Partnership Contracts, as well as in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programming.
Amendment 92 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 31
Recital 31
(31) In order to increase the competitiveness and economic performancproducers’ profitability and the income of fishing activitieoperators it is vital to stimulate innovmodernisation and entrepreneurshipsustainable development of the fishing industry. Therefore the EMFF should support innovatisustainable deve loperations and business developmentment of the fisheries sector, including small-scale fisheries.
Amendment 95 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32
Recital 32
(32) Investment in human capital is also vital to increase the competitiveness and economic performance of fishing and maritime activities. Therefore, the EMFF should supportproducers’ profitability and the income of fishing operators. Therefore, the EMFF should support young people seeking to enter the industry, vocational training, lifelong learning, co- operation between scientists and fishermen stimulating the dissemination of knowledge as well as for advisory services helping to improve the overall performance and competitivenessprofitability of operators.
Amendment 97 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 32 a (new)
Recital 32 a (new)
(32a) The EMFF should support sustainable locally based fisheries management and the development of coastal communities.
Amendment 102 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
Amendment 103 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) The introduction of the transferable fishing concessions systems should make the sector more competitive. Consequently, there may bere is a need for new professional opportunities outside the fishing activitiesin sectors related to fishing. Therefore, the EMFF should support the diversification and job creation in fishing communities in particular by supporting business start-ups and the reassignment of vessels for maritime activities outside fishing activities of small scale coastal fishing vessels. This last operation seems to be appropriate as the small scale coastal fishing vessels are not covered by the transferable fishing concessions systems.
Amendment 105 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 39
Recital 39
(39) The objective of the Common Fisheries Policy is to ensure a sustainable exploitation of fish stocks. Overcapacity has been identified as a major driver for overfishing. It is therefore paramount to adapt the Union fishing fleet to the resources available. TIt is important to stress that the removal of overcapacity through public aid such as temporary or permanent cessation and scrapping schemes has proven ineffective. The EMFF will therefore support the establishment and management of systems of transferable fishing concessions aiming at the reduction of overcapacity and increased economic performance and profitability of the operators concerned.
Amendment 106 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40
Recital 40
Amendment 108 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 51
Recital 51
(51) Investment in human capital is also vital to increase the competitiveness and economic performance ofproducers’ profitability and the income of operators involved in aquaculture activities. Therefore, the EMFF should support lifelong learning and networking stimulating the dissemination of knowledge as well as advisory services helping to improve the overall performance and competitiveness of operators.
Amendment 117 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) promoting sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture;
Amendment 118 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) promoting a balanced and inclusive territorial developmsustainable development of the coastal areas most dependent ofn fisheries areasing and job creation;
Amendment 119 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point a
(a) promotion of economic growth, social inclusion, and creation of jobs and supporting labour mobility in coastal and inland communities depending on fishing and aquaculture;
Amendment 121 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b
(b) support to the fisheries sector and diversification of fisheries activities into other sectors of maritime economy sectors and growth of the maritime economy, including mitigation of climate change.
Amendment 123 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – introductory part
(2) Fostering innovative, competitive and knowledge -based fisheries through thea focus on the following areas:
Amendment 124 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point b
(b) enhancement of the competitiveness andproducers’ profitability and the viability of fisheries, in particular of the small -scale coastal fleet, and improvement of safety orand working conditions;
Amendment 125 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 2 – point c
(c) development ofencouraging young people to enter the sector, and development of vocational training, new professional skills, and lifelong learning;
Amendment 126 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – introductory part
(3) Fostering innovative, competitive and knowledge -based aquaculture through thea focus on the following areas:
Amendment 127 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
(b) enhancement of the competitiveness andproducers’ profitability and of the viability of aquaculture enterprises, SMEs in particular;
Amendment 137 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i
(i) the level of employment in the fisheries andsector and in aquaculture,
Amendment 142 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 31 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) young people seeking to enter the sector, vocational training, lifelong learning, dissemination of scientific knowledge and innovative practices, and acquisition of new professional skills in particular linked to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems, activities in the maritime sector, innovation and entrepreneurship;
Amendment 144 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 32 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) retrofitting of small -scale coastal fishing vessels in order to reassign them for activities outsideto complement fishing.
Amendment 146 #
2011/0380(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 34
Article 34
Amendment 348 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 28 b (new)
28b. ‘grassroots sport’ means all sporting activities, including voluntary activities, developed, promoted and/or organised for the largest possible number of beneficiaries;
Amendment 775 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Article 14 – paragraph 3
Amendment 825 #
2011/0371(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 22 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) all Programme actions within the key action "‘Learning Mobility of Individuals"’, with the exception of the mobility organizsed on the basis of joint or double/multiple degrees and the Union loan guarantee scheme;
Amendment 172 #
2011/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 33
Recital 33
(33) In order to ensure efficient use of Union funds and equal treatment for farmers across the Union mountain areas and areas facing natural or other specific constraints should be defined in accordance with objective criteria. In the case of areas facing natural constraints these should be bio-physical criteria underpinned by robust scientific evidence. Transitional arrangements should be adopted in order to facilitate the phasing out of payments in areas that will no longer be considered as areas facing natural constraints as a result of the application of theseor other specific constraints these should be socio-economic criteria and bio-physical criteria.
Amendment 177 #
2011/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 37
Recital 37
Amendment 293 #
2011/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
(1a) supporting and promoting small and medium-scale farmers and family farming to revert the economic, social and human desertification of the rural environment.
Amendment 541 #
2011/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The support rates laid down in Annex I may be increased by 120 percentage points for operations supported in the framework of thematic sub-programmes concerning small farms and short supply chains. In the case of young farmers and mountain areas, the maximum support rates may be increased in accordance with Annex I. However, the maximum combined support rate may not exceed 90%.
Amendment 1700 #
2011/0282(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 3
Article 46 – paragraph 3
Amendment 437 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) One key aim of the common agricultural policy should be to guarantee food security and sovereignty in the Member States, implying a need, as regards production, for regulation and distribution systems allowing countries and regions to develop their production in a manner enabling them, as far as possible, to meet their needs.
Amendment 444 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 12 a (new)
Recital 12 a (new)
(12a) The common agricultural policy should have instruments and mechanisms guaranteeing fair producer prices and providing farmers with the income required for continuity of production and a regular food supply.
Amendment 463 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 28 a (new)
Recital 28 a (new)
(28a) In some Member States the degree to which producers are organised is particularly slight, and producer organisations are weak, not to say non- existent. Taking into account their specific situation and the extent to which producer organisations have developed on their territory, Member States may choose to have competent national authorities exercise the responsibilities assigned to producer organisations.
Amendment 472 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 40 a (new)
Recital 40 a (new)
(40a) In the event of disaster, whether natural or man-made, farmers in the Member States should be covered by public agricultural insurance guaranteeing them an equitable level of protection.
Amendment 486 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 83
Recital 83
(83) Specific instruments will still be needed after the end of the quota system to ensure a fair balance of rights and obligations between sugar undertakings and sugar beet growers. Therefore, the standard provisions governing agreements between them should be established.
Amendment 489 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 83 a (new)
Recital 83 a (new)
(83a) This Regulation should ensure, as it is essential to do, that Member States can recover beet production quotas for sugar refining, a point applying particularly to countries which have lost their quotas and now depend entirely on imports for their raw material for processing; it should, in addition, guarantee fair access to raw materials for sugar production.
Amendment 517 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 90 a (new)
Recital 90 a (new)
(90a) In some Member States, added value is distributed very unevenly along the food supply chain, low producer prices being a long-standing problem. To improve producer prices for the benefit of producers, thereby making for fair and proper distribution of added value along the chain, Member States should be allowed to adopt forms of intervention, for instance by laying down maximum margins for each agent of the chain.
Amendment 586 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 145 a (new)
Recital 145 a (new)
(145a) In recent years tens of thousands of milk producers in all parts of the EU have been forced to cease production because of ruinous producer prices that do not offset production costs. The present state of the milk sector is inextricably linked to its liberalisation and to the increase in production quotas with a view to their abolition.
Amendment 587 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 145 b (new)
Recital 145 b (new)
(145b) Wine-growing is a core farming activity, especially in southern European countries, and the projected abolition of vine planting rights is adding to the risk that the agricultural products concerned will die out.
Amendment 589 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 146
Recital 146
Amendment 601 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 149
Recital 149
(149) As regards contractual relations in the milk and milk products sectors, the measures set out in this Regulation, are justified in the current economic circumstances of the dairy market and the structure of the supply chain. They should therefore be applied for a sufficiently long duration (both before and after the abolition of milk quotas) to allow them to have full effect. However, given their far- reaching nature, they should nevertheless be temporary in nature, and be subject to review. The Commission should adopt reports on the development of the milk market, covering in particular potential incentives to encourage farmers to enter into joint production agreements, to be submitted by 30 June 2014 and 31 December 2018 respectively,
Amendment 603 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article -1 (new)
Article -1 (new)
Article -1 National preference 1. Where its agri-food balance remains seriously and persistently in deficit, a Member State may adopt the principle of national preference by establishing and employing a system of mandatory marketing quotas for national production, whereby imports would serve to supplement national production. 2. The principle set out in paragraph 1 shall cease to apply after three consecutive years or six interrupted years in which there has been sustained growth in agri-food production and the deficit has correspondingly lessened.
Amendment 611 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 4
Article 3 – paragraph 4
4. For the purposes of this Regulation, the following definitions shall apply: (a) “less developed regions” shall mean those regions defined as such in Article 82(2)(a) of Regulation (EU) [COM(2011)615] laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund covered by the Common Strategic Framework and laying down general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006; (b) “extreme weather events” shall mean weather conditions comparable to natural disasters, for example strong winds, frost, hail, ice, rain, or drought, which destroy or reduce production to an extent exceeding 30% of a given farmer’s average annual production. Average annual production shall be calculated with reference to the three preceding years or to a three-year average based on the last five years, excluding the highest and the lowest figure; (c) “local products” means products produced within not more than 150 km of the place where they are consumed.
Amendment 645 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – title
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – title
Public intervention and aid for public and private storage
Amendment 649 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) granting of aid for the storage of products by public and private operators.
Amendment 729 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 15 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) avoid any disturbance of the marketstrengthen public market regulation instruments,
Amendment 739 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – Section 3 – title
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – Section 3 – title
Aid for Ppublic and private storage
Amendment 745 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Article 16 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
Aid for public and/or private storage may be granted in respect of the following products subject to the conditions set out in this Section and to requirements and conditions to be adopted by the Commission, by means of delegated and/or implementing acts, pursuant to Articles 17 to 19:
Amendment 811 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 1
Article 17 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 160, where necessary in order to provide for market transparency to lay down the conditions under which it may decide to grMember States shall lay down the conditions for granting public antd private storage aid for the products listed in Article 16, taking into account average recorded Union market prices and the reference prices for the products concerned or the need to respond to a particularly difficult market situation or economic developments in the sector in one or morthe Member States.
Amendment 826 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 2
Article 17 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission may, by means of implementing acts, decide to grant privateshall grant aid to enable Member States to set up public storage aid forof the products listed in Article 16, taking into account the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 162(2).
Amendment 829 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 3
Article 17 – paragraph 3
3. The Commission shall, by means of implementing acts fixaking into account the aid referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, Member States shall lay down the aid for public and private storage provided for in Article 16 in advance or by means of tendering procedures. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 162(2).
Amendment 832 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Article 17 – paragraph 4
Amendment 850 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 17 e (new)
Article 17 e (new)
Article 17e Maximum operating margins To enable added value to be distributed fairly and properly along the food supply chain, where serious inequalities are found to exist, Member States may, with the aim of improving producer prices, adopt forms of intervention applicable to the chain, for instance by laying down maximum operating margins for each intermediate link of the chain.
Amendment 851 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – Section 4 – title
Part II – Title I – Chapter I – Section 4 – title
Common provisions on public intervention and aid for public and private storage
Amendment 904 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. When drawing up their strategies, Member States shall draw up a list of products of the fruit and vegetables, processed fruit and vegetables, and bananas sectors that will be eligible under their respective schemes. This list, however, shall not include products excluded by the measures adopted by the Commission by means of delegated acts pursuant to point (a) of Article 22(2). Member States shall choose their products on the basis of objective criteria which may include seasonality, availability of produce or environmental concerns. In this connection, Member States may give preference to products originating in the Union and to products produced locally, thereby favouring short supply chains.
Amendment 913 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. The amount specified in paragraph 4(a) may be revised should needs subsequently arise from the implementation of the strategies referred to in paragraph 2.
Amendment 941 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 5 a (new)
Article 24 – paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Member States may give preference to products produced locally, thereby favouring short supply chains.
Amendment 1056 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 32 – paragraph 1
Article 32 – paragraph 1
1. The Union financial assistance shall be equal to the amount of the financial contributions referred to in point (a) of Article 30(1) as actually paid andbut limited to 50% of the actual expenditure incurred or 75% in the case of less developed regions and the outermost regions.
Amendment 1187 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 3
Article 49 – paragraph 3
Amendment 1416 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part II – Title II – Chapter I a (new)
Part II – Title II – Chapter I a (new)
TITLE II CHAPTER Ia Regulation of production Article 100a Quotas in the milk sector 1. The existing milk production quota system shall remain in force beyond 2015. The quotas shall, as soon as possible, be adjusted to the needs of the Member States and to their relative installed production capacity levels. 2. The Commission shall submit a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on national milk quotas, adjusted as provided for in paragraph 1; the time-frame shall be such as to enable that Regulation to enter into force on 1 July 2014. Article 100b Vine planting rights 1. The existing planting rights system in the wine sector shall remain in force beyond 2015. 2. The Commission shall assess the need for any adjustments and adaptations to the current system and shall submit a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down special arrangements for regions in which wine-growing is the main activity with a view to preserving the distinctive characteristics of the grapevine products of those regions; the time-frame shall be such as to enable that Regulation to enter into force on 1 July 2014. Article 100c Quotas in the sugar sector 1. The existing quota system in the sugar sector shall remain in force beyond 2015. The quotas shall, as soon as possible, be adjusted to the relative installed and/or potential production capacity levels of the Member States. 2. The Commission shall submit a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on national quotas in the sugar sector, adjusted as provided for in paragraph 1; the time-frame shall be such as to enable that Regulation to enter into force on 1 July 2014. Article 100d Other sectors 1. By 1 July 2014 the Commission shall submit an impact study on the discontinuation of the regulation and distribution instruments applying to production in other sectors in the Member States. 2. On the basis of the findings of the study referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall, in due course, submit proposals establishing quota systems in other sectors, where this is necessary in order to enable production to be spread evenly in the Member States, taking into account their individual possibilities and potential while allowing scope for differentiated development in Member States with higher deficits in the sectors concerned.
Amendment 1866 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part II – Title II – Chapter III – Section 4 a (new)
Part II – Title II – Chapter III – Section 4 a (new)
SECTION 4A MEMBER STATE MANAGEMENT OPTION Article 116a Management option Taking into account the specific situation in the individual Member States and the extent to which producer and operator organisations have developed, where producers are organised to a particularly low degree, the responsibilities assigned under this Regulation to producer organisations may be exercised by the national authorities of a Member State.
Amendment 1921 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 130 a (new)
Article 130 a (new)
Amendment 2034 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 145 – paragraph 4 – point d
Article 145 – paragraph 4 – point d
Amendment 2047 #
2011/0281(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Part V – Chapter -I (new)
Part V – Chapter -I (new)
CHAPTER -I Risk and crisis management Section 1 Public insurance Article 153a Public agricultural insurance 1. A public agricultural insurance scheme, financed from the Union budget, shall be established in order to guarantee a basic income to farmers affected by extreme weather events or other cases of disaster, whether natural or man-made, including forest fires, diseases, and pest infestations. This insurance shall afford a basic level of protection to all farmers in all Member States. 2. Public agricultural insurance may be subdivided into farm insurance, loss of revenue insurance, livestock insurance, and compensation funds. 3. The existence of this insurance shall be without prejudice to the existence of other specific insurance schemes in given sectors, such as the wine sector harvest insurance referred to in Article 47. 4. The Commission shall submit a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on public agricultural insurance at the time required to enable the Regulation to enter into force on 1 July 2014.
Amendment 192 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 21
Recital 21
(21) Due to the successive integration of various sectors into the single payment scheme and the ensuing period of adjustment granted to farmers, it has become increasingly difficult to justify the presence of significant individual differences in the level of support per hectare resulting from use of historical references. Therefore direct income support should be more equitably distributed between Member States, by reducing the link to historical references and having regard to the overall context of the Union budget. To ensure a more equal distribution of direct support, while taking account of the differences that still exist in wage levels and input costs, the levels of direct support per hectare should be progressively adjusted. Member States with direct payments below the level of 90% of the average should close one third of the gap between their current level and this level. This convergence should be financed proportionally by all Member States with direct payments above the Union average. In addition, all payment entitlements activated in 2019 in a Member State or in a regionAll payment entitlements activated in the EU should have a uniform unit value following a convergence towards this value that should take place during the transition period in linear steps. However, in order to avoid disruptive financial consequences for farmers, Member States having used the single payment scheme, and in particular the historical model, should be allowed to partially take historical factors into account when calculating the value of payment entitlements in the first year of application of the new scheme. The debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework for the period starting in 2021 should also focus on the objective of complete convergence through the equal distribution of direct support across the European Union during that periodshould be attained at the end of the period of validity of the 2014- 2020 Multiannual Financial Framework. In addition, all payment entitlements activated in 2019 in a Member State or in a region should have a uniform unit value.
Amendment 309 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 38
Recital 38
(38) A simple and specific scheme for small farmers should be put in place in order to reduce the administrative costs linked to the management and control of direct support. For that purpose, a lump- sum payment replacing all direct payments should be established. Rules seeking simplification of formalities should be introduced by reducing, amongst others, the obligations imposed on small farmers such as those related to the application for support, to agricultural practices beneficial for the climate and the environment, to cross-compliance and to controls as laid down in Regulation (EU) No […] [HZR] without endangering the achievement of the overall objectives of the reform, it being understood that Union legislation as referred to in Annex II to Regulation (EU) No […] [HZR] applies to small farmers. The objective of that scheme should be to support the existing agricultural structure of small farms in the Union without countering the development towards more competiproductive structures. For that reason, access to the scheme should be limited to existing holdings.
Amendment 371 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – indent 2
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – indent 2
Amendment 379 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – indent 3
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point c – indent 3
Amendment 410 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point g
(g) “permanent crops” means non- rotational crops other than permanent grassland that occupy the land for five years or longer and yield repeated harvests, including nurseries, and short rotation coppice;
Amendment 466 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point k
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point k
Amendment 525 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2
Article 7 – paragraph 2
2. For each Member State and each year, the estimated product of capping as referred to in Article 11, which is reflected by the difference between the national ceilings set out in Annex II, to which is added the amount available in accordance with Article 44, and the net ceilings set out in Annex III, is made availableredistributed (a) as Union support for measures under rural development programming financed under the EAFRD as specified in Regulation (EU) No […] [RDR]; or (b) under Pillar I, provided that the object is to increase payments to small farmers.
Amendment 532 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. The product referred to in paragraph 2 may be redistributed under Pillar I, provided that the object is to increase payments to small farmers.
Amendment 724 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
– by 20 % for the tranche of more than EUR 1520 000 and up to EUR 2050 000;
Amendment 729 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
– by 450 % for the tranche of more than EUR 2050 000 and up to EUR 25075 000;
Amendment 736 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 4
– by 100 % for the tranche of more thanthe amount obtained after applying those reductions shall be capped at EUR 3100 000.
Amendment 742 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
Article 11 – paragraph 1 – indent 3
– by 780 % for the tranche of more than EUR 250 000 and up to EUR 30075 000;
Amendment 780 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 2
Article 11 – paragraph 2
2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall be calculated by subtracting the salaries effectively paid and declared by the farmer in the previous year, including taxes and social contributions related to employment, from the total amount of direct payments initially due to the farmer without taking into account the payments to be granted pursuant to Chapter 2 of Title III of this Regulation.
Amendment 812 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
1. Before 1 August 2013, Member States may decide to make available as additional support for measures under rural development programming financed under the EAFRD as specified under Regulation (EU) No […] [RDR], up to 10 % of their annual national ceilings for calendar years 2014 to 2019 as set out in Annex II to this Regulation. As a result, the corresponding amount shall no longer be available for granting direct payments. The funds transferred shall be 100 % financed through the CAP budget in order to reverse the decline in rural areas and agricultural activity, in particular environmentally-friendly agriculture, in line with rural development priorities (4) and (5) specified under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No […] [RDR].
Amendment 918 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 1
Article 20 – paragraph 1
1. Member States may decide, before 1 August 2013, to apply the basic payment scheme at regional level. In that case they shall define the regions in accordance with objective and non-discriminatory criteria such as their agronomic and socioeconomic characteristics and their regional agricultural potential, or their institutional or administrative structurspecific land use type.
Amendment 1931 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 1
Article 36 – paragraph 1
1. Member States shall grant an annual payment to young farmers and new farmers who are entitled to a payment under the basic payment scheme referred to in Chapter 1.
Amendment 1943 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. For the purposes of this Chapter, ‘young farmers’,the following definitions shall meanapply:
Amendment 1946 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) ‘new farmers’ shall mean natural persons who are setting up for the first time an agricultural holding as head of the holding, or who have already set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of an application to the basic payment scheme as referred in Article 73(1) of Regulation (EU) No […] [HZR], and;
Amendment 1956 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 36 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) who are less than 40 years of age at the moment of submitting the application referred to in point (a)‘young farmers’ shall mean farmers who are less than 40 years of age.
Amendment 2054 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 38 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Article 38 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2
Coupled support may be granted to the following sectors and productions: cereals, oilseeds, protein crops, grain legumes, flax, hemp, rice, nuts, starch potato, milk and milk products, seeds, sheepmeat and goatmeat, beef and veal, olive oil, silk worms, dried fodder, hops, sugar beet, cane and chicory, and fruit and vegetables and short rotation coppice.
Amendment 2247 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 49 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) an amount corresponding to one-and-a- half times the national average payment per hectare multiplied by a figure corresponding to the number of hectares with a maximum of threfive.
Amendment 2258 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 49 – paragraph 2
Article 49 – paragraph 2
2. The amount referred to in paragraph 1 shall not be lower than EUR 51 000 and not be higher than EUR 12 000. Without prejudice to Article 51(1), where the application of paragraph 1 results in an amount lower than EUR 51 000 or higher than EUR 12 000, the amount shall be rounded up or down, respectively, to the minimum or maximum amount.
Amendment 2275 #
2011/0280(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 51 – paragraph 2
Article 51 – paragraph 2
2. If the total amount of payments due under the small farmers scheme exceeds 1025% of the annual national ceiling set out in Annex II, Member States shall apply a linear reduction to the amounts to be paid in accordance with this Title in order to respect that percentage.
Amendment 18 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) Lack of access to credit is one of the main obstacles to business creation, especially among people furthest from the labour market. Union and national efforts in this area need to be stepped up in order to increase the supply of microfinance and meet demand from those who need it most, and in particular unemployed and vulnerable people who wish to start up or develop a micro-enterprise, including on a self-employed basis, but do not have access to credit. As a first step, in 2010 the European Parliament and the Council set up the Facility. It is also important for the credit offered to be made more flexible through non-bank institutions and for it to be adequate to cover the technological modernisation and improvements needed to safeguard the liquidity and independence of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Amendment 18 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In line with the Europe 2020 Strategy, tThe Programme should pursue a coherent approach to promoting employment and combating social exclusion and poverty, while keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and in gender mainstreaming. Its implementation should be rationalised and simplified, notably through a set of common provisions including, inter alia, general objectives, typology of actions, monitoring and evaluation arrangements. The Programme should also focus on large projects with clear EU added value in order to reach critical mass and reduce administrative burden for both the beneficiaries and the Commission. In addition, greater use should be made of simplified cost options (lump-sum and flat- rate financing) in particular for the implementation of mobility schemes. The Programme should be a one-stop shop for microfinance providers, providing financing for micro-credit, capacity building and technical assistance. Lastly, the Programme should provide for budgetary flexibility through the establishment of a reserve to be allocated on an annual basis in order to respond to policy priorities.
Amendment 21 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship axis, which shall facilitate access to finance for entrepreneurs, especially those furthest from the labour market, and social enterprises, especially cooperatives, mutuals and micro-enterprises.
Amendment 22 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) In accordance with Articles 45 and 46 of the Treaty, Regulation (EU) No 492/2011 lays down provisions intended to achieve freedom of movement for workers, as an act of choice, not imposed by unemployment or other social problems, by ensuring close cooperation between the Member States and with the Commission. EURES should promote better functioning of the labour markets by facilitating transnational geographical mobility of workers (when they so desire), providing greater transparency on the labour market, ensuring the clearance of vacancies and applications for employment and supporting activities in the areas of recruitment, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.
Amendment 26 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Pursuant to Articles 8 and 10 of the Treaty, on the Programme should support the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives in all its activitiesFunctioning of the European Union, the Commission and the Member States should ensure that the mainstreaming of gender equality and anti- discrimination objectives help to promote equality between men and women in all the programme’s axes and activities, and that the European Pact for Gender Equality (2011-2020) is also taken into consideration. Regular monitoring and evaluation should be carried out to assess the way in which gender equality and anti- discrimination issues are addressed in the Programme's activities. Effective application of the principle of gender equality should include gender- aggregated data and indicator,s and objectives and criteria focused on gender equality.
Amendment 27 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1
Article 1 – paragraph 1
1. This Regulation establishes a European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation (hereinafter ‘the Programme’) which aims to contribute to the implementation of the Europe 2020 Strategy, its headline targets and Integrated Guidelines by providing financial support for the European Union’s objectives in terms of promoting a high level of employment, guaranteeing adequate social protection, combating social exclusion and poverty and improving working conditions, while always keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and gender mainstreaming.
Amendment 28 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) Strengthen ownership of the Union objecPromote strategies, among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested partives in the employment, social and working conditions fields among key Union and national policy-makers, as well as other interested parties, to increase employment and safeguard social and labour rights, while always keeping sight of the objective of gender equality and gender mainstreaming, in order to bring about concrete and coordinated actions at both Union and Member State level;
Amendment 30 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) PromotGuarantee workers’ geographical mobility and boost employment opportunities by developing Union labour markets that are open and the possibility of voluntary mobility not imposed by unemployment or other social problems, and boost employment opportunities, improving social and labour rights and making them accessible to all;
Amendment 37 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall ensure that activities carried out under the Programme are consistent with, and complementary to other Union action, in particular under the European Social Fund (ESF) and in such areas as social dialogue, justice and fundamental rights, gender equality, education, vocational training and youth policy, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, health, enlargement and external relations, and general economic policy.
Amendment 39 #
2011/0270(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
With a view to regular monitoring of the Programme and making any adjustments needed to its policy and funding priorities, the Commission shall draw up biennial monitoring reports and send them to the European Parliament and the Council. Such reports shall cover the Programme's results and the extent to which the principles of gender equality and gender mainstreaming have been respected and anti-discrimination considerations, including accessibility issues, have been addressed through its activitiesin all the Programme’s axes and activities. Wherever possible, data shall be gender-aggregated.
Amendment 68 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The scope of Regulation (EC) No 1927/2006 was broadened in 2009 by Regulation (EC) No 546/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as part of the European Economic Recovery plan to include workers made redundant as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. In order to enable the EGF to intervene in future crisis situations, its scope should cover redundancies resulting from a serious economic disruption when caused by an unexpected crisis comparable to the financial and economic crisis that hit the economy from 2008 onward crisis.
Amendment 71 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Recital 4 a (new)
(4a) Regardless of the existence of the EGF, the EU and Member States should set in place policies to promote growth, the creation of jobs with rights, and production, particularly in those countries with more fragile economies. Such objectives cannot be combined with the application of so-called austerity measures, which have led to the daily destruction of thousands of jobs.
Amendment 73 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
Amendment 78 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) In order to maintain the European nature of the EGF, an application for support should be triggered when the number of redundancies reaches a minimum threshold. In small labour markets, such as small Member States or remote regions, and in exceptional circumstances, applications may be submitted for a lower number of redundancies. As regards farmers, the necessary criteria should be determined by the Commission in relation to the consequences of each trade agreement.
Amendment 85 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Redundant workers should have equal access to the EGF independently of their type of employment contract or employment relationship. Therefore, workers with fixed term contracts and temporary agency workers made redundant as well as owner-managers of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and self- employed workers who cease their activities and farmers who change or adjust their activities to a new market situation following trade agreements, should be regarded as redundant workers for the purposes of this Regulation.
Amendment 90 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
Amendment 96 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9
Recital 9
(9) Financial contributions from the EGF should be primarily directed at active labour market measures aimed at reintegrating redundant workers rapidly into stable employment with rights, either within or outside their initial sector of activity, including the agricultural sector. The inclusion of pecuniary allowances in a coordinated package of personalised services should therefore be restricted.
Amendment 104 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) When drawing up the coordinated package of active labour market policy measures, Member States should favour measures that will significantly contribute to the employability ofcreation of jobs with rights for the redundant workers. Member States should strive towards the reintegration into employment or new activities of at least 50 % of the targeted workers within 12 months of the date of application.
Amendment 111 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 14
Recital 14
(14) In order to ensure that the Union’s expression of solidarity with workers is not hampered by a lack of Member State co- funding resources, the co-funding rate should be modulated, with a maximum 50 % contribution to the cost of the package and its implementation as the norm, and the possibility to raise this rate to up to 695 % in the case of applications submitted by those Member States on the territory of which at least one region at NUTS II level is eligible under the ‘Convergence’ objective of the Structural Funds and by Member States experiencing an exponential increase in unemployment rates.
Amendment 118 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 16
Recital 16
(16) In order to cover the needs arising during the final months of each year, it is necessary to ensure that at least one quarter of the annual maximum amount of the EGF remains available on 1 September. Financial contributions made during the remainder of the year should be allocated taking into account the overall ceiling laid down for support to farmers in the Multiannual Financial Framework.
Amendment 130 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2
Article 1 – paragraph 2
The aim of the EGF shall be to contribute to economic growth and stable employment with rights in the Union by enabling the Union to show solidarity towards workers made redundant as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, trade agreements affecting agriculture, or an unexpected or an economic crisis, and to provide financial support for their rapid reintegration into employment, or for changing or adjusting their agricultural activities.
Amendment 142 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) workers made redundant as a result of a serious disruption of the local, regional or national economy caused by an unexpectedeconomic crisis, provided that a direct and demonstrable link can be established between the redundancies and that crisis;
Amendment 144 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 160 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point d
(d) 'a worker' means owner-managers of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and self-employed workers (inexcluding farmers) and all members of the household active in the business, provided that, if farmers, they were already producing the output affected by the relevant trade agreement before the measures concerning the specific sector were implemented.
Amendment 170 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) at least 500 dismissals within a 12- month period, particularly in small and medium-scale enterprises, in an economic sector of a Member State experiencing an exponential increase in unemployment rates.
Amendment 171 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Article 4 – paragraph 3
Amendment 183 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4
Article 4 – paragraph 4
4. Where owner-managers of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and self- employed workers change or, in the case of farmers, adjust their previous activities, such situations shall be considered as redundancies for the purposes of this Regulation.
Amendment 190 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) For owner-managers of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and self- employed workers (inexcluding farmers), the redundancy shall be counted either from the date of cessation of the activities caused by any of the conditions set out in Article 2, and determined in accordance with national law or administrative provisions, or from the date specified by the Commission in the delegated act adopted in accordance with the Article 4(3).
Amendment 192 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) all workers being made redundant in accordance with Article 5, within the period provided for in Article 4(1), (2) or (32),
Amendment 193 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Article 6 – paragraph 1 – point c
Amendment 198 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
A financial contribution may be made for active labour market measures that form part of a coordinated package of personalised services, designed to facilitate the re-integration of the targeted redundant workers into employment or self- employment or, in the case of farmers, to change or adjust their previous activities. The coordinated package of personalised services may include in particular:
Amendment 206 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point b
(b) special time-limited measures, such as job-search allowances, employers' recruitment incentives, mobility allowances, subsistence or training allowances (including allowances for carers or farm relief services), all of which limited to the duration of the documented active job search or life- long learning or training activities;
Amendment 210 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 – point c
(c) measures to stimulate in particular disadvantaged or older workers to remain in or return to the labour marketworkers.
Amendment 224 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. The Member State shall submit a complete application to the Commission within a period of 12 weeks from the date on which the criteria set in Article 4(1) or (2) are met or, where applicable, before the deadline set by the Commission in accordance with Article 4(3). In exceptional and duly justified circumstances the application may be supplemented with additional information by the applicant Member State within six months from the date of application, following which the Commission shall assess the application on the basis of the available information. The Commission shall complete its assessment of the application within twelve weeks of the date of receipt of a complete application or (in the case of an incomplete application) six months after the date of the initial application, whichever is the earlier.
Amendment 227 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) a reasoned analysis of the link between the redundancies and the major structural changes in world trade patterns, or the serious disruption of the local, regional or national economy caused by an unexpected crisis, or the new market situation in the agricultural sector in the Member State and resulting from the effects of a trade agreement initialled by the European Union in accordance with Article XXIV of the GATT or a multilateral agreement initialled within the World Trade Organisation as per Article 2(c)economic crisis. This analysis shall be based on statistical and other information at the most appropriate level to demonstrate the fulfilment of the intervention criteria set out in Article 4;
Amendment 236 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point j
Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point j
Amendment 243 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 11 – paragraph 4
Article 11 – paragraph 4
4. The Commission's technical assistance shall include the provision of information and guidance to the Member States for using, monitoring and evaluating the EGF. The Commission mayshall also provide information on using the EGF to the European and national social partners.
Amendment 256 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 1
1. The Commission shall, on the basis of the assessment carried out in accordance with Article 8(3), particularly taking into account the number of targeted workers, the proposed actions and the estimated costs, evaluate and propose as quickly as possible the amount of a financial contribution, if any, that may be made within the limits of the resources available. The amount may not exceed 50 % of the total of the estimated costs referred to in Article 8(2)(e) or 695 % of these costs in the case of applications submitted by a Member State on the territory of which at least one region at NUTS II level is eligible under the "Convergence" objective of the Structural Funds. The Commission, in its assessment of such cases, will decide whether the 65 % co-funding rate is justified and by Member States experiencing an exponential increase in unemployment rates.
Amendment 267 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3
Article 13 – paragraph 3
3. Where on the basis of the assessment carried out in accordance with Article 8(3) the Commission has concluded that the conditions for a financial contribution are not met, it shall notify the applicant Member State as soon as possiblewithin 10 days.
Amendment 269 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Article 14 – paragraph 1
Expenditure shall be eligible for a financial contribution from the dates set out in Article 8(2)(h) on which the Member State starts the personalised services to the targeted workers or the administrative expenditure to implement the EGF in accordance with Article 7(1) and (3) respectively. In the case of farmers, expenditure shall be eligible for a contribution from the date set in the delegated act taken in accordance with Article 4(3).
Amendment 275 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 16 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Detailed terms of financing, in particular the rate of pre-financing and the modalities of intermediate and final payments shall be determined by the Commission in conjunction with the Member State in the Decision on a financial contribution referred to in Article 15(4).
Amendment 278 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1
No later than 15 months after the date of the application pursuant to Article 8(1) or by the date laid down in the delegated act taken in accordance with Article 4(3) the Member State shall present an interim report to the Commission on the implementation of the financial contribution, including on the funding, timing and type of actions already carried out and on the rate of reintegration into employment or new activities achieved 12 months after the date of the application.
Amendment 279 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
Article 18 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 2 – point b
(b) a description of the actions taken and planned by the national, regional or local authorities, Union Funds, social partners and enterprises, including an estimate of how these contribute to the reintegration of the workers into stable employment with rights or new activities.
Amendment 282 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 19 – paragraph 1
Article 19 – paragraph 1
1. By 1 August of every second year, and for the first time in 2015, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament and to the Council a quantitative and qualitative report on the activities under this Regulation and Regulation 1927/2006 in the previous two years. The report shall focus mainly on the results achieved by the EGF and shall in particular contain information relating to applications submitted, decisions adopted, actions funded, the percentage of workers reinserted into work per Member State, including their complementarity with actions funded by other Union Funds, notably the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), and the winding-up of financial contributions made. It should also document those applications that have been rejected or reduced owing to a lack of sufficient appropriations or to non- eligibility.
Amendment 285 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 21 – paragraph 3
Article 21 – paragraph 3
3. The Member State shall make the financial corrections required where an irregularity is ascertained. The corrections made by the Member State shall consist in cancelling all or part of the financial contribution. The Member State shall recover any amount lost as a result of an irregularity detected, and repay it to the Commission and, where the amount is not repaid by the relevant Member State in the time allowed, default interest shall be due.
Amendment 286 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 22 – paragraph 4
Article 22 – paragraph 4
4. If, after completing the necessary verifications, the Commission concludes that a Member State is not complying with its obligations under Article 21(1), it shall, if no agreement has been reached and the Member State has not made the corrections in a period set by the Commission, and taking account of any comments made by the Member State, decide within three months from the end of the period referred to in paragraph 3 to make the financial corrections required by cancelling all or part of the contribution of the EGF to the action in question. Any amount lost as a result of an irregularity detected shall be recovered and, where the amount is not repaid by the applicant Member State in the time allowed, default interest shall be due.
Amendment 287 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 23
Article 23
Amendment 291 #
2011/0269(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 24 – paragraph 5
Article 24 – paragraph 5
Amendment 49 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The ESF should improve employment opportunities,ide the support required for policies to promote employment with rights, play a major role in strengthening social inclusion, and promote education and life- long learning and develop active inclusion policies in accordance with the tasks entrusted to the ESF by Article 162 of the Treaty, and thereby contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion in accordance with Article 174 of the Treaty; that being the case, the amounts available under it need to be increased substantially. In accordance with Article 9 of the Treaty, the ESF should take into account requirements linked to the promotion of a high level of employment, the guarantee of adequate social protection accessible to all, the fight against social exclusion, and a high level of education, training and protection of human health.
Amendment 64 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4
Recital 4
(4) The European Union is confronted with structural challenges arising from economic globalisation, technological change and an increasingly ageing workforce and growing skills and labour shortages in some sectors and regions. They have been compounded by the recent economic and financial crisis, which has resulted in increased levels of unemployment, hitting in particular young people and other vulnerable groups, such as migrants. The ESF should aim to promote employment with rights and support labour mobility, invest in education, skills and life-long learning, promote social inclusion and combat poverty. In promoting the better functioning of labour markets by enhancing the transnational geographical mobility of workers, the ESF should, in particular,The ESF may support European Employment Services (EURES activities) in relation to recruitment and the related information, advice and guidance services at national and cross-border level.
Amendment 100 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) The Member States and the Commission should ensure that the implementation of the priorities financed by the ESF contribute to the promotion of equality between women and men in accordance with Article 8 of the Treaty. Evaluations have shown the importance of taking the gender aspect into account in all dimensions of programmes, while ensuring that specific actions are taken to promote gender equality. The ESF has to attain the scale needed to promote policies to bring about equality, high-quality permanent employment, and fair redistribution of income.
Amendment 128 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 a (new)
Recital 18 a (new)
(18a) Not just the Structural and Cohesion Funds, but all Union policies and actions have to be consistent with the goal of economic, social, and territorial cohesion. It is therefore necessary to take into account how the enforcement of economic and monetary policies, and of policies to liberalise domestic and international markets, is making itself felt in terms of cohesion and convergence policy, especially as regards micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the individual Member States.
Amendment 129 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 b (new)
Recital 18 b (new)
(18b) Regional policy is an essential means of fostering economic and social cohesion, as it enables the Union to take measures to reduce regional disparities, promote real convergence, and stimulate development, high-quality employment, and social progress, while also benefiting less developed regions.
Amendment 130 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 c (new)
Recital 18 c (new)
(18c) The ESF aims to reduce disparities in living conditions in terms of Member States and regions with a view to promoting economic and social cohesion. Funding criteria need to be revised so as to enable the ESF to be used more readily by financially weaker Member States.
Amendment 131 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18 d (new)
Recital 18 d (new)
(18d) Given the severe economic and financial crisis affecting certain Member States and their regions, the national co- financing rate for projects supported by the ESF should be no higher than 10%, so as to enable greater use to be made of cohesion resources.
Amendment 187 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point v
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point v
Amendment 203 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vii a (new)
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a – point vii a (new)
(viia) Improvement of working conditions (hygiene, safety, and health at work, working patterns), stable contractual relations, adequate wage levels, and working hours compatible with family life;
Amendment 226 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point iii
(iii) Enhancing access to lifelong learning, and upgrading the skills and competences of the workforce and increasing the labour market relevance of education and training systems;
Amendment 252 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point c – point iv
(iv) Enhancing access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality services, including health care and social services of general interestpublic services – publicly owned and managed, with democratic involvement of their users – in areas essential to welfare, including health, education, justice, water, housing, transport, and care of children and the elderly;
Amendment 283 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
Article 3 – paragraph 2 – point d
(d) Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, through promoting the adaptability of enterprises and workers and increased investment in human capital.
Amendment 353 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8
Article 8
The Member States and the Commission shall promote equal opportunities for all, including accessibility for disabled persons through mainstreaming the principle of non-discrimination, as referred to in Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No […], and through specific actions within the investment priorities as defined in Article 3, and in particular Article 3(1)(c)(iii). Such actions shall target people at risk of discrimination (such as migrants) and people with disabilities, with a view to increasing their labour market participation, enhancing their social inclusion, reducing inequalities in terms of educational attainment and health status and facilitating the transition from institutional to community-based care.
Amendment 407 #
2011/0268(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Article 15 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
Amendment 5 #
2011/0177(APP)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. ConsenRejects to the draft Council regulation laying down the Mmultiannual Ffinancial Fframework for the years 2014-2020;