69 Amendments of Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS related to 2019/2135(INI)
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the lasting deterioration in the Union’s strategic environment in the face of multiple challenges directly or indirectly affecting the security of its Member States and citizens: armed conflicts and fragile states immediately to the east and south of the European continent, terrorism and particularly jihadist terrorism, cyber attacks, foreign interference in European political and electoral processes, tensions over EU Member States' energy supply, the rise of organised crime (drug, arms and human trafficking) at the borders and with Europe as its target, weakening of disarmament efforts and international arms control regimes, uncontrolled migration, increasing threats to natural resources, climate change, etc.;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the lasting deterioration in the Union’s strategic environment in the face of multiple challenges directly or indirectly affecting the security of its Member States and citizens: armed conflicts immediately to the east and south of the European continent, jihadist terrorism, cyber attacks, uncontrolled migration and in particular migration facilitated by transnational organized crime networks, increasing threats to natural resources, climate change, etc.;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Notes the lasting deterioration in the Union’s strategic environment in the face of multiple challenges directly or indirectly affecting the security of its Member States and citizens: armed conflicts immediately to the east and south of the European continent, jihadist terrorism, cyber attacks, hybrid threats, uncontrolled migration, increasing threats to natural resources, energy insecurity, climate change, etc.;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that global actors (the US, China, Russia) and an increasing number of regional actors (Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc.) are seeking to assert power through a combination of unilateral diplomatic posturing, destabilizing activities of a primarily hybrid nature and increasing military military build-ups;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Notes that some global actors (the US, China, Russia) and an increasing number of regional actors (Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc.) are seeking to assert power through a combination of unilateral diplomatic posturing and increasing military military build-ups;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Deplores the fact that, in this context, some of these actors are deliberately circumventing or attempting to destroy the multilateral mechanisms essential to maintaining peace;
Amendment 58 #
4 a. Stresses that strengthening substantial relations with East and Southeast Asia is essential to the EU's rules-based, comprehensive and sustainable Connectivity Strategy; takes note of the military build-up in the region and calls for all parties involved to respect the freedom of navigation, to solve differences through peaceful means and to refrain from taking unilateral actions to change the status quo, including in the East and South China Seas and the Taiwan Strait; expresses concern that foreign interferences from autocratic regimes through disinformation and cyber-attacks on the upcoming general elections threaten Asian democracies and regional stability; reiterates its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations, mechanisms and activities;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4 a. Is concerned about the activities and policies by Russia that continue to destabilise and change the security environment; stresses that Russia´s occupation in Ukraine is still ongoing, the Minsk agreements have not been implemented and the illegal annexation and militarisation of Crimea and Donbass are continuing; is concerned about the continuing frozen conflicts kept by Russia in Europe (in Moldova, Georgia); stresses the need to have a common voice as regards EUs policy in that context;
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes, in this adverse and volatile context, the belated but real the recognition of shared security interests and the growing political will on the part of European countries and the European institutions to act collectively for their security by endowing themselves with greater means to act autonomously;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6 a. Stresses that these challenges are best met together, not by any single country; considers it vital for the EU to respond to these challenges rapidly, consistently, effectively, with one voice and in concert with allies, partners and other international organisations;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Is convinced that the response to the Union’s security challenges lies primarily in strengthening its strategic autonomy and its ability to work in strategic partnership with others, especially with NATO;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7 a. Underlines that the strategic partnership between the EU and NATO is fundamental to addressing the security challenges facing the EU and its neighbourhood; stresses that the EU strategic autonomy is not challenging NATO and is not undermining the current security architecture in Europe; a stronger Europe strenghtens NATO and allows us to take on more global challenges together;
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Considers that the principle of European strategic autonomy is based on the ability of the Union to strengthen its freedom to assess, take decisions and take actits independent operational capacity comprising credible military forces, its industrial capacity to produce the equipment that its forces need and its political capacity to take decisions where circumstances so require in order to defend its interests and values;
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Considers, therefore, that European strategic autonomy is based, above all, on the ability of the Union to assess a crisis situation and take a decision autonomously, which necessarily entails an independent decision-making process, the availability of means of assessment and a freedom to analyse and take action; considers, also, that European strategic autonomy is based on the ability of the Union to act alone when its interests are at stake (theatres of operations not considered as priorities by its European partners) or within the framework of existing cooperation arrangements; considers, lastly, that European strategic autonomy is part of a multilateral framework which respects commitments within the UN and complements the (NATO)NATO, and alliances and partnerships to which most Member States are signed up; stresses that strategic autonomy does not and should not mean that the Union will systematically act alone, everywhere and always;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Stresses that in order to increase EU´s strategic autonomy, Member States need to increase their defence spending and aim for the target of 2% of GDP; considers that increased investment in security and defence is a matter of urgency for the Member States and the EU and that defence solidarity and cooperation should become the norm;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Stresses that strategic autonomy can only be genuinely achieved ifthe introduction of the concept of independent strategic autonomy requires the Member States to demonstrate solidarity, which is reflected in particular in the needtheir determination to prioritise the procurement of European capabilities where equipment is available and competitive;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. ConsiderReiterates that the principle of European strategic autonomy is a legitimate and necessary ambition and that it must remain a priority objective of European defence policy; stresses that its practical and operational implementation is a common responsibility of European sfalls to both the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Stresses the Union’s comprehensive commitment in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa through six civilian (EUCAP Mali, EUCAP Niger, EUCAP Somalia) and military (EUTM Mali, EUTM Somalia, ATALANTA) missions; welcomes and encourages the efforts made to regionalise the functioning of civilian missions in the Sahel in the face of security challenges extending beyond those countries where European missions are deployed and welcomes EU support for the G5 Sahel operation;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Reiterates the strategic importance of the Eastern Europe and Western Balkans for the stability and security of the EU and the need to focus and strengthen the EU´s political engagement towards these regions, including the strong mandate for the EU´s CSDP missions;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes with concern that the effectiveness of the most recent CSDP civilian and military operations has been hampered by persistent structural weaknesses and calls for the creation of a common EU solution to them;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Stresses the lack of flexibility inat the objective of administrative and budgetary procedures, which is causing serious problems for personnel deployed on the ground for CSDP missions should be to guarantee rigorous management of those missions, but without being so rigid as to hamper their performance and effectiveness;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Stresses the need to assess missions and operations on a regular basis in order to make them more effective; calls on the EEAS and the Commission to draw up mandates and budget, budgets and rules of engagement and operational procedures which are appropriate to the operations concerned and to provide for an exit strategy; calls, in that connection, for more regular consultations with the relevant parliamentary committees, and calls on the latter to focus their missions and delegations on areas where CSDP missions and operations are deployed;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Recalls the importance of organising and executing joint training and exercises between European armed forces, thereby promoting organizational, procedural and technical interoperability, with a view to maximising mission preparedness and addressing a broad range of threats, both conventional and non- conventional;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Stresses that the recurring problem faced by armed forces ofin countries in which the EU is intervening is a lack of equipment, which is an obstacle to the success of training missions; notes the difficulty of supplying suitable equipment in a timely manner (bindingowing, in particular, to cumbersome public procurement procedures to be followed, etc.); believes that achieving positive results in terms of training and advice for third-country armies is extremely difficultwill not be possible in the long term without the capacity to back up such efforts with worthwhile and coordinated equipment- supply programmes; welcomes the Capacity Building for Security and Development (CBSD) initiative, which resulted in the revision of the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (‘IcSP+’) in 2017 so as to provide funding for training and the supply of non- lethal equipment to third countries’ armed forces; notes that, to date, three projects have been carried out, in Mali, the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso; highlights the strong demand from local populations for support in the area of training and equipment supply;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Questions the appropriateness of continuing certain missions; believes that the Union should concentrate its efforts on missions where it generates the highest added value; is in favour of the establishment of and compliance with objective criteria to measure that added value and decide whether to pursue a mission;
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Notes the decision of 26 September 2019 to extend the EU maritime operation in the Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED Sophia) by six months to 31 March 2020; deeply deplores the decision temporarily to suspendcontinuation of the suspension of the naval presence; stresses the urgent need to reach agreement among the Member States and calls for the redeployment of naval assets and full implementation of the mandate;
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Considers that the issue of financing for CSDP missions and operations is crucial to the sustainability of the policy; highlights the importance of reviewing the Athena mechanism so that it covers the full costs of CSDP military operations and missions; supports, in this connection, the proposal by the VP/HR, backed by the Commission, to create a European Peace Facility, which would finance part of the costs of EU defence activities, including the joint costs of CSDP military operations and those relating to military capacity-building for partners; hopes that the Member States will reach an agreement quickly so that this instrument can be introduced; stresses the importance of makadapting the Union’s financial rules more flexible in order to enhance its ability to respond to crises and facilitate the implementation of Lisbon Treaty provisions; calls on the Member States and the Commission to consider a flexible mechanism to help Member States wishing to participate in a CSDP mission to bear the cost of doing so, thereby facilitating their decision to launch or strengthen a mission; notes that this instrument would be wholly consistent with the Union’s strategic autonomy objectives in the operational field;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31 a (new)
Paragraph 31 a (new)
31a. Calls on the VP/HR to regularly consult the European Parliament on all aspects of and the fundamental choices regarding the common security and defence policy; considers, in that regard, that Parliament should be consulted beforehand on strategic planning for CSDP missions, on changes to their mandate and on the potential to bring them to an end;
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes the failure of the Union’s battlegroup project; the battlegroups have never been deployed since their creation in 2007, owing in particular to opposition on the part of all the Member States and the complexity of their implementation and funding, which is at odds with the original objective of speed and efficiency; calls for a re-evaluation and reinvigoration of the battlegroup project based on past lessons learned;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes the failure of the Union’s battlegroup project; the battlegroups have never been deployed since their creation in 2007, owing in particular to opposition on the part of allthe reticence of the Member States and the complexity of their implementation and funding, which is at odds with the original objective of speed and efficiency;
Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Notes the failureIs of the Uopinion’s battlegroup project; that the EU battlegroups have never been deployed since their creation in 2007, owing in particular to op system should be restructured, further developed poslition on the part of all the Member States and the complexity of their implementation and funding, which is at odds with the original objective of speed and efficiencycally and with effective funding to become functional, usable, fast and efficient as was the original objective of establishing the battlegroup system;
Amendment 277 #
34. Notes that the mutual assistance clause (Article 42(7) TEU), which has been invoked once, demonstrates the solidarity among Member States in the common fight against terrorism; notes, however, that the conditions for triggering the article and the arrangements for providing the assistance required have never been clearly defined; calls for a moreprecise guidelines to provide a well-defined framework for the future activation and operational implementation of this instrument;
Amendment 291 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Expects the Union to make effective use of all existing CSDP policy instruments in the areas of diplomacy, cooperation, development, humanitarian aid, conflict management and peacekeeping; stresses that CSDP military and civilian instruments cannot, under any circumstances, be the only solution to security issues and that a ‘comprehensive approach’ should always be adopted; considers that only the use of all these instruments on the basis of a ‘comprehensive approach’ will provide the flexibility needed to effectively achieve the most ambitious security objectives;
Amendment 296 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. stresses the growing and essential role of women in peacekeeping missions and security and defence policy and calls on the VP/HR to enter into dialogue with the European Parliament on the instruments to be introduced and action to be taken;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Notes that the defence and space industries are facing unprecedented global competition and major technological changes with the emergence of advanced technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber, etc.);
Amendment 311 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Welcomes the significant reversal of the trend of cutting defence budgets; is of the opinion that this should be supported and encouraged at Union level; encourages Member States to increase their defence spending to 2% of GDP;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of June 2017 to create a European Defence Fund (EDF), which would foster cooperation between Member States and support thcoordinate, supplement and boost national investment in defence, foster cooperation between Member States to develop cutting-edge, interoperable defence technology and equipment, and support an innovative and competitive European defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which Community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for European defence, from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the EDF could finance structural projects such as the future European aircraft or tank or a European anti-missile defence capability; notes thatwelcomes the 2019 work programme for theon preparatory action will focuson defence research (PADR), which is to earmark EUR 25 million for research on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies, two key areas for maintaining Europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes, also, the adoption by the Commission in March 2019 of the first European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), which provides for co-financing to the tune of EUR 500 million for the joint development of defence capabilities for the period 2019-2020 and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019, including for the Eurodrone, which is a key capability for Europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020, covering priority areas in all domains (air, land, sea, cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the Member States and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the EDF;
Amendment 337 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of June 2017 to create a European Defence Fund (EDF), which would foster cooperation between Member States and support the European defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which Community funds are to be used in direct support of defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for European defence, from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the EDF could financebe involved in the financing of research and the development of structural projects such as the future European aircraft or tank or a European anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies, two key areas for maintaining Europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes, also, the adoption by the Commission in March 2019 of the first European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019, including for the Eurodrone, which is a key capability for Europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020, covering priority areas in all domains (air, land, sea, cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the Member States and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the EDF;
Amendment 339 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of June 2017 to create a European Defence Fund (EDF), which would foster cooperation between Member States and support the European defence industry; notes that this proposal is the first initiative for which Community funds are to be used in direct support of common EU defence projects; recognises that this is a major step forward for European defence, from both a political and an industrial perspective; notes that the EDF could finance structural projects such as the future European aircraft or tank or a European anti-missile defence capability; notes that the 2019 work programme for the preparatory action will focus on electromagnetic spectrum dominance and future disruptive defence technologies, two key areas for maintaining Europe’s technological independence in the long term; welcomes, also, the adoption by the Commission in March 2019 of the first European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) and the publication of nine calls for proposals for 2019, including for the Eurodrone, which is a key capability for Europe’s strategic autonomy; points out that 12 further calls for proposals will follow in 2020, covering priority areas in all domains (air, land, sea, cyber and space); notes the link between the procurement decisions taken today by the Member States and the prospects for industrial and technological cooperation under the EDF;
Amendment 340 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41 a (new)
Paragraph 41 a (new)
41a. Emphasises the need for a European defence strategy to be adopted in order to steer and plan the use of the EDF in an effective manner;
Amendment 346 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Welcomes the effective implementation of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) as an important step towards closer cooperation in security and defence among Member States; stresses that this provision, introduced in the 2009 Lisbon Treaty (Article 46 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union), is legally binding and includes a set of ambitious commitments to enable European countries wishing to do so to move ahead faster on common defence projects; recognises the rolecontribution that PESCO can play inmake to the structuring of European demand; notes that a significant number of EDIDP- eligible projects are being developed within the PESCO framework and may also benefit from higher rates of subsidy; supports full consistency between PESCO projects and the EDF;
Amendment 349 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Highlights the close link between PESCO,at it is vital that PESCO be aligned with the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) launched in 2017, and the EDF for, in order to enhancinge the Member States’ defence capabilities and optimise their budget expenditure in this field; stresses that new projects should be covered by the Capability Development Plan (CDP), which will serve to foster cooperation between Member States with a view to closing the capability gap through the work of the European Defence Agency; considers that the CARD should make an effective contribution to harmonising and ensuring the complementarity of the investments and capabilities of national armed forces in an effective manner, guaranteeing the Union’s strategic and operational autonomy and allowing Member States to invest more efficiently in defence;
Amendment 350 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43 a (new)
Paragraph 43 a (new)
43a. Welcomes the full coordination between the capability roadmap established by the European Defence Agency and the capability planning that has been carried out, demonstrating that there is extensive interoperability between the armies of the EU Member States that are members of NATO;
Amendment 351 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. NotWelcomes the Commission’s proposal to allocate EUR 6.5 billion to military mobility projects in the next MFF; points out that the collective security and defence of the EU Member States and their ability to intervene in crises abroad are fundamentally dependent on the ability to move allied troops and civilian crisis management personnel, material and equipment across each other’s territory and outside the EU freely and rapidly;
Amendment 353 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. NotWelcomes the Commission’s proposal to allocate EUR 6.5 billion to military mobility projects in the next MFF; emphasises that progress needs to be made to establish military mobility that works for both the EU and NATO; is pleased that the project is part of PESCO;
Amendment 357 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44
Paragraph 44
44. NotUnderlines the importance of military mobility; welcomes the Commission’s proposal to allocate EUR 6.5 billion to military mobility projects in the next MFF;
Amendment 366 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. Questions the slow start-up of the 34 projects and the delays to the launch of a third wave of 13 projects, given that none are as yet up and running; notes that only four projects will reach their initial operational capacity in 2019; highlights the lack of ambition and scale of some projects, which do not address the most obvious capability gaps, particularly those in the first wave, which are primarily capability projects involving as many Member States as possible; notes that the desired inclusion of participation in PESCO projects should not jeopardise a high level of ambition on the part of the participating Member States; considers that third countries’ involvement should be subject to should only be involved in PESCO in line with stringenct conditions laid down from the outset and based on established and effective reciprocity; calls on the Member States to submit projects with a strategic European dimension, thereby strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), which is an essential part of the strategic autonomisation process and relates more to the operational side in order to respond directly to the operational needs of European armed forces;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Stresses the still virtual nature of the European Defence FundCalls on the Council to adopt the European Parliament’s position on Article 5 of the Regulation establishing the European Defence Fund; emphasises the need to finalise the EDF without delay; points out that that this instrument has not yet been finally approved, with only partial and political agreement having been given in April 2019; stresses the importance of maintaining Parliament’s position concerning the amount of the EDF, the involvement of third countries and the establishment of an appropriate intellectual property policy in relation to security and defence in order to protect research results; draws attention, in that connection, to the highly sensitive and strategic nature of defence research, both for industrial competitiveness and for the strategic autonomy and sovereignty of the Union; calls for the initial lessons learned from the implementation of the EDIDP (in particular concerning the application of derogations for eligible entities), the pilot project and the preparatory action on defence research to be properly taken into account; calls on the Member States to be fully involved in the decision-making process in order to avoid bureaucratic excesses andto the extent that they are the final customers of the defence industries, so as to ensure that the programmes included address the strategic needs of the CSDP and the Member States; considers that the success of the EDF will depend on its ability to cater for the specific defence needs of the participating states and to guarantee the availability of sufficient budgetary resources, whilst ensuring that industrial know-how is not duplicated, national defence investment is not crowded out and cooperation does not become over- complicated; considers that developing the European defence industry by regulating access for entities controlled by non-EU third parties to projects financed by the Fund is fully consistent with the European ambition of strategic autonomy;
Amendment 374 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Stresses the still virtual nature of the European Defence Fund; points out that that this instrument has not yet been finally approved, with only partial and political agreement having been given in April 2019; stresses the importance of maintaining Parliament’s position concerning the amount of the EDF, the involvement of third countries and the establishment of an appropriate intellectual property policy in relation to security and defence in order to protect research results; draws attention, in that connection, to the highly sensitive and strategic nature of defence research, both for industrial competitiveness and for the strategic autonomy of the Union; calls for the initial lessons learned from the implementation of the EDIDP (in particular concerning the application of derogations for eligible entities), the pilot project and the preparatory action on defence research to be properly taken into account; calls on the Member States to be fully involved in the decision-making process in order to avoid bureaucratic excesses and to ensure that the programmes included address the strategic needs of the CSDP and the Member States; considers that the success of the EDF will depend on its ability to cater for the specific defence needs of the participating states and to guarantee the availability of sufficient budgetary resources, whilst ensuring that industrial know-how is not duplicated, national defence investment is not crowded out and, cooperation does not become over-complicated and is based on common EU armament and military equipment standardisation and interoperability; considers that developing the European defence industry by regulating access for entities controlled by non-EU third parties to projects financed by the Fund is fully consistent with the European ambition of strategic autonomy;
Amendment 380 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the strategic dimension for Europe of the space sector, takes the view that an ambitious space policy can make an effective contribution to improving the ESDP and emphasises the need to make progress in developing new space capabilities and technologies with both civilian and military uses, in particular in the field of communications, information, surveillance, reconnaissance, disaster response and arms control, which are capable of ensuring European strategic autonomy; welcomes the inclusion Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing the next MFF of the Commission’s EUR 16 billion space programme proposal to boost EU space leadershipspace programme of the Union and the European Union Agency for the space programme, the aim of which is to boost EU space leadership, under the next MFF; supports the European Parliament’s proposal to finance the programme with up to EUR 16.9 billion; welcomes the progress made on EU satellite services (Galileo, Copernicus, EGNOS); emphasises that, if it is to enjoy decision- making and operational autonomy, the Union must have adequate satellite resources in the fields of space imagery, intelligence-gathering, communications and space surveillance; considers that space-based services should be fully operationalised in order to provide high- resolution satellite imaging in support of CSDP planning, missions and operations; stresses the need to finance, through the EDF, industrial projects with a space dimension where the Union can generate real added value and become a key player in new global space exploration initiatives;
Amendment 384 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the strategic dimension for Europe of the space sector, and emphasises the need to make progress in developing technologies with both civilian and military uses which are capable of ensuring European strategic autonomy; welcomes the inclusion in the next MFF of the Commission’s EUR 16 billion space programme proposal to boost EU space leadership; welcomes the progress made on EU satellite services (Galileo, Copernicus, EGNOS); emphasises that, if it is to enjoy decision-making and operational autonomy, the Union must have adequate satellite resources in the fields of space imagery, intelligence-gathering, communications and space surveillance; emphasises how important it is for the European Union to enjoy autonomous access to space; considers that space-based services should be fully operationalised in order to provide high-resolution satellite imaging in support of CSDP missions and operations; stresses the need to finance, through the EDF, industrial projects with a space dimension where the Union can generate real added value;
Amendment 386 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 a (new)
Paragraph 48 a (new)
48a. Emphasises that satellite communications are vital for defence, security, humanitarian aid, emergency response interventions and diplomatic communication, and are a key element of civilian missions and military operations, in particular in isolated environments with little or no infrastructure; welcomes the government satellite telecommunications initiative, Govsatcom, which will give Member States guaranteed access to secure satellite telecommunications; points out that Govsatcom was recognised as one of the elements comprising the 2016 global strategy;
Amendment 388 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 b (new)
Paragraph 48 b (new)
48b. Emphasises that space infrastructure is vulnerable to interference, attacks, and a host of other threats, including collisions with space debris or other satellites; reiterates the importance of securing critical infrastructure and communications, as well as developing resilient technologies; takes the view that there is a need for capacity-building to address emergent threats with regard to space, and welcomes the Commission’s proposal, as part of the space programme, to strengthen the space surveillance and tracking services (SST) currently in place;
Amendment 389 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 c (new)
Paragraph 48 c (new)
48c. Emphasises that, today, an increasing number of powers have military capabilities in space; points out that a principle against the weaponisation of space has been established in international law; notes, nevertheless, that certain powers have broken that principle, putting forward a proposal for legislation to set up a fully armed space force, and defining space as a setting for armed conflict; takes the view that the Union must condemn this trend towards the weaponisation of space, as well as the implementation of space deterrents designed to seriously undermine enemies’ space capabilities, as such developments are signs of a strategically unstable situation;
Amendment 390 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48 d (new)
Paragraph 48 d (new)
42d. Takes the view that the Commission’s future Directorate-General for the Defence Industry and Space should look into the synergies between European space programmes and the European Defence Action Plan of November 2016 so as to ensure general consistency in this strategic area;
Amendment 402 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50
Paragraph 50
50. Believes that the Union and its Member States face an unprecedented threat in the form of cyber attacks as well as cyber crime and terrorism; believes that the nature of cyber attacks makes them a threat that requires a Union-level response including common analytic support capabilities; encourages the Member States to provide mutual assistance in the event of a cyber attack against any one of them;
Amendment 405 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a (new)
Paragraph 50 a (new)
50a. Considers it vital that the EU and NATO continue and step up the sharing of intelligence in order to enable the formal attribution of cyber attacks and consequently enable the imposing of restrictive sanctions on those responsible for cyber attacks; deems it necessary to continue active interaction between EU and NATO by participating in cyber exercises, joint trainings and keeping up active interaction in the field of cyber security and defence;
Amendment 407 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 b (new)
Paragraph 50 b (new)
50b. Urges the EEAS and the Council to step up their ongoing efforts to improve cybersecurity, in particular for CSDP missions, inter alia by taking measures at EU and Member State levels to mitigate threats to the CSDP, for instance by building up resilience through education, training and exercises, and by streamlining the EU cyber-defence education and training landscape;
Amendment 415 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52
Paragraph 52
52. Recognises the increasingly prominent role of artificial intelligence (AI) in European defence; notes, in particular, the many military applications stemming from AI for managing and simulating operational environments, assisting the decision-making process, detecting threats and processing intelligence; stresses that the development of reliable AI in the field of defence is essential for ensuring European strategic autonomy in capability and operational areas; calls on the Union to keep up its investment in this area and in particular in disruptive technologies through existing instruments (European Defence Fund, European Innovation Council, future Horizon Europe, Digital Europe programme); calls on the Union to play an active role in the global regulation of autonomous lethal weapons systems;
Amendment 418 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52a. Notes that emerging technologies, including AI, that are used in weapons systems must be developed and applied according to the principles of responsible innovation and ethical principles, such as accountability and compliance with international law; taking into account the highly controversial concept of fully autonomous weapon systems, the EU must explore the possibilities of AI and at same time guarantee the full respect of human rights and international law;
Amendment 422 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 b (new)
Paragraph 52 b (new)
52b. Underlines that as the risk of proliferation and use of chemical weapons poses a serious threat to international peace and security the EU needs to continue its strong and consistent support to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the implementation of its mandate, politically and financially and the EU must step up the its resilience to hybrid and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related threats;
Amendment 423 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53a. Stresses the need to apply a gender perspective in the EU’s 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 than men; invites the EU and its international partners to actively involve women in peace and stabilisation processes, and to address their specific security needs;
Amendment 437 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55 a (new)
Paragraph 55 a (new)
55a. Stresses that partnerships and cooperation with countries and organisations that share the EU’s values contribute to a more effective CSDP; welcomes the contributions made by CSDP partners to ongoing EU missions and operations that contribute to enhancing peace, regional security and stability;
Amendment 456 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Stresses the importance of cooperation between the Union and other international institutions, in particular the African Union and the OSCE; considers that the Union should also strengthen dialogue and cooperation with third countries in the regionthat share their values and strategic priorities and with regional and sub-regional organisations;
Amendment 479 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Considers that progress in European defence will pave the way for major structural changes; notwelcomes the announcement of the creation of a Directorate-General for the Defence Industry and Space at the Commission under the responsibility of the Commissioner-designate for the Internal Market; notes that this new DG should be responsible for supporting, coordinating or complementing the Member States’ actions in the area of European defence and would thus contribute to strengthening European strategic autonomy; notes the definition of its five main tasks (implementation and oversight of the EDF, creation of an open and competitive European defence equipment market, implementation of the action plan on military mobility, enhancement of a strong and innovative space industry, implementation of the future space programme), but; calls on the Commission to provide further details on the role and responsibilities of the new DG; Wwonders how it will coordinate its work with that of other defence policy structures which have other responsibilities (EDA, EEAS, etc.);
Amendment 481 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Considers that progress in European defence will pave the way for major structural changes; notes the announcement of the creation of a Directorate-General for Defence and Space at the Commission under the responsibility of the Commissioner-designate for the Internal Market; notes that this new DG should be responsible for supporting, coordinating or complementing the Member States’ actions in the area of European defence and would thus contribute to strengthening European strategic autonomy; notes the definition of its five main tasks (implementation and oversight of the EDF, creation of an open and competitive European defence equipment market, implementation of the action plan on military mobility, enhancement of a strong and innovative space industry, implementation of the future space programme), but calls on the Commission to provide further details on the role and responsibilities of the new DG; Wonders how it will coordinate its work with that ofstresses the need for coordination with other defence policy structures which have other responsibilities (EDA, EEAS, etc.);
Amendment 484 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 a (new)
Paragraph 61 a (new)
61a. Commits to providing close parliamentary scrutiny and monitoring of European defence missions, instruments and initiatives; calls on the HR/VP, the Council and the various European structures concerned to report to the subcommittee on a regular basis on the fulfilment of their mandate;
Amendment 485 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 b (new)
Paragraph 61 b (new)
61b. Calls for a European defence strategy to be drafted as a necessary supplement to the 2016 global strategy, providing a framework for steering and planning, both of which are vital to ensure that new instruments and resources can be implemented effectively;