339 Amendments of Andrejs MAMIKINS
Amendment 52 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. whereas the EU conflict management efforts must be grounded on the needs of conflict victims, especially those who are marginalised from conventional power structures and do not have the means to participate in peace- building and post-conflict arrangement;
Amendment 59 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas transitional justice is an important set of judicial and non-judicial mechanisms focusing on accountability for past abuses as well as the establishment of a sustainable, just and peaceful future;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas since mid-1990s conflicts overwhelmingly take place within the borders of developing states, and not between the states, increasing high the importance of societal security and conservation of collective identity, including cultural identity, as a constitutive element of dignity;
Amendment 69 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
Kb. whereas there is a significant nexus between conflict and development, and the conflict prevention and mediation efforts should go hand in hand with development efforts to guarantee a balances EU approach;
Amendment 88 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the EU to dedicate stronger attention to the transitional justice as a mechanism of sustainable reconciliation helping to establish long- lasting peace and avoid backsliding to the conflict; calls on the EU to include all the conflict-related stakeholders in the process of transitional justice, including most vulnerable groups, to guarantee more inclusive peace-building process and restorative justice; invites the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission’s services dealing with external action to provide expert advice to the parties and stakeholders on the issues of international law and transitional justice;
Amendment 117 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls for the establishment of a dedicated Council working group on conflict prevention and mediation emphasizing EU’s strong commitment to peace and stability in its neighbouring regions;
Amendment 119 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the EEAS and Commission’s services dealing with external action to use the diplomatic channels to invite conflict-prone counties to restore societal security, as well as guarantee cultural security, as a way to prevent conflict escalation;
Amendment 121 #
2018/2159(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the establishment of a dedicated EEAS for c"Conflict prevention, Peace building and mMediation Instruments Division” and the development of tools such as the Early Warning System and horizon scanning; calls for investments to further develop such tools;
Amendment 2 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 1
Citation 1
— having regard to its previous resolutions on Turkey, in particular those of 24 November 2016 on EU-Turkey relations1 , of 27 October 2016 on the situation of journalists in Turkey2 , and of 8 February 2018 on the human rights situation in Turkey3 , _________________ 1 2 3[3] and of 13 November 2014 on Turkish actions creating tensions in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, _________________ 1 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0450. Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0450. 2 Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0423. Texts adopted, P8_TA(2016)0423. Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0040.
Amendment 6 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to the Presidency conclusions of 13 December 2016 and the Council Conclusions of 26 June 2018, and to the previous relevant Council and European Council conclusions,
Amendment 10 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7
Citation 7
— having regard to the declaration issued by the European Community and its Member States on 21 September 2005, including the provision that the recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the negotiations, and to the need for Turkey to proceed to the normalization of its relations with all Member States and to fully implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement towards all MS, by removing all obstacles to the free movement of goods, withoutincluding restrictions orn means of transport, without prejudice and discrimination,
Amendment 14 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
- having regard to the Fact-finding Visit by the Committee on Petitions to Famagusta, Cyprus (07-08.05.2018),
Amendment 15 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9
Citation 9
— having regard to Article 46 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which states that the contracting parties undertake to abide by the final judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in any case to which they are parties, and to the obligation of Turkey to implement all judgements of the European Courts,
Amendment 24 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 16
Citation 16
— having regard to the Commission recommendation of 21 December 2016 for a Council dDecision authorising the opening of negotiations with Turkey on an aAgreement on the extension of the scope of the bilateral preferential trade relationship and on the modernisation of the Customs Union, as well as the Council Conclusions of 26 June 2018 stating that no further work towards the modernisation of the EU-Turkey Customs Union is foreseen,
Amendment 174 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States, taking all of the above into account andTaking all of the above into account, calls on the Commission and the Council of the European Union, in accordance with the Negotiating Framework, to formally suspend the accession negotiations with Turkey till Turkey complies with the Copenhagen criteria and fully implement its contractual obligations towards all MSs, including the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-à- vis the Republic of Cyprus; remains, however, committed to democratic dialogue with Turkey; asks the Commission to use, during the formal suspension of negotiations, all funds available under IPA II and the future IPA III to support, through a dedicated envelope directly managed by the EU, Turkey’s civil society, and to increase opportunities for people-to-people contacts, academic dialogue, access for Turkish students to European universities and media platforms for journalists;
Amendment 182 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that while the EU accession process was at its start a strong motivation for reforms in Turkey, there has been a stark regression in the areas of the rule of law and human rights during the last few years; recalls that Parliament repeatedly called for the opening of Chapter 23 on Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and Chapter 24 on Justice, Freedom and Security at a time whe and repeats its calls on the Turkish government had pledged to conduct serious reforms; regrets deeply that the accession instruments could not be used to the fullest extent owing to a continued blockage by the Council;
Amendment 192 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14 a. Calls on the European Council for a EU embargo on arms sales to Turkey as a response to its expansionary and repressive policy outside of Turkey;
Amendment 199 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. BelievStresses that a door should be left openprerequisite for the modernisation and upgrading of the 1995 Customs Union between the EU and Turkey, to include relevant areas such as agriculture, services and public procurement, which currently are not covered; recalls that two thirds of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Turkey comes from EU Member States and that Turkey is an important growth market for the EU; believes that the upgrade would provide a valuable opportunity for democratic conditionality, positive leverage and the possibility of a roadmap where upgrading the Customs Union would go hand in hand with concrete commitments by Turkey on democratic reformis that Turkey proceeds to the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the existing Customs Union vis-à-vis all MS, including the Republic of Cyprus; believes further that the upgradinge of the Ccustoms Uunion wcould provide an important opportunity for policy dialogue on climate change as well as on labour rights in Turkey; calls on the Commission to start preparatory work for the upgrading of the Customs Union as soon as the Turkish Government indicates its readiness for serious reformsReminds that EU trade agreements shall always be in line with EU principles on human rights, democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 233 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that visa liberalisation is of great importance for Turkish citizens, particularly for students, academics, business representatives, and people with family ties in EU Mmember Sstates; encouragescalls on the Turkish Government to fullywithdraw unilateral declarations and to fully and in a non-discriminatory manner comply with the 72 criteria identified in the visa liberalisation roadmap, towards all MSs; stresses that the revision of Turkey’s anti- terrorism legislation is a key condition forto ensuring fundamental rights and freedoms, and that visa liberalisation willcould be possible once all the criteria have been met; fully and effectively met, in a non- discriminatory manner, towards all MS, including cooperation on JHA issues and non-discriminatory access to the Turkish territory for the citizens of all EU Member States;
Amendment 251 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Recalls the important role played by Turkey in responding to the migration crisis resulting from the war in Syria; takes the view that Turkey’s population has shown great hospitality by offering shelter to more than 3 million Syrian refugees; calls on the EU and its Member States to keep their promise regarding a large-scale resettlement, and to ensure adequate financial resources for the long-term support of Syrian refugees in Turkey; is concerned that the European Court of Auditors on its last report on 13 November 2018 noted that Turkey refused to share information with the EU auditors regarding the details of the expenditures about the spending of €1.1 billion granted by the EU to Turkey to help Syrian refugees and calls on the Commission to put pressure on Turkish government to make the data on the beneficiaries available before granting the next tranche of the assistance, as per Court’s recommendation;
Amendment 275 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Calls on Turkey to further align its foreign policy with that of the EU in accordance with the provisions of the Negotiating Framework;
Amendment 278 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Amendment 287 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18 c. Calls on Turkey to cooperate with relevant international organizations, especially the Council of Europe, in preventing and combatting illicit trafficking and the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage within Turkey and the occupied part of Cyprus;
Amendment 289 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 d (new)
Paragraph 18 d (new)
18 d. Reiterates its call on Turkey to comply with the EU declaration issued on September 21, 2005 and to fulfil its obligation of full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the EC-Turkey Association Agreement vis-à-vis all Member States, including the Republic of Cyprus, regrets that Turkey has still not made progress towards the normalization of its relations with the Republic of Cyprus; reiterates that recognition of all Member States is a necessary component of the accession process, of Customs Union and of every agreement between the EU and Turkey and calls for progress without any further delay;
Amendment 290 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 e (new)
Paragraph 18 e (new)
18 e. Recalls its position adopted in the report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy in 2017 about the importance of ensuring the coherence of EU policy as regards situations involving the occupation or annexation of territory; recalls, in this regard, that the immediate withdrawal of Turkish occupation forces and the full restoration of the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus, in line with the UNSC resolutions, should be the first step for achieving a long-term political solution, guaranteeing the well-being, security and democratic rights of all Cypriots;
Amendment 301 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Welcomes the efforts by the UN to resume negotiations on the reunification of Cyprus; supports a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the EU acquis; reiterates its call on Turkey to commit and contribute to a comprehensive settlement, to beginimmediately withdrawing its troops from Cyprus, to transfer the sealed-off area of Famagusta to the UN, and to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island; praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons; recognisVarosha to its lawful inhabitants in accordance with UNSC resolution 550 (1984) as an effort to pave the way for a democratic comprehensive settlement, and echoes the rightesults of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relationsFact-finding Visit by the Committee on Petitions to Famagusta; urges Turkey to refrain from actions altering the demographic balance on the island through its policy of illegal settlement;
Amendment 308 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Praises the important work of the Committee on Missing Persons and calls on Turkey to allow unconditional and full access to military zones and all relevant sites and to provide relevant information from its military and other archives, thus maximising the effectiveness of the excavations conducted by the CMP;
Amendment 314 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Underlines the lawful right of the Republic of Cyprus to enter into bilateral agreements concerning its exclusive economic zone, explore and exploit its natural resources and reiterates its calls on Turkey to show restraint, to refrain from any further threat or action and to respect Cyprus’ sovereignty over its territorial sea and Cyprus’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone; expresses serious concern over Turkey's renewed threats and provocations; urges Turkey to engage in the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and to refrain from any threat or action which might have negative effects on good neighbourly relations;
Amendment 317 #
2018/2150(INI)
19 c. Calls on Turkey to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which has been signed and ratified by the EU and its 28 Member States, without further delay; reiterates its call on Turkey to respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Member States over their territorial sea and airspace and their lawful right to enter into bilateral agreements and to explore and exploit natural resources in accordance with the EU acquis and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea;
Amendment 318 #
2018/2150(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Reiterates relevant ECtHR decisions and calls on the Turkish Government to immediately stop the violation of the human rights of the Cypriot citizens and stop depriving them of the enjoyment and exercise of their property, religious and other human rights stemming from the constitutional order of the Republic of Cyprus and the acquis communautaire, as well as the fundamental principles and values of the EU;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the Guidelines on appointment, mandate and financing of EU Special Representatives of 9 July 2007, and the Council Note (7510/14) of 11 March 2014;
Amendment 53 #
2018/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Point g a (new)
Point g a (new)
ga. to ensure the coherence of the mandate for Central Asia with the 2007 EU Strategy for Central Asia, reviewed in 2015 in order to enhance the Union's effectiveness and visibility in the region;
Amendment 13 #
2018/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1 a. Recalls that the Parliament adopted three resolutions on 29 April 2015, 5 October 2016 and 5 October 2017, following two interim Committee reports, during the negotiations in the Council on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office;
Amendment 15 #
2018/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1 b. Regrets, however, that despite the Parliament's constructive and measured approach to the enhanced cooperation procedure, the Council showed little interest in engaging formally with the Parliament prior to the request for Parliament's consent on the final negotiated text;
Amendment 17 #
2018/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1 c. Acknowledges, nonetheless, that a number of Parliaments concerns, as expressed in its resolutions, were addressed to some extent in the final text negotiated adopted by the Council;
Amendment 33 #
2018/2112(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Council to engage more meaningfully, at a formal level, with Parliament in possible future enhanced cooperation procedures to ensure the maximum extent cohesion and coherence between the Union's co-legislators.
Amendment 3 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
- having regard to the Concept on Strengthening EU Mediation and Dialogue Capacities adopted on 10 November 2009,
Amendment 4 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regard to the Council Conclusions on Reinforcing the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peace Operations and Crisis Management: Priorities 2019-2021 adopted on 18 September 2018,
Amendment 5 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 b (new)
Citation 21 b (new)
- having regard to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the EU in 2012 for the fact that for over six decades it contributed to the advancement of peace, reconciliation, democracy and human rights,
Amendment 91 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Underlines that CSDP should go beyond the centrality of military security and reflect the broadened understanding of security as a multifaceted concept, including political, economic, environmental and societal security;
Amendment 156 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Regrets the fact that 80% of the defence budget in the EU is spent on the national, and not on the European level; underlines that pooling of the defence procurement would allow a 30% reduction in defence spendings and would therefore release budgetary funds for other objectives of the Union;
Amendment 171 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines that CSDP should contribute to the increase of the role of the EU as an international peace actor and to its work on the prevention of conflicts and international peace mediation; stresses that conflict prevention is a key component of the EU's Comprehensive Approach to External Conflict and Crises, invites therefore the EEAS to use the tool of the EU conflict Early Warning System to its full potential;
Amendment 175 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20 b. Invites the EU and the Member States to always prioritise mediation as the first tool of responding to emerging crises and support mediation efforts of other partners; stresses the need for the EU to actively promote peaceful negotiation and conflict-prevention among its international partners;
Amendment 215 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Stresses the need to apply gender perspective in the EU CSDP action, considering the role that women play in war, post-conflict stabilisation and peace- building processes; emphasises the need to address gender violence as an instrument of war in conflict regions; underlines that women are more adversely affected by war rather than men; invites the EU and its international partners to actively involve women in peace and stabilisation processes, as well as to address their specific security needs;
Amendment 244 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33 a (new)
Paragraph 33 a (new)
33 a. Stresses that both the EU and NATO should maintain efficient communication channels with Russia on questions of international security and war-prevention, as well as examine the possibility of renewal of practical cooperation;
Amendment 255 #
2018/2099(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35 a (new)
Paragraph 35 a (new)
35 a. Stresses the importance of the EU- UN partnership in the resolution of international conflicts and peace-building activities; calls on both EU and the UN to strengthen the joint consultative mechanism EU-UN Steering Committee on Crisis Management to use the full potential of their partnership by pooling the political legitimacy and operational capabilities;
Amendment 3 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes the rebalancing of commitment appropriation between ISF and AMIF in favour of the latter following outcome of the mid-term review of the two programs and as a result of the continued pressure on the migration front; welcomes the very significant increase of AMIF commitment appropriation by 401.7 million euros (+56%) in order to finance the new Dublin legislation (assuming it is adopted by the end of 2018) and an, in that regard calls on the Commission, in any event, to prioritise relocations in 2019, welcomes also the envelope of 175 million euros requested for Greece following notably, the end of the Emergency Humanitarian Support instrument on 1 January 2019;
Amendment 6 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls that the fair and transparent distribution of funding between the different objectives of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund was a priority for Parliament during negotiations leading to the adoption of that fund; calls on the Commission accordingly to increase the number of budget lines under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund to facilitate a better readability and transparency of how the financial resources allocated to the different objectives and thus to those budgetary lines that will be spent; calls, in particular, on the Commission to separate expenditure on enhancing fair return strategies from expenditure on legal migration and promoting the effective integration of third-country nationals in all future draft budgets as proposed in the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs for the 2015, 2016 and2018 Budget;
Amendment 14 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes the establishment of a budget of 4.9 million euros for the EPPO which will prosecute cross-border crime; regrets however that Eurojust is the only JHA aone of the JHA agency agencies together with the Fundamental Rights Agency facing budgetary cuts in 2019, involving a counter-productive reduction of commitment appropriations for the Justice Program by -2.5 million euros (- 5.4%); expresses its concern that such a reduction is untenable given the operational growth and the political priorities in security and justice; calls on the Commission to provide Eurojust with a budget for 2019 that is at least at the same level than in 2018 (€38.6 million), while providing Eurojust with a total of 217 posts for 2019; points out as well in this context that the current Commission proposal for the funding of Eurojust in the next 2021- 2027 MFF is insufficient as it corresponds to a cut of 15% on an annual basis compared to 2018;
Amendment 38 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Calls on the Commission to develop appropriate professional insertion schemes for contractual agents of agencies that incur personnel cuts due to decrease of budgetary and staffing allocations;
Amendment 39 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 b (new)
Paragraph 6 b (new)
6 b. Reiterates that the Commission must continue to focus on Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights issues - particularly in view of democratic backsliding in some EU Member States - including by proposing stronger monitoring and redress mechanisms;
Amendment 40 #
2018/2046(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6 c (new)
Paragraph 6 c (new)
6 c. Encourages the Commission to strengthen support for investigative journalism, including cross-border investigative journalism, and media freedom though dedicated funds as a measure contributing to combatting crime and raising awareness among the EU citizens.
Amendment 32 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 14 a (new)
Citation 14 a (new)
– having regard to the petitions received by the European Parliament indicating the multiple cases of discrimination based on the belonging to a minority group,
Amendment 34 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
– having regard to the Resolution of the European Parliament of 7 February 2018 on protection and non- discrimination with regard to minorities in the EU Member States (2017/2937(RSP)),
Amendment 36 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 b (new)
Citation 15 b (new)
– having regard to the report of 30 November 2017 of the Committee on Petitions on the EU Citizenship Report 2017: Strengthening Citizens’ Rights in a Union of Democratic Change(2017/2069(INI), A8-0385/2017), especially to the provisions of its article 14,
Amendment 37 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 c (new)
Citation 15 c (new)
– having regard to the results of public hearing of 4 May 2017 ‘Fighting against discrimination and protecting minorities’,
Amendment 38 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 d (new)
Citation 15 d (new)
– having regard to the activities and findings of the Intergroup for Traditional Minorities, National Communities and Languages of the European Parliament,
Amendment 43 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas approximately 8 % of EU citizens belong to a national minorities and approximately 10 % speak a regional or minority language;
Amendment 46 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas women belonging to minorities more frequently become victims of discrimination and unfair treatment and have less chances to successfully pursue their career aspirations;
Amendment 51 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas in the framework of this resolution the term “minority” shall include national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities;
Amendment 61 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas the motto of the EU “United in diversity” adopted since 2000 underlines the respect for diversity as one of the founding values of the European Union;
Amendment 68 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G a (new)
Recital G a (new)
Ga. Whereas national legislative systems of the Member States with regard to the minorities contain important gaps and represent a low level of harmonisation and symmetry;
Amendment 75 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H a (new)
Recital H a (new)
Ha. whereas the denial for the pupils of education in their mother tongue leads to linguistic and cultural assimilation, as well as to the decrease of academic performance and marginalisation;
Amendment 79 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H b (new)
Recital H b (new)
Hb. whereas in major European cities the residential coverage of the representatives of minorities is not equal, leading to the formation of “residential ghettos” and low integration of minorities into the life of the city;
Amendment 83 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H c (new)
Recital H c (new)
Hc. whereas the climate change has negative effect on the life of certain ethnic minorities in the EU jeopardizing their cultural traditions and traditional professional occupations;
Amendment 84 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital H d (new)
Recital H d (new)
Hd. whereas the petition “Minority Safepack” has collected 1.215.879 signatures across the EU, showcasing the will of the EU citizens to strengthen the legislative framework governing minority policies at the EU level;
Amendment 140 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls on the Member States, while safeguarding the national citizenship, and calls on the Commission, while promoting the European identity and common values, to fill the legislative gaps with regards to minority rights, to safeguard the right of national minorities to preserve, protect and develop their own identity, and to take the necessary steps to ensure the effective participation of national minorities in social, economic and cultural life and in public affairs;
Amendment 159 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Notes that persons belonging to minorities are in a special category with regard to the right to remedies and have specific needs that must be met if they are to achieve full and effective equality, and that their rights should be respected and promoted, including the right to freely express, preserve and develop their cultural or linguistic identity, free from any attempt at assimilation against their will; calls on the European Commission to conduct regular monitoring of the linguistic and cultural pluralism in the EU in order to assess the positive and negative dynamics in all the Member States;
Amendment 165 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Stresses that persons belonging to the minorities residing in any EU Member State and holding its citizenship are entitled to all the rights and freedoms that the EU citizenship guarantees to them, including the freedom of movement and settlement in another Member State, therefore the forceful return of such persons to their countries of origin is illegal;
Amendment 170 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages the European Commission and the Member States to introduce awareness-rising activities that sensitize the EU population to diversity and all peaceful forms of manifestations of minority cultures; the main goal of such awareness campaigns should be socialisation, dialogue and building of mutual confidence among the citizens belonging to the majority and to the minority groups;
Amendment 175 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Encourages the EU Member States to promote the culture of tolerance and respect for national, ethnic religious and linguistic minorities through the school and university courses as a part of academic curricula;
Amendment 202 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to recognise the contribution of national minorities to the cultural heritage of the Union, to reinforce dialogue with the representatives of national minorities and to identify and implement coordinated policies and actions for the sustainable management of preserving and developing their culture; calls on the Member States to guarantee an adequate degree of institutionalisation of practices on the national level to protect the cultural rights;
Amendment 219 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Stresses the necessity for the minorities to be adequately represented at the European Parliament by its Members in order to guarantee that the work of the Parliament reflects the ethnic, linguistic and cultural variety of the constituencies;
Amendment 301 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 a (new)
Paragraph 28 a (new)
28a. Calls on the Member States to refrain from or abolish legal practices that impede the accession of minorities to the full spectre of professions exercised in a given State;
Amendment 303 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28 b (new)
Paragraph 28 b (new)
28b. Calls on the Member States to guarantee an adequate access to legal and judicial services; representatives of minorities should also be explicitly informed about the procedures to follow under their national law in case their rights as of persons belonging to a minority have been violated;
Amendment 325 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 – indent 1 a (new)
Paragraph 30 – indent 1 a (new)
– a list of all the minorities present in the EU Member States to which the minimum standards would apply,
Amendment 334 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 30 – indent 3 a (new)
– a legislative proposal for a recommendation aiming at the compensation of losses borne by some ethnic minorities as an effect of the climate change;
Amendment 335 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 a (new)
Paragraph 30 a (new)
30a. Calls of the European Commission to organise regular monitoring among the representatives of minorities to assess their satisfaction with the implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and other EU legal instruments on the national level to survey the enactment of the principles of equality, non- discrimination and democratic participation of minorities; the surveys should also examine the difference in concrete indicators (as life expectance, purchasing power, labour market access, etc.)between the minorities and the main part of the population;
Amendment 338 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 b (new)
Paragraph 30 b (new)
30b. Invites the European Commission to further support the work of the European Civil Society Platform for Multilingualism, and other organisations advocating the interests of minorities such as the Federal Union of European Nationalities;
Amendment 339 #
2018/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30 c (new)
Paragraph 30 c (new)
30c. Encourages the European Commission to explore the legal instruments and ways in which the interests and needs of the minorities could be better represented at EU level.
Amendment 68 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) The application of this Regulation should not affect the application of Article 14 of Directive 2000/31/EC8 . In particular, any measures taken by the hosting service provider in compliance with this Regulation, including any proactive measures, should not in themselves lead to that service provider losing the benefit of the liability exemption provided for in thatose provisions or being imposed with an obligation to monitor. This Regulation leaves unaffected the powers of national authorities and courts to establish liability of hosting service providers in specific cases where the conditions under Article 14 of Directive 2000/31/EC for liability exemption are not met. _________________ 8 Directive 2000/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2000 on certain legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce, in the Internal Market (‘Directive on electronic commerce’) (OJ L 178, 17.7.2000, p. 1).
Amendment 167 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 19
Recital 19
(19) Following the request, the competent authority should enter into a dialogue with the hosting service provider about the necessary proactive measures to be put in place. If necessary, the competent authority should impose the adoption of appropriate, effective and proportionate proactive measures where it considers that the measures taken are insufficient to meet the risks. The competent authority should only impose proactive measures that the hosting service provider can reasonably be expected to implement, taking into account, among other factors, the hosting service providers’ available human resources. A decision to impose such specific proactive measures should not, in principle, lead to the imposition of a general obligation to monitor, as provided in Article 15(1) of Directive 2000/31/EC. Considering the particularly grave risks associated with the dissemination of terrorist content, the decisions adopted by the competent authorities on the basis of this Regulation could derogate from the approach established in Article 15(1) of Directive 2000/31/EC, as regards certain specific, targeted measures, the adoption of which is necessary for overriding public security reasons. Before adopting such decisions, the competent authority should strike a fair balance between the public interest objectives and the fundamental rights involved, in particular, the freedom of expression and information and the freedom to conduct a business, and provide appropriate justification.
Amendment 383 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1
Article 4 – paragraph 1
1. The competent authority shall have the power to issue a decision requiring the hosting service provider to remove terrorist content or disable access to it in all EU Member States.
Amendment 464 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Article 6 – paragraph 1
1. Hosting service providers shall, where appropriate, take proactive measures to protect their services against the dissemination of terrorist content including detection, identification and removal or disabling access to terrorist content. The measures shall be effective and proportionate, taking into account the risk and level of exposure to terrorist content, the fundamental rights of the users, and the fundamental importance of the freedom of expression and information in an open and democratic society.
Amendment 503 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Article 6 – paragraph 3
3. Where the competent authority referred to in Article 17(1)(c) considers that the proactive measures taken and reported under paragraph 2 do not respect the principles of necessity and proportionality or are insufficient in mitigating and managing the risk and level of exposure, it may request the hosting service provider to take specific alternative or additional proactive measures. For that purpose, the hosting service provider shall cooperate with the competent authority referred to in Article 17(1)(c) with a view to identifying the specific measures that the hosting service provider shall put in place, establishing key objectives and benchmarks as well as timelines for their implementation.
Amendment 548 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 1
Article 8 – paragraph 1
1. Hosting service providers shall in a clear and easily accessible way set out in their terms and conditions their policy to prevent the dissemination of terrorist content, including, where appropriate, a meaningful explanation of the functioning of proactive measures including the use of automated tools.
Amendment 552 #
2018/0331(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 2
Article 8 – paragraph 2
2. Hosting service providers shall publish annual transparency reports on action taken against the dissemination of terrorist content. , including the number of the removals done upon the request of the competent authorities.
Amendment 44 #
2018/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
(8) 'professional user' means any natural or legal person who has a demonstrable need for a restricted explosives precursor for purposes connected with their trade, business, craft or profession which exclude making that restricted explosives precursor available to another person member of the general public.
Amendment 53 #
2018/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
Article 7 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
2. An economic operator who makes available regulated explosives precursors to a professional user or to a member of the general public in accordance with Article 5(3) shall ensure and be able to demonstrate to the competent authorities referred to in Article 11 that their personnel involved in the sale of regulated explosives precursors is:
Amendment 55 #
2018/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Any personal use of the regulated explosives precursors by economic operators shall be prohibited.
Amendment 65 #
2018/0103(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
The reporting obligation shall cover the products that contain regulated explosives precursors and that fulfil all of the following criteria: 1. the precursor is listed as an ingredient on the label or in the safety datasheet, 2. the precursor concentration is greater than 1% (or 3% N by weight for nitrogenous fertilisers) and 3. the extraction of the precursor is possible without complication.
Amendment 2 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the cooperation framework “20 deliverables for 2020” established during the Riga summit in 2015 and promoting stronger economy, stronger governance, stronger connectivity and stronger society,
Amendment 3 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to the results of the Euronest assembly meetings, most recently that of 25-27 June 2018, resulting in 7 resolutions and calling upon the EU to increase its mediation in the frozen conflicts,
Amendment 4 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the Single Support Framework for the EU support to Georgia 2017-2020,
Amendment 5 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8 a (new)
Citation 8 a (new)
– having regard to the Georgia’s Action Plan for the Implementation of DCFTA 2014-20171a, __________________ 1aGeorgia’s Action Plan for the Implementation of DCFTA 2014-2017, prepared by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, http://www.economy.ge/uploads/dcfta/DC FTA_Action_Plan_ENG.pdf
Amendment 8 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas the EU-Georgia relations are continuously deepened by new major achievements in line with the EU-Georgia AA, DCFTA and Association Agenda including, entry into force of the visa-free regime and the accession to the Energy Community;
Amendment 9 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A b (new)
Recital A b (new)
Ab. whereas the perspective of European integration remains one of most effective incentives for Georgia to carry out reforms and legal approximation to the EU legislative framework;
Amendment 10 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A c (new)
Recital A c (new)
Ac. whereas full respect of core values including democracy, rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms including the rights of minorities represents a cornerstone for further European integration;
Amendment 11 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A d (new)
Recital A d (new)
Ad. whereas the humanitarian situation and isolation of the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia continue to represent one of the key challenges for Georgia;
Amendment 12 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A e (new)
Recital A e (new)
Ae. whereas the 2017 Transparency International corruption perception index shows a maintaining of good results in the field of fight against the corruption;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A f (new)
Recital A f (new)
Af. whereas the new National Strategy on Combating Organized Crime of 2017- 2020 and its Action Plan adopted in 2017 focus on combating “thieves in law”, transit of narcotic drugs and cybercrime, and introducing analysis based and community policing;
Amendment 14 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A g (new)
Recital A g (new)
Ag. whereas the Istanbul Convention, mandated to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, entered into force on 1 September 2017 and an Inter-Agency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence against women and Domestic Violence was established;
Amendment 15 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A h (new)
Recital A h (new)
Ah. whereas the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index 2018 shows slight improvement passing from 64th in 2017 to 61st place;
Amendment 32 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. New chapter: Institutional framework in place to implement the Association Agreement Stresses that EU support to Georgia will reach between EUR 371 and 453 million for 2017-2020, with additional funds available under the “more for more principle” in line with the EU-Georgia Association Agenda;
Amendment 36 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Takes note of Georgia’s plans to reduce the total number of ministries from 14 to 11 with the scope of functional optimisation and expenses reduction; recommends in this regard that in order to be inclusive and efficient such decisions should be taken in close consultation with the opposition parties, as well as the relevant civil society organisations;
Amendment 37 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 c (new)
Paragraph 3 c (new)
3c. Welcomes the decision of the Georgian government to reallocate to education the savings resulting from the structural reorganisation of the ministries;
Amendment 38 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 d (new)
Paragraph 3 d (new)
3d. Calls for a stronger involvement of the Prime Minister and of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in providing high-level political oversight to the implementation of the AA, notably through the streamlining of relevant government structures, the coordination and synchronisation of line ministries’ plans and their full and effective implementation;
Amendment 39 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 e (new)
Paragraph 3 e (new)
3e. Welcomes the decision of the Georgian government to introduce from 2019 a three-year version AA/DCFTA Implementation Plan to facilitate strategic reforms and their funding through long- term planning;
Amendment 40 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 f (new)
Paragraph 3 f (new)
3f. Welcomes the incorporation in 2017 of the State Minister’s Office for European Integration into the Georgian MFAEI which will allow a more coordinated planning, reporting and monitoring of the AA/DCFTA implementation, however suggests that that the ownership of European integration should not be concentrated exclusively in the MFAEI, but shared with the whole ministerial apparatus, considering that under the new arrangement MFAEI needs to oversee the impact of the EU-driven reforms on the domestic policies;
Amendment 41 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 g (new)
Paragraph 3 g (new)
3g. Welcomes the establishment of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and its first meeting held on 8-9 June 2018 in Kyiv; encourages this assembly to also scrutinise the implementation of the association agreements;
Amendment 42 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 h (new)
Paragraph 3 h (new)
3h. Invites the Georgian authorities to organise AA implementation through a reform strategy that complements the Implementation Plans, focussed on outcomes beyond legislation and staff training and based on expert impact assessment;
Amendment 43 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 i (new)
Paragraph 3 i (new)
3i. Calls on the Georgian authorities to establish a framework political strategy document that would function as an interinstitutional mechanism structuring the cooperation among the parliament, government and the presidential administration in the matter of AA/DCFTA implementation and allowing to develop efficient sectorial strategies;
Amendment 44 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 j (new)
Paragraph 3 j (new)
3j. Welcomes the efforts of the Georgian Parliament in intensifying the compliance checks of domestic draft reform proposals, to align them with the objectives and obligations under AA/DCFTA;
Amendment 45 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 k (new)
Paragraph 3 k (new)
3k. Invites the Georgian authorities to further ensure that the appointment to the managing positions in charge of the implementation of the AA projects are transparent and fair and are not politically motivated;
Amendment 46 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 l (new)
Paragraph 3 l (new)
3l. Urges the EEAS / European Commission to boost internal capabilities to step up monitoring of the implementation of the AA notably through an increase in dedicated human resources with profound expertise in Georgian administrative and legal system, as well as to move towards a qualitative assessment of progress, notably through introduction of screening processes, allowing to assess the level of alignment with the EU acquis actually achieved as required by the AA;
Amendment 47 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 m (new)
Paragraph 3 m (new)
3m. Calls on the Georgian authorities to guarantee that the structural units dealing with European integration issues in all the ministries are equipped with sufficient number of specifically qualified officials; calls on the EEAS / European Commission to provide assistance in capacity-building and training of Georgian officials dealing with the AA/DCFTA implementation;
Amendment 48 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 n (new)
Paragraph 3 n (new)
3n. Welcomes the introduction in 2018 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of an electronic monitoring tool to oversee the efficiency of AA/DCFTA implementation;
Amendment 49 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 o (new)
Paragraph 3 o (new)
3o. Calls on Georgian authorities to introduce legal provisions that would guarantee that the reforms driven by the EU integration aspirations and obligations under AA/DCFTA are done with the consultation of local authorities and local civil society representatives, including the representatives of minorities and people living in remote territories, to make sure that AA/DCFTA are implemented in an inclusive way, with respect to the local ownership and the principle of proportionality; calls therefore on the Georgian authorities to guarantee the transfer of expertise to all the actors participating in the reform implementation, including the actors operating on the ground;
Amendment 51 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 p (new)
Paragraph 3 p (new)
3p. Calls on the EU, its Member States and Georgia to elaborate a coordinated communication strategy on the implementation of the AA and the expected benefits of related reforms to the Georgian society at large, as well as on cooperation opportunities to the European audience; stresses the need to increase awareness within targeted audiences on the EU-sponsored bilateral programmes;
Amendment 53 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 q (new)
Paragraph 3 q (new)
3q. Welcomes that fact that the civil society is sufficiently involved in the monitoring of AA/DCFTA implementation and praises that signature of memorandum between the Georgian government and the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum Local Platform;
Amendment 54 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 r (new)
Paragraph 3 r (new)
3r. (New chapter) People-to-people dialogue and civil society engagement Underlines the crucial role that the civil society plays in the implementation of the AA as an actor overseeing the reforms, channelling the public opinions and concerns and keeping the government accountable in the matter of European integration; stresses that active involvement of NGOs in policy-making is essential to uncover the full potential of integration to the EU programmes;
Amendment 55 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 s (new)
Paragraph 3 s (new)
3s. Invites EEAS/European Commission to come up with a proposal for a common digital platform that would provide legal and technical information on the issues that are common to Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, as well as provide e-learning opportunities for the Georgian and EU officials dealing with the AA;
Amendment 56 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 t (new)
Paragraph 3 t (new)
3t. Urges Georgian authorities to elaborate a sound legal framework for public-private partnerships to increase the share of benefits that SMEs get from AA implementation;
Amendment 57 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 u (new)
Paragraph 3 u (new)
3u. Encourages the Georgian authorities to further facilitate business development and modernisation of financial infrastructure to raise the competitiveness of Georgian enterprises and attract foreign direct investments;
Amendment 58 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 v (new)
Paragraph 3 v (new)
3v. Calls on the EEAS / European Commission, as well as on the EU Delegation to Georgia, to maintain on regular basis direct contacts with Georgian civil society organisations to ensure comprehensive information gathering on the implementation of the Association Agreement;
Amendment 59 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 w (new)
Paragraph 3 w (new)
3w. Calls upon the Georgian authorities to ensure that the population in peripheral zones has good access to the information on the activities under the Association Agenda, to avoid selective approach and prioritise homogeneous distribution of the Association Agreement benefits across the country;
Amendment 60 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 x (new)
Paragraph 3 x (new)
3x. Welcomes the opening of the Eastern Partnership European School with an International Baccalaureate Program for the students from all Eastern Partnership countries in Tbilisi on September 4, 2018; encourages Georgian authorities to enhance the role of European studies in the regular school and university curricula;
Amendment 61 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 y (new)
Paragraph 3 y (new)
3y. Stresses the need for Georgia to dispose of highly skilled local personnel to implement the Association Agenda in a sustainable way, in this regards calls on both the EU and Georgia to intensify bilateral education and expertise-sharing initiatives;
Amendment 62 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 z (new)
Paragraph 3 z (new)
3z. Praises the level of political socialisation between the EU and Georgian officials, as well as the process of learning in the Georgian domestic institutional environment, allowing to align the working methods of Georgian authorities with the objectives of the Association Agreement and guarantee the shared management approach;
Amendment 64 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Reiterates the fact that the EU’s position on Georgia’s constitutional reform coincides with the Venice Commission’s overall positive assessment; regrets the postponement of the implementation of a fully proportional electoral system until 2024; underlines the need to avoid disproportionate political representation and guarantee that the changes to the electoral system are done with a broad public consultation; reiterates its readiness to observe future elections in Georgia and to assist the Georgian authorities in following up on and implementing the recommendations that will be presented;
Amendment 66 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Reiterates that the Composition of the Central Election Commission should be free from political influences; calls on the Georgia authorities to apply a major scrutiny on the enforcement of the election code and on the misuse of administrative resources in pre-election period, as well as to strengthen the mechanism for electoral dispute resolution; stresses the need to amend the election code in view of the increased use of social media in election campaigns;
Amendment 86 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Notes that the introduction of visa- free regimes brings positive results for the development of people-to-people contacts and contributes to the mobility objectives of the AA;
Amendment 87 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Welcomes the continuous implementation of Georgia’s Migration Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the introduction of the Unified Migration Analysis System, and the strengthening of the rehabilitation of border sectors with Turkey and Azerbaijan;
Amendment 104 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 d (new)
Paragraph 8 d (new)
8d. Commends Georgia’s continued participation in civil and military crises management operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP); welcomes Georgian participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and the UN International Mechanism of Accountability for crimes committed since 2011 in Syria; notes Georgia’s Chemical Weapons Convention amendment to its Criminal Code, as well as its first Arms Trade Treaty report in August 2017;
Amendment 107 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 e (new)
Paragraph 8 e (new)
8e. Stresses the need to further develop high level strategic dialogue on security issues between the EU and Georgia, especially on countering radicalization, violent extremism and hybrid threats; expresses the need for a gradual institutionalisation of this dialogue;
Amendment 110 #
Amendment 118 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Notes with satisfaction Georgia’s results in fighting corruption; commends Georgia’s continued implementation of the Anti-Corruption Strategy and its Action Plan with particular emphasis on the measures to prevent, detect and address high-level corruption; calls on Georgia to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Agency is separated from the State Security Service and that the key anti-corruption institutions are free from political leadership;
Amendment 142 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Stresses the need for the authorities in charge of implementation of the Association Agreement to conduct regular financial spending oversight to prevent fraudulent practices and redirecting of the EU funds;
Amendment 145 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Welcomes the Georgian Parliament’s assent to a package of laws to improve the situation of inmates; calls on Georgia to establish an effective and independent complaint mechanism to investigate the cases of ill-treatment by law-enforcement authorities, as well as to introduce positive incentives for the police workers to align their working methods with the international human rights standards;
Amendment 153 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Stresses that the European Parliament closely monitors the ongoing investigation into the alleged abduction from Georgia and illegal arbitrary detention of Azeri journalist and activist Afghan Mukhtarli and demands from the Georgian authorities a swift, thorough and transparent investigation and bringing all those responsible to account; is concerned over other cases of pressure or violation of the rights of human rights defenders from Azerbaijan residing in Georgia;
Amendment 169 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to apply a closer scrutiny on the respect of political and cultural rights of the ethnic minorities and to put in place an efficient monitoring mechanism of Georgia´s Equality and Integration Strategy;
Amendment 171 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 b (new)
Paragraph 18 b (new)
18b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to take steps for transforming the Labour Conditions Inspection Department into a fully-fledged independent labour inspection body capable of overlooking all the work places unrestrictedly and defining the level of sanctions in cases of breach of the Georgian Law on Labour Safety;
Amendment 172 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 c (new)
Paragraph 18 c (new)
18c. Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to harmonise the Georgian legislation in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the EU Law on disability;
Amendment 177 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Calls on the Georgian authorities to take further steps to protect women against all forms of violence and sexual harassment and to increase their participation in politics and the labour market; calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia to introduce a police training programme to address sexual harassment issues at work, public places and private sector;
Amendment 178 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Underlines that children with disabilities still represent one of the most vulnerable groups in Georgian society faced with the risks of poverty, exclusion and discrimination; urges therefore the Georgian authorities to harmonize the legislation in line with the EU provisions on disability and to adopt a social model on disability ensuring a full access to education for children;
Amendment 191 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Stresses the need to carry out a comprehensive investigation of Rustavi-2 case and ensure that that the judicial process is completely impartial and free from political pressure; urges the Georgian authorities to enhance the protection of journalists and whistle- blowers in Georgia by specifically addressing intimidation and unlawful harassment against them;
Amendment 206 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 f (new)
Paragraph 21 f (new)
21f. Notes the increasing trend in EU- Georgia trade, the progress done in the matter of technical barriers to trade and the progress in approximation of some trade related legislation and standards, including sanitary and phytosanitary measures; calls nevertheless for more progress in food safety; commends the major role of small and medium-sized enterprises and farmers in boosting the country’s economy;
Amendment 209 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 g (new)
Paragraph 21 g (new)
21g. Welcomes the expansion of Competition Agency functions within the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia; stresses the need for the Georgian authorities to guarantee equal distribution of the results of Georgian economy growth among the population;
Amendment 211 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Notes positively the progress in the area of public procurement with planned alignment of legislation by 2022; stresses the importance of an impartial and independent review body; urges the government of Georgia to improve the transparency of the public procurement system, in particular by reducing exemptions from open bidding in the procurement law in order to reduce the overall volume of direct contracting;
Amendment 218 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Praises the plans to incorporate the Ministry of Energy into the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development in order to improve decision-making in the energy field and reduce administrative expenditures; notes however that similar decisions should be taken in close coordination with the Georgian Parliament and broad consultation with the representatives of the NGOs;
Amendment 219 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Recommends that the Georgian authorities develop a robust national energy strategy, reduce the level of energy subsidies, strengthen the security of energy supplies and energy independence, encourages the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency and the adoption of the necessary laws, as well as an adaptation of the institutional framework; encourages strengthening of the energy transit functions;
Amendment 220 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Stresses the need for further implementation efforts to be done in the sphere of transport and environment; urges Georgian Government to adopt a strategy for combatting air pollution; calls upon the Georgian authorities to increase public participation in environmental decision-making and the degree of sharing of environmental information to assist the public interest;
Amendment 223 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Urges Georgian authorities, as well as EEAS / European Commission, to make all the necessary efforts to step up EU Energy Acquis transfer, as well as scientific cooperation and innovation development in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy;
Amendment 224 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27a. Reiterates its resolve to increase its monitoring of the implementation of international agreements with the EU’s Eastern partners; calls once more on the Commission and the EEAS to transmit to Parliament and the Council more frequent detailed written reports on the implementation of these agreements;
Amendment 225 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 b (new)
Paragraph 27 b (new)
27b. Calls on the EEAS/European Commission to support Georgia in developing sectorial reform strategies in the framework of AA/DCFTA, especially in the matter of horizontal issues, to maximize the output and the impact of the reforms in Georgia;
Amendment 226 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 c (new)
Paragraph 27 c (new)
27c. Calls on the EEAS/European Commission to provide the EU Delegation in Georgia with additional dedicated human resources to cope with its duty of assistance in AA/DCFTA implementation;
Amendment 227 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 d (new)
Paragraph 27 d (new)
27d. Calls on the EEAS/European Commission to publish all the annual association implementation reports at the same time and to simultaneously publish a comparative evaluation of the level of progress towards AA/DCFTA implementation by each associated partner, against specific benchmarks;
Amendment 228 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 e (new)
Paragraph 27 e (new)
27e. Calls on the EEAS / European Commission and the authorities of Georgia to take steps in order to assess the benefits of the implementation of the Association Agreement on individual level among Georgian citizens, as well as to step up common coordination efforts to identify and share best practices;
Amendment 229 #
2017/2282(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 f (new)
Paragraph 27 f (new)
27f. Resolves to draw up annual reports on the implementation of the Association Agreements;
Amendment 1 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
— having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
Amendment 2 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Social Charter,
Amendment 5 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4 a (new)
Citation 4 a (new)
- having regard to Protocol No 29 of the TUE on the System of Public Broadcasting in the Member States;
Amendment 6 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
Amendment 8 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
- having regard to the outcomes of the Media Pluralism Monitor project implemented in 2016 assessing the risks for media pluralism in the EU Member States;
Amendment 16 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 21 a (new)
Citation 21 a (new)
- having regard to the Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2010/13/EU on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audio-visual media services in view of changing market realities;
Amendment 18 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
- having regard to the Council conclusions and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on media freedom and pluralism in the digital environment on 25 - 26 November 2013;
Amendment 52 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas citizens are confronted with a radical evolution of the media system, the emergence of new online media and new powerful actors, such as search engines and social media platforms; whereas this developmentthe rapid growth of the online dimension of media pluralism represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the promotion of freedom of expression by involving citizens in the public debate, and for converting a growing number of information users into information producers; whereas, however, the concentration of power of media conglomerates, platform operators and internet intermediaries risks negative consequences for the pluralism of public debate and access to information;
Amendment 65 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas, in the context of the enlargement policy, the Commission has the duty to demand full compliance with the Copenhagen criteria, including freedom of expression and the media, and the EU should therefore show the example of highest standards in this field; whereas, once Members of the EU, States are continuously bound by human rights obligations by virtue of the EU Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the respect for freedom of expression and the media in the EU Member States should be subject to a regular scrutiny;
Amendment 78 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I a (new)
Recital I a (new)
I a. whereas, in the context of fighting corruption and maladministration in the EU, the investigative journalism should receive particular regard and financial support as a tool serving to the public good;
Amendment 80 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I b (new)
Recital I b (new)
I b. whereas according to the findings of the Media Pluralism Monitor, media ownership remains highly concentrated and this constitutes a significant risk to diversity of information and viewpoints represented in media content;
Amendment 82 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital I c (new)
Recital I c (new)
I c. whereas the coverage of the EU affairs and the work of the EU institutions and agencies should equally fall under the criteria of media pluralism and media freedom, as the coverage of the national news, and should have a multilingual support to reach maximum of the EU citizens;
Amendment 90 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls on the Member States to take adequate measures to safeguard and promote a pluralist, independent and free media landscape in the service of democratic society, including the independence and sustainability of public service media and community media, including grassroots media,which are crucial elements of a favourable environment for freedom of expression;
Amendment 114 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls on the Member States to create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and secure environment for journalists and other media actors, including foreign journalists legally pursuing their journalistic activities in the EU Member States, enabling them to perform their work in full independence and without undue interference – such as the threat of violence, harassment, financial, economic and political pressure, pressure to disclose confidential sources and materials, and targeted surveillance; highlights the importance of taking a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists; stresses the necessity for the Member States to guarantee efficient legal recourse procedures for the journalists whose freedom of work has been unjustifiably threatened;
Amendment 125 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5 a. Highlights the necessity to support and broaden the scope of activities of the European Center for Press and Media Freedom, particularly of its legal support to journalists under threat;
Amendment 130 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Expresses its concern, once again, at the negative and chilling effects of criminal defamation laws, as well as blasphemy or religious insult laws, vis-à- vis the right to freedom of expression, freedom of the press and public debate – tools which put pressure on journalists and are essentially designed to protect public figures from criticism; reiterates its call to abolish, without delay, any criminal defamation laws and replace them with appropriate civil provisions, while avoiding excessively punitive measures and penalties;
Amendment 159 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Highlights that the interests and rights of minors should be fully respected in the context of mass media;
Amendment 208 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Calls on the Member States to adopt and implement legislative frameworks in order to avoid horizontal concentration of ownership in the media sector, to guarantee transparency of media ownershipand easy accessibility for citizens of the information on media ownership, funding sources and management, and to ensure independent oversight and effective compliance mechanisms in order to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure editorial and journalistic independence and safeguard the media’s role as public watchdog;
Amendment 217 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15 a. Urges the Member States to dedicate major efforts for the raising of media literacy, digital skills and adequate access to media among the EU citizens, especially by means of national educational systems;
Amendment 222 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15 b. Stresses the need for the intensified sharing of best practices among audio-visual regulatory authorities of the Member States;
Amendment 225 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15 c. Urges Member States to guarantee that their minorities enjoy adequate access to the media content and equal right of creation of such content, by setting the rules that respect linguistic diversity, rights of the people with disabilities, people resident in local and regional communities; stresses the need for the EU countries to develop policies that provide support for covering the fixed costs of regional, local, community, minority media companies;
Amendment 226 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15 d. Stresses the necessity to abolish geoblocking for information media content allowing the EU citizens to access online, on-demand and replay streaming of the television channels of other EU Member States;
Amendment 227 #
2017/2209(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 e (new)
Paragraph 15 e (new)
15 e. Urges the Member States to align their policy of issuing licenses for national broadcasting companies with the principle of respect for media pluralism; the prices and the strictness of obligations related to the licenses issuing should be subject to scrutiny and should not jeopardize the media freedom;
Amendment 13 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that Member States must change their mentality from a national to a European perspective, as the most effective solution to protect Europe from increased threats is common EU action; is concerned about the EU’s security architecture, which remains fragile in the face of continued and fresh challenges every day and in which a ‘hybrid peace’ has become an unsatisfactory realcommon EU action is the most effective way to preserve Europe´s interests, uphold its values, engage in a wider world as united and influential global actor and protect from increased threats to their security; urges the Member States to take action and fulfil the wishes of those European citizens who have repeatedly stressed that EU foreign and security policy is one of the most important and most necessary of all EU policies;
Amendment 74 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Is of the view that, in an international environment that is increasingly conflict-ridden and unstable, only acombination of effective multilateralism, joint soft power withand credible hard power can confront major security challenges, notably the refugee crisisproliferations of weapons of mass destruction, violation of security order in Europe, terrorism, conflicts in the Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods, proxy wars and, hybrid warfare, and challenging assertive behaviour by Russia and Chinathe refugee crisis; takes the view that it is necessary to tackle the root causes of instability and of forced and irregular migration, namely poverty, the lack of economic opportunities, armed conflicts, bad governance and, climate change, increasing sectarianism and spread of extremist ideologies;
Amendment 106 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Underlines the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism in the Southern neighbourhood and among the neighbours of our neighbours; urges the need for concerted diplomatic efforts on the part of the EU, the US and other international alliectors, to convince players in the region, such as Turkey, the Gulf states and Iran, of the need for a common strategy to address this global challenge; believes that these diplomatic efforts should be accompanied by the wide range of other tools and instruments at the EU’s disposal;
Amendment 127 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes the continued successful implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed by the EU3 +3 with Iran, by all parties, including Iran as confirmed by the reports issued by the IAEA(International Atomic Energy Agency); stresses that the continued full implementation of this agreement by all parties is key to global efforts on non- proliferation and conflict resolution in the Middle East; is therefore concerned by the uncertainty created by the statements of the members of the US administration regarding the US continued commitment to the JCPOA; calls on the Council and the EEAS to prepare effective measures to protect the interests of the EU, including its economic actors, should the US decide to withdraw from the JCPOA, or take actions inconsistent with its letter and spirit; is strongly opposed to the threat of the US extraterritorial sanctions against European companies that engage in legal and transparent business activities in third countries; calls on the Council and the EEAS to consistently raise this concern in their dialogue with the US Government and device a united and effective EU approach to protect the competitiveness and legitimate interests of the European economic actors subject to extraterritorial sanctions; calls on the Council and the Member states to effectively promote compliance with international humanitarian law, as provided in the relevant EU guidelines; calls, in this respect, on all the Member States to strictly adhere to the Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 on arms trade, and withdraw licences for arms sales in situations where clear violations of the Common Position exist;
Amendment 163 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly believes that a new approach to the EU’s relations with its Eastern neighbours is needed; believes that supporting those countries that wish to have closer ties to the EU must be a top priority for EU foreign policy; wbelcomieves that the prolongation of sanctions against Russia and continues to seeis inevitable outcome of the failure to fully implementation of the Minsk agreements and continues to see such implementation by all sides as the basis for a sustainable political solution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine; emphasizes that the possibility of more cooperative relations with Russia, including lifting of sanctions, is premised on full respect by Russia of European security order and international law; reiterates its commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and all the other Eastern Partnership countries within itstheir internationally recognised borders; stresses that Russia’s decision of 21 March 2014 to incorporate Crimea into the Russian Federation remains illegal, and deplores the subsequent decision of the Russian authorities to give all inhabitants of Crimea Russian passports;
Amendment 176 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recognises the importance of selective engagement and, where possible, dialogue with Russia so as to ensure accountabilityin areas of common interests, such as counter-terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, trade, the Arctic, conflict resolution in the Middle East and North Korea, - and to maintain the possibility of future cooperation on resolving global crises where there is a clear EU interest;
Amendment 207 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates the need for a strategic refocus on the Western Balkans, giving a fresh impetus to a credible EU enlargement policy and strengthening the rule of law and the resilience of state institutions; is convinced that regional reconciliation and integration through the transatlantic institutional architecture is the best means to address the dangers stemming from destabilising foreign interference, organised crime, disinformation and hybrid threats;
Amendment 355 #
2017/2121(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Believes that Europe must build a virtuous alliance between the private and public sectors and should develop a strategic relationship with the USshould develop a strategic relationship with the US based on respect for common values, international law and multilateralism;
Amendment 101 #
2017/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Calls for the EU, together with the Member States, and India to pursue and strengthen their efforts in promoting effective, rule-based multilateralism at global level; urges the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Council to support reform of the UN Security Council including India's bid for Permanent Membership; encourages them EU and India to coordinate as much as possible their positions and initiatives at UN level on issues where their cooperation could make a difference, but also in other international fora, such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO);
Amendment 122 #
2017/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Calls for renewed efforts of rapprochement and restoration of good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan, and for working, including though various regional cooperation fora, towards the establishment of durable peace and cooperation, which would positively contribute to the security of the region; stresses the utmost importance of combating terrorism, in all its form and manifestations, including state-sponsoring terrorism by Pakistan infringing into India's sovereign territory;
Amendment 138 #
2017/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Takes positive note of the support expressed at the 13th EU-India Summit by both sides for full implementation of the Minsk Agreement by all parties regarding the conflict in Eastern Ukraine; recalls that the EU has strongly condemned Russia’s aggressive actions and has a non- recognition policy of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol; hopes that, through dialogue, the EU and India could further align their positions;
Amendment 161 #
2017/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Welcomes the reaffirmed commitment to increased exchanges on the human rights dimension of the EU-India Strategic Partnership, as citizens of both sides can benefit from enhanced cooperation on human rights issues; underlines, in this context, the importance of Human Rights Dialogues; notes that no exchange has taken place since 2013, and urges that a dialogue be held as soon as possible; encourages Indian authorities to continue the process of implementing recommendations made under the Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights;
Amendment 173 #
2017/2025(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
Amendment 33 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Cultural heritage constitutes one of the basic elements ofimportant identitarian and symbolic value for civilisation, it enriches the cultural life of all peoples and as an element of human security it should therefore be protected from unlawful appropriation and pillage. The economic and artistic value of the cultural heritage creates a strong demand on the international market, but the lack of strong international legislative measures and their enforcement leads to the transfer of these goods to the shadow economy. The looting and pillage of cultural goods contributes to further disintegration of already conflict-torn regions. The Union should accordingly prohibit the entry in the customs territory of the Union of cultural goods unlawfully exported from third countries.
Amendment 48 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7 a (new)
Recital 7 a (new)
(7a) Whereas the intensification of trade in cultural goods and the proliferation of fake goods on the global market creates a need for the EU of a solid and clear legislative framework regulation the protection of cultural goods.
Amendment 51 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) In order not to impede trade with goods across the external border disproportionately, this Regulation should only apply to goods meeting a certain age limit. For that purpose, it seems appropriate to set a 25075 year minimum age threshold for all categories of cultural goods. That minimum age threshold will ensure that the measures provided for in this Regulation focus on cultural goods most likely to be targeted by looters in conflict areas, without excluding other goods the control of which is necessary for ensuring protection of cultural heritage.
Amendment 52 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Whereas cultural goods that have been produced recently also may be subject to illicit trafficking and be used by the EU or third-country criminal organisations for money laundering, financing of terrorism, drug trafficking, refugee smuggling, etc., the European Commission is invited to come up with a proposal that would cover also the import of more recent cultural goods.
Amendment 55 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 9 a (new)
Recital 9 a (new)
(9a) Whereas the antiques and the high-value artworks are used by refugees as a means to pay the smugglers for their transportation to the EU and therefore contribute to the illegal migration.
Amendment 61 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10
Recital 10
(10) Since certain categories of cultural goods, namely archaeological objects, elements of monuments, pieces of jewellery art, numismatic objects, artefacts of ancient technological achievements, martial art objects, rare manuscripts and incunabula, are particularly vulnerable to pillage and destruction, it seems necessary to provide for a system of increased scrutiny before they may enter the customs territory of the Union. Such a system should require the presentation of a licence issued by the competent authority of the Member State of entry prior to the release for free circulation of those goods or their placement under a special customs procedure other than transit. Persons seeking to obtain such a licence should be able to prove licit export from the source country with the appropriate supportive documents and evidence, in particular, export certificates or licences issued by the third country of export, ownership titles, invoices, sales contracts, insurance documents, transport documents and experts appraisals. Based on complete and accurate applications, the competent authorities of the Member States should decide whether to issue a licence without undue delay.
Amendment 64 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 10 a (new)
Recital 10 a (new)
(10a) Whereas the police authorities and the customs services of the third countries do not always have enough capabilities to fight cultural goods trafficking and illegal trade or are subject to corruption or other forms of maladministration.
Amendment 77 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 15
Recital 15
(15) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to adoption cooperation with the European Parliament and the Council specific modalities for the temporary admission and storage of cultural goods into the customs territory of the Union, the templates for import licence applications and forms, as well as for importer statements and their accompanying documents, as well as further procedural rules on their submission and processing. Implementing powers should also be conferred on the Commission to make arrangements for the establishment of an electronic database for the storage and exchange of information between Member States. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council28. __________________ 28 Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers (OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13).
Amendment 125 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) where the export country is not a Contracting Party to the 1970 UNESCO Convention, it is not demonstrated that the cultural goods were exported from the source country in accordance with its laws and regulations;
Amendment 132 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
These competent authorities are invited to create uniform licenses that would allow efficient and quick control by the authorities of any other Member State, should the transportation of the cultural goods occur via another port, rather than that initially declared during the application for license. Therefore, the licence should contain all the information in English along with the language of the country of issuing.
Amendment 133 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 5 – subparagraph 1 b (new)
The licence should contain the information on the organisation, dealer or private collector to whom the artwork is destined. This information will not only help to monitor the movement of cultural goods, but also to uncover the patterns of illicit trade.
Amendment 152 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 5 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
The importer statement has to be accompanied by an obligatory insurance covering the period of transportation and use on the territory of the EU. In addition, the originals of other documents, such as expert appraisal, invoices, ownership titles, can be requested by the customs officers at the moment of entering the EU customs space.
Amendment 161 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Cultural goods placed by the customs under a special procedure other than transport should be entered into a special digital catalogue available to all the customs services of the EU. This catalogue should include the cultural goods legally imported into the EU, as well as those that have been trafficked, stolen or lost.
Amendment 167 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)
In view of the introduction in the EU customs services of new practices connected to this Regulation, the employees of the customs should receive specific training on identifying illicitly trafficked, stolen and fake cultural goods. Expert assistance, dedicated funds and special equipment should be made available to the customs on the EU external borders to comply with the principles and the spirit of this Regulation.
Amendment 169 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7 a (new)
Article 7a Should the check on the EU boarder show that the cultural goods are being illicitly imported, the competent EU customs office should inform the national police and the customs offices of the country of provenience of the retained cultural good about the attempt of illegal transportation and use of the artwork. Should the country from which the cultural goods are being illicitly transported differ from the country of origin, national authorities of both countries need to be informed.
Amendment 176 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3
Article 8 – paragraph 3
3. The period of temporary retention shall be strictly limited to the time required for the customs authorities or other law enforcement authorities to determine whether the circumstances of the case warrant retention under other provisions of Union or national law. The maximum period of temporary retention under this Article shall be 6 months. If no determination is made regarding further retention of the cultural goods within that period or if a determination is made that the circumstances of the case do not warrant further retention, the cultural goods shall be made available to the declarant. Authorities of the EU Member States have to make sure that at the moment of restitution of the artworks to the country of origin the latter is not affected by an armed crisis where the safety of the cultural object cannot be guaranteed. Otherwise the object has to remain in the EU until the situation in the country of origin is stabilised.
Amendment 193 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
In order to guarantee a comprehensive and consistent approach to combatting of illicit trafficking of cultural goods, Member States are going to create a common definition of and a common way of dealing with cultural property crime, including crimes involving third-country elements.
Amendment 194 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 b (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 b (new)
In order to guarantee a better coordination among the EU Member States, LIBE Committee suggests that a special Cultural Crime Center is established within Europol. This would allow all customs authorities to have access to a common database on looted and illegally imported cultural goods, the criminals and their tools. Such additional coordination Unit would also benefit other Europol’s priorities, as money laundering, drug trafficking, etc.
Amendment 195 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 c (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 c (new)
To guarantee a quick and efficient interception of the trafficking of artefacts and antiques, including fake cultural goods illicitly coming to the EU, the inspection of containers and vehicles on the EU external boarders should be intensified1a. __________________ 1a Currently in the EU only 1-3% of containers are inspected.
Amendment 196 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 d (new)
Article 9 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 d (new)
Considering the fact that in recent decades a considerable number of cultural goods have illicitly penetrated the internal market of the EU and are still circulating contributing to the propagation of shadow economy, Member States are invited to apply additional measures to scrutinize the antiquity shops, including the online platforms, to identify the illicitly brought goods and the related operational chains. In addition, Member States are invited to lead awareness campaigns among collectors and antiquity dealers about the provisions of this Regulation to get their help in preventing illicit import of cultural goods.
Amendment 206 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 – paragraph 4
Article 12 – paragraph 4
4. Before adopting a delegated act, the Commission shall consult experts designated by each Member State, as well as the European Parliament and the Council, in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making of 13 April 2016.
Amendment 207 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12 a (new)
Article 12a External relations In the context where the third countries, especially those in the state of crisis, are not always able to prevent illicit import, export and transit of goods, the EU must take the efforts to promote the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Both the European Commission and the European External Action Service are invited to mainstream the principles of the UNESCO 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and promote the signature of this Convention by third parties. Considering that this Regulation sets rules for orderly cultural goods import in the EU, while the majority of other countries continue to operate in patchy and incomplete legislative frameworks, the EU should promote the establishment of stricter measures on the level of WTO. The European Commission is invited to introduce special clauses into the future trade agreements and those ones that are currently being negotiated to reduce the risk of illegal import of cultural goods to the EU. In order to make the work of the EU customs in fighting illegal cultural goods trafficking more efficient, specific cooperation with the customs services of third countries is necessary. Such contacts allowing a quick transmission of alerts and sharing of best practices are going to foster quick identification of illicit traffic and are going to have a dissuasive effect on the groups involved in such crimes. On the request of the customs services of the partner countries, the EU may give expert assistance to their local staff in this matter. Without prejudice to the provisions of this Regulation, the countries that are candidates at the EU membership, as well as the countries belonging to the ENP, are invited to introduce the principles of this Regulation to their legislative framework, so as to make the early warning and the common efforts in combatting illicit cultural goods traffic more efficient.
Amendment 217 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2
Article 15 – paragraph 2
It shall apply from 1 January 2019. As the provisions of this Regulation do not have retroactive action, the European Parliament invites the European Commission to come up with a legislative proposal that would regulate the issue of cultural goods that have recently illegally entered the EU, especially from the year 2011 when civil wars in MENA countries started and brought about numerous crimes against cultural heritage fostering the proliferation of transnational shadow market of cultural goods.
Amendment 219 #
2017/0158(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 15 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Entering into force of this regulation does not alter or suspend the application of Regulations (EC) No 1210/2003 and (EU) No 36/2012 that provide for a prohibition of trade in cultural goods with Iraq and Syria respectively.
Amendment 24 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU is now surrounded by an arc of instability, as large parts of the Middle East and North Africa are engulfed in ethno-religious conflicts and proxy wars and terrorist groups such as ISIS and the Jabhat al-Nusra Front proliferate throughout the region, while an aggressive, revisionist Russia continues to vrelations with Russia have deteriolrate its neighbours’ sovereignty and openly challenges the European security orderd significantly;
Amendment 288 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that it is time to define a new, more realistic strategy for the EU’s relations with Russia, based on credible deterrence but also on dialogue in areas of common interest; stresses that sanctions have not proven to be the most effective means for deterring Russian aggressionthe solving the conflict in Ukraine; recalls that the full implementation of the Minsk agreement by all sides is a prerequisite for the suspension of sanctions; insists that the EU should consider imposing further sanctions in case Russia continues to violate international law; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is appliedconflict resolution in Ukraine based on the principles of international law; insists that the EU should seek to defuse tensions with Russia in order to ensure the long-term security of Europe; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is applied; stresses that the EU and Russia share common interests in counter-terrorism, non- proliferation, trade and investment, among other areas; calls on the EU and its Member States to step up diplomatic engagement with Russia;
Amendment 312 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes it is important to engage in dialogue with Russia in order to identify measures aimed at reducing the risk of dangerous misunderstandings and miscalculations; underlines the importance of increased transparency in military activities in order to avoid air and maritime incidents with Russia and the need to develop common standards for the management of possible accidents and incidents; believes it is vital to find ways to de-escalate current tensions and re- embark on the path of dialogue to address the legitimate concerns of both EU and Russia;
Amendment 326 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the EU to step up its cooperation with its Eastern partners in order to strengthen their resilience and independence, particularly by encouraging them to take effective measures against corruption, improve the governance, the rule of law and protection of minorities;
Amendment 396 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines also the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, which affects ever larger parts of the Middle East and North Africa and has also been creeping into Europe; urges the EU to undertake concerted diplomatic efforts, together with the US and other international allies, to convince partners in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran, of the need for a common strategy towards this global challenge;
Amendment 414 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria; supports the UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations between all parties to the Syrian conflict on an inclusive political settlement; calls on the EU to use its leverage over key actors such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and Russia to ensure that they take a constructive position; emphasises that the use of sanctions should be considered in case some of the actors involved do not deliver on their commitments;
Amendment 416 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Fully supports Iraq in its efforts to liberate its territory under the occupation of the terrorist Daesh; reiterates its full support for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq, where the rights of all ethnic and religious groups are fully respected;
Amendment 429 #
2016/2036(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises Turkey’s role as an important partner in solving the Syrian conflict and the fight against Da’esh; calls on Turkey to sever ties with all UN Security Council-designated terrorist organisations, notably Jabhat Fateh al- Sham (formerly Al Nusra Front); strongly condemns the attempted military coup against the democratically elected government of Turkey; encourages the Turkish government to protect the constitutional order, while underlining the importance of respect for the rule of law and independence of the judiciary in the aftermath of the coup, in cooperation with the Council of Europe;
Amendment 50 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
Amendment 67 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
Amendment 84 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas Da’esh, Al-Qaeda and many other Islamic terrorist groups have oftensystematically used communication strategies as part of their actions against the West and to boost recruitment of European youth; , religious minorities and generally anyone who does not adhere to their violent and exclusivist interpretation of Islam in the Muslim-majority countries, and to boost recruitment of European youth; whereas the roots of Daesh, Al- Qaeda and similar terrorist organisations lie in Wahhabism, a form of Islam that has originated and is practiced in Saudi Arabia; whereas for decades Wahhabism has been funded and spread worldwide by the Saudi elites, severely undermining the traditional pluralism and tolerance of Islamic societies and the integration of Muslims in the European societies; whereas the Wahhabi proselytism is being increasingly identified as a threat by European governments, intelligence services and societies at large;
Amendment 106 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Underlines that strategic propaganda against the EU comes in many different forms and uses various tools, often tailored to match the Member States’ profiles, with the goal of provoking doubt, paralysing the decision-making process, discrediting the EU institutions in the eyes and minds of its citizens and eroding western values and transatlantic ties;
Amendment 154 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Amendment 161 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 194 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
Amendment 220 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 242 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is aware of the range of strategies employed by Da’esh and Al-Qaeda both regionally and globally to promote its political, religious and social narratives; calls on the EU and its Member States to develop a counter- narrative to Da’esh and Al-Qaeda, including through the empowerment and increased visibility of mainstream Muslim scholars who have the credibility to delegitimise Da’esh’s and Al- Qaeda propaganda;
Amendment 258 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that the EU is a targeted audience for Da’esh and calls for the EU and its Member States to work more closely to protect society, in particular young people, from recruitment and radicalisation; calls upon each Member State to investigate theand effectively address the underlining socio- demographic reasons that are at the root cause of vulnerability to radicaliszation;
Amendment 268 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Calls on the Member States to work on cutting Daesh’'s access to financing and funding and to promote this principle in the EU’'s external action; in this context, expects the EU and its Member States to raise the issues of funding of Daesh, Al- Qaeda and other like-minded terrorist organisations by individuals and entities in its partner countries, particularly in the Gulf region, as well as from within the EU itself, and stresses the need to expose Da’esh’'s true nature and ideological legitimisation;
Amendment 271 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Calls on the EU and its Member States to take consistent, EU-wide action against the hate speech systematically promoted by intolerant, radical preachers through sermons, books, TV shows, Internet and all other means that create a fertile ground for terrorist organisations like Daesh and Al-Qaeda to thrive; calls on the EU and its Member states, in their dealings particularly with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, to make it clear that the level of the EU´s cooperation with these countries will be directly linked to their efforts to curb the spread of intolerant ideology, which inspires Daesh and Al-Qaeda, to the EU and worldwide;
Amendment 275 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 b (new)
Paragraph 9 b (new)
9b. Calls on the EU and its Member States, in their dialogue with MENA countries, to emphasise that good governance, accountability, transparency, rule of law and respect for human rights are essential pre-requisites to protect these societies from the spread of intolerant and violent ideologies that inspire terrorist organisations like Daesh and Al-Qaeda; call, in this respect, to prioritise educational reforms, job creation and empowerment of citizens as part of a broader effort to prevent and roll-back radicalisation of these societies;
Amendment 329 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Acknowledges that in order to effectively counteract various forms of outside influence, a broader societal inclusion in the community building is necessary, especially amongst regional diasporas; notes, therefore, that a more proactive involvement of the ethnic Russian and Russian-speaking community into the Union's information space needs to take place, with particular attention given to the non-citizens of Latvia and Estonia;
Amendment 341 #
2016/2030(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Notes that the effectiveness of the publicly and privately supported media outlets aimed at providing alternative sources of information - as compared to the presumably dominating Russia-based media sources - is severely impaired due to lack of public interest; emphasizes, therefore, that the respective media content disseminated amongst the target audiences has to be produced with closer attention given to and in conjunction with their everyday concerns and respective established mentalities;
Amendment 96 #
2016/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Stresses that a large number of stateless persons is disenfranchised from European Parliament elections while seats are allocated at their expense; calls on the Commission to investigate the issue;
Amendment 99 #
2016/2009(INI)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Encourages the Commission to take up strongly the issue of national voting rights, particularly in cases where citizens are disenfranchised in national elections when they exercise their right to free movement as well as in cases where non- citizens are disenfranchised from local elections or are banned from political party membership.
Amendment 954 #
2016/2009(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45 a (new)
Paragraph 45 a (new)
45 a. Believes that stateless persons and third-country nationals permanently resident in the Member States should have the right to vote in local and European elections;
Amendment 19 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1 a (new)
Recital 1 a (new)
(1a) The primary objective of ODA is not to finance security-related instruments.
Amendment 20 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) The United Nations’' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in September 2015, underoutlines the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies botSustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the first of which ais a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 16) and in order to achieve other development policy outcomeradication of poverty (SDG 1). SDG 16 underlines the importance of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. SDG 16.a specifically requests to “"strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacities at all levels, in particular in developing countries, for preventing violence and combatting terrorism and crime”".17 __________________ 17 United Nations, A/RES/70/1, Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015
Amendment 27 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) Supporting security sector actors, including the military under exceptional circumstances, in third countries in a conflict prevention, crisis management or stabilisation context is essential to ensure appropriate conditions for poverty eradication and development, including good governance for an effective use of development cooperation, whose main goal is poverty eradication. Those actions are particularly necessary to ensure the protection of civilian populations in the areas affected by conflict, crises or fragility. Good governance and effective democratic control and civilian oversight of the security system, including the military, as well as compliance with human rights and the rule of law principles are essential attributes of a well-functioning State in any context, and should be promoted through a wider security sector reform support to third countries.
Amendment 33 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Recital 6
(6) The Council conclusions on Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of 18 May 2015 called to explore options to enhance coherence and coordination between EU security and development actions, as well as to improve the delivery of capacity building in support of security and development, notably in terms of financing instruments.19 They also invited to develop an EU-wide strategic framework for Security Sector Reform, bringing together CSDP and all other relevant Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) tools as well as development cooperation instruments and freedom, security and justice actors. __________________ 19 Foreign Affairs Council (Defence formation) conclusions on CSDP, document 8971/15 of 18 May 2015
Amendment 60 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 2
Article 3a – paragraph 2
2. Assistance may cover in particular the provision ofis eligible to cover capacity building programmes in support of security and development, including training, mentoring and advice, as well as the provision of equipment, infrastructure improvements and provision of other services.
Amendment 61 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 2a (new)
Article 3a – paragraph 2a (new)
2a. The services whose provision shall be eligible for financial assistance under this instrument are listed in the Annex. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article ... concerning amendments to the list of eligible services contained in the Annex.
Amendment 63 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 2 b (new)
Article 3a – paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. The funding for this instrument shall come from instruments other than the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), or the European Development Fund (EDF) or any other mechanisms that benefits from those instruments.
Amendment 73 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 4
Article 3a – paragraph 4
4. Union assistance under this Regulation shall not be used to finance:
Amendment 75 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point a
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point a
(a) recurrent military expenditure, including salaries;
Amendment 79 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point b
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point b
(b) the procurement of arms, their spare parts and ammunition;
Amendment 82 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point c
Article 3a – paragraph 4 – point c
(c) training which is solely designed to contribute to the fighting capacity of the armed forcesmilitary training.
Amendment 88 #
2016/0207(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 230/2014
Article 3a – paragraph 4 a (new)
Article 3a – paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Support to military actors under this Regulation shall be subject to the following restrictions: (a) in the case of developing countries (i.e., those countries eligible for Official Development Aid (ODA) as defined by the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD), Union assistance shall be limited to activities having development as their primary objective, including the promotion of human rights, good governance and democratic principles; (b) in all cases, in developing or other third countries, Union assistance shall exclude actions aiming at building military capacities for security purposes.
Amendment 281 #
2016/0152(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 3
Article 1 – paragraph 3
3. This Regulation does not apply to the activities referred to in Article 2(2) of Directive 2006/123/EC with the exception of point (g) in Article 2(2) of Directive 2006/123/EC.
Amendment 362 #
2016/0152(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
(ba) receive electronically supplied services, the main feature of which is the provision of access to and use of copyright-protected works or other protected subject matter, in respect of which the trader has the requisite rights for the territory from which the consumer seeks to receive such services;
Amendment 302 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls for the upcoming EU Defence Action Plan to reflect the new spirit of relationship with Iran, by foreseeing confidence building measures, security dialogue on regional challenges in Middle East, Afghanistan, South Caucasus and Central Asia, and common action against Daesh, Al-Qaeda, al-Nusra and similar UN-designated terrorist organisations;
Amendment 322 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Calls for strategic counter- terrorism cooperation with Iran in countering groups like Daesh, al-Qaeda, al-Nusra, Taliban and other similar groups inspired by extremist perversion of Islam; such a cooperation should include, inter alia, stepping-up mutual intelligence sharing, military coordination on the ground in Iraq and Syria and promotion of moderate, tolerant interpretations of Islam;
Amendment 335 #
2015/2274(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Notes that Iran´s ballistic missiles program does not violate the provisions of the JCPOA and is of defensive nature; reminds that Iran is still subject to UN- imposed arms embargo, despite the fact that concerns regarding its nuclear program have been addressed by the JCPOA; recalls that, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Iran´s military spending is far below the GCC countries in both quantitative and qualitative terms, which ensures the GCC advantage over Iran in access to modern arms and creates a dangerous imbalance in the region; in particular, notes that Saudi Arabia outspends Iran in military terms by a ratio of 5:1;
Amendment 83 #
2015/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Notes that the main danger for EU future is the lack of unity, mutual distrust between EU member states, unpredictable and irresponsible behaviour of EU member state's political leaders, lack of common goals and ambitions. These factors dramatically reduce influence and effectiveness of European Union. It also reduces the ability to respond to external and internal challenges;
Amendment 90 #
2015/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Notes that ideological vacuum is very dangerous for EU future development. Nationalists, radicals and xenophobes try to fill this vacuum with their negative content. Part of the EU society is not immune to their emotional rhetoric. It can destroy EU faster than any external virtual enemy;
Amendment 94 #
2015/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Notes that EU has a choice whether to accelerate integration processes radically or to return to the past - to divided and weak Europe. There is no such option for EU to remain for a long time in the intermediate position. Each integration step demands further changes, otherwise it will create dangerous development disproportions. The bright examples of such disproportions are euro zone problems and the current refugee crisis in Europe. Each delay may be fatal for EU future;
Amendment 315 #
2015/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 367 #
2015/2272(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Notes that European Union can successfully promote its values around the world only if EU member states will sincerely follow common values and principles in their own countries. Otherwise EU representatives will lose moral authority to promote them in relations with third countries;
Amendment 4 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 2
Citation 2
— having regard to the preamble to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular the second, fourth, the sixth and seventh recitals thereof,
Amendment 9 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 3
Citation 3
— having regard in particular to Article 2, Article 3(1), the second subparagraph of Article 3(3) and Articles 5, 6 and 7 TEU, and to the articles of the TFEU relating to respect for, and promotion and protection of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights (DRF) in the Union, including Articles 70, 258, 259, 260, 263 and 265 TFEU,
Amendment 11 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 4
Citation 4
— having regard to Article 4 (2) and (3) TEU, Article 295 TFEU and Protocol No 1 on the role of national parliaments in the European Union, and No 2 on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality,
Amendment 82 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the European Union is a community of values, based on democracfounded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and fundamentalrespect for human rights, enshrined in its core principles and objectives in the first articles of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), and in the criteria for Union membership;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in accordance with Article 2, Article 3(1) and Article 7 TEU, the Union avails itself of the possibility to act in order to protect its "constitutional core", reflected by the common values it shares with its Member Statesthe values on which it is founded;
Amendment 103 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas respect for the rule of law within the Union is a precondition for mutual recognition and trust, key factors for policy areas such as the internal market, police and justice cooperation, the Schengen area, and asylum and migration policitrust between the Member States, and as a consequence, the erosion of the rule of law, democratic governance and fundamental rights are a serious threat to the stability, security and prosperity of the Union;
Amendment 112 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the definition of corthe values and principles is a living and permanent process, and while those values and principles may evolve over time, they must be protected against short termism and ad hoc changes as a result of different political majoron which the Union is founded is to be grounded on respect for national traditions and identities;
Amendment 131 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality shall constitute key reference points for the present instrument;
Amendment 171 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the obligations incumbent on candidate countries under the Copenhagen criteria continue to apply to the Member States after joining the Union by virtue of Article 2 TEU and the principle of sincere cooperation, and whereas all Member States should therefore be assessed on a regular basis in order to verify their continued compliance with the Union's common valuesvalues on which the Union is founded;
Amendment 262 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Requests the Commission to submit, byonce the end of 2016process of accession of the European Union to the European Convention of Human Rights will have been completed, on the basis of Article 295 TFEU, a proposal for the conclusion of an EU Pact for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (DRF) in the form of an interinstitutional agreement laying down arrangements facilitating the cooperation of institutions of the Union and its Member States in the framework of Article 7 TEU, integrating, aligning and complementing existing mechanisms, following the detailed recommendations set out in the Annex hereto;
Amendment 342 #
2015/2254(INL)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Considers that the DRF Scoreboard may draw on the expertise of a variety of actors, including academics, representative associations and civil society, Churches and religious associations or communities, professional and sectoral associations;
Amendment 17 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in a context of growing importance of the region and increased EU engagement in neighbouring Afghanistan, the extension of the European Neighbourhood Policy to the Caspian region, ongoing EU support for reform and modernisation of post-Soviet societies, and EU energy security interests; whereas it also recognised the security threats and challenges that require cooperation between Central Asia and the EU, especially in the areas of counterterrorism and counteraction to growth of different forms of societal radicalisation, particularly spread of Daesh/Islamic State (IS) influence;
Amendment 85 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that the review is rather ambitious given that the region is not a geopolitical priority for the EU and its Member States, but cConcurs with the Council’s designation of the region as strategically important, with the condition that democratic transformation should lead to improved and stronger political, diplomatic and trade relations; in this context, welcomes the 56 % increase in and more specific focusing of EU development assistance to the region in period 2014-2020 as compared with the previous period;
Amendment 95 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Shares the view that a differentiated and conditional approach should be applied in order to achieve better results both bilaterally and regionally; believes that regional programmes, such as those for border management, drugs and trafficking, transport and energy, should be tailor-made so as to target interested parties, and could therefore benefit from participation in them being confined to a limited or flexible number of countries of the region, possibly also including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Mongolia and AzerbaijanRussia;
Amendment 110 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice fostering foreign policy coherence and coordination in this region, and to introduce joint programming of aid and projects with Member States in order to achieve a full impact and synergy; welcomes closer involvement and ownershipassistance on the part of Member States in terms of implementing the strategy;
Amendment 145 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Highlights the added value and further potential of the Rule of Law Platform, coordinated by Germany and France with active support from Finland; encourages other Member States to take a more proactive role in this respect;
Amendment 187 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Welcomes the commitment of Latvia, with the help of Poland, to lead the regional programme on education; regards investment in education as the best way to improve the socio-economic situation of the region; calls upon the responsible institutional agencies of the Union and its Member States to actively contribute to the implementation of the respective goals brought forward during the Latvian Presidency in the first half of 2015;
Amendment 216 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Is of the opinion that development aid should be disbursed only in countries with a genuine interest in the alleviation of poverty and equal and sustainable socio- economic progress, and that those countries must demonstrate efficient anti- corruption policies and allow the EU to monitor implementation of the corresponding efforts; questions, in this respect, the rationale for and cost- effectiveness of the aid to Turkmenistan which will graduate from bilateral aid in 2017, and of that to Uzbekistan; requests that the policy be reviewed should improvements occur; encourages the VP/HR to help foster progress in this field;
Amendment 241 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Notes with concern that in addition to increasing climate change impacts, multiple alarming environmental challenges inherited from the Soviet period persist, such as those relating to cleaning up nuclear testing sites, industrial and mining activities, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, land degradation, air pollution, desertification, and, above all, continued catastrophic water mismanagement, especially in the rapidly diminishing Aral Sea basin and its remaining inflow sources; urges the Commission, in this respect, to step up technical assistance and provide European know-how and best practice as to how to deal with these problems;
Amendment 266 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recognises that the main threats and challenges identified in the Strategy for Central Asia remain relevant; is, however, acutely aware of the additional external pressures stemming from the current security challenges in Afghanistan, as well as the opaque foreign policy of Russia aimed at reintegration of former Soviet space, triggered by the crisis in Ukrainend the rise of the Daesh/Islamic State (IS);
Amendment 279 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26a. Is deeply concerned that the growing numbers of Central Asian citizens, prompted in part by political marginalisation and bleak economic prospects, are travelling to the Middle East to fight or otherwise support the Daesh/IS, Al-Nusra and other terrorist and extremist organisations;
Amendment 284 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 b (new)
Paragraph 26 b (new)
26b. Recognises that should a significant portion of radicalised Central Asian citizens return to their home countries, they risk challenging security and stability throughout Central Asia, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, China and India;
Amendment 287 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 c (new)
Paragraph 26 c (new)
26c. Considers that international cooperation, including with Russia and China, is essential in addressing the growing threat of Islamist radicalisation in Central Asia; calls on all international parties with influence in the region to encourage Central Asian states to make a concerted effort to better coordinate cooperation between their security services, including with respect to intelligence sharing; stresses that such cooperation should be consistent with their international human rights commitments;
Amendment 289 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 d (new)
Paragraph 26 d (new)
26d. Calls on the Council, Commission and the EEAS to prioritise in their relations with the Central Asian states the reform of the security sector, including better funding and training, promoting religious freedom in the framework of the secular constitutions and efforts at rehabilitating former jihadists as parts of an overall strategy of dealing with the challenge of radical Islamism;
Amendment 298 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Is concerned that stalled and uneven socio-economic development, poor governance and a weak institutional framework, lack of respect for rule of law; unresolved ethnic issues and lack of prospects for orderly successiontransition of power in the countries of Central Asia are sources of potential instability;
Amendment 401 #
2015/2220(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39 a (new)
Paragraph 39 a (new)
39a. Is of the opinion that, while any considerable progress in the areas disclosed in the present report is yet to be achieved, feels hopeful that the parties involved on the sides of both the Union and its Member States and the five respective Central Asian states shall earnestly activate their efforts in order to reach the aims and goals as set out in the official documents and treaties, which act as the legal basis for the Union's bilateral and multilateral relations with, respectively, the states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan;
Amendment 18 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas, according to the TEU, the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and shall combat social exclusion and discrimination;
Amendment 77 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomNotes the role played by the European Court of Human Rights, through its decisions in the interpretation and implementation of the Directive, and looks forward with interest to the future first decisions on this matter of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU);
Amendment 132 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Encourages the Member States to combine quotas and passive labour market policies, such as tax breaks and cash incentives, with active labour market policies – i.e. guidance and counselling, training and education, and job placements – to support the employment of people with disabilities;
Amendment 274 #
2015/2116(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Recalls that pursuing court cases, and ensuring adequate representation, is still problematic in some cases22 , and urges the Member States to find ways to help victims in this regard, including by means of tax exemptions, legal aid and assistance from specialised NGOs, etc., and by ensuring legal redress and adequate representation; underlines the importance of legal standing of NGOs with a legitimate interest in relevant judicial and/or administrative procedures; __________________ 22 EPRS, op. cit.
Amendment 404 #
2015/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 668 #
2015/2095(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41 a. It is necessary to integrate refugees into the EU free labour market as soon as possible. They cannot be locked up in one particular member state because not all EU states can provide enough jobs for them.
Amendment 24 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 23 a (new)
Citation 23 a (new)
– having regard to the Law on the Protection of the Rights and Interests of Consumers, which was amended on March 15, 2014 and Penalty Measures for Infringement on the Rights and Interests of Consumers, which took effect on 15 March 2015,
Amendment 300 #
2015/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Welcomes increased EU-China cooperation and experience exchange in the field of consumer rights and protection, and strengthening of the Chinese government's responsive measures in this respect, exercised in the heightening of retailers' responsibilities towards professional code of conduct concerning return and repair obligations, potential frauds, misleading and fraudulent publicity, prepayment arrangements, and protection of personal information of consumers, particularly in view of China's rapidly expanding internet-based shopping sector;
Amendment 471 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24a. Is strongly concerned over the persistence of protracted conflicts in the Eastern Neighbourhood, which is a serious threat to security of Europe;
Amendment 481 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24b. Reaffirms that independence and secession of a regional territory from a state may only be achieved through a lawful and peaceful process based on the democratic support of the inhabitants of such territory and not in the wake of an armed conflict leading to expulsion of people based on their ethnicity;
Amendment 487 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24c. Reconfirms the support of the member states to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all partner countries and the settlement of the existing conflicts based on these principles;
Amendment 489 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24d. Calls the Member States to continue to support the right of partners to make independent and sovereign choices on foreign and security policy, free from external pressure and coercion;
Amendment 491 #
2015/2002(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 e (new)
Paragraph 24 e (new)
24e. Stresses their commitment to support the territorial integrity independence, and sovereignty of all Partner countries and the importance to continue to support the efforts towards a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the Eastern Partnership based upon these principles and norms of international law, the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act;
Amendment 16 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas, in reaction to and despite Russia’s aggression against Georgia and violation of its territorial integrity in 2008up to now, the EU has opted for an increased cooperation model as a way to appease Russia; whereas, in line with this, rather than taking restrictive measurebuild good neighbourly relations with Russia; whereas, in line with this, a series of generous initiatives for deeper cooperation – such as the common spaces, the Partnership for Modernisation, the negotiations on a Nnew EU-Russia Agreement, and the Human Rights dialogue – have been launched or deepened;
Amendment 26 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas Russia and the EU cooperate constructively and for the benefit of their citizens in the Arctic region, in the Northern Dimension Partnerships and in cross-border cooperation;
Amendment 116 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital G b (new)
Recital G b (new)
Gb. whereas Russia and the EU face common global challenges as the new types of threats of terrorism, extremism, of climate change and new technological developments;
Amendment 186 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 209 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 b (new)
Paragraph 2 b (new)
2b. Stresses the need for a comprehensive approach in the re-design of EU-Russia relations by also bearing a long-term perspective in mind; notes the geographically based interdependence of Russia and the EU and therefore, encourages both, Russia and the EU, to find together new ways to a good and secure future neighbourhood;
Amendment 210 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 c (new)
Paragraph 2 c (new)
2c. Recommends to concentrate on those areas where the EU and Russia cooperation has been constructive and therefore, successful, for example in the Northern Dimension Partnerships, cooperation in the Arctic region, cross- border cooperation and in the Iran negotiations;
Amendment 211 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 d (new)
Paragraph 2 d (new)
2d. Is of the opinion that Russia and EU share common global challenges as the new types of threats of terrorism, of extremism, of climate change and new global technological developments which only can be addressed in a positive spirit of cooperation and collaboration;
Amendment 236 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Underlines that EU-Russia relations must henceforth be based on the rule of law and on preconditioned dialogue, whereby the EU would be ready to relaunch cooperation with the authorities in Moscow on the condition that Russia unambiguously and without pretence takes its share of responsibility and fully implements the Minsk Agreements; stresses that in order to ensure that such a dialogue – if renewed (for which the return of Crimea to Ukraine would be a prerequisite) – is not conducted at the expense of European values, standards and international commitments, it would be necessary tothe EU should be ready to re-engage with Russia on a number of issues, including high-level political dialogue, cooperation in tackling regional and global foreign policy challenges, creation of a common economic space ‘from Lisbon to Vladivostok’, sectorial cooperation, including in energy area, visa facilitation agreement, climate change, environment, resumption of the Partnership for Modernization and Erasmus + program on the condition of Russia´s implementation of the Minsk agreements, respect for international law and OSCE-based European specify very clearly the EU’s expectations of Russia, along with the retaliatory measures it would take should Russia not keep to its commitmenturity order and ending of destabilising military and security activities at the EU MS borders;
Amendment 258 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Calls for an intensification of dialogue with Russia on tackling major regional and global challenges, such as the rise of the Islamic State or Daesh in Syria and Iraq; believes that Russia has a major role to play to contribute to a political solution to the civil war in Syria; believes that the counter-terrorism cooperation with Russia is an important part of an overall effort to tackle the challenge of the violent extremism; stresses that such cooperation should adhere fully to the international human rights standards;
Amendment 259 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)
Paragraph 4 b (new)
4b. Welcomes Russia´s constructive role in the nuclear negotiations with Iran aimed at ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran´s nuclear program; calls for Russia´s continued engagement in talks;
Amendment 260 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)
Paragraph 4 c (new)
4c. Notes that Russia, as a member of the Middle East Quartet and UN Security Council, has an important contribution to make to the Middle East Peace Process; calls on the EEAS and EU MS to work with Russia to encourage the de- escalation of tensions and taking steps to revive the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian autonomy;
Amendment 264 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Takes a positive view of Russia’s active participation in the conclusion of the Minsk agreement; considers this action by Russia to be a correct step and expresses the hope that, in future too, Russia will support the implementation of the Minsk agreement;
Amendment 322 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses that the EU and Russia must reach a long-term, mutually beneficial agreement on energy, particularly bearing in mind that imports of gas from Russia account for 39% of the EU’s imports of natural gas and 27% of the EU’s gas consumption, while the quantity of gas that Russia has exported to Europe amounted to 71% of its total gas exports; even taking account of the fact that in future the EU will seek to diversify its gas supply, while Russia seeks to find new markets for its gas, the EU and Russia will still remain mutually dependent in the field of energy for a long time;
Amendment 347 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Takes a positive view of cooperation between the security apparatuses of European States and of Russia, and of their exchanges of information to fight terrorism;
Amendment 394 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Considers it important to devote attention to solving the problems of Russian-speaking minorities living in the European Union, so that nobody can exploit those problems for propaganda purposes;
Amendment 408 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Calls on strengthening people-to- people contacts in the fields of individual mobility, education, culture, science and research;
Amendment 409 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 c (new)
Paragraph 12 c (new)
12c. Is deeply concerned with Russia´s support for and financing of radical and extremist parties in the EU Member States; considers a recent meeting in St Petersburg of the far right parties an insult to the memory of millions of Russians who sacrificed their lives to save the world from Nazism;
Amendment 410 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 d (new)
Paragraph 12 d (new)
12d. Deplores the law adopted in 2012 that requires NGOs to register as ‘foreign agents’ with the Ministry of Justice if they engage in ‘political activity’ and receive foreign funding; notes with deep concern that this law has been used to harass and intimidate the human rights groups in the country;
Amendment 443 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
Amendment 455 #
2015/2001(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Considers it extremely dangerous to destroy the traditional historical, political and economic ties between EU States and Russia; considers it important, despite the existing political problems, to continue and intensify cooperation in the fields of culture and science and to develop cooperation with representatives of Russia’s civil society and with NGOs;
Amendment 92 #
2014/2816(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Encourages the Government to continue to advance Rule of Law and Access to Justice by adopting the new Juvenile Justice Code in line with international standards to promote access to justice for all children; stresses the need for urgent reforms of the social protection system to reduce the growing social inequalities that affect in particular children as reflected in the increasing percentage of children living below the national poverty line (27% in 2013 compared to 25% in 2011) and extreme child poverty (6% vs. 3.9% among the general population living below USD 1.25 per day);
Amendment 96 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) To ease mobility and to facilitate family visits for third-country nationals who are visiting close relatives who are Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia residing in the territory of the Member State of which they are nationals and for close relatives of Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia residing in a third country and wishing to visit together the Member State of which the Union citizen or non-citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia has the nationality, certain procedural facilitations should be provided by this Regulation.
Amendment 135 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point a
(a) the rights of free movement enjoyed by third-country nationals who are family members of citizens of the Union, as well as non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia;
Amendment 136 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point b
(b) the equivalent rights enjoyed by third- country nationals and their family members, who, under agreements between the Union and its Member States, on the one hand, and these third countries, on the other, enjoy rights of free movement equivalent to those of Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia and members of their families.
Amendment 140 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 7
7. 'close relatives' means the spouse, children, parents, siblings, persons exercising parental authority, grandparents and grandchildren;
Amendment 178 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
3. The consulate shall allow to lodge the application either without prior appointment or with an immediate appointment to close relatives of Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia who:
Amendment 180 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point a
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point a
(a) intend to visit their Union citizen or non-citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia close relatives residing in the Member State of their nationality;
Amendment 181 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
Article 8 – paragraph 3 – point b
(b) intend to travel, together with their Union citizen or non-citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia close relatives residing in a third country, to the Member State of which the Union citizen or non-citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia has the nationality.
Amendment 217 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
Close relatives of Union citizens and non- citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia referred to in Article 8(3) shall provide only documentary evidence proving the family relationship with the Union citizen or non-citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia, and that they visit or travel together with the Union citizen or non- citizen (alien) of Latvia and Estonia.
Amendment 243 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point f
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point f
(f) close relatives of the Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia referred to in Article 8(3);
Amendment 284 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 20 – paragraph 3
Article 20 – paragraph 3
3. Applications of close relatives of the Union citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia referred to in Article 8(3) and of family members of Union citizens as referred to in Article 3(1) of Directive 2004/38/EC shall be decided on within 5 calendar days of the date of the lodging of an application. That period may be extended up to a maximum of 10 calendar days in individual cases, notably when further scrutiny of the application is needed.
Amendment 353 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Article 46 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iv
Article 46 – paragraph 3 – point b – point iv
(iv) irregular immigration routes, including the corresponding statistics on cases of irregular border crossing and respective countermeasures applied;
Amendment 356 #
2014/0094(COD)
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 4
Annex I – paragraph 4
4. Family members of EU citizens and non-citizens (aliens) of Latvia and Estonia shall not fill in fields no.19, 20, 31, 32.