Activities of Flavio ZANONATO related to 2018/0207(COD)
Shadow opinions (1)
OPINION on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Rights and Values programme
Amendments (24)
Amendment 34 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 5 a (new)
Citation 5 a (new)
Having regard to the Interinstitutional Proclamation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (2017/C 428/09),
Amendment 35 #
Proposal for a regulation
Citation 5 b (new)
Citation 5 b (new)
Having regard to the European Parliament Resolution on the need to establish a European Values Instrument to support civil society organisations which promote fundamental values within the European Union at local and national level (2018/2619(RSP),
Amendment 40 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 2
Recital 2
(2) Those rights and values are at risk and must continue to be promoted andtected, promoted, enforced and shared among the citizens and peoples and be at the heart of the EU project. Therefore, a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, comprising the Rights and Values and the Justice programmes shall be created in the EU budget. At a time where European societies are confronted with extremism, radicalism and divisions, it is more important than ever to promote, strengthen and defend justice, rights and EU values: human rights, social rights, respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law. This will have profound and direct implications for political, social, cultural and economic life in the EU. As part of the new Fund, the Justice Programme will continue to support the further development of Union area of justice and cross-border cooperation. The Rights and Values Programme will bring together the 2014-2020 Programme Rights, Equality and Citizenship established by Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council8 and the Europe for Citizens programme established by Council Regulation (EU) No 390/20149 , (hereafter 'the predecessor Programmes'). __________________ 8 Regulation (EU) No 1381/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme for the period 2014 to 2020 (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 62) 9 Council Regulation (EU) No 390/2014 of 14 April 2014 establishing the ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme for the period 2014- 2020 (OJ L 115, 17.4.2014, p.3)
Amendment 47 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Recital 3
(3) The Justice, Rights and Values Fund and its two underlying funding programmes will focus primarily on people and entities, which contribute to make our common values, rights and rich diversity alive and vibrant. The ultimate objective is to nurture and sustain rights-based, equal, inclusive and democratic society. That includes a vibrant civil society, encouraging people's democratic, civic and social participation and fostering the rich diversity of European society, based on our common values, culture, history and memory. Article 11 of the Treaty of the European Union further specifies that the institutions shall, by appropriate means, give citizens and representative associations the opportunity to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action.
Amendment 52 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Recital 5
(5) In order to bring the European Union closer to its citizens, a variety of actions and coordinated efforts are necessary. Bringing together citizens in town-twinning projects or networks of towns and supporting civil society organisations in the areas covered by the programme will contribute to increase citizens' awareness and active engagement in society and ultimately their involvement in the democratic and social life of the Union, strengthening social inclusion and fighting marginalization. At the same time supporting activities promoting mutual understanding, diversity, dialogue and respect for others fosters a sense of belonging and a European identity, based on a shared understanding of European values, culture, history and heritage. The promotion of a greater sense of belonging to the Union and of Union values is particularly important amongst citizens of the EU outermost regions due to their remoteness and distance from continental Europe.
Amendment 56 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 7
Recital 7
(7) Citizens should also be more aware of their rights deriving from citizenship of the Union, and should feel at ease about living, travelling, studying, working and volunteering in another Member State, and should feel able to enjoy and exercise all their citizenship rights, place their trust in equal access, full enforceability and protection of their rights without any discrimination, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Civil society needs, including their social rights, without any discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity or any other grounds, no matter where in the Union they happen to be. Synergies should be ensured as regards to employment, social and education policies in the context of Erasmus+ and the ESF+. Civil society organizations, which are often facing difficulties in securing the necessary funding to develop and perform their activities independently and effectively, need to be supported for the promotion, safeguarding and raising awareness of EU common values under Article 2 TEU and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law.
Amendment 60 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8
Recital 8
(8) Equality between women and men is a fundamental value and an objective of the European Union. Discrimination against and unequal treatment of womenany person based on their sex and/or gender violates their fundamental rights and prevents their full political, social and economic participation in society. In addition, the existence of structural and cultural barriers hinders the achievement of real gender equality. Promoting and mainstreaming gender equality in all activities of the Union is therefore a core activity for the Union and a driver for economic growth and should be supported by the programme.
Amendment 69 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 11
Recital 11
(11) Non-discrimination is a fundamental principle of the Union. Article 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides for action to combat discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Non- discrimination is also enshrined in Article 21 of the Charter. The specific features of the diverse forms of discrimination should be taken into account and appropriate action should be developed in parallel to prevent and combat discrimination on one or more grounds. The Programme should support actions to prevent and combat discrimination, racism, xenophobia, anti- gypsyism, anti-semitism, anti-muslim hatred, afrophobia and other forms of intolerance based on any other ground as well as recognising the fundamental rights of all persons to be treated with dignity. In that context, particular attention should also be devoted to preventing and combating all forms of violence, hatred, segregation and stigmatisation, as well as combating bullying, harassment and intolerant treatment. The Programme should be implemented in a mutually reinforcing manner with other Union activities that have the same objectives, in particular with those referred to in the Commission Communication of 5 April 2011 entitled ‘An EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 202010 ’ and in the Council Recommendation of 09 December 2013 on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States11 . __________________ 10 11. Promoting tolerant and inclusive work places and recognising the rights of all to be treated with dignity within the workplace and society in general are ongoing goals which require more and stronger coordinated action, including by the allocation of sufficient funding. __________________ 10 COM(2011)173. COM(2011)173. 11 OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1. OJ C 378, 24.12.2013, p. 1.
Amendment 76 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 18
Recital 18
(18) Independent human rights bodies and civil society organisations play an essential role in promoting, safeguarding and raising awareness of the Union’s common values under Article 2 TEU, and in contributing to the effective enjoyment of rights under Union law, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. As reflected in the European Parliament Resolution of 18 April 2018, adequate financial support is key to the development of a conducive and sustainable environment for civil society organisations to strengthen their role and perform their functions independently and effectively. Complementing efforts at national level, EU funding should therefore contribute to support, empower and build the capacity of independent civil society organisations active in the promotion of human rights whose activities help the strategic enforcement of rights under EU law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, including through advocacy and watchdog activities, as well as to promote, safeguard and raise awareness of the Union’s common values at local, regional and national level.
Amendment 80 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 24
Recital 24
(24) The types of financing and the methods of implementation under this Regulation should be chosen on the basis of their ability to achieve the specific objectives of the actions and to deliver results, taking into account, in particular, the costs of controls, the administrative burden, and the expected risk of non- compliance. This should include consideration of the use of lump sums, flat rates and, unit costs, as well as financing not linked to costs as referred to in Article 125(1) of the Financial Regulation. In order to facilitate participation to the Programme, including by small organizations, assistance should be ensured and any unnecessary administrative burden eliminated. Where appropriate, due consideration should be given to the possibility of a two-stage evaluation procedure and to the option of cascading grants and multiannual operating grants . As for co-funding rates, they should take into account the type and size of organizations for whom the programme calls are intended. In accordance with the Financial Regulation, Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council20 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2988/9521 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/9622 and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/193923 the financial interests of the Union are to be protected through proportionate measures, including the prevention, detection, correction and investigation of irregularities and fraud, the recovery of funds lost, wrongly paid or incorrectly used and, where appropriate, the imposition of administrative sanctions. In particular, in accordance with Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 and Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) may carry out administrative investigations, including on-the-spot checks and inspections, with a view to establishing whether there has been fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the Union. In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) may investigate and prosecute fraud and other criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union as provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council24 . In accordance with the Financial Regulation, any person or entity receiving Union funds is to fully cooperate in the protection of the Union’s financial interests, to grant the necessary rights and access to the Commission, OLAF, the EPPO and the European Court of Auditors (ECA) and to ensure that any third parties involved in the implementation of Union funds grant equivalent rights. __________________ 20 Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 September 2013 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Regulation (Euratom) No 1074/1999,(OJ L248, 18.9.2013, p. 1. 21 Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2988/95 of 18 December 1995 on the protection of the European Communities financial interests (OJ L 312, 23.12.95, p.1). 22 Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 2185/96 of 11 November 1996 concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities’ financial interests against fraud and other irregularities (OJ L292.15.11.96,, p.2). 23 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’) (OJ L283, 31.10.2017,, p.1). 24 Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2017 on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (OJ L 198, 28.7.2017, p. 29).
Amendment 83 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 2 – paragraph 1
Article 2 – paragraph 1
1. The general objective of the Programme is to protect and promote rights and values as enshrined in the EU Treaties, including by supporting independent civil society organisations, in order to sustain of all sizes in order to nurture and sustain right-based, open, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.
Amendment 86 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) preventing and combating inequalities and any kind of discrimination on grounds of sex, racial, social or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity or any other grounds, and supporting comprehensive policies to promote gender equality, social inclusion and anti- discrimination and their mainstreaming as well policies to combat racism and all forms of intolerance both online and offline;
Amendment 91 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) protecting and promoting the rights of the child, the rights of people with disabilities, Union citizenship rights, including social rights and the right to the protection of personal data.
Amendment 96 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) increasing citizens’ understanding of the Union, its history, cultural heritage, core values and diversity;
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point b
(b) promoting exchange and cooperation between citizens of different countrienational and cultural backgrounds; to promote citizens’ civic and democratic participation allowing citizens and representative associations to make known and publicly exchange their views in all areas of Union action and to foster solidarity;
Amendment 102 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. At least 50% of the resources referred to in paragraph 1(a) for the specific objectives referred to in article 2(2)(a) and 2(2)(c) shall be allocated to civil society organizations;
Amendment 105 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Article 9 – paragraph 1
Actions contributing to the achievement of a specific objective specified in Article 2 may receive funding under this Regulation. In particular, activities listed in Annex I shall be eligible for funding. the following activities shall be eligible for funding: (a) awareness raising, education activities, dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies and rights in the areas covered by the Programme; (b) mutual learning through exchange of good practices among stakeholders to improve knowledge and mutual understanding and civic and democratic engagement; (c) advocacy, analytical and monitoring activities to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies; (d) training relevant stakeholders to improve their knowledge of the policies and rights in the fields covered; (e) information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools development and maintenance; (f) strengthening citizen's awareness of European culture, core values, history and remembrance as well as their sense of belonging to the Union; (g) bringing together Europeans of different nationalities and cultures by giving them the opportunity to participate in town-twinning activities; (h) encouraging and facilitating active participation and public mobilization in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations; (i) financing the technical and organisational support to implement Regulation [(EU)No 211/2011], thereby underpinning the exercise by citizens of the right to launch and support European citizens’ initiatives; (j) developing the capacity of European networks to promote and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations of all sizes, active in the areas covered by the Programme; (k) enhancing knowledge of the programme and dissemination and transferability of its results and fostering citizen outreach, including by setting up and supporting programme desks/national contact network.
Amendment 106 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 10 – paragraph 1
Article 10 – paragraph 1
1. Grants under the Programme shall be awarded and managed in accordance with Title VIII of the Financial Regulation and shall include provisions for cascading grants and multiannual operating grants.
Amendment 108 #
Proposal for a regulation
Article 18 – paragraph 2
Article 18 – paragraph 2
2. The Commission shall implement information and communication actions relating to the Programme, and its actions and results. Financial resources allocated to the Programme shall also contribute to the corporate communication of the political priorities of the Union, as far as they are related to the objectives referred to in Article 2.
Amendment 109 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point a
(a) awareness raising, education activities, dissemination of information to improve the knowledge of the policies and rights in the areas covered by the Programme;
Amendment 110 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point c
(c) advocacy, analytical and monitoring activities31 to improve the understanding of the situation in the Member States and at EU level in the areas covered by the Programme as well as to improve the implementation of EU law and policies ; __________________ 31 These activities include for instance the collection of data and statistics; the development of common methodologies and, where appropriate, indicators or benchmarks; studies, researches, analyses and surveys; evaluations; impact assessment; the elaboration and publication of guides, reports and educational material.
Amendment 112 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point f
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point f
(f) strengthening citizen's awareness of European culture, core values, history and remembrance as well as their sense of solidarity and belonging to the Union;
Amendment 113 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point h
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point h
(h) encouraging and facilitating active participand inclusive participation and public mobilization in the construction of a more democratic Union as well as awareness of rights and values through support to civil society organisations
Amendment 114 #
Proposal for a regulation
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j
Annex I – paragraph 1 – point j
(j) developing the capacity of European networks to promote, apply and further develop Union law, policy goals and strategies as well as supporting civil society organisations of all sizes, active in the areas covered by the Programme.